The Inevitable Defeat
Even without checking the result, anyone could predict the outcome of a martial arts match between a pro fighter from Art Gallery and a kindergartener. Everyone knew Namdo Group was swimming in cash, while Min-ho's Athena was little more than a startup. No matter how you sliced it, Namdo held a clear advantage.
News flooded the airwaves proclaiming that Namdo would seamlessly acquire Yeonggwang Ilbo. But not every shrimp gets its back crushed in a whale fight—sometimes, they snag a sweet side benefit. The unusual auction-style bidding war drew massive media attention. Every report on the Yeonggwang Ilbo takeover naturally mentioned Art Gallery, providing priceless publicity.
The entrance to Art Gallery was pure chaos. Reporters shoved and jostled for the best spots in a frenzy of coverage. On Yang Sang-pil's orders, embarrassingly oversized banners hung everywhere—no one in their right mind would call them tasteful.
[Namdo Group's Fresh Start]
[Yeonggwang Ilbo Comes Home to Namdo]
[Celebrating the Birth of Namdo Ilbo]
Thanks to them, Art Gallery's CEO Gu Ung-jae wore the brightest smile he'd had in ages. Scanning the reporters with a pleased grin, he turned to an employee.
"I can't tell if this is a dream or reality. My heart's already racing thinking about how much coverage we'll get tomorrow. What do you think, Manager Kim?"
"For us, it's just good vibes and free snacks. When the reporters snap pics later, just sidle into frame."
"Sharp as ever. Any word on who's arriving first?"
Manager Kim glanced at his papers. "Chairman Han Du-hak of Namdo left twenty minutes ago. Athena called saying they'd arrive a bit early."
"Whoever gets here first, treat them with respect, got it?"
"Yes, sir. Everything's set—don't worry."
"Here they come. You know the drill, Manager Kim—keep the staff from letting reporters through. No gawking."
"Understood."
As Min-ho's car pulled up, Gu darted over, flung open the rear door, and bowed deeply.
"It's been too long. You must be exhausted coming all the way here this morning."
"How've you been, Mr. Gu?"
"Never better—my face is so oily, I'm breaking out like a teenager."
Gu glanced back at his staff forming a human wall, then boasted to Min-ho, "I've drilled them not to turn around. Reporters are all that way—no photos of you."
"Thanks for the thoughtfulness. I haven't done much for you, yet here you are rolling out the red carpet."
"Nonsense—what a thing to say. The reporters have been lining up since dawn, all thanks to you. Best PR we've ever had."
Min-ho pulled sunglasses from his inner pocket and slipped them on.
"I'll guide you to the back entrance to dodge them."
"No need, but just in case, lead on."
"The auction hall's all prepped. This way."
Reporters packed the front entrance. They had zero interest in Athena's rep—who he was, what he did. Namdo was the sure winner; snagging even one shot of Chairman Han was where the money lay.
Minutes after Min-ho slipped into the hall, the crowd buzzed.
"Isn't that a Namdo car?"
"Looks like Chairman Han's. Yeah, that's it!"
In the blaze of attention, Han's car rolled up. Spotlight-hungry, he exited slowly.
"A word on your thoughts right now?"
"Any plans for Yeonggwang Ilbo's future?"
"No firm word on job transfers. Still undecided?"
Utterly confident in victory, Han flashed a relaxed smile.
"Many have risked their lives for press freedom. Namdo Group will carry that spirit forward, striving for a better society."
To an outsider, it sounded like a post-win interview. That's how sure he was.
"One word on Yeonggwang Ilbo jobs?"
"It's full of talent. We'll transfer every last one."
After quick Q&A, Han strode confidently toward the hall. Cheers erupted from somewhere.
"Chairman Han of Namdo! You got this!"
"We pray for your victory!"
"Namdo fighting!"
Prepped awkward cheers. Staff competed to shout their loyalty. Han waved lightly and entered.
***
Gu's instincts were spot-on. To shield Min-ho's face, he'd herded reporters to the back.
"Mr. Gu, reporters up front for the shots! What's this?"
"You want us filming backsides?"
Gu replied to the grumbles, "This takeover's an auction—no disruptions. Plenty of photo time after."
Sunglasses on, Min-ho sat front row. Late arrival Han eyed the cocky leg-crossed kid who looked like a college student—not the veteran he'd expected. A cryptic smile crept across his face as he approached.
"Figured you'd be older... You're even younger than I thought."
"Been swamped, so no prior hello. Let's make it a good one today."
"No need for pleasantries. Winner's already set—just go through the motions."
Min-ho shot back with easy confidence. "Set in stone? Gotta see how it plays out, short or long."
"At my age, some things you know without testing."
"Trust the wrong axe, and you chop your own foot. Anyway, you'll soak up the press today. Congrats in advance."
Dull Han missed the jab. Muttering to himself as he sat, "That cocky mouth—reminds me of young Jin-gwang. Thinks he's invincible... Brat."
Gu bowed low, handing over the paddle. All that remained was raising it. Victory-claimed Min-ho smiled, as did trumpet-ready Han—but their reasons couldn't differ more.
Soon, auctioneer Han Won-tae grabbed the mic, greeted, and explained.
"Hello. Han Won-tae here. On today's format: Unlike standard auctions..."
Loathing long talks, Han cut in commandingly. "Hey, busy folks here—what's this? Cut the fluff, get to the point."
"Uh? Starting bid 500 million won, increments 1 million. Beginning now."
The unprecedented auction takeover kicked off. Reporters hammered shutters for Han's back even.
Silence, then: "500 million to start."
As expected, both Min-ho and Han raised paddles. No backing down.
"501, 502, 503... 540 million—both bidding. Next..."
Han, chewing like squid stuck in teeth, barked arrogantly, "Ease up, auctioneer."
"Pardon?"
"Not kid games—this is a takeover. 1 mil increments? Make it 10."
"Got it. Checking Athena?"
Min-ho nodded.
"10 million increments. 510, 520... 530..."
Opponent moved—Min-ho countered. Unlike Han, he raised for the floor politely, slipping in a prod.
"Not middle-school snacks—10 mil takes forever. 50 mil clean."
"Agreed by both. 50 million increments from now."
One bid: a house. Auctioneer gulped, pressed on.
"600 million—both. 650... 700... 800... 900..."
Auction bored Min-ho—50 or 100 billion, whatever. Blandly raising, he called, "1.5 billion!"
"Pardon? 1.5 billion?"
"Again? 1.5 billion."
"...Got it. Namdo?"
A newborn firm calling that? Unthinkable. Stunned, Han whipped around to stare. Reporters buzzed.
"Guts for 1.5 bil?"
"Dug into Athena—capital gold, nothing else."
"PR stunt. Han drops, they eat it alone."
"Han's loaded—lose? Nah."
1.5 bil overpaid for Yeonggwang. Han's mind raced. He frantically beckoned Yang Sang-pil.
"Yang, they're sprinkling chili powder—what's your take?"
"High, but fine. They can't afford it anyway."
"Right... Crush 'em with cash."
"Stay cool, sir. We outmatch their funds."
Auctioneer: "Namdo continues?"
Han coughed, casual: "Of course."
"Continuing. 1.55, 1.6... 1.7 bil..."
Han's gaze kept flicking to Min-ho, lips tight. Min-ho held firm, scarecrow-still. Quick-win Han's face hardened—pesky newbie jacking price.
Cash-rich Han inhaled deep, boomed, "2 billion!"
Gu, reporters dropped pens, rubbed eyes, double-checked. Auctioneer, lips dry from pace, sipped water.
"Namdo—confirm 2 billion?"
Smug nod—then Min-ho: "2.5 billion!"
Hall murmured. Eyes locked on Min-ho's back. Reporters whispered cluelessly.
"2.5 bil? Athena's money?"
"Hell-bent on sabotage."
"Too far, right?"
Auction's momentum, not cash. Han, outpsyched, panicked. Cheap PR organ plan crumbling.
Shock just starting. Min-ho hammered: "3 billion!"
"Athena 3 bil—confirm?"
Steady nod from Min-ho. Han feigned calm, but cold sweat trickled.
Min-ho cornered Han at 3 bil. Overpay? Mocked. Quit? Hand it over. Headlines: "Namdo Falls to Startup." "Paper Tiger Namdo." Win or lose, ridicule.
Quit: dog-fed chicken. Hesitate: flat-out dog death. No escape. Min-ho sealed retreat.
Even Gwanghwamun whale Han had no choice. Better win eating shit.
Han hesitated, sweat-slick paddle up reluctantly. "3.05 bil..."
"Namdo bids. Athena?"
Cornered foe? No climb-back. Min-ho kicked: "3.5 billion!"
"3.5 bil? Yes, received."
Min-ho wins win or lose. Han loses either way. Why the mad bids?
Min-ho nodded to cornered Choi Jong-hoon, signaling the real play's start.