Chapter 50 – WARNING AREA (2)
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Shin-woo went down to the first floor to catch a taxi after work.
Since his car was damaged last time, he temporarily stopped traveling discreetly and deliberately used public transportation or taxis.
“I should probably get a new car soon.”
Just then, some familiar faces approached from the side.
It was Section Chief Lee Doo-heon of Special Security Team 1 and his guards, who had come to find Shin-woo when he was abducted.
“What brings you here? Oh, you checked on the car, right? It’s parked fine, isn’t it?”
“We found the car in good condition. More importantly, we’ll be in charge of your security starting today.”
Including Lee Doo-heon, there were six men and women. Although they were undoubtedly skilled as part of the Special Security Team, Shin-woo saw them as somewhat inexperienced.
“Good timing. I have an important dinner meeting tonight and wasn’t sure if I’d need to take a taxi. Let’s go together. You have a car, right?”
Although Lee Doo-heon felt uneasy, he was relieved and bowed slightly.
“We’ll move in three vehicles, all waiting in the underground parking lot.”
With that, Shin-woo and the six guards headed down and got into the cars.
They divided into three cars with two guards each, surrounding Shin-woo’s vehicle as if protecting a VIP.
“Isn’t this a bit excessive? People might think I’m some kind of VIP.”
Lee Doo-heon, sitting in the passenger seat, turned his head in response.
“This is standard protocol for MH Group vehicle escorts.”
“I don’t think Myung Un-seok or Myung Jin-seok receive this level of security.”
The number of guards and the method seemed overly elaborate, especially since Shin-woo had never seen the two individuals he mentioned receive such treatment.
“That’s because of your position. CEO Baek Shin-woo, you are designated as a special security priority within MH Group.”
This indicated that his status was equivalent to figures like the Myung siblings or Im Hee-yeon, who were at the executive level or higher.
“This isn’t exactly convenient.”
“Even if it’s uncomfortable, your safety comes first. We’ll also begin rotational security around your residence starting today.”
“There are a lot of jewellery shops in my neighbourhood, so police patrols are frequent. You won’t get caught up in a checkpoint, will you?”
Shin-woo’s home was near the jewellery district of Jongno 3-ga Station. Compared to other areas, there were more police patrols, which was why he chose the location.
“That’s not impossible. Have you considered moving to a private residence or a high-security officetel?”
Special Security Teams usually arrange accommodations nearby or within the same building when guarding a residence. However, there were no suitable places near Shin-woo’s neighbourhood.
Lee Doo-heon and the other guards were understandably concerned about having to provide security on the streets.
“Not really. My current place is fine.”
“But your residence poses significant challenges for security.”
“That’s your problem, not mine.”
After thinking for a moment, Lee Doo-heon recalled the layout of Shin-woo’s building and used his radio.
“We’ll also need rooftop security. Prepare a one-person pop-up tent for the task.”
Shin-woo couldn’t hear the response on the other end of the radio, as the earpiece was in the guards’ ears.
However, from the awkward expression of the driver visible from Shin-woo’s seat, he could guess the general sentiment.
Meanwhile, the cars passed through central Seoul and arrived at a high-end restaurant on the Sebitseom islands along the Han River.
Shin-woo entered the restaurant accompanied by Lee Doo-heon and three guards.
Guided by a staff member, they reached the door of a private room at the end of the hallway, where TSF guards were stationed.
At the same time, Lee Doo-heon and his colleagues stood in the space between them.
“The branch director has requested a private meeting.”
“Well, this isn’t exactly a secluded place, so it should be fine. Wait outside.”
Lee Doo-heon scanned the surroundings and the TSF guards before responding.
“We’ll wait by the door.”
After hearing this, Shin-woo entered through the door, which a guard opened after knocking.
Inside, Kwak Chi-young and Oh Han-seong paused their conversation and looked at Shin-woo.
Oh Han-seong gave a slight bow and exited the room.
“Do you like meat?”
“I do, but I’ve been avoiding it lately due to recent events.”
“Ah, that’s understandable. Makes sense.”
It was unsurprising, considering the attempted murder disguised as an accident and the abduction incident. Of course, the attempted murder had been ordered by Kwak Chi-young’s TSF.
Shin-woo acted as if neither of them knew this and kept up the charade.
“The reason you called me today is because you’ve secured Westrope’s technology patent, correct?”
“That’s right.”
Kwak Chi-young handed Shin-woo an envelope from the table.
Inside were documents regarding the transfer of technology patent rights and technical materials requested by Jang Man-soo.
“You got this faster than expected.”
“We’re not exactly incompetent. That doesn’t mean the patent came cheap, though.”
“As far as I know, the costs were fully covered.”
If TSF had secured shares before Koga Pharmaceuticals’ stock hit its ceiling, they could have multiplied their profits several times over.
“I’m sorry, but I couldn’t secure that opportunity due to a lack of trust.”
“I thought of it as a business deal when I shared the information. Should I pay separately for the patent rights, then?”
Shin-woo didn’t expect them to trust and invest easily in him either.
Those in charge of Unit 666 were methodical and cautious in achieving their goals.
At this, Kwak Chi-young gave a broad smile.
“Think of it as a gift to build our relationship.”
“No, I’m not fond of freebies. How about I share another piece of information, like last time?”
“Is it about stocks again?”
“There’s something else too. Do you not like stocks?”
Kwak Chi-young shook his head at Shin-woo’s rhetorical question.
“Of course not. This time, I’ll invest with faith. What opportunity are you offering in exchange for the patent rights?”
Through Jang Man-soo, Shin-woo had learned the names of many companies poised for success.
However, he hesitated to recommend too many short-term investments, as it could hinder building trust.
At the same time, he needed to leave an impression that matched Kwak Chi-young’s expectations.
“If you’re tired of stocks, how about the opportunity to acquire a company called Baesung Trading?”
The name made Kwak Chi-young tilt his head.
“Isn’t that one of the larger companies, second only to MH Group? How is that even possible?”
“I hear Chairman Bae Young-chul isn’t in the best of health these days.”
“I’ve heard the same. His condition seems critical.”
The life of a company owner is directly tied to the company’s stock price.
Especially Bae Young-chul, the founder and first chairman of Baesung Trading, held great influence not only within the company but also over many other businesses.
“That man is as good as dead already.”
“…Excuse me?”
“They’re barely keeping him alive.”
“Did Baesung Trading do this to him?”
“It was his eldest daughter, Bae Min-sook. She bought out the hospital to orchestrate this. Of course, it’s because she needs to prepare to eliminate her younger brother, the third child and the only son, Bae Sung-hwan, the heir.”
The explanation was surprisingly detailed.
Kwak Chi-young slightly opened his mouth, visibly surprised.
“You know quite a lot for someone doing background checks. Do you have someone planted there?”
“Let’s just call it my ability. In any case, due to these circumstances, the management rights dispute has significantly escalated. If Chairman Bae Young-chul passes away, something major will undoubtedly erupt.”
Kwak Chi-young quickly understood Shin-woo’s explanation.
“If you lend your support to the right person, the delicate balance will collapse.”
“Furthermore, TSF could secure shares in Baesung Trading.”
“But how did you manage to find out so much about what’s happening inside Baesung Trading?”
TSF’s Korean branch had been monitoring Baesung Trading, but they were unaware of the depth of information Shin-woo was providing, making it all the more shocking.
“You’re getting greedy. Anyway, does this suffice as payment for the patent?”
Shin-woo observed Kwak Chi-young’s reaction.
After a moment of silence, a smile appeared on Kwak Chi-young’s lips.
“It’s not just sufficient; it’s far beyond valuable. But are you sure this information is exclusively for me? Perhaps…”
“If I had shared it elsewhere, it wouldn’t be this quiet. But even so, this won’t stay under wraps for long. Even Bae Min-sook’s efforts to contain it have limits. Many others are eagerly waiting for their chance.”
The immediate critical points were Chairman Bae Young-chul’s will and the holding company’s shares.
If Bae Young-chul passed away, his shares would be distributed according to inheritance laws. However, without securing the other major shareholders, it would be difficult for Bae Min-sook to take the chairman’s seat.
“At this rate, backing Bae Min-sook seems like the most likely choice.”
After all, she was so ambitious that she delayed her father’s death just to seize the chairman’s position.
Meanwhile, Shin-woo began rolling the eight-sided dice he had pulled out.
Clatter, clatter—
“If it were me, I would support the second son, Bae Sung-wook.”
“Bae Sung-wook has the worst reputation within Baesung Trading and among the owner family.”
Given his unsuitability as a candidate for the chairman’s position, this was an unexpected response.
“If you want to know why, that will cost extra. Are you okay with that?”
“Hahaha… You’re quite the businessman. I’ve come this far, so how could I possibly refuse? Name your price.”
Convinced he had won him over, Shin-woo quietly revealed the reason.
At the same time, Kwak Chi-young’s eyes grew wide with shock.
***
Cheongdam-dong, Artemis Underground BAR.
Myung Un-seok drank heavily as if trying to wash away his foul mood with alcohol.
Watching from a distance, Bae Han-joon, a third-generation heir of Baesung Trading, approached and sat beside him.
“So this is where you’ve been. You used to come running when I called.”
After placing his order with the bartender, Bae Han-joon turned to look at Myung Un-seok.
“Phew. If you’re going to spout nonsense, head upstairs to the club and drink there.”
“I came because I’m frustrated too.”
“……”
For a while, the two silently drank their liquor, staring at the counter.
Eventually, Myung Un-seok smacked his lips and took an interest in Bae Han-joon.
“What’s eating at you?”
“What else could it be? The old man in the hospital. They say he’s on his deathbed, and the family and company are in complete turmoil.”
Myung Un-seok had already seen articles about Baesung Trading’s Chairman Bae Young-chul being critically ill.
“Either way, won’t your father take the chairman’s seat? Didn’t your grandfather set it in stone before being admitted?”
Bae Young-chul was a staunch believer in primogeniture, prioritizing the eldest son above all else.
He often said that he would entrust the company to his third child but eldest son, Bae Sung-hwan.
Of course, Bae Sung-hwan worked from the bottom up within Baesung Trading and climbed to the position of president.
“But your aunt is quite formidable. Despite not being promoted above senior manager, she’s managed to rally most of the executives to her side.”
“She is certainly ruthless.”
Bae Min-sook, the first daughter and eldest of Bae Young-chul’s children, had long established her influence within Baesung Trading.
As a result, she frequently clashed with others, and currently, the management rights dispute revolved around Bae Min-sook and Bae Sung-hwan.
“Phew…”
“Wouldn’t your grandfather’s will settle everything if he passes away?”
“That’s what I thought too, but… I don’t know. Something feels off. My uncle and youngest aunt said…”
After hesitating for a moment, Bae Han-joon leaned closer to Myung Un-seok and continued quietly.
“…They think my grandfather has already passed away, and my aunt is hiding it.”
“Is that true?”
“The doctor in charge won’t allow any visitors, so we can’t confirm anything. Of course, it’s because my aunt is blocking access.”
Hearing this, Myung Un-seok felt something was amiss.
Baesung Trading was a company comparable in scale to MH Group. Maintaining good relations with Bae Han-joon, the third-generation heir and eldest grandson, was essential for Myung Un-seok’s eventual rise to the chairmanship of MH Group.
“Want me to help?”
“How?”
“I don’t know yet. But I’ll think about it. How about that?”
“Of course, I’d be grateful for any help. But you’re not even at the headquarters, so what could you possibly do?”
At this sharp retort, Myung Un-seok let out a bitter smile.
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