[Establishing the Hierarchy]
Yoon-gi offered a rare moment of kindness to Choi Deok-bae, who had been questioning him with sharp, monosyllabic retorts. "Grandfather, you’re assuming that I can make any business succeed just by throwing money at it, aren't you?"
"If that’s not the definition of a fool, what is?"
"Logically speaking, there isn't a business that can't be made to succeed if you throw enough money at it. But the problem is whether it generates a net profit or a net loss. For instance, suppose I invest 100 billion won and become the number one in an industry for a while. Can I actually recoup that 100 billion later?"
"It’s true that I value honor over money, but I don’t jump into a position where I’ll clearly take a loss just for the sake of honor. Just because I have a trillion won doesn't mean I can live recklessly."
Yoon-gi smiled at Choi Deok-bae’s honest words. "If I had won the lottery back when I was a laborer, I might have lived a life like that. But I’m different now. I have a firm goal. My goal isn't to be the 'richest person,' but to be the 'greatest executive.' I don't want to hear people say, 'That guy only succeeded because he had money to burn.'"
In that moment, Yoon-gi took out a dried jujube and immediately performed a bow. It took him barely two seconds to complete two and a half bows. Thanks to that, Choi Deok-bae had to shed tears while chewing and swallowing the jujube. A dried one, at that.
"I’m staking my name on this—that wasn't a joke."
"Would you like a refill?"
After giving Choi Deok-bae a smirk, Yoon-gi stood up from the living room sofa as he saw the front gate opening. "Well, time to get back to work."
The study and conference room, which had usually been occupied by only three people, was bustling with quite a few more than usual.
"Whoa, I’m ranked fifth?"
At Fernandez’s blunt remark, everyone sitting at the table let out a bitter laugh. It was no wonder, given the nameplates placed on the long table inside the conference room. The nameplates were arranged from right to left, centered around Yoon-gi’s seat, indicating the hierarchy.
Second in rank, Ryu Geun-tae, President of YK Department Store. Third, Choi Chul-kyu, President of YK Hotel. Fourth, Kang Seok-ho, Chairman of Shin-sang Group. Fifth, Fernandez, Chief Designer of YK Department Store. Sixth, Kim Jeong-seon, President of YK Samgang. Seventh, Nakayama, President of Sega. Eighth, Jung Dong-yoon, President of Japan Commodity. And finally, Jo Cheong-woo, YK Legal Team Leader, ranked ninth.
Out of the nine, only Nakayama was unable to attend due to circumstances in Japan, and the eight others sat in their assigned seats, waiting for Yoon-gi to enter.
"What’s this? You haven't even introduced yourselves yet?"
At Yoon-gi’s words as he opened the study door, everyone wore an embarrassed expression again. Yoon-gi chuckled and took his seat.
"Don't be like that, let's do some introductions. You’re all smart people, so you’ll remember everything after seeing and hearing it once. Let’s go one by one with a proper self-introduction."
Ryu Geun-tae quickly nodded and opened his mouth.
"Greetings. As written on the nameplate, I am Ryu Geun-tae, President of YK Department Store. I also concurrently handle tasks assigned by the Chairman."
Choi Chul-kyu also quickly took the baton. "I am Choi Chul-kyu, President of YK Hotel. In truth, rather than hotel management, most of my work involves carrying out the Chairman’s instructions, either alongside Secretary Ryu or independently."
Next was Kang Seok-ho’s turn. Kang Seok-ho hesitated for a moment before bowing deeply to everyone.
"I honestly don't know if I deserve to be sitting here... I am truly sorry to all of you. I am Kang Seok-ho, Chairman of Shin-sang Group. Although my father caused harm to YK, I intend to dedicate myself to YK even more than that. Please do not think of me as the Chairman of Shin-sang Group, but as your colleague and comrade."
Clap, clap, clap! Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!
As Yoon-gi clapped, everyone quickly followed suit, and thus, Kang Seok-ho’s appointment as fourth in rank proceeded without issue.
"Uh... then is it my turn? I’m Fernandez. I never thought I’d have a life where I’d learn Korean, but thanks to the Chairman over there, I’ve reached a very fluent level. I’m white, but... uh... I love kimchi very much. Also, I usually just draw like crazy, so if you have any homework for your kids during vacation, bring it to me. I’ll draw it fantastically for you."
Everyone burst into laughter at Fernandez’s introduction, which completely lightened the mood. This time, others—not Yoon-gi—took the initiative to clap lightly. Lightly, of course.
"I am Kim Jeong-seon, President of YK Samgang. Honestly, since I just happened to stand in line first to sit in this position, I will continue to keep pace with all of you and move forward together."
Kim Jeong-seon, the oldest among those present. Especially since he had achieved success incomparable to the past, a relaxed and satisfied smile was etched on his lips throughout.
"I am Jung Dong-yoon, President of Japan Commodity, a subsidiary of YK in Japan. I was originally a close aide to Park Ki-soo, the eldest son of the Ses group, but the Chairman called for me, and that is why I am here. If you ever come to Japan, just let me know. I’ll tell you all the best restaurants."
A pleasant introduction following Fernandez. But the highlight of them all was undoubtedly Jo Cheong-woo.
"...Can’t I leave? I feel like I’m going to die from the pressure..."
A de facto surrender, acknowledging he was not a person who dared to be in this place. But because his expression was so innocent and sincere, everyone could relax their shoulders and laugh.
"Hey, Uncle-in-law, you can be in that seat. Who knows the ins and outs of our YK as well as you do?"
"Is... that so? But if you entrust me with a big task, I’ll mess it up one hundred percent..."
"Uncle-in-law, just speak comfortably. Why do you think being blood-related is a good thing? Everyone else doesn't have any complaints about my uncle or uncle-in-law speaking to me comfortably, right?"
Who would dare to complain in such a safe environment? Everyone nodded, and accordingly, a clear hierarchy and structure were established.
Ryu Geun-tae and Choi Chul-kyu, in untouchable positions as close aides. Kang Seok-ho, who bowed his head and entered despite having very powerful forces of his own. Fernandez, who represents one axis of YK’s image externally but is actually closer to an honorary rank. Kim Jeong-seon, who claimed he had no interest in rank struggles, Nakayama who was absent, and Jung Dong-yoon. Finally, Jo Cheong-woo, who felt very burdened by this seat.
Everyone in the room clearly recognized that the layers had been divided this way. Furthermore, everyone here was brilliant enough to understand that Yoon-gi’s acknowledgment of a kind of privilege for blood relatives was not actually nepotism, but insurance in case a factional struggle ever arose. Of course, even with his brilliant mind, Jo Cheong-woo didn't realize that.
"Ugh... Yoon-gi. I don't have to say anything, right? I’ll just listen."
"Of course."
Jo Cheong-woo began to pick up and eat the plums on the table with a look of relief, and everyone looked at him as if watching an innocent younger brother or nephew, before turning their eyes back to Yoon-gi.
"Chairman, congratulations."
The congratulations started with Ryu Geun-tae’s words. Yoon-gi smiled and nodded.
"In the end, it’s come to this."
The discovery of the oil field. With this as a turning point, all companies owned by Yoon-gi, including YK Department Store, acknowledged that Yoon-gi was the de facto Chairman. The number of bodyguards following him when he went out increased, and because the media and public opinion were pouring out articles regardless of the distinction, it became impossible to continue playing the role of a 'hidden power.' Of course, it wasn't impossible, but the media had effectively declared, 'That is the truth.'
The reason was, naturally, 'information.' Even though it was before the implementation of the Financial Real-Name System, the situation had become such that information regarding owned stocks or real estate could no longer be 100% blocked even with connections to the military regime, so it was a chosen path.
"Still, don't you feel a bit relieved? Because you can now step to the forefront depending on the situation."
At Ryu Geun-tae’s words, Yoon-gi also nodded.
"To be more precise, should I say it’s bittersweet? Until now, I could live a busy but quiet life, but now I’ll have to live a busy and noisy life."
"I suppose we will also become noisier. People who don't even know us well will ask how it feels to work under a minor."
"How is it?"
At Yoon-gi’s playful remark, Ryu Geun-tae’s smile deepened.
"I think I understand the feelings of Confucius. The feeling of seeking teachings from someone excellent, regardless of age."
"Well, I will never reach the rank of Confucius, but I will make sure you don't feel a sense of shame, so don't worry."
"Shame, you say? I have never felt a sense of shame while being by the Chairman’s side."
Yoon-gi, who answered with a smile, ended the small talk and looked at everyone.
"Now, I called you all here today with the intention of having you get to know each other. Let’s get to know Nakayama, the President of Sega who isn't here, later. Of course, you shouldn't ostracize him just because he didn't come today, right?"
Everyone nodded with a smile, and Yoon-gi nodded back, satisfied, and continued.
"Just because an oil field has been discovered, it still takes time for actual drilling, extraction, and sales to take place. That means it’s not easy for YK to jump into electronics or heavy industry in earnest just yet."
"How about Shin-sang Group providing some help?"
At Kang Seok-ho’s words, Yoon-gi shook his head.
"It’s not a bad idea, but it’s not a good method either. Secretary Kang has truly bowed to me, but our relationship hasn't been publicly announced yet. It’s better not to open up the cooperation between me and Shin-sang Group yet."
"Or how about transferring technology?"
"Shin-sang Group’s stock price would plummet. Actually, it’s amazing that Shin-sang Group’s stock hasn't fallen significantly right now. Even though they promoted the department store plan extensively and then withdrew it, it didn't crash, did it? But if we suddenly transfer technology to Samwoo or YK for no reason here? It would probably be cut in half. Samwoo’s stock would rise, but Shin-sang’s stock would fall by that much, so our power would ultimately be weakened."
"Hmm... I’m sorry I couldn't be of help."
"No. Just being in this seat is strength to me. Anyway, even if you invest nearly 100 billion won at once, it’s hard to become a powerhouse in technology in an instant. And actually, there is a part I’ve already arranged regarding technology, so ask Secretary Ryu about that part, and there is something else I want to say today."
Everyone’s gaze turned to Secretary Ryu for a moment before returning to Yoon-gi, and Yoon-gi, confirming their focus, opened his mouth again.
"The business I will focus on this time is..."