Chapter 49
Chapter 49
Translation: Godtl
"So it's come to this after all. Just as Director Jeong intended, hm?"
Kangsung Chairman Kang Sung-ho, who had stormed out angrily during our last meeting, was now smiling faintly as he refilled my glass.
"First it was 2 trillion won. This time, 3 trillion. You're the first person to take a total of 5 trillion won straight from Kangsung's pockets, Director Jeong."
"Putting it that way makes me sound like some kind of villain."
"From Kangsung's perspective, you're worse than a villain—you're a goddamn thief! Haha."
Yet he seemed to be in good spirits.
The elder brother beside me refilled Chairman Kang's glass and chimed in.
"But Chairman, it's not like you're taking a loss, are you? The LK Tower will bring substantial long-term gains when viewed in the broader picture. And if you dismantle Jintetsu properly—selling what should be sold and absorbing what should be absorbed—you'll come out way ahead."
"That's precisely why I didn't swallow my pride and come here for nothing. When Director Jeong here stared me down and demanded I cough up 3 trillion won, I was so furious I walked out. You could say it's downright humiliating to come back for more."
"Not at all. If I were in your position, Chairman, I'd have yelled at that bastard Jin-ho and stormed out too."
Though Kangsung Group was paying us a whopping 3 trillion won to buy the bonds, this was by no means a disadvantageous deal for them.
Just think about it.
If it were truly a loss, Chairman Kang Sung-ho wouldn't have come here in the first place.
"I heard, Chairman, that you're planning to take Osaka Harukas as well? But no matter how you look at it, Osaka Harukas is practically a symbol of Japanese pride—do you really think it's possible?"
"I wasn't even going to be that greedy initially. But you know how it is. With the Mossack Fonseca Gate scandal blowing up, no one's stepping up to defend Jintetsu Group anymore."
On top of that, by using Osaka Orient as a front, most Japanese citizens remain unaware that a Korean corporation is pulling the strings behind the scenes—just like how people in our country once had no idea Japan was behind LK Group.
Moreover, with even the Japanese government no longer backing Jintetsu Group, Kangsung Group now had a clear path to acquiring Osaka Harukas, Japan's largest skyscraper.
"There are still many procedures to go through, but it's only a matter of time. Ah, by the way—if you ever visit Osaka, just let me know. We're planning to open a Baekje Hotel in Osaka Harukas. I'll treat you both as VIPs. Haha."
Kangsung Group was thrilled to devour an unexpected giant like Jintetsu.
We were happy to walk away with 3 trillion won without having to deal with any messy work.
"Now, a toast."
Clink~.
Just as the glasses made a crisp, cheerful sound upon meeting, both sides walked away with a satisfying win-win outcome.
"But there's something I want to ask you two. What do you plan to do with the 3 trillion won you're taking from here?"
"Well... Someone as small-minded as me would probably play it safe and invest in secure assets, but..."
"Director Jeong, you don't plan to do that?"
"No. Jin-ho here hates safe assets more than anything."
"Oh? Well, I can see that. It takes more than just strong nerves to do what you do. Who in their right mind would dare try to squeeze 5 trillion won out of Kangsung Group?"
"Even hearing you say that now makes me so shocked I nearly collapsed."
Everyone kept the conversation light.
The atmosphere today was simply good all around.
The bonds had already changed hands, and there was no reason left for either company to posture.
"Ah, excuse me for a moment. I need to take this call."
"Of course, go ahead."
The elder brother stepped out briefly to answer his phone.
Leaving just me and Chairman Kang Sung-ho alone.
"..."
An awkward silence settled between us.
But Chairman Kang soon broke it.
"Director Jeong. What's your goal?"
"Pardon?"
"3 trillion won—that's no small sum. Countless fund managers would scramble to handle that kind of money, yet you're managing it all alone. And you show no signs of stopping. Honestly, if you were an ordinary person, wouldn't you have quit by now? With the incentives you've earned, you could live comfortably for the rest of your life, indulging in leisure."
I sometimes think about that too.
If I quit this job, what would I do?
"What should I do with this enormous incentive money I've received?"
But no matter how much I thought about it, there was nothing I particularly wanted to do besides buying a building to create a landmark exclusively for our guild.
Moreover, I'd already realized one thing.
From the moment I set foot in the world of investing.
From the moment I became addicted to the dopamine rush it provides.
I knew I could never go back to how things were before.
"Do you know Whiterock?"
"Of course. The world's largest fund company, right? I heard they manage around 700 trillion won? Some say their capital will grow to 10 quadrillion within the next five years."
Even 700 trillion is an amount I can barely comprehend.
A staggering 10 quadrillion.
That was truly fantasy-level capital.
"My goal is to build a company that handles that kind of massive capital. 3 trillion is still far from it."
Chairman Kang burst into a chuckle.
"Lofty ambitions. Almost delusional, really."
"Don't they say the bigger the goal, the better?"
Of course, I don't actually believe I could create a company surpassing Whiterock.
It's just like how in games, I'd admire top-ranked players or top guilds and set them as my goals—this feels similar.
"Then, Director Jeong."
"Yes."
"Would you like to join our company?"
"...!"
I froze momentarily, staring at Chairman Kang.
His face was completely serious, not a trace of amusement.
"The dream you're chasing—you could achieve it within Kangsung Group. We're hundreds of times larger than Gwangun. Our capital, our systems—nothing falls short. And we'll offer you the highest compensation in the industry. What do you think?"
"..."
Chairman Kang wasn't joking.
At first, I was stunned, but gradually, I calmed down.
"No, thank you."
"The highest compensation I mentioned isn't in the billions. It's in the tens of billions. Still no?"
"No. I'm happy with my current company. I like the people there too."
Chairman Kang studied my expression before downing his drink in one go.
"Doesn't seem like you're trying to negotiate. You're really adamant."
"I deeply appreciate your high regard for me, Chairman, but I don't want to leave a place I love."
"So there's something you value more than money?"
As if his throat was dry, Chairman Kang quickly emptied his glass again.
"President Hwang is part of that, isn't he? Every time I see you two, it's hard to describe—you don't seem like just boss and subordinate."
"Yes. I suppose so. We're not related by blood, but to me, he's truly like family. A dependable older brother. Above all, he was the first to step forward and help me when I was at my lowest."
"Ha. Damn it. When you put it like that, I've got nothing left to say. I despise backstabbers more than anything in this world. Still, I can't help feeling regretful, so I'll ask one last time—as a final plea. Really no? Not a single shred of hesitation?"
"No."
It seemed even Chairman Kang had given up.
"Fine. Can't be helped."
I figured as much.
"Then, by any chance, are you seeing anyone?"
＊＊＊
After wrapping up dinner, Chairman Kang got into his car.
"Chairman, did you enjoy your meal?"
"Yes. Head straight to the hotel."
"Understood."
Then, suddenly curious, he asked:
"Manager Kim."
"Yes?"
"If another company offered you 10 billion to switch sides, what would you do?"
"Wh-what? T-ten billion?"
Manager Kim's pupils shook as if struck by an earthquake.
Right. That's the normal reaction.
Even though he hadn't actually received such an offer.
"Of course I'd refuse."
"Like hell you would."
"N-no, I mean it!"
"Alright, alright. Just testing you."
Ten billion.
An astronomical sum.
Enough to shake even the most loyal employee.
But Jeong Jin-ho hadn't hesitated for even a second.
Perhaps he had the confidence that he could earn that much at Gwangun Securities anyway, but it wasn't just about the money.
What is Kangsung?
Korea's top conglomerate.
No matter how much money Gwangun Securities makes, it can't compare.
But there was something he valued more than money.
'He said President Hwang helped him when he was at his lowest.'
Though he didn't know the exact details—.
President Hwang, that man—he envied him. No, he was downright jealous.
Only now did he understand the envy Nolbu felt when looking at Heungbu.
Just where on earth did he manage to find such a talent?
And on top of that, the guy even had loyalty.
That was truly admirable.
Unshakable loyalty, steadfast as a mountain, even in the face of money.
Not to mention, though not bound by blood, they were closer than sworn brothers.
It was romantic, and enviable.
Perhaps it reminded him of Liu Bei and his sworn brothers from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which he had enjoyed reading as a child.
'...But Liu Bei had two sworn brothers, making it three in total.'
Jeong Jin-ho and Hwang Dae-un.
That made exactly two—so wasn't there room for one more?
***
In the bustling early morning air.
Though everyone must have struggled just to come to work, once inside the company, they were too busy moving around to even catch their breath.
Before the market opened.
They had to hold quick meetings, draft preliminary strategies, and make countless preparations.
It was that nostalgic air you could only find in Yeouido.
"Ah, Section Chief."
The day after returning from my business trip to Japan, I headed straight to the office.
The one who welcomed me most enthusiastically was Section Chief Seo.
"You must've had a hard time working all the way in Japan. Thank you for your efforts."
"Not at all. If anything, I felt bad because it felt like I was just having fun the whole time."
"Oh, come on. 'Having fun'? You brought in a whopping 3 trillion won!"
"Exactly! When we heard the amount, we nearly fainted. How on earth did you manage to make 3 trillion off Kangsung...!"
While in Japan, I'd felt oddly empty the whole time, but coming back here, that void seemed to fill.
No—maybe it was just dopamine withdrawal from not being able to move money around.
"Did everyone get some proper rest? You didn't have to come in while I was away."
"We rested a bit, but... How could we just laze around when our Section Chief was over in Japan fighting tooth and nail against Kangsung?"
"Don't even get me started. The Section Chief here kept staring at your empty seat every day, pining for your return."
"Ahem! W-when did I ever do that?"
Seems I wasn't the only one who'd felt that emptiness.
"It's weird, but when I tried relaxing at home, it just wasn't fun."
"Even after resting and splurging my bonus, there was still something missing."
"Right. So it wasn't just me."
Looks like I wasn't the only one addicted to this thrill.
"So we came in occasionally to monitor the market and compiled our analyses."
"We've been receiving research data and organizing files on both domestic and international market conditions."
They were all overflowing with enthusiasm.
The stack of reports waiting to be read was mountainous.
"This'll take some time."
"We'll summarize everything as concisely as possible for you."
Gathered in the conference room for the first time in a while, the employees eagerly began their briefing.
"The Mossack Fonseca scandal has shaken the global financial landscape. With so many high-profile figures implicated, and the revelation that funds were funneled into terrorism, everyone's lying low."
"Politicians and business leaders here have also been linked, and there's talk of a massive tax audit... But honestly, I doubt Korea will do much beyond some half-hearted measures."
"Given how chaotic national affairs are right now, they can't exactly go after anyone."
The ripple effects of the Mossack Fonseca Gate were undeniably massive.
But the real issue wasn't the tax evasion—that happens everywhere—it was the terror funding.
Without that, things wouldn't have blown up this badly.
"...?"
Then something caught my eye.
A report on the bankruptcy rumors surrounding Hanjong Shipping.
"Ah, Hanjong Shipping. The financial sector's already buzzing with rumors about it. Word is they'll go under any day now."
"Are they really going bankrupt? From what I remember, Hanjong Shipping had some positive developments."
"Yes. But there are many saying it was all fabricated. They did secure a contract worth hundreds of billions, but apparently it fell through somehow. Though some say that was all part of a scheme to artificially inflate the stock price in the short term."
Shipping companies, as the name implies, conduct trade across the seas.
Doesn't 90% of global trade happen via maritime routes?
In the past, Korea profited handsomely from shipbuilding to shipping.
But now, with so many global competitors, our country can't survive in this suffocating competition.
It's not just Hanjong Shipping—I've heard Daegwang Heavy Industries' subsidiary, Daegwang Shipping, is also struggling to stay afloat.
"So someone manipulated the stock price?"
"Yes. But the contract was real, and so was its collapse. The Financial Supervisory Service is investigating, but the real issue is that there's a sizable operation behind this. Research suggests the Nerriot Fund is involved."
Nerriot Fund.
I know them too.
They became notorious precisely because of Kangsung Group.
Like many of our conglomerates, Kangsung Group operates through a circular shareholding structure. Nerriot tried exploiting a loophole during a succession process to seize control of Kangsung Group.
Of course, they didn't succeed, but they walked away with massive profits.
"They're quite infamous. A bear raid fund that moves across Asia conducting short sales. They artificially inflate stock prices like this to lure in retail investors, then spread malicious reports and rumors to create panic, driving prices down to their short-selling targets."
Bear raid.
A strategy of spreading malicious rumors to tank a company's stock price, then profiting through short selling.
There are funds and investment firms specializing in this—Nerriot is one of them.
And Nerriot isn't alone. There are more bear raid funds shaking up our domestic market than you'd think.
These are the kinds of parasites that force our country to impose heavy financial regulations.
The problem is, no matter how many regulations we set, they always find new loopholes to repeat the same schemes.
"The biggest culprits are the company's owners and executives. Rumor has it they dumped all their shares when the stock surged on the 'good news.'"
"So they were in on it?"
"Exactly. Only the retail investors who fell for it are left holding the bag. Meanwhile, short-sellers like Nerriot are probably popping champagne early."
A tragic situation for the small investors.
If the stock keeps plummeting, Nerriot will walk away with a massive payday, while the owners and executives have already escaped. All that's left is delisting.
Then, through corporate rehabilitation procedures, the company will go bankrupt, turning all those retail-held stocks into worthless scraps of paper.
People will scream in despair, but no one can save them.
The government might offer some token relief, but it won't even cover 10% of their losses.
Sadly, this happens all too often in our country.
I pity them, but there's nothing I can do.
Just have to be careful not to step in this kind of sh—
"Huh?"
It's happening again.
Like when my thumb bled during the Mosek Fonseca incident, a vivid crimson spread before—but this time, instead of red, it's a cool, oceanic blue.
'Is this another kind of signal?'
I've wondered about this since last time.
Whether it's games, sports, playing an instrument—anything you practice repeatedly, you improve.
As your skills grow, there comes a moment when you leap to the next level.
Could this be something similar?
'And it's blue, not red.'
When the red spread, it felt eerie, sending chills down my spine. But this—it's like a refreshing wave crashing against my chest.
"Chief?"
"This... Hanjong Shipping."
"Yes?"
"Should we take a position?"
"Excuse me?"
The team stared at me like I'd lost my mind. Why would we enter a stock already being slaughtered by a bear raid?
"Chief, you can't possibly—"
Then Section Chief Seo's eyes suddenly gleamed with realization.
"You're planning to turn the tables on Nerriot Fund?"