Golden Spoon Investment Portfolio - Chapter 419

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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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419. Broadband.

Ilsan-dong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province.
After turning left at the intersection and driving a bit further, an upscale single-family residential complex stretched along the base of Jeongbalsan came into view.
Among the modern luxury homes, one residence stood out distinctly.
This mansion, adorned with traditional Korean tile roofing on its gate and entrance, was the Presidential Residence where Kim Jae-chun, elected as the 15th President, resided.
Two years ago, he had left the Donggyo-dong, Seoul Presidential Residence where he had stayed for a long time and built a new house here.
The residence, constructed by combining two lots in the single-family complex with a courtyard in the center and main and separate buildings on either side, had high ceilings and rose majestically, giving off an imposing impression.
After the election, security was strengthened, and guard posts were established at the entrance to the Presidential Residence, with armed security personnel and police officers standing watch.
As the Mercedes I was riding in approached, a Bodyguard with short-cropped hair wearing a long coat raised one arm to block the way.
When the car stopped, the Bodyguard approached the driver’s side and scanned the interior with sharp eyes before speaking.

“What brings you here?”

Han Ji-sung, sitting in the passenger seat, answered with a smile.

“This is Park Seok-won, President of Daeheung Venture Capital. We’ve come to meet with the President-elect.”

He presented the identification cards of three people he had prepared in advance, and the Bodyguard took them and examined them carefully.
The Bodyguard slightly bowed his head to confirm my face in the back seat, then returned the identification cards without further comment, apparently having received prior notification.
Then he looked at Ju Geun-sung, who held the steering wheel, and spoke.

“You can’t drive all the way to the Presidential Residence. Park behind the guard post and walk up from there.”
“Understood.”

As the Bodyguard stepped back to let us pass, Ju Geun-sung turned the steering wheel and parked the car behind the guard post as instructed.
Han Ji-sung, who had exited from the passenger seat first, opened the back door for me, and I stepped outside.
As the bitter winter wind brushed past my body, I could see the Presidential Residence gate, its tiles covered with white snow and firmly closed, being guarded by four Bodyguards.
Just as I was about to take a step, a side door on one side of the gate opened and a young man emerged.
Upon seeing his face, I recognized him as one of the secretaries under Woo Chun-il, the Chief Secretary.
He also seemed to recognize me, approached with quick steps, bowed respectfully, and then straightened up to speak.

“Welcome. The President-elect is waiting, so please come in.”

Seok-won nodded slightly and followed the secretary toward the Presidential Residence, accompanied by Han Ji-sung, his Attendant Secretary.
As they passed through the gate and entered the courtyard, two trees stood on either side—a crape myrtle that Kim Jae-chun was known to favor, and an elegant golden cypress.
Crossing the well-maintained garden, though not particularly spacious, they entered the main building, where the first thing that caught Seok-won’s eye was a large brown leather sofa that could comfortably seat a dozen or more people.
Woo Chun-il, the Chief Secretary who had arrived earlier and was already seated, rose with a smile upon seeing him.

“You’ve arrived. I was just waiting for you.”

Seok-won bowed slightly in greeting and clasped the hand that Woo Chun-il extended.

“I heard you’ve been appointed Chief Secretary of the Blue House. Congratulations.”
“Ha ha ha. Thank you.”

The Chief Secretary, who advised the President at close range, was the second most powerful figure and held considerable authority in directing and commanding the Blue House secretariat.

“I’ll bring the President-elect down. Please have a seat and wait a moment.”
“Yes.”

Watching Woo Chun-il ascend to the second floor where the President-elect and his wife’s living quarters were located, Seok-won settled onto the sofa.
The secretary who had guided them here then quietly withdrew with Han Ji-sung to allow them to converse privately.
After waiting for some time, footsteps echoed.
Kim Jae-chun descended the stairs from the second floor with Woo Chun-il, dressed in cotton pants and a beige cardigan.
As Seok-won rose to his feet, Kim Jae-chun’s face brightened with warmth and he raised his hand in greeting.

“Chairman Park. It’s been far too long.”
“Congratulations on your election.”
“Ha ha ha. It’s all thanks to your help.”

Kim Jae-chun grasped Seok-won’s hand warmly as he offered a respectful bow, and laughed.

“I believe it’s the result of the President-elect’s dedication to democracy over the years, rather than my contribution.”
“Heh heh. You certainly know how to speak.”

Considering that Seok-won had consistently provided political funding over the past several years, he could have taken some credit, yet he maintained his principles throughout. Kim Jae-chun regarded him with satisfied eyes.
Then, with affection, he patted Seok-won’s shoulder and spoke.

“Since you were coming today, I had them prepare my favorite croaker stew. It’s piquant and perfect for winter, so do try some.”
“Just hearing about it makes my mouth water.”
“Come along then.”

As Kim Jae-chun moved across the living room and slid open the door on one side, a dining room connected to the kitchen came into view.
A long table draped in pristine white linen was already laden with an array of side dishes.

“Please, everyone sit down.”

Kim Jae-chun took the seat of honor in the center, and I settled into a chair opposite Woo Chun-il, the Secretary-General, so that we faced each other across the table.
Shortly after, a middle-aged employee in an apron brought out a steaming bowl of croaker stew that had been simmered with care, setting it before the three of us.

“Go ahead and taste it.”

At Kim Jae-chun’s invitation, I picked up my spoon and took the first taste of the crimson stew broth.
The flavors bloomed across my palate, and I looked up at Kim Jae-chun with widened eyes, unable to contain my admiration.

“There’s not a hint of fishiness, and the seasoning is absolutely perfect. I could easily devour two bowls of rice with just this stew alone.”
“Ha ha, indeed. It’s the kind of dish you can’t help but crave when your appetite falters in winter.”

Woo Chun-il, who appeared to eat this often, moved his spoon with practiced ease and chimed in from beside me.

“For me, there’s nothing quite like this for a hangover cure the morning after drinking.”
“Absolutely. The broth is so robust and peppery—it’s perfect for settling the stomach.”

Seeing that both of us were satisfied, Kim Jae-chun broke into a hearty laugh.

“Now then, let’s enjoy our meal without rushing.”

As if to say that conversation could wait, Kim Jae-chun picked up his chopsticks.
I too savored the tender croaker flesh in the stew, enjoying a meal that truly suited my palate for once.
This wasn’t mere politeness—the food was genuinely delicious enough to warrant genuine praise.
Especially as a winter delicacy, it paired perfectly with the cold weather, and the broth went down smoothly with each spoonful.
The three of us finished our evening meal in this warm, convivial atmosphere, exchanging light conversation throughout, before moving back to the living room sofa.
Once the employee had set down coffee cups on the long reception table and stepped away, Kim Jae-chun took the first sip and opened his mouth to speak.

“By the way, for the Federation of Korean Industries chairmen’s luncheon scheduled for next week, I trust we’ve sent an invitation to Chairman Park of the Daeheung Group without fail?”

Woo Chun-il, the Secretary-General, glanced briefly at me across from him before answering immediately.

“Of course.”
“Where have you arranged the seating?”
“I’ve arranged for him to sit at the head table.”
“Since there’s so much we’d like to discuss, let’s make sure he sits as close as possible—right next to me.”

Woo Chun-il, the Chief Secretary, registered a moment of surprise before nodding obediently.

“I’ll arrange it that way.”

Seok-won, listening quietly to the exchange, was himself quite taken aback, though he showed nothing outwardly.
The head table was where the most important figures at any event were seated.
Conventionally, the President—as the VIP—would sit in the center, flanked by the chairmen of the top five conglomerates in order of rank.
But to seat Park Tae-hong, the chairman of Daeheung Group—a company that hadn’t even cracked the top ten—directly beside the President was nothing short of extraordinary favoritism.

‘Once this luncheon ends, rumors will spread throughout the business community that Daeheung Group is close to the new administration.’

It was gratifying that he wasn’t merely closing the door and wiping his mouth, but genuinely backing Daeheung Group with real power. Yet I worried that this would inevitably breed envy and jealousy among others.
Moreover, I was concerned that if Daeheung Group or I expanded our influence during the subsequent big deal process, the administration might be accused of granting special favors.
But then again.

‘You can’t make kimchi out of fear of maggots.’

I muttered this to myself with a resigned shrug.
If problems arose later, I would deal with them then. While I appreciated some consideration, I harbored no expectations of backroom dealings or special treatment.

‘Even without any special favors, I have the ability to achieve my goals on my own merit. There’s no reason to deliberately invite trouble.’

Just then, Kim Jae-chun, leaning back against the sofa, began to speak, and I set aside my thoughts to listen.

“The reason I wanted to see you today is to thank you—not just for your support in this presidential election, but for all the material and moral assistance you’ve given me and the party over the years. And I also wanted to get your thoughts on something.”

As the real discussion seemed to be beginning, I straightened my posture.

“Though my abilities are limited, I’ll answer whatever you ask with sincerity if it can be of help.”
“I appreciate that.”

Kim Jae-chun smiled briefly before his expression shifted to something more serious.

“After four attempts, I’ve finally achieved what I longed for, but honestly, my anxiety far outweighs any joy.”
“Is it because of the economic situation, sir?”

At my cautious question, Kim Jae-chun nodded heavily, exhaling a deep sigh.

“After receiving reports from the Ministry of Finance and Economy about foreign exchange reserves and the state of our economy and currency markets, I’ve been so profoundly shaken that I haven’t been able to sleep a single night.”

Deep furrows had already etched themselves across Kim Jae-chun’s brow.

“When I learned that even after receiving IMF bailout funds, we were driven to the brink of national default, I was truly horrified.”

Kim Jae-chun fixed me with a steady gaze and continued.

“I also heard from Deputy Prime Minister Choi that your assistance was invaluable in overcoming this crisis. You’ve accomplished something truly remarkable.”

Woo Chun-il, the Secretary-General standing beside him, chimed in as well.

“That’s right. Without President Park, we would have faced a catastrophic national disaster too terrible even to contemplate.”
“Exactly. What you’ve done is true patriotism—nothing else deserves that name.”

As the two men took turns praising me, I responded with an attitude that conveyed both humility and quiet confidence.

“Fortunately, we were lucky enough to repel the currency speculators, but the moment we show any weakness, they’ll swarm back like hornets and send the exchange rate soaring again. We cannot afford to lower our guard.”

Kim Jae-chun nodded with a stern expression.

“That’s right. I’ve already spoken with the American President and the Japanese Prime Minister, promising to faithfully honor our agreements with the IMF and asking for their active assistance in escaping this foreign exchange crisis.”
“Well done, sir.”

Yet Kim Jae-chun’s face remained heavy with concern.

“The Japanese Government has promised to restrain its financial institutions from extending loans, so we can perhaps breathe easier regarding the exchange rate. But the real problem is the economy, which has been severely damaged by this foreign exchange crisis.”

Kim Jae-chun sighed once more before speaking.

“Hundreds of companies have already gone bankrupt, and as we implement the structural reforms demanded by the IMF, countless more enterprises will collapse or close their doors, unleashing a flood of unemployment. My heart aches at the thought of it. I can see no way through this catastrophe—it all seems utterly bleak.”

As Kim Jae-chun lamented thus, he looked at me listening quietly and asked, grasping at straws.

“At this rate, I fear Korea will truly collapse. How can we revive the economy?”
“….”
“I understand this is an abrupt question, but if you have any good ideas at all, please share them with me.”

I hadn’t anticipated such a question, so I felt genuinely taken aback.
But seeing Kim Jae-chun’s earnest and desperate expression as he sought my counsel, I paused for a moment before speaking.

“There is indeed one path—a way to overcome our current difficulties and achieve a tremendous leap forward for Korea’s economy.”

At my words, Kim Jae-chun leaned forward urgently in his seat.

“What is it?”
“Broadband.”
“…!”

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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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