Chaebol

Meanwhile, at the Hyungang Art Museum.

Chairman Park Yong-hak gazed at the artwork hanging on the wall for a long time.

When he first saw this painting, it had no name.

But when it was confirmed to be a work by da Vinci, people rushed to give it a name.

A simple yet honest and definitive title, "Portrait of Duke Ludovico."

Park Yong-hak liked the name of the painting.

It was a picture he wanted to keep close to for a long time.

Perhaps because of that, various thoughts always crossed his mind whenever he faced this painting.

What if da Vinci had been a contemporary?

'I probably would have commissioned a portrait, just like Duke Ludovico.'

Give him plenty of time so he won't have to rush to meet the deadline…

No, no.

Owning a da Vinci painting would be a joy in itself.

'It doesn't have to be my face, after all.'

Hyungang was Park Yong-hak's very essence.

He would have certainly used da Vinci's hands to capture Hyungang's image on canvas if given the chance.

As if the thought alone brought him joy.

Siiiiik.

Park Yong-hak's lips curled into a wide smile.

Was it because the long restoration was finally over?

'All sorts of thoughts are running through my mind.'

But as if to shake off those thoughts, Park Yong-hak quickly erased his expression and spoke.

"Uk-hwan, are you there?"

A moment later, footsteps approached.

"You called, Chairman."

Even as his chief secretary bowed his head, Park Yong-hak's gaze remained fixed on the painting.

"Send out the invitations today."

"You're finally going to unveil the painting?"

"Yes. Isn't it only proper to personally introduce such a piece to esteemed guests?"

"I'll take care of it right away."

"Make sure to contact Chairman Jung of the Daebo Group. Not that he knows anything about art, but what else would he do besides stand there staring blankly?"

Perhaps because he mentioned the name of his rival, a glimmer of vitality sparked in Park Yong-hak's eyes.

"Whether he understands art or not, we should still extend an invitation."

"We'll extend a formal invitation."

It would be an event packed with dignitaries from the political and business worlds.

Not only would a da Vinci masterpiece be unveiled there, but Hyungang's future would also be presented.

"With all the stir at Seoul National and Yonsei… some of them already seem to know…"

"Pardon?"

"Never mind."

Park Yong-hak waved his hand, signaling for him to leave.

***

A few days later, in Yongin.

Park Yong-hak's collection was housed in the basement of the Yongin Cultural Foundation building.

Perhaps because it was an area strictly off-limits to the general public…

"Hoooo."

Jo Soo-deok's face was visibly tense.

He had rushed over at Chairman Park's call.

'How many people have had the privilege of seeing Chairman Park's collection firsthand?'

As Jo Soo-deok's Adam's apple bobbed nervously, he noticed a man striding toward him.

The man introduced himself as the chief secretary.

Now that he thought about it, his face seemed somewhat familiar.

"The Chairman specifically instructed me to assist you."

"Assist? No need for such words."

The atmosphere was friendly.

After all, both of them were serving their respective leaders.

It was a matter of instant understanding, the kind of connection where they could gauge each other's thoughts with just a glance.

Indeed, Jo Soo-deok spoke before even listening to the explanation.

"You're hosting an event to unveil the da Vinci painting, but just hanging one painting feels a bit lacking… so you want to select a few pieces from the Chairman's collection to plan a special exhibition, right?"

"Exactly."

"Since it's a gathering of esteemed guests, you'll need artworks that match the occasion and a compelling story to go with it."

"There's no need to explain. Now I see why the young master holds you in such high regard."

"Oh, if I'm like this, then the Chairman's chief secretary must be even more impressive."

"Haha."

The atmosphere remained amicable.

However, the light-hearted conversation didn't last long.

The smile vanished from Jo Soo-deok's face as soon as he faced the paintings.

"Th-this is… Monet, isn't it?"

"Yes. This is the first piece the Chairman acquired."

Jo Soo-deok had seen Monet's paintings often.

He thought he was quite familiar with the artist.

"...!"

But the painting before him was something special.

Of course, it would take someone with discerning taste like Chairman Park to select it.

After taking a few more steps, he recognized a familiar style.

"Chagall?"

"Yes."

"This one is Dalí, right?"

"That's correct."

"Matisse?"

The secretary nodded.

Even with just these, it would be one of the most prestigious collections in Asia.

But then…

"This… This is Picasso?"

"Yes. It's the most valuable piece in the Chairman's collection. Well, now da Vinci's painting might be the most expensive."

The price wasn't the issue.

How many people in the world could claim to own a Picasso painting, especially a large oil on canvas?

"Seems like you've got some ideas already?"

"Sorry?"

"About how to organize the exhibition. You seem to have a plan forming."

"Ah, yes, of course. I have a sense of what to do."

With such luxurious ingredients laid out, putting together a lunch spread would be no trouble!

"If you provide a list, I'll make sure everything is prepared accordingly."

"Alright, I'll get in touch by tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"What's the point in delaying? Better to strike while the iron is hot."

"Indeed, swift action! Now I understand why the young master favors you…"

Though the secretary continued with his compliments, such routine flattery didn't even register.

Right now, Jo Soo-deok's mind was filled with a blend of excitement and elation.

'To think that da Vinci's unreleased work is now part of the Chairman's collection.'

It was truly the finishing touch, the crowning glory!

This collection would not only stir the Korean art world but captivate the entire globe!

'And all of this is our Boss's accomplishment. Hehe.'

He wanted to boast loudly for all the world to hear, but the Boss would probably step back even on the day of the event.

'Well, he's even willing to give up this massive company to his brother.'

A plan to not engage in management and focus solely on spending money.

For that grand dream(?), Jo Soo-deok wouldn't stop his efforts either.

'But is that really possible?'

No matter how impressive Chairman Park Yong-hak's collection was, the most brilliant legacy would undoubtedly be Boss Park Ji-hoon himself…

'Knowing that, would the Chairman really let our Boss idle around?'

Hmm, hmm, hmmmm.

The more he thought about it, the less clear it seemed.

Scratch, scratch.

Jo Soo-deok absentmindedly scratched the back of his head.

***

The day of the exhibition, at the Hyungang Art Museum.

It was my first time wearing a tuxedo.

The jacket reminded me of a swallow's tail, which felt strange, and I even had to wear a bow tie!

Grandfather had sent a tailor to specially prepare this outfit.

'It does look nice.'

But for someone who had just graduated from elementary school, it felt a bit much.

And my hair slicked back with pomade… I felt like I was oozing with grease.

But what's this?

Everyone I met gave me a thumbs-up.

"You look amazing."

"Our Ji-hoon, you look so handsome."

What is this?

Was this style popular back then?

Anyway.

It was only for one day.

'Just bear with it!'

Unlike me, dressed to the nines, my older brother Park Yoo-geon wore a simple suit.

His hair wasn't styled, and he didn't wear a bow tie like I did.

He wouldn't have dressed this casually for such an event without approval.

'The protocol team probably arranged it.'

Which meant…

The protocol team had differentiated our outfits.

'This feels ominous…'

As if to confirm my suspicion, Grandfather called me over specifically.

"Ji-hoon, are you there?"

"Yes, Grandfather."

My steps were slow, thanks to the uncomfortable shoes, but Grandfather showed no sign of irritation.

On the contrary, he spoke to me with calm eyes.

"Stay by your grandfather's side all day today."

"Excuse me?"

"This is the painting you acquired, right? If there's anything to explain, you should do it yourself."

If that's the reason, then that's fine. But seeing as I was the only one in a tuxedo, no matter how I looked at it… there seemed to be another intention.

And as expected.

"Hey, Minister Goo, this is my grandson, Park Ji-hoon."

Grandfather introduced me first to everyone we met.

"Prime Minister Lee, you remember seeing this painting back when you were the president of Seoul National University, right? Well, this is what my grandson personally brought from America."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Park Ji-hoon."

"Chairman Bang! I told you, he's a handsome one, just like me."

"Hello, Chairman. I'm Park Ji-hoon."

"Ji-hoon, this is Governor Yoon of the Bank of Korea."

"It's a pleasure to meet you…"

Could this be how the groom feels at a wedding?

I was utterly exhausted from continuously greeting people.

At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by the big names.

"I've heard a lot about you…"

But once I passed twenty or so, I started to feel nothing.

Greetings, handshake, kind words…

 Greetings, handshake, kind words…

My mind was starting to go blank.

"Hey, Chairman Park!"

I heard a loud voice calling for Grandfather from afar.

The voice was so booming that it echoed throughout the hall, making Grandfather's face momentarily twist.

Regardless of that.

The owner of the booming voice, accompanied by younger men, approached us.

He had a commanding presence and walked with a stride to match.

I recognized him instantly.

Grandfather's lifelong rival and a titan who left an enormous footprint in modern Korean history.

Chairman Jung Young-joo of the Daebo Group!

"Look at this, Chairman Park. It's been a long time."

"..."

"Thanks for the invitation, but I was a bit puzzled. Making such a big deal over acquiring a single painting…"

Chairman Jung soon shifted his gaze to me.

"So this is all because of the grandson."

Chairman Jung bent down to meet my eyes.

"You're Chairman Park Yong-hak's grandson?"

"Nice to meet you, Chairman. I'm Park Ji-hoon."

Chairman Jung then turned to Grandfather, smirking as he spoke.

"Isn't it enough to pick a successor from your sons? Now you're choosing a third generation yourself?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I heard the story. This fourth-grader flew to America and brought back a painting. And with the money he earned, he's become a major shareholder in semiconductors?"

Chairman Jung snorted as if he found the story too absurd to believe.

"Are you planning to make a grenade out of pinecones next? Why don't you just swim across the Han River while you're at it? This isn't North Korea, so what's lacking that you need to go to the trouble of idolization?"

"Idolization?"

"Why the shocked look? Idolization might be an exaggeration, but imagine if the world found out that the grandfather bought the painting for the grandson. Wouldn't people start claiming it's illegal inheritance?"

Chairman Jung muttered to himself, revealing his thoughts.

"If you were so eager to give him money in advance, you should have just handed it over. What's with giving him semiconductor shares? No wonder people are talking about illegality."

At this point, Chairman Jung turned to me again.

"What do you know about semiconductors, huh?"