Chapter 135

< The Eccentric Negotiator (4) >

The news that his son had been elected as the student council president came from the vice principal.

If it was about a commendation plaque, it must have been decided at the faculty meeting.

Son Kwang-yeon asked with a puzzled face.

“Manager Yoon, why does the school want to give a commendation plaque?”

“For contributing to the school’s development in various ways-.”

“Specifically.”

“Yes. Supporting the installation of elevators, and adopting advanced methods like the school meal program… We are grateful for that.”

“Ah, come on. It’s nothing. Just forget it.”

Son Kwang-yeon waved his hand.

Impressed by the humble CEO, Manager Yoon bowed deeply and left.

‘Not a single penny of our company’s money went into it. If I accept the plaque, I’d be a guy with no conscience.’

After the installation of elevators at Taeyang Middle School and High School, when the vinyl is removed, the logo of Saein Machinery will be clearly visible. Hmm-, a strange sound came from Son Kwang-yeon’s nose as he tilted his teacup.

Even though he still squeezes money out of his friends, Son Kwang-yeon is a conscientious person. It was only right that the commendation plaque should go to Hong Ki-jun. Even though Hong Ki-jun strongly refused, no one would say anything if he accepted it instead, but it’s not right. Yang Gang-wook might secretly criticize him.

Anyway.

Son Kwang-yeon furrowed his brows as he read the business proposal his son had presented.

The involuntary groan that escaped him spoke volumes about his anguish.

‘It doesn’t seem like it’ll make much money.’

The proposal was to run a school meal program across 20 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 2 high schools scattered across a wide area.

The production of ingredients like kimchi would increase, and using their own logistics company for distribution would make the business feasible.

The problem was the profit margin.

Even if they could handle the increased volume, after deducting the labor costs for the school meal program, all that would be left was the cost of raw materials. And even that could be covered by the produce from General Farm’s fields.

‘Does this kid want to do social work?’

The message at the top of the report was dry.

「Giving back with happiness」

Food is important.

Son Kwang-yeon, who often went hungry during his growth years, deeply empathized with this. He also believed that even the fearsome Moon Seok-il and his gang were tamed by food.

But still, a business needs to make financial sense.

‘Is he telling me to dig a hole and do business?’

Perhaps sensing the anguish of Son Kwang-yeon, who is formally a customer but psychologically the boss, the short-necked Yang Gang-wook cautiously leaned in.

Son Kwang-yeon handed the report to Yang Gang-wook, signaling him to take a look. Though he’s the head of security, Yang Gang-wook’s quick thinking made him a trusted advisor, so there was no hesitation in letting him read it.

“What do you think, Team Leader Yang?”

Yang Gang-wook, stroking his firm jaw, let out a light sigh and cautiously spoke.

“Can’t we see it as an investment for the future?”

Well, that’s true. Son Kwang-yeon trailed off.

Despite the intent of the plan, the business feasibility wasn’t clear.

“Look at this.”

Son Kwang-yeon handed over a survey.

It was data on the meal costs at a private high school’s dormitory.

“To cut to the chase, it’s over 2,000 won per meal. And that’s for a dormitory catering to a small number of students. But for us, it’s less than 1,000 won. If we build the facilities and provide meals this cheaply, there’s no profit.”

“But we’ll have people left.”

So that’s why he used the term ‘investment for the future.’

As a manager, it wasn’t an easy decision.

But Yang Gang-wook is one of those who pride themselves on understanding Jin-hyuk. If even he couldn’t understand Jin-hyuk’s heart, it would be disappointing. So, as a man, not a manager, he voiced his opinion.

“Many people overlook this, but there’s nothing as important as what you eat during your growth years, right? Eating well and growing well leads to better studies and sports. I’ve heard that people who are malnourished or lack certain nutrients don’t just end up deficient; it affects hormone secretion and even personality. A balanced diet is that important. Of course, the influence of the growth environment can’t be ignored, but isn’t it possible that people who lack basic happiness go astray? Maybe Jin-hyuk is just a romanticist dreaming of a healthy world…”

“Haha. The interpretation is better than the dream.”

A romanticist.

Son Kwang-yeon pondered Yang Gang-wook’s assessment of Jin-hyuk.

It sounded plausible. Even though he runs around with Jang Gun-i and persimmons every day, he never misses a moment to enjoy the changing seasons.

Perhaps his son is chasing the word ‘happiness’ so passionately. Not just his own happiness, but the happiness of many. Or maybe the satisfaction of seeing the happiness of many.

‘Well, he said it’s about fulfilling his responsibility as a local figure.’

Jin-hyuk’s stated intention was textbook-like and straightforward.

Sigh-, Son Kwang-yeon closed the report and put it in an envelope. Pondering wouldn’t reveal his son’s true intentions. He just nodded, recalling why he had entered the business in the first place.

“Alright then.”

If our son wants such a world.

Unlike the groaning, it wasn’t a loss-making business. It was a business only possible because of Son Kwang-yeon.

There will be many people to meet. Son Kwang-yeon started listing the people he needed to talk to, from the local congressman to the superintendent of education.

This is something I can’t ask Hong Ki-jun for help with.

‘I can’t be looked down on anymore.’

***

That day, a modest congratulatory party was held in Jin-hyuk’s yard.

Though it was called a congratulatory party, it was just an excuse for Son Kwang-yeon, who loves BBQ parties, to throw one.

“Congratulations, CEO.”

“Hahaha, what congratulations…”

Even now, look.

He’s the one receiving all the congratulations.

It was a simple party with charcoal grilling, but the security team and Choi Mi-kyung’s family also attended. Even Choi Mi-kyung’s congratulations were directed at Son Kwang-yeon.

“Congratulations, uncle!”

“Thanks, thanks. Mi-kyung, eat a lot.”

And of course, the indispensable neighborhood troublemaker Jo Il-hun and the public elder Cheon Gil-ryong also attended. Their banter was so essential that not inviting them would make the house seem rootless.

“Wow-, the father is the CEO, and the son is the president-.”

“Hahaha-, it’s a good place. A good place.”

After his close friend Park Dae-soon fled with his family, Jo Il-hun spent more time with Son Kwang-yeon and Choi Jang-hwan. Now, Son Kwang-yeon is so busy that he mostly hangs out with Choi Jang-hwan or Cheon Gil-ryong.

With over twenty people gathered in the yard and garden, it was lively.

This must be why people who love this kind of thing run around like crazy during election season.

“Congratulations, madam.”

“Hohoho-, thank you.”

While the mother holding Jeong Won-i received congratulations from the SSS agents, Jin-hyuk secretly handed a cola to Yoo Jin.

“Hehehe-, thank you.”

As expected, oppa is the best. Yoo Jin’s face said it all.

Seeing the seven-year-old Yoo Jin bow to her oppa, Jin-hyuk’s face naturally broke into a fatherly smile.

Yoo Jin has started to clasp her hands and bow when saying thank you. If an adult did that, it might look like flattery, but coming from a child, it was just too cute. But who taught her that?

Hehehe-.

Jang Gun-i and his underlings also roamed around the party, receiving well-cooked meat. The underlings, including Hong-shi, didn’t chew the meat until Jang Gun-i had eaten, showing a hierarchy more like a wolf pack than dogs.

The scene of family, extended family, neighbors, and dogs sharing food together. It was a common sight at this house on a nice day.

Jin-hyuk chewed his meat while shielding Yoo Jin drinking cola from her mother.

‘It’s tasty.’

But I’m still curious.

What exactly does a student council president do?

I ended up doing it, but I feel like I’ll graduate without ever knowing what it’s about.

After the election results were announced, I cautiously asked the vice principal.

– “What should I do from now on?”

– “Hahaha! What more do you want to do?”

The vice principal advised not to obsess over achievements, as he had already handled things that were difficult for a student to do. After all, students only stay for three years and are quickly forgotten after graduation.

‘Well…, my parents are happy, so that’s good enough.’

Adapting to a peaceful, almost boring daily life.

In my past life, I was always running towards something with bloodshot eyes. That experience flows in my blood, and for a man who carries that focus like a snail shell, aimless actions come with an uncomfortable feeling, like a burp that doesn’t come out after drinking cola.

Ugh-.

‘Yoo Jin must feel refreshed.’

***

Son Kwang-yeon held the phone and boasted for a long time.

“Wahaha-! My son, you know-. Ah, that’s right, man. You’re just the vice president, but my son is the president!”

He even skillfully incorporated Jo Il-hun’s jokes.

Why does he do this? It’s so embarrassing.

Jin-hyuk, who was preparing Yoo Jin’s white tights for tomorrow, shook his head.

“Oppa, Jeong Won-i is wiggling like that.”

“That’s-, Jeong Won, no!”

“Wuwu-.”

What kind of president is he?

Talking to Yoo Jin, stopping Jeong Won-i from sucking on his sister’s toes. Jin-hyuk’s mind, focused on childcare, turns white every evening. Well, Yoo Jin also used to put everything in her mouth when she was a baby.

Maybe feeling left out by his brother, Jeong Won-i was about to burst into tears. Jin-hyuk had to quickly soothe him to prevent a loud cry.

‘Taking care of babies is harder than exercising.’

Blame it on the mom who insists that meat isn’t dinner. Dad, who came home early for once, was too busy boasting about his son.

Having two younger siblings I never expected is nice, but it’s also twice as tiring.

Definitely, boys require more attention.

Yoo Jin used to sit quietly and smile when she was a baby, but Son Jeong Won turns the whole house into a battlefield. Yesterday, he pulled out dad’s prized orchid and ate the roots. Delicious…

‘Am I raising a baby or a cat?’

He might even catch and eat the fish in the aquarium soon.

Maybe it’s just my imagination that a few loaches are missing.

Just then, dad seemed to shift the topic to raising kids with Hong Ki-jun.

“Hey, raising one or two kids? Just leave them be, and they’ll grow up on their own.”

They’ll grow up on their own.

While eating dirt.

As Jin-hyuk sighed, he caught sight of mom glaring sharply at dad. That’s why Jo Il-hun said dad had a big mouth.

Looks like there’ll be fireworks on dad’s back again tonight.

***

As the first semester of the third year passed halfway, it was time for career counseling.

Jin-hyuk sat across from the career counselor in the student counseling room.

‘Some things never change.’

Compared to his past life, many things had changed.

Jin-hyuk was always in Class 1, but the faces of his classmates were slightly different. The homeroom teachers for the second and third years were also different.

But the career counselor was the same.

For career-related matters, students first consult with their homeroom teacher and then meet the career counselor. But having a separate career counselor in a middle school seemed more about appearances than enhancing expertise. It was something he had felt in the past too.

The career counselor, flipping through Jin-hyuk’s records, pursed his lips and made a whistling sound.

‘That reaction is the same too. I remember.’

Ordinary students discuss whether to go to a humanities or vocational high school. Many students from rural and fishing villages choose vocational schools regardless of academic performance. In a world where graduating from a humanities high school, then university, and landing a job at a major corporation was considered the standard success, city students would faint if they knew, but for students who love their hometowns and wish to inherit family businesses, such worries were nonexistent.

With land, orchards, and fishing boats to inherit, if it suits their aptitude, the decision isn’t hard.

Anyway, Son Jin-hyuk was someone who didn’t need to worry about grades. The teacher, as if coming to his senses, straightened up and looked at Jin-hyuk.

“Jin-hyuk, you’re going to a science high school, right?”

This part is the same as the past.

What did Jin-hyuk say back then?

He wanted to leave his current home and go to a place not too far from his hometown, where he could get dormitory support.

But of course, this time the answer was different.

“I’m just going to Taeyang High.”

“Why!”

The teacher suddenly shouted, and Jin-hyuk instinctively clenched his fist.

Damn, you scared me. I almost threw a punch.

Why is he getting angry?

The teacher looked like he was about to grab Jin-hyuk by the collar.

He had heard from the homeroom teacher that this student was different, but hearing it directly from the student was shocking.

“With these grades, with that brain, why aren’t you going to a science high school?”

“I like my home.”

Misunderstanding, the teacher frowned.

What kind of arrogant kid is this? his eyes seemed to say.

“Uh, I know your home is nice-.”

“I like living at home.”

Oh, that’s what he meant. The teacher looked dumbfounded.

It was a natural reaction to such a stupid answer from the student in front of him. With a wealthy home, a good brain, and a path to success through a science high school and a prestigious university, what is this kid thinking?

“Jin-hyuk, people shouldn’t waste their talents. You need clear goals for how you want to live.”

Tired nagging.

Even my younger sister Yoo Jin could say that.

They say such things, but no adult explains why we should live that way.

On the contrary, they don’t care about the student’s thoughts or why they think that way.

They just feel displeased that the student doesn’t accept their adult thoughts.

‘I don’t expect anything.’

Jin-hyuk’s half-closed eyes showed calmness. His eyelids slowly rose, as if lifting the cover of his eyes.

Let’s fight, teacher.