Chapter 71
Chapter 71
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 71
Chapter Title: Bi-gang's Hidden Value
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The meeting quickly shifted to discussing whether to invest in Vigang Systems.
In the tense atmosphere,
I exchanged opinions with Jin Seol-hwa through the materials and laptops placed at each seat.
"Il Sung has proposed 28 billion for 51% stake. Meanwhile, Dae Young is demanding 19 billion for 47%."
"That's harsher than I expected."
"Yes. Their intent to get involved is clear."
Jin Seol-hwa's face bore the weariness of life's burdens.
Proof that this opponent was no pushover.
It was a joint effort from Il Sung, the number one in the business world,
and Dae Young, known as number two.
Dae Young in particular had seen its stock price soar after signing an MOU with U.S.-based GC. Both massive groups likely had substantial internal reserves piled up.
"Why do Il Sung and Dae Young want Vigang Systems so badly?"
I pondered deeply.
These moneyed conglomerates wouldn't approach a small company first just to swallow it whole.
There had to be circumstances I didn't know about.
But one thing was certain.
Out of countless domestic companies, the reason they'd set their sights on Vigang Systems.
It was all because of the patents.
"CEO Seo Kyung-hwan spared no expense on R&D. Plus, all the researchers there are KAIST alumni."
"KAIST?"
"Yes. Even the CEO graduated from the same university."
Who would have thought?
KAIST was a top-tier university renowned for its outstanding achievements in engineering, science, and technology. I'd never dreamed CEO Seo Kyung-hwan was a KAIST grad.
"That explains it. The reason Il Sung and Dae Young want Vigang—it's because they're thirsty for the talents who'll lead the future."
Jin Seol-hwa nodded emphatically in agreement.
"From my personal investigation, several standout papers gaining attention in Korea turned out to be from current Vigang affiliates. Apparently, both companies initially approached with scholarship offers, but they were turned down."
Brains and loyalty to boot.
The perfect profile for talent any entrepreneur must acquire.
Her explanation didn't end there.
"On top of that, Vigang has made major contributions to deep learning tech using drones and AI. That technology has high applicability in bio and nano fields too, drawing huge interest domestically and abroad at one point."
"At one point? Not anymore?"
"Unfortunately, all that's left of past glory are the scars."
Wherever she'd gotten it, Jin Seol-hwa held a company report packed with the latest financials and future business strategies.
"...In the red?"
"High revenue, but barely any net profit."
How did they plan to pay their staff?
Fortunately, no debts, but it was the type of company that lived hand-to-mouth, like a mayfly scraping by day by day.
Of course, whatever profit they made probably went straight back into R&D.
That might explain the pile of patents.
'I don't want to let this slip away.'
I've got the money.
Just hand a hefty sum to people with solid research drive—easy.
Honestly, even looking at DJ Investment's returns alone, I was willing to back something like Vigang Systems for life.
'Perfect synergy with Future Distribution too.'
Neighboring countries were already diving into drone-based logistics. Our narrow landmass and apartment-heavy landscape made it tough, but not impossible.
The media had reported pilot programs already underway in Seoul and Jeju with some delivery firms.
Should I reach out first?
Or wait for them to come to me?
The promised deadline was a week.
Il Sung and Dae Young's offers to Vigang.
I planned to go lower than that.
No intention of meddling in operations.
Just look at CEO Lim Seok-hyun running Future Distribution so well.
Half-hearted interference would only erode Vigang's unique identity.
'Life's not that complicated.'
As they say, fortune's a wheel.
No need to overthink this negatively.
So what if it's Il Sung?
Daeyoung then?
A real man follows his heart and acts—keeps the soul clear.
"Let's do it."
"Shall I contact CEO Seo Kyung-hwan?"
I shook my head at Jin Seol-hwa's words.
I planned to reach out myself.
"I'll contact him directly."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "This is our house."
Jin Seol-young had assumed she'd live in a massive mansion since her parents were in business.
An old apartment bearing the full marks of time.
The gray exterior walls enveloping the whole building were peeling in spots, exposing weathered concrete. Rusty rebar even peeked through the cracks.
It looked as precarious as junk from a long-neglected scrapyard.
"The house is small, right?"
"No, it's fine."
But who was Jin Seol-young?
Having lived in a bug-infested semi-basement before, this felt like a palace by comparison—only natural.
"Where are your parents?"
Seol-young spotted a large family photo on the wall.
Seo Soo-ji scratched her head, looking deeply embarrassed by the question.
"They come home late."
"Every Mon-Tue-Wed-Thu-Fri-Sat-Sun?"
"Yeah... every day..."
She envied that.
At least they came home every day.
Seol-young sometimes went months without seeing her only remaining family, her sister. Back when her sister was in the military, overseas deployments meant months at a time...
No, there were years with just one visit.
"This is my room. It's messy, huh?"
"I think it's nice."
"...Really?"
"Yeah. Lots of cool stuff—super interesting."
"Hehe~ You're the first to say that."
Seo Soo-ji's room was a chaos of odds and ends.
Her dad was in the drone business, and sure enough, machine parts littered the floor.
From basic frames to motors and propellers.
Hard to believe it was middle school work—plenty of rough edges.
"You assembled all this by yourself?"
"Uh-huh... I snuck books from Dad's study and read them. Then I got hooked and bought a bunch."
"A-amazing. Soo-ji, you're incredible!"
Even as a drone novice,
it was crafted so precisely, it almost seemed ready to spin and soar through the air.
Jin Seol-young wanted to fly that big machine.
"Soo-ji, let's fly drones together sometime."
"R-really? For real?"
Seo Soo-ji had never met another girl her age interested in drones—something boys obsessed over. Most just teased it as a weird hobby.
Compared to girls playing with dolls, it felt off-putting or whatever.
"Gotta ace that pop quiz first if we wanna play."
"Why?"
"Don't wanna disappoint Dad..."
Seol-young felt the same.
They'd worked hard to get her into a good school—no way she wanted to worry them with bad grades. Sudden pop quizzes were notoriously tough; had to give it her all.
"Guess we gotta study hard then."
"Yeah!"
"English first."
The subject notorious for being the hardest.
Daehan Middle School required English-only conversations at set times daily. Torture for a regular elementary grad like Seo Soo-ji.
But.
Having Jin Seol-young—who spoke English fluently like a native from her U.S. days—was like gaining an army.
The two girls sat facing each other across a table, studying diligently.
Into the late night, oblivious to the hour.
"Do it like this, and reading gets way easier."
"Wow! It does!"
"Don't overthink unknown words. Back in the States, I'd guess from context during chats tons of times."
Her sister Seol-hwa could be on the phone with that smartphone, and Seol-young couldn't make heads or tails of it even listening nearby.
Same in the hospital—nurse sisters would say weird stuff sometimes; only later learned it was medical jargon.
"Easier now, right?"
"Totally! So answer 3?"
"Yup. Three's right."
"Wooow!"
"Grammar sinks in naturally with lots of listening and practice."
"Seol-young, thanks~"
"No prob, next problem together."
"Okay!"
It might be just a tiny room,
but the passion radiating was scorching.
They wanted to show great grades to their precious people, no matter what.
"What rank you aiming for, Seol-young?"
"First."
"For real?"
"Yeah."
"Then I'll go second."
"Hehe~"
"Heehee~"
With goals set, the girls clutched unsolved problems and battled on.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Seo Kyung-hwan dragged his weary body home.
Should be lights-out bedtime by now, yet lights still on.
"Soo-ji, you asleep?"
Careful not to disturb, he eased the door open quietly.
There sat his daughter, hunched over the table, head buried in a book.
"......"
A few months back, he'd had a long talk with her.
Her face felt unfamiliar when she insisted on Daehan Middle School over a regular one.
Had studying worn her out?
Lifting her tiny frame gently, the feather-light weight worried him sick.
Maybe brew some tonic later.
Seeing his diligent daughter sparked motivation he didn't know he lacked.
He tucked her in and spotted the notepad on the table.
One sentence written there.
Unfamiliar handwriting.
A friend visit, maybe?
Come to think of it, two bowls on the dining table—not one. Potatoes, carrots, curry powder scattered from the fridge across the kitchen.
Made curry, looks like.
Proud of his girl, he stroked her hair tenderly.
If there were stamps, he'd plaster it with "Good job!"
Glancing absently at the notepad in hand.
A long English sentence.
Translating it on sight, Seo Kyung-hwan trembled faintly.
'What middle schooler's level is this...'
He read it carefully.
"There is no original distinction between bad and good in the world. If there is a distinction, it comes from the person using it."
Translation:
[There is no inherent good or evil in the world. Any distinction arises from the one who uses it.]
Deep in thought on Vigang Systems' future, this sentence suddenly revealed where things had gone wrong.
'Why didn't I think of this?'
Had he lost his original resolve?
No.
Simply short on cash?
No.
Wrong vision or goals?
Not that either.
Of course, he'd pitched investment to a guy named Kim Do-jun, but his true desire lay elsewhere.
"Hahaha..."
When founding Vigang Systems.
One vow he'd made.
Perhaps that vow had shaped him today.
"Is this Kim Do-jun's phone?"
A soft smile bloomed on Seo Kyung-hwan's lips.