The Youngest Son of Sunyang

"Do-Jun. I heard something, and I need to confirm it with you."

"Yes, go ahead."

Today, this kid has an unusually serious expression. Why did he suddenly call me out to buy me lunch and then start muttering something strange?

"The merger of Sunyang Automobile, did you already know about it?"

How did such words come out of this guy's mouth?

I couldn't hide my surprise. Jin Yeong-jun's eyebrows twitched as he saw my expression. This calls for some tact.

"Yes, I found out a day before the announcement. Why?"

"How?"

"Uncle... I mean, Miracle Oh Sehyun, the CEO, propose it toGrandfather. He even gave a detailed proposal of the merger terms."

"Why did he ask you instead of meeting directly? It's something that should have been discussed in person."

"Yeong-jun, Daehyun Group were keeping a close watch on CEO Oh's every move. If CEO Oh had gone to see Grandfather, Daehyun would have known first."

He said it as if warning me not to make any difficult remarks. Is it supposed to seem like no big deal?

But how did this guy find out? Could it be that he's been tailing me, not Grandfather?

"Is that all?"

"Well? What else should there be?"

"Don't you understand my meaning? Is delivering documents back and forth the only thing you did in this matter?"

Why is this kid suddenly acting like this?

He's never once doubted that he would become the owner of Sunyang eventually, and he's always accepted his good fortune as a given. Why this sudden suspicion?

Could it be that Han Seong-il's daughter from Hanyoung Daily is behind this?

Could he even be planning to marry that woman?

I don't know everything about Jin Yeong-jun's younger days, but he has never married into a media family. This guy's wife is the daughter of a compliant Sunyang affiliate company's CEO.

Is something changing?

"Hey! Jin Do-Jun, can't you speak properly?"

"Why are you shouting?!"

Because of this guy's loud voice, I had to cut off my train of thought.

I can't tell him directly... What should I say?

"To be honest, there is indeed a secret contract between Grandfather and CEO Oh Sehyun, but I can't talk about it. I found out by unavoidable circumstances, and it was strictly emphasized that I shouldn't tell anyone until the official announcement."

"Anyone? Am I just 'anyone'? Seriously!"

He seemed like he was barely containing himself from getting up from his chair. Given that he considers himself a prince, it's natural for him to get agitated.

Should I provoke him a little more?

"Yes, you're just anyone."

"What?"

"Right now, Yeong-jun, you have no authority. Don't you know that?"

"Hey!"

"What's that supposed to mean? It's a secret contract between Grandfather and CEO Oh, and no one else knows about it. It's a private agreement between the two of them, unknown to both Uncle and Director Lee Hakjae. Do you think you have more authority than them?"

His habit of getting irritated and shouting when he doesn't get what he wants, he couldn't fix it even when he turned thirty, so it seems he won't change in the future either.

Although it seems like something has changed with him getting a different wife in this life, his personality hasn't.

After a bout of irritation, will he still stick to his pattern of sweet words that hide his true feelings?

"Listen here. Don't you remember what I told you before?"

"What...? Oh, after the college entrance exam at the villa?"

"Yeah."

Consistent as always.

"I remember. You told me, right? To become your right-hand man."

"That wasn't just an idle remark. I'll be moving next year. You'll probably be a manager or director by the time you graduate from college. I'll reserve a seat for you then..."

I raised my hand to silence Jin Yeong-jun's babbling.

"Yeong-jun, I'm not a kid anymore. I'm not a fool who blindly believes in unlikely promises for the uncertain future."

"What?"

"The announcement of this merger proceeded without Uncle's knowledge. Even though he's the group vice-chairman."

"What are you talking about now?"

"Don't you understand? It means that Grandfather's succession plan is still unfinished. It implies that it could collapse anytime if Grandfather changes his mind even a little."

I nudged Jin Yeong-jun with a sensitive reaction to the succession plan.

"So what? Is that why you're refusing to be my right-hand man? You want to stick by Grandfather's side and seize the opportunity? Huh? Are you going to compete with me, with my father? You're incredible."

"Brother, don't be too imposing. From my perspective, it's all just entertaining to watch. After all, I'm just the youngest grandson of the youngest son, and I have no connection to Sunyang Group, so I don't have any ambitions."

"Is that sincere?"

"Of course. And... honestly, what do I have to regret? Not to brag, but if I study for just a year or so more, I'm confident I'll pass the bar exam. You know I excel in studying."

"So?"

"I'll enjoy life while working as a prosecutor or judge, living it up without societal pressures, and without worrying about money. And you know what? My father is doing well in the film industry right now. Beautiful actresses come to me at the snap of my fingers. A third-generation conglomerate heir, a prosecutor and judge. How many women would refuse that title?"

Jin Yeong-jun's eyes sparkled strangely. Damn bastard. Perhaps the life he wants is exactly the kind of life I described.

"So, are you planning to snatch the Sunyang Group's successor position?"

"Who said anything about snatching it? If the real leader proposes it, I might consider it, but right now, Yeong-jun, you're not the real leader either, are you?"

"If I become the leader, I might not keep you by my side. We have many cousins. And who knows, I might prevent any Sunyang Group shares from going into your hands."

He even resorts to unfounded threats, scratching at his pride.

"I told you, I have no regrets. Just by safeguarding what our family currently has, I won't be lacking."

The conversation should end around here. I've irritated him enough, and I've emphasized that our family has no ambitions.

"Honestly, being the youngest in a conglomerate family is quite comfortable. My eldest brother, Sang-jun, dropped out of college and is attending art school in New York right now. I don't cling to unlikely things."