Chapter 70: What Kind of Answer Are You Expecting from Me?

“What are you doing here?”

Chairman Park Yeongil stared at Chairman Yoon Jongu and asked in a displeased, low voice.

Chairman Yoon Jongu casually sat down on the empty sofa before replying,

“Do I need a reason to visit a friend's company?”

“Then why did you bring Director Cha with you?”

“Until Thursday, Senior Specialist Cha is still an employee of my company.”

Hidden within Chairman Yoon Jongu's words was a subtle reminder that Cha Jiham's official position was still "Senior Specialist," not "Department Director."

“Then you should've promoted him to Director. That would've saved us all the trouble over how to address him.”

“I already told you. If you hand Senior Specialist Cha over to me, I'm willing to appoint him president of the company immediately.”

“Ugh, I shouldn't have brought it up in the first place. Fine, tell me why you're here.”

Instead of answering, Chairman Yoon Jongu deliberately turned toward me.

Immediately understanding what he meant, I spoke without hesitation.

“Chief Secretary Kang, would you please ask Executive Director Cho to come here?”

“Yes, sir.”

Chief Secretary Kang Inhan responded briefly before immediately calling Executive Director Cho Myeongjeong.

A short while later, the summoned executive opened the chairman's office door and entered. After giving a slight bow to Chairman Park Yeongil and everyone else present, he quickly took a seat on the sofa.

At that moment, Chairman Park Yeongil looked at me.

“Senior Specialist Cha, explain why you called Director Cho.”

“It has been confirmed that the information about the joint venture was leaked by Chairman Bongard.”

“Hm, just as I thought. My guess was right. Do you know why he took such a risky step?”

“I was curious myself, so I asked him directly. He told me that he's a major shareholder of Endivia and Hangang Electronics.”

“Are you saying he leaked the information to profit from stock price speculation?”

I shook my head.

“Chairman Bongard has no intention of selling his shares in Endivia or Hangang Electronics.”

“Why are you so certain?”

“Because it's obvious that once the joint venture is established, both companies' stock prices will soar.”

“That's true, but he could still sell them off little by little.”

“He plans to invest two hundred billion dollars into purchasing shares of Bongard Investment Group itself. Assuming those investments generate a fifty percent return, his net profit would reach an astonishing one hundred billion dollars. With an opportunity to earn that much money, there's simply no reason for him to sell his stakes in those two companies.”

“Hm. That does sound reasonable. Then what exactly is he after?”

“If we hadn't provided him with that investment information, he would've had no chance of making such enormous profits.”

“So the leak was essentially a gift to express his gratitude for the profits he'll earn later?”

“That's how I interpreted it.”

Chairman Yoon Jongu, who apparently had another question, cut into the conversation.

“Senior Specialist Cha, isn't there a possibility that Bongard Investment Group won't actually achieve that fifty percent return?”

“Rather than saying anything unnecessary, let me simply remind you that Bongard Investment Group is one of the world's leading investment firms.”

“So they already have a concrete strategy to reach that target.”

“Exactly, Chairman.”

“But will they really be able to acquire two hundred billion dollars' worth of shares before the market opens?”

“I have no doubt they'll use every available method—over-the-counter transactions, futures contracts, and purchases through nominee accounts.”

“That's right! I'd completely forgotten about those methods.”

Everything so far had merely been the appetizer.

Now it was time for the main course.

“Now, I'd like everyone to listen carefully to what I'm about to say.”

“Go on.”

“Since Chairman Bongard leaked the information, we have to respond accordingly.”

“Of course.”

“Hangang Electronics should release an official statement announcing that it has signed a contract to supply high-bandwidth semiconductors to Endivia.”

“But Chairman Bongard leaked news about the joint venture itself.”

“There are still too many hurdles before the joint venture can actually be established. If we announce it prematurely, we could easily be accused of releasing false information.”

“Right. Before crossing a river, you test every stone.”

Leaving Chairman Yoon Jongu nodding in agreement, I turned toward Executive Director Cho Myeongjeong.

“Please ask the management of Korea Economy to publish an article stating that Hangang Electronics and Endivia have reached an agreement to establish a joint venture.”

At first, Executive Director Cho Myeongjeong couldn't understand Cha Jiham's instructions at all.

Korea Investment and Bongard Investment Group were also expected to participate in the joint venture. Logically, any article in Korea Economy should mention both companies as well.

Yet Jiham had deliberately left them out.

Unable to understand, the executive asked for an explanation.

“At the moment, neither Chairman Bongard nor Hangang Investment has finished purchasing shares of Bongard Investment Group. If word gets out that our company and Bongard Investment Group are participating in the joint venture, what kind of problems do you think that would cause?”

“Ah... My apologies. I underestimated the situation. When would be the best time to publish the article?”

“It'll have the greatest impact if it's released precisely when the U.S. stock market opens.”

“I understand.”

“Next, I'll tell you when you should sell the shares we've accumulated.”

“Hurry up and tell us.”

Unable to hide his anticipation, Chairman Park Yeongil leaned forward and urged me to continue.

“Sell your shares of Hangang Electronics, Endivia, and Bongard Investment Group only after Chairman Bongard personally arrives in our country.”

“I assume there's a good reason for selling them at exactly that moment?”

“There's a very high chance he'll publicly announce his investment in the joint venture as soon as he arrives.”

Only then did Chairman Park Yeongil fully grasp Cha Jiham's plan.

Rumors had long circulated that Chairman Bongard possessed even greater influence than President Douglas himself. Once someone of his stature publicly announced his investment, every lingering doubt and risk would disappear overnight.

That would send the share prices of Hangang Electronics, Endivia, and Bongard Investment Group skyrocketing.

There was no reason to rush into selling before then.

“I understand now. But in that case, shouldn't we raise our target rate of return?”

I actually agreed with Chairman Park Yeongil.

However, nobody could ever know the future with absolute certainty.

It was wiser to be cautious.

“Our current target return is already more than ambitious enough. If we earn additional profits beyond that, let's simply consider them an unexpected bonus.”

“I suppose I'll sleep better thinking of it that way.”

At that moment, Executive Director Cho Myeongjeong cautiously spoke again.

“Director Cha, you said the shares of Hangang Electronics, Endivia, and Bongard Investment Group will continue rising. If that's the case, do we really need to sell them at all?”

I had expected that question.

“The stock market naturally goes through correction cycles where prices repeatedly rise and fall. By taking advantage of those fluctuations, we'll be able to realize even greater profits.”

“As they say, nobody knows which way a frog will jump—or where a stock price will move.”

“Bongard Investment Group possesses the finest intelligence network in the world. And don't forget, Chairman Bongard is now rowing in the same boat as us.”

“Ah... I understand what you mean now.”

Bzzz.

Just as Executive Director Cho Myeongjeong nodded in understanding, the phone lying on the table vibrated briefly.

Glancing at the screen, I saw a message from Senior Specialist Woo Changhun.

-Senior Specialist Woo Changhun: The Department Director has called an emergency meeting.

The reason couldn't have been more obvious.

They were undoubtedly going to discuss preparations for Chairman Bongard's and Chairman Hudson's upcoming visit to Korea.

Since I had been the first to obtain this information, I naturally had to attend.

The problem was that sitting here with Chairman Park Yeongil and Chairman Yoon Jongu left me in an awkward position.

On the other hand, I couldn't simply say I wasn't going.

“Chairman Yoon, I think I should return to the office.”

“Why?”

“Director Jeong has called an emergency meeting.”

“Because of this?”

“Most likely.”

“Well, then it can't be helped. Go on.”

The moment Cha Jiham left the chairman's office, Chairman Park Yeongil frowned.

“Chairman Yoon, honestly, what use could Senior Specialist Cha possibly be at a meeting like that? He's just an ordinary employee.”

“You don't actually believe that.”

“Well... I was only saying.”

“Enough nonsense. Let's talk about something else. What do you think about introducing Senior Specialist Cha to my Sola?”

Chairman Park Yeongil saw straight through Yoon Jongu's intentions.

He clearly intended to make Jiham his granddaughter's husband and permanently tie him to Hangang Group.

Having seen through such an obvious scheme, Park Yeongil couldn't let it pass.

“And what kind of answer are you expecting from me?”

In the end, Chairman Yoon Jongu had brought up the subject only to walk away empty-handed.

***

As I opened the conference room door, I saw Director Jeong Sunho talking with Yoon Sola.

Not wanting to interrupt them, I quietly walked inside and sat in an empty chair.

Senior Specialist Woo Changhun, seated beside me, immediately whispered,

“Where have you been all this time? You only just got here.”

I obviously couldn't tell him I'd been with Chairman Yoon Jongu and Chairman Park Yeongil.

“I had to meet someone important outside the company.”

“Will that meeting benefit the company?”

“Yes. Absolutely.”

While we whispered to each other, Director Jeong Sunho continued speaking with Yoon Sola.

“Tell everyone the details of your conversation with Isabella.”

“Seven people from Bongard Investment Group, including Chairman Bongard himself, are planning to visit Korea. Endivia will be sending ten representatives led by Chairman Hudson. They've promised to send us the guest lists today.”

“Team Leader Heo, as soon as those lists arrive, forward them to Korea Investment immediately.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Wouldn't Hangang Hotel be the best place to accommodate them?”

“I believe it's the most prestigious option.”

My opinion, however, was completely different from both Director Jeong Sunho's and Support Team Leader Heo Yeongjin's.

“Director, may I make a suggestion?”

“Go ahead.”

“Korea Investment is also participating in the joint venture. With that in mind, how about accommodating the Bongard Investment Group delegation at Korea Renaissance Hotel instead?”

I suggested it for one reason only.

Tracy and Isabella.

My conscience simply wouldn't allow me to spend passionate nights with them while staying under the same hotel roof.

Naturally, nobody around me had the slightest idea what my real motive was.

“Hmm. That actually does sound like the better arrangement. Team Leader Heo, did you hear what Senior Specialist Cha said?”

“Yes, I understand.”

After Heo Yeongjin responded, Director Jeong Sunho continued.

“Senior Specialist Yoon, continue telling us about your conversation with Isabella.”

“We've been informed that Chairman Bongard and Chairman Hudson will arrive at Incheon International Airport on Wednesday evening.”

“Contact Isabella and tell her that Gimpo Airport is much closer to downtown Seoul.”

“I already suggested that, but they're arriving on a regular commercial flight.”

Director Jeong Sunho tilted his head in confusion.

Given the financial resources of Chairman Bongard and Chairman Hudson, they could have flown to Korea on a private jet ten times over.

Yet for some reason, they had deliberately chosen an ordinary commercial flight.

He asked Yoon Sola whether she knew why.

“I thought it was strange too, so I asked Isabella, but she avoided answering.”

“Hm... What exactly are they trying to accomplish?”

I, however, immediately understood Chairman Bongard's intentions.

Tonight, he planned to carry out a massive buyback of his own company's shares.

Once news spread that he was flying to Korea on an ordinary commercial flight, the media would inevitably become intensely interested.

He intended to use that publicity to maximize the return on his investment.

After calmly organizing my thoughts, I spoke.

“The general public still doesn't know that Bongard Investment Group is participating in the joint venture. If Chairman Bongard arrives on a commercial flight, it'll undoubtedly attract enormous public curiosity.”

“That's true.”

“As chairman, he has an obligation to his investors to increase the value of Bongard Investment Group's shares.”

I was subtly hinting that Chairman Bongard was planning to purchase large quantities of his own company's stock.

“Hm... So that's the hidden meaning.”

“That's exactly why I believe we should welcome him with as much publicity and ceremony as possible.”

“You mean we should arrange for a crowd of reporters to be waiting at the airport?”

Director Jeong Sunho truly deserved his position as head of the Future Strategy Promotion Department.

The moment I hinted at giving Chairman Bongard a grand welcome, he immediately understood the real point.

“Exactly, Director.”

“But I don't have many connections in the press. What would be the best approach?”

“I've heard that Korea Investment is the largest shareholder of Korea Economy.”

“Excellent. Then you'll be responsible for bringing in the media, Senior Specialist Cha.”

“Yes, Director.”

I answered briskly and confidently.