The Youngest Son of Sunyang

"You could have seen me at the office; why bother coming here?"

"Where is 'here'? Isn't this the Miracle headquarters... right?"

Uncertain language, fidgeting glances, trembling fingertips. From the way they entered the meeting room, it was clear that they were nervous. They were the grandson of the founder, the largest shareholders, and wielded their authority, but they seemed unsure about how to treat someone who, despite all that, hadn't taken the lead.

"Please, have a seat. Yes, this is the Miracle headquarters, but it's where I usually work alone. There are only about five employees."

To make them more comfortable, I changed my tone from the start, addressing them with more informality.

"Please speak comfortably as before. I'm the major shareholder, but I don't have any official duties at the company, and it's actually more uncomfortable for me to hear formalities at this point."

"Is it really okay?"

"Of course. Speaking casually doesn't change your position."

Not changing your position... that means I hold your authority, and I am the boss. The three CEOs had stiff expressions.

"I asked to meet urgently not because of other matters."

I threw the newspaper onto the table, causing their stern faces to turn red.

"You've all seen the article, right?"

"Yes. Even without that, because of this..."

"Wait. Can I speak first?"

CEO Yang Woo-chan closed his mouth and nodded.

"CEO Lee Min-seop."

"Yes?"

His eyes widened in surprise.

"I saw your press conference."

"You did? You watched it?"

"Yes. It was on the news during lunch. But you completely denied this article. What did you say? Oh, that it can't be because of some story by a journalist causing the stock price to drop, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"But how were you so sure it's a fiction?"

"Well, it's just that... there's no reason to sell a profitable subsidiary, is there?"

"Selling shares of a company is about selling the shares owned by major shareholders. It means a change in ownership. In that case, shouldn't you have asked me right away after seeing this article?"

"..."

They avoided eye contact and couldn't respond. They probably knew that no excuses would work.

The other two were already looking in the wrong direction as if they had read my thoughts.

"Chairman Yang Woo-chan and Chairman Ko In-gyu."

When I addressed them by their names, they couldn't avoid my gaze any longer.

"I must ask you both a question that I find utterly incomprehensible. There was an article about the Sunyang Card, but why did you meet with people from unrelated companies and consult with them? The two vice-chairmen, whom you met this morning, have no involvement in our company's affairs."

"Well, it's..."

"Oh, they are my uncles, so I can ask for their advice, and they might give me some appropriate suggestions. But isn't that the extent of it?"

Everyone remained silent and just kept clearing their throats. They had nothing to say, and their pride must have been greatly wounded.

Now, it was time to show them their childish side. I'm sorry to my uncles, but what can I do? Those who rush to my uncle whenever a problem arises are simply shooting themselves in the foot.

"Is that how you justify your behavior, that you can't tolerate it?"

"J-Jun... that's not it..." Chairman Yang Woo-chan stuttered in confusion.

"I've given up on any form of concession. Haven't I refrained from making any appointments due to the honor of the Chairmen and assured I won't intervene in management? Then, I should be recognized as a major shareholder, shouldn't I?"

All of them, their faces red with embarrassment, couldn't lift their heads. Is it too mild? Should I be tougher?

"To be honest, I could easily handle these few companies with just a few phone calls. What do you think they do? They manage insurance agents, and their business is about issuing cards, collecting fees, and making money from interest. Is there anything impressive about it?"

The old men's eyebrows twitched, and their foreheads were deeply furrowed.

"The reason I want to restructure the card company is also a basic investment principle. Life, property, and securities industries drain the customers' money, but isn't the card business about lending our money to customers? If I manage that money, I can earn dozens of times more. Do you understand? Do you know what kind of person I am?"

Seeming like Yang Woo-chan's patience was wearing thin. Was he on the verge of bursting?

"From the company's perspective, dedicating your life to the Sunyang Group might seem impressive, but it's like a frog in a well. Look at the United States. They've had an unprecedented bull market in the last ten years. The Dow Jones Index has increased fivefold. Has Sunyang grown fivefold?"

Is it a bit forced? Comparing a stock market index with a company's growth rate? But whatever, I was just a kid cosplaying as a know-it-all.

"You sell your mobile phones, wash machines, and earn money that way? Just a few days of playing on Wall Street can make that much money. The world is dominated by finance, but when you see people running around, talking about production and exports... Honestly, it seems quite mediocre."

Finally, Yang Woo-chan, who couldn't stand it any longer, spoke up.

"What are you trying to say? Are you saying you want to shut everything down and start an investment company?"

"I'd love to, but for now, I have to hold on to what my grandfather left me. Oh, I plan to turn Sunyang Securities into an investment firm in the future, so I have to keep it. I can't just let it go."

Provoking with an arrogant expression, I made the final blow. With an explosion of anger, Chairman Lee Min-seop couldn't hold back any longer.

"What does this kid know, chirping away like he knows it all...! This punk! I built a factory and founded a business long before you were born. Because of that factory, you imitate the Chairman!"

"If you want to hold on to your memories and say that it was better back then, retire and go back to your hometown. Time always moves forward, not backward." I hit back immediately, and Chairman Lee Min-seop trembled all over and couldn't speak. "I'm done speaking. I'm going to restructure the card company, and if the other companies don't meet the profitability standards, I'll restructure them at any time. The profitability criteria are based on my personal investment return. If you'd like, I can disclose my returns at any time. If you don't like my approach, there's only one option. Move to the company my grandfather runs that you all love. But write your resignations before doing so."