Chapter 41 – Tap Tap
—
Kwak Chi-young had never abandoned his ambitions, starting from the bottom and rising to become the director of TSF Investment’s Korean branch.
Even now, he wasn’t content with being the Korean branch director; he aimed for something higher.
He believed that everyone else shared his mentality, including Baek Shin-woo, who was sitting across from him.
And at this moment, Kwak Chi-young thought everything was unfolding according to his plans.
“TSF is an investment company. With your capabilities, Representative Baek Shin-woo, wouldn’t there also be plenty for us to gain?”
For a moment, Shin-woo’s brow twitched as he rolled the eight-sided dice in his hand.
Click― Click―
“It sounds like you’re curious about the source of my information. Haven’t you already looked into it on your end?”
To some extent, Kwak Chi-young had tried to uncover the source of Shin-woo’s intelligence network.
However, he couldn’t find anyone close to Shin-woo who could provide such information.
“At first, I thought it might be insider trading… but there was no connection. Beyond that, no visible information network exists either.”
“Sometimes even a cow stumbles upon a rat, doesn’t it?”
“I mean no offense, but I initially thought the same. However, after the second and third instances—and especially seeing you secure unlisted shares of Livio Soft this time—I can’t deny it’s true skill.”
MH Group had generated approximately 400 billion won in assets through its acquisition of Livio Soft shares.
Since then, Livio Soft had announced the launch of a new program based on its existing mind-mapping technology, further boosting its value.
Naturally, the value of the previously acquired shares continued to rise.
“I appreciate the compliment, but… I still don’t see a reason for me to join forces with your side.”
Shin-woo maintained the appearance of someone contemplating whether to grab the cards Kwak Chi-young was laying down.
Of course, forming an alliance to penetrate TSF’s inner workings was an option.
However, information gathered through Nam In-hwang and Moon Tae-beom suggested that TSF might be the precursor to the Brilliant Group, a future financial juggernaut created with enormous capital.
Still, the scale of the Brilliant Group far surpassed TSF alone, suggesting other entities were involved.
“Well, for any deal, there must be give and take. Is there anything you desire?”
Shin-woo didn’t hesitate long at the question.
“I want several technology patents.”
Kwak Chi-young had expected Shin-woo to request resources for solidifying his foundation within MH Group or weaknesses of figures like Myung In-chul and Myung Seong-cheol.
But this completely unexpected condition left him momentarily flustered.
“…Patents?”
“Yes. They’re somewhat tricky to obtain. Would that be possible?”
“What kind of technology patents are you referring to?”
“It’s too complicated to explain here. I’ll send you the details separately.”
From Shin-woo’s response, Kwak Chi-young surmised that the request wouldn’t be an easy one.
However, once spoken aloud, it felt more achievable.
“If we were to provide these patents, would that mean forming an alliance?”
“Isn’t it give and take? If you secure them, I’ll demonstrate the value of my repayment.”
A long smirk spread across Kwak Chi-young’s face. However, he wasn’t the type to give in so easily.
“Hahaha! Deals usually require some kind of down payment, don’t they?”
“You’re asking for a sample, then? Hmm… that’s fine. How about some investment information I have?”
“Is it something new?”
Meeting Kwak Chi-young’s gaze, Shin-woo smiled with interest.
“There’s a company in Japan called Koga Pharmaceuticals. It’s a small company, but it will soon have some major good news.”
“Oh, a pharmaceutical company… What’s the estimated profit potential?”
“If you time it right in the short term, 300% returns are possible. However, I don’t recommend it as a long-term investment.”
“…Why is long-term investment inadvisable? Pharmaceuticals tend to generate steady profits if there are no issues.”
Although Shin-woo knew the exact reasons from Jang Man-soo, he deliberately withheld further explanation.
“I’ve heard there are internal problems. I’d need to investigate further to confirm the details.”
“Then, what’s your projection for its short-term stock price?”
“13,000 yen. That’s about 110,000 won in Korean currency.”
At the same time, Kwak Chi-young checked Koga Pharmaceuticals’ current stock price on his phone.
【Koga Pharmaceuticals ― 3,400 (JPY)】
“…We’ll need to verify this information.”
“If you move too late, your initial profits might shrink.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
And with that, their conversation concluded.
Shin-woo left the building with Kim Gun-ho and the security team.
Meanwhile, Kwak Chi-young glanced at Oh Han-seong, who had approached him.
“Investigate Koga Pharmaceuticals in Japan immediately. Urgently.”
“…What aspects should we focus on?”
“The progress of their new drug project, any internal issues, and all other details.”
“I’ll issue the orders right away.”
.
.
.
Meanwhile, Shin-woo arrived at his house and stepped out of the car that Kim Gun-ho had driven him in.
“You can head back now.”
“Are you sure you don’t need any security personnel stationed here?”
“It’s fine. Even if their intentions aren’t good, there are people who watch my house every day.”
As he spoke, Shin-woo scanned the corners of the alley.
Following his gaze, Kim Gun-ho finally noticed the parked cars nearby and realized what was happening.
“Oh… your instincts are impressive. I only just realized it.”
“My back is always sensitive to these things.”
“Well, since you insist you’re fine, we’ll head back.”
After seeing them off, Shin-woo entered his house.
He checked outside through the window once more before pulling out his phone to call Jang Man-soo.
“You heard everything, didn’t you?”
[You heard it clearly, didn’t you? But I’m surprised you remembered the Koga Pharmaceuticals matter.]
“It’s a relief I did.”
When Shin-woo spoke with Kwak Chi-young, he had activated the red eight-sided dice capable of tracking and eavesdropping.
Using this signal, Jang Man-soo could hear Shin-woo’s location and every word of the conversation up to that point.
[It seems those guys are quite greedy for your performance. Even with Myung In-chul in their sights, they’re still trying to rope you in as an ally.]
“It must be because of the big win with the Livio Soft deal. For now, there’s no harm to us, so let’s watch and see. Oh, send the TSF side Westrope’s technology patents along with the data.”
Hearing this, Jang Man-soo was taken aback.
[You were planning to offer that as the condition?!]
“What other technology patents would I need? It’s just that one.”
Westrope was a British defense company that developed the CELIS049 Bi-Directional Ultra-High-Frequency Array Jammer’s signal disruption chip, something crucial for building Jang Man-soo’s contact network.
[Do you think they can get it? It wasn’t easy for us either, and that’s why Lillian had to travel to the U.S.]
“TSF should have a broader network than we do.”
[Let’s hope they manage it.]
“I’ve given them suitable bait, so they should handle it. Anyway, thanks for staying on standby until late.”
[Don’t mention it! Now I should pick out my outfit for work tomorrow and get to bed. Bye―!]
After ending the call, Shin-woo felt an inexplicable unease.
He resolved to head to work earlier than usual the next day.
***
The president of MH Group, Myung In-chul, was in a foul mood from the morning.
Inside his office, he faced Park Sang-kyu in heavy silence before finally speaking.
“You don’t expect me to believe this was done without expecting I’d find out, do you? Then, you must also have a purpose for contacting Baek Shin-woo, right?”
“…TSF highly values Baek Shin-woo’s abilities. They said he would still be very useful even after you ascend to the position of chairman.”
MH Group had seen several opportunities arise since Im Hee-yeon joined the company.
Of course, Myung In-chul knew well enough to acknowledge that these achievements were due to her abilities.
However, benefits and emotions rarely coexist.
“Are you saying I should use Baek Shin-woo like my father used Im Hee-yeon?”
“Yes. That’s why TSF wanted to meet him personally and assess what kind of person he is.”
“Ha! Are you seriously saying that was their only intention?”
From a young age, Myung In-chul had undergone rigorous education to prepare him as an heir to MH Group.
He had achieved remarkable results after joining the company.
However, he was constantly compared to Im Hee-yeon ever since her arrival.
Additionally, TSF’s considerable support had helped him reach his current position.
Naturally, TSF also held a significant share of influence over his role.
“Whatever you believe, those are the facts.”
Seeing Park Sang-kyu’s serious expression, Myung In-chul decided not to push further.
“So, what’s the outcome? Has Director Kwak made a decision?”
“He said it wasn’t bad and suggested keeping an eye on things for now.”
It wasn’t entirely satisfying.
“Let me warn you just in case. If anyone has ulterior motives, I’ll have to reconsider what I hold in my hands.”
“Understood. The TSF side is aware of this as well.”
Myung In-chul let out a long sigh.
“…What exactly did they discuss?”
“Director Kwak met with Baek Shin-woo one-on-one, so I’m unaware of the details.”
“And yet you expect me to trust what you just said?”
“I didn’t have the authority to investigate or make judgments… I apologize.”
Seeing Park Sang-kyu bow deeply, Myung In-chul sighed even deeper than before.
“I’ll meet him myself. Get the car ready.”
“Director Kwak left earlier this morning for a meeting at headquarters.”
“Left the country? Was that scheduled in advance?”
“It’s part of the regular semi-annual meeting held by headquarters.”
Myung In-chul recalled that Kwak had also left the country around the same time earlier this year and last year.
“…I see.”
“By the way, there seems to be a slight issue with Manager Myung Un-seok’s movements.”
“What’s the matter?”
“He’s been meeting with Ahn Seung-joo from S-One Finance again.”
As head of Special Security Team 2, Park Sang-kyu was responsible for protecting Myung In-chul and his family.
Naturally, he also reported anything that might pose a risk.
“So he’s back to attending those gatherings, is he?”
“It seems so, though it’s been quiet. However, not only Ahn Seung-joo but also four other participants are exhibiting unusual behaviour.”
“In what way?”
“It seems Manager Myung Un-seok is planning some kind of investment.”
The group’s privacy made it difficult to gather details, so Park Sang-kyu had instructed his team to contact those connected to the participants to collect information.
“An investment? Do we know the scale or type?”
“That hasn’t been confirmed yet.”
“Quiet as they may seem… I’ll look into the rest myself. For now, arrange a meeting with Director Kwak when he returns.”
“Understood.”
After Park Sang-kyu left, Myung In-chul sat alone, thinking about Shin-woo.
It wasn’t bad that Shin-woo had been growing MH Group’s assets with his keen investment sense.
But at the same time, Shin-woo’s influence was becoming stronger.
Although he had managed to keep Shin-woo’s name from spreading outside the group, this effort was nearing its limit.
—
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