Chapter 89: The Era of Women’s Disappointments

Advisor Joel Graff carefully read the contract Chief Secretary Kang Inhan had prepared, examining it line by line. After thoroughly reviewing the document and finding no flaws, he picked up a pen and signed it. Chairman Park Yeongil immediately signed as well. Commissioner General Choi Dongyeong of the National Police Agency and Chairman Gomez added their signatures as witnesses. As soon as the formalities were complete, FBI Director Glenn Nevers transferred two billion dollars to the account designated by Korea Investment's venture fund. At that very moment, Commissioner General Choi Dongyeong handed Director Glenn Nevers a flash drive containing all the intelligence on the American branch of the Triad and the gangs receiving narcotics from them.

“Commissioner Choi, I assume there's no need to verify the authenticity of this information?”

“If there's any problem with the materials, I'll personally reimburse you double the amount.”

When the man responsible for the entire police force of the Republic of Korea displayed such absolute confidence, any further doubts became an unnecessary luxury.

“My apologies. It seems I spoke out of turn.”

“If I were in your position, Director Glenn Nevers, I'd have asked the exact same questions.”

“Thank you for your understanding. And when will you hand over the remaining two sets of information?”

“As soon as the fifty-percent reduction in the cost of maintaining American troops in Korea is officially approved, and we receive an official document guaranteeing our country a nuclear umbrella. Once those two conditions are fulfilled, we'll hand over everything else.”

A heavy ache settled in Director Glenn Nevers' chest.

If they immediately launched the operation against the American branch of the Triad and its affiliated gangs, the politicians and high-ranking officials protecting them would instantly sense something was wrong and disappear into hiding. The same would happen with the other drug cartels fiercely competing against the Triad.

Therefore, if they wanted to wipe them all out in one sweep, obtaining the remaining intelligence immediately was absolutely critical.

Unfortunately, the Korean government's two counterproposals had tied his hands.

Hmm... How am I supposed to solve this?

At that moment, his gaze fell upon Cha Jiham, whose eyes sparkled with intelligence.

Figuring there was no harm in asking, Director Glenn Nevers sought his advice.

“What if we postpone the operation against the American branch of the Triad and the gangs until next week?”

“Let's say we postpone it. Then what?”

“During that time, our two countries should be able to complete negotiations on both counterproposals.”

“And you think we'll be able to reach an agreement?”

“I believe both the fifty-percent reduction in defense expenses and the official nuclear umbrella document depend entirely on President Melvin Douglas' decision.”

“I believe you're right.”

“Time is ticking.”

Director Glenn Nevers immediately caught the hidden meaning behind Cha Jiham's words.

Jiham was subtly telling him that he needed to return to the United States as quickly as possible and persuade President Melvin Douglas.

Having understood the hint, Director Glenn Nevers could hardly pretend he hadn't.

“Advisor Graff, Chairman Gomez, we need to return immediately.”

“Understood.”

Advisor Joel Graff, Chairman Gomez, and Director Glenn Nevers hurriedly departed for the United States along with their entourage.

After seeing them off downstairs, we returned to Chairman Park's office to continue our interrupted discussion.

“Commissioner Choi, I'll transfer these two billion dollars to the police as a donation at the earliest opportunity.”

“I've already discussed that matter with the President. He asked us to wait until they've determined which agencies need the funds the most.”

“Very well. We'll do that. By the way, when are you planning to leave for America?”

“Considering the time needed to organize the negotiating delegation, the earliest would be the day after tomorrow.”

I held a completely different opinion from Commissioner General Choi Dongyeong.

However, I couldn't express it openly in front of Chairman Clark Bongard and Chairman Michael Hudson.

Pretending I needed to use the restroom, I left the office and sent Commissioner Choi a text message.

The one who is thirsty digs the well.

So you're suggesting we leave as late as possible.

As expected of the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency.

I had barely hinted at my intentions before Choi Dongyeong understood them perfectly.

Exactly. I'm counting on you, Commissioner.

After sending my reply, I actually went to the restroom.

Once I finished and returned to Chairman Park's office, I found the atmosphere had inexplicably become gloomy.

Deciding to ask about it later, I quietly sat down and assessed the situation.

Tracy, seated beside me, seemed to read my thoughts and spoke softly.

“Analysts have released reports claiming that our company's stock and Endivia's shares are overvalued and have risen too much.”

Personally, I had no complaints about those reports.

The analysts also understood perfectly well that establishing a joint venture dedicated exclusively to manufacturing high-bandwidth semiconductors would involve countless obstacles.

Even so, I wasn't worried in the slightest.

“No matter how hard they try, Bongard Investment Group's stock and Endivia's shares are still going to surge.”

“Why is that?”

Chairman Bongard, who had been listening to our conversation, spoke first.

After briefly considering my wording, I answered.

“In order for President Melvin Douglas to win a second term, this joint venture must succeed. That's why he's going to issue a public statement promising maximum support to get the project underway as quickly as possible. Given how personally invested he is, there's virtually no chance this deal will fall through.”

“Hmm. That certainly makes sense.”

However, Chairman Yoon Jongu still looked uneasy.

“Director Cha, what if President Melvin Douglas simply ignores our joint venture?”

“If he ignores it, we'll make sure he can't.”

“How?”

“If Chairman Bongard and Chairman Gomez turn their backs on him, he won't have the slightest chance of winning the election.”

“Hahaha!”

As though a tremendous weight had finally been lifted from his shoulders, Chairman Yoon Jongu burst into booming laughter.

The others also smiled broadly, unable to hide their amusement.

Once the laughter subsided, I continued.

“Because of the analysts' reports, Bongard Investment Group's stock and Endivia's shares are probably under pressure right now.”

“Most likely.”

“And if we want to push both stocks higher, Chairman Bongard's role is extremely important.”

“And what exactly should I do?”

“Please ask President Melvin Douglas to issue an official statement regarding our joint venture.”

“That's hardly a difficult request. Leave it to me.”

As soon as the conversation with Chairman Bongard ended, Chairman Hudson curiously joined in.

“Director Cha, how high do you think our company's stock and Bongard Investment Group's shares will rise?”

“I think everything depends on when President Melvin Douglas makes his announcement. In my opinion, they could rise by at least fifty-five to sixty-five percent.”

“If he makes the announcement before the market opens, could we reach our target return today?”

“I believe the probability is extremely high.”

Without asking any further questions, Chairman Hudson turned toward Clark Bongard.

“Let's finish our stock market games today, and starting tomorrow, devote ourselves entirely to establishing the joint venture.”

“I was planning to suggest exactly that.”

“Haha. Glad to hear it.”

Bzzz.

Just as Chairman Hudson smiled faintly, my phone vibrated in my pocket.

I took it out and saw a message from Lee Ujin.

Lee Ujin: Want to grab a drink tonight?

Unfortunately, I couldn't accept.

I already had plans with Senior Specialist Woo Changhun and Isabella.

Cha Jiham: Sorry, I'm already booked. I made plans earlier.

Lee Ujin: Ah, okay then.

Cha Jiham: Bring Tracy with you.

Lee Ujin: ?

I only wrote that because I knew Tracy's personality perfectly well.

She would absolutely try to force her way into our gathering with Isabella and Woo Changhun.

Cha Jiham: So she won't get bored by herself.

Lee Ujin: OK.

Cha Jiham: I'm counting on you.

As soon as I slipped my phone back into my pocket, Chairman Bongard addressed me.

“Director Cha, who was that?”

“My friend from yesterday. The one I had drinks with. He's inviting me out again tonight.”

“He wants the same group to get together again?”

“Exactly, Chairman.”

“Then what are you waiting for? Off you go.”

Chairman Bongard's thoughts were as easy to read as an open book.

“I already have plans tonight with Senior Specialist Woo Changhun and Miss Isabella.”

“Oh? Then why don't you bring Tracy and Gloria along too?”

The words Absolutely not were already on the tip of my tongue.

But because of the atmosphere in the room, I couldn't bring myself to say them aloud.

“Senior Specialist Woo doesn't know Miss Gloria.”

“Then this will be the perfect opportunity for him to meet her.”

In other words, none of my excuses were being accepted.

At the same time, agreeing immediately to Chairman Bongard's suggestion didn't seem appropriate either.

“I'll ask Senior Specialist Woo what he thinks.”

Then something completely unexpected happened.

Chief Secretary Song Dosok, who had been quietly observing our conversation, suddenly spoke up.

“Director Cha, you do know that Isabella and Senior Specialist Yun Sola attended the same university, don't you?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Then surely Senior Specialist Yun would also like to spend some time with her former classmate Isabella?”

In other words, he was insisting that I bring Yun Sola as well.

But I absolutely couldn't agree.

If she came, everything that had happened in America might come to light.

“I think it would be better if Senior Specialist Yun and Isabella met separately.”

“Why make things complicated when everyone can simply get together?”

At that very moment, Yun Sola's participation in our drinking party became a foregone conclusion.

***

“What on earth is going on?”

Senior Specialist Woo Changhun asked as he sat down in the empty chair.

“Tonight it won't just be Isabella joining us. Senior Specialist Yun, Tracy, and another stunning beauty will be coming too.”

“We agreed not to invite Senior Specialist Yun!”

“Well... things just somehow turned out that way.”

“You're saying there's some hidden scheme behind all this?”

“Exactly, Senior Specialist Woo. If our relationship with Isabella comes to light, it'll cause a catastrophe on a planetary scale.”

Woo Changhun couldn't understand Cha Jiham's logic at all.

What was so terrible about a man and a woman spending one passionate night together these days?

When he voiced his confusion, I explained.

“The Chairman is convinced that you and I obtained all of Endivia's competitors' confidential information by getting Isabella thoroughly drunk.”

“...That possibility never even crossed my mind.”

“So please, let's never mention anything that happened in America.”

Woo Changhun made a zipping motion across his lips with his right hand and replied confidently.

“Deal. You can sleep peacefully.”

“I'm counting on you.”

“Leave it to me. By the way, who's the third beauty?”

“Gloria, Chairman Gomez's granddaughter and an executive director at McKesson.”

“Specialist Cha, how do you keep meeting women like that?”

“She's a close friend of Tracy and Isabella. She and Tracy actually came to Korea together last year.”

“Wait... could Isabella be bringing Gloria along to set her up with me?”

Gloria is actually seeing my friend Lee Ujin.

The truth nearly slipped out, but I stopped myself.

“I have no idea.”

“Haha, whatever. Tonight's on me!”

“You know perfectly well how wealthy those girls are.”

“My pride as a man is on the line! How could I possibly let women pay for me?”

I pulled my platinum credit card from my wallet and waved it in front of Woo Changhun.

“You've seen this card before, haven't you?”

“Oh, absolutely. I witnessed its limitless power firsthand in America. You saved us every single time. Thanks.”

“It's nothing. No need to thank me.”

“By the way, why aren't the girls here yet?”

“They said they were stopping by the hotel to change clothes.”

“Man, it's tough being a woman. So much trouble.”

“You can say that again.”

While Woo Changhun was shaking his head sympathetically, the bar door opened and Yun Sola walked in.

The moment she spotted us, she headed straight for our table and sat down in the empty chair.

Something was definitely different.

Yun Sola normally dressed in an elegant, conservative style.

Tonight, however, she was wearing a breathtaking dress with a neckline so deep it almost stole your breath away.

“Senior Specialist Yun, don't you think your outfit is a little too revealing?”

“It's the height of fashion these days. Director Cha, would you faint if you saw women wearing bikinis?”

Yun Sola answered my foolish question with remarkable composure.

Just a few minutes later, Tracy, Gloria, and Isabella appeared at the entrance.

Nearly every man in the bar immediately turned to stare at them.

And it was impossible to blame them.

The foreign women's outfits weren't merely provocative—they went far beyond the limits of what anyone would normally consider daring.

Dear God... I'm doomed.