I Will Raise This Family to Greatness - Chapter 323

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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 323
The moment I stepped out of Samjeon Headquarters, Father called.
– Sung-guk, where are you?
“I’m heading home.”
– Then stop by our place first.
“Yes, Father.”
I figured I needed to tell my parents about Emma Watson and the results of Min-guk and Ji-hee’s language studies during the break.
It was the duty of the eldest son in Korea.
* * *
When I opened the door to my parents’ home and stepped inside, an unexpected person was sitting in the living room.
It was Grace.
“Grace?”
Grace was supposed to be in New York with Peter. Yet here she was at my parents’ home in South Korea.
“Sung-guk, we’re seeing each other quite often these days.”
“Grace… what brings you to Korea so suddenly?”
“Chairman Koo Soo-young’s seventieth birthday is next week, you know. I’d completely forgotten about it, but his wife called me. It’s not going to be anything grand… she just wanted me to come and have dinner together.”
Grace was, after all, the person responsible for overseeing all of Chairman Koo Soo-young’s children’s studies abroad in the United States.
Even now, she was helping scholarship students sponsored by the Junho Foundation in New York.
“And she’s invited all the Junho Foundation scholarship students to the seventieth birthday celebration. Of course you have to go, right? You were the first scholarship student of the Junho Foundation.”
“If I’m invited, of course I should attend.”
The first scholarship student of the Hyojin Group’s Junho Foundation.
In truth, I’d received a scholarship offer from Samjeon Group, but I chose the Hyojin Group’s Junho Foundation because I didn’t want to be entangled with Samjeon any further in this life.
And Chairman Koo Soo-young, a man of warm character, supported my studies abroad without any conditions, unlike Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung.
“Sung-guk, your parents are curious about the results of Min-guk and Ji-hee’s language studies, so we’ve been discussing it together. Come join us and share your thoughts.”
“Yes, Grace.”
I went to the living room and took a seat.
Unlike Min-guk, who wore the expression of someone awaiting punishment, Ji-hee sat with confident composure.
Grace, speaking like the expert she was, explained Min-guk and Ji-hee’s language study results in detail to my parents.
“Min-guk has incredible adaptability, I must say. As for his test scores, well, it’s obvious he simply didn’t study. But seeing how comfortably he converses in everyday speech, once he learns more formal English here, he’ll improve rapidly.”
[Grace, don’t just say nice things….]
“The issue is his lack of motivation to study, but I think Min-guk would benefit from approaching English in a different way rather than through a Spartan method.”
Father looked at Min-guk.
“Jeon Min-guk, your brother worked himself to the bone to send you on this language program… and you’re not going to study?”
“Dad… Grace said my conversational skills are good. I’m just better suited to learning English through daily life than through standardized tests. Rather than rigid language program classes and exams, you know?”
Grace chuckled briefly and nodded.
“Sir, I’ve noticed while teaching many students that there are quite a few like Min-guk. For those students, they actually get much better results when sent to more flexible schools rather than ones with overly rigid schedules. By the way, our Ji-hee here—”
Grace smoothly redirected the conversation to Ji-hee at just the right moment.
Ji-hee looked at Grace with bright, intelligent eyes.
“Looking at Ji-hee’s report card and hearing what her teachers say, she reminds me of young Sung-guk.”
[Grace, what are you talking about? I was far smarter than Jeon Ji-hee.]
“Is that all?”
Father asked with a slightly excited expression.
“Honestly, looking at Ji-hee’s learning ability and her dedication to studying, it would be a waste to have her study only in Korea. While Korea has many schools with excellent curricula, it’s true that studying in a broader world is better.”
I nodded vigorously.
But Father’s face darkened.
“Sung-guk went abroad to study from a young age, and we’ve always felt sorry about that. It felt like our family was absent during those precious childhood years.”
[Dad, life is tough. Family is important, but what matters more is learning how to earn your keep and survive in this world!]
I clenched my fists for a moment.
“I understand your feelings, Father. You were reluctant to let Sung-guk go back then too. But look at Sung-guk now. If he hadn’t chosen to study abroad back then, would he be who he is today?”
“That’s true, but….”
Just then, Ji-hee looked at Grace and spoke in a clear, measured voice.
“Grace, I want to study in Korea. If time and circumstances allow, I’d like to attend English language programs in the United States during school breaks, but my goal is Seoul National University’s Law School.”
Grace smiled warmly as she looked at the determined Ji-hee.
“It’s amazing how Ji-hee has such a clear goal, just like Sung-guk….”
“I want to be number one in South Korea first. How can I be number one abroad if I can’t even be number one in South Korea? Seoul National University’s Law School is where only the top students in South Korea go.”
I interjected quietly.
“Ji-hee, having a doctor in the family isn’t so bad either.”
“Oppa… Ji-hee is going to become a lawyer like Barack Obama and then become South Korea’s first female president!”
[That’s already impossible. A female president will emerge in a few years….]
Everyone except me smiled at Ji-hee’s determined young voice.
“Father, I don’t think you need to worry about Ji-hee. Just as Ji-hee said, she’ll be number one in Korea, and attending language programs during breaks sounds like a good plan.”
“We should definitely support that.”
Father answered decisively.
Grace, having finished counseling Min-guk and Ji-hee, gave me a meaningful look.
“Sung-guk, can we talk for a moment?”
“Of course, Grace.”
* * *
Grace paused for a moment before speaking with difficulty.
“Actually… the reason I came to your home like this was because Chairman Koo Soo-young asked me to.”
I had a slight inkling of what this was about.
Grace, who should have been in New York with Peter, would only rush to Korea for matters related to Hyojin Group.
“It seems Chairman Koo Soo-young has something he wants to ask.”
“Me?”
“Yes. But he was worried you might feel burdened if he asked directly, so he asked me to gauge your thoughts first.”
Chairman Koo Soo-young was indeed more considerate of others than Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung.
“What’s the request?”
“Sung-guk… it’s about your military service. If Hyojin Group applies to become a defense contractor, would you be willing to work there? The truth is, Chairman Koo Soo-young has wanted to resolve your military service issue for a long time. He thinks it’s a waste for a talent like you to spend years in the military, but he also knows you wouldn’t accept an exemption.”
“I see….”
I hesitated for a moment.
It was because I had just received a different proposal from Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung.
But I couldn’t lie to Chairman Koo Soo-young.
“The truth is… today I received a proposal from Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung for a defense industry company. The condition is that Samjeon would establish a company that I could operate with 100% control.”
“Hmm… So Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung moved faster than expected…. But… is it already too late? Did you already sign the contract?”
“Not quite to that point yet.”
Grace paused for a moment before speaking.
“Sung-guk, then could you give Chairman Koo Soo-young a chance as well?”
“….”
I took a moment to choose my words carefully.
In that silence, Grace answered first.
“No, Sung-guk. We’ll handle this. And I’m certain we’ll bring you terms far better than whatever Samjeon has proposed.”
* * *
The business leaders’ luncheon.
Chairman Koo Soo-young entered the dining hall, exchanging greetings with numerous business executives.
Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung, who had arrived earlier, was also present.
Of course, Chairman Koo Soo-young had made a point to attend today’s luncheon specifically because of Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung.
Chairman Koo Soo-young picked up a cup of coffee and took the seat beside Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung.
The seating arrangement naturally grouped companies of similar scale together.
“Chairman Jeon, it’s been a while.”
“Yes, Chairman. Your seventieth birthday is next week, isn’t it?”
“You have a good memory. I’m just planning to share a meal with family and close acquaintances.”
“I’ll send a small gift.”
“No need…. Instead.”
Chairman Koo Soo-young set down his coffee cup and looked directly at Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung.
“Is there something you need?”
“You made a proposal to Sung-guk about a defense industry company?”
Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung’s brow furrowed.
The news would inevitably spread through the industry anyway, but this was faster than he’d anticipated. That meant the information had come from Jeon Sung-guk himself.
“Yes… Chairman.”
“Let me be frank. I hope Sung-guk’s work isn’t just about satisfying Samjeon’s personal interests.”
Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung listened carefully to Chairman Koo Soo-young’s words.
“A defense industry company is ultimately work for the nation, isn’t it?”
“Chairman, I’ve decided to give Sung-guk 50% equity in the company that will be established.”
“And you keep the remaining 50%?”
“Not me, but the Samjeon Group.”
“Yes, yes… ultimately it goes to Samjeon.”
Chairman Koo Soo-young nodded and continued.
“I should have made a proposal to Sung-guk as well. I don’t know what he might want to develop, but I would give 80% equity of the company to Sung-guk. The remaining 20% would be owned under the Hyojin Group name, but all future profits would be donated to promote IT development in South Korea.”
“Donated?”
Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung was somewhat taken aback.
While Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung always pursued Samjeon’s interests, Chairman Koo Soo-young always wielded plausible justifications.
“We’ll make the donation under both the Hyojin Group and Sung-guk’s names. And while Sung-guk works at the defense contractor, Hyojin Group will provide full support at no cost. When results are achieved, Hyojin won’t take anything, just as I mentioned.”
Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung exhaled slowly.
“Chairman, corporate logic dictates profit generation.”
“I know. But we’ve made plenty of money already. I don’t think Samjeon Group should venture into the IT sector where young talent should be leading. Shouldn’t Korea produce companies like Apple or Microsoft—ones that make money purely through ideas and technology?”
Chairman Koo Soo-young’s logic was crystal clear.
“Chairman Jeon, even a lion stops hunting once it’s eaten its fill. Haven’t Samjeon and Hyojin hunted far too much already?”
Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung nodded quietly.
“Chairman, then we’ll also approach Sung-guk with a proposal again.”
“Is this a declaration of war? I have no intention of fighting over Sung-guk.”
“Then, you’ll withdraw?”
“No, I won’t withdraw. I’m making this proposal because I genuinely worry about Sung-guk’s future. Once FaceNote goes public on NASDAQ, he’ll be richer than you or me. How could I let such a talented person waste his abilities on trivial matters when he’s making such a noble sacrifice for the country?”
Chairman Koo Soo-young finished his coffee and stood up.
“This will be my seventieth birthday gift.”
* * *
Silence filled the FaceNote Korea office after my return to work.
Both Samjeon and Hyojin had brought proposal documents since this morning.
I found myself deep in thought over the two proposals.
Samjeon offered an extraordinary deal: they’d give me 85% equity while keeping only 15% for themselves.
Hyojin’s proposal was different—I’d hold 80% equity, but all profits from their 20% stake would be donated to an IT Development Fund under both Hyojin and my names.
I knew TikTok would thrive regardless.
For me, the choice was clear—more equity meant more profit, even if it was just 5% more.
As I deliberated, Jeon Tae-guk glanced at the proposals and pointed at Hyojin Group’s with his finger.
“Sung-guk, if it were me, I’d definitely accept Hyojin’s proposal.”
“Why, William?”
“Do you know what Korean companies hate the most?”
“What?”
“Taxes. Hyojin set it up so you both get tax benefits through the donation. Plus, if you frame it as a donation from the start rather than donating later, nobody can criticize you for it.”
Actually, I was already leaning toward accepting Hyojin Group’s proposal for the same reasons.
I picked up Hyojin’s proposal and looked at Jeon Tae-guk.
“William, you realize you’re basically a traitor to Samjeon, right?”
“Sung-guk, here I’m not Samjeon’s Jeon Tae-guk—I’m William of FaceNote.”

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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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