Chapter 31: Strike While the Iron Is Hot

“Vice Chairman Yoon, the contract manufacturing cost for high-bandwidth semiconductors at TManagement and System Chip Manufacturing is lower than at Hangang Electronics. How would you propose solving this issue?”

Upon hearing Chairman Hudson's question, Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun found himself in a difficult position.

Hangang Electronics was a comprehensive semiconductor company that covered everything from chip development and design to contract manufacturing. Meanwhile, its Taiwanese competitor specialized exclusively in foundry production. Naturally, under such circumstances, the Taiwanese giant enjoyed significantly lower manufacturing costs for high-bandwidth semiconductors from the outset.

For Hangang Electronics to secure a contract with Endivia, the ideal solution would have been to lower its prices to the level of its competitor. However, a critical problem lay hidden there: such measures could push Hangang Electronics' operating profits below the point of marginal utility. The Vice Chairman simply did not possess the authority to make such a momentous decision alone.

“I need to carefully consider the issue you raised, Chairman Hudson, before giving you a final answer.”

“I understand. I shall await good news.”

At that moment, Cha Jiham tilted his head slightly to one side, deep in thought, and that fleeting gesture caught Chairman Bongard's attention. The old man sensed that there was more behind the movement than mere puzzlement.

“Mr. Cha Jiham, do you have any ideas on how to solve the problem Chairman Hudson has raised?”

Actually, I had intentionally made that expressive gesture, sincerely hoping someone would notice me and pull me into the discussion. Fortunately, the perceptive Chairman Bongard swallowed the bait. Having finally organized my thoughts, I answered his question.

“I do have an outline, but I hesitated to voice it because my idea may come across as overly audacious.”

Just in case, I should lay the groundwork first and appear humble.

“How audacious it is, we'll judge for ourselves, so don't hold back and tell us.”

“In that case, please forgive my bluntness. In my country, we have a saying: ‘Strike while the iron is hot.’ Its essence is that when a sudden opportunity presents itself, you must not let it slip away—you seize the moment and maximize your gains. I believe Endivia is in precisely that position right now.”

On this point, Chairman Bongard was in complete agreement with Cha Jiham. In the current artificial intelligence market, Endivia's high-bandwidth semiconductors represented an unreachable pinnacle of technology. The only blemish was the catastrophic shortage of manufacturing capacity, which could not keep up with the overwhelming demand.

“An extremely interesting thought. And how, in your opinion, can Endivia reap this enormous windfall?”

“Instead of outsourcing chips to outside foundries, you should acquire a manufacturing company and handle production directly.”

As though waiting for those exact words, Chairman Hudson immediately joined in.

“Our management thought the same way, Mr. Cha Jiham. We even secretly pursued the acquisition of a factory, but ultimately, because of a number of legal and technical difficulties, we were forced to abandon the idea.”

I already knew the reason for their failure from Isabella. It was precisely on the basis of her information that I had prepared Plan B in advance.

“If you don't mind, could you tell me the main reasons why the deal fell through?”

“First, the acquisition cost was astronomical. Second, even if we had acquired the company, converting the production lines and stabilizing the yield rates would have consumed far too much precious time.”

“Hm, I see.”

I nodded understandingly and immediately took the initiative.

“Then why not create a joint venture with Hangang Electronics?”

“A joint venture?” Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun and Chairman Hudson repeated simultaneously.

However, their tones were completely different. Yoon Sanghun's voice contained sheer astonishment, whereas Hudson's reflected genuine interest and curiosity about how such a thing could be accomplished.

“I'll explain my proposal now, and if anything is unclear, please don't hesitate to ask.”

“Very well. We're listening.”

“To begin with, the American side would bear all financial costs associated with establishing the joint venture. In return, Hangang Electronics would allocate a dedicated factory to the project, one that would focus exclusively on producing high-bandwidth semiconductors.”

“So we provide the capital, while Hangang supplies the production facilities and operational management?”

“Exactly. By creating such an enterprise, Endivia essentially gains access to a ready-made factory without spending astronomical sums acquiring an entire company. Furthermore, the enormous advantage for you is that you'll immediately gain access to Hangang's advanced equipment and highly skilled engineering personnel.”

“In other words, our corporation would avoid a lengthy trial-and-error process and immediately begin receiving high-bandwidth semiconductors in massive quantities?”

“Precisely, Chairman Hudson. And the benefit for Hangang Electronics is that it won't have to secure additional funds of its own to expand this production. Moreover, the company will guarantee itself a key and exceptionally reliable customer in the form of Endivia.”

I paused briefly to catch my breath before concluding.

“If Hangang's manufacturing strength is combined with Endivia's marketing and sales capabilities, it will allow you to reinforce your absolute monopoly over the artificial intelligence market.”

“Of course. There is no argument there.”

“If you still have concerns regarding the details, I'm prepared to answer them.”

At that moment, Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun raised the pressing issue with an exceptionally serious expression.

“In principle, I support such an alliance between our corporations wholeheartedly. However, establishing an international enterprise of this scale will inevitably invite strict scrutiny from antitrust regulators in both the United States and the European Union. How do we solve that problem?”

“Vice Chairman Yoon, leave that matter to me. I'll handle it personally,” Chairman Bongard declared firmly.

All of Yoon Sanghun's concerns vanished instantly. Chairman Bongard possessed influence so immense that he could dictate terms even to the sitting President of the United States. If such a man declared himself fully confident, there was no point worrying prematurely.

“Ha-ha, excellent. Chairman Hudson, what do you think of our intern Cha's idea?”

“The concept is brilliant, but I need to discuss it with my colleagues and hear their opinions.”

“I fully understand. When would it be convenient to meet again?”

“Why delay? How about three o'clock this afternoon?”

“Agreed. We'll come to Endivia's office by then.”

“Then we must excuse ourselves. Time is precious.”

Chairman Bongard and Chairman Hudson hurried out. I also intended to quietly slip back to my room, but Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun intercepted me in time and ruined those plans.

“Intern Cha, stay.”

“...Understood.”

Ignoring my dejected reply, the Vice Chairman turned to Chief Secretary Cho Seongjin and gave an order.

“Immediately summon Director Jeong, Vice President Ha, and Branch Head Hong to my suite.”

“Yes, sir.”

After answering crisply, Cho Seongjin took out his phone and stepped into the adjoining room. Watching him go, Yoon Sanghun immediately dialed Chairman Yoon Jongu. After several rings, a sleepy, muffled voice answered.

“...What's happened at this hour?”

“Father, sorry for waking you.”

“Is it urgent?”

“Yes. Chairman Hudson and Endivia's largest shareholder, Chairman Bongard, just visited us personally.”

“Old Bongard came to you himself instead of summoning you?” Yoon Jongu's voice carried obvious surprise.

“To be precise, Chairman Bongard came not to see me, but our intern Cha.”

“And why?”

“I was curious myself and tried to find out, but the old man merely smiled mysteriously and avoided the question.”

Chairman Yoon Jongu seemed genuinely deep in thought over why such a powerful figure would seek out an ordinary intern. Of course, I knew the real reason perfectly well. Tracy had undoubtedly already told her grandfather all about me, and he had come personally to see whether his beloved granddaughter was telling the truth.

As these thoughts passed through my mind, the conversation continued.

“This intern proposed an incredibly promising solution regarding Endivia's supply of high-bandwidth semiconductors.”

“Hurry up and tell me.”

“He proposed establishing a joint venture between Hangang Electronics and Endivia.”

Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun recounted the entire discussion in detail without omitting anything.

“...At our follow-up meeting this afternoon, the issue of signing the agreement will be decided. I called you at such a late hour because I wanted your authoritative opinion.”

“What losses will our corporation suffer if we go through with this?”

“We'll have to dedicate one of our factories exclusively to high-bandwidth semiconductor production. As a result, output of other chips may temporarily decline.”

“Then run the other factories at full capacity. Problem solved.”

“I thought of that solution myself.”

“Then excellent. There are no obstacles. Secure the agreement and push aggressively.”

After discussing a few additional details, Yoon Sanghun ended the international call. At that moment, Cho Seongjin returned from the adjoining room and respectfully asked,

“Vice Chairman, did the Chairman approve?”

“He instructed us not to hesitate and to push forward decisively.”

“What wonderful news!”

“Indeed.”

Yoon Sanghun nodded vigorously before staring intently at me.

“Intern Cha, when exactly did you come up with such a brilliant idea?”

Actually, the original seed of the idea belonged to Yun Sola. I had merely expanded and refined her concept after learning from Isabella about Endivia's failed factory acquisition plans. The complete framework only came together in my mind at dawn today. But explaining all that would have taken an hour, so I provided a heavily condensed version.

“On our way to America, I heard some rough ideas from Intern Yun Sola. I found her reasoning very promising, and from that point onward I gradually developed the concept.”

“Chief Secretary Cho, bring Intern Yun here as well.”

“Ha-ha-ha, right away.”

With a pleased smile, Cho Seongjin called Yun Sola and ordered her to come to the suite immediately. As soon as he hung up, the Vice Chairman turned back to me.

“It was Isabella who told you about the relationship between Chairman Bongard and Chairman Hudson, wasn't it?”

Actually, Isabella had never mentioned it. I had learned everything from Tracy. Since I obviously couldn't reveal that, I had to invent another source.

“No. I heard about it from a sommelier named Gary Morton.”

Ding!

At that moment, the doorbell rang. Cho Seongjin hurried to answer it, and the summoned employees entered one after another, led by Director Jeong Sunho. When Yun Sola arrived last, Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun gave a slight nod. As though reading his intentions, Cho Seongjin stepped forward, his voice unusually stern and weighty.

“Attention, please. Everything discussed within these walls constitutes the strictest commercial secrecy. I ask everyone to bear their responsibilities in mind.”

“Yes, sir,” everyone answered in unison.

Once silence settled, the Chief Secretary continued.

“Early this morning, former Vice President John Addams, who served as Micron's chief lobbyist, passed away.”

“What?!”

Apart from myself and the Vice Chairman, everyone present was dumbfounded. News of the former Vice President's sudden death struck like a bombshell. A few moments later, Hong Hyeonsu, head of the American branch, asked in disbelief,

“Chief Secretary Cho, is this confirmed?”

“These words come directly from Chairman Bongard, Endivia's largest shareholder. There is no room for doubt.”

“Then why hasn't the media reported it?”

“I don't know the reason, but the fact of his death is indisputable.”

“Well, I understand.”

“However, that was merely the appetizer. Now we move on to the main course.”

“There is something even more shocking?” Ha Cheolhun asked in confusion.

“Hangang Electronics and Endivia have reached a preliminary agreement to establish a joint venture for the coordinated production of high-bandwidth semiconductors.”

“No way?!”

Caught completely off guard, Ha Cheolhun cried out and jumped from his seat. Feeling everyone's reproachful stares, he awkwardly sat back down.

“Sorry... it was just too sudden.”

“Your reaction is understandable. It should be noted that the concept of this joint venture was first formulated and proposed by our intern Cha. We will now hear his detailed report on the matter.”

I spent a few seconds gathering my thoughts before speaking calmly and evenly.

“Actually, the person who first provided the original idea for this project was...”