Golden Spoon Investor

Seoul, Daeheung Group Headquarters, Chairman's Office.

"So, you're telling me that he deliberately took on the company's holdings and sold them during the crash to minimize the losses?" Chairman Park Tae-hong asked, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed the information.

Sitting on the left-hand sofa, CEO Choi Jin-woo replied with a smile.

"Yes, sir. I was curious myself, so I asked him, and that's what he explained."

"Huh. That boy…" A faint chuckle escaped Chairman Park's lips, but there was a proud glint in his eyes.

"I had no idea he was thinking so deeply. He could have easily taken a big hit and put himself in a difficult position," the Chairman remarked, his pride in his son evident.

"He's always been a deep thinker, even as a child," Chairman Park added, subtly boasting about his younger son.

Across from him, Choi Jin-woo and Chief Secretary Gil Seong-ho exchanged knowing glances, seamlessly moving the conversation forward.

"If Park hadn't sold the company's holdings in advance, we would have lost at least 1 billion won in the crash," Choi Jin-woo pointed out.

"At least he's not just collecting a paycheck—he's earning his keep," Chairman Park replied, attempting to maintain his composure, though the slight upward twitch of his lips betrayed his satisfaction.

No parent dislikes hearing praise for their child, after all.

"He's been a tremendous asset to the company," Choi Jin-woo continued with a grin, prompting Chairman Park to clear his throat, attempting to regain his usual stoic expression.

"Well, that's good to hear, but he still has much to learn. Make sure you guide him well," the Chairman advised.

"I'll do my best, though I'm not sure how much help I'll be," Choi Jin-woo responded modestly.

Chairman Park picked up his teacup, took a sip of coffee, and then set it down before leaning back into the plush sofa.

"By the way, how's the Daeheung Venture Capital IPO process coming along? No issues, I hope?"

Receiving his cue, Choi Jin-woo straightened his posture and answered, "Everything is on schedule. The IPO date should be confirmed for later this year."

Daeheung Venture Capital was a venture capital firm that Chairman Park had established a few years ago as part of the group's diversification strategy. However, it hadn't lived up to the initial high expectations, posting consistent losses and steadily draining resources.

To address these mounting deficits, the idea of taking the company public had been conceived. Chairman Park stretched out his arm, opened the wooden box on the table, and took out a cigarette, placing it between his lips. Chief Secretary Gil Seong-ho, seated to the right, quickly lit it for him.

Taking a deep drag and then exhaling the smoke slowly, Chairman Park spoke, "You said the IPO would bring in around 10 billion won?"

"The final valuation isn't complete, but it's expected to be in that range," Choi Jin-woo confirmed.

Chairman Park nodded slightly, holding the cigarette between his fingers. "That amount should keep the company afloat without needing further injections from the group."

Seizing the moment, Chief Secretary Gil carefully interjected, "With ample funds secured and the performance of the companies we've invested in gradually improving, you shouldn't have to worry about Daeheung Venture Capital for a while."

"Let's hope so," Chairman Park muttered.

The group's core businesses—textiles and department stores—were still profitable, but the losses from other subsidiaries were dragging them down, deepening the Chairman's worries day by day.

"If only we had listed the company when the performance was strong, we could have raised even more capital. It's really a shame," Chairman Park lamented, licking his lips in frustration.

Sensing an opportunity, Chief Secretary Gil hesitantly suggested, "Should we consider reclaiming some of the loans from the IPO proceeds?"

To support the struggling venture capital firm, the headquarters and department stores provided nearly 10 billion won in loans. Reclaiming part of that through the IPO funds wouldn't pose any legal issues.

For a moment, Chairman Park seemed tempted, weighing the options in his mind. But then he shook his head.

"If we take back the funds as soon as they come in, the company will struggle to operate. We'll end up having to inject more money from the headquarters again. What's the point of that?"

"…"

"If we were planning to strip the company and walk away after the IPO, that would be different. Just leave it as it is."

"I apologize for my short-sightedness," Gil Seong-ho said, bowing his head in acknowledgment.

Chairman Park then turned to Choi Jin-woo.

"Make sure the IPO goes off without a hitch, and keep a close eye on things until the end."

"Understood, sir," Choi Jin-woo replied.

Despite the reduction in losses, Daeheung Venture Capital's financial situation was still precarious, and the smooth progression of the IPO was largely due to the efforts of Choi Jin-woo, who had once been a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Finance.

After a bit more discussion, Choi Jin-woo took his leave.

Chairman Park, now almost finished with his cigarette, stubbed it out in the crystal ashtray on the table. Then, he turned to Chief Secretary Gil and gave a surprising order.

"Chief Gil."

"Yes, Chairman?"

"Transfer half of the Daeheung Venture Capital shares I hold to my second son before the IPO," Chairman Park instructed.

Chief Secretary Gil's eyes widened in shock at the unexpected command.

"Half of the shares, sir?"

"Yes," Chairman Park confirmed.

Chairman Park owned 30% of Daeheung Venture Capital, second only to his stake in the Mido Department Store. By transferring half, or 15%, to Seok-won, his younger son would instantly become a major shareholder in the venture capital firm.

"Given how he handled things this time, as well as during the pound's collapse, it seems the boy has an investment talent," Chairman Park mused.

Sensing the Chairman's gaze, Chief Secretary Gil quickly responded, "Yes, I agree. He certainly seems to have a knack for it."

With a pleased nod, Chairman Park continued, "After he gains a bit more experience, I'm considering putting him in charge of the securities and venture capital firms. It doesn't seem like a bad idea."

Chief Secretary Gil remained silent, but it was clear to him that Chairman Park was planning to eventually hand over the group's two financial subsidiaries to his second son.

"I think he'll handle it well," Chairman Park added.

"Based on what he's shown so far, I believe he's well-suited for it," Chief Secretary Gil replied.

"Indeed. Did I ever tell you that a famous Nobel Prize-winning professor was reluctant to see my second son leave Harvard? He admired him so much," Chairman Park recalled with a grin.

"Yes, Professor Frank—he's well-known even in academic circles," Chief Secretary Gil replied.

Chairman Park had mentioned Professor Frank so often since returning from Seok-won's graduation that Chief Secretary Gil could recite the details by heart. Yet, ever the tactful aide, he simply smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Haha, that's right. The professor was so regretful about his departure that I almost felt sorry for him," Chairman Park laughed.

"It seems the professor really thought highly of your son," Chief Secretary Gil commented.

"Yes, the boy is sharp and confident, just like me. Look at how he boldly bought stocks during the market crash while everyone else was paralyzed with fear, and he made a significant profit from it," Chairman Park said, his pride in his son unmistakable.

Park Jin-hyung, the elder son, bore a striking resemblance to Chairman Park with his strong, masculine features, while Seok-won had inherited his good looks from his maternal side. However, Chief Secretary Gil was far too savvy to voice any such thoughts.

Instead, he nodded vigorously and exclaimed, "He's certainly decisive and bold, much like you, Chairman."

"Exactly!" Chairman Park beamed, his smile wide with satisfaction.

"Make sure the shares are transferred before the IPO to avoid any complications afterward," Chairman Park instructed.

"Yes, sir. I'll take care of it as you've directed," Chief Secretary Gil replied.

***

Central Park, New York.

The lush green landscape stretched out beneath the terrace of the penthouse suite at the Plaza Hotel. Sitting at a table draped in a crisp white cloth, Seok-won casually scratched his ear, a faint grin on his face.

"I wonder who's talking about me right now…" he murmured to himself.

The table before him was laden with a fragrant cup of coffee, freshly baked croissants, and a vibrant salad of fresh fruits and vegetables. As he leisurely enjoyed his brunch, flipping through the latest issue of The Wall Street Journal, the doorbell of the suite rang.

Rising from his seat, Seok-won strolled across the spacious, elegantly furnished living room, its high ceilings and ivory leather sofas exuding luxury.

Opening the door, he found Landon standing in the hallway with two unfamiliar men.

Landon raised his hand to gesture toward a middle-aged man with a slight build.

"This is Drew Evans, the CEO of Cisco, as I mentioned."

Drew Evans, with his blue eyes and slightly flushed complexion, quickly assessed Seok-won before extending his hand in greeting.

"Drew Evans," he introduced himself.

"Seok-won Park," Seok-won replied, shaking his hand.

Stepping aside, Seok-won invited them in. "Please, come in."

"Thank you," Drew Evans responded as they entered.

Seok-won gestured toward the plush sofa in the center of the living room. "Please, have a seat."

Nodding, Drew Evans and his companions settled onto the left side of the sofa.

"What would you like to drink?" Seok-won asked.

"Coffee, please," Drew Evans replied.

The slender, dark-haired man beside him chimed in, "I'll have the same."

"Shall we make it all coffee, then?" Seok-won asked, glancing around.

"I'll take care of it," Landon offered, heading to the terrace to pour the steaming coffee from a carafe on a nearby trolley.

Meanwhile, an awkward silence settled over the room. Breaking it, Drew Evans gestured to the man beside him. "This is Samuel Schwartz, our company's CIO."

"Nice to meet you," Seok-won greeted him.

"The pleasure is mine. I've been wanting to meet you," Schwartz replied.

Returning with the coffee, Landon handed a cup to each guest before taking a seat on the right-hand sofa. Noticing a hint of tension in Drew Evans, Seok-won spoke in a calm, relaxed tone.

"I hear you wanted to meet with me."

"Yes, I was in New York on business, and when I heard from Landon that you were in town, I thought I'd take the chance to meet with you. I apologize for any inconvenience," Drew Evans began.

Though Seok-won already knew the purpose of the visit from his conversation with Landon, he pretended to be in the dark.

"What's the reason you wanted to see me?" he asked.

Drew Evans' expression turned serious as he locked eyes with Seok-won.

"I noticed that you recently increased your stake in our company to 4%," Evans began, his tone carefully measured.

He Leaning back against the sofa, Seok-won nodded calmly, his expression unchanged, "And?"

"Do you plan to continue accumulating shares?" Evans inquired, his demeanor tense.

Seok-won stared at his stiff-faced counterpart before speaking, "Why do you ask?"

Drew Evans met his gaze, remained silent for a moment, and then spoke in a dry voice, "Let's not beat around the bush and get straight to the point."

Drew Evans asked, watching Seok-won leisurely lifted his coffee cup to his lips.

"Why are you accumulating our shares?"