Park Junman smiled as he saw Park Jinhyuk approaching him.
He seemed to see his own younger self reflected in the confident stride of Park Jinhyuk, as if Jinhyuk knew exactly who he was bringing with him.
When the two drew close enough, Park Junman introduced Park Jinhyuk to Seojin Choi, the Minister of Health and Welfare, who stood by his side.
“Minister Choi. This is my eldest son. Jinhyuk, say hello. This is Minister Seojin Choi, who has recently taken office as the new Minister of Health and Welfare.”
“Hello, my name is Park Jinhyuk.”
“Oh my, Chairman Park’s children are all so striking. So, is this the eldest?”
“Uh, the order is a little mixed up. Hahaha.”
Park Junman let out a hearty laugh toward Seojin Choi, then pointed at Park Jinhyuk and spoke.
“This guy has been working at DS Pharmaceuticals recently. You know that new DS Biologics I set up? I’m planning to put him in charge of handling its reorganization.”
“Ah, yes. I understand what you mean. Please don’t worry. I’ll make sure everything proceeds smoothly, just as you intend.”
“Good. Wrap it up well so there are no issues. That’s what the current government is aiming for, isn’t it?”
“That’s right. The bio CMO business has been selected as one of our top ten priority industries for special development. But I must say, the Ministry of Health and Welfare greatly respects Chairman Park’s bold decision to entrust the business to the most capable hands.”
Park Jinhyuk quietly listened to the conversation between Park Junman and Seojin Choi.
From their words, he realized that the government’s focus on nurturing CMO businesses matched the direction of DS Biologics.
‘Yet he still wants to let it go? And not even to Cheongwoo, who’s targeting the chemical side, but to Hanseong instead.’
Park Jinhyuk, knowing he hadn’t come here just to greet them, decided it was time to enter the conversation.
“But actually, it looks like that plan might be a bit difficult right now.”
“What? Difficult?”
Seojin Choi, who had just expressed respect for handing over Biologics, turned to Jinhyuk in surprise.
He wasn’t sure if there was a difference of opinion between the father and son, or if they were just testing him, the newly appointed minister.
Park Jinhyuk looked at Park Junman, who remained silent, waiting for his next words.
Seeing Junman’s expression, he felt he understood why Seojin Choi had been brought here.
‘He must want to know what I’m thinking. Fine, I’ll tell him. It’s about time things were opened up a little.’
Though Lohas was growing anxious, Jinhyuk felt the time had come to start releasing the information he’d been controlling.
And with the Minister of Health and Welfare right in front of him, he had found the perfect person to hear it.
“By any chance, have you heard about the flu that’s spreading in Europe?”
“The flu in Europe? Well, I haven’t paid much attention since it’s common this time of year. Is there a problem? I haven’t heard anything special.”
Jinhyuk smiled at Seojin Choi’s dismissive attitude.
Seojin Choi turned to Park Junman, but Junman simply watched them with interest, showing no intention of joining the conversation.
Seeing this, Seojin Choi turned back to Jinhyuk and spoke up.
“What does the flu have to do with Biologics?”
“Yes, they’re closely related. Lohas in Switzerland has requested production of Pitaflu, which is used as a flu treatment.”
“A request to produce Pitaflu? What does that mean?”
“That means our Biologics factory will be running at full capacity.”
“What do you mean? Running at full capacity? From what I’ve heard, Biologics’ plant utilization is abysmal. Isn’t that why you’re trying to sell it off, to focus your efforts elsewhere?”
Seojin Choi glanced at Park Junman, as if seeking his agreement.
His eyes seemed to ask if this was all an attempt to probe the new minister, who had just taken office.
If so, no matter how high-ranking the DS Group’s chairman might be, such conduct was bordering on disrespect.
He couldn’t control DS Group, but he was already determined to take a firm stand in the party if needed.
However, it seemed Park Junman was as much in the dark as he was.
Junman, who had been quietly watching, finally spoke up, questioning Jinhyuk about Lohas.
“What do you mean, running at full capacity? Did you sign a contract with Lohas?”
“We’ve been entrusted with all Asian production for the next three years. And, of course, we have the sales license as well.”
“You even got the sales license? Are you sure Lohas approved that?”
“Yes. I was worried we wouldn’t be able to handle all of Lohas’ volume because of our existing production commitments, but fortunately, Hanseong Pharmaceuticals decided to drop their allocation. So now we can begin producing for Lohas right away. In fact, Lohas has been contacting us several times a day, urging us to get the factory up and running. I was really worried things wouldn’t go smoothly, but… it turns out we’re in luck.”
Seojin Choi glanced between Park Junman and Park Jinhyuk as he spoke.
“You’re saying Lohas has been contacting you several times a day to urge production? And this is because of the flu outbreak in Europe?”
“Yes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has even advised every country to keep reserves on hand. Hasn’t any word come to our country yet?”
“What…?”
Seojin Choi’s face showed clear signs of panic.
He hurriedly called for his aide.
Jinhyuk watched the approaching aide out of the corner of his eye, then spoke to Park Junman.
“That’s why moving forward with the sale negotiations right now would be a stretch. Lohas said that if word got out about the sale, it might not just be a matter between companies, but could escalate into an issue between nations.”
Seojin Choi started to pass Jinhyuk’s words to his aide, but then paused and turned back to Jinhyuk.
“It could become an issue between nations?”
“Yes, that’s what they said. With Europe barely able to meet demand, and us stepping in to help relieve the pressure, how do you think it would look if the government was involved in a sale? We could be suspected of blocking flu treatment production in Korea.”
“What’s this about? Director Kim, have you heard anything about a flu outbreak in Europe?”
The director from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, summoned by Seojin Choi, hesitated at the sudden question.
After quickly thinking, something came to mind and he answered Seojin Choi.
“I recall hearing that there’s a type A influenza spreading.”
“And did you hear anything about the U.S. CDC recommending stockpiling reserves in every country?”
“It’s not common, but when there’s a risk of a major outbreak, they do recommend stockpiling. But I haven’t heard anything specific about this type A influenza. Where did this information come from?”
Only after hearing this did Seojin Choi let out a relieved sigh.
“Is that so? You haven’t heard yet? Never mind. It’s nothing important, so don’t worry about it.”
At Seojin Choi’s words, the director looked puzzled, gave a polite bow, and stepped away.
Now, a smile returned to Seojin Choi’s face.
“Well, influenza outbreaks are nothing new. But are you sure you want to produce enough for three years? Will you be alright?”
His final words had a hint of sarcasm, as if chiding Jinhyuk for startling him.
Jinhyuk smiled and nodded.
“We’ll be fine, but will you? That means Korea won’t have any reserves, since everything will be sold elsewhere.”
“That’s up to whoever holds the license. Besides, the chance of a European flu outbreak reaching our country isn’t high. It’s best to sell wherever there’s a buyer while you can. That’ll be most profitable.”
“Understood. I’ll take that as the official position of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.”
Seojin Choi and Park Jinhyuk shared a smile.
But Park Junman, expressionless, looked at Jinhyuk and spoke.
“It sounds like you haven’t signed the contract yet. When do you plan to?”
“Kevin South, Lohas’ Asia-Pacific chief, has been staying here at the Korea Hotel for the past three days. He’s here to finalize the contract. I plan to head up to sign right after Sanghyuk’s engagement ceremony.”
“He’s been here for three days already?”
For the first time, Park Junman’s expression changed.
Looking surprised, he pulled Seojin Choi aside.
“Minister Choi, that reminds me—there’s someone new I’d like you to meet.”
For the chairman of DS Group, meeting even once was a rare honor, so for him to personally introduce someone to Seojin Choi after his own son made Seojin Choi deeply moved. He bowed his head.
“Thank you so much for looking after me. If DS Group comes up in the party, I’ll make sure to speak up on your behalf, Chairman.”
“You think I’m doing this for some minor favor? Don’t bother yourself over that. It’s simply because I like you, that’s all.”
With that, Park Junman led Seojin Choi away.
He then summoned Secretary Hwang with a wave, whispering instructions in his ear.
After giving his orders, Park Junman left with Seojin Choi.
Secretary Hwang, watching them go, approached Park Jinhyuk.
“Sir. The Chairman—”
“I know. You’re here to tell me to wait and see how the government reacts, right?”
“Yes, you knew even before I said anything.”
“The Chairman isn’t the type to just stand by when a good card is in front of him. Tell him not to worry.”
“Sir, forgive me for saying this, but may I offer a word of advice?”
“You may say two words if you wish.”
Though Jinhyuk smiled, there was no trace of a smile on Secretary Hwang’s face.
With deep concern, he looked at Jinhyuk and spoke.
“The Chairman has prepared a great deal for you. Can’t you just follow his wishes?”
“Those preparations don’t suit me.”
“Sir, the Chairman has found the optimal path for you. Why not trust him this once?”
“There are too many protruding stones in that optimal path. My uncle and stepmother—why would I simply walk a road where it’s clear I’ll trip over those stones?”
“Sir.”
Jinhyuk raised a hand, stopping Secretary Hwang from continuing.
“To the Chairman, his brothers are his own flesh and blood. He probably thinks of them as obedient siblings. He expects them to listen, like children. But there’s no rule that says they’ll act the same way in front of their nephew. As for my stepmother… You know without me saying. Tell me, would Director Oh throw me a grand engagement ceremony like this?”
“Sir.”
“Unless you plan to pick out and remove those stones, just stand back and watch. I’ll deal with the protruding stones myself and pave the way. And if you won’t help me, then don’t help my uncles either. A referee should be fair, don’t you think?”
Finishing his words, Jinhyuk walked around the garden banquet hall spread out in the Korea Hotel’s reception grounds, speaking as he went.
“Once the Biologics matter is done, I won’t just stand guard anymore—I’ll start pressing forward. My heart isn’t big enough to just stand by while people threaten my position at the top. I’m going to clear the way and rise easily. And I have no intention of asking you or the Chairman for help with this. So just watch. There’s no need to make any special preparations for me. Understood?”
Jinhyuk walked over and patted Secretary Hwang, who looked at him with worried eyes, on the shoulder.
“Just watch and see how I rise. I’m not the kind of person to waver. I’m not a child who doesn’t know what to do with money and power.”
With those words, Jinhyuk broke into a bright smile.
“It looks like the ceremony is about to start. I’ll head over to where it will be held. My grandmother might be feeling lonely by herself. I’ll see you later.”
Finishing, Jinhyuk walked toward the area in front of the building, where flowers and tables were arranged.
As expected, the ceremony began in a grand fashion.
With the cutting of a large cake and wishes for the couple’s happiness, the engagement was declared with great fanfare.
During the ceremony, Jinhyuk received a report from Kim Junwoo that Hanseong Pharmaceuticals had begun pulling their supply.
This had all been staged, knowing that Chairman Oh of Hanseong Group was known for his impatience, but even Jinhyuk was impressed at how quickly he moved, and he nodded as he issued instructions to Kim Junwoo.
“The play is over. As soon as the ceremony is finished, we’ll sign the final contract, so tell Lohas to be ready. Let President Sa know to start production immediately. We’ll bring the Lohas reps to Biologics right after the deal, so make sure they can see the medicine coming off the line.”
“Yes, sir. Understood.”
Jinhyuk smiled as he watched Oh Seoyoung, dressed beautifully in a hanbok, ahead of him.
‘Today might be the happiest day of your life. But what can I do? That happiness will be your last.’
Jinhyuk applauded Park Sanghyuk and his fiancée as they greeted their guests at the engagement party.
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