Chapter 34
Chapter 34
“Though it’s five times the fair value, if the team leader believes so, I assume there’s a valid and reasonable reason behind it.”
It was not the reaction I expected.
I thought someone would oppose it.
Seok Dong-min, Deputy General Manager, with a sharp presence like a well-honed blade. He had once been a famous kendo athlete.
He was the best at company analysis and valuation at Mirae Securities, and notoriously picky. In a year’s worth of reports, he had rarely given a positive evaluation. His assessments of company value were always conservative.
And yet, he was in favor… I was curious about his reasoning.
“What… makes you support it?”
“Because of the startup’s growth potential.”
Others seemed to agree, nodding along.
“Growth potential?”
“In assessing startup growth, I don’t think anyone—not even in Yeouido—can keep up with the team leader. I’ve heard rumors in the papers that Chairman Seong of Seongjeong is similar to the team leader.”
“If it’s just rumors, then it’s nonsense,” I thought. But looking at the team, it seemed they took those rumors seriously.
This could be tricky…
“What about you, Deputy Choi?”
“I agree as well.”
“Section Chief Cha Hwa-jung?”
—nod.
“Manager Woo Man-yong?”
“No problem.”
“Even though it’s five times more than fair value?”
“The TF team fully trusts the team leader’s decision. Blessed are those who believe,” Woo Man-yong said.
“Exactly. Only those who believe are truly blessed. Weak faith can result in losses.”
Kim Yu-seong, observing the meeting, spoke firmly. He had lost billions before because he didn’t trust me.
In any case, the reaction was so different from what I expected, I was stunned.
“Then we’ll proceed with the bid at 100 billion won.”
“Yes.”
I continued, addressing the team.
“I’m considering bringing Risk Management Head Kim Yu-seong into our team as the TF team’s risk manager. What do you think?”
The team’s expressions darkened.
“Sorry, Team Leader, but the TF team is composed of Mirae Securities’ elite. If you want it, fine—but a rookie from the royal family doesn’t belong here,” said risk manager Woo Man-yong.
He probably knew Yu-seong well from the previous department.
“Manager Woo, did you read the report I gave you?”
“Yes. It was an incredible report. Whoever wrote it, you could design a short-sale strategy and earn significant returns using it.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Who wrote it?”
Yu-seong hesitated.
“I did.”
Manager Woo’s eyes widened.
“Impossible.”
“Yes, it was Kim Yu-seong. I vouch for it. So, I’m thinking of creating an investment strategy based on these stocks.”
When I thought of bringing Kim Yu-seong into the TF team, I sensed a pleasant aura. It meant he would be advantageous to me. I wanted to verify exactly how he could be beneficial.
“Let’s wrap up the meeting. I’ll submit the short-sale bid amount myself. Also, let’s name our TF team—just calling it ‘TF team’ is boring. The winner gets a one-million-won department store gift card.”
“Really?”
The previously indifferent team’s expressions changed instantly.
Sunday morning.
While I was sleeping, my mom woke me.
“Son, time to get up.”
Probably breakfast.
I wanted to skip it today.
“What time is it?”
“Seven.”
“I’ll sleep a bit more.”
I had stayed up too late reading a book on the future of semiconductors—AI, data industries, cloud services—a book full of insights on advanced industries related to semiconductors.
“Nope.”
Why not?
“You have to move.”
My eyes shot open. I had forgotten—it was moving day.
Around 8 a.m., movers arrived and started the relocation. Premium movers—no work required on my part. Not much to move anyway.
Everything in the house had been used for over ten years. Beloved, but now had to be left behind.
Furniture, sofa, appliances, dishes, spoons—I bought almost everything new.
Mom used my dad’s card and one I secretly gave her.
Before buying appliances and furniture, I told her to choose expensive and durable items. I also suggested getting a designer handbag while at the department store—but she wasn’t too keen. My mom didn’t want to spend my money frivolously.
“Ma’am, all done.”
“Thank you.”
The moving truck left for Hannam-dong first.
Watching it disappear, my parents looked up at our old home—saying goodbye with their eyes, thanking the place that had protected our family.
Tears glimmered in my dad’s eyes. Difficult moments that almost made him give up… now that he had succeeded, the emotions were overwhelming.
“Dad, are you crying?”
“Ahem… not crying. Just dust in my eyes.”
He avoided my gaze, embarrassed.
“Wow, even our apartment has such a fancy car. Isn’t that a Maybach?”
A luxury Mercedes sedan stood at the apartment entrance, previously unseen.
Dad’s eyes sparkled like a child seeing a rare toy.
“Of course, a black sedan. So classy.”
“Do you like it?”
“Of course! Haha. Usually only chaebols drive these, but whose is it? Doesn’t quite match our apartment.”
“I see.”
Dad checked his watch.
“Late. Let’s go, we’ll call a taxi.”
“Wait.”
“Why? Are you calling it?”
“No, we’ll take the car.”
“You… bought a car?” Mom asked.
“Yep. Tired of you running every morning, now you can drive. Got it, son?”
“Running is for my health. Gotta maintain stamina.”
“Still, watch your knees.”
“Don’t worry.”
I reassured Mom and addressed Dad.
“Drive.”
“Huh? Where?” Dad tilted his head.
—Beep.
I pressed the car key. The Maybach’s headlights lit up, turn signals blinking.
“Oh… what is this?”
“It’s a gift for you, Dad.”
“For me?”
“Yes. You worked hard; now it’s time to drive a good car.”
Dad still looked incredulous.
“Go ahead.”
“Alright.”
He got in, stunned. Settling in and gripping the wheel, he finally realized it was his car. He smiled at Mom.
“Hey, pretty lady, get in.”
Mom giggled at Dad’s remark.
I stopped Mom from getting in.
“Wait, Mom, you drive your own car.”
“Huh? Mine too?”
“Yes. Bought yours as well.”
“Is this some convenience-store 1+1 thing? Buy it while you’re at it? Save money.”
“Don’t worry. You know me.”
“Yes, our son isn’t wasteful.”
“Then what’s mine?” Mom looked at the small, shiny car next to Dad’s. Her eyes widened, slightly trembling, but she smiled.
“Oh, this? So cute! Perfect. I can’t drive something big like Dad’s anyway.”
“Uh… right?”
A major misunderstanding, but fine.
Then—
—Braaang!
A honk sounded. I turned to see the car I ordered for Mom, standing proud.
A white Bentley Bentayga SUV, gleaming in the sunlight.
“Oh, what car is that?”
“The one you wanted.”
“Huh? Me?”
“Remember? You said you wanted an SUV with angel wings—expensive one.”
“Wait… it’s a domestic car.”
Huh?? Not that one? The logos were similar… what now?
“Not the right one? Should I exchange it?”
“No, it’s a gift from your son. Enjoy it. Thanks, son.”
Mom got in. Surprisingly fitting.
I wondered how well she’d drive.
“Son, get in.”
“Yes.”
I got in Mom’s car. Dad went first, Mom followed.
Both drove better than I expected, even after not driving for a while. No need to worry.
We parked in the new house garage and entered.
The house was fully set up: Italian leather sofa, 100-inch TV—all matching the luxury vibe.
I entered my room.
A 10-million-won electric bed, made with precise screw technology, stood proudly.
Desk, bookshelf, chair—crafted by European designers.
Everything in place.
I collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Good house, harmonious family, overflowing bank account. Everything I wanted.
Closing my eyes for a brief rest, my phone vibrated.
A message from Director Kim Yu-ri.
[Kim Yu-ri: Settled in okay?]
[Kim Deok-su: Yes. Thanks to you, we got a great house. Parents love the interior.]
Yu-ri had recommended a stylish interior company, and the parents loved the elegant, sophisticated design.
[Kim Yu-ri: I’m pretty stylish, right? Hehe. By the way, tomorrow’s short-sale results, right?]
[Kim Deok-su: Yes. More participants than expected, worried. Soft Investment also bid.]
[Kim Yu-ri: Don’t worry. You’ll win.]
[Kim Deok-su: Hearing that doesn’t make me feel calm.]
[Kim Yu-ri: What? That’s…]
[Kim Deok-su: Just kidding. Hey, want to come to work together tomorrow?]
[Kim Yu-ri: Tomorrow? Sure.]
[Kim Deok-su: Then meet at 5.]
[Kim Yu-ri: Five? Why so early?]
[Kim Deok-su: It takes an hour to get there. Leave then.]
[Kim Yu-ri: An hour? Takes 20 minutes if you leave early.]
[Kim Deok-su: I’ll be running.]
[Kim Yu-ri: What? Running? You mean we run together?]
[Kim Deok-su: Yes. Thought we could jog together for health. Don’t want to?]
[Kim Yu-ri: ….]
She didn’t respond.
[Kim Deok-su: Nuna?]
[Kim Deok-su: Nuna? Nuna? Sleeping?]
No reply.
Kim Yu-geon, director of Soft Investment, paced the office anxiously. The short-sale results would be announced today.
Stocks seized from the convicted manipulator were being sold in bulk. More companies participated than expected, including some profitable ones.
Fintech companies like Vivari Paprika, second-hand marketplace Carrot, virtual asset exchange Donnamu, and dawn delivery services—all innovative.
Soft Investment’s analysis team estimated a total of 20 billion won.
No. His own analysis suggested at least 50 billion.
He reported to the chairman to make up for past mistakes.
As expected, the chairman showed interest and instructed not to spare money on acquisition.
Kim Yu-geon confidently submitted the bold bid.
Soon, the results would be announced.
As he paced anxiously, the phone rang.
“Kim Yu-geon here.”
“Director Kim, it’s Chairman.”
“Soon the results, right?”
“Yes.”
“They should be good.”
“I won’t disappoint.”
“Good. The companies on the short-sale list have more growth potential than Jalnolja. Make sure to secure the stakes. You need to recover from last time.”
“Yes, Chairman. That’s why I boldly placed a bid. Confident we’ll acquire them.”
“Good. Confidence is nice. Mirae Securities also bid, right?”
“Yes.”
“Likely led by that kid.”
“That’s my understanding.”
“Not easy to predict results. How much did you bid?”
“70 billion won.”
“Hm, three times….”
Kim Yu-geon was slightly taken aback by the chairman’s reaction. He had originally intended 60 billion but went 10 billion higher. Still, the chairman seemed lukewarm.
“What would you have chosen?”
“…Regretful. Should have gone at least five times higher for stability.”
“Five times?”
“Yes. If I bid, maybe ten times. As I said before, buying cheap isn’t the point. Owning is. Even if expensive now, it pays off over time.”
“I’ll remember that.”
At that moment, a knock sounded. The secretary entered.
“Director, the results are out.”
“How did it go?”
The secretary’s expression was grim.