The Chairman Who Wants to Play and Eat - Chapter 52



Chapter 52. The difference between impossible and possible is just one letter.

This was not a matter that could be concluded in a single evening.

“Alright. Then let’s talk again tomorrow.”

Chairman Hyun Byeong-geon also took a step back.

He was not a lone wolf. He acknowledged that this issue required time for discussion.

That was the reason for calling the general meeting.

The next day,

Starting from dawn, the presidents gathered in the conference room of Seonghyeon headquarters.

There was one purpose.

To reconfirm Chairman Hyun’s decision to use the operating funds of Seonghyeon Electronics, which had grown more than twentyfold, to acquire a major league team.

At 5:50 AM,

Even before it started, opinions were divided.

“Do you know how much the president cares about professional baseball? Acquiring an overseas team will surely be toxic. This time, the chairman is mistaken.”

“Just because we acquire the team doesn’t mean it becomes a Korean team. The public will never stray from watching Korean baseball on broadcasts. Rather, the president will be pleased that his international prestige has grown because of this. The chairman’s judgment is absolutely correct.”

It was like this. The debate was intense.

In the end,

“Let’s keep it quiet.”

Someone spoke up.

It was Jeong Hyun-bae, the oldest executive and chairman of the Seongam Scholarship Foundation.

“Such discussions can wait until the chairman arrives.”

Dissatisfaction sank deep.

From the beginning until now, the only ones who had remained silent were Hyun Seung-jae, Hyun Hee-jae, and the three members of the family.

For no other reason. They simply didn’t understand.

‘Isn’t this all that brat Sang-yoon’s idea?’

‘I’m so sick of this.’

‘Is it him again?’

How much time had passed like this?

“The chairman is entering.”

The voice of Chief Secretary Joo Yong-hoon drew everyone’s attention. It was exactly six o’clock in the morning.

Everyone stood up.

At the same time, Chairman Hyun Byeong-geon stepped inside.

“Sit down, everyone.”

He took his place at the head of the table.

But then, unexpectedly, a face rarely seen in meetings followed Chairman Hyun in. It was Vice Chairman Hyun Deok-jae.

Suddenly, the eyes of the three younger siblings widened in surprise.

‘What on earth is going on?’

‘What’s the matter, brother?’

Everyone except them already knew.

It was a silent message from Chairman Hyun Byeong-geon, indicating the significant weight of the matters to be decided in this room.

Soon,

Chairman Hyun’s voice resonated powerfully.

“I’ve called you all in at this early hour during a busy time. I hope you understand that it’s because the matter is that important. We can’t afford to become like Daeguk Group, can we?”

“Of course, Chairman!”

At the mention of Daeguk Group, everyone’s spirits were instantly lifted.

“By the way, who suggested it? That we should contribute 2 billion or 3 billion to reclaim at least the steel from the disbanded Daeguk?”

“It was me, Chairman.”

“Ah, it was you. Kwak Beom-geun. Do you remember what I said?”

Kwak Beom-geun from Seonghyeon Steel replied.

“You said that especially in times like these, we must uphold our principles and manage with integrity, and that companies that grow merely by exploiting others’ misfortunes will be bitten back in the same way when a crisis hits!”

Chairman Hyun nodded his head.

“You remember well.”

He continued speaking.

“This situation is precisely that kind of crisis. I believe now is the time to take a straightforward approach. Even if we cannot confront it directly, we must not be dragged along without a plan.”

Chairman Hyun’s words were entirely reasonable.

“I have something to say.”

At that moment, Director Jeong of the Seongam Foundation was the first to speak.

“Go ahead, speak.”

“I heard that this matter was the idea of your grandson, Sang-yoon. Of course, the funds from Seonghyeon Electronics that will be used are also money that Sang-yoon has secured through his own abilities. So, it’s not something we should meddle in. However…”

He glanced around for a moment before continuing.

“The issue is not Sang-yoon, but that it is something impossible for anyone.”

“Why is that?”

“Baseball is one of America’s national sports. If a dark-haired Asian were to become the owner of a team, I believe that not just the local residents but people from all 50 states might rise up in protest.”

Several nodded in agreement.

“That’s a valid point.”

Chairman Hyun also agreed with that statement. It was indeed a difficult matter.

“However, there is one thing you are overlooking.”

Chairman Hyun continued.

“The fact that our Sang-yoon proposed this idea. That kid has a mysterious power to turn the impossible into the possible. I trust you, just as I trust that friend. So, this time, I hope you will believe in him as you believe in me.”

It was then.

“May I also say something?”

It was the voice of Vice Chairman Hyeon-deok, who had been silent.

“The person we are discussing, Hyun Sang-yoon, is personally my son.”

The meeting room fell silent.

Not even the sound of swallowing could be heard.

“There must be someone who takes responsibility.”

“…”

“And to place that responsibility solely on one junior staff member with a $40 million authority, and on the president of the affiliate who holds the power over that staff member, is neither the duty of a vice chairman nor the kind of prudent management you just mentioned.”

What?

Everyone was taken aback by this statement.

Is it really the voice of the vice president, who has quietly supported the chairman with his leadership all this time?

Isn’t that ultimately a declaration that he will take full responsibility?

Everyone fell silent.

“Though it may never happen, if by any chance I fall out of favor with the regime due to the acquisition of an overseas club, or if our Seong-hyeon suffers irreparable damage because of that 40 million dollars, I will take full responsibility. I will step down and resign.”

At those words, the eyes of my three younger siblings widened.

I didn’t hear the news until long after the meeting had ended.

“D-Dong-ryeong!”

Assistant Lee Beom-seok burst in.

He rarely showed any signs of disturbance, but he couldn’t hide his shocked expression.

From him, I learned the whole story.

The first thought that crossed my mind was this.

“Father! What are you doing? I’ve worked hard for this, so why are you trying to take the credit? This responsibility is entirely mine to bear!”

The train had already left the station.

It felt unjust.

My father had taken the meal I had prepared, pot and all. It was an unexpected variable.

The bond between father and son had fallen to the ground.

“Given the circumstances, I must ensure the acquisition succeeds.”

There was no other choice.

My father was enjoying a leisurely life in my place? No matter how wealthy we are as father and son, this crosses the line.

In matters like this, there is no blood relation, no family.

First, I must survive.

It was then.

“But, Dong-ryeong, do you really think it’s possible?”

The assistant’s face was one of persistent worry.

“Did you think it would be impossible?”

“To be honest…”

“What’s the reason?”

He answered quickly.

“You know, Dong-ryeong. The Major League is no joke. I’ve looked into it, and there has never been a non-white owner in history. This isn’t just an acquisition; it’s a challenge to the entire United States, Dong-ryeong.”

No. It is possible.

I know.

Rather, the key was elsewhere.

It was about how to turn the possible into the impossible.

Not now.

The situation changed because of “Father.” It no longer had to be impossible. No, it must not be impossible. This had to be accomplished.

I couldn’t explain all of this to him.

“Mr. Deputy.”

Instead, I called softly.

And I spoke to him, who was looking at my mouth with anxious eyes.

“It is entirely possible. You know that, right? The difference between impossible and possible is just one letter. No, isn’t it true that ‘impossible’ actually has one more letter than ‘possible’?”

I could do it alone.

But right now, I needed a more certain card.

Someone who could turn 100% into 150%,

Someone with plenty of money, a keen interest in sports leagues, and significant influence within the United States. I was planning to move that person.

“Father, brace yourself.”

I thought to myself.

*

At that moment,

George Howard was deep in thought after receiving a call from Hyun Sang-yoon, who had come from Korea.

“I am trying to negotiate the acquisition of a major league team through Seonghyun Electronics. I am looking to form a consortium and need a collaborator. I should talk to Ronald Durham.”

It was an unexpected call, with even more unexpected content.

“Partnering with Durham? Suddenly?”

It wasn’t entirely an incomprehensible choice.

After all, building a network solely through skill is difficult.

No matter how much of a talent Hyun Sang-yoon is.

And among the Americans that Hyun Sang-yoon knew, there weren’t many who would be willing to participate in such a consortium.

Two people.

Warren Kane and Steven Jackson.

For now, Kane was out.

“I don’t know much about baseball. As a principle, I cannot invest in a sport I am unfamiliar with, so I hope you understand.”

Obvious.

Next,

It goes without saying, it’s Steven Durham.

“If you’re going to invest in that kind of ball game, you might as well invest in relief funds or welfare foundations. It’s the same as doing neither.”

It would be a relief if I didn’t have to hear such sarcasm.

It was the same during Star Fox.

Even now, if the topic comes up, he would unhesitatingly say that investing a single cent in Star Fox would be a worse choice than throwing a thousand dollars into the river.

I didn’t even want to bring it up with him.

Anyway,

That doesn’t matter.

What matters is that Hyun Sang-yoon has asked me for a favor.

“No matter what, even if the sky falls, I must fulfill this request by any means necessary.”

That’s what he thought.

In truth, he didn’t have a proper connection with Durham.

He had never even sat at the same table.

After talking about investments back and forth, he had even started to avoid him. It’s true that he was half-giving up.

Not anymore.

If it’s Hyun Sang-yoon’s request, it must be honored without question.

He immediately checked Durham’s schedule.

“He’s coming through the special lounge at JFK Airport around three tomorrow afternoon… Should I go wait somewhere?”

He was already a veteran at such things.

He even prepared a sleeping bag.

The landing time might change, after all. He needed to go early and wait.

Durham would absolutely not escape his sight.

He was confident.

Meanwhile,

Ronald Durham was unaware of such risks as he was on his way back from checking out casino hotel properties in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Inside his private jet,

“Hey.”

He called for a flight attendant.

“It feels too cold. My spine is tingling.”

“I’ll take care of it right away.”

“Good.”

He exhaled a long puff of cigar smoke in response.

He didn’t care about things like smoking on a plane.

It was his plane, after all.

From noble mtl dot com

He was the kind of person who could only feel at ease when everything was done his way.

Put nicely, he had a spirited personality; put harshly, he was nothing more than a brawler, a scoundrel who fought everywhere.

He turned to the executive from the Durham Group sitting next to him.

“The Holden Casino issue should be resolved soon, right?”

He was referring to the casino hotel he had just visited.

“I’ve made sure the executives understand, so everything should be sorted out by the end of this week.”

“It should be sorted out, not just ‘should be.’”

“Of course.”

The executive replied.

“I’ll make sure it all gets resolved. By any means necessary.”

“Good. That’s the attitude.”

As they arrived at the airport,

he once again spotted a face he didn’t want to see while moving from the special lounge to the parking lot.

‘That tick-like b*stard.’

Durham thought with a shudder.

Was it George Howard?

That guy, who was just a coffee vendor or something, kept begging for investments. He showed up everywhere, pleading repeatedly. Even when told he wasn’t interested, even when told to get lost, he wouldn’t take a hint.

He had never encountered someone like that before.

Just as he was thinking this and taking a step forward,

“Ronald! Ronald!”

Howard, spotting Durham, came running.

“I’m not buying. Not interested.”

“No, that’s not it.”

“Whether it is or isn’t, I don’t care, so please just go away.”

This time, Howard was persistent.

“I’m here to make a different proposal, Ronald. I want to talk about a better investment opportunity than the USFL (United States Football League) that you’re interested in. Major League, of course. Ah, but I won’t stop you if you’re still keen on Starfox, ha ha.”

Durham stopped.

Major League?

“What did you just say?”

This time, he felt a spark of interest. He was ready to ask.

*

Soon, a takeover team was formed under the vice president.

In their first meeting,

“We need to focus on MLB teams that are popular among Koreans and are currently in discussions for sale.”

“Teams like the LA Danners or the San Francisco Monsters, which have a vibrant Koreatown, would be difficult, right?”

‘But is this even possible in the first place?’

‘Well, I’m not sure either…’

They were all aces. Veterans with plenty of M&A experience.

The problem was that most of that experience was domestic, so while various opinions emerged, most were just question marks.

“Quiet, quiet.”

Team leader Yoo Jeong-se took charge.

“This isn’t a decision for us to make. Let’s wait for the higher-ups to decide.”

“What does the vice president say?”

“He just said he respects Young Master Hyun-sun’s decision. So we need to wait. I think the young master will have something to say soon.”

He knew that too.

Once they selected a partner in the U.S. and formed a consortium, the rest would be straightforward.

They just needed to solve that issue first.

He had heard the rumors about the young master.

‘He’s been in the U.S. corporation for a long time.’

So he even spoke with Oh Hyun-sik, the head of the finance department at the U.S. corporation, who was a colleague. It was due to a nagging unease in the back of his mind.

‘Ah, the young master?’

But he asserted confidently.

‘Then it’s all set; you just need to put your spoon in the rice that’s already cooked. Even if it seems impossible, the young master is the one who makes it possible.’

He decided to trust him this time.

Well,

I had no choice but to not believe it anymore. I was already mounted on a galloping horse.

Meanwhile,

Kong Chan-soo, just an average pitcher among the Misung Stars, was on his way to the practice field at the request of his college mate, Ahn Chil-seong.

“What? A chaebol heir?”

“Yeah, I just finished rehab and started working. Could you help me out a bit?”

“Helping out isn’t a big deal, but a chaebol heir playing baseball?”

The more I thought about it, the more puzzling it became.

And so, I met Hyun Sang-yoon, the third generation of the Seong family.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Hyun Sang-yoon.”

“Oh, yes. Thank you for calling me. What can I help you with?”

“I’ve been studying baseball through books, and I want to check if the theories are correct. If you throw me some pitches, I’ll try to hit them.”

What?

“How many books have you read?”

“About two days’ worth?”

He was astonished.

‘Is he messing with me right now?’

No matter how much of a chaebol heir he was, this was too much.

Of course, I couldn’t say that, especially not for the sake of money. I stood on the mound. The ‘young master’ shouted from the batter’s box.

“I’m ready. Please throw gently.”

“Ah, yes, yes.”

‘Even if I’m just a mediocre bullpen pitcher on a last-place team, I won’t let a pro take me lightly. Let’s see how it goes.’

He wound up with all his might.

It was the fastest fastball I could throw. I intended to show him what being a pro was like.

Bang—,

With a crisp sound, the ball soared.

“Huh?”

It was a solid hit.

That couldn’t be right.

Even if he was using a training aluminum bat, hitting a home run over the fence on the first pitch was absurd. It made no sense.

Didn’t you just say you started two days ago?

Did I hear wrong?

I checked the speed gun.

[142km]

It’s not even a real pitch.

I threw it properly.

For a moment, he froze, and from the batter’s box, the ‘young master’ shouted.

“Pitcher! Don’t go easy on him just because he’s a beginner! Throw harder! It’s okay if you hit me. Just give it your all!”

I felt the strength leave my hand.

Then I gathered my resolve again.

‘I can’t give up here.’

Windup.

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

I threw three times in quick succession.

A slider, a forkball, and a curve—every pitch I could muster.

And all of them, absurdly, sailed over the fence. The crisp sound of impact was a bonus.

I shouted from the batter’s box.

“Throw it properly!”

Another loud voice rang out from the batter’s box. It was a bright, cheerful tone.

“But we need to change the ball. This one is too big. It looks like a bowling ball! Don’t you have a smaller one?!!”