Chapter 52 When Secrets Are Spilled 2
Chapter 52 When Secrets Are Spilled 2
"Oh, I'm truly sorry for gathering such busy individuals."
"No need to apologize, Chairman."
As Chairman Jin entered the private room of the Japanese restaurant, the three bank executives rose from their seats.
"Come on, let's sit down."
The bank executives took their seats with polite gestures, and the dishes began to arrive.
"I hear these days A-jin Motors' Chairman Song often meets with you... How is it?"
The bank executives, who were about to pick up their chopsticks, paused and placed them back down. They didn't expect the conversation to start so abruptly.
"He visits Yeouido more often than us."
"He seems to be actively working towards the next administration."
"But it doesn't seem to be very effective. It won't help him with the presidential race either."
Chairman Jin nodded and took a bite of his meal.
Only then did the bank executives pick up their chopsticks again.
"Is the tide not changing?"
The three bank executives exchanged glances and set down their utensils. They had to give up eating until Chairman Jin finished talking.
"Is there any message you would like to convey to us?"
"Song Hyun-chang seems a bit upset. It's not like we don't know. I hope he doesn't become too obstinate... What do you think?"
"We apologize. We have our own stance... There's a lot of pressure from economic bureaucrats to resolve it quickly."
"Chairman Song seems to have dangled quite a carrot. Seeing that even the Blue House is involved."
Although he referred to them as economic bureaucrats, it was futile. Wasn't Chairman Jin the one who knew best how this world operated?
"By any chance, have you also considered A-jin Motors, Chairman?"
The banks didn't need to meddle in this fight unnecessarily. The two groups would fight, and the banks would deal with the results.
The key point to grasp now was whether Sunyang Group would enter the fray with a spoon in hand or not.
"Let's skip long discussions at the dinner table. I have one request. Please postpone it as much as possible. If it becomes unbearable, let me know."
The three bank executives exchanged glances and nodded to each other. This much should be done to have a peaceful meal.
Having received the desired response, Chairman Jin smiled broadly.
"Well then, let's eat. Today, the dishes seem unusually fresh, hehe."
"I met Director Lee Hak-jae yesterday. Your grandfather seems to be quite angry."
"Is it because of the Daehyun Group?"
"Yeah. I heard that they own 7% of A-jin Motors' shares, and want to shake things up a bit. They want to use me as their front."
"How so?"
"Remember the 100 billion won in off-the-books funds that Chairman Jin has in our Miracle? He wants to use that to buy shares and assert his rights as a major shareholder."
"Of course, you must have refused, right? There's no reason to buy plummeting stocks."
Oh Se-hyun nodded casually.
But he had already understood what was happening. He wasn't the kind of person who would reopen a conversation that ended with a rejection.
"But Uncle, it seems like you have something to say."
Oh Se-hyun cleared his throat slightly before looking at me and slowly speaking.
"Do you really mean it when you say you want A-jin Motors?"
"Yes."
"It's a huge corporate conglomerate with annual revenue of over 14 trillion won. If you acquire the main company, A-jin Group will follow." Oh Se-hyun seemed excited about the idea. "If... I mean, if you were to acquire A-jin, what do you think?"
"What do you think I should do, Uncle?"
"Rationally, we should streamline the 28 subsidiary companies. Get rid of what's unnecessary, add value to what's valuable, and sell it at a profit."
"Sell the useless ones for a high price?"
"Sell to the one who's willing to pay even a bit more."
This was the gambler's answer.
"But what if we don't think rationally?"
The corner of Oh Se-hyun's mouth lifted slightly, and his face turned slightly red.
"Give it a proper revival. Trim the excess, apply some red medicine, give some vitamin injections."
"And then?"
"Well, that's..." Now, his expression turned regretful. You could tell it was a complicated matter. "That's as far as it goes. I want to, but I don't have the ability to run a major corporation. It's beyond my capabilities."
"So, why not go that far and see? Then, take your time and think about it when the time comes."
"What we should consider first is that even if we enter the acquisition battle, our chances of winning are low. No, it's more accurate to say we have no chance."
"But why are you suddenly interested? You're not the type to get involved in a losing game, are you?"
Oh Se-hyun lowered his voice. "Your grandfather owns 7% of A-jin Motors' shares. With that, we can scrutinize every detail of A-jin Motors. And..."
"And what else?"
"Your grandfather, Chairman Jin."
Of course!
Without the power of the Sunyang, it's difficult.
"The acquisition price of A-jin Motors can be covered with your money. But you know it's not a game that can be won with just money. We need the power to influence the review panel, the creditors, and the political realm... Is there any place other than the Sunyang that can compete with Daehyun Group?"
Oh Se-hyun's eyes looking at me.
It's like the eyes of a child asking for a toy.
"I understand. So, Uncle, you agree."
After making the decision, Oh Se-hyun appeared even calmer.
Twenty-eight subsidiary companies, over 50,000 employees, and annual revenue of 14 trillion won.
It's a huge pot of money where the winner takes it all, and if you're a soldier going to war, trading bullets for money and maintaining composure instead of excitement seems like the right choice.
"I'm going to meet Director Lee Hak-jae. You..."
"I'll meet Chairman Jin Yang-cheol of the Sunyang Group."