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Chapter 27: A Reality Different from Dreams
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The government officially announced that it would accept Russia’s proposal to repay the $1.47 billion loan in kind.
However, items such as the Minsk Aircraft Cruiser and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter jets were excluded.
Tanks and portable missiles, on the other hand, were not excluded.
Instead, conditions were included to allow the repayment in scrap metal, other resources, or even dollars if circumstances permitted.
These conditions were requested by the South Korean government.
They considered the protests and containment efforts from neighbouring countries, China and Japan.
Meanwhile, the fact that Russia would no longer provide weapons and technology to North Korea became more evident.
All day long, the news focused less on the loan repayment and more on Russia ceasing weapons and technology support to North Korea.
Most citizens were more interested in North Korea than Russia’s repayment.
The current administration began to package this as its major accomplishment.
***
“Isn’t this all because of you, CEO Lee? They’re shouting as if it’s entirely their achievement while ignoring your contributions.”
“Representative Im, could you stop complaining?”
Since the government’s official announcement, Representative Im Kang-min had been voicing his dissatisfaction by my side.
“Seriously, doesn’t this make you angry? Think about it. How much effort did you put into these negotiations? They could at least mention your name.”
“There was give-and-take involved. I’m not angry.”
“Haah, CEO Lee, that won’t do. You need to take credit where it’s due.”
I couldn’t help but smile.
“It seems like you’re angrier than I am, Representative Im.”
“Of course! I saw firsthand how hard you worked.”
“I appreciate it.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s been a long time since someone sincerely thought about me.”
Most people only thought about their own interests.
Looking back, from the Gupo Mugunghwa train derailment incident onward, everyone moved for mutual gain.
“Then does that mean I don’t genuinely care about you?”
At moments like this, Representative Im Kang-min seemed like a simple person.
But he wasn’t simple at all.
His tendency to trust and like people made him appear that way.
“I’ve never doubted your sincerity since the moment we decided to work together.”
“I know.”
“Thank you.”
“But they’re a bit late.”
“Indeed.”
A guest was expected.
Ding-dong.
“It seems they’ve arrived.”
Representative Im Kang-min went to answer the intercom.
Then he opened the door.
“CEO Lee, you called for me?”
It was Kim Seong-woong, the soon-to-be former Director of the NIS, who would officially become an ordinary citizen in a few days.
“Yes, please have a seat.”
Kim Seong-woong sat on the sofa.
“Representative Im, you too.”
“Yes, CEO Lee.”
Kim Seong-woong wondered why Representative Im was also sitting.
“I’ll be direct. Director Kim, after your retirement, why not join Super Guard?”
“Super Guard?”
Kim Seong-woong couldn’t hide his disappointment.
He was already aware that Super Guard was a security company headed by Representative Im Kang-min.
He had expected at least a position at B.B. Industry, a defense contractor.
His pride was slightly wounded.
Not as the company’s head but merely as an employee?
“That’s fine. You could take some time off, look for other opportunities, or just rest.”
His expression and demeanour clearly showed his dissatisfaction.
“I apologize if I gave the wrong impression.”
“No, there’s no misunderstanding. It’s just the position I’m in.”
He’s sulking. Definitely sulking.
“I think there’s a misunderstanding. Asking you to join Super Guard is my way of asking for active cooperation.”
“Active cooperation?”
“Yes.”
How should I put this?
I should just speak honestly about my vision.
“To be honest, I never intended to go into the defense industry.”
“What do you mean by that?”
It was confusing to him.
Currently, B.B. Industry was a guaranteed contractor for government deals.
Such guarantees weren’t easily obtainable.
Unlike other defense contractors, there was no need to develop weapons, test them, or wait for approvals.
In other words, there was no need for costly research and development.
“I had no choice but to enter the defense industry to counter the interference from the Samdo Group.”
“I understand that.”
“To put it simply, I don’t intend to stop at one defense company.”
Kim Seong-woong got the gist.
“Do you mean you plan to run multiple companies?”
“Yes.”
“Are you aiming to establish a conglomerate with multiple subsidiaries?”
“That’s the ultimate goal.”
Kim Seong-woong nodded.
Although it had been a short time since he met me, he thought I deserved to have such dreams.
I had not only faced the Samdo Group’s interference and attacks without flinching but had also negotiated a breakthrough with the government.
Moreover, my negotiations with the government had exceeded expectations, leaving no alternatives for them.
When problems arose, I found ways to persuade the government.
“Super Guard will soon become one of those subsidiaries.”
This was already discussed with Representative Im Kang-min.
To be honest, he had requested it.
For my future security needs, he argued that a security company was essential.
Through this process, I had learned what proper security entailed.
And I realized the importance of having a trustworthy security company.
“Super Guard will also handle the security of B.B. Industry.”
This piqued Kim Seong-woong’s interest.
“Even if you were to join B.B. Industry, the work would be similar, wouldn’t it?”
“That’s true. It’s my area of expertise.”
“Super Guard plans to oversee the security and protection of all future subsidiaries. You would be at the centre of that.”
Now, his eyes sparkled.
“Representative Im will remain the head of Super Guard. Director Kim, I hope you’ll take on a role such as an advisor or director, working behind the scenes.”
Kim Seong-woong immediately understood my intention.
He began to share his thoughts, which he had been holding back.
“Originally, I had plans for B.B. Industry.”
He spoke as if joining B.B. Industry had already been decided.
“Like most companies, B.B. Industry, being a defense contractor, must have even stricter security. The reason is industrial espionage…”
Kim Seong-woong began to speak, basing his points on his experience.
He mentioned spies from foreign intelligence agencies as well as those from domestic defense contractors.
A robust security system must be established to counter them.
At the core of this system, trustworthy individuals must be recruited and organized.
“I am compiling a list of former NIS agents and those nearing retirement. The primary purpose is to ensure the security, safety, and protection of B.B. Industry. However, it is also to prevent industrial espionage from other companies or agents in advance.”
I couldn’t help but nod at his words.
This was his area of expertise, after all.
“It would be ideal to implement this system at all of President Lee’s companies through Super Guard.”
Since he had shown his support for me and expressed his desire to work together, I arranged this position for him.
I hadn’t expected him to think this far ahead.
“So, Director Kim, are you suggesting creating an intelligence division within my company?”
“To put it simply, yes. Kim Yeong-do, the incoming NIS Director, has also promised his active support.”
If we had the backing of the NIS, this would become the pinnacle of private intelligence.
“It won’t all be legal, will it?”
Kim Seong-woong nodded.
“As you know, the work of gathering intelligence spares no means or methods.”
I had to entrust him with this.
“Understood. I plan to officially acquire Super Guard soon.”
“When would that be…?”
“It won’t take long after your retirement. Likely around the time the Ukraine decision is made.”
“That’s acceptable. Even so, I’ll start working immediately after retirement.”
“No rest for you?”
“If I rest after being so busy, I’ll fall ill. That’s just how I’m wired.”
“We’re done with Director Kim’s matters…”
I looked at Representative Im Kang-min.
“What do you think?”
I had already informed Representative Im that I intended to hire Kim Seong-woong for the company.
Representative Im had been sitting in to assess whether Kim would be a suitable hire.
“CEO Lee, your judgment is my judgment. And, as expected, you’ve chosen the right person.”
Representative Im’s concern had been whether Kim might use his former NIS Director status to act overly authoritative.
However, listening to Kim’s plans had dispelled those worries.
He had concrete methods in mind for how he would work.
“Director Kim, I look forward to working with you.”
“Likewise, Representative Im.”
Kim showed proper respect to Representative Im.
Representative Im appreciated the gesture.
“Then, shall we celebrate Director Kim joining us with dinner?”
Kim beamed.
“That sounds great.”
“I’ll order room service right away.”
“So, you expected me to accept, didn’t you?”
Since he’d said he wanted to work, there was little chance he wouldn’t accept.
“If you hadn’t accepted, it would have been a farewell meal.”
“Haha, CEO Lee.”
“I’m joking.”
“I know.”
Representative Im ordered room service, which arrived shortly.
While enjoying dinner, we discussed future plans.
Staying in a hotel indefinitely wasn’t an option.
I had given my villa to Representative Im.
We needed to find a suitable house for security purposes.
Representative Im took charge of this task.
***
When negotiations with Russia were announced, Ambassador Petrov’s planned recall to his home country was finalized.
However, Petrov didn’t leave for Russia right away.
He scheduled a meeting with Lee Seon-su.
***
“It’s been a while since I visited the embassy.”
“Yes, you haven’t been here since the last negotiation.”
Petrov was still using the ambassador’s office.
“It’s nice.”
“The room is fine, but my mind isn’t at ease, CEO Lee.”
“Is that so?”
I was deliberately delaying to see why Petrov had asked for this meeting.
The thirsty person digs the well first.
“The reason I asked for this meeting is…”
Ah, he’s digging the well.
“I’d like you to arrange a space in Korea where my family can stay.”
“Is your family also planning to live in Korea?”
Petrov had left his family in Russia while serving in Korea.
“They might not come, but my wife will.”
Could this actually be a good thing?
If his family also came to Korea, there wouldn’t be any concerns about his loyalty.
“And I’d like this to be given as compensation for the upcoming Ukraine bid.”
“Consider it done.”
Petrov was surprised at how readily I agreed.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. You’ve done work for me, and I should compensate you for that.”
“Joining your company…”
“That, too, will be arranged.”
He seemed puzzled.
“Don’t you think my requests are too much?”
From one perspective, they were.
But when considering the potential benefits, they weren’t.
Still, I didn’t phrase it that way.
“I expect you to do even more in the future, Ambassador Petrov. That’s why I’m investing in you. And if your family is comfortable, you’ll be able to focus on your work without distractions.”
Hmm.
He was visibly moved.
Try controlling your expression.
“As expected of CEO Lee. It’s no wonder Putin trusts you so much.”
Seems like he’s done his homework.
“I have to visit St. Petersburg soon.”
There were only a few days left in 1994.
Gazprom was about to start handling oil as well.
“Then let’s go together.”
What was he talking about?
“Do you have business in St. Petersburg?”
“I’m planning to go to Ukraine.”
Ukraine was quite far from St. Petersburg.
But more importantly…
“Why Ukraine?”
“To ensure there are no variables in the upcoming bid. I’ll lobby actively.”
“You’ll go yourself?”
“Yes.”
Given his personal ties with the Ukrainian president, Petrov’s direct involvement would undoubtedly be advantageous.
“Were you planning to go from the start?”
Petrov shook his head.
“No, I just decided.”
“Why?”
Petrov grinned.
“You said you’d provide my family with a place to stay. I feel I should do my best. That way, you’ll prepare an even better place for them. Haha.”
A robber without a knife.
But I liked it.
“If the work goes well, I’ll arrange an excellent place for them.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“I don’t make empty promises.”
“Let me know your schedule for St. Petersburg. If it aligns, I’ll join you. If not, I’ll meet you there.”
“Understood. Anything else?”
“I’d like you to arrange a position for me as well.”
“Don’t worry about that. A spot at B.B. Industry will be ready for you.”
“Thank you, CEO Lee.”
That was all Petrov needed.
After some additional conversation, I left the Russian embassy.
However, I still couldn’t finalize my schedule for St. Petersburg.
***
[Samdo General Construction Nearing Bankruptcy.]
[Samdo General Construction Rumoured for Sale.]
A reality unlike the dreams I had envisioned was unfolding.
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