I Will Raise This Family to Greatness - Chapter 185

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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 185
Jung-woo sipped his hot chocolate, looking embarrassed, then fell silent for a moment.
“Sung-guk, when I think back to first grade, you were incredibly smart and handsome, but I never dreamed you’d turn out this successful. Every time I see an article about you, I’m amazed.”
[In my past life, I was born into success and lived lavishly from the start. This life? I built everything from scratch with blood, sweat, and tears.]
I forced my shoulders down and took a sip of milk.
“Sung-guk, but that news about Ashley Holmes calling you a man of fatal charm…”
“That’s all lies! I only had meals with her. I’m still a minor. In America, it’s completely illegal for an adult to be with a minor like that.”
Jung-woo laughed out loud at my response.
“Sung-guk, listen to what I have to say.”
“Oh, sorry… I’ve been a bit sensitive about that woman lately. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, you know?”
“Sung-guk, you really haven’t changed at all.”
Jung-woo smiled brightly.
I shrugged and waited for what Jung-woo would say next.
“Sung-guk, you were exactly the same back then. So incredibly smart, acting like you knew everything about the world, but then you’d get all fired up over the smallest things. And I still remember—you came over to my house on purpose because you wanted to study, and we played together.”
[The personality part isn’t quite right, but the rest is accurate.]
“Do you remember anything else?”
“I remember my tutor Oliver and you having natural conversations all the time, while I just stood there like a fool watching. Oh, and you told me that since I wanted to be a singer, I should study English hard.”
[Choi Jung-woo has a good memory.]
“So did you study English diligently?”
“Of course I did. After that, I studied English really hard. My mom couldn’t afford a tutor, so I watched educational broadcasts every day and studied on my own. Other subjects are so-so, but English? I’m always first. English speaking contests—I always represent my school in those.”
Jung-woo spoke excitedly.
Whether as a child or now, Jung-woo was pure-hearted.
Usually when people who lived well suddenly lose their wealth, their personalities change, but Jung-woo seemed to have a naturally kind and gentle disposition.
On top of that, his face was more handsome than I expected. His mother’s beauty was gradually becoming visible in his features.
“Jung-woo, do you still dream of being a singer?”
“I do, but honestly, I’m not sure how to go about it… For now, I want to be helpful to my family. I want to pay off Dad’s debts quickly and help Mom live the elegant life she used to have. That’s why I came to find you… When I see articles about you, you’re so successful. Plus, your father’s Bossam Restaurant has become really famous.”
“Hmm…”
Of course, I would help Jung-woo.
But climbing up using the connections I provide would be entirely Jung-woo’s responsibility.
“Jung-woo, I can introduce you to a famous producer. But after that, it’s up to you to make the choice and put in the effort. And… becoming a singer might take longer than you think.”
“That’s okay, Sung-guk. I really can do this.”
“It might actually be better to study diligently, graduate from a good university, and get a stable job.”
This was accurate advice.
Most people who saw a few successful idols and rushed into the entertainment industry like moths to a flame ended up never making a name for themselves, missing out on their studies, and becoming outcasts in society.
“Sung-guk, just show me the path. I’ll run down that path with all my heart.”
[With that kind of resolve, I should show him the way.]
I held out my phone to Jung-woo.
“Jung-woo, give me your number. I know a famous guy named Bang Mu-hyuk who works in music.”
“I know him too! I’ve seen him on TV sometimes on music programs.”
“He started a talent agency. I’ll contact Bang Mu-hyuk and ask if you can audition, then let you know. But if you wanted to be a singer, why didn’t you do anything else?”
“Actually, I’m in the dance club. That should help too, right?”
“Of course. First, gather any photos or videos you’ve taken on your phone or camera so you can show them when we meet.”
“Got it, Sung-guk.”
Jung-woo’s face brightened considerably.
[The kid’s been living steadily just as I suggested.]
Jung-woo sipped his hot chocolate and stared directly at me.
“Sung-guk, I didn’t come just to ask for this favor. I really wanted to see you. I haven’t adjusted well at my new school, so I don’t have a single friend from elementary school there. You’re my only friend from those days.”
“Jung-woo, same here.”
Of course, that was because I’d dropped out of school.
I couldn’t study with teachers who weren’t on my level.
“And actually… this isn’t my first time here.”
“What do you mean?”
“Every time I missed you, I’d come. This is exactly the thirtieth time. I finally got to see you.”
“Jung-woo, thank you. For thinking of me.”
“And thank you for remembering me too.”
Jung-woo smiled brightly.
* * *
After parting with Jung-woo, I called Bang Mu-hyuk on my way home.
Bang Mu-hyuk readily agreed to set up an audition.
The moment I told Jung-woo, his phone practically exploded with joy.
In my past life, I’d lived with tunnel vision, focused solely on inheriting the family business that generations had built.
But this life was going to be different.
I planned to repay those who had helped me while moving forward.
Of course, when Jung-woo revitalized his family, ours would rise even higher.
* * *
I stood before the mirror in a hoodie and jeans.
I found myself touching my hair a few more times without reason.
Behind me, I felt Jeon Tae-guk glance at me while lying on the floor reading comics with Min-guk.
“Sung-guk, are you going to meet the chairman and his wife from Hyojin Group?”
“Yes, but hyung…”
Jeon Tae-guk already knew what I was about to say, and he silently held up a finger to shush me.
“Jeon Sung-guk, I know exactly what you’re going to say. Mom, who called me a traitor, went to Paris for work, and there’s only an annoying younger sister at home. If I tell Mi-jin you were at our place, she’ll definitely make a fuss about meeting you. Then I’d be bothered into contacting you to arrange it. Jeon Sung-guk, that’s not what you want either, is it?”
[Jeon Tae-guk’s negotiation skills are improving by the day…]
Jeon Tae-guk flipped a page of his comic and rolled around.
“Sung-guk, bring some chicken when you come back.”
“Hyung, I want the spicy kind.”
Min-guk answered without taking his eyes off the comic.
“Sung-guk, I want fried chicken.”
The phrase “really something else” fit perfectly for moments like this.
* * *
The meeting place was the Chinese Restaurant at Samjeon Hotel.
Koo Soo-young, the Chairman of Hyojin Group, and his wife knew all too well how I went absolutely crazy for their jjajangmyeon.
I pushed open the restaurant door with an eager expression on my face.
It had been quite a while since I last saw Chairman Koo Soo-young.
Chairman Koo Soo-young and his wife, who had arrived early, greeted me with warm smiles.
“Sung-guk, it’s been such a long time.”
“My goodness, honey. Is this really the Sung-guk we knew? Goodness, you’ve grown so much.”
“I still have more growing to do.”
I felt a bit bashful and let my face flush appropriately.
Soon, the food we had ordered began to arrive.
“How are your sisters doing?”
“Ye-jung is getting married in New York this summer. She’s been insisting that we absolutely must invite you. Apparently, she’s been bragging to her New York friends that you’re her close younger brother and the founder of FaceNote.”
“I definitely have to attend Ye-jung’s wedding.”
“So I’ll see you in New York this summer….”
My conversation with Chairman Koo Soo-young naturally drifted toward talk of my sisters.
Ye-ri had apparently changed her major to fashion and started studying again.
“I have no idea when that girl will come to her senses.”
“Fashion really suits my sister.”
Ye-ri would later lead the fashion group within Hyojin Group. If I just left things as they were now, she would manage just fine.
But Chairman Koo Soo-young’s real concern lay elsewhere.
Chairman Koo Soo-young was no longer a young man.
His only son and heir had died, leaving his future shrouded in darkness. He simply didn’t show it.
“Honey, didn’t you say you had something to tell Sung-guk?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
What did he want to say?
I set down my chopsticks gently while eating my jjajangmyeon.
[I almost never stop eating jjajangmyeon once I start. Come on, Chairman, tell me what’s on your mind.]
Chairman Koo Soo-young smiled weakly and looked at me.
“The truth is, I wanted to see your face… and I also had a favor to ask, so I suggested we meet.”
[Hmm… Is this what I expected?]
“Chairman, please speak freely.”
“All right, Sung-guk. The thing is… I was wondering if you’d consider giving up FaceNote and working for Hyojin Group instead….”
His voice trailed off weakly.
Chairman Koo Soo-young seemed to already know that I wouldn’t join Hyojin Group.
His proposal now meant he was considering me as a successor in place of his dead son, but I had no intention of doing so whatsoever.
Hyojin Group was a solid and stable enterprise in its own right.
Though slightly smaller than Samjeon, it was still one of the top five companies in South Korea’s business world.
Taking control of this company might be an opportunity to become a chaebol in South Korea.
But I could no longer be satisfied with merely becoming a South Korean chaebol.
Of course, there was no reason to refuse outright and sever my relationship with Hyojin.
Even though relations with Samjeon Group had soured, having Jeon Tae-guk lounging around my home gave me leverage to secure future dealings—it was as good as already done.
I feigned mild surprise.
“Chairman… that’s quite an abrupt proposal….”
“I know it came out of nowhere, right? It’s just that ever since Hyojin Group began sponsoring you unconditionally, I’ve been hearing regular reports about your progress. You received support from the Junho Foundation scholarship, got into Harvard, launched major ventures… you’ve accomplished truly remarkable things.”
Koo Soo-young moistened his throat with warm water.
“Thanks to you, the Junho Foundation and Hyojin Group have gotten plenty of publicity too. But… hearing these stories so often… you’ve come to feel like a son I gained late in life… so I’m just asking on the off chance. If you’re not planning to put down roots in America and instead come to Korea to do business, what do you think of Hyojin Group?”
I listened to Koo Soo-young’s words to the end, then pretended to fall into thought.
Answering too quickly would be inappropriate, but answering too slowly would be rude.
At the right moment, I opened my mouth.
“Chairman, I’m grateful that you think so highly of me.”
Koo Soo-young, already sensing the rejection, smiled weakly.
“The work I’m doing now is simply more interesting to me than what Hyojin Group does.”
“That’s natural at your age.”
“Chairman, if you don’t mind, what if Hyojin Group became my partner for the business ventures I’m planning in Korea?”
I made a counter-proposal.
“What kind of business are you thinking of doing in Korea?”
“I’m still in the planning stages, but while I’ve been in America, I’ve seen the potential of Korean culture. The user base of ‘FaceNote,’ which I’m running in America, is now expanding beyond just America to a global population. And what combines best with social networks like this? Films, dramas, and music.”
[Of course, it’s all a lie. Having lived through life, I’ve seen the day when K-pop, Korean films, and Korean dramas become massive hits worldwide.]
Koo Soo-young nodded deeply.
“I want to transform not the American market, but South Korea’s cultural market, and ultimately sweep the world. I thought it would be wonderful if Hyojin became my partner in that.”
[What I’m really saying is: handle all the annoying Korean corporate registration issues and everything else, Chairman Koo.]
Koo Soo-young nodded with a subtle smile playing at his lips.
“Sung-guk, your way of thinking is truly beyond what ordinary people can grasp. Culture, indeed….”
Koo Soo-young’s Wife chimed in from beside him.
“Dear, didn’t Jun-ho say something like that before? That if he weren’t a chaebol heir, he’d want to become a film director.”
[Hmm… yes, Jun-ho did say that.]
I recalled Jun-ho for a moment.
He was a rare young chaebol heir with nothing out of place about him, full of dreams.
Koo Soo-young nodded.
“Then, when are you planning to start that business?”
“I’m gathering my team now. Once that’s complete, I’ll get started. Chairman, you’ll be able to help me then, right?”
“Of course.”
Koo Soo-young smiled with satisfaction.
For me too, it was a most satisfactory negotiation.

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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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