Golden Spoon Investment Portfolio - Chapter 343

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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343. I will have the investment funds transferred within three days, not a week.

A few days later.
It was the day when the entire family gathered at the Park Family Residence once a month, so Seok-won came to the Hannam-dong residence as well.
With Park Tae-hong seated at the head of the table, Park Jin-hyung and his wife, Jo Deok-rye, and Seok-won sat around the spacious dining table, conversing as they enjoyed the lavishly prepared meal.
Park Tae-hong, wearing a thin gray vest, spoke while sipping soup with his spoon.

“This crab soup has quite a bite to it—delicious.”
“Indeed? The crabs that came in this time were all plump with roe. Do try some of this marinated crab as well.”

Jo Deok-rye, seated to his right, placed some well-seasoned marinated crab onto Park Tae-hong’s plate.

“You have some too.”

As she spooned a portion onto Seok-won’s bowl beside her, his daughter-in-law Choi Bo-kyung, seated across from them, spoke to her husband Park Jin-hyung in a voice full of affection.

“Let me serve you.”

Choi Bo-kyung picked up half a crab with her chopsticks, placed it on his bowl, and looked at her husband with eyes brimming with tenderness.

“Thank you.”

At this, Choi Bo-kyung broke into a delighted smile.
Despite being married for quite some time, the eldest son and his wife still maintained such harmony that Jo Deok-rye wore a gentle smile, and Park Tae-hong, though showing no outward sign, felt warmth bloom within his heart.

“I hear you’ve been helping with your mother’s scholarship foundation work lately. How is it going?”
“Yes, Father. Since it’s my first time doing this, I’m still clumsy and lacking in many ways, but Mother teaches me so much that I’m enjoying it.”

The Daeheung Group had long practiced noblesse oblige, and through the Ubo Foundation, it had consistently supported scholarship programs to help underprivileged and struggling students continue their education, returning a portion of the wealth earned through business to society.
Recently, following Seok-won’s suggestion, the group had been providing tuition support to the victims and families affected by the gas explosion at the Daegu subway construction site.
The scholarship program had been managed by Jo Deok-rye, the lady of the house, but as Park Jin-hyung gradually took over group management, she was now teaching these responsibilities to her eldest daughter-in-law to pass them on.

“It benefits the group’s image and is meaningful work as well, so do your best. And even though you’re providing help, never forget to treat people with humility.”
“Yes, I will keep that in mind, Father.”

Watching this exchange, Jo Deok-rye interjected from beside her husband, boosting her daughter-in-law’s confidence in front of him.

“The new daughter-in-law is so diligent and bright that the staff speaks very highly of her.”
“That’s a relief to hear.”

Chairman Park Tae-hong gave a small nod and returned his attention to his meal, moving his chopsticks with renewed focus.
As Jo Deok-rye pretended to arrange side dishes while giving a subtle wink, Choi Bo-kyung silently mouthed her thanks and gave a thumbs up in return.
After finishing lunch in this warm and pleasant atmosphere, Chairman Park Tae-hong moved to the Study Room with his two sons.

“What kind of tea is this one?”
“It’s Ssanghwa tea—good for your health.”
“At least this one is drinkable. The last one you gave me wasn’t fit for human consumption.”
“Well, medicinal herbs are supposed to taste bitter for a reason.”

The Gunsan Housekeeper brushed off Chairman Park Tae-hong’s grumbling and responded with a smile.

“The Madam heard you coughing at dawn, so she prepared this Ssanghwa tea for you. She said if you don’t like it, you should quit smoking.”
“…That’s enough. You can go now.”

With a bitter expression, Chairman Park Tae-hong sent the Gunsan Housekeeper out. Out of habit, I opened the wooden box on the table and pulled out a cigarette, placing it between my lips.
After lighting it with a lighter, I leaned back against the plush sofa and fixed Seok-won with a stern gaze.

“I hear you were involved in that Itaewon incident a few days ago.”

Park Jin-hyung, who was sitting on the right sofa, looked slightly surprised, as if hearing this for the first time.

“The Itaewon incident—are you referring to the case where two Korean-Americans attempted to assault a college student they had no prior connection with?”
“Yes.”

Though I had intentionally orchestrated it, the incident had become quite a significant social issue, so I had anticipated it would eventually reach Chairman Park Tae-hong’s ears. I opened my mouth candidly.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Park Jin-hyung’s eyes widened and he turned his head sharply.

“How did you end up getting involved in something like that?”
“It just happened by chance.”

Meanwhile, Chairman Park Tae-hong, his expression still stern, asked in a low voice.

“I heard from Manager Gil that you got into a fight with the perpetrators and even gave a statement to the police. Is that true?”
“Well, that’s technically correct, but I didn’t fight them directly. The Bodyguard who was with me subdued the attackers in self-defense.”
“Good heavens.”

Park Jin-hyung caught his breath in alarm, his eyes quickly scanning his younger brother from head to toe.

“According to the newspaper articles, the perpetrators were wielding switchblades. You’re not injured anywhere?”
“As you can see, I’m perfectly fine.”

Park Jin-hyung exhaled with relief, but seeing his younger brother act as though nothing had happened at all only infuriated Park Tae-hong further.

“What on earth were you doing at a Hamburger Restaurant in the middle of the night? Do you have nothing better to do?”
“I was craving a hamburger I’d eaten during my studies abroad, so I went. I just happened to get caught up in the incident.”
“Hmph.”

Hearing it was mere coincidence, Park Tae-hong had nothing more to say. He pressed his palm against his forehead.

“You got through this without serious trouble, but there’s no guarantee the next time will be the same. From now on, be more careful about your safety.”
“Yes, I will.”

Though I wanted to scold him further, Park Tae-hong considered that his younger brother hadn’t provoked the situation and was, in a sense, the victim. I decided to let the matter rest here.
I took a sip of the fragrant sujeonggwa, set the cup down, and naturally shifted the conversation.

“Setting that aside, everyone should be aware that the Ministry of Finance and Economy announced yesterday that they’ll accelerate the capital market opening ahead of the original schedule.”

Park Jin-hyung’s expression stiffened slightly as he picked up the thread.

“Because of that, the exchange rate that started at 898 won yesterday plummeted to 877 won after the announcement, didn’t it?”
“The exchange rate fluctuated by 22 won in a single day. As you say, the volatility in the foreign exchange market this year has been truly extraordinary.”
“If someone had exchanged ten million dollars in the morning without knowing this would happen, they would have suffered over 200 million won in exchange losses in less than a day. Export companies must be suffering terribly.”

The Daeheung Group, which had converted all its liquid assets into dollars, was equally affected by the falling exchange rate.
But Seok-won spoke casually, glancing at his father and older brother.

“The exchange rate did fluctuate significantly due to expectations that foreign investors would convert dollars and bring capital in with the additional capital market opening, but that effect will only be temporary.”
“That’s because the fundamental problems—the widening current account deficit and declining exports—remain unresolved.”

Park Jin-hyung’s words showed he grasped the core issue precisely, and Seok-won smiled faintly.

“That’s right. And there’s one more variable that’s emerged.”

Park Jin-hyung furrowed his brow as he asked the question.

“A variable? What do you mean?”

Park Tae-hong also gazed with curiosity, a cigarette wedged between his fingers.

“The Hedge Funds swarming through Southeast Asian countries like a plague of locusts.”
“…”
“You already know Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia have been attacked. The next targets will likely be Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.”

Park Jin-hyung leaned forward and clasped his hands together on his knees.

“Hong Kong is the financial center of Asia and holds nearly a hundred billion dollars in foreign reserves. No matter how aggressive the Hedge Funds are, they wouldn’t dare target Hong Kong.”

Park Tae-hong nodded, sharing the same sentiment.
Unlike the nations that had fallen to currency speculators thus far, Hong Kong possessed a robust economy and, more importantly, had long served as Asia’s financial hub, which meant Hong Kong’s financiers understood Wall Street’s speculative tactics well.
Because of this, everyone believed Hong Kong was a safe zone even as Southeast Asian nations crumbled under the relentless assault of currency speculators.

“Of course, they’d be a formidable opponent. But that also means if they were subdued, the profits would be far greater than from other nations. Wouldn’t that make their mouths water even more?”
“…!”

Seok-won shrugged as he met the astonished gazes of the two men.

“And as they systematically topple Southeast Asian nations one after another, their greed and confidence will swell. To them, Hong Kong will appear as an even more plump and appetizing prey.”

As I listened to his words, it seemed entirely plausible.
Park Jin-hyung swallowed hard, and Park Tae-hong’s face grew rigid.
As the air in the Study Room grew heavy, Seok-won continued speaking calmly.

“And if they continue advancing northward from Thailand, wouldn’t Korea become the final destination?”
“No matter how aggressive the Hedge Funds are, Japan won’t be easy to touch. If the situation truly unfolds as you say, the likelihood is quite high.”

Seok-won turned his head and looked quietly at Park Tae-hong, who was listening intently.

“That’s why I’m suggesting you shouldn’t leave the Park Group’s surplus funds sitting idle after converting them to dollars. It would be better to let me manage and invest them.”
“What?”

Chairman Park Tae-hong furrowed his brow and straightened his upper body from where he’d been leaning back.

“You’re asking me to entrust you with an investment like last time.”
“Yes. You witnessed my abilities firsthand last time, so you know what I’m capable of. I’ll double your money by year’s end.”

Park Jin-hyung, watching his younger brother hold up two fingers as he promised returns, wore an expression of utter disbelief.
Even a con artist wouldn’t be brazen enough to demand money in such a casual manner.
But unlike his eldest son, Chairman Park Tae-hong—who had previously entrusted funds that came back multiplied several times over—showed signs of temptation.

“What do you mean by that…”
“Double. You’re certain of this?”

Chairman Park Tae-hong cut off his eldest son mid-sentence and leaned forward eagerly.
Seok-won then puffed out his chest with confidence.

“You know my track record. And that’s the minimum. If things go well, it could triple or quadruple.”
“Hmm. Is that so.”

Chairman Park Tae-hong smacked his lips as he deliberated.
Park Jin-hyung, unable to hide his bewilderment as he watched the two of them, grew flustered, sensing disaster was imminent, and hastily tried to dissuade his father.

“Father! What if something goes wrong and you suffer losses?”
“Your younger brother says it’s certain.”

Chairman Park Tae-hong spoke with eyes that gleamed with barely contained excitement.
It resembled the gaze of those on the Trading Floor who occasionally cry out about their one shot at fortune while stuffing their pockets with obscure penny stocks.

‘This will work. This stock will rise!’
‘Evidence it will go up? My gut feeling!’

Park Jin-hyung found himself speechless, confronted with behavior so utterly unlike his normally composed self.
In the moment his mind went blank, Chairman Park Tae-hong looked at him again and asked.

“Where are you planning to invest?”
“You already know I’m personally managing an Investment Fund.”

At this, Chairman Park Tae-hong’s eyes sparkled.

“You’re planning to dip your toes into currency speculation.”

True to his nature as the chairman of a major group, Park Tae-hong grasped Seok-won’s plan from that single remark alone.
He wasn’t merely dipping his toes in—he was positioning himself as one of the major players in this Southeast Asian financial crisis, though there was no need to spell it out.

“Quite literally, gold is rolling across the ground. Only a fool would let such an opportunity slip away.”

Park Tae-hong crossed his arms, contemplating briefly before lifting his gaze.

“Unlike last time, since this is company capital, I cannot simply decide on my own whim. I’ll discuss it with the executives and inform you of the outcome.”

Given the nature of Korean conglomerates, where an owner’s influence was absolute, one could safely assume that once Park Tae-hong made a decision, it would proceed without hesitation.
However, precisely because these were group reserves, it was better to follow proper procedures to prevent any potential legal complications down the road.

“Please do. But I cannot wait long.”
“I’ll arrange for the investment funds to be transferred within three days—a week at most.”

Seeing him mention the transfer before even having discussed it, I could tell Park Tae-hong had already made up his mind to invest according to my proposal.

“Very well.”

Unlike Seok-won, who answered with composed certainty as if he’d expected nothing less, Park Jin-hyung gazed at the two of us with an expression brimming with concern.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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