The Final Stretch
***
[The acquisition battle for Yeonggwang Ilbo is now just one day away, with all eyes on which company it will end up in.]
[The bidding location has not been disclosed, but Yeonggwang Ilbo is reportedly set to select the acquirer through a competitive auction process.]
Choi Jong-hoon, the lawyer who had been working closely with Min-ho for quite some time, couldn't hide his astonishment at the clever ploy Min-ho had pulled out.
"How did you predict that something like this would happen at Namdo Chemical?"
"You know the nickname for Han Du-hak?"
"Gwanghwamun Hippo."
"It's a nickname he earned because he's sloppy not just when eating, but in handling business too. You think a guy like that would clean up after himself neatly?"
"So that's why you went to meet the president of Yeonggwang Ilbo?"
"Had to be. That's why I sent two reporters there in advance. If illegal activity gets caught there, the game ends right then and there."
Choi had no choice but to gape in shock.
Once again, Min-ho had staked everything on a low-probability event and pushed his plan forward. It was impossible not to be amazed by his audacity, which went beyond anything imaginable.
"You bet everything on these odds again this time?"
"It was a pretty high probability. I just hit it."
"This is going to have massive repercussions. Not just the local governments involved, but the members of the National Assembly representing those districts will be in hot water for a while."
"There might even be hearings. I've factored that in too."
Having the bomb's switch in hand didn't mean it was over. You had to detonate it at the moment that would inflict the maximum damage on the opponent.
"So when do you plan to set it off?"
"I'll announce it tomorrow during the bidding. You know the rest without me saying, right?"
"Yes, young master. One more thing— the venue hasn't been settled yet. If you tell me, I'll call the Namdo Group side."
"No need. They'll call us first."
Right on cue, the phone rang. Cheon Dong-gwan picked up the receiver.
"This is Athena's Cheon Dong-gwan."
"This is Yang Sang-pil, secretary general of Namdo Group. I'm calling to discuss the bidding venue. Who should I speak with?"
"Please hold for a moment."
Cheon covered the mouthpiece with his hand and reported.
"President, Namdo's calling about the bidding venue."
"I'll take it. Hand it over."
Min-ho returned to his seat and picked up the receiver.
"I've got the phone."
"This is Yang Sang-pil, secretary general. I'm calling to discuss the bidding venue."
Common sense dictated that Han Du-hak, the chairman, wouldn't make this call himself. Even knowing that, Min-ho played dumb.
"Can I speak with Chairman Han Du-hak?"
"He's entrusted everything to me. Just tell me what you want."
Wedging the receiver between his neck and shoulder, Min-ho flipped open his notebook and continued.
"You know the Yeonggwang Ilbo building is cramped, right?"
"Yes. If the venue isn't suitable, you can use our group's large conference room."
Even a mangy dog fights half as fiercely in its own yard. There was no reason for Min-ho, who held the switch, to march into enemy territory.
"I've faxed over the bidding venue and detailed specifications."
"Please hold on."
Yang, reviewing the details, gave a vague response for some reason, unable to decide.
"I just checked. I'll report to the chairman and call you back."
"Seems like you're misunderstanding something, so let me clarify. This isn't a negotiation—it's a notice."
"Pardon? You said notice?"
"Didn't you say he's entrusted everything to you? How can I keep talking to someone who can't even decide something like this?"
Min-ho knew exactly the extent of a secretary general's authority. He deliberately wounded the man's pride, slowly steering things in the direction he wanted.
What would happen if Yang Sang-pil backed down here? He'd be admitting he was a powerless figurehead.
In their brief exchange, Yang had already been led by Min-ho and reacted emotionally, as expected.
"Understood. We'll proceed that way."
"See you tomorrow."
As Min-ho ended the call, Choi, who had overheard it, raised one concern.
"Young master, do you really have to hold it at the Art Gallery? There are security issues, and I think you should consider moving it elsewhere."
"No worries with Representative Gu Ung-jae. He's got a tighter lip than I expected. Plus, it'll get some decent publicity—not a bad choice."
"A lot of media will show up, and your face might get exposed."
"Gu Ung-jae will handle that. Actually, that's why I picked the Art Gallery."
"Just in case, I'll make a call."
Min-ho, studying the map intently, spoke up.
"No need to double-check the legal side, right?"
"It's ironclad, no doubt. If things go according to plan, even if Namdo Group wins the bid, they won't get their hands on Yeonggwang Ilbo."
At that moment, someone urgently knocked on the office door.
"Young master, I'll check."
"It's probably President Jo from Yeonggwang Ilbo. Let him in."
"Got it."
As expected, President Jo burst in, panting heavily.
"President Jo, I'm not going anywhere."
"With the lawyer here too, I figured I'd stop by to confirm. The photos are here."
President Jo hurriedly pulled printed photos from his bag.
"I sent the two reporters to the spot you mentioned."
"They probably weren't thrilled at first."
"Those two came back complaining, lips smeared with who-knows-what, grumbling about it. Then, from the following week, they said a stench started wafting out."
"This is undeniable proof—even Namdo can't refute it."
Choi, examining the photos closely, asked,
"This is more than enough as evidence. Anything else?"
"We have proof of unauthorized discharge, and the phenol resin storage tank malfunction too."
"When can we see those photos?"
"They're printing now. I'll bring them as soon as they're ready."
To keep Yeonggwang Ilbo out of Namdo Group's jaws, President Jo was running himself ragged. He was still catching his breath from how frantically he'd rushed over.
"Lawyer Choi, could I get some water?"
"Of course."
Min-ho, scrutinizing the photos, said,
"The circumstances point to deliberate dumping."
"Exactly. No other explanation. How should we run the story?"
"I'll give the signal tomorrow during the bidding. Drop it then. It has to break first from Yeonggwang Ilbo."
"Understood. I'll prepare accordingly."
"Now it's all set. Your debts will be cleared, and no more worries about laying off staff."
"Thank you so much. I won't forget this favor."
President Jo downed the water Choi handed him in one gulp and hurried out of the office.
Victory was now all but declared.
Min-ho smiled faintly at Choi.
"It's a game where we win whether we win or lose."
***
Yeonggwang Ilbo bidding day D-1. Namdo Group chairman's office.
For reasons he couldn't pinpoint, Han Du-hak felt more queasy than usual today. It wasn't just from overeating and drinking the night before.
He couldn't deny that this clogged-up feeling in his gut was because of Kang Jin-gwang.
Han replayed Jin-gwang's smiling face and words in his mind once more. If Kang hadn't had solid grounds, he wouldn't have said a word, let alone bet.
Kang had confidently wagered his entire stake in JK Telecom. Han felt uneasy, like he hadn't wiped properly after using the bathroom, but he couldn't guess at anything specific.
He patted his protruding belly and lit a cigarette.
He ran the numbers every way possible, considering a loss to the upstart Athena. No matter how he crunched it, there was no scenario where he lost.
Dismissing it as just a mood, Han chugged some cold water and muttered to himself.
"Is it because I saw that viper's spawn after so long? My mood's been off since morning... Hey! Yang!"
Yang Sang-pil, the secretary general, rushed into the chairman's office.
"You called, Chairman?"
"You can't just negotiate a venue without any back-and-forth."
"My apologies. I just spoke with Athena. They..."
"You know I hate headaches and complications? Cut the crap and give me the bottom line."
"We've agreed on the Art Gallery auction hall they proposed."
Han slammed both hands on the desk, venting his displeasure.
"Those puny bastards got exactly what they wanted, just like that?"
Yang had made an emotional call the moment Min-ho bruised his pride. He knew full well what punishment awaited if he told the truth.
To avoid upsetting the notoriously ill-tempered Han, he added a convenient lie.
"Athena begged and pleaded. Since our win is a sure thing, I figured we could indulge them that much."
With no way of knowing the truth, Han finally nodded in satisfaction.
"Fine, since we're winning anyway, we can afford that. Preparations are going well?"
"We've distributed press releases to the media for bidding day, and we've got cheer squads outside with huge banners."
"Good enough—time for me to take the spotlight myself. Been a while."
"Namdo Group has zero chance of losing. Rest assured."
"Of course. Who dares challenge Namdo? Right?"
"Yes, Chairman."
"Alright, get out."
Yang hesitated a moment before cautiously broaching the subject.
"Chairman..."
"Spit it out like a man, don't beat around the bush."
"We got a report from Namdo Chemical."
"Why the long face?"
"Two men, suspected to be reporters, have been lurking around the company lately."
"Grab those bastards and snap their cameras in half. What were security doing?"
"They approached since the guys kept hanging around, and the men claimed they were fishermen before bolting."
"That happens. It's a spot where randos show up sometimes. No big deal."
Unlike the dim-witted Han, the sharp Yang saw it differently. He voiced his concern carefully.
"Chairman, if they're not fishermen but reporters, there's a slim chance of trouble."
"How many times have I told you a secretary general needs to see the big picture?"
"My apologies, Chairman."
"Forget that worry and think about what comes after we acquire Yeonggwang Ilbo."
"Still, with the bidding tomorrow, better not risk anything that could bite us."
Already in a foul mood, Han—unlike usual—glared at Yang's drawn-out words, cigarette in mouth.
"Sang-pil..."
"Yes, Chairman."
"You know the longest river in our country is the Nakdong River, right?"
"Yes, Chairman. It starts in Gangwon and flows across the Yeongnam region."
"Exactly. And a guy who knows that so well is worried? Why? Scared?"
"My apologies. Just in case."
Han flashed a nauseating smile.
"Disposal costs a fortune. Letting a little leak during rain is something we've done forever. No way they can trace where it started."
"Understood."
"Report when acquisition prep is done."
"Yes, sir."
Han had no inkling that his decision would come back to hobble him.
He exhaled smoke and tapped ash into the tray.
The next day, Han arrived at the Art Gallery for the Yeonggwang Ilbo bidding, beaming with a smile as if his victory were already sealed.
Min-ho, who had arrived first, watched him and smirked faintly before stepping forward.
Everything was unfolding exactly as Min-ho had planned.
The outcome was as good as decided.
All that remained was the announcement.