Chapter 18: 10 Billion (1)

12 PM, September 23rd.

USD/JPY: 216.0

After the New York cut, I earned 2.4 billion won.

Midnight, September 23rd. London cut.

USD/JPY: 215.2

There was a slight rebound, but the barrier had long been broken. I earned 5.8 billion won.

10 AM, September 24th.

USD/JPY: 214.1

Skipping school for more than a day was risky, so I received the news during break time. I had made an additional 1.8 billion won.

Thus.

I made 10 billion won overnight.

While I used my grandfather’s influence, this was pure investment, not inheritance.

An elementary school student earning 10 billion won naturally caused a commotion.

10 billion won in cash is different from 10 billion won in assets.

This is crucial in a capitalist society, especially within organizations like companies.

For example, companies can face insolvency despite profitability. A healthy company with good sales and net income can still go bankrupt if it can’t repay its debts on time.

This is entirely due to insufficient cash flow. What good is money coming in tomorrow if debts are due today?

Therefore, companies sometimes deplete their assets to generate cash flow.

Have you ever seen a 9,500 won coupon for a 10,000 won product? It seems absurd, but it’s likely a desperate measure to secure cash.

The company receives the 9,500 won immediately, but the 10,000 won payment to the coupon agency can be delayed.

And time is always the most valuable asset.

This was especially true during the Three Lows boom, which would see 12% economic growth for the next three years, starting next year.

“10 billion, 10 billion won…”

My grandfather, Yu Seongpil, began our conversation after seating me in his office. His first words were these:

“Can you repeat this?”

His words reeked of greed. I smiled slightly, answering him.

“That seems difficult. Ugh… At least for the next ten years. I’m no fortune teller… This was a bold investment based on my own conviction. You did similar things when you were young, right?”

Looking somewhat regretful, Yu Seongpil clicked his tongue, nodding.

“Hmm, yes, that’s true.”

10 billion won in this era is more valuable than one could imagine.

An ordinary office worker would need 10,000 years to save that much. It’s enough to buy 1,000 apartments in Seoul. For reference, if a Seoul apartment costs 1 billion won in 2024, you’d need 1 trillion won for 1,000 apartments.

However… asking if it’s a huge amount for Yu Seongpil and Daeha Group is another matter. He’s beyond measure.

Daeha Group already has annual sales of 8 trillion won and, with the success of the semiconductor business, is about to exceed 10 trillion won.

I heard that Yu Seongpil’s personal assets alone are in the hundreds of billions of won. Considering his political and social influence, there remains an insurmountable wall between him and me.

Therefore, Yu Seongpil remained relatively calm.

“Where will you invest next?”

“Ugh… I don’t know, hehe. I’m so happy right now, I can’t think about that.”

That’s partially true.

I am incredibly happy right now.

It’s 10 billion won, 10 billion!

Even in my past life, I’d have celebrated wildly. Earning it overnight is exhilarating.

Even though I called it pocket money, I’m happy nonetheless.

“Right, right. Let’s put complicated things aside and enjoy this.”

Yu Seongpil, smiling, puts aside his earlier sternness.

With the businessman and entrepreneur Yu Seongpil gone, only Yu Hayeon’s grandfather remains.

He laughs heartily, hugging his granddaughter.

“Ahahahah! Our granddaughter is a lucky charm! Not only did you earn so much money at such a young age, you brought great wealth to Daeha Securities. My good granddaughter!”

My feet leave the ground. I pretend to be flustered, but Yu Seongpil nuzzles my cheek, patting my back.

‘This old man…’

Yu Seongpil is now sixty. Considering the average lifespan in the 80s, his health is fragile. His youthful zeal and hardship have taken their toll.

Yu Seongpil, already suffering from several ailments, is inevitably starting to think about his final years and the time after his death. This is why he’s more gentle.

So, he naturally treats his granddaughter well.

“I’ve known Hayeon would amount to something, haha. Chief Secretary, isn’t that true?”

Lee Hakcheol, the chief secretary standing beside him, nods reluctantly.

He’d usually add more words, but the unprecedented event of his boss’s granddaughter earning 10 billion won makes him hesitant.

He doesn’t want to cause trouble.

“….Yes. I heard it from the young secretary you sent. Miss Hayeon is a remarkable… genius.”

Everyone in the family knows I’m a genius; it’s essentially meaningless.

It’s the chief secretary’s social skill, honed through frequent meetings with powerful people. It seems like he’s said a lot, but it’s essentially nothing.

However, it was definitely praise. Yu Seongpil nods, moving on. Flattery, even if meaningless, pleases people.

“Ahahahaha! That’s right, a genius… who knew our Hayeon was this smart.”

Mixed emotions cross Yu Seongpil’s face. Regret, sadness, pride, and apology.

Reading these emotions, I sigh inwardly.

‘It’s ending like this.’

I also liked Yu Seongpil. Why dislike someone who is unilaterally kind, a past giant, not a future rival?

While I resent him for abandoning my father, his gift of a second chance is immeasurable.

But…

He’s now an obstacle in my path.

“Hayeon, I have a request.”

“…Yes?”

Seeing Yu Seongpil making this request with a wry smile, I widen my eyes. Why would he…

“Please… love your family. It’s this old man’s request.”

A shiver runs down my spine. Did he notice something?

I say nothing. I fear revealing my true feelings.

“I know you’re a genius. That you’ll find this old man’s small confines stifling.”

Finally, I can shake my head.

“No. I’m always grateful to you, Grandpa.”

“Yes, is that so.”

Yu Seongpil fiddles with a cigarette, but puts it away after glancing at me.

“You see, watching Mirae Group next door… money supersedes family ties.”

A power struggle previously occurred at Mirae Group, ranked second in the business world. Daeha Group still has Yu Seongpil, but Mirae’s chairman was older.

The eldest son, who betrayed his father, was expelled, and the second son took over. A well-known story.

Enough to shock even the iron-willed Yu Seongpil.

I laugh, nonchalantly replying.

“Well… I don’t have parents anymore. I don’t intend to have children, so you don’t need to worry.”

Thankfully, Yu Seongpil doesn’t ask me to have children. Nor does he say I should marry someday.

Perhaps he remembers my father’s ruined life due to marriage.

“Yes, Hayeon, you might be right. You’ve seen everything that happened to your father.”

‘Haa.’

This is the most impactful statement he’s made.

It’s fortunate. I won’t marry a man.

“But, Hayeon, ultimately, family is all that remains. I’ve learned that at sixty.”

-Tap tap.

Yu Seongpil pats my shoulder, pausing.

He must be struggling with succession issues too.

After a long silence, he smiles slightly, asking,

“Daeha Securities… it’s newly established. Interested in taking over? Not now, of course… around your high school years.”

“…!”

A great opportunity. A financial affiliate is a core business.

After carefully considering Yu Seongpil’s intentions, I analyze this proposal.

He sees me not as a ‘granddaughter’ but a ‘daughter.’ A successor.

“You want me to remain under Daeha Group’s name, Grandpa.”

In other words, he wants me to remain a part of the chaebol family, not become fully independent.

And… to be a member, not the leader.

Not just an affiliate, but a core one like Daeha Securities, tying me inextricably to Daeha Group.

And, I couldn’t defy the future chairman through normal means.

“Yes, I’ll do that, Grandpa.”

This is meaningless to me.

My plan’s success will transcend Daeha Group.

“Yes, thank you. Hmm… Haa, no, that’s enough. Go now, Hayeon.”

Returning to my room, I watch Yu Seongpil leave.

He seems somewhat lonely.

***

Back in my room, I sigh and slap my face.

“Alright, time to cheer up.”

The depressing talk is over.

I earned 10 billion won; time to have fun.