Chaebol: Topaz (Book 1)

₮ 3 ₮ (AMBW)

Jin-jae Choi was the second son of the South Korean conglomerate technology giant CTI or Choi Technologies International. His older brother Jae-hyun Choi was the eighth generation, first son. Jae-hyun was responsible for the family business, fortune, honor, and prestige. Jin-jae was responsible for keeping up appearances. He was always known for being a soft-spoken brother. Unlike his older brother, he did not possess the charisma or the confidence to date beautiful women on his economic or societal level. He preferred to remain in the background.

His lifestyle was quiet and easy-going. He was a pacifist who did not like making waves. From the time he was old enough to understand the importance of the first son, it made life easier for him to be a none factor in the family business. Jin-jae had not expected to present any competition to his older brother as the first heir to the Choi Dynasty. Even though he graduated from a prestigious business college with an MBA, and he knew the inner and outer workings of the family business, Jin-jae chose to assert himself as a non-threat to his older brother. He felt that the best way to co-exist was to behave as if he was continuously disinterested.

Jae-hyun was well aware of his brother's decision to stay away from the company's affairs. He knew his little brother had no desire to compete with him, and honestly, he preferred it that way.

After receiving an ultimatum from his father to exert himself more and reflect the family's pride, Jin-jae accepted an invitation for a 20-week tour in the USA to promote his art collection. He received his tour schedule from his manager and prepared himself for the trip overseas. The tour would take him to New York City, Washington D.C., Miami, Austin, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Seattle, Santa Monica, and Los Angeles. Jin-jae was actually looking forward to doing something that reflected who he was and not his family.

Time away from the family and the responsibilities of being Korean royalty made this trip a blessing. He had previously traveled to China, Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan. He never felt the need to go all the way to America, even though many of his family members and friends often visited for business or pleasure. If he didn't make this work, his father and brother would begin to exercise control over his life.

"어디야? (Eodiya?/Where are you?)," Jin-jae asked his assistant.

"나는 엘리베이터에있어. (Naneun ellibeiteoeiss-eo./I am in the elevator.)," Soo-wook replied.

There was so much to do before their nine o'clock flight. Jin-jae decided to take his assistant, who also happened to be his best friend, Soo-wook Kim. They had known each other since day one of primary school. Even though Jin-jae was small, he was always outspoken in school. He always managed to protect his friend from the older kids in their school."

당신은 모든 것을 가지고 있습니까? (Dangsin-eun modeun geos-eul gajigo issseubnikka?/Do you have everything?)," Jin-jae asked for the third time."

예. (Ye./Yes.)," Soo-wook assured him.

When Jin-jae opened his eyes, they had arrived in New York. He overheard the flight attendant announcing it was time to exit the plane. His assistant grabbed their carry-on's. They walked out to claim their baggage and find the person who would pick them up. As soon as they met with their driver, they headed to the hotel.

At the halfway point on his schedule, Jin-jae found himself in Dallas, Texas. So far, the tour was an amazing experience. He enjoyed the exhibitions, but the classes made the whole trip worthwhile. Meeting people from all walks of life was exciting. Several of the Dallas Arts Museum employees encouraged him and his assistant to take in some of the fascinating Dallas nightlife while they were in this city. They explained to him that all of the beautiful people would make an appearance. Their descriptions of the environment and the music made the outing a must. It was decided that the artist must go with them to Club Blitz for drinks and hang out. Jin-jae originally protested because he had no luck in the whole club scene. He always felt out of place and awkward. After several requests to join them, he finally decided that he and his assistant would meet them there.