The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]: Chapter 125

125. Time Points to 1985 (1)

“In the end, everything went according to Charlie’s plan.”

Sarah was talking about convincing Peter Lynch at Magellan Fund.

“Wasn’t it Peter who accommodated the client’s stubbornness?”

“Peter isn’t that flexible. If he thinks something is wrong, he never backs down.”

“Hmm, is that so?”

I already knew that Peter Lynch had a strong character.

‘Peter couldn’t guarantee how the negotiations would turn out either, so he couldn’t stop me.’

Unless you had strong connections in American politics, you couldn’t know the details of the negotiations.

‘Hmm, come to think of it, would Arthur Morgan or Carlo Giannini know the details of the negotiations?’

The two of them were chairmen of J.P. Morgan and Bank of America, respectively.

‘If they’re such big shots, they might know.’

But it was another story whether they would use what they knew to make a profit.

‘The U.S. government might not allow it.’

In the early 1900s, it wasn’t difficult to make a lot of money from stories coming out of the political world.

Moreover, the U.S. government sometimes reached out to bankers like J.P. Morgan.

But a lot changed with the establishment of the Federal Reserve System.

‘The Federal Reserve System isn’t owned by the U.S. government, but thanks to it, the U.S. government was able to break free from the grip of Wall Street.’

Sarah raised her voice slightly as Jung Hyun-woo fell into deep thought.

“What are you thinking so hard about?”

Jung Hyun-woo woke up from his thoughts and replied.

“I was wondering if there might be variables I don’t know about.”

“Variables?”

“I feel like I’m missing something.”

“Charlie missing something? Hmm, I’d like to see that.”

Sarah thought of Jung Hyun-woo as a skillful negotiator, but Jung Hyun-woo himself didn’t think so.

‘I’m not perfect at all. My calculations are clumsy. All I can rely on is the fact that I know the future.’

The trouble that occurred during the negotiations with J.P. Morgan was something we hadn’t anticipated at all.

‘If I had made a mistake, Victoria Corporation itself could have been in danger, let alone collaborating with Bank of America.’

It was fortunate that Robert and John River took his side; if even one of them had betrayed him, Victoria Corporation would have been shaken greatly.

“People can’t be perfect.”

“I didn’t say every part was perfect.”

“Then?”

“I’m talking about the investment side.”

Jung Hyun-woo tilted his head at Sarah’s words.

“If it’s the investment side…….”

“You haven’t been wrong yet.”

Jung Hyun-woo sighed briefly.

“Hoo……. I’ve just been lucky so far.”

Since it was an investment made knowing the future, it would be strange to be wrong.

‘The details may be wrong, but the direction of the investment can’t be wrong.’

Events like the Japanese bubble [economic bubble in Japan during the late 1980s and early 1990s] or the Plaza Accord [agreement between France, West Germany, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom to depreciate the U.S. dollar relative to the Japanese yen and German mark] couldn’t be wrong.

“And Activision was wrong.”

Sarah turned her head, acknowledging his words.

“If you had sold it at the same time as the IPO [Initial Public Offering], you wouldn’t have lost money, right?”

Jung Hyun-woo chose to hold onto Activision’s stock instead of selling it right away.

Because he thought it was a way to keep his loyalty to Activision.

“Anyway, you couldn’t sell it right away.”

Sarah knew why he didn’t sell it right away, so she didn’t think his investment was wrong.

‘If Charlie was an investor who only chased money, he might have become even more amazing than he is now.’

It was awkward to attach the word ‘if’ to a young man who wasn’t even twenty years old yet, but Sarah pictured Jung Hyun-woo working on Wall Street instead of Victoria Corporation.

‘He would have definitely become a good rival for Peter [Peter Lynch].’

Sarah thought that a new investment bank like Charlie Bank would be born on Wall Street.

* * *

New York Wall Street, Bank of America Eastern Region Headquarters.

This place was only in charge of Bank of America’s eastern region business.

But its size was larger than most bank headquarters.

“Before the formal contract, I would like to review the contract details.”

Lyra Marin made it clear that this contract was not a formal contract.

“Is the formal contract going to be written in San Francisco?”

Lyra Marin nodded at Sarah’s question.

“That’s how it will be.”

“Then, how confidential is today’s meeting?”

“Everything is possible except for publicizing it to the media.”

It meant that it was okay to discuss it with legal representatives or accountants.

Sarah asked her again.

“When should we give you an answer regarding the review of the contract details?”

“It may be a somewhat unreasonable request, but please do so within a week.”

It was a request to finish reviewing the details within a week.

Sarah narrowed her brows as if the schedule was tight.

“Then, the moment we say okay, the formal contract date will be set, right?”

“No. The contract date has already been set.”

“You’ve already set the contract date?”

Jung Hyun-woo could tell that she was confident in this contract.

‘Since it’s a deal where 1 billion dollars is moving, they must have reviewed the contents excessively.’

He didn’t think there would be anything particularly strange.

“The Bank of America board of directors wants to complete the signing of the contract by November. So, we set the contract date for November 20th.”

November 20th.

Jung Hyun-woo looked at the schedule in his head.

‘There’s no special schedule.’

It was highly likely that Sarah also had no special schedule around that time.

“You’re in quite a hurry.”

“We want to complete the contract before the end of the year.”

It seemed that Bank of America wanted the 1 billion dollars to be paid in 1984.

“Are we just taking this contract today?”

Lyra Marin answered Jung Hyun-woo’s question.

“You can review it lightly in this seat.”

It meant that if there was any expression that was so offensive that there was no need to ask a legal representative or accountant, they would correct it right away in this seat.

“Sarah, are you okay with that?”

Sarah answered his question.

“I want to look at it for about 30 minutes…….”

“I can wait about 30 minutes.”

Lyra Marin asked Jung Hyun-woo.

“Would you like to take a look around our business division while Miss Hilton is reviewing the contract?”

Jung Hyun-woo shook his head at her suggestion.

“I appreciate Miss Marin’s suggestion, but I think I should be next to Sarah today.”

He wanted to be next to her so that he could discuss it with her right away if Sarah found a problem.

Lyra Marin nodded and said.

“I understand. Then, please take your time to review it.”

She gestured to her secretary to order drinks for the two of them and then left the room.

Sarah slowly read the documents with a serious face.

‘Most of it is the same as with J.P. Morgan.’

Bank of America’s contract was similar to or slightly lighter than J.P. Morgan’s.

‘There are almost no parts that can be seen as toxic clauses.’

It was no exaggeration to say that the contract Lyra Marin presented was written in favor of Victoria Corporation.

‘Do they trust us? Or are they worried that this contract will fall through?’

Either way, there was nothing bad for Victoria Corporation.

While she was reviewing the documents, Jung Hyun-woo kept silent, looking out the window.

It was about 10 minutes later.

Sarah put down the contract and said.

“It’s neat.”

“It’s neat?”

“There’s no unnecessary stuff.”

“It’s probably because they’ve been doing this a lot.”

Sarah shook her head and said.

“It’s probably because they’ve reviewed it several times.”

“Are you saying they made it perfect before presenting it to us?”

Sarah sighed briefly.

“Hoo……. Maybe this is Miss Marin’s way of handling things.”

“Shall I call Miss Marin?”

“No. There’s still something left to look at.”

Jung Hyun-woo nodded at her words.

“Let me know when you’re done.”

“Just wait a little longer.”

“My schedule is open except for dinner today, so it’s okay.”

Sarah turned her gaze to the contract and said.

“Let’s have something delicious for dinner tonight.”

“Will that be up to us?”

“Even if Aria says something, we’re going to have something delicious today.”

Tonight’s invited guest was Aria Walton.

20 minutes later.

Sarah turned the last page and tapped the table lightly.

Tap. Tap.

Her hand gesture was a signal that the review was over.

Jung Hyun-woo asked as if he had been waiting.

“Is it okay?”

“For now, it doesn’t seem like there’s anything that could be a problem.”

“Then I’ll let Miss Marin know.”

Sarah nodded at his words.

“You can do that.”

When Jung Hyun-woo raised his voice, Lyra Marin opened the door and came inside.

She had been waiting in the next office so that the two of them could share their opinions comfortably.

“How was it?”

“It’s neat.”

Lyra Marin smiled at her answer.

“I’m glad there’s no problem with the contract.”

Sarah organized the contract and said to Lyra Marin.

“I think I can give you a good answer soon.”

She thought there wouldn’t be any major problems on the legal representative or accountant’s side either.

‘Because it’s a contract that’s almost complete.’

Lyra Marin checked her watch and said.

“Dinner seems a little early, how about a cup of tea?”

4 p.m.

It was definitely too early to eat dinner. And the two of them had a prior engagement today.

“An hour or so is fine.”

Lyra Marin said in a soft voice.

“I know a place with a view of Central Park.”

Jung Hyun-woo guessed that it might be the Plaza Hotel. But the place she took the two of them was across from the Plaza Hotel.

“It’s a secret cafe.”

The place they arrived at after opening the door with two card keys was a secret bar made by remodeling a penthouse.

Jung Hyun-woo examined the bar’s modern interior and raised his voice.

“It’s a luxurious place?”

Most modern interiors cost less than classical interiors.

But Jung Hyun-woo could tell for sure that this place was not.

‘An expert? Or it seems like an artist’s touch.’

Lyra Marin guided the two of them to the window and answered.

“It shouldn’t be an unfamiliar place for Miss Hilton?”

Sarah shrugged at her question.

“No. This is my first time in a place like this.”

“Is that so?”

Lyra Marin raised her eyebrows as if she was surprised.

“I only went to Starbucks with Charlie.”

This was a lie.

It was rare for her to find Starbucks in New York.

“Starbucks is a good cafe too.”

Instead of listening carefully to the two people’s conversation, Jung Hyun-woo turned his gaze out the window.

‘Fantastic.’

The view of Central Park from the penthouse was truly amazing.

‘A lake and a forest.’

Even if it was a building around Central Park, if its height was not high, only trees would be visible, and the lake inside the park would not be visible.

But this penthouse was different. Not only the lake in the park but also the buildings on the opposite side of the park were clearly visible.

“Shouldn’t Charlie have a penthouse in New York too?”

If this contract was signed, Jung Hyun-woo would have more than 1 billion dollars in assets, excluding Victoria Corporation’s stock. With that much wealth, he could have not only a penthouse but also a mansion similar to the one owned by Aria Walton.

However, Jung Hyun-woo shook his head.

“Penthouses are expensive.”

At that moment, Lyra Marin doubted her ears.

“Penthouses are expensive?”

Even the most expensive penthouse did not exceed 30 million dollars. With his assets, he could buy not just one but several.

Jung Hyun-woo answered her question as if adding an explanation.

“It’s too expensive to live alone.”

Lyra Marin smiled at his answer.

“You mean you don’t have a family to share the penthouse with yet.”

She accepted that he was planning to buy a penthouse after marriage.

Jung Hyun-woo knew that she had misunderstood something, but he didn’t particularly correct it.

‘There’s no need to be deeply immersed in the extravagance of the rich.’

He had no particular interest in luxury goods or luxurious mansions. The same was true for Sarah. She thought that the gifts she received from her family were enough for luxury goods.

“Central Park is always good.”

“It’s New York’s pride.”

Lyra Marin seemed to come here often.

‘She was the branch manager of Queens, so it wouldn’t have been difficult for her to come here.’

Jung Hyun-woo liked the splendor of New York, but he thought the tranquility of Boston wasn’t bad either.

“What should we talk about? The world economy? Or peace?”

Sarah’s voice was slightly sharp. She knew that Lyra Marin had not just called the two of them here to kill time.

“The world economy and peace are good, but I would like to talk a little about the story after the contract.”

Sarah nodded as if she knew it.

“Are you trying to ask for the same thing as J.P. Morgan?”

“If it’s the same thing?”

“You’re saying you want the cash you received from Bank of America to be put into a Bank of America account.”

Lyra Marin let out an awkward laugh as if her intentions had been revealed.

“Hoho, you don’t have to put it all in.”

J.P. Morgan had asked to put in as much money as possible.

“If it’s not all of it, are you saying that even half of it is okay?”

Lyra Marin stopped laughing and answered.

“If you put 500 million dollars out of 1 billion dollars into our account, I would be grateful.”

500 million dollars out of 1 billion dollars.

At first glance, you could think of it as half of the transaction amount.

But 500 million dollars was definitely not half.

‘Because you have to pay taxes at the same time as the transaction.’

Jung Hyun-woo and Sarah had to pay more than 200 million dollars in taxes combined.

In other words, the 500 million dollars that Lyra Marin requested should be seen as more than 60%, not 50%.

‘Even so, it can’t be said to be an unreasonable request.’

Compared to J.P. Morgan, Bank of America’s request felt relaxed in many places.

Jung Hyun-woo raised his right hand and said.

“There is one condition.”

Lyra Marin raised her eyebrows and asked.

“A condition?”

“Please create an account that allows direct investment in the Tokyo Stock Exchange.”

“Are you saying that you will invest Victoria Corporation’s acquisition money in Japan?”

Jung Hyun-woo smiled faintly and answered.

“It seems like Japan is the trend right now.”

Lyra Marin lowered her voice slightly.

“That investment could be dangerous.”

She seemed to know something.

‘Did her grandfather, Carlo Giannini, tell her?’

Even so, nothing would change.

He had no intention of stopping his investment in Japan.

‘There’s still time until the bubble bursts.’

The bubble collapse timing that Jung Hyun-woo remembered was after the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

‘You can change direction based on the Olympics.’

He wanted to thoroughly exploit the bubble collapse.

“Miss Marin also seems to think that Japan is at its peak right now.”

“Isn’t it a bubble rather than a peak?”

Japan was poised to swallow the U.S. economy right now.

“You’re saying that the bubble could burst, so don’t make a dangerous choice.”

“Charlie would understand.”

Jung Hyun-woo put his hands together.

“No. But I still want to invest in Japan.”

He was the one who persuaded Peter Lynch. He had no intention of backing down.

“Charlie!”

“If you don’t create an account to invest in Japan, I will transfer the transaction money to J.P. Morgan.”

At his cold words, Lyra Marin sighed deeply inside.

‘Hoo……. Is there a need to put all your eggs in one basket like this?’

Lyra Marin thought that Jung Hyun-woo was making a dangerous move.

“If you want it that much, I will create an account for you. But I don’t want to recommend it.”

Jung Hyun-woo released his clasped hands and raised his voice.

“Miss Marin, have you ever heard this story?”

“What story are you talking about?”

“Market overheating can last longer than you think.”

Lyra Marin also knew the story well.

“It’s one of the famous sayings of investment. But I don’t think there’s a need to jump into an overheated market.”

She viewed Japan’s economy more negatively than Peter Lynch.

Of course, her view and Jung Hyun-woo’s investment were separate stories.