Golden Spoon Investor

Two days later

Seok-won and Landon boarded a private jet and flew to California. At Pixar's headquarters in Emeryville, Seok-won finally met Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple.

Jobs sat across from him, dressed in his signature outfit—a black turtleneck, Levi's jeans, and New Balance sneakers. His hair was cropped short, and though Seok-won didn't show it outwardly, he couldn't help but feel a thrill.

After all, he was face-to-face with a true legend—a man who had left an indelible mark on the IT industry and human progress itself, only to have his life tragically cut short by an incurable disease.

Jobs sat next to his corporate attorney, his expression sharp and impatient, making no effort to hide his irritation.

Seeing this, Seok-won recalled an anecdote about Jobs's iconic fashion choice.

'That outfit wasn't some calculated branding strategy—it was just a result of his insanely picky nature. Once he found something comfortable that suited him, he stuck with it like a uniform.'

It was well known that Jobs had ordered hundreds of identical turtlenecks and jeans in bulk, stacking them neatly in his closet so he could wear the same outfit every day.

A billionaire walking around in clothes that barely cost $160 in total—it was as unique as his genius.

'Only someone like Steve Jobs could pull this off and still receive admiration. If an ordinary person did the same, people would call them insane.'

Andy Warhol, whose paintings adorned Seok-won's office, once said, "If you're famous enough, people will applaud even if you take a dump in the street." That quote seemed tailor-made for someone like Jobs.

Shaking off his idle thoughts, Seok-won turned his focus back to the man sitting across from him. With fluent English, he initiated the conversation.

"I asked to meet you because there's something I'd like to clarify before proceeding with the share acquisition."

"And what would that be?"

Jobs's response was curt, spoken in his characteristically blunt manner.

Seok-won had never met him in person before, but he was well aware of Jobs's famously prickly personality. Unbothered, he answered calmly.

"After selling your shares, do you plan to leave Apple?"

At that, Jobs's eyes sharpened, his gaze locking onto Seok-won with intensity.

"And why would that concern you?"

Despite the piercing look, Seok-won remained completely composed, meeting his stare without the slightest hesitation.

"Because Steve Jobs is Apple's identity."

Though Jobs's face remained expressionless, a flicker of emotion passed through his eyes.

Seok-won continued, pressing his point.

"As an investor, it's only natural to be interested in what your next move will be."

Jobs was a man of immense pride. Seok-won had just struck at the core of that pride, and while Jobs didn't show it outwardly, he was undoubtedly pleased by the recognition.

Sure enough, the sharpness in his eyes softened slightly as he gave a direct answer.

"Unless Apple kicks me out again, I'll keep working."

At that, Seok-won smiled and said,

"The board knows better than anyone that if Apple has any chance of a comeback, it needs you at the helm. There's no way they'd let you go."

Jobs let out a dry chuckle.

"Hah. If only those idiots had even half the sense you do, Mr. Park."

Seok-won could clearly see the deep distrust and resentment Steve Jobs still harbored toward Apple's board—the very people who had once cast him aside. Internally nodding in understanding, Seok-won spoke.

"Since you'll be staying with Apple, I can proceed with the stock acquisition without any concerns."

Then, as if he had just remembered something, he casually added,

"Oh, but before we finalize the deal, I have one condition—no, rather, a proposal."

"And what might that be?"

Jobs's tone carried a hint of irritation.

"I'd like to delegate the voting rights of the shares I'm acquiring entirely to you."

"…?"

Jobs's eyes widened in surprise.

He stared at Seok-won in disbelief before narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

"Did you just say you want to entrust the voting rights to me?"

"That's correct."

Jobs's expression turned even more skeptical as he asked bluntly,

"What's your angle here?"

Leaning back in his chair, Seok-won maintained a composed and relaxed demeanor.

"As you know, I'm an investor. Naturally, I expect a significant return from this deal."

Jobs studied him carefully, as if trying to gauge his true intentions.

"For that to happen, Apple needs to overcome its crisis and successfully stage a comeback. As I mentioned earlier, I believe you hold the key to making that happen."

"…"

"That's why I want to give you full control over the voting rights—to empower you and help pull Apple out of its downward spiral as quickly as possible."

Jobs fell silent, quickly processing Seok-won's words.

While his suspicions weren't entirely dispelled, it was undeniable that if Apple rebounded and its stock price soared, Seok-won would benefit just as much as he would.

More importantly, Jobs wasn't content with merely serving as an advisor—he wanted to actively lead Apple's revival. Gaining control over the voting rights would only strengthen his influence, making this proposal an advantage rather than a risk.

After carefully weighing the situation, Jobs concluded there was nothing to lose.

"Alright," he said with a nod. "If that's what you want, let's do it."

Satisfied, Seok-won exchanged a glance with Landon, who immediately placed the finalized stock purchase agreement on the table, along with a fountain pen.

Seok-won picked up the pen first, signing his name without hesitation. Once he finished and looked up, Jobs followed suit, adding his signature.

Landon reviewed both signatures and then announced,

"This finalizes the transaction. Steve Jobs's 1.5 million Apple shares have been fully acquired by our CEO at a price of $15 per share, for a total of $22.5 million."

As Seok-won rose from his seat, he extended a hand toward Jobs.

"Now that we've established this connection, I hope we can maintain a good relationship moving forward."

Jobs, also standing, shook his hand.

"I'd like that as well."

Though his demeanor remained characteristically curt, Seok-won didn't miss the subtle change in Jobs's gaze—it had softened considerably since their first exchange.

Suppressing a knowing smile, he thought to himself, Not bad.

* * *

Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.

Like Pyeongchang-dong, this affluent neighborhood was home to many of the country's wealthiest families. Along the spacious alleyways, grand mansions stood in neat rows, each enclosed by towering walls.

On this dark winter evening, with the sun having set early, a luxury Mercedes-Benz sedan glided smoothly down the street before coming to a halt in front of a mansion, where tall pine trees peeked over the high walls.

The moment the car stopped, the secretary in the front passenger seat stepped out and carefully opened the rear door.

"Chairman, we've arrived at your residence."

Leaning into the plush leather seat, Chairman Woo Yong-gap slowly opened his eyes, as if he had dozed off.

"Ah… I see."

As he stepped out of the car, a biting wind rushed past, swirling around him with a sharp whoosh.

"It feels even colder than yesterday," he muttered, pulling his expensive coat tighter around him.

As he started walking, his secretary hurried ahead, pressing the intercom button on the stone pillar beside the massive gate.

[Who is it?]

"The chairman has arrived."

Beep—clunk.

The gate's lock disengaged with a sharp sound, and the doors swung open.

Chairman Woo strode across the well-manicured lawn and entered the main house—a grand structure of red brick with a black-tiled roof.

"You're home."

At the entrance, his wife, Hwang Soo-hyun, greeted him in a long home dress.

Standing beside her was their eldest son, Woo Ho-geun. Upon seeing him, the chairman spoke in his usual gruff tone.

"What brings you here?"

"I've been waiting to discuss something with you, Father."

"…Wait in the study."

Without another word, Chairman Woo stepped past his son, entered the house, and disappeared into the master bedroom.

As the bedroom door shut with a firm thud, Hwang Soo-hyun sighed, her well-maintained, nearly wrinkle-free forehead creasing in mild frustration.

"He's as cold and unfeeling as ever."

"You know that's just how he is," Woo Ho-geun replied, unfazed.

"Still, how can he be so indifferent, even toward his own son?"

Unlike his mother, who expressed her disappointment openly, Woo Ho-geun seemed unbothered by his father's usual demeanor.

A short while later, now changed into more comfortable clothing, Chairman Woo entered the study. He cast a brief glance at Woo Ho-geun, who was already seated on the sofa, before settling into the main chair at the center of the room.

"The new spaghetti sauce we're launching—everything's going smoothly, I presume?"

At once, Woo Ho-geun responded confidently.

"Yes. The commercial shoot has already been completed, and starting next month, we plan to launch a large-scale advertising campaign on TV and radio to coincide with the product release."

"If we don't stock enough, we'll have shortages in stores. If we produce too much, we'll have excess inventory sitting in warehouses. Make sure to conduct thorough market research and adjust the initial supply accordingly."

"We've prepared everything carefully, so you don't need to worry."

Chairman Woo Yong-gap eyed his son skeptically and said in a firm voice,

"Don't just sit behind a desk and talk. Go to the factory yourself and check the production site. You know how much money has been poured into this spaghetti sauce launch, right? If you mess things up again like last time, I won't tolerate it—even if you're my son!"

Woo Ho-geun swallowed his disappointment.

His father was still holding onto a past mistake, distrusting him so openly. He couldn't help but recall how he had been sent abroad to 'reflect' on his failure. The resentment bubbled up inside him, but he knew arguing now wouldn't do him any good.

"...I understand. I'll keep that in mind."

Chairman Woo clicked his tongue in disapproval before asking,

"So, what is it you wanted to talk about?"

Without a word, Woo Ho-geun picked up a thin folder beside him and placed it in front of his father.

His father's gaze silently asked what it was. With a serious demeanor, Woo Ho-geun answered,

"It's an idea I've been developing since my time in Hong Kong."

Chairman Woo furrowed his brows and studied his son for a moment before finally picking up the folder and flipping it open.

The moment he saw the title on the first page—'Mido Department Store Acquisition Plan'—his face twisted in shock. He immediately looked up.

"Acquiring Mido Department Store? What kind of nonsense is this?!"

His reaction was expected.

Mido Department Store wasn't just any subsidiary—it was, along with the textile business, a key pillar holding up Daeheung Group.

In the past, Woo Ho-geun would have shrunk under his father's thunderous rebuke, doing his best to avoid his gaze.

But this time, he had anticipated such a response. Instead of flinching, he raised his chin and met his father's glare head-on.

"Why do you think it's impossible?"

His father, still frowning, slammed the table and shouted,

"If you were in my position, would you sell off a core subsidiary that supports the entire group?!"

"Of course not."

"Then why did you bring me this nonsense?!"

Chairman Woo Yong-gap slammed the folder onto the table in frustration.

It was infuriating—his son had the audacity to draft a formal proposal for something that was clearly impossible.

Yet, despite his father's outburst, Woo Ho-geun remained completely unfazed. With a confident expression, he looked straight at his father.

"Even if Daeheung Group refuses to sell, there is still a way to acquire Mido Department Store."

"Hah! You sound like a lunatic."

Chairman Woo let out a derisive snort, his expression darkening as he challenged him.

"Oh yeah? Then tell me—how?"

"If we quietly buy up shares of Mido Department Store on the market and secure a larger stake than Daeheung Group, they'll have no choice but to hand over control."

"…!"

Chairman Woo's eyes widened as he stared at his son.