Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: The Hnam Man Wants to Become a Daughtercon
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A quiet café that few people frequented.
Seo Kyung-hwan had aged at least ten years in that short time. The major corporations' aggression toward Bigang Systems was beyond imagination. Ilseong aside, something felt off about Daeyoung.
'These crazy bastards...'
Their intentions were simple.
If they couldn't have it, they'd just smash it to pieces.
Bank loans were already blocked, and they were applying pressure from all directions. They were saying things like:
Dare to reject our offer and think you can thrive in this country?
"Your dark circles are quite severe."
"...Do I look that bad?"
"Yes. Why not head to the hospital?"
He really looked like he was on the verge of death.
His under-eye shadows were so dark it was like black mushrooms were about to sprout.
I ordered a juice with fruit instead of coffee. One sip of caffeine with that face, and he might end up in an ambulance.
"I heard even your collateral loans have been blocked..."
At my words, Seo Kyung-hwan's complexion darkened further.
"It's not just loans—even the contracts we were barely holding onto are all on the verge of cancellation. Competitors are swooping in."
"That serious? They're basically trying to dry up your seeds and kill you off."
Vicious bastards...
They're choking off the money supply completely, like they're performing some funeral rite.
At this rate, Bigang Systems wouldn't avoid bankruptcy.
'Once Bigang collapses, they'll cherry-pick the core talent.'
With nowhere left to go, they'll lure the researchers with smug faces.
Slave contracts guaranteed, of course.
This extreme approach wasn't unrelated to me. Information had definitely leaked somewhere. Time might be running short.
I handed him a single document, just as I'd discussed with Jin Seol-hwa. My resolve was firm. Whether Ilseong or Daeyoung, if they got in the way, I'd use any means necessary.
'Fortunately, Ilseong's still quiet. They're probably watching closely. The problem is Daeyoung...'
Domestic influence-wise, they had the edge.
A natural outcome.
Those who'd been building companies in this country since the 1970s.
If they mobilized their full network, even Selig would suffer major damage.
However.
I wanted Bigang Systems, even with that risk.
Considering the future, there was no sweeter prize. Seo Kyung-hwan and his legion under him were worth a hundred men each. Bringing that legion into the DJ Group would grant immense momentum.
'Stock price surge as a bonus.'
Hmm, what to do?
For now, lay it out straight.
"From our investigations, neither Ilseong nor Daeyoung plans to back down. If I want your company, war is inevitable."
"You okay with that? We're talking Ilseong and Daeyoung."
"I know. Right now, handling Ilseong would be a stretch for me. Their arsenal is stronger than I thought. But Daeyoung? That's worth a shot."
"!"
Seo Kyung-hwan looked shocked.
His face muscles stiffened at the idea of clashing with the No. 2 conglomerate, Daeyoung.
My confidence against Daeyoung stemmed from the recent sudden acceleration incident in the US. It seemed to have blown over, but American consumers were still dissatisfied with Daeyoung automobiles.
If exploited right, all their focus would shift to the States.
As a result, they'd have no bandwidth left for Bigang Systems.
One misstep, and they'd face a massive recall crisis.
Americans valued consumer rights above all.
'If Senator Jack Ryder steps up, we can blow it wide open. This country aside, we're far stronger in the US.'
Whites look down on blacks.
Blacks look down on East Asians.
That's how tough it is for Koreans to succeed in America.
A fatal flaw in an East Asian-made car would shatter trust in ways incomparable to domestic brands.
Especially since Daeyoung had recall history.
"Seo Kyung-hwan."
"Yes?"
His expression softened a bit as he stared through the document I'd given him. Natural enough—the terms were essentially us conceding a step.
Why? Because I wanted him that badly.
He was too tempting.
Like Liu Bei finally securing Zhuge Liang.
"Don't worry. Just carry out the decision burning in your heart. I'll handle the cleanup."
"!"
"In exchange..."
No such thing as a free lunch in this world.
What comes in must go out—that's the way of things.
If it were just private citizen Kim Do-jun, maybe.
But the man here was businessman Kim Do-jun.
"Anything!"
He jumped in before I even finished.
Probably felt there was no escape anymore.
"You mean it?"
"Yes. Truth is, my mind changed a few days ago. My daughter's friend sent me a huge gift."
Daughter's friend?
What the hell kind of nonsense was this?
"It was an article full of insights. Until now, I'd run Bigang fixated only on the purpose of drones. But no. It's not machines that distinguish purpose—it's people."
"!"
I was stunned.
The meaning was simple.
Bigang Systems would expand into broader markets.
Seo Kyung-hwan continued.
"Are all guns bad? They're weapons for attacking enemies or defending yourself. I won't pigeonhole drone identities anymore."
"Don't tell me you're...?"
"We're entering the defense sector!"
"!"
"The catch is, we'd need to overhaul all existing production equipment..."
"I'll cover the cost."
Yahoo!
The final puzzle before DJ Group's launch was complete.
Now, pharmaceuticals, distribution, gaming, hospitals, and defense.
I'd become head of five affiliates.
No—soon, chairman!
"Do your best. As promised, Bigang Systems' management rights go to you, Seo Kyung-hwan."
"No, I'm the one who's grateful."
"90 billion."
"Pardon?"
"90 billion to tide Bigang over this crisis. Plus, double salaries for the nation's top researchers, and an environment to match."
"Y-you can really do that?"
"Of course. I never abandon my people—not even if it means starving."
I winked with one eye while gazing at him.
I was so thrilled I wanted to plant thick kisses on both his cheeks.
Honestly hadn't expected it, but scored an unexpected win.
Now left: Ilseong and Daeyoung.
Specifically, sow chaos in Daeyoung first.
'Seol-hwa will handle it well.'
She was the most reliable partner of all.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The entire nation buzzed with one massive scoop.
The star: Daeyoung Automobiles.
Already sensitive from various issues, now another bombshell hit.
⚙ Breaking News ⚙ [A fatality from a sudden acceleration accident in the US.] [The vehicle involved is confirmed as Daeyoung Automobiles...] [The US launches full investigations and proposes massive recalls for the manufacturer in a Senate session...]
Communities exploded in an instant at the nuke-level news.
— Anon Wait, this real? How the hell do they even make cars? — Anon LOL the funniest part? Even with a death, they blame the driver ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ — Anon Yeah... If it's really driver fault, overhaul the license tests first. — Anon Ever gotten compensation? Gotta prove it yourself. — Anon Nah, only here. In US they handle it all. — Anon Domestic laws are the problem? How's a consumer supposed to prove it without being an expert... — Anon What pisses me off more? They treat overseas well but suckers at home. On top of that, a Daeyoung car owner posted.
Fuming mad, curses flew everywhere.
Communities burst into laughter upon hearing the poster's job.
📰 Post Title I'm the guy who experienced sudden acceleration while driving a Daeyoung car. Short, but punchy title.
With sudden acceleration victims all the rage, crowds poured in.
Views: 1,443,141
Likes: 471,375
Comments: 13,876
It even hit popular post status.
The bus for damage control had long passed.
— Main Post Hello. I've been driving Daeyoung cars for 10 years. Whether others drive imports or not, I've stuck to one domestic maker out of patriotism. But a few months ago. On the highway, without touching the accelerator, the speed kept climbing. RPM shot to the sky. Luckily, I knew how to handle it, so no major accident. Still get chills thinking back. I get it up to here. Mass production means defects happen. The problem? The manufacturer blamed my driving skills. Couldn't tolerate that. So, photos attached. (Photo) (Photo) (Photo) (Photo) Yes. As you see, I'm a former 【pro racer】. Since when do you tell a driving expert racer they're unskilled? Told them, still denied. Surprisingly, ex-racers drive safely on public roads. We know better than civilians the shock of high-speed crashes. Of course, break traffic laws and lose your license. Does a fighter unleash pro moves on civilians? No. Can't even counter properly. Could blow up big. Pro racers same. Currently suing Daeyoung. With your cheers, I'll win for sure. Oh, RIP to the US fatality. Don't shield domestic firms too much. They treat you like total suckers. — Anon ? — Anon ? — Anon Eh? What'd they say? ⭐ Top Comment — Anon Ex-pro racer called poor driver? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ — Anon Fuck, too ridiculous to speak. — Anon Reality stranger than fiction... — Anon The guy who said poor driver, sane? — Anon If they see this, face burning red. — Anon These accidents only hit regular folk. Elites need to experience it. — Anon Yeah, then change happens ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ The news broke it as a flash report.
📰 Headline [Daeyoung Automobiles calling even a pro racer 'poor driver'?] And this reached the ears of the Daeyoung Group chairman.
"What the hell is this!? Drag that responsible party to me right now!"
"Ch-Chairman!"
"Which fucking idiot called a pro racer unskilled? You trying to tank the company?"
What came next was even worse.
"This guy's from our team, isn't he!?"
It was pure chaos, five minutes from total meltdown.