Only One Checkpoint Remains
Only one checkpoint left.
The current Velmira Biopharma stock was trading at a bargain compared to its true value. One of the acquisition candidates had kindly driven the price down for us.
But that didn't mean I could just sweep up shares willy-nilly.
Not only would heavy buying push the price back up, but if the volume was too massive, I risked being mistaken for an institutional player and drawing unwanted scrutiny.
So, after spacing out my purchases to about 6 billion won, I started typing up a post for the gallery.
Right as I hit post, a timid voice called out from somewhere.
"Um, miss customer. I'm really sorry, but we have a rule that you can't stay more than two hours per drink..."
"Ah, sorry about that."
Honestly, it was a bit embarrassing.
Trading in a cafe, of all places.
Of course, even in my past life, it wasn't unheard of.
Markets don't always run on logic, so in truly urgent situations, you'd work from the street or a cafe.
'But squatting with a laptop like this? First time for everything.'
I looked like a total cafe electricity thief.
"Would it be okay if I order another drink?"
"Y-yes! Of course! As many as you want!" "What time do you close?"
The part-timer scratched their head awkwardly at that.
"Well, truth is, I'm the owner, and there are no other staff, so it changes on my mood..."
...Not a part-timer, then. The owner.
Still, this was great news.
If I could sway their heart, this cafe was mine for as long as I wanted.
And I knew the most effective way to move a person's heart.
A sincere plea? A touching story?
Nah.
"How much?" "Huh?" "How much to let me stay here indefinitely? Or hell, can I rent the whole cafe for a few days? I'll pay double your average daily sales."
"W-well, sales aren't that high anyway, so the amount isn't the issue..."
That caught me off guard.
I figured with skills rivaling New York's high-end spots, they'd be raking it in.
Blame the shitty location, probably.
"...Sure, I can keep it open later if you want. Got nothing better to do at home anyway."
"Thanks. I can't shut down my laptop right now."
"And the money... I appreciate it, but no need. I do this because I enjoy it."
No way.
My ultimate move, the cash slap, useless against this powerhouse hiding in the boonies.
"So, uh... just keep ordering drinks and we're good."
"Can I order ahead, then?"
"Sure. Of course."
"Then, 50 iced Americanos, please." "50 iced Americanos confirmed... Huh?"
I shrugged at the owner's dumbfounded face.
"Your brewing's just that good."
"I-it's not about that...!"
"No bullshit."
Watching joy and confusion battle on the owner's face was pretty entertaining.
...Though from the outside, I probably looked like a total psycho bitch.
'Not really into sadistic games, but...'
Still, people whose emotions showed raw on their faces? I liked that. Human instinct? Or just sick of the mask-wearing rat race from my past life?
Either way, I clearly had a thing for the genuine ones.
"And, uh, I probably won't drink them all, so..."
"Y-yeah..."
"Give me five, and donate the rest to the fire station?"
"Absolutely. For a good cause like that, the five are on the house..."
The owner grimaced at the impending workload.
But a bright smile lingered in the corner.
They looked genuinely happy. I stared for a moment, then turned to the window.
Outside the darkening cafe, rush-hour zombies shuffled home, exhaustion etched deep.
'...They look more beat than me, and I've been pulling all-nighters for four days straight with catnaps.'
Of course, I hadn't traded non-stop without breaks.
But no doubt my intensity outpaced theirs these past few days.
So why did they look wrecked?
Caring about reputation? Asshole bosses...?
'Sure, that's part of it.'
But the root was deeper.
I glanced back at the owner grinding beans furiously.
They didn't notice my blatant stare, too focused on the coffee.
'In the end, the ones who love and enjoy their work survive.'
Like this owner purely loving the brew, Seola bubbling with curiosity, or me who didn't love money but loved chasing it.
I sipped the rich coffee.
"...Whew. Boring."
You might think M&A is just "highest bid wins, gavel down!" But it's way more complex.
If the seller wants out, they start with a Teaser—a short doc hinting at the deal without spilling details. Under two pages, no company name. Especially for tech goldmines like Velmira—leak it, and the stock moons.
Like a blind auction, sorta.
'Companies bite? Game on.'
First, seller slaps on an NDA—Non-Disclosure Agreement. Can't steal the tech or blab.
Then, seller reveals the goods. Buyers verify: Is the tech legit? Company trustworthy?
That's DD.
...Sounds sketchy, but it's Due Diligence.
Phase 1 DD passes? Buyers submit Indicative Offer: rough price, funding plan, structure.
Velmira Biopharma's right there now.
"Smooth sailing from here."
After this marathon? Binding Offer—legally binding contract. Deal done.
And Velmira had just one gate left.
'Phase 2 DD.'
But acquirers are already scooping shares? Phase 2's basically rubber-stamped.
Just a price war now.
Winner decided, Binding Offer drops. That's when I go full leverage.
...Feels like I'm forgetting something. Nah, imagination.