Chapter 40
Chapter 40
Translation: Godtl
The research team serves as the guiding compass of a securities firm.
Though this may vary from company to company.
Typically, the research team gathers and compiles vast amounts of information, selects promising stocks in advance, and provides recommendations.
Analysts then draft reports based on the data collected by the research team.
While some analysts deliver cold, hard, realistic analyses...
There's always at least one who writes reports filled with delusions, as if penning a fantasy novel.
But even those delusional analysts would shake their heads in disbelief at one person.
"Team Leader. The Prime Department has submitted a research request."
That person was none other than the head of the Prime Department—Jeong Jin-ho.
Whenever a request came from this department, the eyes of the team members, who had been slogging away at their reports like half-dead zombies, would suddenly spark to life.
"Alright. What is it this time? What outrageous demand does he have now?"
"They requested a detailed scenario on the UK's withdrawal from the EU, along with supporting data."
"What? The UK leaving the EU?!"
How could they not be intrigued?
Just hearing the topic was enough to send their dopamine levels soaring.
Ever since the China Shock, and even before major events like the Greek Default, Head Jeong Jin-ho had consistently requested reports on unconventional subjects.
Each time, the research staff would scoff, dismissing the scenarios as absurd, yet they'd still write up the reports and submit them. The problem? Jeong Jin-ho's predictions always turned out to be right.
You'd think even a divine revelation couldn't be this accurate.
"But the UK leaving the EU?"
"Isn't that called Brexit?"
"Right. But the UK practically rules the EU—why would they ever want to leave?"
There are precisely three countries that dominate the EU:
France, Germany, and the UK.
Among them, the UK stood tall—both economically and militarily.
It wielded the most influence, held the strongest voice, and contributed the highest share of funding.
In essence, it was the de facto leader.
And yet, this same UK would leave the EU?
"Now, of all times?"
"If they suddenly push for Brexit now, wouldn't the backlash from other European countries be severe? With terrorist attacks spreading across Europe, this is the time to unite, not split apart."
If the EU's leader and strongest power suddenly announced its withdrawal, it would be branded a traitor overnight.
Moreover, the UK was far more sensitive to international perception than people realized.
There was even a meme in world history: "If something major happens, just bet on the UK—you'll probably be right."
Having rampaged across the globe from the 18th to the 20th century, the UK had committed every atrocity imaginable. Naturally, it had spent considerable effort trying to shed that negative image.
And now, at such a critical moment, the UK would choose to leave?
It would be no different from inviting the world to point fingers in condemnation.
"Doesn't this sound completely absurd?"
"Of course it does."
"Right. The UK would have to be insane to leave the EU."
But the terrifying part was that every time Head Jeong Jin-ho made such requests, the exact events he predicted would unfold.
"Eh, but this is too much."
"If the UK leaves the EU, the economic fallout would be massive. Their economists aren't idiots."
"But Brexit has been a growing topic, hasn't it? Especially with all the discontent over immigration. The recent terrorist attacks just poured fuel on that fire."
"Even so, the barriers to leaving are too high, and the backlash would be too severe. They'd never go that far. I'd bet my entire fortune on it."
That was what any rational person would think.
Even the most imaginative analyst in the team adamantly insisted Brexit would never happen, driving the point home.
"What does our opinion matter? Have you all forgotten? The only reason our research team was expanded was because of Head Jeong Jin-ho. We owe our paychecks to him."
After observing how frequently Jeong Jin-ho utilized the research team, the CEO personally ordered its expansion.
He also made it clear that whenever Jeong Jin-ho submitted a request, all other tasks were to be postponed—his took absolute priority.
"But at least the topics he picks are always interesting, right?"
"True. It's refreshing to work on something unconventional."
"Then let's get to it. The CEO expanded our team because he expects us to work swiftly—and accurately."
Would his prediction prove correct this time as well?
Waiting for that outcome had become their only solace.
＊＊＊
One of the most convenient aspects of working at our company was the Research Team.
Ever since I realized how gathering information could spark sudden flashes of intuition, I'd been making heavy use of the Research Team. And after my brother reinforced the team, the speed at which materials came through had increased dramatically.
"Here are the Brexit-related materials, Department Head."
"Ah, yes. Thank you."
I quickly skimmed through the documents.
The first major issue was Britain's currency.
EU member states primarily use the euro as their base currency.
But Britain, judging that European nations and the mainland operated under different economic systems, stubbornly clung to the pound instead of adopting the euro.
Especially since the pound was one of the world's four major currencies, making it even harder to abandon.
"But being one of the four major currencies ultimately signifies stability, doesn't it? Yet if Brexit were to actually happen, the economic uncertainty would become so immense that the pound's value would have no choice but to plummet."
"It's not just the pound—Britain's tourism industry would suffer devastating blows. Withdrawing from the euro means everything from visa issues to immigration checks would become far more stringent. Even now, Britain conducts slightly more thorough entry screenings compared to other eurozone countries, and it would only get worse."
"Businesspeople frequently visit Britain for European business dealings, but suddenly leaving the euro would strip away its appeal as a business model."
Working with Britain was practically the same as working with the entire eurozone.
That's why when starting business ventures in Europe, France, Britain, and Germany were typically prioritized as primary targets.
They were the leaders of the euro.
But now, Britain—the pinnacle among them—was leaving the euro?
And at such a sensitive time?
At the very least, the EU nations would likely refuse to work with Britain out of sheer resentment, and their pressure would inevitably affect businesses too.
"But Department Head..."
"Yes?"
"Ah... Never mind."
I could sense the department staff watching my reaction.
I knew why they were behaving this way.
"What does everyone think? About Brexit."
"Well, obviously... it's something that could never happen, right?"
"We know anti-immigrant sentiment is severe, but no matter how bad it gets, they wouldn't resort to such an extreme measure."
That was the normal reaction.
Which was exactly why I had requested the Brexit-related materials for a double-check.
Besides, I had been steadily studying investments, so I'd developed an eye for economics.
That was how I knew just how absurd Brexit would be.
But experience had taught me one thing—no matter how rationally you understand something a hundred times over, the affairs of this world don't always follow reason.
"..."
I placed my hand over the stocks that would take the first hit if Brexit really happened. My fingers trembled with such force that the paper nearly tore.
No matter how much reason denied it, this sensation boiling up from my dantian was telling me:
Those British bastards have lost their minds.
"That's what I think. Whether it's politics, business, religion, or human relationships—no matter what it is, when it comes to things done by people, emotion always comes before reason."
"Huh?"
"If we sold all the stocks we're currently holding, how much capital would we have?"
"A little over 1 trillion won."
1 trillion won.
With defense stocks skyrocketing, we had rejoined the 1 trillion won club.
"Then recall all the remaining funds tied up there too. We're going all-in on Brexit."
"!?"
The entire department stared at me in shock.
The stocks recommended by Research were all Britain-related.
The FTSE 250 index, the pound, British banks, airlines, hotels, government bonds, and more.
Particularly prominent were tourism-related stocks expected to take the hardest hits—among them, LK Group.
"Department Head. Does that mean you really...!"
"Yes. We're not betting on reason. We're betting on the emotions of the British people."
Because my gut was telling me so.
＊＊＊
Clatter—!
Oh Jae-hyun, who had been watching the overseas news, dropped his glass.
"W-what the, what in the...?"
His body trembled uncontrollably, making his voice come out hoarse and broken.
"I-Is there anyone outside?"
"Yes, Chairman. Did you call for me?"
"G-Gather all the executives immediately. Right now!!"
The secretary, seeing the chairman's face turn beet red, instantly sensed something was terribly wrong and rushed out of the room.
"Why the hell does this keep happening—?"
Oh Jae-hyun stared blankly at the breaking news flashing across the screen.
This was beyond absurd—no, this was outright insanity.
[UK Declares Brexit.]
Prime Minister Cameron of the Conservative Party had always been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the EU.
And the moment he secured victory in the general election, he dropped a bombshell.
A declaration to withdraw from the EU.
Even as Prime Minister, unilaterally declaring an EU exit wasn't something he could just decide on a whim.
The UK and EU had been intertwined for so long that untangling their ties was no simple matter—this was an issue significant enough to require a national referendum.
But the critical point was this: the current UK Prime Minister, backed by the victorious Conservative Party, had officially announced their intent to leave the EU.
Whether they actually followed through or not, the mere declaration alone was enough to send shockwaves through the market.
And for LK Group—which had already been reeling from the recent terrorist attacks, having lost its foothold in France and poured everything into the UK—this was a bolt from the blue.
"You goddamn lunatic!!"
Unable to contain his rage, Oh Jae-hyun hurled his liquor bottle at the TV.
But his fury didn't last long.
Because something far more terrifying began creeping in.
"What the hell do we do now?"
Even if Brexit didn't materialize, the backlash from European nations would be catastrophic.
According to the latest updates, the French President had already stepped forward, condemning the UK. Though France hadn't left the EU, they'd issued threats of new restrictions on tourism and exports.
And like dominoes, Germany, Spain, Italy—every EU nation—began denouncing the UK for attempting to abandon ship at such a critical moment.
The UK would undoubtedly be shaken.
LK Group, which had staked its survival on the UK and poured astronomical sums into marketing, was about to lose everything all over again.
"Unless—."
A fleeting thought crossed his mind—that shadowy figure who still hadn't revealed himself.
"Did that bastard foresee this too?"
Even the UK, their last bastion of hope, had stabbed them in the back.
No one could have predicted this.
Brexit? The UK leaving the EU?
Even if the referendum failed, the tourism industry was as good as dead.
Because it wasn't just the leaders—every European citizen now saw the UK as a backstabbing traitor.
If that bastard had truly anticipated things unfolding this far, then fighting him was unthinkable.
This was practically like seeing into the future.
"Tomorrow is going to be a disaster."
The news would spread through financial circles soon enough.
Rumors that LK Group's UK investments had failed.
And then the bills would come pouring in from every direction.
The worst-case scenario—no profits, only debts to repay.
On top of that, they might even lose LK Tower.
"No. That's the one thing I can't lose, no matter what."
Whether it meant calling in political favors, groveling before the banks, or selling off subsidiaries—even if it cost him an arm and a leg, LK Tower had to be protected.
It was LK Group's last stronghold.
＊＊＊
The Brexit we'd feared had finally exploded in our faces.
And right after we'd aggressively gone short, no less.
Unsurprisingly, Brexit was far more shocking than the China Shock or the Greek Default, sending violent tremors through the market.
"Ugh. My head."
I'd stayed late at the office, day trading until my brain felt fried, and now I was home with a pounding headache.
You couldn't just sit back and watch during rare events like this—you had to throw money in.
But after pushing myself hard for the first time in a while, I needed rest.
"Oppa, oppa, oppa!!"
But today, of all days, my sister had dropped by.
"Huh? It's not even the weekend—why are you here?"
"I just had to ask you something. But I couldn't just call you out of the blue while you were working."
My younger sister promptly laid out expensive bread and snacks before me.
"Dear brother~ You worked hard again today~."
"Why are you being so creepy? I'm just going to wash up."
"Hey, hey! Sit down first. This is seriously expensive bread. They say it's a collaboration between some famous overseas chef and our hotel. The price is insane too. Good enough as a bribe, right?"
"What's this about?"
My sister glanced around unnecessarily before whispering to me:
"You know LK Tower, right? I heard your company might end up taking it over. Is that true?"
"Is that something you need to lower your voice for?"
"Anyway! Is it true or not?"
"Yeah. But nothing's certain yet. It's true that it's currently held as collateral by us."
As it happens, I know the Chairman's been getting massive headaches over this very issue.
With Brexit exploding onto the scene, rumors of LK Group's crisis have spread like wildfire through financial circles, causing promissory notes to come flooding back from all directions.
Not just the amounts owed to us, but all their other outstanding loans everywhere need to be settled immediately.
Yet it seems they're determined to protect LK Tower at all costs - they've been pulling strings in political circles to gradually pressure Gwangun Securities.
Even if they lose everything else, their stance appears to be that LK Tower absolutely cannot be taken from them.
Even if our Gwangun Securities were to actually acquire it, there'd be another problem.
The fact that LK Tower was originally built specifically for hotel operations.
But since Gwangun Securities isn't in the hotel business, we can't just tear everything down and rebuild - it's a genuinely tricky situation.
"So you came all the way here just to ask about that?"
"No. I work at Baekje Hotel, you know? The place that's always battling LK Hotel for the top spot. If LK Hotel opens LK Tower, they'd solidify their position as number one, so everyone at our company's been anxious. Then these rumors started circulating, and now all the employees are dying to know if it's real or fake news."
Baekje Hotel is an affiliate of Kangsung Group - the number one conglomerate in South Korea.
Driven by pride in maintaining their position as Korea's top group, Baekje Hotel has constantly fought with LK Hotel for that number one spot.
They probably thought they'd have to permanently surrender the throne when LK Hotel went and built that insane LK Tower.
"Since LK Group seems determined to protect LK Tower at all costs, it probably won't be easy."
"Really? That's disappointing. Ugh. So LK Hotel might somehow hold onto the tower, make a comeback, and claim the top spot forever? While we have to struggle day and night to take it back? This is insane."
Listening to my sister's complaints, I let out a quiet chuckle.
I'd told her that now that her big brother's making serious money, she could quit her job and pursue whatever she wanted, but she said what she wants is to build her career at her current company.
She must have her own goals and dreams.
She's my little sister, but I'm proud of her.
"It wouldn't be easy to snatch the top spot after LK Tower's official opening."
If LK Group manages to hold out and protect LK Tower, they could probably recover somehow.
I picked up a fork.
To try some of the bread and snacks my sister bought.
"Exactly. Who knows how much pressure we'll get from upper management. If we'd known this would happen, wouldn't it have been better if we'd built something as impressive as LK Tower?"
Talking with my sister reminded me that when conversing with women, sometimes just showing empathy is enough.
Nodding while enjoying the delicious bread, I agreed:
"You're right. They should build one. Kangsung Group has plenty of money."
They said it was a collaboration with a famous chef.
No wonder it's so expensive - there's always a reason.
"Right! And soon our family's going to LK Tower, but of all places, it has to be our rival company's property. How great would it be if the hotel there was Baekje instead of LK!"
"That's true... Ugh-!"
"Oh! Brother, what's wrong? Choking? Hold on, I'll pour you some milk."
"Ah. Th-thanks."
The bread nearly got stuck in my throat and almost choked me.
Fortunately, the milk helped wash it down, but I definitely felt something.
"A signal...?"
"Huh? Signal? What signal?"
I alternated glances between my confused sister and the bread I'd been eating.
"You said this was made in collaboration with a famous chef?"
"Ah, yeah. Was it so delicious it choked you?"
That's when I felt it again - enough to make my fork shake.
Collaboration.
That word suddenly struck me.
Gwangun and Baekje.
Could it be... some insane collaboration between these two?