The Youngest Son of Sunyang

Chapter 133 The Last Struggle at the End of the Century 1

Oh Sehyun quickly turned his head. He had already confirmed the purchase of the land and the construction costs for the build site. To calculate the profit rate, he would have to entrust it to the construction company employees.

"It shouldn't be difficult to entrust it, right? In fact, we should be thankful, if anything. But I don't think they'll just hand it over." Oh Sehyun sharply scrutinized aunt's face. He noticed her uncomfortable expression, and his posture gradually changed.

It seemed like someone wanted to show who had the upper hand in this situation.

"Just in case you didn't know, the cost is quite generous. It's the amount set before the division of the family... a kind of job funneling, internal transaction, you know."

"So, it's even more suspicious? Why..."

Pretending not to know, he continued to press for answers. He wanted to hear the words he wanted from aunt's mouth.

"Please cut me some slack. We need to break free from this capital pressure, and this seems to be the only way. I'm begging you."

"Let's do it as a loan, is that what you're saying?"

In the end, he listened to the plea until the end.

"I'll pay it back, including the interest, from the start of operations. In installments..." Aunt spoke in a voice mixed with unwarranted coyness.

"Isn't the contract already completed? With Sunyang Construction?"

"I can handle that. I've already tied the contract with money as a restraint. Besides, it's an internal transaction contract, so there should be no problem."

If it were her, I would never start a new business.

The timing is terrible. Just when the large mart is established and barely breaking even, another crisis is approaching.

There are signs of the economy starting to revive, so Aunt's mind is probably filled with bright prospects for the future right now. I'm the only one who knows what will happen in a few years.

"Anyway, there's one decisive factor, right? Since it's a credit transaction, how much collateral should we secure, isn't that right?"

Aunt doesn't look pleased. "Well, I trusted Chairman Oh... Collateral, I'm a bit taken aback."

"If you borrow money from a friend and a bank at the same time, you usually pay back the bank first. That's what trust is. It's about opening up possibilities in my favor. If it goes against me, I might feel betrayed. Trust? It easily crumbles in the face of money."

In front of the determined Oh Sehyun, Aunt was at a loss for words.

"Uncle, let's start the process quickly, shall we? How about reviewing these documents?"

At my gesture, Oh Sehyun took the documents.

"We'll try to find a balance that neither of us will be too disappointed with. Then..."

He left the rest to me.

As soon as Oh Sehyun left the hotel room, Aunt exploded in anger.

"That guy, what on earth is he? I offer my help, and he comes out with that kind of attitude!"

"Aunt, he knows your weakness."

"What do you mean?"

"Just by glancing at the financial books, he can see through the company's situation. He realized that you were going to take back the department store shares from Grandfather before you even got them. He has no fears, so he comes out with that kind of boldness."

Aunt gripped the sofa armrest tightly. "Is it really that desperate?"

"The executives in charge of department stores and distribution finances know. They just find it hard to speak honestly because of the difficulties."

"That darn genius..."

It was irritating to hear her curse Grandfather, but I understood. He gave her a portion of his assets, only to find out it was a mountain of debt when she opened the wrapping.

"Aunt, do you still not understand?" I calmly spoke as if trying to appease the nervous aunt.

"What?"

"This is Grandfather's test. If you pass this safely, the department store group will officially be in Aunt's hands. The essence of the business Aunt is responsible for is distribution, which is sensitive to economic conditions, and the key is cash flow, isn't it? This is a test without a doubt."

Quick-witted Aunt understood my meaning accurately.

After pondering for a while, she asked for my opinion. I wanted to confirm Aunt's ambition.

"If it were me, I would postpone the plan for the large mart a bit..."

"I told you earlier. That's not possible."

"Then we should start some bold restructuring."

"Restructuring?"

"Yes. We'll dispose of a few golf courses and also clean up the low-profit condos. We'll leave the department stores and hotels as symbols."

From the look on her face as I spoke, it seemed she had no intention of doing any restructuring at all.

Well, it's natural to be hesitant when you think that reducing your standard of living will significantly affect your appearance.

"We can't start asset restructuring for the time being. That will also suffer due to lack of ability."

No, it's a very sensible and normal management approach.

When cash is tight, the priority is to sell anything to raise capital. Grandfather would also appreciate this approach.

"Aunt, it seems you think that bringing in money from Miracle is the only solution."

"That's the simplest way. Simple is best. You know?"

I wasn't sure if using this situation was appropriate, but Aunt's mindset remained unchanged.

"Do-jun, please talk to Chairman Oh. If I do well, it's good for you too. We're not just business partners; we're in the same boat."

I had confirmed Aunt's ambition, and now it was time to confirm her trust. Thankfully, she had already brought it up.

"Aunt, please be honest. Is our previous agreement still valid? Does being in the same boat mean that?"

A bewildered Aunt couldn't easily answer. I had expected this.

"It's okay. I understand."

As I smiled and nodded, Aunt became even more flustered. "Understand? What do you understand?"

"Aunt, even if you manage to separate the conglomerate within this year and become the actual owner, I'm not certain. There's no guarantee that I'll take over the financial conglomerate. In other words, Aunt has cash, and I have promissory notes."

"Is that so? Oh, don't get me wrong. I don't mind. Of course, we'll join hands when our inheritance is cleanly settled, as you said. It's just that nothing is confirmed yet, so it's a bit premature to give a definite answer."