Jin Do-jun could barely contain his excitement. He visualized an endless stream of cash flowing his way, his mind racing with the opportunities ahead.
Why? Because he knew that soon, a devastating financial crisis would sweep through the United States, sending shockwaves across the global economy. While most would see disaster, Do-jun recognized a golden opportunity for profit.
With no time to lose, he picked up the phone and called the Soonyang family residence.
"This is Jin Do-jun. Please inform Chairman Jin that I'd like to accompany him on his upcoming business trip to the Middle East," he said.
The family aide on the line asked him for a reason, and Do-jun casually explained that he wanted to experience travel and the world outside of Korea. Permission was quickly granted.
Over the next few days, Do-jun prepared his travel documents and arranged for personal security. Thanks to his foreknowledge, everything was set to perfection.
There were two reasons for this trip.
First, Dubai was just beginning to emerge as a city of wealth. Jin Do-jun recognized the potential in investing early in the region, seeing what others could not yet envision. But more importantly, their itinerary included a critical visit to the United States.
Second, he needed to keep Chairman Jin alive.
In the original timeline, Jin Yang-cheol, the patriarch of Soonyang Group, was tragically killed in a plane crash returning from a business trip. This high-profile aviation disaster had shocked South Korea, marking a dark chapter in both Soonyang's and the nation's history. However, Do-jun didn't know the exact date or flight number of the incident, so his safest option was to ensure his grandfather flew on a different plane.
"For now, Chairman Jin must not die," Do-jun thought, calculating his next move.
Jin Yang-cheol was an extraordinary figure—intelligent, bold, and unyielding. Though suspicious by nature, his unique charisma made him a force of influence in South Korea. Losing him now would derail Do-jun's plans, as his grandfather was the bridge to achieving his long-term goals with Soonyang.
Unlike in the previous timeline, where he'd tried to buy Soonyang Group outright, Do-jun now knew better. Why go through a lengthy acquisition when he could legally inherit it? The power of Sunyang extended far beyond money alone; as a chaebol, it controlled significant sectors of the economy, from logistics and electronics to critical infrastructure—elements money couldn't buy.
For a clear comparison: even if a wealthy individual could theoretically buy out a company like Samsung, they'd never actually gain the control that a chaebol family could wield. Companies like Sunyang held sway over South Korea's economy and society in ways that were more valuable than profit.
With this strategy, Do-jun planned to take the reins of Sunyang Group, expand its influence by acquiring smaller chaebols, and turn Korea into his base for an international empire.
But for this vision to succeed, Chairman Jin Yang-cheol had to stay alive. If he died now, Do-jun's chance at inheriting Soonyang would be buried with him, and he'd face years of setbacks and obstacles.
As the departure date drew near, rumors began to spread within the family that Jin Do-jun had received an unexpected $30 million from Chairman Jin.
At the home of the eldest son, Jin Young-ki, discontent simmered. Though smaller than Chairman Jin's main residence, Young-ki's house still lay in the heart of Seoul's wealthiest district.
"Father really gave that kid 30 million dollar? What on earth is he thinking?" Young-ki fumed, yanking at his tie in frustration. "I asked for barely anything growing up, and he turned me down!"
Young-ki's wife, equally annoyed, muttered, "He's never given our Syeong-jun, his first grandson, anything like that. Could Father be preparing Do-jun as his successor?"
The two exchanged worried looks, each wondering if Chairman Jin was quietly setting up his youngest grandson to lead Sunyang's next generation.