Chapter 58
Chapter 58
Translation: Godtl
Gwangun had begun acquiring shipping companies one after another, exponentially expanding its scale.
When the time came to manage its suddenly enlarged operations, the Gwangun Group was born.
The first venture of this newly formed Gwangun Group was none other than the acquisition of Port Operation Rights.
When Jeong Jin-ho ordered the purchase of port operation rights, there was fierce opposition within the company.
In the past, port operation rights were essentially a license to print money—a structure where you could sit back and watch the profits roll in.
They were the ultimate low-cost, high-efficiency assets, rivaling even the landlords of Gangnam.
But as trade declined and the number of ships traversing the seas dwindled, the port business found itself in dire straits.
Eventually, companies that couldn't hold on began dumping their operation rights, yet even ports that still had substantial cargo flow struggled to find buyers.
The prevailing outlook was that the trade industry would only face tougher times ahead.
That's why the company's executives had vehemently opposed the move, insisting it was absolutely out of the question.
"P-President! Have you seen the news?!"
"Yeah. I was just reading it on my way here."
The executives gathered in Director Kim Du-yeong's office, their faces pale.
"The Belt and Road Initiative—wasn't that supposed to be completely dead?"
"Exactly. It came up three years ago but fizzled out halfway. But this time, it seems they're really going through with it."
China had a history of making grand announcements that often amounted to little in practice.
But this time felt different.
They had already begun developing the land-based Silk Road, and on the maritime front, they announced the most optimal Silk Road routes and aggressively pursued acquisitions.
The crucial point? Every single bottleneck location China had designated as part of its optimal route were ports Gwangun Group had already acquired in advance.
Thanks to that, Gwangun Group stood to make an astronomical profit.
"We were the ones who opposed this so fiercely back then."
"That's right. If the President hadn't pushed through with it despite all the resistance..."
The executives' opposition at the time had been intense—and rightfully so.
"Honestly, saying this now is easy, but back then, not opposing it would've been insane. To anyone with eyes, it looked like throwing money into the ocean."
"And yet, you pushed forward, President?"
"Yeah. Because it wasn't just anyone's order—it was Director Jeong Jin-ho's directive."
It might sound odd to say a securities firm director gave the order, but within Gwangun Group, it was perfectly normal.
None of the executives here saw Jeong Jin-ho as just a director-level employee.
There was even a saying that the Gwangun Group Chairman would leap out of bed if Director Jeong Jin-ho so much as spoke.
He was already the power behind the power.
"Haven't I told you all repeatedly? Never doubt Director Jeong Jin-ho. Do you think the saying 'Don't bring your ego in front of Director Jeong Jin-ho' came out of nowhere?"
"But... even so, how on earth did he know this would happen?"
The executives were beside themselves, practically jumping out of their skins.
The port business had seemed like sheer madness to anyone with common sense.
Yet, fully aware of that, Director Jeong Jin-ho had issued the order, and President Kim Du-yeong had bulldozed through all opposition to make it happen.
And this was the result.
The Chinese government, which had initially bared its fangs at Gwangun for acquiring Chinese companies, was now treading carefully and coming to them with concessions.
"Investing so aggressively in the port business means he knew things would turn out like this from the start..."
"You don't think he has some divine power to see the future, do you?"
"If that were the case, every shaman in the world would be a chaebol by now. This level of foresight means he must have an informant on the Chinese side."
President Kim Du-yeong thought the same.
As Chairman Hwang had once said, Director Jeong Jin-ho had his own algorithm—one others couldn't comprehend.
It wasn't about seeing the future or relying on some mystical power for investments.
It was Jeong Jin-ho's own calculation method, built purely on thorough analysis and prediction.
And for such predictions to be possible, he would naturally need a solid information network.
"Right. No matter how you look at it, he must have a high-level informant in China."
An informant capable of providing intelligence of this caliber.
"Director Jeong Jin-ho is only in his twenties, from what I know. How does someone that young have access to such prime information lines...?"
It was almost embarrassing.
The trade industry was fundamentally built on connections—networks upon networks.
But how could people who've been rolling around the trade market for decades have fewer connections than a securities firm director?!
"I heard Director Jeong takes home enormous incentives and has made the company a ton of money. Maybe he used that to buy his information network?"
"Whatever the case may be, it's shameful for us. Just how unreliable must we have seemed for Director Jeong to keep helping us like this? Don't you think?"
"..."
They had nothing to say.
Not only had Jeong Jin-ho saved Hanjong Shipping, he'd directly participated in the shipping business to build a massive group.
"And yet all we did was doubt him..."
"Let's write ourselves a new motto from now on."
"Huh? What would that be?"
President Kim Du-yeong smirked as he answered.
"To abandon one's ego."
＊＊＊
China's Belt and Road Initiative was progressing at breakneck speed.
The land routes were being laid out exactly as planned, showing strong determination to complete the project swiftly.
But the real problem, as always, was the maritime routes.
"Congratulations, President Jeong. Wow, calling you 'President' suddenly makes you seem like a different person."
"Please don't. I never expected to have a president's nameplate myself so suddenly."
"In hindsight, it was only natural."
Once the group stabilized somewhat, my hyung immediately held a board meeting and made me President of Gwangun Securities.
They say not a single person opposed this unprecedented personnel decision.
Thanks to that, I had to hastily prepare an inauguration ceremony and give a speech in front of all Gwangun Securities employees.
"I've heard the stories. They say President Jeong is practically legendary at Gwangun Securities. Started as a junior and achieved ultra-fast promotions in record time."
"I was a parachute appointment, really."
"People might have thought that at first, but who'd think that now? President Jeong has proven himself through ability."
President Kim Du-yeong hadn't come today just to congratulate me on becoming president.
"It's about China, isn't it?"
"Yeah. As you predicted, we initially refused their proposal. Then suddenly the Ministry of Commerce says they're sending someone? You know—that guy who came throwing his weight around last time."
His name was probably Lin Weiming.
"That bastard must be so embarrassed. After putting on such a grand show of arrogance, now he has to come crawling back. I take it President Jeong was pretty angry with him too?"
I had been angry when Lin Weiming's rude attitude seemed to disrespect my hyung.
But refusing their offer wasn't about revenge.
I'd just had a gut feeling we shouldn't accept it at the time.
"I have to meet that bastard tomorrow. Is it okay if I handle it alone?"
"Of course. You're the expert in that field, after all."
"Ugh. I used to think so. But looking at you, President Jeong, I start wondering if I'm really an expert at all."
My knowledge of maritime affairs is lacking.
Rather than misspeaking and making mistakes, it's better to leave it to the experts. That's why we have President Kim Du-yeong.
"We've invested so much money this time, the negotiations have to go perfectly."
Gwangun Shipping spent enormous sums acquiring marine companies.
They used up all their capital reserves, and our department even provided an additional 1 trillion won in support.
So I poured my remaining 2 trillion won in seed money entirely into acquiring port operation rights.
On top of that, Gwangun Shipping took out full bank loans, combining existing capital with bank loans to invest another 1 trillion won.
A total of 3 trillion won went into this.
Meaning if negotiations with China fall through, that entire amount becomes our pure loss.
No wonder President Kim is so tense.
"So, how much are you thinking?"
"For the operation rights?"
"Yeah. How much should we squeeze out of these bastards?"
"What's your estimate, President?"
"Well... maximum 50%? If we really play crazy and get greedy, maybe 70%? But honestly, I doubt they'd accept that. And I'm thinking maybe we shouldn't sell all our shares. Might be good to keep some stake."
Not selling all the operation rights shares but keeping a foot in the door.
Since the Belt and Road Initiative will likely generate continuous profits once completed, we're considering maintaining some investment.
"Killing two birds with one stone, as they say."
"You're quite greedy, aren't you?"
"Well, yes. Maybe I am being too greedy? So what do you think? What price would be good? 50%? Should we lower it?"
The reason I'd asked President Kim Du-yeong for his opinion was that I wasn't getting any strong gut feeling about this.
I thought perhaps getting realistic pricing advice from an expert might make things click into place, but—
'Nothing's coming to me.'
Was I setting the price too aggressively?
"What's this? Why the scary silence? You're not thinking of going even higher, are you?"
That's when it happened.
President Kim Du-yeong's words gave me a small signal.
Could he possibly be suggesting... that we should go higher?
"President. If you were to truly go all out, how much do you think you'd demand?"
"Well then, double."
I felt a slightly stronger impulse at double the price.
But this didn't feel like the peak yet.
"What if we get a bit more greedy?"
"W-what, more than this? Then... 250%?"
"..."
"D-don't tell me 300%!? You're demanding triple?"
Right then, an intense stimulation surged up so strongly that my eyelids nearly closed on their own.
But still... still.
At triple, something felt missing.
"Triple the price, and what else?"
"You're saying we shouldn't sell all our shares and keep some? That thing I said earlier was just a joke?!"
I slowly nodded.
Only now did it feel like the missing piece had been completely filled in.
"No, seriously. Who's calling who greedy here?"
＊＊＊
Kim Du-yeong, having arrived at the meeting place, was already feeling conflicted.
Not only were they demanding triple the price, but they were also insisting on not selling all their shares and keeping a portion.
While China, with its majority stake, would take the operational rights, keeping a small percentage would allow them to earn steady profits—that must have been the reasoning behind the suggestion.
The problem was: would China actually accept such an offer?
It would already be a miracle if they didn't immediately declare they'd dismantle all of Gwangun's operations in China.
"Every time feels like taking some kind of test."
It was as if they were being tested—"Do you still trust Jeong Jin-ho even after this?"
But since the decision had already been made, there was no choice but to push forward.
"Good to see you again, Deputy Director."
"Yes, it's a pleasure to meet again."
Last time, he had looked downright venomous.
Today, his expression seemed unsettled.
Well, of course. After all that bluster, coming back to negotiate again must be quite the ordeal.
"I imagine you're not in the mood for a leisurely cup of tea, so shall we get straight to the point?"
"Very well. Tell me the price you want."
Is this really okay?
Now that it was time to speak, the words wouldn't come easily.
Eventually, he decided to play the madman and laid it out.
"Our desired price is three times what we paid for the shares. And while China will take operational rights, we won't be selling all of our stake."
"...!?"
Clearly shocked, the cup in Lin Weiming's hand trembled violently.
Ah, here we go—he's going to start screaming and making all kinds of threats, Kim Du-yeong thought as the moment passed.
"Very well."
"...?"
Wait. He's accepting it?
Seriously? Did I mishear?
If anything, it was Kim Du-yeong who was stunned now.
Had the interpreter made a mistake?
Or was there some other intention behind this?
But it would be awkward to ask.
He was straining to keep his composure, desperately trying not to let his turbulent emotions show.
"You've brought the contract, I assume?"
"Ah, yes. The proposal here also specifies how much stake we wish to retain."
"Hmm. I see. I can't sign here—I'm only here for negotiations, after all. The final approval will come from the Director. Once that's done, I'll contact you again."
The deal was done in less than five minutes.
Lin Weiming hadn't even properly read the contract.
And just like that, Kim Du-yeong exchanged a dazed handshake.
"But let me ask you one thing."
"Yes?"
"Who exactly is behind Gwangun Group? Who could possibly have known about the Belt and Road Initiative—information only a select few were privy to—and orchestrated a deal like this?"
That was when Kim Du-yeong realized why Lin Weiming had reacted the way he did.
Now, Lin Weiming was convinced that a high-ranking Chinese official was involved behind Gwangun Securities. Only then did Kim Du-yeong also feel like the puzzle pieces were clicking perfectly into place.
So that's why he confidently demanded three times the price.
And on top of that, this absurd proposal.
"I don't know either."
"...You don't know? Aren't you the person in charge?"
"No. Just as Deputy Director Li was sent here under orders, I, too, am here under instructions."
"..."
"But one thing is certain—someone beyond our reach is backing us. Otherwise, how could a deal like this even be conceivable?"
"...!"
At that, Lin Weiming nodded and extended his hand first.
"Seems like both you and I are just pawns in someone's grand scheme."
"Yes. Isn't that what organizational life is all about?"
Lin Weiming smiled bitterly.
In contrast, Kim Du-yeong beamed brightly.
After all, thanks to this, Gwangun Shipping was about to make an astronomical sum of money.
＊＊＊
"Deputy Director! Have you lost your mind? You call this a contract?! Three times the price? And they're not even handing over all the shares? What kind of—!"
Upon returning to the Ministry of Commerce, Lin Weiming was scolded by the Director.
To anyone, this contract was clearly designed to fatten Gwangun's pockets.
"Still, it's cheaper than three years ago. Back then, the share prices were sky-high."
"That's exactly why our government waited three years—for that bubble to burst! But this... What the hell is this? Did you take something in Korea?"
"Absolutely not."
"Then how could you come back with this insane deal? Do you really think I'd approve this?!"
Unable to hold back, the Director flung the papers aside.
But Lin Weiming didn't even feel a surge of anger.
Because now, seeing the Director's reaction, he understood.
"So even you didn't know, Director. As expected... If even you are unaware, just who could be involved...?"
"What?"
"Doesn't it strike you as odd, Director? Before the Ban on Korean Culture was lifted, Gwangun Group had already acquired Chinese companies to monopolize shipping capacity. And before the Belt and Road Initiative was even announced, they had secured all the critical bottleneck points."
The Director's eyes darted rapidly.
Even if the Director of the Ministry of Commerce was just a mid-level official, reaching this position required more than just ordinary instincts.
"Wait. Are you saying someone is behind Gwangun Group?"
"Yes. Didn't you say only a handful of people knew about the Belt and Road Initiative before its announcement? Then how did Gwangun know in advance? Not just that—this proposal came from Gwangun's side. What does it mean for them to make such an outrageous offer?"
"They must be certain we have no choice but to accept."
"Exactly. The Ban on Korean Culture, the Belt and Road Initiative—it's all the same. One of the Party's core members is deliberately propping up Gwangun."
What reason would a core Party member have to favor a specific company?
To make money.
But what if the Ministry of Commerce interfered with that?
"We'd disappear without a trace, Director. Not even the rats or birds would know."
"...!"
The Director gulped dryly.
If the person behind this was one of the Central Committee members—those who held real power in the Communist Party—then replacing the entire Ministry of Commerce would be child's play.
"Gwangun said the same thing. They asked if this deal made any logical sense."
"Did they say who's backing them?"
"No. The person I spoke to seemed just as clueless as me—just following orders from above. But I got the impression they vaguely knew someone with immense power in China was involved."
"..."
A chill ran down his neck.
If he had recklessly torn up the contract and tried to renegotiate the Silk Road from scratch, the Ministry would have been drenched in blood by the next day.
Literally drenched in blood.
"So... what do we do?"
"What do we do? Unless you want to die holding hands with your family, we comply. I don't know whose will this is, but keep it between you and me, Deputy Director. Don't let word spread. Don't provoke that person's temper. Let's handle this as quietly as possible."
"Understood."
After the Deputy Director left, the Director finally picked up his cup with trembling hands and gulped down the water.
"Ugh. My heart's pounding..."
He had no idea who it was.
But if something like this was happening, they could've at least given a hint to tread carefully.
If not for the Deputy Director, he and his family might have turned to ashes and vanished.