The Youngest Son of Sunyang

"The negotiations have already concluded. The exchange rate today is 1,342 won. You offered 1,600 won. Is there might be some hidden agenda?"

"It could go above 2,000 won. By the time the ten billion dollars come into your hands, you'll be facing massive losses."

"Do you really think the exchange rate could reach 2,000 won?"

I should verify the forecasting abilities of the Sunyang Economic Research Institute. Is it true that they've gathered some truly smart individuals? "There's a 90% or higher probability it could go up to 2,200 won. That's according to the institute's researchers. It's not always accurate, but sometimes it is."

Grandfather discreetly observed my reaction. "Why? Are you concerned that it might go above 2,000 won?"

"You know; I've mentioned before that it could go above 2,000 won. But it doesn't bother me at all. After all, am I not your grandson? I'm not the kind of person who would let you incur losses."

"I know you're not a pushover, and you're not causing me any losses either. So, what are the additional conditions?"

Trying to outsmart someone who's quick-witted only arouses unnecessary suspicion. I might as well bring it up now.

"I have two requests."

"Very well, let's hear it. Let's see if you're going to make up for what you've lost or gain even more."

In front of a curious grandfather, I pulled out a map I had prepared.

"Isn't this a map of Seoul?"

"Yes. Please take a look at the places marked with red circles."

Grandfather carefully examined about a dozen locations before looking up. "What's this?"

"These are Seoul city-owned public lands."

"Public lands?"

"Yes. I want to purchase this land at a low price."

"Hmm... Are you asking me to pressure the Seoul mayor?"

"No, not at all. The current mayor has only six months left in office. We should make this request, or rather, demand it from the next mayor."

At the word "demand," a glint appeared in Grandfather's eyes.

"Did you perhaps have your maternal uncle in mind?"

"Yes."

"No, you can't." As if there was nothing more to discuss, he pushed the map aside. "I will take care of the campaign funds your for uncle. If your uncle becomes the mayor of Seoul, he can pressure the sale of the public lands, and you just need to apply pressure to the constituency's representative. Maybe the pressure on the representative won't even be necessary."

Ignoring Grandfather's firm refusal, I continued speaking. "Well, isn't there a good reason for it? If the city sells all the non-operational lands to secure funds amid the national economic crisis, there should be no opposition."

"Ah, that rascal!"

"Could you please explain the reason for your opposition?"

"It's not about the reason; it's about the family. This should be reason enough."

Indeed, bloodlines mattered in the world of men, and a daughter's bloodline extended beyond the boundaries of the family.

Pretending not to understand, I made a deliberate misinterpretation. "The Seoul mayor doesn't have much influence on the Sunyang Group."

"Choi Seo-bang's interest in politics is just a whim of my daughter. He's nothing more than a puppet in her hands."

Aunt Choi Seo-yoon aimed to compensate for her handicap of being a daughter through political power.

Among South Korean politicians, only a tiny minority dared to stand against Chairman Jin.

Even without a microscope or magnifying glass, you could see all the illegal and semi-legal methods employed by the Sunyang Group. But everyone turned a blind eye and pretended not to see. If someone dared to mention it, they would quickly be silenced.

If a powerful politician started making noise from the speaker's podium, it was all too predictable that trouble would follow.

I knew well that Aunt Choi intended to use that power to secure more Sunyang shares for herself, equivalent to her brothers, or even more.

"Grandfather."

"Enough of this!"

"Why don't you consider making Uncle a puppet of the Sunyang Group?"

"What?"

"All sorts of dirt and dust will accumulate until he takes the seat of Seoul mayor. Won't that make him a puppet in your hands?"

"That dirt and dust comes from Sunyang. If you expose it, Sunyang will be harmed too."

"I will turn that dirt and dust around. So, you won't need to worry because I will firmly hold Aunt's neck for you, Grandfather."

"This guy, you think you'll handle the money, and I'm supposed to handle the politics? Nonsense!" Grandfather snorted in disbelief.

"No, it's not like that. I will handle the money, and you can use it when you need to."

"What? You'll handle the money? Well then, just go ahead without my permission."

"If you make just one phone call to the ruling party leader, their nominated candidate won't even be possible, right?"

Grandfather started looking into my eyes silently.

"Allow me to play the role of Seoul City Hall's owner twice, for just two terms, over eight years. During that time, we can get everything we need, won't that work?"

The sound of wheels turning in his head was audible. Eventually, Grandfather spoke up.

"What's the second request?"

"Do you grant permission for the first one?"

"Not yet. Tell me the second one."

"Prevent government subsidies from flowing into Dae-ah Construction."

"What? Dae-ah Construction?"

Because of the unexpected name that had popped up, Grandfather's eyes widened.

"I have no intention of turning that public land into a parking lot. We need to build something on that land. To do that, we need at least one small construction company, right?"

"Small? Dae-ah is ranked fifth in contract awards. Do you think that's small?"

"Grandfather, I own A-jin Group and Sunyang Automobile. Compared to that, Dae-ah is just a small shop."

Suddenly, a smile spread across Grandfather's face. Was it approval?

"You, this kid, are serious."

"Yes"

"You're not just making noise about taking over Dae-ah Construction. You're actually considering it..."

"Did you consider giving it to me if I made a fuss?"