He wasn’t the only one showing such a reaction.
Dayong Kyung and Junwoo Kim, who served closest to Jinhyuk Park, were equally stunned.
“You’re getting married? Are you saying our Representative is?”
Junwoo Kim had never once seen him even meet a woman.
He knew people’s eyes were on him.
But right now he had no mind to care about that gaze.
“Are you talking about Deputy Center Director Han?”
“If it’s Deputy Center Director Han, then that’s the one from Cheongwoo Group…”
When Hisoo Hyun acted like he knew, Junwoo Kim gave a slight nod, signaling she was correct.
Hisoo Hyun finally wore a look of understanding, but it didn’t last long. Because Jinhyuk Park sat so composedly that he rather questioned Junwoo Kim’s words.
“Deputy Center Director Han? Who said I was marrying Deputy Center Director Han? What’s wrong? Didn’t you hear me? I said I’m looking for someone from now on. That’s why I met Sanghyuk yesterday too…”
“Representative!”
Junwoo Kim thought Jinhyuk Park wasn’t serious.
Because it didn’t add up that Jinhyuk Park, who had not a speck of thought about marriage, would drink with Sanghyuk Park to look for a woman to marry.
Jinhyuk Park gave a slight laugh toward Kim Junwoo, who was reacting intensely, then spoke to the people still wearing surprised expressions.
“That was a joke just now.”
At Jinhyuk Park’s words, everyone looked like “I knew it” and let down the emotions they had built up.
But they couldn’t let it drop completely.
Because they knew from experience that Jinhyuk Park wasn’t the kind of person to toss out idle jokes.
“What’s going on? Our Representative wouldn’t be joking around for no reason. Are you perhaps seriously thinking about marriage?”
“As expected, President Hyun knows me well. I do have thoughts about marriage. But that’s a future issue. For now, I intend to stir up the atmosphere with the news that I’m getting married.”
Jinhyuk Park had erased his smile.
And he briefly explained how Junman Park had been using him to block Cheongwoo’s marriage proposal up to now.
“That explains it. I was also curious how he managed to win the Brazil power plant business rights.”
Hisoo Hyun, who had been keeping an eye on DS Heavy Industries and collecting information about the Brazil power plant project, seemed to understand everything now.
“Even if DS Heavy Industries secured the business rights, they lacked the ability to carry out the project. But if they absorb Cheongwoo Energy and proceed… that’s sufficient. It doesn’t seem impossible to win the Peru and Argentina business rights that said they would decide after watching Brazil’s project.”
“They said they would decide after watching Brazil’s project?”
“Yes. Actually, the Brazil project with about ten power plants was too small in scale for DS Heavy Industries to take a risk on, so I looked into it. The other countries also want to proceed, but they’ve held back because they don’t have much trust in DS Heavy Industries. However, if the Brazil project goes smoothly, they all said they’d move forward immediately. The moment they learn Cheongwoo Energy is joining the project, they might sign contracts right away.”
“If that happens, the contract scale will be considerable.”
“Exactly. I think when you combine the rest, it wouldn’t be surprising if it easily surpasses $10 billion.”
That was over 10 trillion won in our money.
Including the existing Brazil project, Junman Park had gambled on a project worth nearly 20 trillion won.
All because Jinhyuk Park wouldn’t marry.
“So that’s why he used me to pull that trick.”
As Jinhyuk Park nodded with a look of understanding, Hisoo Hyun cautiously studied his expression and spoke.
“From the group’s perspective, it’s not a bad conclusion. Besides, since it was won independently, not as a joint venture, it will be easier for our group’s other companies to distribute the work. Considering the ancillary projects, winning the Brazil business rights is a really good result.”
“But I don’t feel good about being used for that good result.”
“Yes?”
“Well, feelings are a personal matter, so I’ll set them aside for now.”
Jinhyuk Park straightened his posture, which had been lounging on the sofa.
This was to begin the real discussion.
Seeing that, the others also straightened up, guessing that Jinhyuk Park was about to talk seriously.
“Everyone here knows what I’m aiming for.”
At Jinhyuk Park’s words, everyone in the room nodded in unison.
Because they all knew that what Jinhyuk Park wanted was the top of DS Group.
Jinhyuk Park looked into each of their eyes and spoke.
“I’m not someone who sits around waiting for my share to fall into my lap. And I’m not someone who sees an opportunity and lets it slip by.”
At his words, those seated simultaneously swallowed dryly.
They instinctively felt that if Jinhyuk Park used the word “opportunity,” it was no ordinary matter.
“The gap in shares between the Chairman and me is difficult to describe in words. So I’ve been buying shares through Dongjeong Industries. How much have we gathered so far?”
“Through the first phase, we’ve acquired about 1 million shares via Dongjeong Industries. That’s roughly 200 billion won at current market value.”
“So the final shares to be acquired will be about 4 million? That’s around 5%?”
“Yes, correct. We expect about 5%.”
Seokgi Kwak, who had received Jinhyuk Park’s question, calmly explained the current situation.
Jinhyuk Park nodded.
“With my existing 5% stake plus the new 5% acquisition, that’s still not enough for a fight.”
“Representative. Have you considered using DS Pharmaceutical?”
Dayong Kyung, who had been quietly listening, spoke up.
“DS Pharmaceutical?”
“Right now, countries worried about a resurgence of last year’s Paris Flu are ordering Pitaflu. The demand has been explosive since summer—so much so that even running the lines at full capacity can’t keep up. And if the flu spreads again, the quantity will increase even more.”
“Well, it’s become a staple medicine now—people keep several packs at home. The volume must be enormous.”
“Yes. As a result, profits are astronomical. Plus, Novo’s new drug and upcoming ones… profits are growing beyond manageable levels. And Biologics has passed preliminary review for its IPO, so it should be possible to list early next year. DS Pharmaceutical’s cash mobilization ability is sufficient.”
At Dayong Kyung’s confident words, Jinhyuk Park glanced at Hisoo Hyun.
As if to ask if it was possible.
Hisoo Hyun shook his head vigorously while listening.
“No. That could be considered circular investment. The surplus from DS Pharmaceutical must be used solely for DS Pharmaceutical.”
“What if the money flows through JH Asset? How about that?”
“Still no. In the end, the money would go through JH Asset to buy DS shares, and that too would count as circular investment. Of course, if we hide the share acquisition, it’s not impossible. But isn’t what you want, Representative, more than just buying shares? In a position where you have to acquire shares and fight, I don’t see any reason to create such a weakness.”
“I see.”
Jinhyuk Park hadn’t expected much, so he simply understood and moved on.
But he couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed.
With DS Pharmaceutical’s abundant cash in the back of his mind, he began to talk about his original plan.
“With 10% of the shares, I won’t be able to change the situation. And even if we gather the scattered shares, it’s clear we won’t match the Chairman’s stake. So I plan to put myself on the market.”
“Put yourself, Representative?”
“Do you remember the path President Hyun suggested in the past?”
“I remember, but… your position now is different from then.”
“Then wouldn’t I be worth more?”
Hisoo Hyun could neither affirm nor deny Jinhyuk Park’s words.
As he said, with the 10% secured now, they couldn’t touch Junman Park.
And to close that gap, gaining power through marriage was indeed the most certain method.
But with Jinhyuk Park’s position different from when Hisoo Hyun first suggested it, he only felt greater regret.
“Representative. How about joining hands with the Chairman instead? Executive Director Sanghyuk Park is distracted with West Air. Director Oh, who supports him from behind, also has no energy to focus elsewhere due to West Air and Hansung Group matters. As the Chairman’s only remaining option, I don’t understand why you insist on preparing for a share battle with him.”
“That’s true. In a normal family, a father and son wouldn’t fight over shares. But DS looks normal on the surface, but inside, it’s not. Haven’t you felt that yourselves while working with me?”
The people in the room nodded.
Though it didn’t go as far as killing someone like in movies or dramas, they had casually put handcuffs on people and sent them to cold places.
Of course, it was their choice, but they were made to choose and then waited.
And rumors said they had tried to use drugs to exile Jinhyuk Park first.
It certainly didn’t seem like a normal family.
“The Chairman put me forward because he wanted to refuse Cheongwoo’s proposal to tie through marriage. But is there any law saying a share battle can’t happen? He might come out and oust me if I don’t suit his tastes. Up to now, I haven’t been a big enough threat, so he left me alone, but that won’t be the case going forward. He’ll definitely measure how tall I’ve grown. And if he thinks I’m too tall, he’ll try to cut my legs to match the height. I don’t want to take that lying down.”
At Jinhyuk Park’s firm words, those present said nothing.
Because Junman Park as they knew him was exactly that kind of person.
“So who are you planning to join hands with?”
“That’s why I went to Seongbuk-dong yesterday.”
“Are you waiting for Nomahnim to arrange something?”
“Not exactly to wait for an arrangement. It was to let it be known that I’m on the market. As an extension of that idea, I deliberately drank with Sanghyuk yesterday.”
At Jinhyuk Park’s words, the people finally understood his intention.
Indeed, the commodity called Jinhyuk Park had a captivating value.
No one of similar age had achieved results like Jinhyuk Park.
Plus, it was certain that in the group rankings, DS would overtake Cheongwoo to rise to 8th place, and next year even higher.
And Jinhyuk Park was the heir of that group, as well as the current representative of a major telecom company.
He had become the kind of man that even if they had a daughter, they’d want to pair her with him.
“And the Chairman must be feeling complicated. I, who was so loud about not marrying, suddenly announce I will marry while he’s absent.”
“Did you take that into account as well?”
“Of course. Since I put myself out as bait. I plan to keep the situation complicated. That way, it will be harder for him to grasp when he returns. And in the meantime, we finish our preparations to fight. That’s my plan.”
“Then what should we do?”
Sajeongman, who had been quietly listening, asked Jinhyuk Park.
“Just do what you’ve been doing quietly. Casually drop hints about me to people you meet. Something like ‘Chairman Junman Park might not like bypassing his eldest son to send the younger ones first.’”
“Is that enough? You’re not outright saying you’re looking for a bride?”
“Do you think you could handle it if that story reaches the Chairman’s ears? His wrath, I mean.”
Sajeongman closed his mouth at Jinhyuk Park’s words and only blinked.
Because from what he’d heard about Junman Park, he would definitely get angry, trace the source of the rumor, and retaliate.
“A rumor of the right degree is enough. People are cunning; they love to imagine and love to spread stories they’ve heard. With that much of a remark, by the time it passes through two or three people, it will become the story we want.”
“But will you be okay? To see the result you want, you’ll have to get married…”
Hisoo Hyun, unable to bring himself to talk about an unhappy marriage, trailed off.
But Jinhyuk Park looked at him as if he roughly knew what Hisoo Hyun wanted to say.
“I never had much interest in married life. But if changing my mind and getting married can get me something, I’ll endure even if the life doesn’t appeal to me. I’m not a shameless person who wants to take without giving anything.”
Jinhyuk Park said it with a casual smile, but those present couldn’t laugh.
Because they knew how big a part marriage plays in life.
“What are your plans for Christmas?”
“I’m not sure. Probably just stay home.”
“I’m planning to spend it in Australia this time. Want to come along?”
“I can’t leave when my father is away. Let’s go together another time if we get the chance.”
“Ah~. You must be busy anyway. So are you the one making all the decisions for DS now?”
“Not exactly… but I suppose it could turn out that way.”
Jinhyuk Park slowly looked over the person sitting across from him with coffee in front of them.
‘Did they say crows like shiny things? Did this person turn into a crow in a woman’s body? She’s so sparkly it’s hard to look at.’
It wasn’t enough to say blinding; she was decked out in jewelry all over her body.
Jinhyuk Park brushed his knees, stood up, and said,
“Well then, let’s meet again another time.”
“Hey~ Are you leaving just like that?”
“Sorry, I have another appointment.”
When Jinhyuk Park made to leave, the woman hurriedly tried to stop him.
But he bowed his head, gave a greeting, and turned away.
“How was it?”
Junwoo Kim, who had been waiting outside, rushed over and asked upon seeing Jinhyuk Park.
“30 million.”
Junwoo Kim quickly wrote “[Hongseong Electronics – 30 million]” in the notebook he was holding.
Above that entry were other company names and numbers.
Junwoo Kim didn’t understand what it meant, but every time Jinhyuk Park finished a meeting, he’d call out a number, and Junwoo Kim would write it down and wrap up the introductions.