Free Web NovelGrandfather fell into silent contemplation.
“You have a lot of accounts under Manager Ha’s name, right?”
“Yes.”
During the implementation of the real-name financial system, most of the proxy accounts had been transferred under Manager Ha’s name.
“If Grandfather agrees, let’s start by converting the money in those accounts into dollars.”
At last, Grandfather nodded.
“Go ahead. If that’s what you think is best.”
“Thank you, Grandfather.”
With his approval, there was no reason to hesitate. I intended to convert all of his liquid assets into dollars as quickly as possible.
“Transfer all the funds in those accounts to foreign banks. Convert them to dollars there. No Korean banks—only foreign institutions.”
Of course, not all the money was in bank accounts.
“The cash in the underground vault—exchange that using the currency exchangers in Myeongdong.”
Cash that no one knew about had its uses.
Since it left no records, it was ideal for bribes and off-the-books transactions. freewēbnoveℓ.com
“Leave the physical assets like real estate and gold bars alone. Just convert all the won into dollars cleanly.”
“Understood, Chairman. I’ll take my leave now.”
“Do as Muhyuk says.”
Once Manager Ha left, I was alone with Grandfather.
“Now, tell me what exactly you’re waiting for. I’m curious.”
Sensing something off wasn’t enough to foresee a massive wave of corporate bankruptcies.
Too big to fail.
The government’s policy had always been to prevent major conglomerates from collapsing. That had led to bloated management practices.
Their reckless issuance of promissory notes was strangling small and mid-sized companies.
“I believe that within two years at most, Korea will face an economic crisis. You know it too, Grandfather. You know how investment firms and banks are lending right now.”
Even leaving the banks aside, the business practices of investment companies were already wildly distorted.
They were borrowing money short-term from foreign banks at low interest, then issuing long-term loans to domestic firms at higher rates.
Grandfather nodded, though he still looked hesitant.
“Even so, would the whole country really collapse that easily? There have been crises before, but didn’t the government always manage to pull through?”
There had been economic scares during the Third and Fifth Republics, including during the oil shocks.
To prevent corporate failures, the government had used every means necessary.
Sure, that saved the companies—but it also allowed the rot inside to fester.
They should’ve let the boil burst early. Propping up failing firms only made things worse.
“Korea is a mess right now. The weak yen is a fatal blow to our export-driven economy. On top of that, corruption and shoddy construction have led to all kinds of accidents and scandals. It’s all just hidden beneath the surface. The explosion is coming. Foreign investors will pull out, there’ll be a sudden outflow of dollars, and the government will scramble to hold the exchange rate.”
“Hm...”
As I spoke with certainty, Grandfather rubbed his chin in thought.
“The government will make the worst possible choice.”
“I see now. I understand why you’ve been steadily liquidating bonds and pushing to convert to dollars.”
“Grandfather, you’ll rise above all other chairmen again. The dollar has that kind of power.”
“Ho ho ho.”
Grandfather let out a hearty laugh, clearly pleased.
“It’s good of you to think of this old man, but I’ve had my time. Now, Muhyuk, it’s your turn to take the lead.”
But I still needed to remain behind the curtain.
Until I had the power to choke the life out of Cheongpunghoe, I couldn’t reveal myself.
“Grandfather, it’s not over yet. I want you to take one last shot.”
His eyes settled on me.
“You little brat... What are you so afraid of?”
He saw right through me—his years of life hadn’t been in vain.
“You’ll gain nothing by running away from fear. I don’t know what’s got you so scared, but I believe in you. You’ll do better than I ever did.”
“Grandfather...”
“It’s time I rested. I’m not planning to disappear into the back room yet, but anything you can handle from here on out—you handle it. Understand?”
Something about his sincere words soothed me.
What was I so afraid of?
So much had already changed.
I saved Grandmother. I crushed the Cheon Sooman brothers.
I’d even succeeded in weakening Cheongpunghoe to a degree.
“I understand. But I still need your help, Grandfather. I’m still too young.”
“Too young? Who would think that? You’ve always been like an old man in a young body.”
He chuckled, then suddenly started coughing dryly.
“Cough, cough!”
The fit looked bad enough to make me worry, but he waved it off.
“I’m fine. It happens now and then. I’ve lived long enough.”
“Grandfather...”
“The hospital says there’s nothing major, but I’ve been feeling weaker these days. You can’t fight time forever.”
Last time too—he had died suddenly.
Even though Manager Ha had been meticulous about monitoring his health...
“Visit your grandmother more often. No matter how busy you are, she’s old too. Don’t forget what I’m telling you now. Don’t end up regretting it later.”
That request from Grandfather hit me like a hammer to the head.
What the hell am I even doing?
Calling her every day wasn’t enough. Revenge or not, I couldn’t lose Grandma again the way I had in my last life.
“Thank you, Grandfather.”
“No need for that.”
As soon as I stepped out of the study, I spoke to Chief Ma.
“Cancel all my appointments. I’m going to Busan immediately.”
Chief Ma moved swiftly.
While preparations were underway, I made a phone call.
—Hello?
“Hyunseong, I’m heading to Busan right now. Want to come with me?”
—So suddenly?
“Yeah. It’s been way too long since I saw Grandma.” freeweɓnovel.cøm
—What about Myungsoo?
“Myungsoo’s not a kid. Don’t worry about him. Just get ready—I’ll come pick you up.”
—Alright. I’ll call my mom. Talk soon.
After hanging up, the thought of sitting in silence with Hyunseong for hours in the car gave me chills.
“All appointments are cancelled. You’re good to go.”
“All staff are on standby, right?”
Since early this year, two escort vehicles with four of Chief Ma’s men had accompanied me during every move.
In the car I rode, aside from Chief Ma, one of his subordinates would also ride up front.
It was a hassle, but Chief Ma insisted, especially with the threat of the Yakuza and Cheongpunghoe’s unpredictable moves.
Unlike Grandfather, who rarely left the house, I was constantly out and about—so his warning was justified.
On the way to Myungsoo’s house to pick up Hyunseong:
“How’s PMC going?”
“They’re preparing to incorporate in the U.S. The expert we hired will take care of everything.”
We’d recruited a former Navy SEAL and administrative expert who had once been Chief Ma’s superior in EO.
The deal was generous: a hefty salary and 10% of PMC’s equity as stock options.
“Eric Clarke, right?”
“Yes. Former SEAL officer. He has great connections in special forces and a deep understanding of military operations. He’ll do well.”
“But we can’t just leave it all to him. Someone should be supervising.”
“I’ll look into it.”
“Call him to Korea first.”
“Yes.”
While we were talking about PMC, we arrived at Myungsoo’s place.
Hyunseong was already waiting outside, fully prepared.
“Get in.”
He opened the back door and silently got in.
The entire ride to Busan was shrouded in silence. Exactly as I’d expected.
When that stifling time was finally over, I got out of the car, genuinely happy.
“Grandma!”
Maybe because I hadn’t called ahead, she sprang to her feet in surprise when she saw me.
“What in the world? Look who it is!”
“Who else would it be? Your grandson.”
“My baby, what brings you here without calling? Come here—let me touch your face.”
I’d only visited early this year. I’d skipped both summer and Chuseok, hiding behind the excuse of being busy. No—I'd chosen not to come.
"She’s old too, you know."
Grandfather’s words echoed in my mind.
When you only chase revenge, you risk overlooking what’s truly important.
When I first returned, I was just grateful to the god—or devil—who let me save Grandma.
But over time, that gratitude and resolve had faded.
Gotta keep my head on straight.
This time, I didn’t want to leave room for regret.
“You’ve been eating properly? You’ve gotten so thin.”
Her words as she held my face made my eyes sting.
“Thin? I’ve gained weight, actually. Been working out lately.”
“What are you saying? What’s there to lose? But seriously—what’s going on? Why are you like this?”
She must’ve noticed the tears in my eyes.
“No, nothing. I’m just really happy to see you again.”
“There’s nothing wrong, right?”
“Nothing. I’m eating well, sleeping well.”
“My baby. You’re doing well.”
Her wrinkled face lit up with a smile, and it warmed my heart.
“I missed you, Grandma.”
I stepped closer and gave her a tight hug.
Her hands wrapped gently around my back—and it felt so, so good.
“I didn’t even know you were coming, so I didn’t prepare anything. Go wash up and wait. I’ll go grocery shopping real quick.”
“We can just eat out...”
“What are you saying? You finally came—I have to cook for you.”
Her scolding was kind of adorable.
“Alright, alright. Go quickly.”
She fetched her wallet and was about to head out without a coat.
“It’s cold, Grandma. Dress warm.”
“Oh goodness, I’m so scatterbrained these days.”
Maybe it was her age—her memory was starting to slip.
Once she left, the house felt strangely vast and empty.
Was this how she felt every day?
When I opened the door to my old room, there wasn’t a speck of dust. She must’ve cleaned it daily.
She had no idea when I’d return, yet cleaned every day while thinking of me.
The room was smaller than where I stayed now, and the furniture was old—but it somehow felt more spacious. More comforting. Probably because of Grandma.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I sank into thought.
Yeah. I’ll slow down just a bit.
I went to wash up. When I returned, I opened the wardrobe.
My clothes were all neatly folded, nothing out of place.
I changed into something comfortable, and just then Grandma returned.
“Wait just a bit. I’ll whip something up quickly.”
Chief Ma bowed at the doorway, ready to leave.
“You stay too. Eat with us.”
At her words, Chief Ma flinched.
That man had a soft spot for kindness.
“Chief, eat with us. You arranged lodging for the staff, right?”
“Yes.”
“Come on in.”
While Grandma cooked, I sat ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) with Chief Ma in the living room and spoke.
“I’ll be in Busan until year-end. Unless it’s urgent, handle things on your own.”
“Understood.”
He could manage most things without me—except for Han Kyungyeong’s work in the U.S.
“If Eric comes this year, have him come to Busan. If not, next year is fine.”
“Yes.”
Next year, things would get even busier.
Before that, I wanted to spend as much time with Grandma as I could.
“Muhyuk! It’s ready! Come eat!”
“Coming, Grandma!”
A smile spread across my face.
< What the hell am I even doing? > End.
