Chapter 92

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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“…”

I quietly watched my younger sister lying on the sofa, humming while using her phone.

She couldn’t stop smiling, whoever she was texting.

“Are you dating someone?”

“Huh. H-how did you know? They said you’re the god of investment. Now can you read people’s hearts too?”

“Hey. It’s written all over your face. Drool’s about to fall from your mouth.”

“…Really.”

My sister still looked happy as she wiped her drool with a smile.

“I’ve been meeting someone who makes me feel all fluttery lately.”

“At your company?”

“Yeah. They’re exactly my type in looks. Plus from their way of speaking to fashion sense, everything passes.”

She was singing songs about being lonely anyway.

It seems she finally met someone good at the same company.

“But oppa. Where are you going on the weekend?”

“Yeah. Just throwing something on to get styling.”

“Oh, is it a date?”

“No. I wish it were, but it’s for work.”

“What? On the weekend?”

“My work has no concept of weekdays or weekends.”

If it seems like there’ll be almost no market fluctuations, I sometimes just rest at home even on weekdays.

But once work piles up, I had to go to work even on weekends.

Today was such a day.

Since talking with Chairman Kang Seong-ho that day, I had to be busy pressuring Japan while simultaneously selecting and acquiring companies inside one by one.

“Oh right. Oppa, did you see that? Panmunjom?”

“Ah, yeah. I saw it.”

It was a historic day for South Korea.

Two leaders meeting at Panmunjom.

Thanks to that, the domestic stock market rode a pleasant uptrend and flowers bloomed on our company employees’ faces.

And now people were starting to have hope that unification might really happen. Also, overseas media was covering this matter extensively and everyone’s attention was focusing on Korea. Because a situation that might really lead to unification was unfolding.

“This Olympics too, and now Panmunjom. This year really has a lot going on in our country.”

Because the current administration was speeding up from the beginning.

As an administration established with overwhelming approval ratings, it was pushing forward with great momentum.

If there’s one problem, it’s that the person who must coordinate with this inter-Korean summit is US President Trent.

That’s the biggest variable in the situation.

‘I wonder how our hyungnim is doing.’

Just because it’s the weekend doesn’t mean big corporations rest.

Neither does the Blue House that’s stepping on the booster.

After becoming chairman, hyungnim said he’d avoid work on weekends as much as possible to rest and play games, but I’ve never seen him rest comfortably on weekends so far.

Because things kept bursting out whenever he tried.

I thought he’d rest at least this time.

But this time he was suddenly summoned to the Blue House.

Still, hearing that our hyungnim was invited to a gathering where only conglomerate heads important to South Korea’s economy receive invitations.

Our hyungnim.

I felt proud and honored for no reason.

***

Hosting a dinner at the Blue House gathering conglomerate heads isn’t awkward.

It’s an event held whenever administrations change, and they summon chairmen quarterly for economic development discussions.

“…”

That’s why this place was very awkward for Hwang Dae-un.

Because although he participated in several government-held events, this was his first time being invited to the Blue House.

“Our Chairman Hwang. You’re very nervous.”

What’s fortunate is there’s at least one person he knows.

“This is my first time at the Blue House.”

“Yes. I understand that feeling. I get nervous for no reason every time I come too.”

“You, Chairman?”

“Yes. Wondering what unreasonable demands they’ll make this time. You know, don’t you? When early administrations try to push policies, we big corporations must support them. Well, sometimes it benefits us, but sometimes it doesn’t. So I worry what might pop out.”

That’s why the faces of conglomerate heads gathered today all look unsettled.

“But Chairman Hwang doesn’t need to worry.”

“…?”

“This administration is probably most grateful to Gwangwoon, right? Not just the government, but all our domestic companies.”

“To our Gwangwoon?”

“Didn’t Gwangwoon essentially block Japan’s thuggish behavior this time? Thanks to that, the government can also puff out its chest. The only means to counterattack what they threw at us was moving public opinion for boycott movements, but now that’s unnecessary.”

“Is that so? Honestly I haven’t done anything.”

“Aren’t you giving maximum support so our President Jeong can fly around very freely? Plus you’re being a solid wall-like presence. Just hearing President Jeong talk, I know well how big Chairman Hwang’s presence is.”

Chairman Hwang himself thinks sitting in this chairman seat is very undeserved.

That Gwangwoon could grow this big.

Also that he can stand shoulder to shoulder with people who control Korea’s economy.

All not because of his own abilities, but thanks to Jin-ho’s abilities.

The small favor he bestowed that day caused a butterfly effect, making today’s Gwangwoon into a giant financial group.

That’s why he always held only that heart.

That he’s in this position not for his own honor and glory, but solely to protect Jin-ho who gave him such precious opportunities.

“And today’s main character isn’t me, nor these Blue House people, but our chairman. See those conglomerate heads over there? They’re all just watching for a chance because they want to speak with you, Chairman. So please approach first. Those fellows surprisingly lack social skills and find approaching first difficult.”

Is that so?

Actually after coming here, Chairman Hwang couldn’t converse with anyone until Chairman Kang spoke to him.

He wondered if they’d rebuke him saying someone who doesn’t match his station came, but it wasn’t that?

Just in case, Chairman Hwang followed Kang Seong-ho’s advice and approached where the conglomerate heads were gathered.

And as he lightly offered greetings, sure enough.

“My goodness, Chairman. I’ve been wanting to meet you exactly once.”

“They say you’re doing the best lately, this is our first meeting. Pleased to meet you.”

Countless handshakes and greetings started pouring out.

***

“Did it go well? Was the food good? I’m most curious about Blue House food above all else.”

“Don’t even mention it. I was so nervous I didn’t know if food was entering my mouth or nose, so I couldn’t even taste it.”

Hyungnim let out a big breath and loosened his tie.

“Still, going all the way to the Blue House. You suddenly look different.”

“Haha. Right. Thanks to you I even got to see the Blue House. Life is really unpredictable. Right?”

“So, what did you talk about?”

“Well, as expected. They’re planning various economic development with North Korea this time, railways, roads, Kaesong Industrial Complex, Mt. Kumgang, etc.”

“Big corporations will invest there?”

“Right. And they’ll have another meeting in Pyongyang in a few months, and it seems they plan to take conglomerate heads together then too.”

This was news I was hearing for the first time.

“What? So you’re going to Pyongyang too?”

“Yeah. Looks like I’ll really go eat the original Pyongyang cold noodles.”

It doesn’t seem publicly announced in the media yet.

Who would’ve thought two leaders would fly all the way to Pyongyang to meet.

“Well, the government’s stance is basically that. Maximally cooperating economically with North Korea to develop it. The problem would be America. We can’t help North Korea as we please. Unless the UN and America lift sanctions on North Korea.”

Every administration had various talks about North Korea business investments, etc.

But the reason it was never achieved even once is because of UN and US sanctions on North Korea.

Right now North and South are holding hands with smiles, but if those two don’t lift sanctions, we can’t do anything.

“And this is different talk, but Daegwang Motors’ chairman asked for help.”

“We have business helping Daegwang Motors?”

“Daegwang also started electric vehicle production matching the times. The problem is technology. As a latecomer they still lack strength. So they want to buy late time with money.”

Speaking of electric vehicle leaders, there are two places.

One is Tisla.

The other is Japan’s Nissan.

These two are called early electric vehicle pioneers.

“Nissan has a lot of talk going around in various ways right now. So they’re having a very hard time management-wise. Above all, with you and Kangsung joining hands to pressure Japan this time, Nissan is really struggling.”

“Daegwang Motors’ chairman wants to exploit that?”

“Right. What Daegwang wants is to dominate there and extract technology while also greatly increasing market share in Japan. The problem is Renault holds 40% stakes there.”

French automobile brand Renault holds 40% of Nissan’s stakes.

The reason Nissan is struggling now was exactly because of that.

Because Renault is dumping all management responsibility and poor performance on Nissan.

“Renault was pushing forward with merger putting forward a guy named Carlos Ghosn to completely absorb Nissan, when suddenly Japan’s YCC collapsed and all manufacturing stopped, making them think ‘oops.'”

“So they’ll take Nissan at bargain prices?”

“Yeah. Not saying they’ll swallow it alone. They’ll share stakes with us too. At even cheaper prices. But for Daegwang to completely absorb Nissan, the Japanese government must permit it. No matter how much Daegwang says, that side won’t listen, but they’ll listen to our words, so they’re asking for help.”

Actually, acquiring shipping companies this time too, normally the Japanese government wouldn’t have permitted.

But since if we don’t revive dying companies, they absolutely can’t process quantities piled up at ports, and also can’t bring in new goods, they had no choice but to permit us.

Essentially it means we threatened the Japanese government holding a knife.

Plus Japan had no mental capacity to respond due to YCC’s collapse.

“How about it? They’re giving stakes for free, and they’ll handle negotiations with Renault themselves?”

I briefly checked corporate information about Nissan on my phone.

Nissan was definitely experiencing difficulties.

Just seeing global sales dropped by 30% says it.

But electric vehicle technology was definitely ahead.

The problem was Renault shaking and controlling this place.

“Plus that Carlos Ghosn guy is also a problem. He’s chairman of this alliance of Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi. If he opposes, even with the Japanese government’s permission it won’t pass.”

Alliance.

Not merger, but strategic partnership.

It’s a fairly commonly seen business strategy, especially since automobiles require astronomical costs to set up development to production lines, so they often choose this method.

Maintaining each other’s identity, not merger but forming strategic alliances.

That could be called the essence of alliance.

The problem is Renault took 40% of Nissan’s stakes while committing all kinds of tyranny and even seized voting rights.

And at that center was Carlos Ghosn, this alliance’s head and Nissan’s chairman.

“…”

I stared at Carlos Ghosn’s profile in Nissan’s corporate information.

A very black vortex was swirling on his face.

“Should I have Daegwang meet and negotiate with that side first?”

“No.”

“Hm? Telling them not to meet that fellow? When that fellow holds the key?”

I know too.

But this person had strong energy wrapping around me saying I shouldn’t associate with him.

Then does it mean not to inject money into Nissan itself?

Strangely it didn’t seem like that either.

Because from the moment I put my hand on the company called Nissan, good feelings flowed in through my fingertips.

That means ultimately the problem is this Carlos Ghosn..

“Tell them to exclude Carlos’ side and try to continue dialogue only with Renault side as much as possible.”

“Really? If Carlos opposes, it won’t proceed at all.. But still, doing as you say would be better, Jin-ho. Oh right. What about the North Korea side? I heard the government plans to make an investment fund this time. Should we contribute something too?”

“If sanctions on North Korea aren’t lifted, we can’t make it anyway, right?”

“Right. But looking at the situation now, it seems serious. It really might completely open like Germany back then.”

Certainly I too, watching news lately, felt like North and South Korea would have a different relationship than before. Perhaps an era might come when our country’s people can travel to Pyongyang.

“…”

So I briefly displayed a North Korea image on my phone and put my hand on it.

“!?”

Then with tremendous roar, an image of some building exploding and collapsing spread like film before my eyes and passed.

***

Mylon Tusk wanted to meet Jeong Jin-ho immediately, but he couldn’t.

Meetings don’t happen right away like lightning.

Above all, isn’t the other party a figure controlling the world economy?

“Right. So he has no choice but to be busy.”

But blood drying up was unavoidable.

Because every delayed day makes Tisla’s production a mess.

“World Link? That’s what that side wants?”

“Yes. What Gwangwoon side wants to discuss is exactly that field.”

While setting the appointment, Tusk wanted to know exactly what grudge Gwangwoon attacked Tisla with. But what they want is World Link.. Even a business that just shot up satellites and is in testing.

“…”

But there Mylon Tusk got goosebumps.

Should I say truly sharp.

To others, World Link might seem like an insignificant business that just started testing.

But Jeong Jin-ho seems to have pierced the essence.

World Link is a business that will change the paradigm for all communication means in the world.

Currently communication happens using base stations and complex cables, but when World Link spreads worldwide, communication through space becomes possible.

Also, anyone can use it anytime in deep mountains or islands where communication doesn’t reach due to base station construction issues.

And when this technology develops further, it can be used on Mars he’ll build in the future.

In other words, if World Link is properly completed, it can dominate all communication in the world.

That’s why he didn’t list the company and proceeded with the project as privately as possible.

So people wouldn’t question this technology.

“Probably trying to make a new telecommunications company in Korea, right? Forming partnership with us.”

Jeong Jin-ho doesn’t want to invest in the company, but rather going one step further seems to want to spread World Link in Korea and directly control it himself.

Dominating South Korea’s finance, shipping, semiconductors.

Now he’s trying to take communication too?

“That won’t do. It’s not a project I proceeded with for partnership.”

But if he refuses, the other side will continue threatening with batteries.

It was a predicament.

“Did you find out about Gwangwoon’s trends now?”

“Yes. This time they’re trying to absorb Nissan with Daegwang Motors together.”

“Really? They’re wasting effort.”

Nissan was a company Tusk also kept watching.

Because Tisla and Nissan, these two opened the early electric vehicle market.

Especially Nissan’s electric vehicle technology was ahead of Tisla in other aspects.

But if they hadn’t wrongly met the unscrupulous company Renault and ended up like that, they could’ve had sufficient potential to develop more.

“That chairman will absolutely refuse to sell Nissan, right? Maybe force merger with Renault instead.”

“Yes.. But looking at how things are progressing now, it seems to flow toward what Gwangwoon wants.”

“What? How?”

“An exposé document burst from inside the company this time. Carlos Ghosn embezzled tens of millions of dollars and collaborated with Renault side to pass all investment responsibility to Nissan. So now an arrest warrant for Chairman Carlos Ghosn was issued because of that.”

He never dreamed such chaos was happening at Nissan while paying attention to Gwangwoon matters.

“It was quiet until now, then such things burst in a situation where Gwangwoon tries to devour Nissan with Daegwang?”

“Yes. Chairman Carlos Ghosn is also claiming innocence saying someone is spreading conspiracy theories to arrest him.”

“Is he really innocent?”

“No. The guilt is certain, but an exposé that didn’t burst until now bursting at this timing..”

“So there’s Gwangwoon behind it again.”

Since Carlos Ghosn would obviously interfere in the Nissan absorption process, did they swing the knife to cut his neck at the start?

Jeong Jin-ho.

The more you know, the scarier the person.

The problem is if Mylon Tusk strongly opposes and blocks this World Link matter.

“That knife could come to me too..”

Carlos Ghosn never dreamed they’d clean him out from the start like this either.

Perhaps because Mylon Tusk also committed many sins.

He feared which weakness Jeong Jin-ho would stab toward with that knife this time.