"But will Sumitomo really hand over epoxy manufacturing technology to us? NEC, Hitachi, Toshiba, and other competing companies won't just sit idly by, will they? It's almost like handing over a sword."
When Chairman Jin brought up practical issues, Lee Hak-jae smiled slyly and proposed a clever solution.
"The chemical company in Cheonan has no connection to Sunyang. We can acquire that company using the money currently sleeping in Miracle."
Just now, Lee Hak-jae had presented a solution for how to use the 100 billion won that might never be found due to financial transparency regulations.
A smile appeared on Chairman Jin's face when he heard this.
"Proceed immediately."
With Chairman Jin's approval, Lee Hak-jae promptly summoned Oh Se-hyun.
"Mr. Lee, you're not suggesting the same thing again, are you?"
"It's a different story. We need to make an investment."
Seeing Lee Hak-jae's relaxed smile, Oh Se-hyun felt uneasy. Could it be that they had found a way to recover the money?
"An investment?"
"Yes, Chairman Oh. I hope you won't say that we can't use our money for investments in other places, right?"
"It's possible. But you're investing under the name of Miracle, not Sunyang, right? Is that correct?"
"Of course. Absolutely. In return, Sunyang will have influence over the company we invest in. Can you agree to that?"
"Are you suggesting sending one of our executives to exercise management control over the company?"
"Of course."
"What's the name of the company... that you're talking about?"
"It's called Eugene Chemical. It's located in Cheonan."
"Negotiate the details with that company and let me know. I'll release the funds right away."
For the first time in a while, the two men concluded their meeting without raising their voices.
When I read my grandfather's report in his study and learned about this, I understood why Sumitomo Chemical had been bothering him.
It's a bomb that can be used once in a critical moment. But my grandfather managed to intercept it first.
What's fortunate for me is that I also have a foothold in it thanks to Miracle.
And I've got another opportunity to draw out my grandfather's admiration.
I didn't let go of the report until my grandfather entered the study.
"Huh? What are you looking at right now, Do-Jun?"
My sudden act of placing the documents on the desk surprised my grandfather as well.
"Ah, well..."
"Did you sneak a look at the documents again?"
Again? Did he already know?
"This kid. Why are you so surprised? Did you think I wouldn't find out?"
Seeing his slightly smiling expression, I lowered my head and scratched my head.
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine. Actually, I find it commendable. You're the only one who shows such interest in the company's affairs."
Grandfather patted my shoulder and nodded.
"So, what do you think? Do you have an idea of what's in it?"
Deliberately hesitating, I finally answered.
"It's about Sumitomo discontinuing production and transferring the technology. You want to acquire that technology using a small medium-sized company, right?"
"That's right."
"Would you, grandfather, be willing to pass on this technology even indirectly to Japanese companies, not in direct competition with us?"
"What are you saying?"
"Don't you find it a bit uncomfortable? Semiconductors are an area where Japan is ahead, and Korea is closely trailing. Now, it's not just an issue between companies, but a competition between nations."
"Japan won't let it go to Korea?"
"Sumitomo Chemical's CEO has dinner with Japanese electronics company CEOs, right? You also have meals with other group CEOs. They discuss various matters during those meetings, right?"
My grandfather's eyebrows twitched. He realized he had been too naive.
"Those people are likely to try to stop core technology from going to Korea. That's just my opinion."
"So?"
If I stop here, I'll be just another critic. I need to propose an alternative.
"If it were me, I would use a Taiwanese chemical company as a front. Not a Korean company..."
"Taiwan?"
"Taiwan is a cooperative country for both Korea and Japan."
Taiwan holds a significant position in the semiconductor industry. It specializes in foundry, the key area of subcontracted production. As a result, it has captured 65% of the global foundry market and has become a semiconductor powerhouse.
"You want to choose a partner country, not a competitor, right?"
"I would..."
There was no need for further explanation. My grandfather had already picked up the phone.
"Get the department head, the electronics CEO, and the person in charge of Taiwan at Mun San here quickly."
When my grandfather put down the receiver, his eyes were filled with affection for me.
"Do-Jun, you really know a lot about semiconductors."
"I've been studying a bit since I hear so much about it in the newspapers and on TV."
His gaze towards me was filled with even more affection.
The high school I attended was the same one my brother Sang-jun went to. It was a prestigious private school where the children of wealthy families and high-ranking government officials attended.
There were the upper class, who were children of conglomerate families, and the middle class, who were children of high-ranking government officials. In other words, the middle class consisted of those with at least a fifth-level rank in the government, such as five-term members of the National Assembly, party leaders, prime ministers, and ministers.
Below them were the nobodies, the salarymen's children. This group included executives from major subsidiary companies and other key positions.
However, the students didn't feel much of a difference in the way the teachers treated them. As they were starting to become more aware of the opposite sex, appearance was the most important factor.