I Will Raise This Family to Greatness - Chapter 18

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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 18
Father kissed my cheek repeatedly.
“Your father doesn’t meet people like that often, so I was absolutely terrified. During my school days, I’d never even seen the principal in person. How could a vice president from Samjeon Electronics come directly to our home? Isn’t that amazing?”
“Yeah.”
I nodded in agreement.
Yet my heart felt a pang of sadness.
From kindergarten onward, no matter which school I attended, the principal always came personally to greet me. Such special treatment had been so utterly natural to me.
I could picture the past that Mother and Father had lived through—with no one to lean on.
“Sung-guk, what’s wrong? Are you sad?”
I shook my head.
“Alright. Father won’t tell sad stories anymore. From now on, our Sung-guk will walk only on a path of flowers.”
[Just wait—I’ll repay Mother and Father with money.]
I pressed myself against Father.
Even his rough stubble had become quite familiar by now.
People truly are creatures of adaptation.
When I first opened my eyes in this five-pyeong one-room apartment, I’d wanted nothing more than to leave this world behind. But now, living back-to-back like this didn’t feel so bad.
“Oh my, our Sung-guk is so precious.”
Father lifted me up and set me down several times.
[I should laugh at times like this.]
I giggled continuously and tumbled backward.
Both Mother and Father laughed at me, and Min-guk, delighted by something, rolled across the floor clutching his milk bottle and laughed along.
In that moment, I felt something strange.
My chest grew warm, and all worldly worries vanished.
[Could it be… that happiness is possible even in poverty? Could it really be…?]
* * *
Kim Mi-young looked back and forth between Mother and Father with a rigid expression.
“Secretary Yang came in person and, as compensation for reducing the deposit, said he would give you one apartment from the new Samjeon Construction complex being built in Jamsil for free, and also provide stocks?”
“Yes, Manager.”
Father answered honestly.
“But you initially declined, and then said you needed to consult with me first, so you sent Secretary Yang away?”
“Yes, Manager.”
Father nodded repeatedly.
Kim Mi-young stroked her chin thoughtfully.
“Actually, such contracts aren’t unheard of.”
“Really, unnie?”
Kim Mi-young nodded slightly.
“Models sometimes receive lower fees in exchange for company stocks, or they receive cars and apartments from the modeling company.”
I listened carefully to Kim Mi-young’s words.
Samjeon Electronics had never paid models that way, but I’d heard that smaller companies often did.
“But… this is the first time I’ve seen a major conglomerate like Samjeon Group do something like this.”
[Something’s fishy about this, Manager Kim. Don’t you think?]
“Sister, why would he do that?”
“When Secretary Yang moves within the Samjeon Group, it means Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung is moving. This means Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung gave the direct order.”
“Ah, Manager. Secretary Yang did say it was a gift from Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung.”
Kim Mi-young fixed Father with a resolute gaze.
“Let me call Secretary Yang and get the details straight. Then we can discuss it again.”
“Yes, Manager.”
Father simply nodded.
Shortly after finishing the call with Secretary Yang, Kim Mi-young entered the room wearing a faint smile.
I understood what that smile meant.
This was truly a gift. With no strings attached.
“Sister, what did he say?”
“Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung knows about Sung-guk’s situation. He said the contract fee was already generous for a baby model, but since you wanted to reduce it, he wants to give you an apartment and stocks instead. He says it’s meant as sponsorship for Sung-guk’s future.”
“Sponsorship? That’s something you do for orphans….”
Father’s brow furrowed deeply.
Kim Mi-young waved her hand dismissively.
“Don’t think of it that way. Have you heard of the Samjeon Scholarship Program? They mostly select and sponsor scholarship students who excel academically but come from difficult circumstances. Eventually, all those students enter society and become valuable connections for Samjeon Electronics.”
I knew this system well.
Countless students from humble backgrounds completed their studies as Samjeon Scholarship recipients and successfully entered society.
Many talented individuals joined Samjeon Electronics after graduation, but others became government officials or law firm partners, forming Samjeon’s vast network of influence.
Whenever discussions of collusion between politics and business arose, the Samjeon Scholarship Program inevitably came up.
I had never seen Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung invest so boldly in a small child before.
“I appreciate it, but…”
Father’s expression darkened.
I understood Father’s feelings somewhat, so I patted his back gently with my tiny hand.
Honestly, the Samjeon Electronics Scholarship was a double-edged sword.
But I had a way out.
I was legitimately working and receiving compensation for it.
It wasn’t that I was receiving a scholarship because I studied well or came from difficult circumstances.
Therefore, I didn’t need to feel any psychological debt to Samjeon Electronics.
[That’s right, I’ve decided! Let’s just take it for now!]
I patted Father’s back again.
[Dad, this isn’t the time to protect your pride.]
Father looked at me and smiled weakly.
“I should be protecting our Sung-guk, but Sung-guk is protecting this father instead.”
[I’m just naturally talented, Dad. You’ll probably receive much more in the future, so you might as well get used to accepting things starting now.]
Kim Mi-young gazed warmly at Father and me.
“It’s an apartment with a sale price slightly over 100 million won. It’s 34 pyeong, and it’s not far from Jamsil Station.”
Before the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Jamsil was nothing but barren wasteland.
However, with the 1988 Seoul Olympics as a turning point, the main stadium, various parks, and athlete village apartments were released for public sale, and Jamsil began to gain attention as a residential area.
“We both came up from Seochon, Gyeonggi Province, so we’ve never even been to Jamsil before.”
“Jamsil is still incomplete as a district right now, but from what I can see, it’s going to become better than any other neighborhood in the future. It’s important to establish yourselves before the children start school, isn’t it? Jamsil has no harmful facilities, so it’ll be truly wonderful for raising children.”
I could see Mother and Father’s faces light up at Kim Mi-young’s explanation.
“But… are you really sure about this? Is it okay for us to accept it like this, Manager Kim?”
“This is absolutely not free. Sung-guk will be working as an exclusive model for Samjeon Electronics for the next two years, right? This is payment for Sung-guk’s work. So it’s definitely not free!”
[That’s right. Manager Kim knows how to talk.]
I clapped my hands enthusiastically.
Mother patted my back.
“Sung-guk seems happy about it too, honey.”
“That’s right, Sung-guk. Dad will do his best to raise you in a really good environment.”
[I’m already a finished product, Dad. Don’t worry.]
When I saw Min-guk crawling toward me, I quickly nestled into Mother’s arms.
Get away, little brother. Mother is mine!
Right now, securing Mother’s embrace was more urgent than a 34-pyeong apartment or Samjeon Electronics stock.
* * *
The dark night.
I heard Mother and Father talking.
I woke up groggily and perked up my ears to listen to their conversation.
“So-young, that apartment move-in is two years away.”
“Yeah. Why?”
“The restaurant owner told me to stop just thinking about working in his kitchen and to prepare myself to open a bossam restaurant, and to save money while working.”
“The restaurant owner really is a good person.”
“He is.”
Father’s words trailed off for a moment.
I could read Father’s thoughts somewhat.
Once we moved to Jamsil, Father wouldn’t be able to work at the bossam restaurant anymore. The commute alone would take over two hours round trip.
“So-young, what if we work hard for two years and open a bossam restaurant near the apartment we’ll be moving into?”
“….”
Mother was silent for a moment.
Worry was clearly taking precedence.
“So-young, are you worried?”
“Even if we earn money over two years… do you think we can make enough to run a business like that?”
[Mom, Dad. I have the money I’ve earned. I’ve already learned a lot in my past life, so there’s not much for me to learn in this one. There’s no need to spend money on education, so I can just use the money I’ve made.]
I mumbled in my sleep.
Then Mother patted my belly.
“Sung-guk, are Mom and Dad being too loud?”
[Four people sleeping in one room—isn’t it strange that it’s quiet?]
I pretended to go back to sleep to keep listening to Mother and Father’s conversation.
Mother asked Father again.
“What do you think?”
“So-young, I want to try running my own restaurant too. The boys are growing up, and I can’t keep working for someone else forever. I want to be a father they won’t be ashamed of. I promise I’ll work hard for the next two years. I’ll open the restaurant without touching Sung-guk’s money as much as possible.”
[I approve. A man should have that much ambition. The late Chairman Jeon Ju-shin, founder of Samjeon Group, started with a butcher shop too.]
I gave my enthusiastic support to Father’s plan.
* * *
Father signed the contract.
A two-year contract for 100 million won.
One apartment in Jamsil, scheduled for move-in in two years.
Samjeon Electronics stock currently valued at 50 million won!
This was my Achievement accomplished in just two years.
When I lived as Jeon Sung-guk, the heir to Samjeon Electronics, born with a diamond spoon, I only worried about how to maintain this position.
I had no concept of accomplishing or achieving something.
Everything was already accomplished.
But in this life, everything was new.
Money earned under harsh lights accumulating like this….
My eyes grew hot.
I replaced the surging emotion with a deliberate yawn.
“Yaaawn!”
Then I threw myself into Father’s arms.
[Dad, you’ve got a good son.]
* * *
Father looked bewildered as he finished signing, then glanced at Secretary Yang.
“Is it contracted now?”
“Yes, perfect. The deposit will be transferred to your account within a week.”
Secretary Yang extended his hand.
“Sir, let’s shake hands.”
“Ah, yes.”
Father extended his right hand. It was still trembling slightly.
Secretary Yang grasped Father’s hand firmly and smiled. His expression was satisfied.
“The commercial shoot is next Wednesday. We’re counting on you.”
“I have work that day. My wife and Kim Mi-young here will probably go together.”
“I see. Then, I’ll see you next time.”
Secretary Yang bowed respectfully and left.
Kim Mi-young placed the signed contract into an envelope and handed it to Father.
“Congratulations, Sung-guk’s father.”
“Thank you so much for all your help.”
“It’s my job. Just call me Kim Mi-young from now on. Being called ‘Manager Kim’ makes me sound like your boss. I’m someone who makes money because of Sung-guk.”
“How can I call the landlord so casually?”
Father waved his hand dismissively.
“When you’re comfortable with it, call me then. Oh, the two-room apartment upstairs will have someone moving out next month.”
I looked up at Kim Mi-young.
[Is the landlord mentality kicking in? The contract’s signed, money’s coming in, and the timing is perfect?]
“Now that we have a younger brother, shouldn’t we live in a two-room apartment until we move into the house?”
“The one-room is a bit cramped, I suppose.”
[A bit cramped? It’s not cramped—it’s suffocating! Every night Min-guk thrashes around and hits me!]
I babbled in protest.
“Why don’t you discuss it with your wife? I only need an extra fifty thousand won in monthly rent. Sung-guk has a lot of shoots, so he’ll need more space to maintain his condition.”
[Not bad, Kim Mi-young.]
Father scratched his head awkwardly.
“I’ll talk it over with So-young. And would you like to come to our home for dinner tonight?”
“Dinner?”
“Since we’ve signed the contract, I’d like to show off my cooking skills.”
“Sounds good.”
Kim Mi-young answered readily.
[Dad, what are you making? I want bossam!]
I grabbed Father’s sleeve and shook it.
My palate was beginning to appreciate adult food.
“Does our Sung-guk have something he wants to eat?”
“Pork belly.”
“Got it. Dad will make it delicious for you, Sung-guk.”
Father planted a kiss on my cheek.
The rough stubble of a man’s jaw against my cheek….
[Bear with it. He’s your father.]
* * *
Click.
The key turned and the front door opened.
Mother and Father entered the two-room apartment hand in hand.
I was cradled in Father’s arms, while Min-guk was in Mother’s.
Kim Mi-young stepped inside and spoke.
“The current tenant already found a place in the provinces and moved out, so the apartment is empty. They said we could look around.”
“Wow.”
Mother’s mouth fell half-open.
Father stared around the two-room apartment with wide eyes.
[Mom, Dad, close your mouths, please. Are you really showing your inexperience like this? Getting excited over just a two-room apartment? Seriously?]
“What do you think?”
Kim Mi-young looked at Father and Mother with hopeful eyes.
The two-room apartment Kim Mi-young showed us had two rooms the size of our current one-room, plus a kitchen space and a bathroom.
Of course, to my eyes—accustomed to living only in penthouses—it fell short.
“So-young, this is twice the size of the room we’re living in now.”
“Honey, it’s really nice. I think it would be wonderful to make one room into Sung-guk’s own space.”
“The tenant moving out had high school children, and four of them lived here until graduation.”
[What the hell! How are four big people supposed to live here!]
I barely stifled a scream, then realized our family had grown to four with Min-guk included. And our home was a five-pyeong one-room apartment.
I forced myself to calm down.
[Right now I’m not the tycoon Jeon Sung-guk—I’m Sung-guk, the eldest son of a poor family!]
I repeated this to myself several times over.
“This should be more than enough until Sung-guk starts elementary school.”
Father couldn’t hide his excitement.
“We’ll have to move to an apartment in Jamsil in two years. We can’t stay here forever.”
Kim Mi-young spoke with a smile.
[Even if it’s a special allocation apartment from Samjeon Electronics, it’s only 84 square meters. They call it the standard national size, but it’s still just a tiny space.]
Mother gazed at Father with an expression of deep emotion.
“Honey, can’t we move sooner?”
“What?”
Father looked slightly taken aback.
On the day he declared he would accept the apartment, he had vowed to tighten his belt and save money for the next two years.
But Mother’s heart had already been stolen from this place.
“When we lived at the orphanage, six of us slept in one room. Back then, every time I went to sleep, I’d think—will I ever have my own room in my lifetime?”
[Mom, don’t sell me your sob story. You’re making me sad again.]
My eyes grew misty too.
I couldn’t even imagine how Mother and Father had managed to survive all these years.
“Honey, Sung-guk is three years old now. Don’t you think he needs his own room too?”
“So-young, three seems a bit early for that….”
“Well, let’s discuss that after we see the place.”
Kim Mi-young sensed the mood and continued showing us the apartment.
“The wallpaper was redone two years ago, so there’s no need to touch it. The dining table in the kitchen—the next owner said they’d leave it if you want to use it.”
“Really? Then we won’t need to buy much. We could just move our things from downstairs.”
Mother was already mentally planning the move.
Father simply nodded repeatedly, looking uncertain.
“Manager Kim, thank you for viewing the apartment. Shall we go have dinner now? Everything’s ready.”
“Of course.”
Mother couldn’t take her eyes off the apartment until the very last moment the door closed.
I watched Mother intently.
Father, who had to tighten his belt.
Mother, who wanted to give her children more space.
Now I understood both of their hearts completely.
Of course, there was only one conclusion.
I had to grow up quickly and lift this family out of poverty!
* * *
Braised short ribs. Japchae and kung pao chicken. Plus rice and seaweed soup.
And bossam, which I had requested.
The small table was laden with various dishes.
“Sister, I’m sorry there isn’t much, but please eat.”
“What do you mean there isn’t much? I haven’t had a spread like this in ages.”
Kim Mi-young looked pleasantly surprised.
Mother rose from her seat and suddenly turned off the lights.
“Sung-guk’s mother, what’s happening?”
At that moment, Father nudged my ribs gently.
The moment had arrived.
I had spent the entire afternoon practicing a single song for this very moment.
[Making a living is really difficult.]

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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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