Golden Spoon Investment Portfolio - Chapter 84

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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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84. Just pick whichever one feels right to you.

At the same moment, in an upscale Korean restaurant in Jongno-gu.
Park Tae-hong sat across from Gu Hyung-gi, Chief Secretary and closest aide to President Kim Sung-gyu, in a separate pavilion of the restaurant built in traditional Korean hanok style on expansive grounds.
Across a spacious low dining table laden with over forty dishes, Chief Secretary Gu Hyung-gi spoke with a smile.

“The VIP was absolutely delighted with the gift you presented during the private audience.”
“I’m relieved to hear that.”

As one of the regime’s most influential figures, Park Tae-hong treated his counterpart with utmost courtesy and respect.

“I was present that day as well, and I must say I was quite taken aback when I saw what you’d brought.”

Chief Secretary Gu Hyung-gi leaned forward slightly from his seated position, his expression one of genuine curiosity.

“To locate the Meredith Victory, which had been forgotten, and bring it back—how did such an idea come to you?”

Park Tae-hong smiled and replied.

“Fortune smiled upon me. I happened to learn that the Meredith Victory was on the verge of being scrapped, so I purchased it to prevent that. As it happened, the private audience was already scheduled, and I was able to donate it to the nation that very day.”
“I see.”

Park Tae-hong felt somewhat uncomfortable taking credit for his second son’s achievement.
However, Seok-won had wanted it this way, and besides, it was far better to present the story as planned rather than laboriously explain all the details.

“It would have been truly heartbreaking if the Meredith Victory, which saved so many lives during the Hungnam evacuation, had been sold as scrap metal to China and scrapped. You’ve accomplished something truly magnificent.”
“I consider myself fortunate as well.”

Though he didn’t say it aloud, had the truth emerged later, the public backlash would have placed President Kim Sung-gyu and the government in an extremely awkward position.

“You mentioned the ship will arrive in Korea in two weeks?”
“Yes. Since it had been left abandoned for so long, its condition is not ideal. We’re taking some time to perform basic repairs before bringing it over.”

Chief Secretary Gu Hyung-gi nodded slightly, his expression showing understanding.

“Well, if it was built during World War II, it would be nearly fifty years old by now, so it couldn’t possibly be in pristine condition.”
“That’s correct.”
“When the Meredith Victory arrives, the VIP will personally attend the welcoming ceremony to greet it. It would certainly look better if it were clean rather than covered in rust and falling apart in various places.”

Park Tae-hong’s expression shifted slightly at hearing this news for the first time.

“The President is coming in person?”
“That’s correct. The Meredith Victory is a ship that performed miracles during the Korean War, even receiving the Gallant Ship designation from the U.S. Congress. Shouldn’t the VIP be there to welcome its return?”

As Gu Hyung-gi spoke with a smile, I immediately grasped that the Blue House intended to fully capitalize on the Meredith Victory’s homecoming.

“On that day, the government will announce plans to construct a special memorial park on Geoje Island and display the Meredith Victory there, and will present you with the Order of National Merit, Magnolia Class.”
“A decoration?”
“You’ve accomplished a great feat in recovering the Meredith Victory, which we nearly lost forever. Surely you’re more than qualified to receive such an honor.”
“I never expected this. I’m grateful, but also quite taken aback.”
“Since the VIP has instructed this, you should express your gratitude later.”
“Of course.”
“Ah, and the VIP’s attendance at the welcoming ceremony is classified information. Please keep it confidential until the official announcement is made.”
“Understood.”

In any nation, the President’s movements were classified information.
Gu Hyung-gi lifted the glass before him, took a sip, and set it back down.
Then, looking at me across from him, he continued in a measured tone.

“You mentioned during our last private meeting that you have a strong interest in the duty-free business, didn’t you?”
“I did.”

I straightened my posture, instinctively sensing that he was about to broach the real purpose of today’s meeting.

“You’re aware that the government is making considerable efforts to foster the tourism industry—designating this year as Korea Visit Year and allowing visa-free entry for Japanese tourists, among other measures.”
“Of course.”
“Fortunately, the policy has been effective, and foreign tourists have increased significantly. However, the government believes that domestic tourism facilities remain insufficient.”
“….”
“Duty-free shops are one such area.”

Though I felt a flutter of anticipation, I showed no sign of it, responding with practiced composure.

“Therefore, we’ve decided to authorize two new downtown duty-free shops by year’s end.”

Gu Hyung-gi, the Chief Secretary, deliberately paused for a moment before addressing me.

“Given the circumstances, a VIP has requested that we entrust one of these projects to the Daeheung Group. Would you be willing to take it on?”

I responded immediately, as though I’d been waiting for this very question.

“Of course. If you grant me this opportunity, I’ll create a duty-free shop so magnificent that it won’t pale in comparison to anything in Korea or anywhere else in the world.”

As competition intensified due to Lotte and Utopia Group’s aggressive expansion into the department store business, the Daeheung Group had identified the duty-free shop business as our breakthrough strategy.
However, duty-free operations required government approval, so we couldn’t simply pursue it at will.
That’s why, during our last private audience, when President Kim Sung-gyu—delighted after receiving a gift—asked if there was anything I needed or found difficult in conducting business, I seized the moment and brought up the duty-free shop proposal.
I’d mentioned it with the mindset of “nothing ventured, nothing gained,” but the opportunity I’d hoped for had actually materialized.
Since there was no reason to refuse, when I displayed strong enthusiasm, Gu Hyung-gi smiled as if he’d expected nothing less.

“Next month, the announcement for new duty-free shop operators will be released, so prepare accordingly.”
“Thank you.”

Gu Hyung-gi gazed at me with a smile.

“Isn’t this simply your reward for your deep love of the nation, Chairman Park?”

Gu Hyung-gi was directly stating that this was compensation for bringing the Meredith Victory here.
The duty-free shop business, which I’d envisioned as a new growth engine but had struggled to push forward due to numerous obstacles, was now resolved with a single ship.
I couldn’t help but marvel once again at my second son’s exceptional insight.
Clearing my thoughts, I picked up the liquor pitcher and refilled Gu Hyung-gi’s empty glass.
Then I quietly slid the hard-case briefcase beside me toward him and spoke.

“It’s modest, but it’s prepared with sincerity. Please accept it.”
“What’s this?”
“Serving the President will surely require various things. Please use it without hesitation.”

Gu Hyung-gi laid the briefcase flat and carefully opened it, revealing bundles of dollar bills and yen notes packed inside.
After confirming the contents, Gu Hyung-gi’s expression softened into a warmer smile.

“This shouldn’t be done, but since you’ve prepared it for the President, I’ll accept it.”
“Thank you.”

Watching him close the briefcase, I picked up my glass.

“Let’s have a drink.”
“Why not.”

Chairman Park Tae-hong clinked glasses lightly with Chief Secretary Gu Hyung-gi, his face beaming with satisfaction as he downed the drink in one gulp.

* * *

The next day at Daeheung Securities Headquarters on Yeouido.
The staff of the 5th Floor Trading Center, who had been rushing about frantically all day, exhaled in relief and relaxed the moment the market closed.

“Everyone did great work today.”

Manager Choi Ho-geun, his white dress shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows, rose from his seat and looked around at his team members as he spoke.

“Would you like me to make everyone a cup of coffee?”
“Sounds good.”

Manager Choi Ho-geun nodded at Hong Jae-hee’s words.
Then Deputy Manager Jung Hwan-yeop, his tie loosened around his neck, turned slightly in his chair and held up two fingers.

“I’ll take two packets of instant coffee mix. You know the drill, right?”
“How could I not, when you order the same thing every time.”

Hong Jae-hee replied with a knowing smile and walked toward the break room.

“Even though it’s tiring, make sure you organize today’s transaction records and hand them over to Miss Hong.”
“Understood.”

Just because the market had closed didn’t mean everyone could leave immediately—there was still quite a bit of work to be done.
After hearing Yu Seok-hyun’s response, Manager Choi Ho-geun straightened his rolled-up shirt sleeves, took his jacket from the coat rack, and put it on.

“I’m going to head to the team leader’s office.”

Manager Choi Ho-geun, who was about to head to the team leader’s office with a folder in hand, stopped when he noticed something.
He approached Deputy Manager Jung Hwan-yeop from behind as he sat at his desk and glanced over his shoulder at what he was holding.

“What are you doing?”

Deputy Manager Jung Hwan-yeop looked up and answered with a grin.

“Oh, this? It’s a car pamphlet.”
“Are you thinking of buying a car?”
“Yes. The Espero from Daekwang Motors—isn’t it impressive?”

Yu Seok-hyun, overhearing their conversation, interjected with a question.

“The Espero is a compact sedan, so the price must be quite substantial, isn’t it?”
“A junior I know works as a sales representative there, so he’s giving me a discount.”

So that’s why he’d seemed in such high spirits all day—he was excited about buying a car.

“So how much is it?”
“Nine hundred thousand won.”
“That’s expensive. Do you have the money?”
“I’ll get my year-end bonus, won’t I?”

Jung Hwan-yeop replied confidently, puffing out his chest.
At his response, Choi Ho-geun furrowed his brow and clicked his tongue in disapproval.

“Kid, summer hasn’t even ended yet.”
“You don’t know? Cars are bought with courage, not money. Besides, there’s the wonderful system called installment payments.”
“Good grief. He needs a proper lesson before he’ll come to his senses.”

I’d always known he was reckless, but his condition seemed to be worsening.
Choi Ho-geun shook his head and turned toward the team leader’s office.
After knocking and entering, he found Seok-won sitting at his desk, who glanced up slightly.

“What is it?”
“I’ve compiled the information about the Donghae Group’s loan situation that you mentioned before.”
“Ah, thank you for your effort.”

As Seok-won extended his hand, Choi Ho-geun respectfully handed over the file folder.
Seok-won flipped through the folder and skimmed it briefly, then gave a light nod.

“I’ll review it carefully later, so you can go.”
“Yes, sir.”

Choi Ho-geun bowed respectfully and turned to leave.

“Just a moment.”

I stopped in my tracks at the sound of Seok-won’s voice from behind and turned back with a puzzled expression.

“Is there something you wanted to say?”
“Take a quick look at this, would you?”

Seok-won picked up the pamphlet that had been sitting on the desk and handed it over.
Choi Ho-geun accepted the pamphlet somewhat bewilderedly and gazed blankly at photographs of various business jet models manufactured by Gulfstream, Bombardier, and others.

“Which of the private jets in there do you think looks the best?”

Choi Ho-geun’s expression grew flustered at the sudden question.

“I don’t know much about aircraft, so….”
“Just pick whichever one feels right to you.”

As Seok-won urged him with a casual tone, Choi Ho-geun scratched his head and looked down at the pamphlet again before pointing to one of them.

“I think this one looks good.”

Seok-won smiled faintly upon seeing the model Choi Ho-geun had chosen.

“Just as I thought—we all have the same eye for these things. I liked that one too.”
“Oh… is that so?”
“Now that you’ve picked it, you can go.”
“Yes, understood.”

Choi Ho-geun gave an awkward reply and stepped outside, casting a glance back at the closed team leader’s office.

“Surely he’s not actually planning to buy one of those jets.”

The image of him spreading out the private jet pamphlet like a supermarket flyer and selecting one came back to mind.
Jung Hwan-yeop was excited about buying a car, so wouldn’t it make sense for Seok-won, a third-generation chaebol, to be in the market for an aircraft?
With such thoughts naturally crossing his mind, Choi Ho-geun let out a hollow laugh.

“Nah, a jet isn’t like a car. That can’t be it.”

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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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