I've always known that our family is wealthy because we have a variety of businesses. If you ask what my family does for a living, I wouldn't be able to give a specific answer because my mom does so many things-from exporting seafood and fruits to occasionally investing in real estate. Even my app company is a subsidiary under my mom's leadership. So, it's fair to say that my mom is very influential in the business world.
And one of the businesses where my mom holds nearly ten percent of the shares is the department stores...
I once asked why she invests in so many things. She just shrugged and answered like a true investor,
"I want to be influential in every industry."
It was a simple answer, but I didn't understand why until today, the day I came to see her at home to ask about what she did. How could she prevent Yu's family's jewelry store from renewing their contract with the department stores?
"As I said, I adjusted some investments. Even though we're not in the top 10 richest, we have an impact on every industry-like dominos."
Mom touches a domino she's lined up and pushes it to make it fall.
"Did you set this up while waiting for me?"
"I wanted to look cool. I knew you'd come to ask, so I had to play big to impress."
Honestly, I think Mom has changed quite a bit. She seems more playful and happier than before. I remember her being more serious, even strict. But today, she's joking around with me as if she doesn't want the atmosphere to be too tense.
"How did you do it, Mom?"
"As someone who holds a significant amount of shares, I have the right to talk to the chairman. I mentioned the issues I was unhappy with and gave him an ultimatum to choose between me and that M.F. diamond shop."
"What does 'M.F.' mean, Mom? I've been wondering since you mentioned it."
"It's motherfu... You really didn't know, or are you just playing dumb?"
"I just realized when you said that, Mom. How did you come up with that?"
I place my hand on my chest with genuine surprise because I'm naturally not someone who uses crude language. I don't have a knack for such jokes as teenagers do.
"I thought they were associated with the MF Brands or something. But they pressured a top client like that just because you gave them the ultimatum? Yu's family's connections aren't ordinary either."
"Well, I have stakes in many businesses. I told them I'd withdraw my shares and stop supplying certain products to the store. Some shops rely on materials from me. If I don't supply, they can hardly do anything. That's the power of someone who covers a lot of ground."
"You're scary, Mom... Good thing you didn't plan to target me from the start, like pressuring our friends not to support our first product batch."
"She wouldn't be satisfied with just that,"
Dad, who's been listening patiently, interjects.
"Your mom planned to pressure the store, too, but that family beat her to it. Now, the villain couldn't stand being outdone and turned into the heroine."
"Hey!"
Mom clicks her tongue and shrugs in acceptance.
"I intended to, but seeing my daughter crying a river in front of the house because she was bullied, I couldn't stand it. I'm the only one who can bully my child. No one else has the right."
"What kind of mother are you?"
Dad shakes his head and sighs.
"Well, I'm a good person now. They cornered our child first, so we cornered them back. I haven't even thought about selling my shares to escalate things. Initially, I planned to withdraw shares here and there for anyone who's a regular customer of that jewelry store. Without customers, diamonds are just stones. Haha, screw that M.F. diamond shop!"
