Chapter 225: Your Words Have Never Been Wrong

Putin studied my expression while sipping his drink.

“I couldn’t stop laughing after receiving the report. It was hilarious that those arrogant folks held an emergency meeting because of you, Mu-hyeok. Thanks to that, I’ve managed to get a clearer picture of who they are.”

The forces keeping an eye on me were part of an organization that even the Russian President, with one of the most formidable intelligence agencies in the world, couldn’t fully grasp.

Unlike the smiling Putin, I couldn’t manage to smile at all. Noticing the rigidity in my face, Putin broke the silence.

“What’s with your expression, Mu-hyeok? Isn’t it a good thing that you managed to outsmart them?”

Of course, winning against them was a good thing, just as Putin said.

But the fact that they knew about me was far more critical. I still hadn’t fully grasped their intentions.

If I remained unaware of the enemy’s identity, I could very well be caught off guard again.

“You mentioned you had a rough idea of their affiliations this time?”

Putin nodded. If my actions had caused them enough trouble for him to discern their identities, then I certainly deserved to hear that information.

“Can you share? Which families are they affiliated with, and what do they aim to achieve?”

“Their goals…”

With a serious demeanor, Putin set his drink down and adjusted his posture. The smile he wore faded into a grave expression.

“Their history stretches back a long way. During World War II, as they witnessed Hitler’s atrocities and the subsequent communist takeover of Eastern Europe, they realized that a single family’s power wouldn’t suffice to keep up with global trends.”

I nodded along with his calm explanation, but a sense of arrogance crept in as well.

“I suspect their goal is to create flows rather than follow them. With vast wealth at their disposal, they’ve managed to seize power over politics and business across the U.S. and Western Europe, along with the media. Their motif seems to be gaining the power to protect their fortunes.”

People with considerable wealth fear the power that can snatch it away in an instant.

To protect themselves from that power, and to even wield it, it didn’t take a genius to figure out the outcome. Simply having wealth isn’t enough.

After finishing his drink, Putin continued.

“What we are sure of includes the Medici family from Italy, the Rockefeller family from the U.S., and the Rothschild family, which has influence throughout Western Europe. The rest of the members are still uncertain. We also don’t know who leads the organization.”

Since these families are quite well-known, I’d heard their names at some point. I could also guess why they sought power.

Having occupied significant positions, it was evident that mere wealth wouldn’t suffice. I unconsciously furrowed my brows.

“It seems the Medici family was the one to clash with Future Investment this time.”

“They did secure a major deal with the UT Investment Bank based in Italy.”

Putin nodded, his serious demeanor still intact as he muttered, maintaining a grave tone.

“Because of that, I hear the Medici family has been pushed to the brink of bankruptcy. I received word that a meeting was held to discuss how to handle the situation. If I knew the location, I could probably figure out the exact composition of the meeting…”

Hearing about their near bankruptcy for the first time struck me as significant. This meant Han Gyeong-yeong was holding onto their throats, refusing to let go.

As I recalled the losses incurred, I subconsciously covered my mouth with my hand.

“Thank you. I gained some invaluable information today.”

I filled Putin’s empty glass and poured liquor into my own.

“May infinite glory accompany your future, Mr. President.”

Upon hearing the toast, Putin beamed, raising his glass.

The sound of our glasses clinking joyfully echoed in the room.

After parting with Putin, I headed straight to Pyeongchang-dong.

I sat in my study to sort through my jumbled thoughts and decided to give Han Gyeong-yeong a call.

“Hey, can you talk?”

—Just a moment! Hold on!

I could hear some commotion on the line as Han Gyeong-yeong was giving out instructions for a while. Finally, he spoke.

—Alright, I can talk now.

“What’s the situation right now?”

—It’s chaos. I can’t even predict how low things will go anymore. Individual investors who were holding back have also started to sell.

When hopes for a rosy future return to skepticism, panic ensues. This is the result: panic selling.

However, I was far more curious about the state of the colossal forces rather than the actions of the smaller players.

“Haven’t the banks contacted you yet?”

—Of course, they have. They keep asking when we’re going to liquidate. But I’ve been holding off until you say to sell. Why? Should I liquidate?

If they were on the brink of bankruptcy, any action would not be surprising.

But to only receive a call asking when to liquidate? My concerns deepened.

“Have you recouped all the losses yet?”

—Absolutely. I’ve only bet half my liquid assets on short positions. That alone managed to cover all the losses from before.

“Really? Good job.”

As expected of Han Gyeong-yeong. Thanks to trusting him, I reaped far more than I’d imagined.

A smile naturally crept onto my face.

—I figured you seemed overwhelmed, so I acted on my own. I remembered you saying that a real market crash would bring about utter ruin. I trusted that and took action. Your words have never been wrong.

“Great job. By the way, the banks with the most contracts were the ones in Italy, right?”

Instead of an answer, I heard papers being shuffled.

—Um, just a moment… UT Investment Bank, along with the various insurance and investment firms they introduced… Yeah, that’s right. Most of them are Italian. Why? Is there something going on?

“I met with Putin today…”

I slowly explained to him everything Putin had said during our meeting.

After hearing the lengthy narrative, Han Gyeong-yeong let out an impressed sound.

—I see. I’ll make sure to investigate this properly.

“Sure. I appreciate it.”

After hanging up, I leaned back in my chair and let out a sigh.

Having scored a hit, they would surely keep their guard up against me. I closed my eyes and muttered softly.

“I would like to meet them at least once. I wonder who they are.”

The next day, Kim Byung-woo, the chairman of Jungwoo Group, visited Pyeongchang-dong.

“Welcome. Please, have a seat.”

“Yes, Boss.”

I poured tea for Kim Byung-woo, who had taken a seat. I spoke first to the man holding the teacup.

“Were you able to get close to Medvedev yesterday?”

“Thanks to you, I had a fruitful conversation.”

I could tell from his expression and tone that he had managed to forge a solid connection. It was fulfilling to see my introduction yield results.

“He’s an influential figure in Russia. He will be of great help in doing business there.”

“Yes, I believe Jungwoo Group can accomplish much in Russia.”

“That’s right. Chairman Kim also has a passion for global management, right? After all, you are Jungwoo’s man.”

Under the motto of global management, Jungwoo Group expanded its influence.

Many employees were dispatched to Eastern Europe, and Kim Byung-woo himself had endured hardships in Romania for several years to establish an automobile factory.

Noticing Kim Byung-woo’s awkward smile, I continued the conversation.

“By the way, is everything going smoothly with your preparations?”

“Yes, the internal arrangements for the merger of Jungwoo Construction and Geukseong Construction have already been finalized.”

It seemed the warning I had given earlier had resonated well. I nodded in approval.

“That’s good. Once Geukseong Construction is ready, push for the merger.”

“Understood.”

“And there might be good news soon. We’re negotiating to acquire Japanese semiconductor firms that have come up for sale.”

Kim Byung-woo’s jaw dropped. Given that I had claimed it was absolutely impossible, it was no wonder he was shocked.

“I was going to inform you once it was certain, but I just received news that negotiations are already underway. At this point, it’s reasonable to assume we’re close to an agreement.”

“If that’s true, we can prevent Ilseong from monopolizing the market. The price wars have already begun.”

The price competition between Ilseong and Jungwoo in semiconductors had ultimately triggered a game of chicken in the global semiconductor market.

The battle had begun years earlier than anticipated. However, simply being cheaper didn’t guarantee a win.

Ultimately, superior quality and competitive pricing were essential for any company to gain consumer preference and dominate the market.

“For now, Ilseong Electronics still maintains superior quality, putting us at a disadvantage. But slashing prices entirely isn’t a viable option either…”

I could guess the reason Kim Byung-woo was trailing off. Despite lowering prices, he had to ensure they were competitive enough not to face lawsuits from American semiconductor companies.

“It’s due to anti-dumping laws, right?”

“Yeah, that’s correct.”

“For now, I’ll come up with a plan. Chairman Kim, please do your best with what you can.”

I smiled gently at Kim Byung-woo, who nodded solemnly.

* * *

At a mansion on the outskirts of France, five men gathered around a large round table.

One man with a flushed face slammed his hand on the table and yelled.

“Maier!”

Maier looked at the shouting Lorenze and smiled slyly.

“If only you had held on just a little longer, it could have been a winnable battle!”

“Lorenze.”

The man seated at the head of the table called his name in a low voice.

Though he appeared highly agitated, Lorenze could no longer remain angry upon being addressed and took his seat.

“Calm down. We’re not here to judge you; we’re here to save you.”

“…I’m sorry.”

Lorenze, now seated, lowered his head slightly as he suppressed his agitation.

“Maier, is this really the time for you to be smiling?”

“My apologies.”

The man at the head of the table chastised both of them in a serious tone.

“I’m aware you two have a history, but must you continue to show it here?”

Instead of responding, Maier lowered his head obediently.

The man scanned the table before speaking.

“Lorenze, explain the current situation properly.”

Finally, Lorenze began to explain the predicament he found himself in.

“As the Nasdaq crashes, all our banks are on the brink of collapse. Before this, I had solicited everyone here, asking you to watch from the sidelines, even if you couldn’t assist us.”

“So, you recklessly bet so heavily that you pushed them to the point of bankruptcy?”

Lorenze, who hesitated for a moment, nodded vigorously.

“Yes. I believed we had to pressure them this time. They earned greater profits than us from the game we set up. But it couldn’t simply be attributed to luck for them to gain advantages.”

The man listening raised his teacup and asked.

“Kim Mu-hyeok? Are you talking abut that guy?”

“Yes, the Grand Duke.”

“So what’s the conclusion?”

The man, Grand Duke, who had placed his teacup down, asked in a serious voice.

“Every family here must help me. Otherwise, my family’s wealth could disappear completely.”

The Grand Duke swallowed hard, mulling over this predicament. Maier, the head of the Rothschild family, cautiously spoke up.

“Grand Duke.”

The Grand Duke turned to look at Maier. Though he had laughed at Lorenze, Maier’s expression was far from pleasant.

“My brother is involved in this incident as well.”

“Your brother?”

Maier glared at Lorenze as he continued.

“Lorenze tricked my brother into plotting this with him behind my back.”

“Hmm…”

The connection between the Medici and Rothschild families had emerged. The Grand Duke frowned at Maier’s words.

“I will punish my brother, who acted without consulting me. But before that, Lorenze, who broke the rules of our meeting, must pay the appropriate price to our family.”

“Lorenze?”

After hearing Maier’s words, the Grand Duke called out to Lorenze. Meeting his gaze, Lorenze, who had remained silent, finally looked up.

“Is what Maier said true?”

“Well…”

Lorenze, who tried to make an excuse, found himself cut off by the Grand Duke’s cold gaze.

“Just tell me whether it’s true or not.”

“…It is true.”

“What on earth were you thinking?”

Seemingly frustrated, the Grand Duke pressed his temple.

“We couldn’t handle all the contracts solely relying on our family’s power.”

“True enough. But why did you use my brother instead of letting Maier handle the situation?”

“…”

With no excuse, Lorenze could only stammer, his lips trembling. The Grand Duke narrowed his eyes.

“Did you forget our meeting’s rules, or do you just disregard me?”

“No! I didn’t forget!”

“You can’t know someone would act in such a way! Lorenze…”

The Grand Duke’s voice was chillingly cold. The meeting to prevent the Medici family’s bankruptcy had transformed into a gathering to denounce Lorenze’s actions.

In the thick silence, Lorenze hung his head low, while Maier shot him a fierce look.

At that moment, Markus, the head of the Wallenberg family, spoke up.

“While Lorenze’s actions were indeed wrong, I think it would be wise to determine the consequences after we prevent the Medici family’s bankruptcy.”

Markus’s statement was supported by David from the Rockefeller family.

“Isn’t it more important to save the Medici family first? If they go bankrupt now, the very reason for our gathering will cease to exist. We should reflect on why the founding members established this meeting.”

After a moment of contemplation, the Grand Duke nodded.

“Maier, we can discuss that matter later.”

Though displeased, Maier did not oppose the Grand Duke’s opinion.

Thanks to this, the meeting continued, resulting in numerous discussions on how to avert the Medici family’s bankruptcy over several hours.

In the end, it was decided to mobilize the Italian government to inject public funds.