The Youngest Son of Sunyang

Chapter 18

Since 1980, the government has established the expansion plan of gas supply to advance domestic fuels, and while shaping up the LNG introduction plan, a number of private gas companies centered on the metropolitan area and large cities have emerged. On October 31, 1986, a vessel carrying 57,300 tons of LNG arrived at the Pyeongtaek terminal for the first time, and the city gas business started in earn

est.

The citys household energy was rapidly changing from briquettes and oil to natural gas.

The Soviet Union was a vast resource, and its resources were abundant enough to supply 30% of Europes natural gas. The Soviet government could toggle the supply on and off, in terms of diplomatic efforts (threats).

Majority-owned by the government, Gazprom was a large company that carried on the business of extraction, production, transport, and sale of natural gas.

If Sunyang could monopolize the Soviet natural gas import and supply the gas to private city gas operators, it was no different than obtaining the Soviet gas valve; huge profits.

Sunyang had set a goal before the current administrations northern policy was created.

So, Hak-jae, what do you think? the grandfather asked. The man was his chief secretary named Hak-jae.

You mean, about Do-jun? asked Hak-jae.

As the grandfather nodded, Ha-jae had a faint smile around his mouth.

The seed leaf is fragrant, (from a proverb: Sandalwood is fragrant even in seed leaf; genius displays itself even in childhood)

Hmm,

Even the greatest seed leaf can be rooted out at once by a typhoon. We will see, maybe after 10 years,

A typhoon? You mean, Yun-ki (Do-juns father)? the grandfather asked.

Oh, well, Yun-ki changed while studying in England. (sigh) He was quite useful, he said, his voice dropping low.

The slim chances are that Do-jun also could change, Hak-jae said, but I must say that Do-jun is very bright,

Too young. If only he were the eldest grandson,

Stay healthy and watch him growing up,

The grandfather let out a deep sigh, shaking his head slowly.

He couldnt speed up the flow of time no matter how much money he has.

Why dont you leave a few of Sunyangs affiliates to Do-jun when he grows up? asked Hak-jae.

Would they (the other three sons and his only daughter) leave him alone?

Hak-jae couldnt say anything because he was also aware that they would deprive Do-jun of the affiliates and how sick they were.

What do you say? the grandfather asked.

Hak-jae blinked in curiosity.

After ten years, if Do-jun is still bright, will you side with Do-jun or the eldest grandson, Young-jun? the grandfather asked.

Hak-jae was obviously aware of his intention: the grandfather wants to hand over the majority shares of Sunyang to Do-jun.

The grandfather was naming Hak-jae as the guardian of Do-jun.

Ill be always on your side, Hak-jae answered. Then smiled. The grandfather smiled along with him.

When Do-jun grows up, and still bright enough to inherit Sunyangs affiliates, look after him. Protect him from them,

Yes, sir,

***

On May 5, 1988 when Adele Laurie Blue Adkins was born in Tottenham, in the north of London, England, The grandfather, with his family and his retinues, went to Seoul Land a week before its official opening.

The family was only 25, but the escort staffs of Sunyang Chaebol and Seoul Land were over 100 people.

How could they be so selfish? The staffs must have their own families and children.

Most of them were probably fathers. They were supposed to spend the childrens day with their own children.

For just one time our family could put themselves in their shoes.

I couldnt have fun. I wanted to leave this ridiculous scene.

Somebody looks to be having no fun, a man approached me, smiled and said.

He looked familiar. Id seen him somewhere before.

I work with your grandfather,

Uhm who?

I am your grandfathers chief secretary, Lee Hak-jae. Your father calls me brother, so you can call me uncle,

I began descending the steps slowly, then stopped.

He was the man who was treated as a son more than the grandfathers eldest son, Young-ki.

He wielded strong influence: if he rejected an agenda, the grandfather also rejected it. Even though it was an agenda that the grandfather approved, if Hak-jae had a private meeting with its proposer, the grandfather withdrawled the approval.

When Young-ki was inaugurated as chairman, Hak-jae handed in his resignation. There was no apparent reason why he did.

There were rumors though.

That although Young-ki wanted to promote him, Hak-jae quitted, saying going with the flow,

And that as soon as Young-ki took office, he began investigating Hak-jae because of his corruption. And Hak-jae fought back.

He threatened Young-ki with evidence of illegal acts done by Sunyang Chaebol. Young-ki then raised a flag of surrender.

There was no knowing whether Hak-jae committed corruption or not, but one thing was for sure he walked away with a huge severance payment.

That legendary man now allowed me to call him uncle,

I should make him a strong ally.

Why dont you go on the rides like other cousins? The adults are also enjoying the rides, Hak-jae said, pointing at the jackass adults.

Other adults look to be having no fun at all, I said.

Other adults? Who? he asked.

He knitted his brows, looking almost serious.

Who? I cant find them,

Well

This man was also living in another world.

Anything or anyone that didnt belong in his world wouldnt come in sight. While working as a perfect butler, he seemed to have had his status elevated.

Those adults there, who are working now. Cant you see them?

Hak-jae frowned, then looked back at me. His eyes widened and filled with some emotions that I couldnt identify.

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