The Chairman Who Wants to Play and Eat - Chapter 53



Chapter 53. So the goal is set.

Late at night,

“Deokjae, you.”

At the Japanese restaurant Zen in Samcheong-dong,

As soon as Chairman Hyun sat down, he scolded his son, Vice Chairman Hyun Deokjae.

“How could you say something like that without even consulting me? How could you do that?”

“I’m sorry, Father.”

They silently raised their glasses after that.

One was unrestrained, the other was polite in his movements.

Of course, Chairman Hyun had his suspicions.

About his son’s thoughts.

‘Yes, he must have calculated this meticulously in his own way.’

There had been no small achievements during this time.

Though it was unlikely, even if something went wrong, it wouldn’t be enough to completely tarnish his leadership.

He had considered the long game.

It was Sang-yoon who initiated the work, and he was the one who made the final decision, but it was his eldest son, Vice Chairman Hyun Deok-jae, who had quietly supported all of it.

First, the semiconductors.

The 64K DRAM, developed for the first time in Korea, was making headlines. Although it was still lagging behind Japanese companies, its growth trend was remarkable.

This was also a result of the American market sentiment aimed at containing the threatening Japanese.

In any case, what mattered was that they were growing.

They didn’t neglect the development of new technologies either.

‘We are talking about the 256K DRAM. According to Director Cho Young-dae, it seems that the core technology will be secured by early next year.’

This was the report from President Lim Du-won.

He went on to say that they planned to secure the land next to the Heungwon Plant by next month, and to introduce a process technology that would advance from the current 2.5 micrometers to nearly 1.5 micrometers for the mass production of the 256K DRAM.

As planned last year, the in-house training team was also receiving training at renowned overseas semiconductor companies like Vykron.

And that wasn’t all.

They were gradually expanding their footprint in the personal computer market.

‘The development of the 32-bit UNIX computer will soon be completed. As soon as testing is finished, we plan to lower the price by replacing some components and directly enter the domestic personal computer market.’

They had also acquired a company called Boseong Computer, which was the first in the country to create and distribute IBM clone computers.

Now, they exclusively sold Seonghyeon Computers.

These were computers equipped with SH-DOS and SH-DIR.

That wasn’t all.

They also included the newly developed SH-Word, a word processing program powered up with Pro Hangul.

In addition, numerous proprietary programs were embedded. Their market competitiveness was sufficient to stand up to Jeongsan and Geosan.

They had accomplished a lot.

The results were significant.

Yet, there was an inexplicable worry in Chairman Hyun’s heart. He hid his feelings and grumbled.

“Then we must not act recklessly any longer.”

“I will engrave that deeply in my heart.”

“You should.”

A slight intoxication began to rise.

“By the way, how does that guy manage to create that program that goes into the computer, even while being so busy? What’s the method?”

Chairman Hyun asked.

“I’m not sure about that either.”

There was nothing to say in response. Because Hyun Deok-jae had no way of knowing either.

He was his son, yet he knew so little.

Eventually,

“What are your thoughts on Miseong Stars?”

The conversation shifted to baseball.

“Fortunately, Miseong will be taken over by Youngbo Group. I heard they wrapped things up at the Federation of Korean Industries. Since the conclusion went well, I think you needn’t worry any longer.”

There was another concern.

“How about the Blue House? Will it be alright?”

“No problems at all.”

He had already checked everything. Hyun Deok-jae’s confident reply followed.

“I even subtly confirmed through Chief Park. I mentioned that they were looking for an American baseball team to acquire in Seonghyeon.”

“And what did he say?”

“He didn’t say much. Ha ha, really? The U.S. is better than Miseong. Ah, Chairman Hyun is working hard for the country, that was the gist of it.”

It was two remarks.

But whether it was one remark or two, it didn’t matter.

An okay sign had come from the VIP. There were no longer any worries about the aftermath.

Only one thing remained.

“Then he just needs to pull himself together.”

In an uncharacteristic manner, Chairman Hyun said as he brushed his chest.

“Let’s also gather our strength and actively help. Has the acquisition team been formed?”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“It must be tough for them. I can’t just sit back. I need to offer some encouragement. Manager Joo, is there anything?”

The door opened. Chairman Hyun directed his gaze toward Manager Joo.

“Prepare the cash bonus in the secretary’s office and hand it over to the acquisition team working hard under our vice president. Tell them not to worry about food and clothing since the work is tough.”

“I will take care of it with a sum that won’t disappoint.”

“That’s how it should be. No doubt about it.”

All worries were cast away. His voice rang out with a delightful tone.

“Father.”

Hyun Deok-jae opened his mouth.

“You should do one for our Sang-yoon as well.”

“Is there anything better for that kid than the shares in Seonghyeon Electronics? As I said before, take swift action. Prepare it so he can use it as a foundation later.”

I let my heart rest.

One drink turned into two, and two into three.

All that remained was pure anticipation.

“He’s my son!”

“He’s my grandson!”

Before long, the two men were once again deep into their well-rehearsed routine, the night stretching on.

*

Finally, it was a success.

“What did you just say? A baseball team?”

He had shown no interest in the coffee talk, but now he was all ears at the mention of a sports team. Ronald Durham, a towering figure over two meters tall, approached.

“I don’t have time for this on the street. Follow me.”

“Yes, of course.”

I walked behind him.

Soon, the door of a massive limousine in the parking lot opened. Durham entered first.

“What are you doing? Get in quickly.”

It was refreshing.

I timidly got into the car. The door closed automatically.

But inside!

It felt as if I had stepped into a grand mansion. There was nothing that wasn’t luxurious. Truly, a man of wealth.

“24 minutes.”

Suddenly, Durham spoke.

“Yes?”

“This is the time it takes to arrive at the Durham Castle in Manhattan. It’s the time given to you as well.”

So that was what it meant, Howard tightened the tension he had let slip.

“Let’s continue the conversation we were having earlier.”

He opened his mouth.

“About my café that I mentioned last time…”

“There will be no investment.”

“That’s not what I meant; I was saying that someone has invested in my café. He’s from Korea. He is currently pushing to acquire a Major League Baseball team.”

Durham interrupted.

“Korea?”

Not Japan, but Korea?

It was an unexpected country.

He had never dealt with Korea before, and he had never even met a Korean person.

“So what’s next?”

He urged for the next words.

“As you know, the threshold for Major League Baseball is high. No Asian has ever owned a team, whether alone or in partnership.”

“I didn’t know that, but it seems likely.”

“That’s right.”

Howard swallowed hard. It was time to get to the point.

“So we are looking for someone who can provide assistance. We want to form a consortium and work together. I recommended Mr. Durham to them. That’s why I’m here.”

There was a brief pause.

“You recommended me? What’s the reason?”

Now’s the time.

It was his turn to say what he had prepared.

George Howard began to lay bare what he had been thinking. This was the first and last opportunity.

“Mr. Durham, you are an exceptional investor who always takes risks and embarks on adventures.”

He started with a compliment.

“That may be true.”

He nodded. He seemed pleased.

“This investment is precisely the kind of game that suits you best.”

“And the reason?”

The explanation continued.

“It’s an opportunity to form a consortium with an Asian who is not welcomed by anyone and acquire the best baseball team in America. This is not an opportunity that just anyone can have. I didn’t come to seek investment; rather, I came to offer you a chance to be the first in American history. What do you think of my proposal?”

Thus, 24 minutes passed.

At the exact time, the car arrived in front of Durham Castle.

“Sounds good.”

The car door opened.

George Howard stepped out onto the road. The door closed automatically. Durham leaned out of the open window.

“This was the most interesting proposal I’ve heard this year. Just so you know, that’s a compliment. I’ll think it over.”

“Thank you!”

“Oh, and that person—was it Hyun Sang-yoon?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Howard nodded quickly.

“He seems like an interesting guy, regardless of the investment. I’d like to have a chat with him. How about we set up an appointment? I’ll be in Las Vegas starting tomorrow, so if it’s alright, have him come over. You can contact my office.”

With those words, the car disappeared.

Before long, he was left in the middle of Midtown Manhattan.

A smile blossomed.

‘This is it. Right here.’

He rushed to the phone. He wanted to share this news with Mr. Hyun as soon as possible.

Ring, ring,

“It’s done! It’s done!”

– ······What do you mean?

A hesitant voice from Hyun Sang-yoon crossed the Pacific.

“It’s all set. We’ve successfully caught Durham’s interest. Mr. Hyun just needs to come to America now.”

He shouted.

*

Heading back to America.

“I’m feeling nervous.”

The acquisition team’s manager, Yoo Jeong-se, and his team were with him.

“What’s there to be nervous about?”

“If we succeed, our company will hold a stake in an American baseball team, won’t we? It will be written in history.”

“That would be the case.”

That way, I can avoid taking off my father’s clothes.

The goal is clear.

The plan is as follows.

First, I will have the acquisition team on standby at the headquarters of Seonghyeon Electronics in Santa Clara, and then I will move to Las Vegas to meet Ronald Durham first.

“I hear he wants to discuss his thoughts while playing golf with Mr. Hyun.”

This was George Howard’s message.

Sierra GC,

the place he designated for our meeting.

There, I would talk with Durham while we played a round.

So, I studied.

Through books.

Not long after, we arrived in Las Vegas.

“Whew.”

Assistant Lee Beom-seok, who was driving, exclaimed in admiration.

I felt the same.

From noble mtl dot com

The desolate landscape of the desert we had been driving through suddenly transformed into a city of entertainment filled with dazzling buildings and signs.

“If we had come at night, it would have been even more surprising, young master.”

“That’s true.”

“It should take about 20 minutes to get to Sierra Golf Club.”

Assistant Lee said.

A moment later, we met George Howard, who had arrived early and was waiting.

“Mr. Hyun!”

He greeted me warmly.

“I was waiting for you.”

“Thank you for your hard work. Thanks to you, we should be able to wrap this up smoothly.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Compared to what I’ve received from Mr. Hyun, this is just a small favor. I’m just happy to be of help.”

He said with a smile.

After waiting for a few minutes,

the entrance became lively, and I saw a large man accompanied by dozens of bodyguards entering the lobby.

With its spiky blonde hair and characteristic arrogant gestures, he was indeed a standout, just as described.

“Mr. Durham!”

Howard instinctively jumped in.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Ronald Durham. You must be Hyun Seung-yoon, the Oriental man who wants to own a baseball team in America. You look quite tall, just as I heard.”

Durham extended his hand in front of me.

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Durham.”

I shook his hand.

“Shall we talk while we walk the course? It’s been a while since I’ve played, and my heart is racing. But Mr. Hyun, I didn’t ask how long you’ve been playing. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to know.”

I could see the tension in Assistant Lee’s eyes as he watched.

“Me?”

“Who else would it be?”

He was indeed insufferably arrogant.

“It’s my first time today. But what does that matter? Golf is just a game of hitting the ball far and getting it in the hole, isn’t it?”

Durham paused for a moment, taken aback by my words.

Then,

“Hahaha!”

He suddenly burst into laughter.

“Right. That’s how it is. A game that’s just about that. Truly a thunderous challenge to American history, isn’t it? Good. Then let’s go put the ball in the hole.”

It was during a brief break after finishing the first hole.

“You’re doing well. Is it really your first time?”

Durham asked.

“It is indeed.”

“Sounds like a lie. My golf-loving eyes can’t be deceived.”

“Well, that’s up to you, Mr. Durham.”

I replied, and he chuckled.

“That’s a fair point.”

He suddenly brought up a topic.

“Shall we talk here? I absolutely detest being in a stuffy room, dressed in a suit, exchanging prepared presentations and making deals. I believe a true negotiator should be ready to fight anytime, anywhere.”

Now it begins.

“So, which team do you want to buy?”

“I’m looking for a suitable team. One based in a western city with a large Korean population, but not too expensive.”

“Anaheim?”

“Yes, that’s right. I think a team like the Theos would be fine.”

‘Then what about that side?’ I gazed at him intently after finishing my sentence.

“Well…”

He wore a dissatisfied expression.

“It can’t be because of a lack of money, can it? Or are you just being cautious?”

“It could be that.”

“Then I’m disappointed. You’ve stirred me from my quietude only to suggest buying a team that has never won the World Series. That doesn’t suit me.”

“What do you think about Ronald?”

“Of course!”

His excited gestures grew larger.

“I want a big, expensive, good team. One that has won many times and can win as many more as it wants in the future!”

There was only one team that met both conditions.

“Daners?”

“Yes. The LA Daners.”

He nodded in agreement.

Things were progressing as I had hoped. This was exactly what I wanted him to say first.

“Sounds good.”

I nodded as well.

“But let’s skip the sweet talk about being the first in history or whatever, and get to the realistic stuff. If we’re going to sit at the same table, I need to know how much money you’re prepared to bring to the table.”

He was not an easy person to deal with.

“Do you want to know?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s go to the next hole. The loser reveals first. Isn’t that the way of trading that you, Ronald, like?”

His competitive spirit was piqued. His eyes sparkled.

“You’ll regret saying that.”

“I hope so.”

As we moved, I asked the assistant beside me.

“The next hole is a par 4, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“If you sink it in three, it’s a birdie; two, an eagle; and one, a hole-in-one, right?”

It was basic golf knowledge.

“Is there any shot that can beat a hole-in-one?”

“······I don’t think so.”

“Don’t think so?”

“There isn’t.”

I answered.

“Well then, the goal is already set. Let’s go.”

Why go this far?

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have thought of beating Derump to this extent.

But now, it’s different.

I have to win here.

I must make a decisive contribution to acquiring LA Darnus under the best conditions in the deal with Derump.

Even if it’s disobedient, it can’t be helped. It’s my insufferable (?) father who tried to take responsibility in my place.

“I’m sorry, Father.”

I must be the first to leave Seonghyeon.

“Well then, here I go.”

Derump swung his driver, the strange hair flailing in the wind. But I couldn’t smile.

This was war.

Ah, and just so you know, there are still sixteen holes left.

That means there are still sixteen deals I can make with Derump.

A moment later,

Thwack—,

With a crisp sound, my tee shot began to soar toward the green.