Chapter 68
Chapter 68
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: Ahn Ho-won, Chairman of Daehan Middle School
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Ahn Ho-won, chairman of Daehan Middle School.
As befitting the man running a prestigious middle school, he had something special about him.
He valued a person's inner qualities over their outward appearance, you could say.
He recognized Jin Seol-young's worth at a glance.
As you know, I'm a Kim, and Seol-young is a Jin. He didn't pry into our complicated family history. But more than that, he had an exceptional talent for spotting talent.
He subjected a middle schooler to a stress interview, the kind companies use on adults. Even meticulously prepared grown applicants struggle with this method.
The stress interview gauges reactions by throwing unexpected questions, deliberately contradicting answers, or maintaining long silences.
It focuses intensely on how well the candidate manages stress during the interview.
'Impressive indeed. The title of modern-day aristocratic academy isn't undeserved.'
This school was attended by children of chaebol families.
As well as offspring of high-ranking officials.
It's obvious how sky-high the self-esteem would be for those born with everything. They'd look down on anyone inferior as a matter of course.
Ahn Ho-won had put it this way.
This wasn't a place where mere talent alone could endure.
It was a miniature society, just like the outside world.
He'd asked us about it.
However.
Jin Seol-young smoothly navigated Chairman Ahn Ho-won's pressure. Her time hospitalized probably forged a stronger heart than most.
Her little sister, who barely survived the brink of death.
That one girl had waged a fierce battle on the boundary between life and death.
'Her English is impressive, and she seems fluent in multiple languages...'
Didn't she once say something like that?
While confined to the hospital, she'd lived with dictionaries in hand.
Not just that—math, languages, sciences, liberal arts.
I'd heard from Jin Seol-hwa that there was nothing she hadn't studied.
'A genius. No, a genius harboring resentment.'
A tragic genius whose thirst for knowledge was thwarted by her frail body, forced to give up.
And now, such a genius had been reborn through me.
With the talent to realize her dreams, no less.
I glanced at Seol-young, who was listening intently.
Did she sense my gaze?
She whipped her head around and flashed a bright sunflower-like smile, revealing her white teeth.
That innocence was just like any kid her age.
I want to protect her.
Just a few years ago, I'd been holed up in my room jerking off to internet streams, getting vicarious thrills.
But not anymore.
I had money now, and a certain degree of power.
Even if the youngest grandson of the Ilseong Group showed up, I could handle it.
After all, Jin Seol-young had heavyweights backing her up solidly.
Jin Seol-hwa, Im Yun-ah, Park Seong-ho, Olivia, and countless others.
'You don't even need to study hard—just stay healthy and grow up.'
I barely swallowed the words rising to my throat.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After the meeting with the chairman, Jin Seol-young showed a different side.
I don't know how to put it, but she'd matured a level?
If you ask whether "mature" suits a middle schooler, I'm not sure. But one thing was clear: her bedtime had gotten later. Maybe she'd inherited her sister's competitive streak against peers.
"Is Seol-young still awake?"
"Yes. She's still studying."
"Sigh, I'm worried she'll wear herself out."
"Should I go in and force her to sleep?"
Im Yun-ah started to rise and head toward Seol-young's room.
"No. Let her be."
"You sure? The doctor said to prioritize rest."
"Still, it's better than stressing her out. People are happiest doing what they love."
She'll manage her own body.
I can step in only if she goes overboard.
Jin Seol-young was diligently tackling things she'd always wanted to try. One day, a small notebook neatly placed by her bed.
What I'd once called the "Death Note" was actually pretty ordinary.
Swing on the playground.
Watch anime with sis and uncle.
Walk in the nearby park for an hour a day.
Eat at a nice restaurant with friends, etc.
Simple wishes she could've easily fulfilled if not for her illness.
"By the way, when is Prisia arriving?"
To attend school, she needed a driver-cum-bodyguard. In other chaebol households, the group leader's close aides handled such duties.
"She's scheduled to arrive next week."
"Time flies, doesn't it."
It felt like yesterday I'd won the lottery.
Yet years had passed.
Come New Year, I'd be 32.
The age where others marry, have kids, and take on serious roles at work—maybe assistant manager?
And here I was, set to become the head of a group.
The realization hit fresh.
"Before Prisia arrives, double-check the car Seol-young will use. And as Seol-hwa said, we need to beef up the mansion's security."
"More CCTVs?"
"Hmm, more than that..."
The empty mansion next door was an eyesore. Probably around 13 billion won. I'd already confirmed through a realtor that prices had dropped further.
Not as grand as the one used by Han Myeong Group's head, but solidly built.
"Buy the mansion next door. Look into it."
"Got it."
Later, guests could use it, or I could demolish it for a playground where Seol-young could run around.
'Or make it a helipad.'
If someone fell ill, airlifting via rescue chopper straight to the hospital was an option over an ambulance.
Bill Textron's order in the US was nearly complete.
Handong Medical Center was already using advanced doctor helicopters effectively. Safety was paramount for them—they had to operate in rain, snow, or storms to be worthwhile.
Bill Textron's choppers excelled in harsh conditions.
Cost-effective too, with multiple countries adopting them.
'Great feedback.'
Noise reduced by 50% compared to existing models, cutting complaints in half.
Apparently fine for open use in big cities.
'Now, what's left...'
Construction of DJ Group's headquarters entrusted to Han Myeong, and the group's launch.
Those two were the top priorities.
Of course, Seol-young's middle school life couldn't be ignored either.
"Ugh, so busy, busy!"
"President, you okay? I brewed some calming tea."
The warm tea Im Yun-ah prepared spread from my fingertips through my body.
Her skills had leveled up.
"Back to work."
"Yes, sir."
I dove into the reports from Starlight and Future Distribution.
Aah, another grueling overtime night confirmed.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The site for DJ Group's headquarters was finalized in Yeongdeungpo-gu.
A prime spot popped up, so we snapped it up and started erecting the building frame.
With Han Myeong Construction in full swing, the company grew visibly day by day.
And so, the awaited day arrived.
Prisia was coming to Korea.
Waiting at the airport early morning, a hulking woman approached from afar.
Knock knock!
I opened the window to the giant woman.
Prisia greeted me politely.
"An honor to meet you. I'm Prisia."
"Ah, nice to meet you too. Hop in."
She's the quiet type, huh.
Her expression barely changed, but she communicated with faint smiles or nods.
Later, we stopped at a Korean restaurant for a meal.
"……"
The clink of utensils.
Even her eating was impeccably neat. So tidy, it was mesmerizing just watching her handle her chopsticks flawlessly.
Yeah.
She ate like a trainee in front of an instructor.
"Eat comfortably."
"No, this is comfortable."
Classic.
Im Yun-ah version 2.0.
Glancing sideways, another stoic woman? was chewing her food.
"I heard you worked in counter-terrorism. What did you do?"
"Mostly bomb detection and tracking."
Ah, that means sniffer dogs.
Using superior senses to find hidden bombs or hazards in various environments. Prisia had done that.
"With all your certifications, you didn't have to join Selig..."
"I needed the money."
"Money?"
"Born and raised in the slums. Did everything. Once worked as a mercenary hunting feral hogs in Texas."
"Feral hogs?"
"Yes. They breed like crazy and devour crops. Farmers hunt them themselves or hire mercenaries, with police cooperation."
Im Yun-ah filled in the gaps.
"America's vast with fertile land, perfect for wildlife. Texas has mild winters, making it a headache."
Prisia nodded in agreement.
"Surprisingly lucrative."
"!"
"Close to real combat but low risk, so popular even as a tourist package."
Meal done in under 20 minutes.
She barely chewed, swallowing fast.
Won't she get indigestion?
"I heard my new mission is protecting a certain girl."
"Yes. She's precious to me, like a little sister."
"Could I meet her?"
I planned to introduce them anyway.
Seol-young was studying at home.
Really hooked on studying lately.
"!"
Seeing the adorably bite-sized Jin Seol-young, Prisia's jaw dropped, body swaying.
What, what?
This woman has weird eyes?
"Th-that..."
Prisia couldn't continue.
Then, in front of Seol-young, she dropped to her knees.
"Eek!"
And suddenly hugged her tight.
Hearts popped from her eyes.
I moved to stop her but saw Im Yun-ah shaking her head.
Her gesture pointed to Prisia, who was over the moon.
"I-I just have to protect this adorable child?"
Now it clicked.
She was like me—unable to resist cuteness.