Chapter 65: Would You Like to Make Some Money?

To reach Taebaek in Gangwon Province, where I was born and raised, you had to take the Gyeongbu Expressway.

It was only a little after eight in the morning, yet the expressway had already turned into one enormous parking lot.

Looking at the cars boxed in on every side, Cha Hyeonji broke the silence.

"Big Brother, where are all these people going?"

"It's the weekend. They're probably heading out to the countryside or into the mountains."

"Don't you ever want to do the same? Just go somewhere, relax, and enjoy yourself without worrying about anything?"

Ever since I entered university, the word "vacation" had practically disappeared from my life.

Weekend trips had always seemed like something people from an entirely different world did.

"I don't know. I've never really thought about it."

"Do you think there's anyone who lives an even busier life than the two of us?"

"You just don't know enough people. There are plenty."

"Come on. Seriously?"

Her voice was filled with obvious disbelief.

"How many hours a day do you think Team Leader Jeong and the other security officers sleep?"

"At least seven or eight hours, right?"

"Wrong. Five hours at most. Team Leader Jeong, am I right?"

Security Team Leader Jeong Gwangseok, who was behind the wheel, immediately answered.

"That's correct, Director. You're absolutely right."

"Hear that, Hyeonji? Exactly as I said."

Bzzz.

At that moment, Cha Hyeonji's phone vibrated briefly.

She glanced at the screen and immediately became absorbed in replying to someone's messages.

Taking advantage of the pause, I decided to ask something that had been on my mind.

"Team Leader Jeong, have you received your special bonus yet?"

"I'm sorry, Director, but I'm not sure what you're referring to."

The Korean branch of the Triad had been wiped out by the security team under Jeong Gwangseok and Seo Donghun's command.

However, because six gang members had been killed during the operation, the official credit had to be given to the police.

During the tense negotiations with Triad Vice Chairman Chen Zhihui, Commissioner General Choi Dongyeong of the National Police Agency claimed that his special operations officers had suffered casualties and forced the Triad to pay 11 million dollars as compensation for medical expenses and emotional damages.

Later, the Commissioner had asked me how the money should be distributed.

I told him plainly that the fairest solution would be to give it to our security personnel.

Fortunately, my opinion had been accepted.

The 11 million dollars had been transferred into the company's accounts, and I had assumed it had already been distributed among the operatives.

Judging from Jeong Gwangseok's answer, however, that apparently wasn't the case.

Putting the matter aside for the moment, I called Cho Myeongjeong, Executive Director of Korea Investment, to find out exactly what was going on.

After several rings, his surprised voice came through.

"Director Cha? What brings you to call on a Saturday morning?"

It felt awkward to open the conversation by asking about money.

"So... I was just wondering how things were going in the American stock market."

"Ah, I see. I haven't had time to examine everything in detail yet."

"I wanted to ask how the purchase of Bongard Group shares is progressing."

"Everything is proceeding exactly as you instructed. We've acquired eight billion dollars' worth of shares."

"Excellent work. How has the stock price reacted?"

"Hardly at all. There's been almost no movement."

Eight billion dollars was an astronomical amount—roughly 11 trillion won.

Logically speaking, an investment that large should have caused the stock price to surge.

Yet Cho Myeongjeong insisted the market had barely moved.

Noticing my confusion, he cautiously added,

"The thing is, Bongard Group's total market capitalization is approximately 1.6 trillion dollars."

Of course.

Eight billion dollars amounted to only about half of one percent of Bongard Group's total value.

If you scooped a single cup of water out of an enormous barrel, the water level wouldn't noticeably change.

The stock price was no different.

"So how do we make those shares skyrocket?"

"I understand now, Director Cho. Don't worry. The stock price will climb sharply on Monday."

"Naturally. I don't doubt you in the slightest."

The atmosphere had become relaxed enough that I decided to move on to what I had really wanted to ask.

"Now I'd like to change the subject. How are you planning to distribute the compensation transferred by the police?"

"The Chairman ordered the entire amount to be distributed among the operatives. We're currently evaluating everyone's contributions and finalizing the list. At the latest, the money will be transferred on Monday."

At that very moment, Saho's face flashed through my mind as he eagerly licked his paws.

"Director Cho, what do you think about adding Saho to the list of employees receiving bonuses?"

"Well, Saho certainly performed a tremendous service, but we can't exactly pay a bonus to an animal."

"Saho is absolutely obsessed with top-grade premium beef."

"Ha-ha-ha!"

Cho Myeongjeong burst into booming laughter, instantly understanding what I meant.

"That's true. He certainly has expensive tastes."

"Ha-ha. Then I'll leave Saho's food expenses to you."

"I'll hold you to that, Director Cho. Enjoy your weekend. I'll see you next week."

Click.

The moment I ended the call, Jeong Gwangseok, who had been listening carefully with his ears practically perked up, immediately asked,

"Director... so the police really did transfer the compensation?"

"To be precise, it isn't the police paying. The money came from the guilty party."

"Ah, I understand now."

"According to Director Cho, everyone's special bonus will be paid on Monday."

"Excellent! As soon as I receive mine, I'll definitely treat Saho. He's earned it."

"I hope you remember what he likes."

"Of course I do."

At that point, Cha Hyeonji frowned and ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) joined the conversation.

"Big Brother, don't you think feeding a cat top-grade premium beef is a little excessive?"

"If Saho hadn't helped us, we'd never have caught the driver who hit you."

"Oh... I see."

Hyeonji nodded in understanding, finally realizing why.

By then, the massive traffic jam on the expressway had gradually begun to clear.

Once we passed the Yangjae Interchange, the car finally picked up speed.

Feeling relieved, I closed my eyes and drifted off.

I was awakened from my light sleep by Hyeonji gently shaking my shoulder.

"...What is it?"

"Could we stop at a rest area for a little while?"

"Tell Team Leader Jeong."

"Well... it's kind of..."

She hesitated awkwardly, unable to finish her sentence.

"Honestly... Team Leader Jeong, I think you understand."

"Of course. We'll stop at the next rest area."

As soon as Jeong Gwangseok parked the car, Hyeonji darted out like an arrow.

Figuring this was the perfect opportunity, I got out of the car as well and called Tracy.

As always, she answered immediately, as though she had been waiting for my call.

"Jiham? Did you miss me so much that you just had to call?"

"Oh... here she goes again."

"Well... not entirely."

"Ho-ho. I know you're joking. All right, what do you need?"

"Tracy, would you like to make a lot of money?"

"Why should I be greedy? I already have more money than I could ever spend."

"Maybe that's true for you, but Chairman Bongard probably feels differently."

"You want me to pass along some investment information to Grandpa?"

Tracy was as sharp as ever.

She caught on immediately.

"Exactly."

"So what information is it? Hurry up and tell me."

"If a joint venture were established to manufacture high-bandwidth semiconductors, which companies would be worth investing in?"

"Obviously Hangang Electronics and Endivia."

"But if I were Chairman Bongard, I'd be buying back my own company's stock."

"Our company's shares?"

"The stocks of Hangang Electronics and Endivia have already climbed to extremely high levels. On the other hand, Bongard Group's shares have fallen nearly thirty percent since the beginning of the year. At the same time, Bongard Group is expected to receive a thirty percent stake in the new joint venture. What do you think will happen once news of that joint venture reaches the stock market?"

"Well... then..."

Tracy trailed off, clearly putting the pieces together.

It was time to wrap up.

"The official news that Chairman Bongard is flying to South Korea will be released next Tuesday."

"So that means we only have Monday to buy our company's shares?"

"That's right. As far as I know, the American stock market doesn't have daily price movement limits."

"Oh... now I understand what you're getting at."

"Good night. I'll see you next week in Korea."

Click.

No sooner had I ended the call than Hyeonji returned from the rest area after successfully taking care of her urgent business.

"Big Brother, aren't you going to use the restroom too?"

"Actually, I was just about to."

When I returned and got back into the car, Jeong Gwangseok gently pressed the accelerator.

Hyeonji immediately turned toward me with a curious look.

"Big Brother, what are you going to tell Grandpa?"

"I'll mix the truth with a little fiction and present it the right way."

"How?"

"Well, first I'll explain where all my money came from..."

***

After our father was killed during a military operation, our mother had been forced to support the entire family by herself.

She found work at a small restaurant in downtown Taebaek.

When Hyeonji and I were in school, we often stopped by after classes to enjoy a good meal there.

Since today was the weekend, we were certain the restaurant would be open.

Yet, to our great surprise, the doors were tightly locked and the blinds were drawn.

"Big Brother... did something happen?"

Instead of answering, I called our mother to find out.

After several rings, her familiar, cheerful voice came through.

"Son! What a surprise!"

"Mom, I missed you, so Hyeonji and I came to Taebaek. But the restaurant's closed."

"Oh? Hyeonji came too?"

"Yes. Is Saturday a day off now?"

"No. The restaurant closed completely at the end of last month."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

That restaurant was practically one of Taebaek's landmarks, and business had always been excellent.

"Mom... did something happen?"

"Come home first. I'll explain everything then. Have you two eaten lunch yet?"

"Not yet."

"Then I'll get lunch ready right away. Hurry home."

Click.

The moment I put my phone away, Hyeonji immediately bombarded me with questions.

"Big Brother, what happened? Did something happen to the restaurant?"

I simply shook my head to indicate that I didn't know either before turning to Jeong Gwangseok.

"Our house is very close from here. Team Leader Jeong, why don't you and your men wait for us in town?"

"Understood, Director. We'll do exactly as you say."

"And here."

I took my wallet from my pocket and handed Jeong Gwangseok my bank card.

"Director Cha, we all have our own cards."

"When someone offers, you accept. Taebaek is famous throughout the country for its beef. Make sure you all have a good lunch while you're waiting."

"...Thank you very much."

His voice was filled with genuine gratitude.

"I'll drive from here, so switch seats."

Jeong Gwangseok handed me the keys and climbed out from behind the wheel.

Just as I settled into the driver's seat and was about to start the engine, he leaned down toward the open window and quietly said,

"Director... when you arrive at your parents' house, be sure to check the trunk."

Of course.

Chairman Park Yeongil had known perfectly well that I was coming home.

Apparently, he had secretly ordered the trunk to be filled with gifts for my family.

And he had deliberately kept it from me, knowing I'd try to refuse out of politeness.

"I'll repay your kindness one day, Chairman."

Making that silent promise to myself, I smiled and winked at Jeong Gwangseok.

"I hope... Saho isn't hiding in there?"

"Ha-ha. Absolutely not."

"I'm kidding. All right, get some proper rest and enjoy your lunch while we're visiting before we head back to Seoul."

After giving the security team leader a few more instructions, I gently pulled away.

Hyeonji, who had clearly been waiting until we were alone, immediately asked,

"So what's in the trunk?"

"It looks like Chairman Park sent gifts for Grandpa, Grandma, and Mom."

"Wow... but why does the Chairman care so much about our family?"

"Because he treats the two of us like family."

Talking along the way, we soon arrived at our old home.

The moment I shut off the engine and stepped into the yard, our dog Blackie came bounding toward us, wagging his tail excitedly.

Hearing the sound of the arriving car, Mom stepped out onto the porch.

Hyeonji and I ran straight toward her.

"Mom! We're home!"

"My dear children... that was such a long trip... Wait, what is this car?"

Now came the most important part.

Quickly recalling the story Hyeonji and I had prepared in advance, I calmly answered,

"I borrowed it from work for a while."

"From work? At Hangang Group?"

"Oh, Mom, that's not important. We'll explain everything later, I promise."

Hyeonji immediately came to my rescue.

"Exactly! Let's go inside first!"

"Wait a second. There are things in the trunk that we need to take out."

With that, I pressed the button to open the trunk.

Driven by curiosity, Hyeonji was the first to walk over.

"Oh... Big Brother, come here! You have to see this!"