The Youngest Son of Sunyang

"Furthermore, the position of Chairman in this company isn't an imperial one, like other conglomerate leaders. It doesn't exist in the organization or the system. I'll give the authority to appoint the General Managers of each department store, hotel, and large discount store, as well as the power to set the overall business direction."

"So, does this mean Miracle will only be involved in the appointment of the Chairman?"

"That's right. As I mentioned, there will be a complete separation of ownership and management."

The Managers exchanged glances and began to speak in turn.

"Before that, it seems we need to clarify the relationship with Chairwoman Jin Seo-yoon."

"Yes. In fact, due to the previous incident, our relationship with her is quite awkward right now."

If Aunt had made a pact to testify when transferring the responsibility to the CEO, it was undoubtedly against my interests. Perhaps she is sharpening her weapon.

"She will be appointed as the interim Chairwoman. Until a formal Chairman is appointed, you should follow her directives."

When I spoke with a slight smile, their gazes turned to me.

"Please treat Vice Chairwoman Jin Seo-yoon with an open heart. It means you can pick and choose what you need from her words, opinions, and instructions, and disregard the rest."

"But that might lead to conflicts, right?"

"I will always mediate. Let me say it again, work together with an open mind."

As I looked around at the people I would be working with, I didn't forget my final request.

"You are all part of the Sunyang Group, and you would make a big mistake to think otherwise. If you can help our distribution group even a little, I won't hesitate to deal a severe blow to the Sunyang Group. Remember, I'm with Miracle, not Sunyang. Never forget that."

Could they really completely sever their ties with the Sunyang Group?

"This guy is starting to reveal his claws. Seo-yoon, this foolish girl wiped us all out in stocks."

"I heard too. Since Father made it easy to put it in his pocket, Miracle managed to take it more easily. If the management structure had been complex, it wouldn't have been so easy."

"The management support headquarters told me. She have paid off all the money she borrowed from us. Now, Seo-yoon has completely separated herself."

Jin Yeong-gi and Jin Dong-gi had different reactions. While Jin Yeong-gi was frantic, Jin Dong-gi remained composed, as if nothing had happened.

"Thanks to that, we've filled a lot of the funding gaps, so it's all good."

"Hey! Aren't you at least a bit concerned?" Jin Yeong-gi shouted at his carefree younger brother.

"Department stores, hotels, marts, condos, golf courses. You just buy buildings and land. Need any technology, machinery? It's all about real estate and people. That's all there is to it. What's there to be concerned about?"

"What are you talking about? What is it?"

"If my brother and I invest in real estate, build hotels, and put up the name Sunyang, it's over. People? If you poach everyone under her, that's all you need."

Jin Dong-gi's thought was that once you start one thing, whether it's a hotel or a department store, you can uproot talent, shake the company moving to Miracle, and make it crumble without a big fight.

The power of the name Sunyang, the moment when it cannot be used, is when it declares bankruptcy itself.

"By the way, have you been meeting with Oh Sehyun often because of the Wuseong Shipbuilding acquisition? Did you talk about this deal?"

"That's why I'm saying it. Oh Sehyun is currently basking in his fantasy."

"What kind of fantasy?"

"The fantasy of becoming a conglomerate chairman. Miracle's funds depend on the United States, and the Americans trust Oh Sehyun, who acquired the company without missing the opportunity of IMF. So even if he plays the role of chairman, the American investors won't say a word."

"He's out of his mind."

"No. He also have the ability to turn fantasies into reality."

"What?"

Because of his younger brother's words, Jin Yeong-gi's stubbornness that had taken root in a corner of his heart made him lift his head.

"Have you forgotten? The 17% share in the group that Sunyang Auto has? If Do-Jun takes control of our financial division at Sunyang and swaps Sunyang Auto's 17% stake with Sunyang affiliates and a few cars? He could at least become the top five in the corporate rankings, right?"

Those words meant that the combined size of what the Miracle had could match what they have, effectively taking away half of Sunyang's business. It gave me chills.

"We need to destroy the department stores and hotels, and that's not something to worry about in the distant future."

"That's right. If we just take down one thing, the people who left Sunyang will come running to us. That will be a warning to Oh Sehyun."

The brothers who always checked each other's actions returned to their essential form as brothers who couldn't be separated for a while, all because of external enemies.

The year 1999 marked the end of the 1990s and was a year filled with anticipation for the approaching 2000s.

In particular, this year was characterized by high expectations for the new millennium, as it had quickly overcome the worst economic growth rate of -6.9% experienced the previous year and achieved a +9.5% growth rate, as if to mock it.

Additionally, this year was dominated by Y2K fears as the new millennium approached. However, when January 1, 2000 arrived, none of the anticipated disasters came to pass.

Banks worked overtime and prepared for contingencies, as did government agencies and major corporations. When the new year dawned, those who had stayed up all night in tension breathed a sigh of relief and returned home in disappointment.

And so, the 21st century began.

This year, none of the relatives visited grandfather's house. They had to prepare for the influx of guests from early in the morning.

The executives from Sunyang Distribution and its subsidiaries had conflicts between Oh Sehyun and Jin Seo-yoon, but they all headed to my aunt's house upon receiving Oh Sehyun's notice that he would be retiring to the countryside.

I quietly made my way to Pyeongchang-dong, away from the bustling household, which was too crowded to keep track of who was coming and going.

The first day of the new millennium was the perfect time for a long conversation, and I wanted to do just that.

I offered a deep bow, and I settled down in the living room.

"Has Grandma not returned yet?"

"That's right. She's still living in Europe, playing the role of a noblewoman."