Chapter 80: Plans and Promises

Hong Kong had already seen Britain transfer many powers to China ahead of the handover.

It’s the center of international finance and logistics in Asia.

Many foreign companies and banks have their headquarters or branches here.

HSBC (Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation).

Before the handover, it acquired Midland Bank, moving its headquarters to the UK while keeping its subsidiary, HSBC, in Hong Kong.

The person I wanted to recruit was an employee with little achievement at HSBC.

However, after leaving HSBC, she became a crucial player for a private equity firm, achieving unimaginable feats.

When it came to lucrative real estate companies, she spared no effort, doing whatever it took for her employer.

Sometimes it was with money, other times with power, and if that didn’t work, she’d go as far as throwing her body into the mix.

Her name is Eva Zhu.

Her father is Korean and her mother British; she’s a mixed-race individual who lived in Korea for a while during her childhood, allowing her to speak Korean, Chinese, English, and Japanese, which caught the attention of the private equity firm.

Of course, her youthful and attractive appearance also scored her major points.

Her nickname is Miss Valentine.

Ten years later, she leaves Korea, providing her employers with a twenty-fold return on their investments.

After landing at Hong Kong International Airport and completing the necessary procedures, she got into a rented vehicle.

She had already arranged to meet Eva.

When Manager Ma rented the vehicle, he informed the driver of the meeting location.

No one fits the role of a bad cop better than this woman. I just hope she isn’t already signed with someone else.

While sorting my thoughts, we arrived at the hotel, the appointed meeting place.

It was also where I would be staying.

“Miss Zhu?”

I recognized Eva instantly.

Eva stood up and extended her hand.

Her long hair was tied up high, and she wore a navy suit with subtle vertical stripes.

Despite her reliable appearance, her face looked surprisingly youthful.

After shaking hands, we sat facing each other.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Kim Mu-hyeok. I can’t believe I’ meeting such a stunning beauty right after arriving in Hong Kong. It’s a real treat for the eyes!”

“Hohoho, I appreciate the compliment, even if it’s flattery. But how did you know about me and reach out?”

“Well, that’s not the important part. What matters is whether I can provide what you want, right?”

“You speak as if you know exactly what I desire, but we’ve just met today.”

“It’s not the number of meetings that matters, but how sincere we are and what we could gain, don’t you think?”

Our conversation circled like a dance, each probing the other.

“Let’s start with a meal. This is my first time in Hong Kong, so I’d love some food recommendations.”

“Hotel restaurants are all the same. If we meet again, I’ll properly introduce you to Hong Kong’s cuisine.”

After finishing her sentence, Eva called a staff member to place an order, then crossed her arms, gazing into my eyes.

I returned her gaze.

“Now, let’s get to the point. Why did you seek me out?”

“You’re currently in the middle of a trial, right?”

Her face stiffened at my blunt remark.

HSBC was under suspicion for laundering money for the underworld.

Founded in the age of imperialism in the 1800s, it would be a lie to say HSBC didn’t engage in various corrupt activities.

Yet, even with the fall of imperialism and the rise of democracy, their business practices remained unchanged.

The color of money was irrelevant; what mattered was whether it benefited them.

Eva was currently on trial for turning a blind eye to her clients’ illegal funds; it was a classic case of scapegoating…

“What do you mean?”

“It seems the bank has no intention of helping you at all.”

“Huh…”

Eva pressed her forehead and let out a heavy sigh.

“Mr. Kim, when discussing someone’s weaknesses, at least show a hint of remorse. I don’t know who your boss is, but seeing you send someone like this to negotiate tells me we don’t need to talk further.”

“If I offended you, I apologize. But your flaws don’t matter to me. It’s your unwavering resolve in meeting your client’s demands that brought us here. Your expertise in real estate played a part too.”

Eva furrowed her brow and looked at me.

“And just to clarify, there’s no one above me. I came to negotiate with you directly because you’ll play an important role in what’s to come.”

Not hiding her skeptical expression, Eva shrugged her shoulders.

“You may find it hard to believe, but it’s true. Right now, I’ll assemble the best legal team for your trial if you work with me.”

Eva’s contemplation didn’t last long.

“…I don’t really believe it, but I will. So what do I need to do? Are you planning to use me as a scapegoat?”

She seemed furious about being abandoned by HSBC.

Despite diligently handling her duties, she was met with betrayal and cold indifference.

“I can’t promise anything else, but I assure you I won’t abandon you first, Eva, as long as you don’t betray me. If anything happens while you’re doing what I ask, I’ll mobilize all resources, including the best legal team, to save you.”

Eva uncrossed her arms as she sensed my sincerity.

“What’s my role?”

“You’ll be the vanguard for the invading forces entering Korea. You can hire any personnel you want.”

“Hmm…”

“Soon, Korea will sell everything—real estate, gold, companies, even people. You can buy whatever you desire. It’s as simple as that; it’s pure shopping for you.”

Instead of nodding, Eva flashed a charming smile.

“And why did you choose me?”

“Do you want a lip service or the truth?”

“Just give me the facts.”

“Your appearance and your unwavering silence regarding your client during this trial. I don’t need a clean person; those are everywhere. I need someone like you, who can handle anything. I already know your abilities. I just needed someone who would reciprocate trust with competence.”

At that moment, the food we ordered arrived.

“Think it over while you eat. I can’t spare you much time as my schedule is tight.”

I picked up the knife and fork and started cutting into the steak on my plate.

Eva shook her head a few times before starting her meal.

In what felt like a brief yet long 20 minutes, we focused on our meals in silence.

Eva finally spoke as we finished eating.

Setting down her knife and fork, she wiped her mouth with a napkin and asked,

“What’s the name of the company?”

“It will be a company shared by five investment firms. You can name the corporation we set up in Korea.”

“You mean nothing is ready? No company or staff?”

“Correct, it’s pre-establishment. You’ll be in charge of everything. You can hire whoever suits your taste or buy any investment company in Korea; that’s entirely up to you. What I want is to acquire good assets before other hyenas get them.”

“What about the operating funds?”

“You won’t find it lacking. Just say what you need.”

“I’d like to see it with my own eyes.”

“That’ll be possible when you enter Korea, but… it might be difficult right now because of the trial.”

I couldn’t bring those crucial documents to Hong Kong.

Let’s wrap up the trial quickly. Please hire the best law firm in Hong Kong starting tomorrow. Don’t worry about the money; just aim for the lightest sentence possible, even if it means only paying a fine. Then, come back to Korea.

Eva, who had been silently watching me, suddenly spoke up.

“A meal isn’t enough. How about we grab a drink tonight? I’d like to talk more with you.”

“Sure, especially with a beauty like you.”

We left the restaurant and moved to a bar inside the hotel.

As we drank, we shared a lot of conversation.

The next day.

Morning arrived.

As I sat up in bed, Eva, who had been lying beside me, stirred.

“Mu-hyeok?”

“Go back to sleep.”

When I came out of the shower, Eva was sitting on the bed, smoking a cigarette.

“Are you heading straight back to Korea?”

“Yeah, I can’t stay long; it’s a busy time. You should come back to Korea quickly too.”

Eva shrugged her shoulders with a charming smile and headed off to take a shower.

Over breakfast, we discussed the company establishment that we hadn’t finished talking about the day before.

“In Korea, you need to pretend we don’t know each other. We have to meet secretly every time we do.”

“So, what should we name the company?”

“The name isn’t as important as the substance of the business.”

“But a brand name matters a lot. How about ‘Future Investment’?”

“Do as you wish.”

Eva laughed playfully.

I shook my head.

“I won’t be involved much. Buy up anything that seems like a good deal, whether it’s a building or land. Just make sure to buy it by any means necessary, no matter the cost.”

Eva smiled confidently.

“Then, let’s finish up the trial well. I’ll see you in Korea by autumn at the latest; that’s when we start.”

“Yes, boss!”

I handed her a credit card.

“Until the corporate card arrives, use this for anything you need. There’s no limit, so buy whatever you want.”

It was a credit card I made specifically for Eva, known as the Amex Black Card, a symbol of wealth.

Eva’s eyes were glued to the black card.

“Is this mine?”

“No, it’s mine.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll be getting a bigger corporate card soon, so what are you worried about? For now, live off that one.”

“Thanks, boss.”

Eva held the card in her hands, inspecting it curiously from front to back.

As we exited the hotel, Eva lightly kissed my lips.

“See you in Korea, Mu-hyeok.”

As I nodded, Eva turned back into the hotel.

On the way back to the airport, Manager Ma, who was sitting in the passenger seat, asked,

“Aren’t you giving her too much authority?”

“With authority comes responsibility. I understand your concerns, but if I want something at a scale of 100, she’ll deliver 200.”

“Understood.”

I understood Manager Ma’s worries, but to me, Eva was an untapped lottery ticket, given that I knew the future.

Once the real estate market in Korea opened and various regulations loosened, her abilities would truly shine.

“How is the establishment of PMC going?”

“Han Gyeong-yeong and Eric are moving quickly. The funds Eric requested are being disbursed promptly, and by June this year, all preparations should be completed.”

“Is it possible to establish a branch in Korea?”

“It might be tough for now. We need relevant legislation first, but for now, we should register as a security company to enter the market.”

“Sounds good. Send A-class personnel to Korea. We need to prepare for the war with Cheongpung Group and also protect our people.”

“Understood.”

In Korea, where firearms cannot be used, mercenaries might not be very helpful in the war against the Yakuza, but if a trusted bodyguard can protect my people, I could move more confidently.

Soon, I boarded the plane heading back to Korea.

In the meantime, Korea was charging ahead like a runaway train with broken brakes.