The Genius Grandson of the Loan King - Chapter 76 (76/840)
< What am I doing? >
#76
What am I doing?
Grandfather was lost in thought, silent.
"Are there many accounts in Mr. Ha's name?"
"Yes."
During the real-name financial system implementation, most of the nominee accounts were transferred to Mr. Ha's name.
"Once you decide, Grandfather, let's start by converting the money in those accounts to dollars."
Finally, Grandfather nodded.
"Do as you see fit. If that's what you think."
"Thank you, Grandfather."
With Grandfather's approval, there was no need to hesitate. I planned to convert all the cash assets to dollars as quickly as possible.
"Move all the money in Mr. Ha's accounts to foreign banks and exchange it there. Not our domestic banks, but definitely foreign banks."
Money wasn't just in the accounts.
"Exchange the cash in the underground safe using the money changers in Myeongdong."
Cash that no one knows about has its own value.
Since it doesn't leave a record, it can be used for bribes without much issue.
"Leave the real assets like real estate and gold bars as they are. Just convert the won to dollars cleanly."
"I understand, Chairman. I'll leave now."
"Alright. Do as Muhyuk suggests."
After Mr. Ha left, it was just Grandfather and me.
"Now, tell me what you're waiting for. I'm curious."
Just because he sensed an unusual atmosphere, no one could have predicted the large-scale bankruptcy of major corporations.
The policy of "large horses never die" (大馬不死) means the government would never let major corporations fail. This led to their complacency.
Irresponsible issuance of bills was suffocating small and medium-sized enterprises.
"Grandfather, I believe an economic crisis will hit our country within two years at the latest. You know how banks and financial companies are lending money."
Banks aside, the business model of financial companies was excessively畸形.
They borrowed money at low interest rates from foreign banks for short terms and lent it to companies at higher interest rates for long terms.
Grandfather nodded, but he still seemed to struggle to understand.
"Even so, would the whole country collapse so easily? We've had crises before, but the government has always managed to prevent them."
During the Third and Fifth Republics, economic crises hit due to oil shocks. The government used any means necessary to prevent companies from failing.
Thanks to this, companies survived, but it led to internal rot.
The rot should have been addressed before it burst. Propping up failing companies was the root of the problem.
"South Korea is in a comprehensive crisis. The weakness of the yen has dealt a fatal blow to our export-dependent economy, and various incidents and accidents have occurred due to corruption and shoddy construction. It's on the verge of bursting, even if it's not visible. Foreign investors will leave, and a rapid outflow of dollars will follow. The government will do its best to maintain the exchange rate."
"Hmm..."
As I spoke with certainty, Grandfather stroked his chin.
"The government's choice will be the worst."
"I see. Now I understand why you've been consistently liquidating bonds and converting to dollars."
"Grandfather will rise to a higher position again. Dollars have that kind of power."
"Hehehe."
Grandfather laughed heartily, seemingly in a good mood.
"Your concern for this old man is appreciated, but I'm done. Let Muhyuk take the lead."
I still needed to stay in the background.
Until I had the power to cut off the Blue Wind Society's lifeline, I couldn't step forward.
"Grandfather, it's not over yet. There's one last thing I want you to do."
Grandfather's eyes fixed on me.
"Boy, what are you so afraid of?"
With the wisdom of his years, Grandfather seemed to see through me.
"You won't gain anything by avoiding what you fear. I don't know what scares you so much, but I trust you. You can do better than me."
"Grandfather."
"I'm ready to rest. I don't want to be a backroom old man, but you should do what you can. Understand?"
Grandfather's sincere words made me feel at ease.
What was I afraid of?
Much has changed.
I saved Grandmother and brought down the Chunsu brothers.
I've also successfully weakened the Blue Wind Society to some extent.
"I understand. But Grandfather, you still need to help me. I'm still too young."
"Hehehe. Young? Who sees you as young? You're an old soul."
Grandfather laughed heartily, then suddenly started coughing.
"Cough, cough!"
His condition looked serious, and I worried, but he waved me off.
"I'm fine. It happens sometimes. I've lived a long life."
"Grandfather..."
"The doctor says there's no major problem, but I've been feeling weak lately. You can't fight time."
Grandfather had a sudden health scare before.
Even when Mr. Ha managed his health meticulously...
"Your in-law visits often. No matter how busy he is, he's not young either. Remember my words. Don't regret it later."
Grandfather's words hit me like a hammer.
'What am I doing?'
Calling every day wasn't enough. Revenge was important, but I couldn't lose Grandmother like I did in my previous life.
"Thank you, Grandfather."
"You're welcome."
As soon as I left the study, I told Manager Ma.
"Cancel all my appointments. I'm heading to Busan immediately."
Manager Ma moved quickly.
While preparing, I made a call.
― Hello.
"Hyunsung, I'm going to Busan. Do you want to come with me?"
― Suddenly?
"Yeah. It's been too long since I last saw Grandmother."
― What about Myeongsu?
"Myeongsu isn't a child. Don't worry and get ready. I'll pick you up."
― Got it. I'll call Mom. I'll hang up.
After hanging up, the thought of sitting in the car in silence for a few hours made me shudder.
"All appointments are canceled. We can leave now."
"Are the staff on standby?"
Since the beginning of the year, I've been traveling with two cars, each with four of Manager Ma's subordinates, one in front and one behind.
In the car I ride in, one of Manager Ma's subordinates drives with me.
It was inconvenient, but Manager Ma insisted, saying he didn't know what the Yakuza and Blue Wind Society would do.
Unlike Grandfather, who rarely goes out, I travel frequently, so his advice made sense.
On the way to Myeongsu's house to pick up Hyunsung.
"How is PMC doing?"
"We're preparing to establish a legal entity in the U.S. You can trust the experts there."
I hired an administrative expert and former special forces member from EO, who was Manager Ma's superior, to handle all the business.
The terms were a high salary and 10% of PMC's shares as stock options.
"Eric Clark, right?"
"Yes. He's a former Navy SEAL officer with good special forces connections and expertise in military operations. He'll handle it well."
"Still, I can't leave everything to him. Someone needs to be there."
"I'll look into it."
"Have him come to Korea once."
"Understood."
While talking about PMC, we arrived at Myeongsu's house.
Hyunsung was already waiting outside, fully prepared.
"Get in."
I opened the back door, and Hyunsung got in silently.
The car was silent the whole way to Busan, just as I expected.
When the suffocating time ended, I got out of the car, genuinely happy.
"Grandma!"
Surprised to see me, Grandma jumped up from her seat.
"What? Who is this?"
"Who else? Your grandson."
"My child, why are you here without any notice? Did you come for business? Let me see your face."
I had only visited at the beginning of the year, citing busyness, and hadn't come for summer or Chuseok. Or rather, I hadn't come.
'Your in-law isn't young either.'
Grandfather's words echoed in my ears.
Chasing revenge could make me neglect the most important and precious things.
When I first reincarnated, I was grateful to whoever brought me back, just for saving Grandma.
But as time passed, my initial resolve faded.
'I need to focus.'
I didn't want to regret anything this time.
"Are you eating well? Why are you so thin?"
As Grandma touched my face, tears welled up in my eyes.
"I'm not thin. I've been exercising because I was getting fat."
"What? What do you have to lose weight for? But why are you here? What's the matter?"
Noticing the moisture in my eyes, Grandma asked, surprised.
"Nothing. I just missed you."
"Is something wrong?"
"Nothing. I'm eating and sleeping well."
"My child, you're doing well."
Grandma's wrinkled face lit up with a smile, making me feel good.
"I missed you, Grandma."
I took a step closer and hugged her tightly.
Her hands on my back felt so comforting.
"I didn't know you were coming, so I didn't prepare anything. Take a shower and wait. I'll go buy groceries quickly."
"We could go out to eat..."
"What? Since it's been so long, you have to eat what Grandma cooks."
Grandma's angry face was cute.
"Alright, alright. I'll be quick."
Grandma, who was looking for her wallet, tried to go out without a coat.