Chapter 46

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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“Department Head. We really scraped together the maximum.”

We collected and collected Kintetsu corporate bonds scattered in the market.

1.5 trillion won.

That was the limit.

“Didn’t you say Kintetsu scattered about 5 trillion won in short-term corporate bonds?”

“Yes. But besides us, another place is also sweeping up bonds in large quantities now.”

“Another place? Where?”

“It’s Kangsung Group. Pouring in capital from both the securities firm and the group itself to sweep everything, we almost ended up just twiddling our thumbs.”

Kangsung Group?

This was somewhat unexpected.

“Why is Kangsung Group suddenly sweeping up corporate bonds?”

“Exactly. Strange.”

“Wait. Didn’t you say last time Department Head and President met Kangsung Group’s chairman together? Don’t tell me they talked about something then.”

That day, Chairman Kang asked me if holding these bonds would be profitable.

Don’t tell me he’s really sweeping up all those corporate bonds just from hearing my words?

“Who knows.”

At my brief answer, Section Chief Seo furrowed his brow.

“Why are you asking the department head such sensitive questions? The higher-ups must have talked quietly.”

“Ah. Sorry. I asked an unnecessary question.”

It wasn’t particularly that.

I was just puzzled that Chairman Kang spent trillions of won so casually after briefly hearing my words then.

“But Department Head. The short-term corporate bonds we bought this time don’t have much time until maturity. That’s why we mostly bought at original price. When maturity comes, we’ll receive very low interest rates and principal, so doesn’t seem like it’ll be very profitable.”

Corporate bonds nearing maturity return to original price.

So even if special events burst, prices wouldn’t skyrocket.

Things like government or corporate bonds are judged by stability, not much price fluctuation of rising or falling sharply.

“Then why did you buy these corporate bonds in large quantities? It’s almost the same as principal recovery.”

“Tsk. I said earlier. The department head has his own thinking. Until now, has the department head ever invested to eat small change?!”

“Th-that’s true, but short-term corporate bonds have almost no price fluctuation.”

“This is why the department head doesn’t explain deeply separately. No matter how much he tells us, our heads can’t understand.”

“Aha.”

“I dared to have ego again. Sorry.”

I quietly looked at Section Chief Seo who was controlling employees himself.

Why is this?

Military PTSD keeps rising.

Still, thanks to Section Chief Seo, I didn’t have to explain things at length here and there.

Quite a concise system.

When I activate my intuition to make investment decisions, Section Chief Seo delivers my instructions to each employee and everyone proceeds with investments quickly without a word.

At times like this, it feels like looking at our guild members.

Since they’re older hyungs, during raids I have to input one by one what to do.

Then really without complaints, everyone moves exactly as inputted to clear raids.

Looking at our department and guild side by side, should I say there’s a strange sense of kinship?

In games too, occasionally there are raid members who challenge the raid leader’s authority, and each time hyung-nim handles punishment himself.

Here, Section Chief Seo was taking that role.

‘But if we brought about 1.5 trillion won, that means Kangsung Group took 3.5 trillion won.’

The problem is, as employees said, there’s no way to make money through these bonds.

‘Even if receiving redemption on maturity, it’ll actually be a loss because of fees.’

What thoughts will Chairman Kang Seong-ho have then?

Already scared.

***

“Fortunately seems to be wrapping up faster than expected. Seeing us declare we’re changing all production lines and testing processes, and actually entering system changes, there are many positive evaluations.”

“But didn’t we scatter lots of money to create such positive public opinion?”

“Right. Recruiting influential people to give positive evaluations of our company, and also releasing workers simultaneously in all communities domestic and foreign regardless seems to have had undeniable influence.”

Kangsung Electronics that went to hell from the K7 battery explosion incident barely climbed back up grabbing a lifeline through their quick response.

Of course, the problem was that tremendous funds went into all K7 recalls and marketing costs, but just extending the lifeline was merely grateful.

“Well, there’s that too. But ultimately the chairman’s fast decision properly prevented what could have spread into a big fire. If we’d missed timing this time, we almost had to fold phone business forever.”

“Correct. If it weren’t for the chairman’s decision, it would’ve been truly dizzying.”

Chairman Kang’s fast decisiveness played a big role there.

“..”

But executives’ praise didn’t enter Chairman Kang Seong-ho’s ears.

Because his attention was entirely focused on one place.

‘Kintetsu. What exactly is there?’

Kang Seong-ho investigated Kintetsu Group in detail after the meeting.

Honestly there was nothing special.

Kintetsu’s goal is one thing.

Surpassing JT Group that dominates Japanese railways.

But with the same railway business, they weren’t a match.

So what they chose was starting various businesses octopus-style.

Investment, real estate, railways, hotels, department stores, etc.

They’re entering quite many fields.

Their goal is overwhelming JT Group within 10 years.

And their goal is proceeding steadily.

Though they suffered losses betting money wrongly on Kangsung Electronics this time, it wasn’t enough to extinguish their ambitions, just a simple happening.

But why exactly does holding their corporate bonds mean profit?

“Chairman. But I heard you were preparing to properly deal with Gwangwoon Securities. Aren’t you proceeding?”

At some executive’s words, Chairman Kang also came to his senses.

“Decided to watch briefly on that.”

“But they are arrogant bastards. Daring to cause such a fuss demanding 2 trillion won from Kangsung Group. If it weren’t for CEO Kang Mi-ra, such bastards. Ahem.”

“Ah. Chairman. I heard this time Kangsung Group and securities pulled out over 3 trillion won to buy corporate bonds. May I ask for what reason you suddenly made such an investment?”

“I heard too. That you bought short-term corporate bonds.”

Executives were speaking roundabout.

Meaning why did you move over 3 trillion won without a single word of discussion with us?

Executive positions can be replaced anytime if not in Chairman Kang Seong-ho’s favor.

But even so, not consulting with executives at all about moving trillions of won was something that could make them feel slighted.

“That too. I’ll explain properly later.”

“Ah, yes. Anyway since they’re short-term bonds, when maturity comes we receive principal back as is.”

Of course, fees cost a bit.

But it wasn’t really a loss.

However, what if it really was nothing?

Both internally and externally, Chairman Kang would become a laughingstock.

Saying a bastard who doesn’t know even the ‘I’ of investment acted up.

If that happens, Gwangwoon Securities should be mentally prepared.

“Next agenda is about this semiconductor new construction.”

Right then.

The secretary-general always standing behind during executive meetings heard some report, was startled, and quickly approached Chairman Kang to whisper.

“.!?”

Receiving the report, Chairman Kang looked back at the secretary-general with disbelieving eyes.

“Is that. Really true?”

“Yes. Just came out as breaking news.”

Seeing Chairman Kang’s face turn pale, executives also paused reporting and tilted their heads.

“Chairman. What’s happening.”

“Turn on that TV first.”

“Ah, yes.”

The TV turned on quickly.

Breaking news appeared in very large letters from the first screen.

[Kumamoto Magnitude 7.5 Major Earthquake]

“What?!”

“An earthquake?”

“Isn’t Kumamoto the place Japan is pushing as an industrial complex?”

“..”

While executives were murmuring at the earthquake news.

Chairman Kang was blankly staring at the screen when something flashed through his mind.

“Secretary Kim. Bring Kintetsu Group materials. Quickly.”

“Ah, yes. Chairman.”

Chairman Kang quickly scanned through materials the secretary-general brought.

Definitely saw something in last time’s report.

Sure enough.

“.!”

Chairman Kang’s gaze stopped at a project Kintetsu Group is currently proceeding.

[Kumamoto Industrial Complex Project]

‘This is it.!’

Kintetsu, expanding real estate and now spreading feet to construction, tried to make Kumamoto with many automobile factories into a complete industrial complex.

After being recognized in construction by building Abeno Harukas, Japan’s tallest building in Osaka, they started massive investment to build factories in Kumamoto.

But a magnitude over 7.5 earthquake occurred.

At this scale, not only construction sites but currently operating factories also likely got devastated.

Especially Kintetsu, not only constructing the industrial complex but also laying long rails in Kumamoto as a railway company, was about to suffer damage in all directions.

In other words, a super-large crisis burst for Kintetsu from natural disaster.

‘But if bonds exceeding 5 trillion won come back here?’

The person holding those bonds becomes the knife holder.

Reaching that thought, chills rose from feet to head.

“.Secretary Kim. Can humans predict things like earthquakes?”

“I heard you can somewhat know there’s danger, but no one knows when or how it’ll happen. They say that’s God’s domain.”

God’s domain.

Correct words.

If they knew the earthquake would happen, the Japanese government would’ve evacuated people already.

‘But how did Jeong Jin-ho know this?’

Did he really predict the earthquake?

No. How could an individual figure out what even the Japanese government didn’t know?

Does this also fall under that algorithm he mentioned?

Don’t know.

When first meeting him, it was hard to grasp what thoughts he had, but now it’s even more impossible to know.

However, one thing was certain.

‘Good thing I didn’t make him an enemy.’

If I’d ignored his advice that day and tried to crush Gwangwoon Securities, what world line would’ve unfolded?

Like how Kintetsu Group doesn’t know someone’s pointing a knife at their back, would Kangsung Group have also brought such a crisis upon themselves?

Of course, it’s just speculation.

Maybe it really was just lucky timing.

However, Father always said this.

Above those who run are those who fly.

Above those who fly are the lucky ones.

***

The Kumamoto major earthquake came once as the first wave.

And once more powerfully as the second wave, increasing damage.

Also with nearly twenty aftershocks hitting, the damage amount the Japanese government estimates alone was nearing 50 trillion won.

Accordingly, from Korea including worldwide, people were extending words of comfort and helping hands.

However, during the last Great East Japan Earthquake, though Korea most swiftly helped worldwide and delivered over hundreds of billions in donations including transport planes and power supplies, Japan properly backstabbed by claiming Takeshima territorial rights exactly 3 weeks later and putting related content in textbooks.

Also on major Japanese communities, they even mocked Korea.

There were many conflicts in various ways.

Perhaps because of such reasons, this time the government was watching public opinion and not sending any notable support.

“Well, now’s not when government should care about Japan anyway. Isn’t it when national affairs are noisiest?”

Chairman Kang Seong-ho smiled while savoring tea taste.

“I don’t usually enjoy tea, but the tea taste here is very good. President Hwang seems to have good taste.”

“Yes. Getting older, strangely coffee doesn’t go in anymore. Good thing you liked it. But.”

Hyung-nim was looking strangely at Chairman Kang sitting in Gwangwoon Securities president’s office, not anyone else.

“Didn’t expect you to visit here.”

“I feel sorry about that. Should’ve formally set up a meeting appointment, but time was a bit tight for that.”

Must’ve been really urgent, Chairman Kang came to our securities firm unconditionally.

“.But Department Head Jeong.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Did you know in advance? This earthquake.”

Chairman Kang’s pupils looking at me were shaking.

“No.”

“You know who suffered most damage from this earthquake? Kintetsu Group. They were proceeding with a large project in Kumamoto. Did you know this?”

“I knew that.”

“But you’re saying you bought lots of worthless short-term corporate bonds and didn’t know things would turn out like this.”

“Chairman. If I could predict earthquakes to that degree, wouldn’t the Japanese government have also known in advance and taken measures?”

“.Right. That would be so.”

The answer agrees but eyes are still full of suspicion.

But I also just thought there was something, didn’t know it’d be an earthquake.

“I won’t ask details. What’s important is the matter right before us.”

The reason Chairman Kang Seong-ho came urgently was none other than because of corporate bonds we’re holding.

“Looking into it, Kintetsu Group doesn’t have ability to repay this 5 trillion won right now. They crashed once with Abeno Harukas, crashed again on Kangsung Electronics with long position during battery incident, plus Kumamoto project this time. They can’t handle that amount.”

“But can’t they issue additional bonds?”

“As President says, it’s possible. But I won’t just watch that happen. Our side is already continuously spreading rumors. That Kintetsu Group is in bankruptcy crisis.”

“What? Is Kintetsu at the level of causing bankruptcy?”

“That’s not it, but rumors are like that. Making non-facts seem like truth. Like how it’s becoming established fact that our Kangsung joined hands with insolent forces to fleece hunters.”

Coincidentally, one of those hunters was Kintetsu Group.

If rumors spread that Kintetsu is in bankruptcy crisis, no one will try to buy bonds they issue.

“Kangsung currently holds 3.5 trillion won in corporate bonds. Gwangwoon has 1.5 trillion won. How about it? I think if we combine forces, we can strip Kintetsu to the bone.”

“Since it came to this, really become thieves, is that it?”

“Well, in their eyes it’d look that way. But we’re creditors legitimately demanding debt to be repaid.”

The problem was that debt amounts to a whopping 5 trillion won.

From Kintetsu’s position, it’d be like a disaster.

“Our side is already pressuring them to prepare money to repay. Probably those bastards will also somehow try to squeeze money to repay.”

“I heard Kintetsu owns much real estate. Won’t they somehow secure funds?”

“They have much, but it’s a whopping 5 trillion won. How could they raise that much money short-term?”

Originally Kintetsu Group’s plan would’ve been to issue other bonds when the 5 trillion won bonds mature, raise funds to plug holes.

But Kangsung Group was blocking that method.

“Even if those bastards ask for more time, won’t grant it. Must properly exercise our Kangsung’s rights.”

Meaning to snatch away everything Kintetsu has at bargain prices under the pretext of not repaying money.

“But is that possible? The Japanese government won’t just watch.”

“Right. That’s the problem. Like how Korea has anti-Japan sentiment, Japan also has anti-Korea sentiment stronger than expected. Moreover, a group like Kintetsu falling into Korean company hands? They’d foam at the mouth.”

“That’s true. Ultimately need a company to act as shield in front instead of Kangsung. If going with Kangsung, the Japanese government will try to block because of public opinion.”

Even without anti-Korea sentiment, if saying a native Korean company is falling into foreigners’ hands, antipathy would inevitably arise.

Moreover, if seeing a Korean company tearing apart and collapsing a Japanese group, Japanese public opinion would stir.

For these reasons, though LK Group’s roots are in Japan, while doing business in Korea, they’ve made tireless efforts to erase the Japanese image.

So before the management rights battle happened, people didn’t even know LK was Japanese company-owned.

Wait.

LK?

The moment I recalled that name, my body trembled while sitting.

“Department Head Jeong. Any opinions? Our side is also racking our brains over this.”

“Chairman. I have one opinion.”

“Oh. What kind? Tell me.”

“.Are you close with LK Group’s chairman?”

“Huh?”

***

Jeong Jin-ho definitely answered he didn’t know.

But Chairman Kang didn’t miss the expression passing in that instant.

Definitely that face as if knowing something.

Not just because of that expression.

Placing massive shorts on Kangsung Electronics right before things burst.

Scraping together all bonds before this major earthquake happened.

Jeong Jin-ho had solid basis for investments he conducts.

Though can’t know what exactly that is.

‘Goodness. Now I’m even doing such errands.’

Life is truly unpredictable.

The great Kangsung Group chairman is following a securities firm department head’s words.

“It’s been a while, Chairman.”

“Hmph. Did you come to rub salt in wounds again? Came to see with your own eyes how trampled I was?”

In the time not seen, Chairman Oh Jae-hyun got much gaunt.

Isn’t LK Group currently having even bankruptcy crisis rumors circulating with unsettled public opinion?

“You’re harsh. Not even offering a glass of water.”

“Don’t want to talk long, so just state your business.”

He understands Chairman Oh coming out irritably.

Didn’t he receive all kinds of backlash because Kangsung Group intervened?

His father who collapsed from illness was even dragged to prosecution.

But ultimately Chairman Oh is also a businessman.

Would want to save the group somehow.

Shouldn’t separate public and private matters?

“…So you’re telling us to become figureheads?”

“Yes. However, hand over Japanese company stakes dominating LK Group currently to us. Will buy at not a bad price.”

“You’re trying to even seize corporate control with this opportunity?!”

“Won’t interfere with management. Will also maintain your chairman position.”

“But that’s no different from being a scarecrow.!”

“Chairman.”

At Kang Seong-ho’s lowered voice, Oh Jae-hyun stopped talking.

“Right now Chairman, you don’t have choice. This is the last lifeline. I know you want to show pride, but don’t do that and grab it. For now, shouldn’t you survive regardless of pride or what?”

“..”

“If LK Group collapses like this, hundreds of thousands of jobs will fly away. How will you bear that resentment? I don’t want such things to happen either.”

Seeing his expression, Chairman Oh also seemed to know there’s no choice.

Kang Seong-ho smiled and stood up from his seat.

“Think about it and give an answer. Just know time is running out.”

About to leave like that.

“Wait.”

“Yes?”

“Is this also a board that bastard laid out?”

“That bastard? Who?”

“Stop pretending not to know. Actually I’ve been really curious all along. Why exactly did that bastard target our LK? Among many companies. But this was all groundwork for this. From the start, he laid out the board to use us as chess pieces. Haha.”

Chairman Kang left Oh Jae-hyun, who’s laughing or crying helplessly, and came outside.

“..”

That bastard.

That bastard.

Could the bastard Chairman Oh is talking about be Department Head Jeong Jin-ho?

Thinking about it, LK ending up in that state, and Chairman Kang Seong-ho personally coming to meet Chairman Oh today, all originated from Jeong Jin-ho.

“So that means really.”

Jeong Jin-ho was looking at this far from the beginning?