I Will Raise This Family to Greatness - Chapter 293

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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 293
Jeon Tae-guk sat on the bed with a dejected expression.
“Brother, I’m genuinely curious. Were you really planning to confess to Kim Yeo-na?”
“Can I be honest with you?”
“Of course.”
Jeon Tae-guk covered his face with both hands.
“Honestly… I knew Kim Yeo-na had no interest in me whatsoever. But… I thought if I told Father that I liked her, he might somehow arrange something between us. That’s what I was thinking.”
“Brother, that’s a pretty cowardly approach.”
“Yeah… so I decided to give up cleanly, just like Ji-hee suggested. It wasn’t going to work anyway.”
In the end, Jeon Tae-guk’s feelings for Kim Yeo-na ended right there.
“Brother, you’ll definitely meet a good woman.”
“Sung-guk, that’s what I should be telling you. Please, just date someone already.”
“Brother, let’s not interfere in each other’s love lives.”
“You’re always so quick to shut down conversations.”
I quickly opened my laptop and called William instead of Jeon Tae-guk.
“William, we’re having a video conference with Mark. Get ready!”
“You always start working whenever it’s inconvenient for you.”
“William, aren’t you going to work?”
“Yes, yes. I will!”
* * *
The office was beginning to take proper shape.
We set up casual tables throughout the space, just like the main FaceNote headquarters in the United States, and placed comfortable sofas for relaxation.
In one corner, there was coffee and beer available 24/7, along with simple snacks.
Jeon Tae-guk settled into a large table with his laptop and smiled contentedly.
“Sung-guk, don’t I look like a proper office worker?”
“William, our company has a flexible dress code. You don’t need to wear a tie like that.”
Jeon Tae-guk was still dressed in his beloved Gucci suit with a tie.
“Sung-guk, you said the dress code was flexible, right? This is what I’m most comfortable in. Luxury brands are luxury for a reason. It’s comfortable to work in like this, and it still looks stylish.”
“Then, William, do whatever makes you comfortable.”
Just then, I noticed someone moving near the entrance.
I checked the time.
FaceNote’s second employee was finally arriving.
* * *
“Hello, I’m Lim Jin-seo. As you know, I managed Kim Yeo-na at the agency. I mainly handled overseas marketing work, and now I’ve joined FaceNote. I look forward to working with you all.”
Lim Jin-seo introduced herself cleanly.
“I… it would be nice if you could tell us whether you’re married or single.”
At Jeon Tae-guk’s question, Lim Jin-seo’s brow furrowed.
“That’s private information.”
Lim Jin-seo answered curtly, clearly uncomfortable.
“Jin-seo, just tell us. Otherwise, William might fall for you and confess before you know it. I’m guessing that’s why he asked.”
At my words, Lim Jin-seo burst into laughter before responding.
“William, I’m unmarried. Men with as much money as you aren’t really my type. Please don’t confess to me ever again.”
Lim Jin-seo had completely shut Jeon Tae-guk down.
“What? Why is everyone like this? Is having too much money a crime?”
Jeon Tae-guk grumbled.
“Well, everyone… we’re at work now, so we should get to it. William, did you look into the Jack Dorsey advertising terms I mentioned yesterday?”
“Yes, Sung-guk!”
Jeon Tae-guk answered confidently and began his explanation.
“It looks like Twitter is planning an advertising offensive to match Kim Yeo-na’s campaign. From what I’ve gathered, the CEO of FaceNote here is working behind the scenes to secure Just—the group that played the five men in the past production ‘Five Men and a Baby Basket.’ And as for the terms, I understand they’re asking for 500 million won with all five members appearing, which comes to 100 million per person.”
100 million per person.
Just had disbanded, and everyone had gone their separate ways.
Tae-hyung, the leader, had appeared in a few dramas before starting a clothing business, while Lucas, the only one with an impressive build, was the sole member continuing a solo singing career. But he hadn’t produced any hits comparable to his Just days.
Jae-hyun, who had been a pretty boy, was active in variety shows and musicals, but as he aged, the pretty boy image naturally faded.
Beom-seon, who had played the tsundere role in ‘Five Men and a Baby Basket,’ was pursuing an acting career. He mainly took leading roles, but hadn’t landed any particularly notable ones. Most of his projects had underperformed at the box office.
And finally, Michael, who had committed countless misdeeds against me, had established himself reasonably well with a craft burger shop in Itaewon.
They were all active, but their former popularity was gone.
Lim Jin-seo actively participated in the meeting as soon as she arrived at work.
“Sung-guk, the fact that Jack Dorsey is using Just for Twitter’s advertising means he’s directly targeting us at FaceNote, doesn’t it?”
“Exactly. I can probably guess the advertising content too. ‘The kid in diapers that Just raised created FaceNote.’ Something like that. It’s a tactic to completely brand FaceNote as a latecomer.”
At that moment, Lim Jin-seo tilted her head.
“Sung-guk, couldn’t this actually backfire?”
Jeon Tae-guk and I looked at Lim Jin-seo simultaneously.
“Could you explain your reasoning, Lim Jin-seo?”
“Sung-guk, that kid in diapers that Just raised is now in his twenties using FaceNote. Plus, Just is completely washed up as a group. Hiring them would only add an outdated image, wouldn’t it? Twitter’s user base is already declining rapidly due to stagnation. I honestly wonder if we even need to respond. That’s my question.”
“So you’re saying Twitter is actually shooting itself in the foot by using Just as advertising models?”
“Yes, Sung-guk.”
I stroked my chin thoughtfully.
Jack Dorsey had clearly intended to use Just in Twitter’s advertising to mock me. It was exactly the kind of stunt you’d expect from someone with his eccentric character.
But as Lim Jin-seo said, the advertising campaign might only give Twitter an outdated image.
“However, FaceNote still has lower brand recognition domestically than Twitter. If their intention to emphasize us as a latecomer works, FaceNote could genuinely become a second-rate SNS.”
“Sung-guk, if Just really does come together for that Twitter ad… we need to strike back.”
“Do you have an idea, Lim Jin-seo?”
“Of course. You should appear in our advertisement directly, Sung-guk.”
“Me?”
I was momentarily taken aback.
“Sung-guk, with that handsome face and being only twenty years old. Plus, your connections with world-famous figures like Kim Yeo-na through FaceNote. Won’t people be more amazed by Sung-guk’s growth from that kid in diapers than by a washed-up group?”
“Wow… Sung-guk. I mean, Sung-guk. Lim Jin-seo’s idea is really brilliant, isn’t it? What people want to see isn’t a has-been group but a young, cool guy!”
Jeon Tae-guk enthusiastically agreed with Lim Jin-seo’s opinion. If that was the case.
“William, keep monitoring their movements going forward. And once Just signs the advertising contract, we’ll make our next move.”
“Yes, Sung-guk!”
I looked at Lim Jin-seo with a satisfied expression.
I was beginning to anticipate her future contributions with genuine interest.
* * *
Moving day arrived.
I closed the suitcase I’d brought from the United States.
Baek-dung came over to my side and gazed up at me with sorrowful eyes.
“Whine—.”
“Baek-dung, since your big brother is moving out on his own, you need to listen well to your other siblings. Don’t pee anywhere you please. Don’t chase after other dogs during walks. Understood?”
“Whine—.”
I pulled a treat from my pocket and quietly placed it on the floor.
Baek-dung glanced at the treat once, then looked up at me.
“Baek-dung, you love these. Go ahead and eat them…. Once I’m gone, there won’t be anyone in this house who gives you treats whenever you want.”
“Whine—.”
But Baek-dung only shook his head.
“Baek-dung, could it be… you’re sad about parting with me?”
“Whine—.”
Understanding my words, Baek-dung nestled snugly into my arms.
“I told you I’m not the kind of man who easily gives his heart to just any animal, didn’t I?”
Regardless, Baek-dung stayed in my embrace, rubbing against me.
“Really… what am I supposed to do when even a dog loves me like this?”
Just then, the door burst open and Mother poked her head in.
“Sung-guk, Secretary Yang has arrived downstairs. And I’ve replaced all your underwear. Please, don’t wear them until they have holes in them.”
“Mother, why are you touching my underwear!”
“Is my son a stranger? Really… this is why you don’t have a girlfriend.”
Smack— Mother hit my back again.
“Hurry up and get ready. Secretary Yang is waiting.”
Mother quickly lifted Baek-dung from my arms and set him on the floor.
“Baek-dung, you’ll see your big brother again in two weeks. So don’t be too sad, okay?”
“Whine—.”
Baek-dung turned back to look at me with sad eyes.
I quietly pulled a bag of treats from my pocket and placed it under the desk. Then I pointed at Baek-dung.
[Baek-dung, eat these when Mother isn’t looking. Got it?]
“Whine!”
Baek-dung nodded vigorously and quickly left the room.
* * *
Secretary Yang opened the door to Samjeon Palace.
Everything had been newly renovated, and all the furniture was in place. Of course, it was all modern and expensive.
“We’re having your clothes brought over by staff. Young Master Sung-guk, you really should buy some new clothes. I hear your wardrobe is nothing but hoodies and jeans.”
[Father always said clothes should be bought before they tear, Secretary Yang. I’m not the eldest son of a conglomerate anymore.]
I quickly changed the subject.
“Secretary Yang, I’ll buy my own clothes. I don’t really need that many anyway… I left the United States in such a rush that I couldn’t pack much.”
“In that case, I’ll send Secretary Park Sung-hee to your house in the United States to gather some of your belongings. You left quite a few things there as well.”
“Hmm… I don’t have much luggage, but I’ll ask Secretary Park Sung-hee separately when you’re leaving.”
Secretary Park Sung-hee was now working under Secretary Yang handling matters related to Jeon Tae-guk, since he had started commuting to FaceNote’s Korean headquarters.
“Secretary Yang, I’m not happy with this bed….”
I heard Jeon Tae-guk’s voice from the bedroom.
Secretary Yang quickly walked toward the room.
“Young master, what’s wrong with it?”
“This isn’t the mattress I originally used. You know I’m sensitive about sleep, and I get insomnia if it’s not the one I’m used to.”
[Yet he slept just fine on that ten-year-old bed at our house all this time!]
“We replaced all the mattresses at the Hannam-dong residence with this product this time. Please try it, young master.”
“I’m… a sensitive person…. Try it once, and if it’s uncomfortable, replace it right away.”
“Yes, young master.”
Watching him like this, Jeon Tae-guk really did seem like a chaebol heir.
I stood by the living room window, gazing down at the Yangjae Stream in the distance.
Now I had roughly six months left.
In this place, I had to tirelessly establish FaceNote and YouTube across Asia.
“Sung-guk, is there anything else you need?”
Jeon Tae-guk approached from behind.
“I’ll only be here for six months. I’m fine with everything. Besides, the secretarial office at Samjeon handled the interior design, so it should be better than what I imagined.”
“Try using it, and let me know if anything feels off. No matter how premium the secretarial office makes things, something always ends up being inconvenient.”
I glanced at Secretary Yang standing behind me.
“Secretary Yang, please take good care of my parents’ home as well.”
“Of course. By the way, I’ve also resolved the matter of Ji-hee’s school transfer.”
“Thank you.”
I bowed respectfully. Then I gazed down at the Yangjae Stream once more.
Leaving Jamsil for Dogok-dong.
The second chapter of my family’s life was beginning here.

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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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