Sambo Computer's Proposal
Shortly after, at Dokkaebi Computer, Yoo Jae-won and the principal climbed into the Royal Prince driven by Lee Yong-kwon. The principal took the back seat. Yoo Jae-won sat in the passenger seat. Lee Yong-kwon had offered Jae-won the back, but Jae-won insisted on riding up front, resulting in this arrangement. Their destination was the Chinese restaurant.
After brief introductions, a light conversation followed. Soon Lee Yong-kwon offered to treat them to a meal, and the principal deferred the menu choice to Yoo Jae-won.
“Jajangmyeon, please!”
Though Yoo Jae-won already possessed an adult palate, this was still a time when he had to tread carefully. He called out for jajangmyeon, the ultimate dish for a child’s taste buds. Lee Yong-kwon chuckled, saying he’d expected as much, and headed toward a Chinese restaurant in town.
The ride was exceptionally smooth, as expected from such a fine car. The newly paved asphalt road leading out of Deokjin-ri had little traffic, so they encountered no congestion.
“Ganghuije?”
The place they arrived at was Ganghuije, a Chinese restaurant in Yeoju, just six minutes by car from Deokjin-ri. Though it was 1988, Yeoju was a city that already had everything one might need. Ganghuije was not merely a delivery-only spot but a proper traditional Chinese establishment.
Lee Yong-kwon ordered not only the jajangmyeon Yoo Jae-won had requested but also expensive dishes like sweet-and-sour pork and palbochae, one after another, displaying his generous spirit. A single bowl of jajangmyeon cost 800 won, while the sweet-and-sour pork and palbochae ran four to five thousand won each. Even from the food alone, it was obvious that the real target of the hospitality was the principal, not Yoo Jae-won.
Yet a question arose. If the principal was the main target, wouldn’t an evening meal or a drinking session have been more natural? The answer was simple. While the principal was indeed a key figure to win over, Yoo Jae-won himself was also an important person. The problem was that the other party was a fifth-grade elementary student, so alcohol was out of the question. They had to share either lunch or dinner. Since they didn’t know where he lived, they would have to visit the school, which was impossible in the evening when no one was around. Therefore, lunch was the only option. The scene might have seemed odd, but there was a reason for everything.
The jajangmyeon was delicious. It was the real thing—made with a recipe focused solely on taste, without the slightest concern for organic ingredients or health claims. The chunjang had been stir-fried in pork fat, with just the right amounts of MSG, sugar, and even caramel. Vegetables and meat were cut into generous chunks and ladled over handmade noodles, topped with a perfectly fried egg. When Jae-won mixed it thoroughly and took a big bite, a storm of flavor swept away any anxiety or impatience about the future. The other dishes were excellent as well. The taste was clearly different from the delivery-only Chinese restaurants. Moreover, since someone else was paying, he had no complaints about the higher prices.
“The impact of Yoo Jae-won’s typing practice software at the competition was tremendous.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
“His command of programming languages, the speed with which he made it fully functional in such a short time, and the logical clarity with which he explained his own program were all superior to those of high school students. Even the experts were astonished. How could words possibly capture it?”
At Lee Yong-kwon’s praise, a broad smile spread across the principal’s face. Yoo Jae-won and the principal shared no blood relation and the principal had never personally taught him. Their only connection was that they belonged to the same school. Still, it was a joyful occasion to have the vice president of a major Seoul company personally visit to praise one of his students.
The main topic soon surfaced.
“That’s why we at Sambo Computer would like to refine Yoo Jae-won’s typing practice software into a more polished form and distribute it to schools, companies, and government offices. We’ve already had positive discussions with the Ministry of Communications. What are your thoughts, Yoo Jae-won?”
The real discussion had finally begun. Yoo Jae-won, who had been focused on slurping his jajangmyeon, looked at the principal with an innocent expression. The principal was firmly on Jae-won’s side and possessed considerable experience from his long career in education.
“In other words, you want to purchase our Jae-won’s typing practice software for Sambo Computer. I may not be his parent, but if the evaluation is that high, there should be appropriate compensation.”
The principal had lived up to Yoo Jae-won’s expectations. Few people could so naturally demand, “Tell us exactly what you’re offering,” the way he did.
“Ah, of course that’s only right.”
Vice President Lee Yong-kwon of Sambo Computer did not appear flustered. He had evidently prepared thoroughly before leaving Seoul. Moreover, as the younger brother of Chairman Lee Yong-tae, he belonged to the company’s royal family and possessed the authority to adjust the offer as the situation demanded. Still, he was confident that the proposal he had brought was strong enough to sway a rural principal, a fifth-grade elementary student, and the boy’s parents.
“We will provide one latest-model 386 computer and a one-million-won scholarship to the school. For Yoo Jae-won himself, we will grant a two-million-won scholarship. That will be sufficient in exchange for the copyright to his typing practice software.”
The principal’s eyes widened instantly. A 386 computer started at a minimum of 2.7 million won. The reason the principal, who found modern technology unfamiliar and difficult to grasp, knew the price of the latest computer so well was, of course, thanks to Yoo Jae-won. Having sent the only student in the entire school who owned a computer to the competition, the principal had intensively researched computers after the gamble paid off. Naturally, the first thing he learned was the price. A box with a television attached cost as much as a mid-size car. Now they were offering one of these expensive latest-model computers plus a one-million-won scholarship. On top of that, they promised a separate two-million-won scholarship for Jae-won. The boy gazing at him with bright eyes was truly a blessing. Even so, the principal did not nod immediately. His years of experience had taught him caution. The fact that the other side had brought such favorable terms suggested a great deal. The most plausible reason was that what Jae-won had created was outstanding enough to warrant the vice president of Korea’s top computer company making the trip himself.
Even to the principal, who knew little about computers, the typing practice software clearly had practical value. Watching the demonstration during special activity time in the computer lab, he could see how following the on-screen instructions would dispel any fear of computers and help students become familiar with the keyboard. Furthermore, Jae-won’s typing speed during the long-text practice demonstration surpassed that of professional stenographers.
“I see. However, since I don’t know much about computers, it’s difficult for me to judge whether this is appropriate. Moreover, our Jae-won is only twelve years old, so his parents’ consent is required. Surely you’re not asking for an immediate yes or no right here?”
“Of course not. But if his own intentions are firm and he has your advice, his parents will likely give their approval much more quickly. That said, if we delay too long, it could become a serious problem.”
What did that mean?
“Yoo Jae-won’s idea is simply that good. Not only has it appeared in the newspapers, but word of mouth among experts is spreading rapidly.”
By this point, Yoo Jae-won had roughly grasped the situation. The principal, however, still did not understand what was being discussed. Having spent his entire life teaching, he knew little about the computer industry. Therefore, Vice President Lee Yong-kwon had to explain in greater detail.
“At the very least in one month, and at most in two, I expect typing practice software to appear like mushrooms after rain.”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
“Sambo Computer has a clear understanding of copyright. As you can see from Bosukgeul, we obtained a license from Time Maker Research in the United States. Other companies, however, are different.”
Yoo Jae-won nodded. He had already anticipated this. Copyright awareness remained abysmal until the early 2000s. In 1988, there was no need to even discuss it.
“Do you know what Daeho Electronics, Mirae Information & Communications, and Ilseong Computer have in common?”
This time the principal could answer.
“Well… aren’t they all subsidiaries of large corporations?”
“Correct. They are chaebol subsidiaries. That’s why they disregard business ethics and commit even minor illegal acts without hesitation. They bulldoze their way forward and clean up the mess later. According to industry rumors, these companies are hastily assembling development teams. Of course, they won’t be obtaining copyright permission before they begin. Ah, since you’re here, I might as well ask directly. Yoo Jae-won, have you been contacted by anyone besides us?”
“No.”
“Whew, that’s a relief. In any case, the point is that the sooner the better. Well, shall we leave the heavy talk at that? Please eat without feeling burdened. Would you like me to order anything else? Jae-won, is one bowl of jajangmyeon enough?”
Vice President Lee Yong-kwon believed he had struck the right balance between carrot and stick and attempted to control the pace accordingly. In a situation where the intention was already transparent, it was meaningless, yet both Yoo Jae-won and the principal followed his lead and focused on their meal.
“Yes! It’s incredibly delicious.”
It was genuinely a wonderful lunch, not mere flattery. He would have to bring his parents and relatives here for a proper meal someday.
“Jae-won, there’s no need to agonize too much over Sambo Computer’s offer.”
Inside the taxi returning to school. Vice President Lee Yong-tae had already been sent off, and they were riding in the taxi the principal had hailed.
“Why not?”
“From what I’ve seen, they’re the ones in a hurry. Don’t make a hasty decision you’ll regret just because we got a free meal. Besides, the fact that the large corporations haven’t contacted you yet could mean, as Sambo Computer said, that they intend to ignore copyright and produce knockoffs. But it could also simply be because their decision-making process is slow. If we wait a little, contact will come.”
Surprisingly, the principal was taking Yoo Jae-won’s side.
“Moreover, corporations never make offers that would result in losses for themselves. Sambo Computer acts as though they alone follow the law and have Jae-won’s best interests at heart, but whether the compensation they offered is truly fair is another matter.”
The principal’s words were undeniably correct.
“Either the typing practice software Jae-won created is worth far more, or the situation at Sambo Computer makes this deal essential for them. In times like these, the advice is to proceed calmly. And whatever decision you make, I’ll support you.”
His advice was also accurate. In truth, Yoo Jae-won had already formed a rough estimate the moment he heard Vice President Lee Yong-kwon’s proposal. Especially when they asked only for the copyright, it revealed their confidence that they could purchase the idea and improve it significantly themselves. Furthermore, unlike the large corporations, the fact that they had come first to secure the copyright had to be viewed objectively. While Sambo Computer claimed to respect copyright as company policy, it was also possible they simply needed his fame. From a broader perspective, there might even be a connection to Department Head Kim Won-jung at the Ministry of Communications.
After the award ceremony, Kim had spoken with Jae-won privately and repeatedly expressed high expectations for the future. He had also asked where Jae-won had learned to use computers. Jae-won, quick on his feet, replied that he had gained early access to computers thanks to the Ministry’s school computer supply project, which sparked his curiosity and suited his aptitude. Kim had been delighted and mentioned that when discussing the Ministry’s achievements in the school computer supply project, he would place Jae-won at the forefront.
Sambo Computer intended to obtain the copyright to the typing practice software from Yoo Jae-won in order to secure a larger share of the school computer supply project contract by impressing the Ministry of Communications. Come to think of it, he recalled that the newspaper Soo-kyung had brought mentioned something similar. The Ministry was considering supplying typing practice software to schools, and Sambo Computer wanted to build on that story.
If Sambo Computer quickly partnered with Yoo Jae-won and supplied the Ministry, it would paint a favorable picture. Moreover, Sambo Computer’s name had clearly appeared among the sponsors of the competition. There was undoubtedly a close relationship with the Ministry of Communications. They had probably already discussed distribution methods as well.
The conclusion was clear. Sambo Computer desperately needed the officially copyrighted version of Yoo Jae-won’s typing practice software. The calculation was now simple. As the principal had said, all he had to do was determine whether the compensation Sambo Computer had offered was fair.
“Hmm.”
Looking at Sambo Computer’s proposal as a whole, it amounted to roughly 2.5 years of his father Yoo Bong-man’s salary. However, the 386 computer and one million won in scholarship were being given to the school, not to him. Jae-won’s share was only two million won. It was easy to see why the school’s portion had been set twice as high as the actual creator’s. Presumably, they intended to use the principal as leverage, hoping he would pressure Jae-won in pursuit of greater support for the school.
In any case, excluding the school’s share, only two million won remained. That was the price of a single hit song he had given to Nam-hee. It was an absurdly low amount. Interestingly, even though it was undervalued, Sambo Computer’s offer was considerably more gentlemanly compared to the large corporations Yoo Jae-won had dealt with in his previous life. Vice President Lee Yong-kwon might have exaggerated, but such behavior was largely factual. Yoo Jae-won had experienced it firsthand in his past life. Even if they came later claiming to make amends, they would not offer better terms than Sambo Computer. Still, being better than the chaebols did not mean their proposal satisfied him. It was obvious they viewed him as nothing more than a child.
“Yes, I understand. I’ll think it over at home and let you know. If any questions arise, may I call you, Principal?”
“Of course. Call anytime.”
At Yoo Jae-won’s straightforward reply, the principal patted his shoulder and nodded. The taxi soon arrived at the school. Yoo Jae-won headed to the classroom while the principal returned to the principal’s office. The principal, who had waved back at Jae-won’s polite bow, walked away with a light step. Watching that figure, Yoo Jae-won revised his previous preconceptions—in a positive direction.
In his previous life, his memories of the principal had been nothing but a miserly teacher who rarely opened the computer lab. That image had persisted even after Jae-won received the ministerial award. Now that he had met the principal in person and spoken with him, he realized this was an educator with a genuine sense of vocation, unlike his past recollections.
If the principal had strongly urged his parents, they might have secured what they wanted regardless of Yoo Jae-won’s own wishes. Yet the principal had prioritized Jae-won’s intentions over a gain worth six million won. Saying so was easy; acting on it was far from simple. It was exceptional. Through the precious experiences of his previous life, Yoo Jae-won had witnessed countless times how matters involving money could lead to unimaginable conflicts. Among them, the very thing that had ruined his business and driven it into the ground had been money-related. When large corporations tempted people with money, even those who had worked with him for years betrayed him without exception.
In contrast, the principal of Deokjin Elementary, while admittedly frugal and cautious with money, treated those he liked like family. The reason Yoo Jae-won had never seen that side before was simply because the principal’s standards for approval had been extremely high. In this life, by winning the ministerial award, Jae-won had been able to witness a different side of him.
“Perhaps there are more people I’ll need to reassess.”
Countless individuals would appear in his future plans. All of their evaluations had been based on his previous life. Yet, as with the principal, there would be cases where memory and reality did not align. Especially during childhood, there would be many such people. From now on, he would have to be careful about judging others based solely on memory.
“The impact of the typing practice software is on the level of a nuclear bomb, too.”
At the same time, he revised his plans regarding the aftermath created by the typing practice software. He hadn’t expected it to become this popular. Because he hadn’t anticipated this, his original plan had been to simply release it freely. He had intended to make it available not only to those around him but also through BBS services like KETEL so anyone could use it. After raising his own profile with the typing practice software, he had planned to deliver one decisive blow and immediately rise as Korea’s top software company.
The reason he had set the plan somewhat loosely was because of the timing of his regression. Since he had started at age twelve, he had originally planned to wait until high school, when he could speak with adults on equal footing. Of course, he wouldn’t have been idle until then. The original design had been to establish a foundation by winning over his parents at home and relatives such as his uncle’s and aunt’s families in the front yard.
“I think I can start right now.”
With a reliable ally like the principal, there was no reason to delay the start. Moreover, the typing practice software was an attractive item. At a time when computers were just beginning to spread nationwide, it was software needed everywhere—schools, professions that required computer use, and even the computer academies springing up like mushrooms. It was no exaggeration to call it killer software.
Having thought this far, Yoo Jae-won clenched his fist.
“Let’s do it!”
He had made his decision. He would go for it. In business, there were times to proceed cautiously, tapping the stepping stones, and times to charge forward boldly. This was clearly a moment that called for boldness.