After the workout, I decided to drop Jack off.
Since he was staying at the staff accommodation, it made sense.
We were headed in the same direction anyway, so it wasn't a problem.
Thanks to that, we could have a lot of conversations in the car.
"Have you gotten your uniform yet?" Jack asked, and I fiddled with my earlobe.
Around the time I entered middle school… I had been so caught up in life that I forgot to get my uniform.
I think my grandfather prepared it for me back then.
"What about you?"
"No, not yet either."
At least it didn't seem like I was late.
"There's a tailor shop that specializes only in royal school uniforms. It's comfortable to wear off-the-rack, but all the freshmen have to get theirs tailored. I've been holding off because it's a hassle."
No off-the-rack options?
"That must be pretty expensive then."
"If you get all four seasons tailored, it'll easily exceed an office worker's salary."
Even if it's a school full of wealthy students.
'Spending a whole year's salary just to buy a uniform?'
I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity…
"It takes quite a while to make, too. It's trendy to embroider family crests or titles."
Jack pointed to his left chest.
You know how there's a pocket in jackets for handkerchiefs?
He meant they put gold-embroidered designs there.
"If you're a Korean noble… shouldn't you have something like that?"
"I'm not a noble."
"Hehe."
"What about you? Don't you need to engrave your father's party on it?"
"Don't say something awful."
"Hehehe."
Since we were already on the topic, Jack soon expressed his opinion.
"If there's no problem with the regulations, there's something I'd like to engrave."
"…?"
"I want to add an airborne badge, but that might be too much?"
Can that even be done!
"I've jumped from a plane more than ten times. I was always with the instructor since I'm still a student, though."
What kind of life has this guy lived?
Imagining it would only tire me out, so I had no choice but to change the subject.
"When are you going back to London?"
"Tomorrow night."
"Has the time already come?"
"You still haven't gotten your uniform. Shouldn't you be hurrying?"
Hmm.
"Since we're on the subject, how about we go together?"
"Go together?"
"Yeah. You arranged my accommodation and guided me. I can at least get the plane ticket."
Immediately after I said that, he seemed to realize something.
"Are you… perhaps flying first class?"
Not wanting to ruin the innocence, I just laughed awkwardly instead of answering.
***
The next morning, it was an ordinary meal with the whole family gathered.
After we ate, I thought about bringing up the idea.
'I think I'll need to head to England earlier than planned.'
It was just a matter of moving the trip up a few days.
'They won't oppose it, right?'
As the meal was winding down, my father, who was usually quiet, carefully spoke up.
"I think next year's performance will be quite good."
"Of course it should be."
"…What?"
"With the highest investment in history, it's only natural to expect the best results, isn't it?"
At times like this, he could just say, "You've worked hard," but my grandfather was always stingy with praise.
But it seemed my father didn't expect such a reaction either.
"I mention this because we've had results in the semiconductor field…"
"…?"
"I'd like to develop the automotive sector."
"Wow? Since you're having some fun with semiconductors, do you think automobiles will be easy?"
Even while mocking, my grandfather waited for the next words.
Maybe that's why.
My father opened his mouth with a confident look.
"As automobile technology develops, the reliance on ECUs is also increasing day by day."
ECU, or "Electronic Control Unit," is the part of the car that corresponds to the "brain" that keeps the engine in optimal condition.
The core component of that "brain" is, of course, semiconductors.
This was definitely a strong point for Hyungang.
"The more important the ECU becomes, the closer cars will get to being electronic devices. That means Hyungang can also make excellent cars."
Has he been thinking about this for a long time?
My father continued speaking without hesitation.
"As environmental issues become more prominent, there will be a need for more efficient engines rather than faster engines. The efficiency of the engine will ultimately depend on lightweight design and proper ECU settings. That's certainly our engineers' area of expertise…"
Just then, my grandfather's eyes turned toward me.
"Ji-hoon, what do you think?"
Wait, why are the two adults asking for my opinion in the middle of their conversation?
"Aren't you the largest shareholder in semiconductors?"
"..."
"Where else would there be a stakeholder as involved as you?"
If I could, I would have liked to abstain from answering.
But.
My grandfather was not someone to be easily swayed.
I quietly looked at my father.
'You don't need to take sides; just say what you really think.'
My father's eyes seemed to say that.
'As for my thoughts…'
If my father takes over the troublesome Hyungang automobile, it would certainly be easier for me.
However.
In a few years, due to the impact of the IMF, Hyungang automobile would end up applying for court protection.
After that, it would follow a path to closure.
How many people lost their jobs then?
How could I only think about my own benefits?
I carefully chose my words and cautiously opened my mouth.
"What you said is right, Father. The technological advancement of engines has already reached its peak. Now, changing the settings is about all we can do. If that's the case, we can make cars just as well."
Did they think my true intentions would come out afterward?
Both adults calmly waited for the next words.
"But that's all there is to it. Since technological development has reached its end, there's no way for us to surpass the German luxury cars. No matter how hard we try, we can't overcome the heritage they have built. In the end, the only remaining option is to produce compact cars and target niche markets…"
I shook my head and continued speaking.
"Even if we happen to achieve some results, considering the company's image, I don't think it's a recommendable strategy."
Why wouldn't it be?
Even if we succeeded with compact cars in the American and European markets, they would remember Hyungang as "the company that makes cheap cars."
"A top-tier company with the best technology. That's the image Hyungang wants to achieve through semiconductors. Considering that major strategy… I think preparing for the next generation of cars suits Hyungang better."
It's not a good look for a shareholder, let alone a son, to evaluate his father's plans.
But when I think about what would happen after the IMF…
It's only right to convey my thoughts while maintaining politeness.
Fortunately, my father's expression wasn't bad.
It seemed my grandfather felt the same way.
"Jong-in."
"Yes, Father."
"Even if we invested heavily in semiconductors, it's certainly a success that we brought it to a certain trajectory."
"...!"
"Moreover, the fact that you were the one who said we should grow in semiconductors means you have a significant share in this too."
"That's not true, Father…"
"No matter how you put it."
"...?"
"Is it already time for you to look elsewhere?"
Even though his tone wasn't scolding, my father bowed his head slightly.
"Once you become obsessed with work, even if you lie down to sleep, you'll keep thinking about business."
"I'm sorry, Father. I'll be more cautious and thorough in everything."
My grandfather picked up his chopsticks again, as if he didn't mind the situation.
***
After the meal ended.
I quietly headed toward my father's room.
Knock knock.
Even though the door was open, I lightly knocked.
"Are you busy?"
My father spotted me and smiled slightly.
"Why? Are you worried because of what you said earlier?"
"Yes, a little."
No matter how much of a major shareholder I was, it looked like I was opposing my father's work as his son.
Of course, it was only natural to apologize.
But my father's reaction was different.
"Grandfather's words are reasonable. As a major shareholder, it's your right to express your opinions. But I skipped that and went straight to asking the chairman for his opinion… that's not the right order."
My father is the CEO of Hyungang Electronics.
Even though semiconductors are yielding results, they are still just one of the major affiliates.
Although he could push through any decision if he wanted to, my father seemed to have no intention of doing so.
"It's a natural right to express your opinion as a major shareholder, but it seems you're apologizing and trailing behind."
"I'm sorry."
"You've made me hear the word 'sorry' from my son… instead, I should be the one apologizing."
My father showed a courteous and gentle smile.
It was a sign that I shouldn't worry about today's events at all.
I sensed a deep-rooted confidence in my father's eyes.
Maybe it was because he had just put semiconductors on the right track.
He seemed not to care much about the delay in the automobile business.
'That's a relief.'
Just as I was feeling a little relieved,
"By the way, don't you have to go to England soon?"
"Oh, about that…"
I mentioned that I might need to move the schedule up.
There were many things to prepare, and above all, it would be good to go with a friend for adaptation.
"If it's okay with you… I was thinking of taking a flight tonight."
"Do you have a ticket?"
"If you permit me, I'll check right away."
As soon as I finished my answer, my father immediately picked up the receiver.
"Please check for a flight to London tonight."
Getting a plane ticket just a few hours before departure is not an easy task.
It would be one thing if it were Japan.
But for a destination like London, England, it's even harder.
Of course, there are exceptions.
"Alright. Please book two first-class tickets."
After hanging up the phone, my father turned to me.
"Is it alright if it's British Airways?"
"Of course."
"Alright, it's an 8 o'clock flight."
I nodded my head slightly at my father's words.
"Thank you, Father."
"You've studied enough, so go have a good time."
"I'm a dutiful son, so I'll definitely keep that in mind."
"Just the part about not studying?"
"Yes, Dad."
I wondered if he felt good hearing me say "Dad."
My father strode toward me.
When would be the next time we'd see each other after he left today?
He probably intended to give me a hug, but seeing me up close, it seemed my size had grown considerably.
In this situation, rather than giving a hug, I looked like I would be the one embracing him, which surprised my father… cough, cough.
"How tall are you?"
"I was 178 centimeters when I measured last year."
"And now?"
"I've probably grown about 5 centimeters."
And so… instead of a hug, my father gently patted my shoulder.