I Will Raise This Family to Greatness - Chapter 171

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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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Chapter 171
Barack Obama quickly flashed a genteel smile.
He seemed to be waiting for my next words.
[Barack Obama. You can’t just clam up after becoming president thanks to my advice.]
I smiled, concealing my true thoughts.
The late founder of Samjeon Group, Chairman Jeon Ju-shin, had always been this way.
A businessman must never let his true intentions show.
“Senator, the issue that fluctuates with every election is always campaign financing, isn’t it?”
“That’s right.”
Barack Obama gave an appropriate response.
“There’s an analysis that President Kennedy won because of the televised debates—something unprecedented at the time—which had a massive impact on public opinion. That’s how much new media influences elections. And going forward, it’s the age of social media.”
“You’re absolutely right.”
Barack Obama nodded vigorously.
Then he looked at me and smiled faintly before whispering quietly.
“I was a bit surprised you brought up the presidential election as an example.”
[It’s too early to be surprised. I already know you’ll become the 44th President of the United States.]
I smiled knowingly, as if I didn’t understand.
“I’m not entirely sure, but if you’ve already served as a federal senator, everyone knows what your next goal would be.”
Barack Obama glanced around cautiously.
“Sung-guk, shall we step outside and talk?”
“Of course.”
I followed Barack Obama out of the office.
The surroundings were dark and quiet.
“It doesn’t feel like Christmas here. It’s too warm.”
True to form, Barack Obama, the politician, began with small talk before abruptly throwing out his next question.
“You were saying earlier that social media could control future elections, weren’t you?”
“I wouldn’t say something so grand, but running social media, I can see public sentiment clearly. Especially the sentiment of younger generations.”
“Hmm… I see. Sung-guk… if I were to prepare for the next election, could you help me?”
“As you know, I’m in the position of running a company. Of course, this is the free and democratic United States, so I can freely express my opinions, but I can’t do anything that would threaten my company.”
Barack Obama extended his hand to me again.
“There’s still time, so think about it. I feel like I could win the election just having such a handsome man behind me.”
[Of course. I’ll probably bring in the women’s vote for you.]
I quickly grasped Barack Obama’s hand.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
In 2007, Barack Obama would officially announce his presidential candidacy.
But for now, he seemed uncertain, his expression turning somewhat bitter.
“You know well from living as an Asian in America, Sung-guk. There’s a glass ceiling here, after all. No matter how excellent I am, no matter how capable I am, ultimately, they see my skin color.”
Of course, I had been fortunate enough to be handsome and to have proven myself with unmatched achievements, which freed me somewhat from discrimination, but I wasn’t completely free from it, just as Barack Obama said.
I slowly opened my mouth.
“Barack, you in politics, me in business. It’s something we have to break through. And I think we can do it. Don’t you?”
In that instant, Barack Obama’s eyes began to sparkle once more.
“Yes, We can!”
I emphasized this phrase once again.
[Barack Obama, that’s your presidential campaign slogan.]
Barack Obama smiled warmly.
“So that’s why Jessie urged me to come here today. Sung-guk, whatever happens in the future, I’d like you to work with me in a few years.”
“I’ll think about it. I’m still quite young.”
“That’s true. Then, I’ll see you in a few years. Once you’ve grown a bit more.”
Barack Obama spoke with genuine warmth.
* * *
Jessie approached Mark with a beer in hand.
“Mark, how have you been?”
“Oh… very well.”
“The atmosphere here is wonderful. It’s just like you two. Free, unburdened by rules… it looks like a space designed purely for work.”
“We’re still settling in. Are you interested in politics?”
“It’s a position my father arranged. He says Barack is a promising politician. I want to go into broadcasting, and I thought this would help my resume.”
“I see.”
Jessie glanced at Mark differently than before.
In truth, Jessie’s heart still belonged to Sung-guk, but she had no way to approach him.
There were legal complications, but the greatest obstacle was that Sung-guk simply didn’t regard her as anything more than a friend.
“Mark, your father mentions you often.”
“He does?”
Mark responded vaguely to Jessie’s comment with an uncertain expression.
“He always says you’ll become a more successful entrepreneur than Sung-guk.”
“Sung-guk and I work together…”
“You can’t work together forever.”
“What are you talking about? We’ll work together for life.”
Mark’s tone was resolute.
Jessie found it slightly unsettling—Mark’s firmness was unusual for him.
“Jessie, you’re always welcome to visit us, but I’d rather not discuss my relationship with Sung-guk.”
“Mark, that’s not what I meant…”
Jessie frowned as things weren’t unfolding as she’d hoped.
At that moment, Lim Mi-mi appeared.
“Mark, make sure to set aside some Hawaiian pizza. If we run out, Sung-guk will probably be furious.”
“Oh, right. Have you had some pizza, Lim Mi-mi?”
“What about you, Mark?”
“Right, Lim Mi-mi. This is a Christmas gift for you.”
Mark produced a small box he’d been hiding in his pocket.
Jessie observed the scene with a puzzled expression.
Lim Mi-mi opened the small box and drew out a delicate necklace adorned with a gleaming pearl pendant.
Mark smiled shyly, waiting for Lim Mi-mi’s reaction.
“This is our first Christmas together, and I’m sorry for making you work.”
“Hmm… Mark…”
Lim Mi-mi paused for a moment, glanced at Jessie, then quickly embraced Mark tightly.
In that instant, Jessie was taken aback.
Mark, whom she’d always thought was a fish in her pond, was actually in a relationship!
Lim Mi-mi, seeing Jessie’s bewildered expression, whispered to Mark.
“Mark, if you ever look at another woman, you’re dead.”
“Lim Mi-mi, I’ve never done that. You know. There’s only you for me.”
“Mark, let’s change our status to ‘in a relationship’ on FaceNote.”
“Really? But you hated that. You said it felt like work and romance were getting tangled together.”
Lim Mi-mi and Mark had deliberately avoided marking themselves as “in a relationship” on FaceNote.
They didn’t know what might happen, and they didn’t want to feel unnecessarily constrained.
“I’ve changed my mind.”
“Of course I’m happy about it. I’ll do it right now.”
Mark grinned widely, found his laptop, and disappeared through the crowd.
Lim Mi-mi stayed behind and looked at Jessie.
Bewilderment lingered on Jessie’s face.
“Jessie, I hope you meet a good man in the future.”
“….”
Jessie merely scoffed at Lim Mi-mi’s words and disappeared.
* * *
As I entered the office, Jessie was just walking out with an angry expression.
“Jessie, leaving already?”
“Sung-guk… Tell Mark and his girlfriend. I was never interested in Mark.”
[So Mark rejected you, Jessie.]
I nodded dismissively.
“What did you talk about with Barack?”
“Just, he was curious about our company, so I introduced him to it.”
“By the way, tomorrow’s Christmas. Sung-guk, want to grab dinner together?”
“Jessie, I’m sorry. I’m taking a morning flight to the Marshall Islands.”
“The Marshall Islands? Sung-guk, are you dating someone too?”
I shook my head.
“Jessie, I’m still a minor. I’m not thinking about dating until I’m an adult. I have too much work to do anyway….”
“Ah, I see. Then have a good trip. If you have time, stop by our Senator’s Office.”
“Sure.”
Barack Obama, who came in from behind with his aide, called out to Jessie.
“Jessie, I think we should get going.”
“Yes, I’m ready to leave too.”
And I exchanged a nod with Barack Obama once more.
* * *
As dawn broke, most of the gathered crowd had dispersed, leaving only a handful of us behind.
Of course, that included me, Mark, and Lim Mi-mi. Elon, our uninvited houseguest, was dozing on the sofa.
I stood on the second-floor railing with a cup of coffee in hand.
Mark approached and clinked his beer bottle against my coffee cup.
“Merry Christmas, Sung-guk.”
“Merry Christmas to you too, Mark.”
“Sung-guk, what were you talking about with Barack earlier?”
“Oh, just various things about the election.”
I brushed off the question vaguely.
[Mark, if I tell you this, it’s classified information.]
Mark glanced over at Elon, who was sleeping soundly.
“Sung-guk, do you really believe Elon will succeed?”
“Hmm… I suppose so.”
[Of course he will. But that’s also classified.]
“Sung-guk, I support everything you do wholeheartedly, but I don’t really understand the Elon situation. Electric cars and space ventures—it all seems so far-fetched.”
“Mark, people probably thought the same about us. ‘What are these two kids trying to do? A young Asian guy and an awkward American?’ That’s what they said.”
Mark chuckled softly.
“You’re right. I never dreamed we’d build a company like this. But Sung-guk… there’s something that’s been worrying me.”
“Worrying you? What is it, Mark?”
“It seems like you’re gradually drifting away from FaceNote. That’s what concerns me.”
Mark’s expression showed genuine worry.
To be honest, the heart of FaceNote is Mark and the other programmers.
Of course, someone like me needs to generate ideas, manage the company, and attract investors, but ultimately, it’s Mark who keeps FaceNote running.
Going forward, even if I work less, the hired employees will come up with better ideas.
And that’s how the company needs to operate from now on.
“Mark, what are you talking about?”
I feigned ignorance in my response.
“Sung-guk, I don’t think you’re someone who should be confined to FaceNote alone. I believe you’re meant to do much more….”
“Mark… but FaceNote will always be my top priority.”
Mark offered a weak smile.
“That means you want to try other things now, doesn’t it?”
I nodded slowly.
This was something I couldn’t hide from Mark.
And truthfully, new ambitions had begun to take shape.
I wanted to follow Elon to the Marshall Islands and see SpaceZ for myself, and I wanted to help Barack Obama, the upcoming presidential candidate.
“Mark, honestly, new things I want to do have come up.”
“Just as I feared… my sad premonition was right.”
“Mark, this isn’t a sad premonition. FaceNote needs you more now. That’s the truth. Nobody understands FaceNote the way you do.”
“Sung-guk… do you really think I can do it?”
“Yes, We can!”
Mark let out a quiet chuckle.
I patted Mark on the shoulder.
* * *
I boarded the airplane with Elon.
Elon wore a contented smile.
“Sung-guk, thanks to you, it feels like I’m flying business class for the first time in ages.”
“Thanks to you, Elon, I’m visiting the Marshall Islands for the first time too.”
“By the way, Sung-guk. Did you book a return flight?”
“No.”
I shook my head.
Elon looked at me with a puzzled expression.
I smiled at Elon.
“Elon, I want to participate in SpaceZ too.”
“Sung-guk, we’re not leaving the Marshall Islands until we succeed, but are you really okay with that?”
A chime sounded—takeoff notification.
I fastened my seatbelt and looked at Elon.
“Elon, hurry and fasten your seatbelt.”
Elon broke into a broad grin.
“Sung-guk, welcome to hell!”

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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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