Hwanghak-dong, Central Market.
Park Yong-hak was sitting at an old table.
Upon moving to Seoul, it was here he first learned about alcohol.
Perhaps it's because of the many memories attached to it.
Park Yong-hak, uncharacteristically, was lost in thought.
As a child, he considered himself quite special.
Having studied abroad in Japan at Waseda University in the 1930s.
Fluent in both Japanese and English, he was undoubtedly a rare talent.
Could it be because he was so engrossed in his studies?
At that time, Park Yong-hak thought earning money was beneath him.
It seems unbelievable now, but it was certainly the case back then.
One day, an uncle came by spouting enticing words.
"If you invest properly, you can live off the interest without working for the rest of your life… I've put in 90% of my wealth, why not invest your father's inheritance as well… That way, you can focus more on your studies…"
It took less than a year to realize this uncle was a swindler.
The despair he felt that day still sends chills down his spine.
In retrospect.
The sorrow of losing money might have been less than the pain of being betrayed by a relative, and that less than the anger at being foolishly scammed.
But there was something greater than all of that.
The foolishness of having scorned earning a living.
Why is earning bread for my children considered a lowly job?
No, far from being lowly, what could possibly be more noble?
Damn it.
Angry at the truth, he poured himself a drink he hadn't even ordered.
Right here in this place.
"How foolish."
As he looked at the empty chair.
"Sir, both of them have departed."
The chief of staff's words snapped him back to reality.
"What did you say?"
"Both of them have departed."
Ah.
Park Yong-hak quietly lifted his head and asked.
"Have you checked on Ji-hoon's matter?"
"Yes."
The chief of staff, as if waiting, continued.
"Both Manchester United and the cruise involve installment payments."
A child already getting a taste for installments?
Just as Chairman Park's face began to frown.
"Surprisingly, they are all interest-free."
What?
Who in their right mind would offer something so expensive interest-free?
"It seems like Manchester intervened directly to solve the issue, and regarding the ship… it seems they gave consideration, thinking it wouldn't end with just one."
Manchester I understand.
But what about the cruise? It seems it won't end with just one?
"Initially thought to be for personal leisure, but as it switched to commercial use… they anticipated additional orders might come in."
"For commercial use?"
The chief of staff meticulously explained Park Ji-hoon's plan.
A family cruise featuring the Super Mario and Capsulemon IP!
Naturally, the corners of Chairman Park's mouth couldn't help but rise.
"Even when spending money, he's thinking of making more."
Although he said this, Chairman Park looked immensely proud.
"So both are interest-free, is that what you're saying?"
"Yes."
The bigger the money, the safer it is to pay in installments.
Who would mess up when there's still money to be received?
This is exactly why they ask for post-launch payments for apartments!
"Any problems with the repayments?"
"It appears the gaming company's revenues alone can cover the repayments."
But as if there was more, the chief of staff continued.
"The vacuum cleaner that the young master invested 10 billion in is set to launch this year…"
"He invested in a vacuum cleaner?"
"Yes. But it seems the product is quite remarkable."
"…?"
"For the first time in the industry, they've made a vacuum cleaner that operates without a dust bag. I hear the suction power is on a whole different level compared to existing products…"
"Really? How well do you expect it to sell to have such a look on your face?"
"Considering the young master's distribution network in the USA… just the vacuum cleaner sales could cover the yearly costs of the cruise and then some."
It's not something you say to a grandchild.
'I wonder if Ji-hoon has been possessed by a money-making spirit.'
That was when.
A familiar voice came from the kitchen area.
"Chairman, you seem in good spirits?"
"Good spirits, my foot."
Pretending not to be Park Yong-hak, he turned his head at the owner's question.
"What can I get you?"
"What else? If I'm here, it has to be squid."
Though he tried to hide it.
Joy was clearly discernible in Chairman Park's voice.
***
After getting out of the car, we walked down a winding road for quite a while to reach our destination.
"Grandfather goes to places like this?"
It was surprising.
But to me, it was a familiar atmosphere.
As we entered the old restaurant, the smell of stir-fried squid hit us.
Spicy, a perfect match for soju.
"Are you here?"
I bowed my head to my grandfather.
Then exchanged nods with Yoo-geon, who had arrived earlier.
Soon, the stir-fried squid was served, and soju glasses were placed in front of us.
"Why this…"
Broter seemed surprised.
Regardless.
Grandfather opened a bottle of soju and looked at Yoo-geon.
"Receive it with both hands."
"Excuse me?"
As he awkwardly took the glass, grandfather poured him some soju.
"Has Ji-hoon ever drunk alcohol?"
"Not yet."
Of course, only in this lifetime. Ahem.
"Take it."
"Yes."
Glug glug glug.
Grandfather filled his own glass.
As I was surprised and reached for the glass.
Oh?
Grandfather slightly gleamed his eyes.
The look on his face was asking where he had learned to drink.
"…I saw it in a movie."
As I awkwardly smiled, grandfather lifted his glass.
We discreetly followed suit.
"Haven't you ever been curious?"
"…?"
"About alcohol, why do people enjoy this bitter stuff, haven't you ever wondered?"
I've had it almost daily.
And Brother wasn't the type to take an interest in alcohol.
Only quiet silence flowed through the old shop.
Then grandfather, with a deep frown, asked.
"Are you really the leaders who run your company?"
Nods in agreement.
"After work, your employees scurry off to forget the day's fatigue with a drink. Shouldn't you be curious about that at least once?"
Grandfather's words continued.
"Not just your employees, what about our customers who buy our products? It's this soju they drink at every company dinner."
It's not about teaching that alcohol is good.
It's because this soju offers a small comfort to the common people's hearts.
To empathize with and understand others, you must pay attention to this glass of soju, which holds their day.
"Ji-hoon, do you understand that a chairman is responsible for the results?"
"Yes."
"Do you realize how many people's fates depend on my choices?"
"Yes, I know."
"Then do you think my concerns for the workers on the production line are less important than worrying about myself?"
Before I could answer, grandfather immediately continued.
"The moment you hold such foolish thoughts, it's all over."
"…!"
"Our customers, ordinary working people. If I think I'm better or more special, what rotten mindset is that? Do you think the customers wouldn't notice?"
It's an obvious statement.
But the fact that a conglomerate chairman at the pinnacle of capitalism would say such things.
It felt somewhat unusual to me.
'I thought he called me here to teach about alcohol…'
Maybe grandfather wanted to share the life lessons contained in a glass of soju.
Yes, the way of alcohol (酒道) is also a form of education.
Grin.
Maybe this family education is even better than formal schooling?
As I smiled happily, grandfather looked at the soju glass and said,
"One last thing!"
"…?"
"Don't try to outdrink or outspend money."
"…"
"In front of those two, there's no winning. No matter how accustomed you feel, you must always be wary when you turn your back. Understand?"
"Yes!"
"I'll remember that!"
After Brother and I responded together.
Cheers!
Only then could the three of us clink glasses.
***
Meanwhile.
When he heard the news of his release, Son Woong-chul had desperately wanted a drink.
He simply couldn't bear it sober, the thought of alcohol naturally surfaced.
But now it was different.
A youth coach.
The mere thought made his heart flutter.
Above all.
As he slipped out of the office, the playful remark from CEO Park Ji-hoon still echoed in Son Woong-chul's ears.
'Wouldn't it be great if you became the president of the football association?'
"…not just the youth, but in the future, you could lead the entirety of South Korean football."
"Me?"
"Why not?"
"But how could I…"
"You're heading to be a youth coach at Manchester United. In terms of career, you'll be second to none in Korea."
Life is indeed strange.
A spark of hope ignited in the most despairing moment.
'Yes, I'll grit my teeth and give it a go. I've never been one to lag behind in effort.'
"Not alone…"
'With the responsibility of these kids' lives on me, I really have to give it my all.'
Son Woong-chul then stopped at a large bookstore.
He pulled off the shelves books on children's health, growth, emotional education, and psychological counseling.
Perhaps he took too many.
"Should I send these by parcel?"
Asked by a staff member.
"No. I'm perfectly capable of carrying them myself."
Son Woong-chul showed a rare bright smile.
Unbeknownst to him.
It was the first time since his injury that he had smiled so broadly.
***
Grandfather's nagging continued afterwards.
At first, I listened intently.
'Hehe.'
But after a while, I focused more on the stir-fried squid.
Did I dislike this time together?
'No way!'
Including past lives, this was the first time I had a drink with family.
I was already the happiest person in the world just by being there.
On the other hand.
Thump.
Brother had fainted, his head on the table.
"What is he doing?"
"Seems like he's drunk?"
"Is this really his first time?"
"Knowing Brother's character, where would he have drunk before?"
"Is it normal to pass out on the third drink?"
Well.
Technically two and a half… Not even in one go but several sips, and still, fainting seemed a bit extreme.
Hmmm.
Anyway!
In contrast, I had emptied a bottle each with grandfather.
'I used to get drunk on one bottle.'
Maybe because I was younger now, or perhaps because I was in front of grandfather.
Even after finishing a bottle in 20 minutes.
"..."
I hardly felt any intoxication.
No buzz at all.
'It's almost like drinking water.'
Grandfather seemed to have noticed that too.
"Huh? Do you often drink?"
"No way."
"First time, and you handle it like this?"
I scratched the back of my head instead of answering.
"Today will be memorable, won't it?"
"Huh?"
"The day I learned to drink from grandfather. Wouldn't that be something to remember?"
If my father also learned to drink here.
Three generations sharing the same memory at the same place!
'How often does that happen?'
It's not just talk.
If the day comes when my child learns to drink, I'll probably seek out this place first.
Grin.
Just as the conversation was about to take a sentimental turn.
"Stop the nonsense."
Grandfather furrowed his eyebrows and brought up business.
"Can you make a trillion?"
"I'll have to try."
"Earning it is one thing. What if your son ends up spending more than you? What then?"
Was it just my imagination?
It seemed more like a certainty in his eyes than just concern.
"Do you know something?"
Instead of answering, grandfather just wore a mysterious smile.