Chapter 34: No Way!

“Brother, you must have suffered a lot during this business trip to America.”

A bad feeling immediately washed over me. That was because my younger sister, Cha Hyeonji, was greeting me with a gloomy, dissatisfied expression.

“Hyeonji, did something happen?”

“Nothing happened. It's probably because of the gloomy weather. My arms and legs ache, and my joints are killing me.”

At the beginning of last year, while my sister was crossing the road on a green light, she was hit by a sports car that ignored the traffic signal. Back then, she suffered severe injuries to her arms, legs, and ribs. She had gone through a long rehabilitation process, but she still suffered from the aftereffects of the accident, and the culprit had fled the scene. Especially on miserable days like today, the pain became much worse. Even so, Hyeonji was a true Korean with an iron will, always trying to stay positive.

“I'll definitely catch that cowardly driver and bring him to justice.”

“The police couldn't find him, so why would you be able to?”

In truth, I had certain expectations regarding Secretary Kang Inhan. However, there was still a high chance that the culprit would never be found. I shouldn't give my sister false hope with empty promises.

“Well, who knows?” I replied vaguely and took out a small paper bag and an envelope from my pocket before handing them to her.

“Brother, what's this?”

“The small bag contains perfume, and the envelope is your allowance.”

“I'm working as a tutor and earning money myself, so I don't need an allowance.”

“Take it. Your brother is giving it to you.”

I forcibly pushed the envelope into her hands and wheeled my suitcase into my room. But the moment I opened it to unpack, my sister threw the door open with a bang and shouted,

“Brother, where did all this money come from?!”

During the trip to America, Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun had given me ten thousand dollars as a bonus. I had placed three thousand dollars into an envelope and handed it to my sister for spending money. She must have been terrified because it was far too much for an ordinary allowance.

“What, have you never seen hundred-dollar bills before?”

“That's not what I'm asking!”

Ever since childhood, my sister had been smart, highly logical, and extremely meticulous. Because of that, vague answers always led to a dead end. The best way to escape the nets she cast was to tell the plain truth. Exhausted from the flight and still suffering from jet lag, I had answered without thinking and ended up provoking an interrogation.

“To make it short, it's a bonus from my superiors for doing a good job.”

“Even so! Three thousand dollars is way too much for spending money!”

“I received a ten-thousand-dollar bonus, so it's fine.”

“What?!”

Ten thousand dollars was an enormous sum, equivalent to over thirteen and a half million won. Naturally, my sister was utterly shocked. There was only one way to dispel her doubts. I took out the envelope marked with the printed word “Bonus” from my suitcase and showed it to Hyeonji.

“No more questions?”

“...No.”

“I need to unpack. Can you go now?”

“Okay. I'll spend these three thousand dollars wisely. Thank you!”

Bzzz, bzzz.

At that moment, the phone lying on the bed began to ring. Hyeonji tactfully stepped out and quietly closed the door behind her. After checking the caller's name, I comfortably sat on the edge of the bed and answered.

“How did you know I got [N O V E L I G H T] back?”

“Gloria told me. Satisfied?”

“Ah, so that's it. You and Gloria talk often?”

“About once every ten days. By the way, I heard you didn't waste your time in America and enjoyed yourself physically?”

Lee Ujin was clearly referring to my passionate night with Tracy.

“I assume Gloria was your source?”

“You already know. How's she doing?”

“We didn't get a chance to meet in person. I only heard some news through Tracy.”

“And?”

“Apparently, Gloria is taking management courses right now, to the point where she barely has time to go to the bathroom.”

“Hahahahaha!”

Lee Ujin suddenly burst out laughing. Unable to understand why he found it so funny, I waited silently until he calmed down and spoke again.

“Jiham, want to know why I'm laughing?”

“Stop dragging it out and tell me.”

“Gloria's family runs a tiny pizza place in New York, barely the size of your palm. What kind of grand ‘management’ are you talking about when she's just inheriting an ordinary restaurant?”

However, Chairman Clark Bongard had mentioned that Chairman Gomez, Gloria's grandfather, was a close friend from his wild youth. Moreover, he had respectfully addressed him as “Chairman.” If Lee Ujin's words were true, the head of the Bongard investment empire would hardly use such a title for the owner of a small pizza joint. Besides, Tracy herself had hinted that Gloria's family possessed influence that couldn't be ignored. Most likely, Gloria had hidden her true occupation from Ujin, or she had another secret profession.

“You idiot. Do you really have no eye for people?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Think back to the first time we met Gloria and Tracy. Their clothes and accessories cost a fortune. Why would women that rich be kneading dough in some cheap pizza place?”

“Hm... You're right. I'll ask her next time I get the chance. Anyway, did you bring me a souvenir from America?”

“What kind of mushy gift exchange is that between men? Let's just settle for drinks.”

“How about today?”

“Are you crazy? Have you seen the time?”

“It's not even midnight yet.”

“I'm dead tired and my head is splitting. We'll save the welcoming drinks for next time. I'm hanging up.”

Click.

After ending the call, I collapsed onto the bed and muttered to myself.

“Just who is Chairman Gomez, really?”

***

The next day.

Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun and Chief Secretary Cho Seongjin headed to Chairman Yoon Jongu's office to report the results of the American business trip.

“...We have agreed to establish a joint venture as soon as possible.”

“Excellent work. By when is the establishment expected?”

“Our goal is the end of the year. However, considering the time required for approval by regulators in the United States and the European Union, one year is a more realistic and safer estimate.”

“So until the joint venture is established, we won't be able to supply high-bandwidth semiconductors to Endivia?”

“No. Until then, the chips will be supplied directly through Hangang Electronics.”

“Then there's no need to devote all our resources solely to establishing the joint venture.”

“I shared the same opinion, Chairman, but Intern Cha had a completely different view.”

“Oh? Tell me what he said.”

Chairman Yoon Jongu's eyes immediately lit up with interest, and he urged the Vice Chairman onward.

“Intern Cha calculated that if Endivia received high-bandwidth semiconductors through the joint venture, our profits would be approximately seventeen percent higher.”

“If Hangang Electronics supplies the chips directly, gross margins will be around twenty percent. Through the joint venture, gross margins fall to twelve percent, but net profits increase by twenty-five percent,” Chief Secretary Cho Seongjin added to make things easier to understand.

“Hm... That's quite persuasive.”

“Intern Cha emphasized that we must push forward with the establishment of the joint venture so quickly and aggressively that Endivia won't even have time to think.”

“And why is that?”

“Because direct supply from Hangang Electronics is far more beneficial for Endivia itself.”

“Ah...”

Chairman Yoon Jongu nodded in understanding. Taking advantage of the brief pause, Chief Secretary Song Dosok spoke up.

“Vice Chairman Yoon, how will the shares in the joint venture be distributed?”

“Our company will receive forty percent, while Bongard Group and Endivia will each receive thirty percent.”

“What is the purpose of involving Bongard Group?”

“I trust Chairman Clark Bongard far more than Chairman Michael Hudson.”

In other words, Bongard's participation served as insurance in case Hudson decided to stab them in the back.

“Chairman Yoon, now you can hand over management of the conglomerate to the Vice Chairman with a clear conscience and retire in peace.”

“Hahahaha!”

After laughing loudly, Chairman Yoon Jongu suddenly became serious, as though something important had come to mind.

“By the way, Vice Chairman, what did you do about the five hundred and thirty thousand dollars that Intern Cha spent on that dinner?”

“The amount will be fully reimbursed today.”

“You do know who that credit card belongs to, don't you?”

It was a subtle reminder that the money should be personally returned to Chairman Park Yeongil.

“Of course I know.”

“Don't you dare be stingy and return exactly five hundred and thirty thousand. Make sure to include interest for using the money.”

“It will be done. If I may, I'd like to move on to another matter.”

“Go ahead.”

“Intern Cha made the greatest contribution during this trip to America. Therefore, I propose awarding him an enormous cash bonus. What do you think?”

“No way!”

Chairman Yoon Jongu's answer was sharp and absolute. The warm atmosphere in the office vanished instantly. Completely unprepared for such opposition, Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun cautiously asked,

“Chairman, may I ask why?”

“Tell me, why do you think Chairman Park placed Intern Cha in our company?”

“As far as I know, it was simply a favor. He wanted the young man to gain practical experience and learn business management.”

Chairman Yoon Jongu shook his head.

“Intern Cha could have gained experience within Chairman Park's own organizations. The real reason he came to us lies in a wager we once made.”

“A wager?”

“Six years ago, Chairman Park began actively searching for a successor. You know why.”

“Yes, of course.”

“But the standards Park established were so absurdly high that nobody could pass them. I nagged him endlessly to lower his requirements, but that stubborn old man wouldn't listen.”

Chairman Yoon Jongu paused, finished the rest of his tea, and continued.

“To break his stubbornness, I proposed settling the matter with a game of baduk. And I lost miserably. My pride wouldn't let me rest, so I demanded a rematch and proposed a new condition.”

“What condition?”

“If he ever found a successor capable of passing his ridiculous standards, that person would have to work in our company for exactly five years.”

“Interesting. Why did you choose that condition?”

“You know better than anyone how extraordinary Chairman Park is when it comes to recognizing people and spotting talent.”

Clearly, Chairman Yoon Jongu had originally intended to poach the successor nurtured by Park Yeongil. His greed for exceptional talents was legendary.

“Ah, now I understand.”

“After summoning every ounce of determination, I finally won that game. And now, after six long years, Intern Cha has finally surpassed those standards. But Chairman Park's health has recently deteriorated badly.”

“My God... So the illness really returned.”

“Exactly. Knowing that his time is running out, Park is desperately trying to bring Intern Cha to his side as soon as possible.”

Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun felt his chest tighten. After Cha Jiham consumed the miraculous herbal medicine, he had not only become an incredible genius but had also gained unique abilities. If his talents were properly utilized, Hangang Group would soar like a dragon that had obtained the pearl of fortune. And at the same time, Chairman Park Yeongil was trying to snatch away this heaven-blessed jewel right under their noses.

“But we can simply refuse.”

“Of course I immediately rejected his demands, but let's not forget that the final choice belongs to Intern Cha himself.”

“Hm, that's true... I hadn't considered that.”

“To prevent Chairman Park from poaching Intern Cha, we must offer him an equally tempting reward. Park is unimaginably wealthy. Do you seriously think a trivial bonus will be enough to keep him?”

“...I was short-sighted,” Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun admitted, lowering his head.

“Let me ask you one more thing. What do you think of Intern Cha?”

“I believe he possesses abilities capable of feeding and ensuring the prosperity of our entire company by himself.”

“Now imagine a hypothetical situation. What if our Sola suddenly became stubborn and declared she wanted to marry Intern Cha? What would you do?”

“I intend to fully respect Sola's feelings and choices. However, Intern Cha keeps his distance from her.”

“Why?”

“He firmly believes that Sola's feelings are merely the result of the pheromones from that calming medicine.”

“Well, it's understandable that he would reach that conclusion. Any other suggestions?”

At that moment, Chief Secretary Cho Seongjin raised his hand.

“Chairman, how about paying Intern Cha his bonus and, as an additional reward, promoting him to permanent employee status ahead of schedule?”

“And you think that will be enough to keep him?”

“At least we lose nothing by trying.”

“Hm... You have a point. By the way, how did Sola perform during this American trip?”

“Her achievements were not as astonishing as Intern Cha's, but she still delivered results anyone would recognize as outstanding.”

“In that case, convert Sola to permanent status as well.”

“Yes, Chairman. It will be done.”

After hearing Cho Seongjin's report, Chairman Yoon Jongu turned once again to Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun.

“Do you have any ideas that might help Intern Cha open his heart to Sola?”