The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]: Chapter 228

228. Leap (2)

Jung Hyun-woo visited Wall Street with Sera after receiving an invitation from the New York Stock Exchange.

“It’s so classic here.”

Unlike the NASDAQ Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange still relied heavily on analog systems.

“They must have called us because of that classic feel.”

The New York Stock Exchange was a symbol of Wall Street and the American economy.

However, it was an exchange, not a federal government or public institution.

Therefore, when its finances faltered, it was acquired by other institutions and even attempted to overcome crises through mergers.

“Did you ask them to modernize this place?”

Sera corrected Jung Hyun-woo’s question.

“It’s more about improving their network system.”

The New York Stock Exchange was rushing to network and digitize its operations to remain competitive.

As Jung Hyun-woo and Sera entered the hallway, an official greeted them.

“Please come this way.”

The two followed the official to a conference room.

Inside, two other officials were waiting.

“Please, have a seat.”

Jung Hyun-woo was meeting these two officials for the first time.

“This is Jackie Yang.”

“And this is Paul Dickey.”

Jung Hyun-woo extended his right hand as they introduced themselves.

“I’m Charlie Jung.”

After shaking hands with them, Sera followed suit.

“I’m Sera Hilton.”

After the brief introductions, the four immediately began the meeting, dispensing with pleasantries.

“I understand the primary matter is commissioning an improvement to your network system.”

The official named Jackie Yang, who appeared to be of mixed Chinese descent with black hair and subtle blue eyes, cleared his throat and acknowledged Jung Hyun-woo’s statement.

“In addition to the exchange’s network system improvement project, we would like to commission one more project.”

Jung Hyun-woo inwardly clicked his tongue at this.

‘Tsk, the real purpose is probably what they’re about to mention.’

He suspected they were invited because the sensitive nature of the topic made it difficult to discuss online.

Jung Hyun-woo’s expectations for significant profit from the stock exchange improvement project were low.

‘The trading volume on the New York Stock Exchange is enormous, but it’s not known for huge profits.’

If the New York Stock Exchange were highly profitable, it wouldn’t have faced financial difficulties.

Jung Hyun-woo lowered his voice and asked, “You have another request? What is it?”

Jackie Yang paused before responding, “Mr. Jung, can you keep this matter confidential?”

A request for confidentiality from someone as influential as Jung Hyun-woo.

Jung Hyun-woo clicked his tongue again in his mind.

‘Tsk, since they’re asking for confidentiality, this must be a deal that’s unfavorable to them.’

He wasn’t thrilled with the situation, despite being invited by the New York Stock Exchange.

“I understand. I will keep the New York Stock Exchange’s secrets.”

Jackie Yang’s face brightened at Jung Hyun-woo’s agreement.

“Thank you.”

Unlike Jung Hyun-woo, Sera was curious about their additional proposal.

‘Hmm, it seems like it’s more than just a simple system improvement. What are they trying to do? Are they perhaps trying to entrust us with system management?’

If they could take charge of the New York Stock Exchange’s system management, it would be a significant step onto Wall Street.

Soon, Paul Dickey spoke.

“What we would like to commission Victoria Corporation with is an intercontinental trading system.”

Jung Hyun-woo and Sera tilted their heads simultaneously.

“An intercontinental trading system?”

Paul Dickey answered Sera’s question.

“Submarine fiber optic cables will soon be laid across the Atlantic.”

As of 1986, fiber optic cables had not yet been laid underwater.

The existing cables were ordinary cables for voice communication, like telephones, not fiber optic cables.

Jung Hyun-woo nodded.

“If fiber optic cables are laid across the Atlantic, large amounts of data can be transmitted, so you’re saying you’re going to integrate Europe and the United States into a single market.”

Trading European stocks in New York and New York stocks in Europe.

Currently, this was only possible through telephone calls, but with fiber optic cables and network systems, direct exchange trading would be possible.

Paul Dickey nodded enthusiastically.

“That’s right. Unifying the Western economic zone would have an enormous impact.”

This was during the Cold War era.

The world was divided in two. Therefore, the New York Stock Exchange aimed to connect only the Western world, not the entire globe.

“Hmm, that’s a great project. With a project like this…”

Jung Hyun-woo felt that a high-ranking official should be present at such a meeting.

As his voice trailed off, Jackie Yang lowered his voice and said, “This is currently in the technology demonstration stage. Please understand that this isn’t a contract for system construction.”

This implied that a high-ranking official would be involved when a formal contract was signed.

Jung Hyun-woo acknowledged this softly.

“I see. So, this request is for us to conduct research on connecting New York and London, or New York and Paris?”

“That’s right.”

There was nothing for Victoria Corporation to lose.

‘It’s not a loss; it’s something we should propose first.’

The research itself wouldn’t generate much revenue. However, from the perspective of securing network technology, it was research they had to participate in, even if they had to fund it themselves.

“Okay. Victoria Corporation will accept the New York Stock Exchange’s proposal.”

Paul Dickey’s face brightened as if a long-standing worry had been resolved.

“Mr. Jung, that’s an excellent choice.”

Sera watched Jung Hyun-woo accept the proposal immediately and realized its potential benefit to the company.

‘This must mean it will help secure network technology.’

She knew he was deeply committed to acquiring network technology.

‘Charlie said that half the reason he sponsors MIT is to secure network technology.’

Jung Hyun-woo often mentioned that the network was the future. He placed both hands on the table and said,

“Then, shall we return to the first agenda?”

“Okay.”

Jackie Yang began to detail the improvements the New York Stock Exchange desired.

“Our exchange’s network system is currently no better than any other. So…”

Improving the New York Stock Exchange’s network system was no simple task.

Compared to the NASDAQ exchange, the New York Stock Exchange still relied heavily on analog processes, with a significant amount of offline work.

All analog and offline work needed to be digitized and then connected to the network.

‘Can we do it?’

Given enough time and capital, it would be possible. The problem was that those two resources were likely to be insufficient.

When Jackie Yang finished his explanation, Jung Hyun-woo asked directly, “How much money has the New York Stock Exchange allocated for this project?”

He wanted to know the budget.

Jackie Yang’s face darkened momentarily.

“The exchange anticipates a budget of approximately $10 million.”

$10 million.

It wasn’t a small sum.

But it couldn’t be considered a large amount either.

‘Hmm, it’s ambiguous.’

As he frowned, Sera interjected, “I think we need to assess whether we can meet the budget.”

Since an estimate couldn’t be provided immediately, it meant they couldn’t commit definitively at that moment.

“I understand. I will give you time to develop an estimate.”

Sera turned to Jung Hyun-woo.

“Charlie, what do you think?”

Jung Hyun-woo, who had been contemplating, answered her question.

“If the estimate doesn’t exceed $20 million, let’s consider it positively.”

This was good news for the New York Stock Exchange.

‘Our budget is $10 million, but if they’re considering $20 million, doesn’t that mean Victoria Corporation will cover half of it?’

‘Charlie Jung has made a decision.’

The reason Jung Hyun-woo was willing to take on this project, even if it meant a $10 million loss, was because of the New York Stock Exchange’s symbolic importance and the opportunity to secure future technology.

‘If we design the New York Stock Exchange’s network system, we can also create our own trading program.’

He viewed this project as an investment in a modular system.

‘We might be able to dominate Wall Street before the 21st century.’

Jackie Yang said brightly, “Mr. Jung, thank you so much for considering it positively.”

Paul Dickey also expressed his gratitude.

“On behalf of the New York Stock Exchange, I would like to thank Victoria Corporation once again for its cooperation.”

They were greatly pleased with Jung Hyun-woo’s willingness to absorb the loss.

“We will send a team to review the project as soon as possible.”

Paul Dickey smiled and responded, “Please contact us anytime. We will prepare immediately.”

Today’s meeting was over.

* * *

Sera and Jung Hyun-woo didn’t head straight to the airport. Instead, they walked the streets of New York, followed by their bodyguards.

“That $10 million is an investment to acquire technology, right?”

Jung Hyun-woo nodded at Sera’s question.

“That’s right.”

“Are you confident?”

“Whether I’m confident or not, shouldn’t I do it?”

“Is it that important?”

“The other party is the New York Stock Exchange.”

The New York Stock Exchange was considered one of the world’s three major stock exchanges, along with London and Tokyo.

However, as of 1986, the latter two couldn’t surpass the former.

‘Hmm, that might change in two years.’

When Japan’s bubble economy peaked, Japanese companies accounted for more than half of the world’s leading companies in terms of market capitalization. This meant the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s status would significantly increase in the future.

“Can we lay the fiber optic cables properly?”

Sera hadn’t yet experienced the impact of fiber optic cables.

“Even though it’s thicker than regular cables, it won’t be that difficult.”

“I guess so?”

Jung Hyun-woo had lived in an era where fiber optic cables were ubiquitous.

‘I could even connect to American game servers from Korea.’

This was unimaginable in 1986.

“It’s over there.”

Jung Hyun-woo followed her gaze.

“It’s closer than I thought.”

They were looking at their favorite cafe.

“But we walked for more than 20 minutes.”

“Did we?”

“We did.”

*Ding-dong.*

As Jung Hyun-woo and Sera entered, a woman raised her hand.

“Over here.”

It was Aria, a New York regular.

“Aria, you’re here early.”

“There’s not much work on this side.”

Saying there wasn’t much work was an exaggeration. She had a busy schedule due to a new charity she had recently started.

“So, you went to the New York Stock Exchange?”

Sera sat down and answered, “We’re just coming back at a loss.”

“At a loss?”

“Charlie says he’s taking on a deficit project.”

Aria glared at her.

“Tch, I thought you sold stocks and suffered a big loss.”

“You’re not worried about Charlie’s deficit project?”

“It’s something Charlie does.”

She didn’t feel the need to worry about Jung Hyun-woo’s actions.

‘He became one of the top 5 richest people in America in just 5 years. Who can worry about Charlie?’

Jung Hyun-woo finished ordering and joined the table.

“What were you two talking about?”

Sera answered briefly, “World peace.”

“World peace?”

Aria raised her hand.

“So, I hope Charlie will donate a little.”

Jung Hyun-woo scratched his head.

“I’m in trouble because all my money is tied up right now.”

“I’m just kidding.”

Jung Hyun-woo sighed.

“Hoo… I’ll definitely help when I have some leeway.”

“Charlie helping me?”

“I heard about the foundation Aria established.”

Jung Hyun-woo knew she had established a foundation for African orphans.

“Did Sera tell you?”

Sera shook her head.

“Not this time.”

“Then?”

Jung Hyun-woo answered, “I saw it in the newspaper.”

Aria put sugar in her coffee.

“It looks like you read the newspaper too.”

“Of course.”

Jung Hyun-woo wasn’t a developer who only looked at computers in the lab. He made time to read magazines and newspapers during his breaks, keenly aware of his role as CEO of a global company.

“Charlie.”

“Yes?”

“Your father wants to meet Charlie again.”

A meeting with the Vice Chairman of Walmart.

Victoria Corporation had no reason to avoid it.

“As long as it’s not September, it’s okay.”

“Are you going on vacation in September?”

“No. I have some business in my hometown.”

“Hmm.”

Sera added, “He says he’s attending as a sponsor because there’s a big event called the Asian Games in Seoul.”

Aria shrugged.

“Charlie really doesn’t have any days off.”

Jung Hyun-woo responded, “I should take a break in October.”

Aria put down her spoon.

“Let’s spend this Thanksgiving at my house.”

Jung Hyun-woo tilted his head.

“Aria’s house?”

Her house was in New York.

“No, Oklahoma.”

Oklahoma was the hometown of the Walton brothers, who founded Walmart. She was inviting them to her father’s mansion.

“Oklahoma was your hometown?”

“Didn’t you know?”

Jung Hyun-woo clapped his hands.

“Ah, that’s why the two of you were close.”

It wasn’t like they were next door, but Sera and Aria were both from the southern United States.

“Pfft, that’s too much of a stretch.”

Aria agreed with Sera.

“My house and Sera’s house are quite far apart.”

It was a distance of about 8 hours by car and 3 hours by plane.

Just as Jung Hyun-woo was about to speak, the coffee he ordered arrived.

“By the way, who are those people outside?”

Jung Hyun-woo answered, “Secretaries, assistants, and bodyguards.”

Aria also had bodyguards, but the scale was different for Sera and Charlie.

“That many?”

“There are two of us.”

Aria realized the change in their status.

“Let the secretaries or assistants go to the cafe next door.”

Jung Hyun-woo responded, “I thought so too, so I told them, but they said they’d stay outside if it’s about an hour.”

“Isn’t the summer in New York scary?”

“Maybe it’s a silent pressure to come out quickly.”

There was a long awning in front of the cafe, making it easier to wait.

However, from the cafe’s perspective, it wasn’t ideal to have the entrance blocked.

Sera saw the situation and decided it wouldn’t work.

“Charlie, go out and come back.”

Jung Hyun-woo got up at her suggestion.

“I’ll leave only some of the bodyguards.”

He was heading towards the door when…

*Ding-dong.*

Luna entered with the sound of the bell.

“It’s a call for the CEO.”

She held a large Motorola cell phone.

“You mean the call came here?”

If a call came to the cell phone, it was definitely an emergency. He took the phone from Luna.

“This is Charlie.”

“Charlie, it’s a mess right now.”

The caller was John Pierre.

“Did something happen in Japan?”

Jung Hyun-woo immediately thought of an earthquake.

‘Was the Kobe earthquake around this time?’

If an earthquake occurred, Japanese stock prices would naturally plummet.

“The stock price is crazy.”

“The stock price?”

“It has surpassed $45.”

Jung Hyun-woo doubted his ears.

‘Victoria Corporation’s stock price has surpassed $45?’

A market capitalization of $90 billion.

World No. 1 IBM was within reach.