Chapter 91

Chapter 91 \nChapter 91\n

 

While every day was busy, Chungsik Park was more vigorous than ever. He did have a “silent confrontation” (p!ssing match) regarding the final authority over fiscal policy with Daehwan Cho, the Director of Accounting. However, the recent personnel changes cemented Chungsik’s position as Jeonil’s second-in-command. He was the major stockholder for over thirty firms, had given birth to the Jeonil Bank, and Jeonil owned enough land to stretch from Seoul to Busan. He was nicknamed the Financial President of Korea now.

 

“Please don’t say such things.”

 

Chungsik Park shook his head.

 

“How could a foreign girl do so much? You were the one who did everything.”

Hwan Cho realized his mistake right after saying so, as Chungsik Park’s smile disappeared in an instant.

 

“I’m sorry. Will drinking this as punishment be OK?”

 

Hwan Cho poured soju into a water glass, filling it half way, and slammed it down before Chungsik Park could stop him. (EN: Soju is a clear, colorless distilled alcoholic beverage of Korean origin. It is usually consumed neat, and its alcohol content varies from about 16.8% to 53% alcohol by volume (ABV). Most brands of soju are made in South Korea. While soju is traditionally made from the grains of rice, wheat, or barley, modern producers often replace rice with other starches, such as potato and sweet potato. This liquor features in the drinking culture of Korea.) (EN: And it’s harsh. And the hangovers are deadly. ^_^)

 

“I will have a large drink, too.”

“Don’t say that. This is punishment for me saying too much.”

 

However, Chungsik Park still drank it, as he had not suffered from hangovers recently.

 

“Our CEO is the best there is, despite her young age and beauty hiding it. Ilsung’s CEO is also a woman.”

“Yes, do I need to drink another shot for punishment?”

“No.”\n

“Then, don’t be so angry. How can I live when the “Unofficial” Financial President’s face is like that?”

“It’s an exaggeration. You know that I’m not rich, my personal worth is less than your fingernail.”

“You can’t fool me. If you wanted money, you would have remained in Kim and Park. I saw what happened today. That old man from Daehyeon, and Ilsung’s young girl could not say anything in front of you. That was a treat.”

Chungsik Park smiled and checked his wristwatch. Hwan Cho began to speak faster.

 

“I’m holding you back. I’ll get to the point.”

“Please.”

“Hansil Confectionary. That’s yours, right?”

 

While Hwan Cho sounded indifferent, Chungsik Park knew what he was thinking. He remained silent, as he was at an advantage and he needed only to wait for the opponent to speak, to crush him.

 

“Aren’t you going to talk?”

“What more can I say?”

“Put Jeonil’s shares in Hansil on the market, and I will take care of the rest. I will give you 100 billion won.” (EN: Approximately $150,000,000 in 2021 dollars.)

 

Chungsik Park did not flinch at the astronomical amount.

 

“I would have done so if it was my property, and not Jeonil’s,  but what more can I say? Why does Hansil matter so much to you?”

“You’ve become cunning. I know that it’s your work.”

 

Jamie had ordered a while ago to gain certain subsidiaries no matter what, and Hansil had been one of the smallest subsidiaries in the Hansil Group. Hansil Foods was the bigger company, but…

Hansil Confectionary manages Hansil Group’s owner shares. Things will get intense. Chungsik Park took a drink. (EN: Yep, Sun sneaked in to buy up the Hansil Chaebol without anyone noticing until it was too late. ^_^)\n 

“I need to go back to the firm since it’s late.”

“I can give you ten times more.”“As you said, I don’t want money.”

“Everyone likes money, and how can you be sure that you will remain in Jeonil next year? Prepare a retirement fund.”

“Thank you for your advice. I will take your leave.”

“Hey, hey!”

Chungsik Park smiled as Hansil’s president had been too late. Daehyun had offered 200 billion won. He did not envy anyone of any Chaebol, as everyone with money had to bow to him. Chungsik Park went back to his car.

 

“Hansil’s secretaries placed something in your trunk.”

The driver spoke, and Chungsik Park’s tone was mild.

 

“I heard that you’re a smart one…”

“Yes.”

“You should know better.”

“I’m sorry.”“Since this is your first day, I’ll forget this. Remove what’s in the trunk.”

 

Chungsik Park turned on his cell phone as he leaned back in the seat.

 

<I am coming back to the firm and I may be late.>

<Let’s reschedule the account meeting for tomorrow morning. Will you go home?>\n“Korean reporters don’t know anything yet.”

“That’s why I called you here. To hear directly from you.”

As the country suffered during the Asian Financial Crisis, the large conglomerates and Chaebols created slush funds and reorganized their management system, so certain firms acted as holding firms. For instance, the Ilsung Group circulated their working capital out of their holding companies, so Ilsung Dreamland owned the entire group, and Daehyun Elevator with Hansil Confectionary acted like that. The holding company’s  shares were owned by the top of each group and would be at the center of management right successions. That was how groups could be ruled with so few shares.

 

“I’ve been waiting.”

 

Jamie looked confident now.