Chapter 21: Boom (2)

There are two main reasons I decided to keep my money in Japan.

First, the money grows automatically just by keeping it there. Since it’s money earned overseas, money laundering is easier; my family won’t know how much I’ve made.

Considering my family’s attempts to control my finances, this is a significant advantage.

Second, something even bigger was offered: semiconductors.

I can get involved in Daeha Group’s semiconductor business.

***

The Plaza Accord occurred in late September. Time flows forward.

Soon, the season of falling leaves arrived.

A season of freezing temperatures and hunger—winter.

However, due to civilization’s advance and the recent boom, the streets were largely free of ice.

Fallen leaves lay on the asphalt, briefly accumulating under the cold, before being crushed by passing cars.

-Screech.

A gleaming car arrives at the mansion, its tires crunching over the leaves.

“We’ve arrived, Miss.”

An elegant woman in a suit opens the car door, holding an umbrella over the child emerging.

Yu Hayeon, the youngest granddaughter of Daeha Group.

“Yes, good job. Sihyeon, it’s been a while since you’ve been to the secretary’s office, huh?”

Time has passed; it’s December. I’m returning home for a family gathering.

“Yes, I’ll escort you to the entrance.”

In recent months, Lee Sihyeon has become quite refined. It’s not the stiff formality of a new employee, but a natural elegance.

If her previous demeanor resembled a servant, she now seems like a noblewoman’s companion.

The mix of feminine curves and angular business attire creates a sophisticated boyish beauty. Servants who are either overly feminine or overtly masculine aren’t suitable; they overshadow their master.

‘I chose my secretary well.’

Her improved demeanor enhances my image.

My youth diminishes my charisma, but Sihyeon compensates, allowing me to convincingly portray a young lady.

Therefore, few approach me casually.

“Hey, Yu Hayeon. You’re here.”

There are exceptions. For example, Yu Seonjun, the eldest grandson, can use this tone.

He was a high schooler with a generally rebellious image. Not excessively rebellious, but clearly someone who enjoys life.

His attire is certainly considered rebellious by chaebol standards of that era.

“Seonjun oppa, what’s gotten into you…”

I frown subtly. What could he be doing late at night…

“Ah, nagging. Kids are terrible. Stayed up all night gambling yesterday, got it?”

Yu Seonjun, the eldest son and heir of Yu Jinseok, grumbles, covering his ears.

“Puberty?”

I can’t understand why this future chaebol chairman acts so rebellious.

Well… if he idled, he’d lose the chairmanship to me, but he doesn’t know that.

I approach him, smelling cigarette smoke.

“……You smoke?”

He looks a little surprised.

“Well, cigarettes are fine, aren’t they? Men should smoke.”

Right, it’s the 80s. Smoking wasn’t just accepted in men, it was practically compulsory; it’s one reason I’m glad I’m a girl.

“But don’t do drugs.”

I remember news reports from my past life. Yu Seonjun was frequently mentioned in chaebol drug scandals.

He indulged in alcohol, drugs, and gambling due to family pressure… he’s unpleasant. I understand his stress…

His debauchery mirrors my father’s; perhaps it’s genetic.

“Hey, stop nagging. You’re not my father. Just because you’re a bit taller doesn’t mean you can talk back. And listen, I’m a senior in high school; grandpa will be lenient. He won’t beat up a college applicant, will he?”

“……That’s true.”

“Anyway, tell me everything. You won 10 billion won gambling, right? How?”

Is that why this idle guy came?

I sigh inwardly, seeing my cousin approaching.

“I didn’t gamble. Humph, it was all investment.”

Yu Seonjun looks incredulous.

“Zero if you lose, 10 billion if you win is investment? That’s gambling! An eight-year-old gambling… and you’re calling me…”

I can’t reveal my knowledge of the future; it’s impossible to refute him.

Aren’t derivatives even more vicious than gambling? That’s what ruined my past life.

Extremely low probability, high return, high thrill, ruining many lives, including my own…

They have almost identical traits. His words are understandable. I don’t know when he even found the time to study.

“How did you know? You barely know stocks, let alone options. You were good at Hwatoo, but this is different. Studying for college?”

He nods.

“Yes, business administration. Losing to a ten-year-old in gambling is unacceptable. I’ve started studying again.”

“…Really?”

“I’ll quit gambling next year. That’s why I went all out last night.”

The gambling addict, Yu Seonjun, smiles triumphantly. Even his stupid words sound cool due to his handsome appearance.

Anyway, he’s addicted to gambling.

“…Do your best.”

I nod and enter the house with Sihyeon. It’s best to avoid crazy people.

Fortunately for me, if he straightens up and starts striving, he becomes dangerous to me.

He’ll be thirty right before the financial crisis. It might seem like nothing, but unforeseen events could arise.

Yu Jinseok will have less time for his son, making him a greater threat.

This is why I haven’t earned aggressively. Subtly planting seeds is fine, but showing my abilities would agitate my family.

A simple butterfly effect changes people.

In this case, a strange one.

***

The Yu family tree is relatively simple.

Founder Yu Seongpil had few relatives. While not originally alone, the Korean War killed most of them, leading to later consolidation.

…I don’t know the details of that consolidation. That’s why he’s called “iron-blooded.”

The point is there are few Yu family members.

Yu Seongpil’s children are Yu Jinseok, Yu Jinha, and Yu Seonyeong. Even down to the third generation, only eight members, including me.

In the 21st century, this is many, due to low birth rates, but now, it’s the 80s, and this is a chaebol family.

Even considering the low birthrate and Yu Jincheol’s early death, only 11 members (2nd and 3rd generations) is unusual.

Mirae Group, often compared to Daeha Group, has 6 second-generation and over 20 third-generation members. This shows how unique Daeha is.

Even Mirae Group’s extended family is active in politics and business, and the current chairman is already second-generation… If I had reincarnated there, the family tree would’ve given me a headache.

‘That explains Yu Seonjun.’

Yu Seongpil dislikes family infighting and prefers not to expand the family… but family-run businesses have their advantages.

Management control is easy when the higher-ups are all family.

Chaebols need family members to fill key positions, but Daeha Group doesn’t have that many.

If there is a shortage of family members to become executives, organizational power weakens or burden falls on one person.

Yu Seongpil chose the latter.

-‘Hey, did you even try? I did, at your age!’

He believes everyone should act like him.

Yu Seongpil is so extreme that he believes others can do what he does. He’s vicious because he can actually do it. Without my reincarnation abilities, I would have many questions.

Yu Jinseok and Yu Jinha already have significant workloads; Yu Seonyeong and the daughters-in-law, now part of Daeha Group, manage affiliates.

There’s less gender discrimination in Daeha Group than in most companies at that time. Similar to how women’s rights improved after WWII, Daeha women gained economic power.

There’s a shortage of people. This family can’t afford to be picky.

Yu Seonjun, still a minor, also wants a piece of the pie, stressing him greatly. Graduating college means working under his strict grandfather.

…

Seeing my stressed cousin, I have to step in.

This makes acquisition inevitable, doesn’t it?