» The Youngest Son of Sunyang
Reborn Rich: The Youngest Son of a Chaebol Family - 223
[223] Must Be Discovered 3
"Chief, they say the broadcast crew is here en masse, and it's already scheduled... is that right?"
Deputy Kim Yoonseok, holding his phone, looked at me with an air of surprise as he spoke.
"Was it today?"
"Pardon?"
"Ah, yes, that's right. Tell them to proceed as they wish."
The three people in the car on the way to work couldn't speak, but their expressions clearly showed they wanted me to explain why the broadcast crew had descended in such numbers.
Especially Kim Yoonseok, sitting beside me, seemed flustered, not knowing the details despite it being part of his duties as an executive assistant.
"It's nothing serious. It was my father's request, so I couldn't refuse. It's just a simple interview, and then it'll be over."
However, my office on the 24th floor of Sunyang Headquarters was teeming with people.
It didn't seem like a simple interview at all. Perhaps because it was an entertainment program, there were four cameras alone.
The younger staff members, especially, were wide-eyed, bustling about and gawking at an executive's office, something they'd only ever seen in dramas.
Of course, this was their first time seeing a third-generation chaebol heir too, so they started whispering as they looked at me.
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
The PD, looking a little nervous, offered a bright smile and extended his business card.
"You'll look great on screen. The visuals will turn out fantastic, haha."
"Ah, yes. Since we're doing it, I hope it goes well."
"Don't worry. We'll make you look dashing."
While the lighting and cameras were being set up, makeup also began.
Thanks to my father, I was even getting foundation on my face.
I don't know where she got it, but a pretty female reporter, whose makeup seemed two or three times thicker than mine, gave a shy smile and bowed her head deeply.
Her face looked familiar, but I couldn't place who she was.
It seemed they had cast a less-known celebrity, perhaps because it was still a fledgling cable broadcast.
"Alright, shall we begin?"
The PD's cue fell, and the cameras started rolling.
* * *
The interview, which they said would take three or four hours, ended in less than one.
The broadcast crew all packed their bags and left, their faces long with displeasure.
"Are you sure this is okay? Didn't you say you did it as per your father's request?"
Deputy Kim Yoonseok's expression was no less displeased than the broadcast staff, perhaps even more so.
"Did it seem that way to Deputy Kim too?"
"Yes. Even I, who knows little about broadcasting, could see that you were very enthusiastic about promoting Sunyang Group."
"I'm going to get an earful from my father for this, it seems...."
And sure enough, about two hours after the broadcast crew left, my phone rang loudly.
― Hey! What was that interview today?
My father's voice erupted, shouting abruptly.
"Pardon?"
― Are you an employee of Sunyang Group's PR department?
"What do you mean by that...?"
I feigned ignorance, pretending not to know what he was talking about.
― I just watched the footage. Every other word was "our Sunyang Group," "Sunyang Life Insurance," "Sunyang Securities"... it was utterly ridiculous. You even started promoting fund products? What are you, a snake oil salesman?
"Actually, that's...."
― Shut up! No wonder I was suspicious when you said there was no need to review the pre-interview content. You idiot, is a broadcast an advertising billboard?
"The thing is, the interview kept drifting into questions about my private life."
― Enough. Let's talk after the editing is done. It's obvious there won't be enough footage, so be prepared. If necessary, we'll film it again!
After the call ended, Deputy Kim Yoonseok said, looking worried,
"He seems very angry. Will it be alright?"
"It's fine. My father is just putting on a show because of the whining PD next to him. That PD who came today is probably going to be fired, it's obvious."
Deputy Kim's eyes widened as I spoke with a smile.
"Pardon?"
"When you're working, you never know what might happen, right? The person in charge needs to show the wisdom to overcome such difficulties. If I started saying things different from the PD's intentions, they should have revised the script on the spot. Didn't they just give up and leave because it wasn't going the way they wanted? That's not the mark of a leader."
A dozen staff members moved, and it was all for nothing. It was proof that my father's broadcast company hadn't yet gathered talent on the level of public television.
My father commands the best production team in Korea and produces films with top-tier actors. It was easy enough to guess who my father was more angry with, me or the PD, given that he experiences much more intense situations every day on film sets.
But there was something I hadn't anticipated.
It was my father's quick wit, honed over more than ten years of constantly dealing with unexpected events on film production sites.
About an hour after we ended the call, my father called again.
― We salvaged six minutes, you idiot.
"That's enough to use as a teaser trailer, isn't it?"
My prediction was correct after all.
He had reverted to his usual self, always smiling when he spoke, instead of the raging father from earlier.
― A teaser? We should have salvaged 20 minutes originally. We need to fill another 14 minutes!
"Surely you're not suggesting another interview, are you?"
― Are you crazy? I know exactly what you're thinking, you punk. We'll fill that footage with interviews with other people. We've already finished casting. The production crew has already left to get the interviews, hehe.
A sly, cunning laugh.
Something was suspicious.
"Who did you cast? Is it someone I know...?"
― Yes. It's going to be quite a sensation. A new judge who passed the bar exam while still in school, with excellent scores from the Judicial Research and Training Institute, and assigned to a key judicial position at the Seoul Central District Court.
Huh? This? No way?
"Ah, Father!"
I cried out in surprise, but my father continued, suppressing his laughter.
― Her beauty is acknowledged by everyone, and she's a lucky woman who has a third-generation chaebol heir as her boyfriend. This will be an even bigger sensation than you, I bet? Ah, her name is Seo Minyoung, I believe?
"B-But the court won't allow it, will they? How can an active judge appear on an entertainment program?"
― What do you take me for, you punk? Are you looking down on me? If you're a third-generation chaebol, I'm second-generation. Do I look like I don't have that much influence? Even the Chief Justice told me to make sure it goes well. He said to promote the judiciary as a friendly institution close to the citizens. Anyway, the production crew cheered that the 'picture' looks great. Couples always attract viewers, haha.
I never in my wildest dreams imagined that the day would come when I'd be blindsided by my own father.
* * *
"I enjoyed the broadcast. Wow! Our nephew has a face made for TV. The celebrity aura... it was just amazing, wasn't it? And your lover? That judge? Everyone's saying you two chose the wrong professions."
"I'm already dying of embarrassment from all the teasing lately, Uncle. What will I do if you start too? Should I just leave?"
I smiled and subtly rose, but Chairman Joo Gwangshik of Daehyun Group seized my wrist.
"Where are you going? You have to save me before you leave."
We exchanged jokes, but Chairman Joo Gwangshik's face showed that he was burning with anxiety inside. He looked like dry, brittle leaves, as if he hadn't slept properly.
"It seems difficult to recover, doesn't it? Did you not get a transfusion?"
"I don't have a rich nephew. Even the financial sector is only looking out for themselves; the name Daehyun doesn't even work anymore."
"No, isn't it that your brothers have cut you off?"
"That's a big part of it. My eldest brother wouldn't miss an opportunity like this."
Rumors had already spread through the business world that Chairman Joo Taesik of Daehyun Motors was making an all-out effort to sideline all his younger siblings.
"But how did you foresee it, nephew?"
"Foresaw what?"
"The credit card crisis. Back then, you sold your company, and I acquired mine. It's clear whose choice was right."
"It wasn't foresight; it was a matter of preference."
I feigned ignorance, but his suspicious gaze didn't disappear.
"I heard you had a field day with it, is that true? That your two uncles got thoroughly beaten?"
"No, I just secured my bonds, that's all. Miracle made a killing."
"Wasn't that your doing? That's how it played out?"
"No, I only mediated."
Instantly, Chairman Joo Gwangshik's eyes sparkled.
"Could you mediate just one more time?"
I could almost hear this man's desperate cries. I pressed my lips together for a moment and observed Chairman Joo's expression.
How cornered was he? The closer he was pushed to the edge of the cliff, the better the terms I could extract.
"Well, Miracle acquired Sunyang Card, so they have no reason to be desperate. And investing a huge sum in the card business again isn't an easy decision. CEO Oh Sehyun is the type to solidify internal affairs rather than expand externally. Isn't he a professional manager for an investment firm? His priority is always the investors' profits, you see."
"Investors are people who expand as much as possible if the output is good, aren't they? Our nephew is like that too, right? If the stock price is sure to rise, you'll keep buying endlessly, won't you?"
"Of course. But Daehyun Card is completely uncertain. No, it's nothing but unstable."
"Instead, the input will be small, making it a good deal. Just solve the debt."
"Only the debt?"
This *is* a good deal. The value of Daehyun Card when the economy recovers, that's not included in the acquisition price.
"Yes. A lot of affiliate money was poured into Daehyun Card. If you just sort that out, I think I'll be able to breathe a little."
"How much is that affiliate debt?"
"You don't need to know that, do you? I want to convey it directly to CEO Oh Sehyun. It hurts my pride to show my weaknesses to our nephew, you see."
Ah, shoot, I need to be careful with my words.
On the surface, I'm not the owner of Miracle. I should only play the role of a mediator.
"Even so, you'd need to know at least the approximate amount to even bring it up, wouldn't you? Just 'arrange a meeting for me'? Honestly, Uncle, isn't that difficult even for you? Who would refuse if Chairman Joo Gwangshik of Daehyun Group asked for a cup of tea?"
"I-Is that so? Still, it's more convenient if someone you know acts as a bridge."
He suddenly showed signs of embarrassment.
Was that enough to make him flustered?
I carefully observed his expression and eyes again. He seemed to be hiding something.
"Anyway, I understand. I'll convey your intentions to CEO Oh. But my guess is he'll want to verify the debt amount first. If it's not a reasonable amount, CEO Oh won't even consider meeting. Why would he meet in person and get his face red over a deal that's bound to fall through anyway?"
"I promise you that. CEO Oh won't have to get his face red. Haha."
His expression brightened again.
This old man, he definitely has another agenda.
* * *
"I checked with Cheongwadae and related ministries, and they're favorable."
Vice President Jang Dohyung tilted his head and unfolded the documents.
"Does that mean there won't be direct intervention, like issuing compulsory orders?"
"Yes. Daehyun Card has already submitted its self-rescue plan and is diligently implementing it according to that proposal. Not only are they clearing out delinquent members, but new members aren't what they used to be, thanks to stricter screening."
"What about the financial situation?"
"They haven't yet settled their debts to financial institutions. No one knows about the affiliate funding support details. It seems to have been exchanged among the top-tier executives."
"Or perhaps such a fact doesn't exist...."
"Pardon?"
"No, never mind. You've worked hard. Oh, please continue the investigation. I need to know everything about Daehyun Card."
"Yes, Chief. But if the conditions are right, are you planning to acquire Daehyun Card as well?"
"What do you think, Vice President?"
"I feel uneasy, as if we'd be taking on a whole bundle of troubled assets."
"Yes. Let's make a cautious decision."
Something was suspicious. It certainly wasn't a situation where he should be clinging to me, swallowing his pride.
As my doubts remained unresolved, I ignored Chairman Joo Gwangshik's request. I didn't schedule a meeting with Oh Sehyun, nor did I contact him.
As long as my suspicions persisted, I needed to make Chairman Joo Gwangshik anxious too.
That way, when we met again, there wouldn't be a difference in our perspectives.