The Chairman Who Wants to Play and Eat

Chapter 46. Then it must be the right decision. Move on.

The day after New Year’s,

In the finance department office of Seonghyeon Electronics, there was a small commotion from the morning.

“Assistant Choi? Did you leave this?”

“No, I didn’t. There’s the same thing on my desk too.”

Employees returning to work after a day off discovered unfamiliar car keys on their desks.

They soon realized.

That the keys were a gift from someone.

And everyone knew who that someone was without needing to say it.

A moment later,

“Everyone to the conference room.”

Manager Oh Hyunshik emerged from his office, calling everyone together.

“What could this be about?”

“How would I know?”

Finally, the conference room.

“Though no one would admit it, the young master… no, Manager Hyun’s investment destination for the Future Killer profit-sharing fund achieved last year has been decided. For details, please refer to the handout provided.”

Yet, no one took O Manager’s words or the contents of the handout seriously.

All that filled their minds was the car.

“Did you read it?”

O Manager continued.

“Then keep it in mind and support Manager Hyun’s work as much as you can from your respective positions this year. Understood?”

Everyone responded in unison.

“Yes, understood!”

It was only natural.

A luxurious car, one they could never have dreamed of, had come to them for free.

No one would dare to object.

‘I will be loyal for a lifetime.’

‘Just a lifetime? I’ll be loyal even after I die!’

What other treasures might fall into their laps in the future?

Even if someone said not to help, they would rush to do so. Perhaps it was only natural that their voices grew louder.

I was driving down the highway towards LA.

‘Everyone must have received it well?’

By chance, I learned what one of the finance department employees’ dream cars was.

If I were to buy one, I couldn’t just give it to one person, so I decided to share the same car with everyone. It wasn’t something that required a demand survey, after all. They would manage just fine on their own.

There was something more important at hand.

During lunch,

George Howard, who had arrived at the meeting place, smiled and said,

“This is my first time in a place like this. It’s wonderful.”

“I’ve been here a few times, and it’s quite nice. It’s not a bad spot for a simple meal.”

I had called George Howard to a high-end restaurant in downtown LA.

It was to discuss investments.

We started with some small talk.

“But how did you end up getting connected with someone like Jackson?”

It was something I had been curious about since the first time we met.

“Haha, well, you see…”

He said this.

When he was young, he had done everything, even working as an office staff member at the Wirox Computer Research Institute.

At that time, he happened to run into Jackson and his group, who were visiting the institute.

Howard explained that there was no one else who could endure Jackson’s prickly and sensitive nature, always demanding every little detail, except for himself.

“Just hearing about it makes me picture the situation back then.”

It was fascinating.

Anyway,

Perhaps because he left a deep impression on Jackson, their connection continued even after he resigned.

“But whenever the conversation turned to money, he would deftly change the subject. I never received a single cent in investment from him. Ha ha.”

He even slipped in a remark with a hint of sharpness.

I know too.

Jackson was that kind of person.

I had heard.

He didn’t give a single share of stock options to a high school friend who had helped him a lot when starting Apple, claiming there was little merit in it.

But I understand.

“He has a goal. To achieve that goal, he might have no choice.”

It’s something that’s hard to justify on a human level.

However, there was no better way than to be ousted by superiors or the board.

If I had chosen to fail the project and incur losses, he would have opted for a ruthless approach to terrify the other party.

It’s not wrong in a different way.

I acknowledge it.

Of course, he might be called heartless by those around him, but that’s not my concern.

“But, Mr. Hyun.”

He took the lead into the main topic.

“As someone seeking investment, I feel a bit awkward bringing this up first, but if it’s something that needs to be said, it’s better to say it. How much are you willing to invest?”

After saying that, he smiled awkwardly.

“Well then, let me put it out there.”

Right then, I proposed a $2 million investment to him. He seemed momentarily taken aback by the amount.

“Is it really that much?”

“Yes, it will be that much.”

He hesitated before speaking.

“I think that’s something I need to think about a bit. The amount I’ve invested in Star Fox so far is around a million dollars. Excluding some of the investment funds, that’s my entire fortune, including bank loans. But to think it’s more than that ship…”

I felt I understood what he meant.

“I’m sorry, but you’re worrying about something that doesn’t need to be worried about.”

“Why is that?”

“I have no interest in management. I don’t intend to dominate the company. If you’re really concerned, we can amend the articles of incorporation. There’s a very good system in the U.S. called dual-class voting rights.”

In simple terms, it’s a way to protect the founder’s control by having different voting rights for the issued shares.

“I know that, but…”

“Listen to me.”

I continued to explain.

In summary, it went like this.

The initial capital of one million dollars he holds would be in Class A shares with multiple voting rights per share, while the two million dollars I would additionally invest would be in Class B shares with only one voting right per share.

This way, even if he invests double or more, it wouldn’t infringe upon his control.

“Is that really okay?”

“Of course.”

I had no intention of holding the company in my grasp.

It wasn’t because I was a pushover or because I fully trusted him.

Of course, I did trust him, but I wasn’t the kind of person who would relinquish the rights of a major shareholder for such simple reasons.

In other words,

There was only one reason for this.

I didn’t trust anyone else, but myself.

‘This time, I must not follow the path of Future Killer.’

I must not interfere in decision-making. I must not meddle in management.

If I did, nothing would go right.

This time, I was determined to provide unwavering support without hindering George Howard.

“But Mr. Hyun…”

“Don’t look at me like that. I’ve already made my decision.”

“To think you would trust me even after investing two million dollars brings tears to my eyes.”

Finally, he smiled.

“Who said I would only invest two million dollars?”

But I was wrong.

“Excuse me?”

“I meant that the investment amount this year alone is two million dollars. In the future, it will increase to ten million dollars.”

“Are you serious?”

“So, George, just focus on growing the company from now on. You don’t need to worry about money. If you do, I’ll take care of it.”

It was a suggestion not to worry about money and to spend freely.

“Mr. Hyun…”

His eyes glistened with emotion. Then, suddenly, he changed the subject.

“I still remember the day I first met Jackson. The mouse that has now become standard on Apple computers. It was actually Xerox that used it first. I cursed a lot inside as he came to our lab and fiddled with it. I kept thinking, what if that expensive mouse breaks?”

“That happened, huh?”

“At that time, I thought to myself, is this person trying to torment me on purpose? But it wasn’t that.”

His voice trembled.

“So what is it?”

“Now I understand. The hardships of that day were merely a divine preparation for me to meet Mr. Hyun.”

“Really?”

But it seemed he could no longer hear anything.

“So I decided to be grateful.”

“…”

“To Jackson. If I hadn’t gone through that Jackson, there wouldn’t have been a Mr. Hyun, right? So he’s a benefactor. The benefactor who brought me to you, Mr. Hyun.”

…Hmm,

It feels good yet bad.

“I see. The desserts here are delicious. You should try some.”

I quickly changed the subject.

“Of course, my greatest benefactor is you, Mr. Hyun. Please don’t misunderstand.”

“I won’t misunderstand.”

“Thank you so much. Thank you.”

“There’s no place with desserts as good as this. The raspberry mousse is absolutely amazing. You should try it soon.”

*

Time passed like that.

President Im Du-won of Seonghyeon Electronics was heading to the chairman’s office.

The Lunar New Year holiday is just around the corner.

Another summons.

The reason is obvious.

It must be because of Hyun Sang-yoon.

‘What on earth is he thinking this time?’

When I received the annual plan from Seonghyeon Electronics, the first thing I looked at was the investment plan from the finance department.

‘Star Fox?’

It was a name I had never heard before.

Upon examining the details, I found out it was the name of a coffee shop. That surprised me even more.

To put it simply, isn’t it just a tea house?

Investing in a tea house?

It was the same as last time, but this time, I truly couldn’t fathom Hyun Sang-yoon’s intentions.

No, it was even more perplexing than before.

The same went for Chairman Hyun Byeong-geon.

“Are you talking about a tea house?”

“······It seems so.”

“It seems so? Come on! It’s obviously a tea house. Are you saying our Sang-yoon is investing in a tea house this time?”

“That’s correct.”

“And it’s two million dollars, no less. Isn’t that right?”

Chairman Hyun paused for a moment.

That brief moment felt like an eternity. The pressure was so intense it was hard to breathe.

But,

“This is Sang-yoon’s decision, right?”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“Well then, it must be the right decision. Let’s move on. What’s the next topic?”

At that reaction, President Lim was even more astonished.

‘Is this really how it ends?’

Chairman Hyun was not someone to be easily swayed.

He was the kind of person who would call you out and scold you even for a mere one or two hundred million if it didn’t align with his wishes.

He was not just a ruthless ruler for nothing.

While managing a prominent conglomerate called Seonghyeon, he meticulously oversees everything from valuable subsidiaries like trading companies and department stores to small and medium-sized affiliates involved in parts manufacturing and retail distribution.

It must be the right decision, right?

Though the words seem vague, they carry infinite trust within them.

‘Thank goodness. It’s not just anyone, but Young-sun, the young master.’

President Lim thought to himself.

“Lim Doo-won.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“By the way, do you have any inkling?”

From noble mtl dot com

It was a sudden question.

“Are you asking why the young master chose coffee, of all businesses?”

The reason is written in the report.

It’s not just a place that sells coffee; it’s a premium roastery where countless people share conversations and experiences in a wonderful space.

But Lim Doo-won knows better than anyone that this isn’t what’s being asked.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know.”

So he answered honestly.

Admitting ignorance would only provoke greater wrath.

“Even I, your grandfather, don’t know, so how could you? No need to apologize.”

“I’m sorry.”

“What on earth is that kid thinking?”

A gentle smile emerged on Chairman Hyun’s lips as he spoke.

“I’m dying to know. I must ask him during this holiday. I can’t wait. How many days are left?”

“One week, Chairman.”

“Good.”

His face shone like a child in front of a gift box.

*

I returned to Korea.

“Then have a good trip.”

“Sure. You take care on your way back home, and I’ll see you on the day of departure.”

After dropping me off at the family home in Hannam-dong, Assistant Lee left. It was a long-awaited vacation. He seemed excited.

‘Now, it’s really starting for me.’

It’s the Lunar New Year.

Amidst the bustling crowd, the atmosphere in the living room where the family gathered felt strangely tense.

Eyes darted around, as if in silent competition,

Warm conversations floated like oil and water, never truly mixing.

In the adjoining room, my cousins had arrived.

“Is Sang-yoon here?”

It was my older cousin, Hyun Tae-yoon, the son of my great-uncle Hyun Seung-jae. He must have just flown in from the States.

The others began to chime in.

“Our big star, Hyun Sang-yoon, has arrived.”

“Sang-yoon hyung, it’s hard to see your face. You’re always off to America during the holidays.”

They were two younger cousins, still in high school, yet already sharp-tongued.

Perhaps it’s because we’re siblings, but the atmosphere towards me was anything but friendly.

Not that I was expecting anything different.

Fortunately,

“Gentlemen, it’s time for the New Year’s bow. Please follow me.”

Director Joo Yong-hoon came to our room and announced.

The study, where the elders had offered their bows, had already been tidied up. Only Grandfather Hyun, the chairman, sat at the head, waiting for us.

“Grandfather!”

“I’ve missed you so much!”

The two younger cousins, now high school students, were acting in a way that felt out of place.

“Look at you all. You’ve grown so much.”

“Yes!”

“Are you all doing well in school?”

“······Yes!”

The second response came a beat too late.

“If you want to go to Korea University like Sang-yoon, you all need to work hard. Otherwise, this old man might be disappointed in you.”

The boys’ faces fell at his words.

“Well then, let’s see you bow.”

Finally, it was my turn.

“Sang-yoon.”

“Yes, grandfather.”

“I have many questions I want to ask. May I ask them here?”

This is just the beginning.

“I’ve heard reports. I hear you’ve invested in an interesting place—a coffee shop, was it? What on earth is the reason for that? Let’s hear it.”

‘Coffee?’

‘Is he at it again?’

I could almost hear my cousins’ eyes rolling.

But it didn’t matter.

I opened my mouth. I had a lot to say.

“Starfox operates as a coffee shop run by professionals trained as baristas. Even for a simple cup of coffee, we put in that much care, all for the customers.”

“And?”

“The reason our Seonghyeon exists is ultimately for the customers.”

Grandfather nodded his head.

“While serving the country through business is important, above all, the heart that cares for the customers is what I believe aligns with Seonghyeon’s true value. That coffee embodies a heart dedicated to the customers; that heart is what it holds.”

While listening to me, grandfather quietly gazed into my eyes.

I knew the reason.

Because it was nonsense.

To burn two million dollars for such a reason was utterly ridiculous, even to me.

Surely, grandfather would say this.

‘Is that the only reason? Whether you earned it or not, it was our company’s money, wasn’t it? It’s all company money. You trusted that money and invested it in a café? It seems you’ve gotten a bit too bold. I don’t even want to see you. Just go to that Ireland you love so much.’

Finally, I would be kicked out of the company. My heart raced.

But,

It wasn’t that.

“Yes, that’s it.”

Grandfather’s eyes sparkled with light.

“You’ve learned something valuable in America. A heart for the customers—that is the value Seonghyeon must pursue moving forward.”

“……”

“I always told you, didn’t I? When I first established Seonghyeon, it was the rice business that laid my foundation. It was the store of Mr. Joo Bok-dal, the father of our current manager here.”

Before long, his words began to shift into lessons for my cousins.

“There was something you always said. Never look at rice merely as money. The people who eat that rice, the customers, could easily go to another store over a single bug or stone.”

“······.”

“It’s you, Sang-yoon.”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

“I was worried that you might lose sight of your precious essence while chasing after semiconductors, computers, or Hollywood movies worth millions. But it turns out that was all unnecessary concern. Isn’t that right, Director Joo?”

Director Joo Yong-hoon nodded and replied, “Yes,” bowing his head slightly.

A smile lingered at the corners of his mouth.

“Make sure you all listen well.”

He continued speaking.

“It’s a valuable lesson that you can’t learn in school. Sang-yoon realized it on his own, but you all must learn these things if you want to achieve great things in our Seonghyeon in the future. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Yes!!”

A loud response echoed from my cousins. All their eyes were on me.

‘That jerk again.’

‘That guy again.’

They were all silently cursing me with their eyes.

But I was the one who felt wronged. Another opportunity had slipped away into nothingness.