Chapter 76: Chapter 76: A Long-Awaited Reunion
My grandfather was lost in thought, silent and contemplative.
"Chief Ha, there are many accounts under your name, right?"
"Yes."
Back during the financial real-name system, most of the shadow accounts were transferred to Chief Ha's name.
"If you decide, we can start by converting the money in those accounts to dollars."
Finally, my grandfather nodded.
"Do as you see fit, if that's your thinking."
"Thank you, Grandpa."
With my grandfather's permission granted, there was no need to linger. I planned to convert all our cash assets to dollars as quickly as possible.
"Move everything in Chief Ha's accounts to foreign banks and exchange them for dollars there. Avoid local banks at all costs."
The money wasn't just in the accounts.
"Exchange the cash in the underground vault using the currency exchange dealers in Myeong-dong."
Cash that nobody knew about could still be useful.
Since it was unrecorded money, it could be used for bribes without any issues.
"Real assets like real estate and gold can be left as is; just convert the won to dollars neatly."
"Understood, Chairman. I'll take my leave now."
"Right, do what Mu-hyeok suggests."
After Chief Ha left, it was just my grandfather and me.
"Now tell me, what are you waiting for? I'm curious."
Even sensing something was off doesn't mean anyone could foresee the impending large-scale bankruptcies of conglomerates.
The big horse doesn't die.
It's due to the government's policy to never allow large corporations to collapse, which made them complacent.
Reckless issuance of promissory notes was choking small businesses.
"I believe an economic crisis will hit our country within two years, Grandpa. You know how the investment and banking sectors are lending money right now."
Putting aside the banks, the operation of the investment firms was excessively distorted.
They borrowed money at low short-term interest rates from foreign banks and lent it to companies at much higher rates for the long term.
My grandfather nodded, but it seemed he still didn't fully comprehend.
"Even so, can the entire country just collapse like that? We've faced crises before, but the government has always managed to prevent them, right?"
During both the 3rd and 5th Republics, economic crises arose due to the oil crisis.
The government did everything in its power to prevent companies from going under.
Thanks to that, companies survived, but they grew rotten from the inside out.
They should have been dealt with before they burst; keeping failing companies alive was the real issue.
"Right now, South Korea is in a complete mess. The yen's weakness has dealt a severe blow to our export-dependent economy, and various incidents have occurred due to corruption and shoddy construction. It's just festering beneath the surface, on the verge of explosion. Foreign investors will eventually pull out, leading to a rapid outflow of dollars. The government will do its best to maintain the exchange rate."
"Hmm…"
As I spoke with conviction, my grandfather stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"The government's choice will be the worst option."
"I see now why you've been urging us to liquidate bonds and convert to dollars."
"Grandpa, you'll find yourself back on top among the chairmen. The dollar holds that power."
"Haha!"
My grandfather laughed heartily, seemingly in good spirits.
"It's nice to know you're thinking of me, but I'm done. You should take the lead, Mu-hyeok."
I still had to stay hidden behind my grandfather.
I couldn't step into the limelight until I had the power to strangle the Cheongpung Group.
"Grandpa, it's not over yet. I hope you'll give it one last try."
My grandfather's gaze was fixed on me.
"What are you so afraid of?"
It felt as if my grandfather could see straight through me, his words cutting deep.
"You can't gain anything by just running away from fear. I don't know what frightens you, but I trust you. You can do better than I ever could."
"Grandpa."
"It's time for me to rest. I'm not looking to be a backroom elder, but let you do what you can, okay?"
His heartfelt words brought me a sense of calm.
What was I so afraid of?
So much had already changed.
I saved my grandmother and brought down the Cheon brothers.
I had also weakened the Cheongpung Group's power to some extent.
"Understood, but you still need to help me. I'm still too young."
"Haha! Who thinks you're still young? You're like an old man yourself!"
My grandfather laughed heartily but suddenly broke into a dry cough.
"Cough, cough!"
Seeing this, I shot a worried glance, but he simply waved it off.
"I'm fine, it happens sometimes. I've lived a long life."
"Grandpa…"
"The hospital says there's nothing serious, but I am feeling quite worn out. Time is not something you can beat."
Last time, my grandfather passed away unexpectedly.
Even though Chief Ha meticulously managed his health…
"You should visit often, even if you're busy. After all, you're not getting any younger. Remember my words and don't regret it later."
My grandfather's advice felt like a hammer striking my head.
What am I doing here?
Just calling daily isn't enough. While revenge is important, I can't afford to lose Grandma again, like in my past life.
"Thank you, Grandpa."
"Don't mention it."
As I stepped out of the study, I told Manager Ma,
"Cancel all my appointments. I'm heading straight to Busan."
Manager Ma moved quickly.
While preparing, I made a call.
Hello?
"Hyeon-seong, I'm heading to Busan now. Want to come along?"
Suddenly?
"Yeah, it's been too long since I've seen Grandma."
What about Myeong-su?
"Myeong-su's not a kid anymore; don't worry about him. Just get ready, I'll pick you up."
Got it, I'll call Mom. Bye.
As I hung up, I felt a chill at the thought of sitting silently in the car for hours with him.
"All appointments are canceled. You can leave now."
"The staff is ready to go, right?"
Since early this year, Manager Ma's subordinates had been traveling in two cars, with four of them riding behind and in front.
In the car I was in, besides Manager Ma, one of his subordinates was driving.
It was inconvenient, but Manager Ma insisted on this precaution, given the unpredictable responses from the Yakuza and the Cheongpung Group.
Unlike my grandfather, who rarely went out, I frequently moved around, so his advice made sense.
On the way to pick up Hyeon-seong at Myeong-su's house.
"How's the PMC coming along?"
"We're in the process of establishing a corporation in the U.S. They're experts, so you can trust them to handle it."
I brought in an administrative expert who was a former special forces operator, who had been Manager Ma's superior at EO, to take care of all operations.
The offer included a staggering annual salary and a 10% stock option in the PMC.
"His name was Eric Clark, right?"
"Yes, he's a former Navy SEAL officer, well-connected with special forces and knowledgeable about military operations. He'll manage everything well."
"But we can't leave everything to him. We need someone to supervise too."
"I'll look into it."
"For now, tell him to come to Korea once."
"Understood."
As we discussed PMC matters, we arrived at Myeong-su's house.
Hyeon-seong was already outside, waiting for me, all set to go.
"Get in."
Hyeon-seong silently entered the back seat beside me.
The entire drive to Busan was filled with silence, just as I had anticipated.
When the suffocating tension finally eased, I stepped out of the car, genuinely relieved and joyful.
"Grandma!"
Perhaps because I hadn't notified her of my arrival, my grandmother sprang up from her seat as soon as she saw me.
"What's this? Who is it?"
"Who else could it be? It's your grandson!"
"My dear, what brings you here without a word? Come here, let me see your face!"
This year, I hadn't visited her during the summer holidays due to being busy. I had only dropped by at the start of the year.
I could almost hear my grandfather's reminder echoing in my ears.
Chasing revenge could lead one to neglect what truly mattered.
When I first returned, I had nothing but gratitude towards whoever had sent me back for saving my grandma.
But as time passed, that initial resolution began to fade.
'I need to keep my head straight this time.'
I truly didn't want to regret anything again.
"Are you eating well? You look so thin!"
My grandma's constant worry about my appearance brought tears to my eyes unexpectedly.
"I'm not thin; I've been working out to gain weight!"
"What are you talking about? You're not losing weight, are you? But why do you look so pale? What's going on?"
Noticing the moisture in my eyes, my grandma asked in surprise.
"No, I just feel happy to see you after so long!"
"Is something bothering you?"
"No, I'm doing well. Eating and sleeping fine."
"That's good. I'm glad to hear you're doing well, my dear."
Seeing the smile bloom on her wrinkled face lifted my spirits.
"I missed you, Grandma."
I took a step closer and embraced her tightly.
Her arms wrapped around my back felt so comforting.
"I didn't know you were coming, so I didn't prepare anything. Wait here while I quickly grab some groceries!"
"I could treat you to a meal instead…"
"What are you saying? It's been ages! You need to eat my cooking!"
Her fiery insistence was endearing.
"Alright, alright! Just hurry back!"
She rummaged for her wallet and acted as if she was about to leave without her coat.
"It's cold outside; wear something warm!"
"Oh dear, I'm so forgetful!"
Maybe it's because of her age, but her memory seemed to be fading.
As she stepped out, the house felt oddly empty without her.
I realized she must feel this way every day.
When I opened my bedroom door, it was spotless, as if she cleaned it daily. My heart ached.
I could only imagine her thoughts while keeping the place tidy, waiting for me.
Even though this room felt smaller and the furniture older than my current place, it somehow felt wider and warmer, perhaps because of my grandma.
I sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought.
'Okay, let's just take it slow for now.'
I stepped into the bathroom, washed up, and returned to my room to open the closet.
My clothes were neatly arranged, just as I had left them.
As I pulled out something comfortable to wear, my grandma returned.
"Wait here; I'll make you something to eat right away!"
Manager Ma was bowing his head, preparing to leave through the front door.
"You should stay and eat with us!"
Manager Ma flinched at my grandma's insistence.
He was surprisingly soft-hearted.
"Please join us for a meal, Manager. You've arranged accommodations for the staff, right?"
"Yes."
"Come on in!"
While my grandma prepared dinner, Manager Ma and I sat in the living room, chatting.
"I'll be in Busan until the end of the year. If it's not urgent, I'll leave things for you to handle, Manager."
"Understood."
Most tasks could be handled by Manager Ma without me.
Except for the matters with Han Gyeong-yeong in the U.S.
"Eric should either come next year or be called to Busan if he's coming this year."
"Got it."
Next year would truly get busy, but before that, I wanted to spend quality time with my grandma.
"Mu-hyeok! Dinner is ready! Hurry up!"
"Yes, Grandma! I'm coming!"
A smile spread across my face.
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