The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]: Chapter 168

Shock Wave (1)

168. Shock Wave (1)

Activision CEO Camille Henderson and MIM General Manager Dan Brown exchanged strained smiles.

“Looking at your face, it seems like you’ve been summoned for a reprimand.”

“What about you? You look thrilled to be here.”

Both sighed simultaneously.

“Hoo…”

“Haa…”

They weren’t relaxing in a cozy pub but sitting in a sterile conference room with a distinctly cold atmosphere.

“They’re really making us wait.”

“Probably doing it on purpose, to assert dominance.”

Camille Henderson glanced toward the hallway, noticing a sticker bearing the company name Victoria Corporation.

This was the western headquarters of Victoria Corporation.

“I didn’t expect Robert to retaliate like this.”

“That guy is no pushover.”

Robert had summoned them to the western headquarters because Victoria Corporation had acquired Activision and MIM from the private equity fund.

Tuk. Tuk.

Someone knocked on the door.

“Come in,” Dan Brown called out.

A middle-aged woman wearing glasses entered.

“Hello?”

They assumed she was Robert’s secretary. However, she took a seat not far from them.

‘Not a secretary?’

Dan Brown tilted his head and asked, “Are you with Victoria Corporation?”

The middle-aged woman shook her head. “No. I’m with AOS.”

AOS was a company that produced software for computer-aided design and manufacturing [CAD/CAM], essential for building design and mold manufacturing. AOS had also been acquired by a private equity fund due to recent financial difficulties.

“You’re saying you’re an AOS employee, not Victoria Corporation?”

The woman nodded at Dan Brown’s question. “Yes, I’m the COO (Chief Operating Officer) of AOS.”

Dan Brown lowered his voice slightly and asked, “Has AOS also been acquired by Victoria Corporation?”

“Yes, it has. By the way, what about you?”

Dan Brown realized he’d been firing off questions without introducing himself.

“Ah! I’m Dan Brown, the General Manager of MIM. Our company has also been acquired by Victoria Corporation.”

The woman extended her right hand. “I’m Erin Klein.”

“Ms… Mrs. Klein?”

“Yes, I’m married. I have a husband and two children.”

“I see.”

Camille Henderson, who had been silent, spoke up. “It seems Robert has gathered all the usual suspects.”

“Usual suspects as in?”

“The companies acquired by Victoria Corporation.”

Erin Klein nodded slightly. “Has your company also been acquired by Victoria Corporation?”

“This is Activision.”

“Activision has also been acquired?”

Just as the three were talking and sighing, a heavy knock sounded.

Tung. Tung.

“You can come in,” Dan Brown said.

A tall middle-aged man entered.

“Welcome, everyone,” Robert, the COO of Victoria Corporation, greeted them.

“Hello,” Erin Klein said, standing and bowing. Dan Brown and Camille Henderson simply straightened their shoulders or gestured casually.

“Robert, isn’t it a bit much to call us all the way here without even telling us why?”

“That’s right. A phone call would have sufficed.”

Robert sat down opposite them and raised his right hand. “Dan, Camille, this isn’t an Activision board meeting. I’ve summoned the executives of the acquired companies on behalf of Victoria Corporation.”

It was a subtle warning to keep personal matters out of the professional setting.

Camille Henderson clicked his tongue. “Cold.”

Dan Brown, on the other hand, tried to smooth things over. “Robert, let’s bury the hatchet.”

Robert sighed. “Hah… Do you think I gathered you here because of some old grudge?”

Camille Henderson raised his voice instead of answering. “Then what other reason could there be?”

Robert shook his head. “Camille, I don’t have that kind of power.”

“You’re the COO, and you don’t have authority?”

“Charlie is the one who really runs the show.”

From the outside, Victoria Corporation appeared to be a company where Jung Hyun-woo developed the technology, Robert managed the business, and Sarah handled operations.

However, the reality was that Jung Hyun-woo was involved in all major aspects of the company besides the core technology development. Sarah and Robert were essentially his right and left hands.

“That young fellow runs the company?”

Robert replied dryly, “Charlie is a genius.”

Dan Brown sighed. “Hoo… That’s a little hard to swallow.”

Robert shrugged. “Gathering the representatives of the three companies here was Charlie’s idea, not mine.”

“Hmm, this meeting is that fellow’s idea?”

“Don’t call him ‘that fellow.’ Charlie is my boss, and your boss as well.”

It was a clear message not to disrespect Jung Hyun-woo, even in a relatively private setting.

“Umm.”

Robert raised his voice at Dan Brown’s grunt. “Charlie is the owner and CEO of Victoria Corporation. From now on, the three companies will operate according to his decisions.”

Erin Klein asked, “Then what should we call Charlie Jung?”

Robert answered, “Until you become better acquainted, it’s probably best to call him ‘President,’ don’t you think?”

Victoria Corporation was no longer a single entity but a company with several affiliates. If you wanted to be more formal, you could use the title ‘Chairman’ after his name.

“I understand. Then, I’ll call him President.”

Dan Brown and Camille Henderson frowned as they listened to the exchange. They clearly weren’t ready to acknowledge Jung Hyun-woo’s authority.

“The same goes for you two,” Robert added.

Dan Brown sighed again. “Hoo… Do we really have to?”

Robert’s voice hardened. “You seem to think this is some kind of power play.”

“Isn’t it?”

“Charlie isn’t interested in the kind of petty power struggles you’re imagining. If you try anything like that, he’ll fire you without hesitation.”

Camille Henderson, who had clashed with Robert before, raised his eyebrows. “Fire? Are you threatening us now?”

“I’m not threatening you. Have you ever seen a CEO keep an executive who openly disrespects him?”

He wanted to make it unequivocally clear that Jung Hyun-woo was the CEO of Victoria Corporation.

Dan Brown, smoothing his brow, asked, “Robert, I understand who the CEO is. But you didn’t call us all the way here just to reiterate that, did you?”

It was a plea to move past the posturing and get down to business.

Robert nodded. “Of course. Dan, I want to discuss the future direction of the three companies in this meeting.”

Camille Henderson remained skeptical. He harbored the most animosity toward Victoria Corporation and Robert.

“Robert, are you planning more layoffs?”

Activision had already undergone three rounds of layoffs, so he assumed there was no one left to cut.

‘Laying off more people would be the same as dismantling the company.’ He was prepared to submit his resignation if layoffs were mentioned.

Robert turned to Camille Henderson, his voice rising. “Camille, shouldn’t we all be focused on our respective responsibilities?”

“Focused on our responsibilities?”

“I’m the COO of Victoria Corporation, and you’re the CEO of Activision, aren’t you?”

It was a reminder to set aside personal feelings and represent their companies professionally.

“Okay. Let’s talk about the company. What does the President want from Activision?”

The gazes of Camille Henderson, Dan Brown, and Erin Klein were fixed on Robert. The other two were paying close attention because whatever Robert demanded of Activision would likely apply to them as well.

‘Hoo… I just hope there’s no talk of layoffs.’

Just as Dan Brown was sighing inwardly, Robert answered, “Activision will be focusing on developing sequels to existing IPs [intellectual properties] rather than creating entirely new games.”

Camille Henderson groaned softly. “Hmm, developing sequels to established hits?”

“The IPs that Activision will be developing won’t be limited to Activision’s own.”

Camille Henderson’s eyebrows shot up. “Are you saying we’ll also be developing sequels to hit titles from other companies, not just our own?”

Robert nodded slowly. “You’ll also be developing Atari’s hit titles.”

Victoria Corporation had acquired Atari’s IP before buying Activision.

Atari’s catalog of hit titles rivaled, if not surpassed, Activision’s. It could be a good opportunity for Activision.

“Then we’ll need more development staff.”

“Victoria Corporation will invest funds in Activision to hire more personnel.”

Investment after acquisition. This suggested they intended to grow Activision.

“You’re investing in our company?”

“Why is that so surprising?”

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

Although they wouldn’t be creating completely new games, it wasn’t necessarily a bad deal for Activision.

“And new games will be released on NEC.”

“NEC?”

“It’s Nintendo’s new game console. It will be released to the market soon.”

Camille Henderson realized that Victoria Corporation had high hopes for the NEC [Nintendo Entertainment System].

“Hmm, you’re saying you acquired our company because of the NEC business.”

Robert raised his right hand. “Didn’t I say that Charlie makes all the decisions?”

It was a way of saying that personal feelings played no part in the acquisition of Activision.

“I understand. So when will the funds be invested?”

“Investment can begin as early as today, once this meeting concludes.”

Victoria Corporation had plenty of capital from its IPO [Initial Public Offering].

“How much are we talking about?”

“Submit a detailed proposal.”

“Is there a limit to how much we can request?”

It was a question about whether the funding was open-ended.

“Draw up a budget within 5 million dollars.”

Five million dollars. Considering Activision’s current size, it was a substantial sum that could potentially double the company.

“Are you seriously saying we could receive a 5-million-dollar investment?”

“If necessary, we can invest even more than that.”

Dan Brown and Erin Klein’s faces brightened as they listened to Robert and Camille Henderson’s conversation.

‘Our company could also receive investment.’

‘If we get an infusion of capital, we can recover quickly.’

Robert wrapped up the conversation with Camille Henderson and turned to MIM’s Dan Brown.

“Dan.”

“Robert, tell us what you need us to do.”

Dan Brown assumed he would be tasked with developing sequels to successful IT products, just like Activision.

“It seems MIM will need to be divided in half.”

“A spin-off?”

“Not exactly a spin-off. Half will focus on developing games, and the other half will develop other software.”

Dan Brown frowned slightly. “Is it possible to hire more staff?”

If they cut the current development team in half, it would be difficult to produce quality games.

“Of course, it’s possible. You’ll receive the same level of investment as Activision.”

They would receive the same investment as Activision. Dan Brown figured he could tolerate developing other software.

“What kind of software will we be developing?”

“You’ll be responsible for a portion of JP Service.”

JP Service was Victoria Corporation’s flagship product.

“You’re entrusting JP Service to us?”

“I said a portion.”

Despite the simplicity of the user-facing services, JP Service had a fairly complex underlying architecture.

Robert turned his head slightly to Erin Klein. “AOS will also be divided into two parts, like MIM, and will develop software.”

Erin Klein had already heard the previous discussion, so she didn’t need a detailed explanation.

“I understand. I will follow the direction of Victoria Corporation and the President.”

Robert quickly finalized the arrangements and instructed the three to return to their companies and organize their development teams.

The three left the conference room, each uttering a simple “Understood.” After they had all departed, Robert called Jung Hyun-woo.

“Charlie, today’s meeting has been roughly concluded.”

Jung Hyun-woo responded, “If it’s ‘roughly’ concluded, does that mean it wasn’t fully resolved?”

“The final decision will depend on the reports they submit. There might be a follow-up meeting based on the contents of those reports.”

Jung Hyun-woo nodded. “Hmm, fortunately, all three companies seem to have accepted the new assignments.”

Robert sighed. “Hmm… They didn’t have much of a choice.”

If they didn’t accept the new work, their only options were bankruptcy or being sold off again.

“Robert, you’ve worked hard.”

Jung Hyun-woo was about to end the call when Robert spoke up.

“Charlie, are you sure about this direction?”

Jung Hyun-woo tilted his head. “Robert, is there a problem?”

“I’m talking about our company. Aren’t we putting too much emphasis on the NES?”

Robert wasn’t against collaborating with Nintendo. He was simply concerned that even the newly acquired companies were being integrated into the NES strategy, which hadn’t even launched yet.

“Didn’t you see the NES yourself, Robert?”

The NES boasted impressive graphics, excellent sound, and innovative software.

“I admit that the NES is excellent, but I still think we’re overextending ourselves.”

Jung Hyun-woo reassured him. “It might seem like we’re investing heavily in the NES, but compared to the risks we took with JP Service, it’s nothing, right?”

Victoria Corporation had risked everything for JP Service, including borrowing tens of millions of dollars.

The investment in the NES wasn’t on that scale.

“Compared to JP Service, it’s true, but…”

He still felt uneasy.

Jung Hyun-woo said gently, “Robert, trust me. The NES will be a huge success, and our game business division will take a major leap forward.”

Robert nodded, reassured. “I understand. I’ll bet the future of the game business division on the NES.”

The NES wasn’t just important to the game development division with John Reeve, Activision, and MIM.

The G Shop, Robert’s ambitious chain of game stores across the United States, was also heavily reliant on the NES launch.

If the NES sales were lower than expected, G Shop would be stuck with a large amount of Nintendo inventory.

Nintendo inventory was on a different level from game cartridge inventory. The price, as well as the volume, was much higher.

‘Considering Victoria Corporation’s financial resources, G Shop won’t collapse immediately even if sales are sluggish. But a large amount of unsold inventory would be a significant burden.’

He hoped to sell at least 20,000 units in the first month.

‘That way, we can achieve annual sales of 200,000 units.’

Three or four years ago, sales of 200,000 units wouldn’t have been considered a success.

But after the Atari crash [the North American video game market crash of 1983], 200,000 units was a significant goal.

Spring 1985.

Nintendo announced the official release of the NES.

In response, the famous American game magazine Electronic Games published this one-line review:

– Nintendo seems to be misjudging that the North American game market is still viable.

North American game magazines and game developers believed that Nintendo’s entry would be a complete failure.

But Nintendo and the NES shattered everyone’s expectations upon its release.

90,000 units in 9 weeks.

The NES sold 10,000 units every week, creating a sensation in the dormant North American game console market.

The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]

The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]

재벌가 빌런이 되었다
Status: Completed Author: Native Language: Korean
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[English Translation] Ever dreamed of trading your mundane life for unimaginable wealth? What if that dream came with a twist – embracing the role of a villain? Dive into the captivating world of a man who gets his wish, born into a conglomerate family, but at the cost of his morality. Winner of the 2023 World's Greatest Web Novel Contest, this gripping tale explores the intoxicating allure of power and the dark choices one makes when given everything. Would you seize the opportunity, even if it meant becoming the bad guy? Prepare to be enthralled by a story where ambition knows no bounds and the line between right and wrong blurs with every decadent indulgence.

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