Chapter 62: The Crown Prince and the Latecomer

At that moment, Secretary Kim was with me.

It was because of the promise that he would return after taking care of urgent matters first.

I got straight to the point.

"I want to establish an investment company. Please help me."

"An investment company?"

"Yes. One that can discreetly cover my identity, without leaving any traces behind."

In Korean society, there is a certain trust that comes with age.

I’m just a seven-year-old child right now.

There are too many obstacles for someone my age to come forward and move money and power directly.

But if I put an investment company at the forefront? No problem!

"Will Young Master be operating it yourself?"

"Yes."

Of course, there will have to be a figurehead.

"That’s not as easy as it sounds, you know."

"I doubt it’s all that difficult."

It’s not as if this is my first time running an investment company.

In my previous life, this was my specialty.

Of course, it would have been a problem to call it an ‘ordinary’ investment company, considering the means, methods, and even the kinds of products handled often skirted the law or crossed the line.

But now that I’m a member of the Taeseong Group, I’ll have to run things more properly and cleanly than before, right?

"How do you plan on running the company?"

"I’ll keep it small for the time being."

At least until I acquire a larger company.

"If you just want to experience company management in advance while earning some pocket money, there’s no need to establish an investment company. You can just use borrowed-name stocks and make small, diversified investments."

"For a child’s pocket money, maybe. But the scale I’m thinking of is much bigger. Borrowed-name stocks and small investments won’t cut it."

My name has to be on it, or I can’t claim my rights.

I trust documents more than words, and among documents, I trust official documents certified by the state most.

There’s another reason, too.

"I want to do some money laundering."

Secretary Kim seemed intrigued by the word ‘money laundering’.

"Is there a reason Young Master needs to launder money?"

"I’m planning to swallow up a rather large company."

He looked even more interested at the mention of acquiring a large company.

"I want to become the real majority shareholder, with my own money, in my own company—one that won’t be checked by other members of Taeseong Group."

Even if Taeseong Group collapses, or if Father loses the fight for management rights and is pushed to the back room!

My company, my bowl—I have to take care of them myself.

That’s how I’ve lived so far.

"What kind of company are you trying to acquire?"

"Korea National Oil Corporation."

"Excuse me?"

Secretary Kim’s eyes shook as if an earthquake had hit.

"Through the investment company, I’ll invest in establishing a bank, and then use that bank’s investment to acquire Korea National Oil Corporation. That’s my goal."

Secretary Kim spoke cautiously.

"Do you have any idea how much acquisition capital for Korea National Oil Corporation would require? Even if you sold off several Taeseong subsidiaries, it wouldn’t be enough."

"If you want to pay full price right now, sure."

But Korea National Oil Corporation only came on the market right after the Second Oil Shock.

"Fifty percent of Korea National Oil Corporation’s shares are owned by Gulf Oil, an American oil company. Those guys will never let go of what they have for cheap."

When Gulf Oil could no longer hold out because of the successive oil shocks, when they were ready to walk away from a small country’s company, I planned to buy up Korea National Oil Corporation at a bargain.

But there’s no good way to explain this, is there?

"I’m planning to get bank investment."

"That won’t be enough. Korea National Oil Corporation is a corporate behemoth."

As if I didn’t know that.

‘This time, Taeseong just landed big government construction contracts: the Subway Line 2 project, the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal project... Even just reselling land near stations and in construction zones, the profit margin could be huge.’

The estimated bid for Subway Line 2 alone was over 180 billion won.

If you added the Gangnam Seoul Express Bus Terminal road and commercial construction?

I’m sure I could make even more than Ukwang Construction did back in the day.

"I’ll cover the shortage with foreign loans."

In the past, the company that acquired Korea National Oil Corporation was Samhwang Group.

Samhwang Group covered Gulf Oil’s 50% stake—100 million dollars—with foreign loans.

It was an event that shocked all of Korea, like an ant swallowing a dinosaur.

And those foreign loans that Samhwang Group secured? That was Saudi oil money.

‘It’s doable. If Samhwang Group did it, why can’t I?’

I heard about it at the year-end party.

When Samhwang Refining’s people went to Saudi Arabia, the royal family wouldn’t even meet with them, but my father was treated as a state guest.

‘Father has a debt owed by the Saudi royal family. And when the president was considering private oil procurement, the very first alternative that came up was, “What if Taeseong set up a refining company?”’

If the true power in this country has already quietly picked Taeseong as the next candidate, won’t things go even smoother?

If not, oh well!

"Even if the road is difficult, shouldn’t you dream big from the start?"

"Mm."

"Isn’t there a saying that once you quantify your dream, set a deadline, and establish concrete goals, you’ve already achieved half?"

I took out Grandfather’s memorandum and waved it playfully, grinning.

"In the end, I might have to ask for Grandfather’s help."

At that point, I’ll have no choice but to reveal I’m the anonymous benefactor.

At last, Secretary Kim broke into a smile.

"In that case, Young Master will need trustworthy hands and feet, won’t you?"

"It would be even better if they’re trustworthy and capable. Like you, Secretary Kim."

I slipped in a subtle recruitment offer.

But Secretary Kim bowed his head.

"I have pledged to serve the Chairman. I’m afraid I can’t."

I just asked on the off-chance, but as expected, it’s a no-go.

I never really expected to win Secretary Kim over from the beginning.

‘Secretary Kim is Grandfather’s closest aide, the key figure who coordinates the opinions of all Taeseong’s affiliate presidents.’

In other words, he’s Grandfather’s man.

‘But the reason I brought it up was actually to recruit Secretary Kim’s people.’

I deliberately nodded slowly, acting very disappointed.

"Then, could you at least assign me Team Leader Yoo and the Taeseong Group bodyguards?"

"You mean Team Leader Yoo and Security Team 5?"

"Yes."

They were Secretary Kim’s direct subordinates.

"If you wish it, Young Master, I will assign them to you."

"Thank you."

"But before you use those guys, there’s something you should know. They’re a little different from normal bodyguards."

"How are they different?"

"They aren’t elite bodyguards from the military or former athletes. They’re pretty capable, but for one reason or another, they all hit dead ends in their careers and ended up working for me."

So, basically, they’re like B-list Avengers with baggage?

Even better!

I prefer capable guys with baggage over incompetent ones.

Guys whose career paths are blocked for some reason are a dime a dozen in the underworld!

"Especially Team Leader Yoo—he’s the most useful. When it comes to money, even the best Taeseong elites can’t compete with him."

Nice.

Yoo Jongtae has already sworn his loyalty to me.

—I swear to devote my life to you, Young Master!

—If you tell me to roll, I’ll roll till my soles sweat!

"Team Leader Yoo was sidelined again and again because of his temper. That’s why he’s been stuck under me for so long."

That’s odd.

I’ve never once seen Yoo Jongtae lose his temper.

"He’s sharp and quick-witted, but he’s a master at getting under people’s skin. The other Young Masters say just seeing his face makes their blood boil."

I suddenly remembered how I’d sent Yoo Jongtae to President Oh of Hyunmu Construction, and he’d clicked his tongue for three minutes.

"If you give him a big role, Young Master, it’ll be an incredible opportunity for him as well."

Secretary Kim smiled warmly.

"If I may recommend one more, how about Secretary Lee Kyungseok, who is currently assisting your father?"

"Secretary Lee Kyungseok?"

So he’s the one helping Father?

I knew the name Lee Kyungseok.

‘Taeseong’s brain, President Lee Kyungseok!’

He would later become the closest aide to the owner of Taeseong Group and lead Taeseong Electronics, its core affiliate.

Knock, knock, knock.

When I opened the door, Yoo Jongtae and the Taeseong Group bodyguards rushed in.

They couldn’t hide their excitement.

"Taeseong Group has just secured the Subway Line 2 construction!"

"We’re also taking on not only the Gangnam Seoul Express Bus Terminal road expansion but the terminal’s commercial facilities, too!"

"Chairman says everyone is to gather at Hanwoojung immediately! It’s a beef party!"

Yoo Jongtae beamed with pride.

"Madam as well as Young Master are invited for beef. Shall we go?"

"Yes, let’s go."

Just as I took Yoo Jongtae’s hand and was about to head out—

"Young Master, may I ask you something?"

Huh? Secretary Kim’s expression looked unusually serious.

Uncharacteristically grave for him.

So I sent Yoo Jongtae and the bodyguards out into the hallway and closed the door.

"I’ve already failed your test, Young Master. I opened the note out of curiosity, choosing that over trust, so I received a failing grade."

His voice was tinged with subtle regret.

"Aren’t you worried that I might quietly reveal the benefactor’s identity to the Chairman or your father?"

So what? If it gets out that I’m Taeseong’s secret benefactor, so what?

Did I commit a crime? At worst, it’ll just be a bit of a hassle.

"Then let me ask you back. Do you think I revealed my secret in front of you because I was stupid?"

I’d shown some of my abilities to Secretary Kim and Teacher.

But not in front of Grandfather or Father.

Secretary Kim looked a little dazed.

I shrugged.

"I thought that ended when I handed over the Ukang Construction bribe ledger. Was I wrong?"

Back then, as I handed over the bribe ledger, I’d said:

—I’m making a losing deal here. I haven’t even been paid yet, but I’m handing over the ledger first. Is there a better trust transaction than this? It’s my goodwill.

—Give that ledger to Chairman Cha. You’ll get back even more than what I took from you. Think of it as a service.

I winked.

"In response to my goodwill, how did you pay me back, Secretary Kim?"

Secretary Kim never revealed my secret to Grandfather.

He didn’t ask how I’d gotten my hands on the Ukang Construction bribe ledger, either.

Instead, he showed his loyalty by bringing Uncle Cheolgu to me ahead of Grandfather.

That’s how our relationship of trust began.

"Hahaha!"

Secretary Kim burst out laughing for the first time in a while.

"You got me there, Young Master. I gratefully and gladly accept the trust you’ve shown me."

He bowed even more deeply than usual.

"Well then, Young Master, I’ll return to the Chairman now."

"You’re not joining us for beef?"

"Today, I should stay by the Chairman’s side and pour him a congratulatory drink."

Secretary Kim smiled.

"Grow up quickly, Young Master. I’ll be counting the days until we can share a joyful drink together."

---

We arrived at Hanwoojung.

We booked two rooms for the company dinner, opened up the sliding paper doors, and put the tables together.

The laughter of the Taeseong Group bodyguards didn’t stop.

"For Taeseong Group!"

"For Taeseong!"

Fresh Korean beef sizzled on the heated grill.

The savory smell rose with the smoke.

Everyone moved their chopsticks busily, eating with gusto.

They hadn’t eaten dinner, what with the sudden presidential drinking party earlier.

"Young Master, eat plenty. Today’s ribeye is really tender."

"I think the chuck flap tail is tastier than the ribeye. Chew well."

"What are you saying! This place is famous for sirloin! Would you like some soda?"

The Taeseong Group bodyguards kept piling small pieces of beef onto my side dish plate.

"Young Master Seongjun, you worked hard today. May I pour you a drink?"

"No, thank you. I’ve had enough. I’ll stop here."

Father waved his hands and got up.

His face was flushed; he must have drunk quite a bit.

Maybe he was heading for the restroom, or just to get some fresh air.

Feeling a bit concerned, I quietly followed him.

Rattle. Tap.

When Father closed the sliding paper door and stepped into the restaurant hallway—

"Oh? Could it be? Seongjun, is that you?"

A man called out to Father.

A stylish gentleman in his early forties, tipsy from drinking.

Unlike my father, who had a heavy, serious air, this man wore a bright, easygoing smile.

"Big Brother Daejun."

Big Brother Daejun? Could it be Cha Daejun?

I’d never met him in person, but his name often appeared in Taeseong Group’s reports.

‘So this is my uncle? The Tragic Crown Prince of Taeseong Group?’