23. Loyalty
I got an enormous ovation right up until the moment I stepped out of the grand auditorium. They'd support me no matter what after I showed up out of nowhere and announced a 1 million won raise per person, with another 2 million next year—no questions asked. Hell, even I'd have clapped like crazy in their shoes.
"The important thing is loyalty. Contracts, salaries—I can make those as sweet as you want. As long as you're loyal to me. You get what I'm saying, right?"
"Yes, of course, Master. We'll make sure there's no trouble."
"Good. Let's do this right."
I kept Seo Hyun-ju glued to my side the whole time I toured Shinmirae Daily. Anyone watching would've thought we were the president and his wife out on an inspection. She was brand new as a section chief, way too junior to oversee the whole company, but with me dragging her around like this—and mentioning her in that salary speech—she'd wield influence beyond her rank. Especially if the employees pledged loyalty to me.
For just a few billion won a year, I can buy the loyalty of the entire staff? Can't beat that deal.
The executives bowed and scraped the whole time too. They even seemed awkward around Hyun-ju. Perfect—it's working. Sure, there might be nasty rumors about her floating around behind the scenes, but that's nothing compared to what I'm gaining up front.
I wrapped up the Shinmirae Daily tour and headed to the rooftop AV pad. Right before boarding, I told her,
"I'll get you a separate card from your living expense one. Use it for anything this place needs, then report to Sua later."
"...Thank you for your consideration, Master."
"If you're really grateful, bring me a new jotjip sometime."
"...Yes."
Seo Hyun-ju bowed deeply, and the Shinmirae Daily execs who'd been hovering a few steps back hurriedly bowed too. I watched them for a second, then hopped into the AV.
"Now that I've snagged a newspaper, maybe I should launch a TV station or buy one outright."
Shinmirae Daily was a solid media outfit, especially with real clout in Incheon. But now that it was mine, it felt... lacking. Even with Mitube for streaming, running a proper video channel would secure future growth.
"Should I tell Goryeo Entertainment to handle that?"
"Nah, I'll tell 'em myself. Have Emilia and Na Tae-hee come to the Mu-yeol Land mansion."
"Got it."
Work never stops in the AV. Not diving into minutiae—just setting the big-picture direction. Though of course, some details need my attention.
"Pull up where Mu-yeol Finance's funds are tied up right now."
"Yes."
Most of our group's cash—about 10 trillion won—was parked in safe assets after the Shanghai mess. Yield was sitting at +1.9%. Impressive for the scale and timeline; that's a whopping 190 billion in profits. But I wasn't satisfied.
New Year's here—time for those companies to pop up.
In the original story, unicorn companies exploded onto the scene. Fresh startups or bootstrapped outfits that ballooned massively. No special lore behind them—they were just content fodder. Players needed ways to make money, so stock mini-games featured rising stocks that climbed because the system said so. Real Production was like that too.
They proved their real-world value would skyrocket. The founders' paths matched too.
Barring some massive butterfly effect, these companies would boom.
"Here's the list I'm eyeing now."
"Ah... Another investment list?"
Sua reacted before I finished. Memories of the Real Production investments, probably.
"Yeah. But these are different. Some might not have launched yet—maybe the founders are still mulling it over."
"Pardon?"
"The names under the company titles are the founders. Track 'em down, offer investment. But make it clear we won't touch management."
"... "
Sua eyed the list skeptically. I get it—even I sound insane.
"Sometimes, Master... you seem like you know the future... "
"Yep. I can see it."
"... "
She said it but didn't buy it.
"Pledge full support, just snag the shares. These ones you can buy straight from the exchange."
"Understood. I'll pass it on."
We touched down at the Mu-yeol Land mansion just as I was stepping off the AV—a message from Go Hayan.
Ever the refined lady, asking permission first. Curious, I replied, and she led with the card.
She really hates Min-ji. Fuels my threesome fantasies even more.
This must be the real topic.
She'd shot down my meeting pitch before. Now she's initiating. No way I'd refuse—especially after taking her unlimited card. Can't compare to Min-ji's Pacific Night loan or Seon-yul's Jeju Modern Art Museum, but theoretically, Hayan's gift is top-tier. Turning her down? Impossible.
Totally bait. These gifts outvalue my companies—zero excuse to say no. Maybe that's the play.
Doesn't bug me, but it's a weird feeling.
She went quiet, then replied after about a minute.
"... "
Her reply felt... off. First time on the super yacht for both of us, sure, but did she have to phrase it like that? Feels intentional.
Window's mid-January max. Could push to February, but that delays too much.
Jotjip Association day again. Barely attended any lately, even though it's weekly.
"Sua, need the yacht on the 16th—prep accordingly. Hayan noona's coming."
"Gasp. R-right away."
My secretaries were swamped with event prep, but Sua jotted it down in a panic anyway.