Chapter 155: Boss, Are You Serious?

It seemed that the financial matters were in Xu Ying’s hands.

Li Yanhong simply watched Han Gyeong-yeong without saying anything else.

“Ten million dollars…? You mentioned you received a two million dollar investment, correct?”

“Correct.”

“Let’s return that investment then.”

At Han Gyeong-yeong’s words, Xu Ying shook his head vehemently.

“No way. Those who stepped in to help us during tough times shouldn’t be repaid just because other investors showed up.”

“What percentage of shares did you promise for the two million dollars?”

“I promised 20%.”

“Look. If I invest ten million dollars, then for two million at 20%, you should give me back a straightforward five times that amount. You know that’s unreasonable, right?”

Xu Ying couldn’t argue against Han Gyeong-yeong’s logic.

“Wouldn’t you dislike having more investors meddling in your affairs? What’s the penalty for breaching the contract?”

“Probably double the amount.”

“The moment emotions enter business, it’s over. You didn’t even distribute shares after establishing the company; we’re still in the preparation stage, right? So paying back twice is still a profit for you.”

“But…”

Xu Ying looked reluctant.

However, it seemed that Li Yanhong had a different opinion.

“Are you confident it will succeed?”

It felt like a probing question.

Han Gyeong-yeong answered calmly.

“I’m not from the future; I can’t guarantee your success. But I do believe the chances are high. That’s why I’m willing to invest a lot of money.”

Li Yanhong seemed oddly reassured by Han Gyeong-yeong’s placid demeanor.

“Xu Ying, let’s go with James’s suggestion.”

“Li…”

“I know how you gathered that investment. But this is our chance to do what we want.”

Xu Ying still looked dissatisfied.

However, as Li Yanhong pressed firmly, he couldn’t continue to voice his objections.

Finally, he let out a big sigh and shook his head.

“Alright, who am I to stop your stubbornness?”

“Thanks.”

Li Yanhong turned to Han Gyeong-yeong.

“We’ve received quite a bit of interference from our current investors. Originally, my plan matched James’s as well. When I mentioned developing a search engine, they warned me it would be harder to attract further investments. That’s why I aimed to start with providing a search engine supply first.”

“We don’t intend to meddle in management. However, we will monitor whether our investment is spent properly. Post-establishment, we’ll need to place about three of our people as directors.”

Han Gyeong-yeong cast a glance at the staff member beside him.

“Then let’s draft the investment contract.”

A subordinate who had come along as an interpreter quickly pulled out a contract from his bag and laid down a copy each for Han Gyeong-yeong and Li Yanhong.

Xu Ying picked up the contract and began to examine it.

“You can fill in the amount after negotiations are done.”

While Xu Ying carefully reviewed the document, Li Yanhong, who had been hesitating, finally asked.

“We might require additional investment to supplement the initial funding. Are you able to keep investing?”

“Of course. I know it takes time for IT companies to generate meaningful profits.”

“Thank you.”

During the discussion, Xu Ying completed his review of the contract and informed Li Yanhong.

“Li, there aren’t any major issues with the contract.”

“Is that so? Then let’s finalize the investment.”

As the two reached an agreement, Han Gyeong-yeong nodded.

“Then I’ll invest ten million dollars. When do you plan to start the company?”

“I originally intended to launch next year. But it looks like we can advance the schedule.”

The contract swiftly showed ten million dollars written down.

Next up was the stakeholder percentage.

Before writing down the figures, Han Gyeong-yeong said.

“I’ll take 35% shares.”

Li Yanhong’s eyes widened in surprise.

Han Gyeong-yeong asked for significantly less equity than he had expected.

“That’s a favorable condition for us.”

“I believe you are absolutely necessary for this venture. And for that to happen, you must be the owner of the company. If it weren’t for you, I would have invested in another company. There are already many enterprises out there.”

As he stated, numerous portal companies had sprung up in China after witnessing Yahoo’s success.

Yet, Kim Mu-hyeok insisted to Han Gyeng-yeong, ‘If it’s not this person, there’s no need to invest elsewhere.’

Even if it was currently the number one player in China by market share.

Moreover, Han Gyeong-yeong had no doubt in Kim Mu-hyeok’s judgment.

Han Gyeong-yeong smiled and extended the contract.

“Please sign here.”

Li Yanhong also wrote down the investment amount and his share allocation in front of him before signing the contract.

After they exchanged contracts and signed under each other’s signatures.

“I’ll immediately deposit ten million dollars along with the four million in penalty fees to the account listed in the contract. I hope you can start your company as soon as possible.”

“Thank you.”

Rising from their seats, Han Gyeong-yeong and Li Yanhong shook hands while exchanging contracts.

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to contact me. And don’t look for other investors.”

“Understood.”

After spending one million four hundred thousand dollars in a flash, Han Gyeong-yeong exited Li Yanhong’s hotel.

As Han Gyeong-yeong stared blankly out the window, he abruptly spoke.

“Rocky.”

“Yes, CEO.”

The interpreter seated in the passenger seat turned around.

“I plan to establish a Chinese branch. Can you handle that?”

Rocky gaped in surprise.

“What, you don’t want to?”

“No! Thank you. I’ll work hard!”

“I need someone reliable in China. You’ve been working with me for over two years now, right?”

“Now that you mention it, yes.”

A faint smile appeared on Han Gyeong-yeong’s face.

“There’s going to be continued investment in China. Therefore, I need someone to manage that. You’re the only Chinese person I can trust.”

“I’ll work hard, CEO.”

The streets of Beijing, shrouded in night, rushed past outside the window.

* * *

“As expected, you never disappoint, brother.”

—I just did what you told me.

“What did you think of that Li Yanhong guy after meeting him?”

—How can I know in such a short time? He’s just as stubborn as any typical Chinese person.

“Really? That’s unexpected.”

—I’ll get started on establishing the Chinese branch right away.

“Figure it out. What about Tencent and Alibaba?”

—I need to meet them after finishing my Shanghai itinerary.

Although they had founded their companies already, they were still no different from the swarm of standard IT companies rapidly popping up in China.

“They may need investments, but it could be tougher than expected.”

—I’ll do my best to find a way.

“If it feels impossible, reach out. I’ll personally negotiate.”

—Got it.

“Take care.”

He hung up.

While waiting during the call, Eva seemed bored, dangling her legs over the chair.

“Did you start purchasing the stocks I mentioned?”

“Yep.”

The stocks Eva was referring to were projected to soar within a year.

Newrom Technology, which could rise over one hundred fifty times.

CyberTel, expected to climb over forty times.

NeXT, predicted to go up over thirty times, and so on.

“Buy as much as you can.”

“Okay.”

Especially, Newrom Technology was showing an unprecedented upward trend.

A company that touted free internet phone services, having recently registered on the KOSDAQ.

“I have no interest in acquiring companies like this. Wrap it all up by January next year.”

The IT industry’s blind investment frenzy that blew in from the U.S. was shaking up the KOSDAQ market as well.

It was so severe that it surged in market capitalization to the seventh position, surpassing even domestic conglomerates. This was for a company with less than two billion in operating profit.

Missing out on such a chance would be foolish.

The NASDAQ in the U.S. belonged to Han Gyeong-yeong, while the KOSDAQ was Eva’s territory.

I planned to cash out everything before the potential bubble burst in March.

“The building you mentioned has been handed over to Yoon Chang-ho.”

“Did you leave evidence?”

“Yes, I laundered it by borrowing the names of homeless people for special donations. Even if I ever need to disclose it later, the end destination will still be a ghost company—a non-existent entity.”

Indeed, when it came to such illegal activities, Eva handled them far better than Han Gyeong-yeong.

“Good job. You’ll be the one to provide funds to Yoon Chang-ho. Never let anyone else handle that, alright? Manager Ma sent someone, right?”

“Yes, I heard they were chosen for their discretion.”

“If there’s ever cash to deliver, send it through them. No one else should ever know about it.”

“Don’t worry.”

“Also, Eva, aren’t you close to the financial sector in Hong Kong?”

“Yeah. What’s up?”

Currently, none of the options available in the futures market were satisfactory.

A new product needed to be created.

“Find an investment bank that can facilitate options trading under my conditions next year.”

Eva, hearing all the conditions, asked back with a shocked expression.

“Boss, are you serious?”

I calmly nodded.

Eva gazed into space with a slightly defeated expression.

“Ha…”

“What do you think? Can you manage it?”

What I wanted was a completely new contract.

“I’ll reach out to Hong Kong first.”

“You’ll take care of Hong Kong and Japan. My brother will handle the U.S. side.”

The Asian currency crisis was gradually calmed down. Countries including the U.S. were experiencing unprecedented stock market booms.

It signified a chance to aim for the final jackpot.

Although there were events like the 9/11 attacks, making money then was simply too risky.

The U.S. government created a ridiculous law called the Patriot Act and started reviewing every account that made money from the 9/11 attacks.

Public anger had reached its peak.

The U.S. government needed a target to redirect the rage of its citizens, and Han Gyeong-yeong and I could easily become that target.

There was no need to take on such risks and venture into danger.

“For now, look for financial firms that can meet my conditions, regardless of whether they are insurance companies, banks, or securities firms.”

Just then, the bell rang.

I pulled out my mobile phone from my pocket.

‘Chief Ha is calling?’

Recently, Chief Ha had passed most of his tasks to Manager Ma and was fully focused on looking after Grandfather.

What could be the sudden need to contact me?

I felt an uneasy premonition as I answered the call.

“Yes, Chief.”

—Boss.

A heavy voice came through the line.

—It seems you need to come to Pyeongchang-dong right away.

My heart dropped.

I stood up and shot a glance at Eva.

As Eva seemed to sense that something was off, she silently stood up alongside me.

“I’ll head over right now.”

—Yes.

I said to Eva, who sent worried glances my way.

“I think I need to go immediately. We can discuss the rest later.”

Rushing out of the office, Manager Ma, who had been waiting outside, got up in surprise.

“I’m heading straight to Pyeongchang-dong.”

By the time I got home, I found Chief Ha waiting in the living room, looking somewhat anxious.

“Chief.”

“You’re here, Boss.”

“What about Grandfather?”

“He’s in the study.”

“What’s going on?”

“…Yes.”

Chief Ha spoke with a somber expression.

“…Chairman Cheon has been looking for you. He was asking what the bosses in Myeong-dong are doing these days. Then suddenly, he spoke as if nothing had happened, returning to his usual self.”

“Today is the first day, right?”

“Yes.”

A blur in memories.

It was a typical precursor to dementia.

In his previous life, while his body had weakened over time, his mind had remained intact until the very end.

I hurried into the study.

“Grandfather.”

Grandfather, who had been observing the garden outside the window, turned at the sound of my voice.

“Mu-hyeok.”

“Yes.”

“What brings you here at this hour?”

“I don’t have any major schedules today. I thought I’d come chat with you for a bit since it’s been a while.”

“You must be busy with your work. Why are you talking to an old man?”

He spoke like that, but his face was smiling.

“Aren’t you feeling a bit lonely? They say you’ve been cooped up in your study lately.”

“When have I ever been one to wander outside? I need to prepare for my departure while I’m still here.”

“You should live longer.”

“I’ve lived enough already.”

He appeared no different than usual.

But, before long, seeming to ponder something, Grandfather called out to me.

“Mu-hyeok.”

“Yes?”

“Are you keeping in touch with your uncles? You should treat them well, after all, they’re family. It doesn’t matter how much you might dislike them. I’m worried that you’ll feel lonely once I leave…”

I couldn’t bring myself to respond.