The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]: Chapter 247

247. Moscow (1)

It was after finishing the negotiation with Nintendo and stepping outside.

Jung Hyun-woo let out a long sigh.

“Haa…”

Luna tilted her head at his drawn-out sigh.

“Are you not feeling well, CEO?”

Jung Hyun-woo waved his hand dismissively.

“I just overcame a major obstacle.”

“Pardon?”

Luna didn’t understand why negotiating with Nintendo was such a big deal.

‘Even though Nintendo is a popular game company, they’re hardly a match for us.’

January 1987.

The gap between Nintendo and Victoria Corporation had widened to the point where any comparison was essentially meaningless.

However, Jung Hyun-woo knew that some things are determined regardless of a company’s size or capital.

‘It would have been a real headache if Nintendo had tried to hold onto the distribution rights.’

He had instructed Yu Tanaka to prepare a loan in case of an emergency.

“Nintendo is the key to unlocking the iron curtain [a metaphor for the political, military, and ideological barrier erected by the Soviet Union after World War II].”

He got into the car without waiting for Luna’s reply.

‘There’s still some time before the flight.’

Since he hadn’t arrived on a private plane, he couldn’t leave immediately.

‘I really miss having a private plane at times like this.’

Even if they weren’t massive corporations like IBM or Citibank, there were quite a few companies in the United States that owned private planes.

Luna opened the opposite door and said as she got into the car.

“CEO, the direct flight to Boston departs at 12 o’clock.”

The current time was 7 o’clock.

There were about 5 hours left until the plane took off.

‘Since it’s not Tokyo, I should be grateful there’s even a direct flight at all.’

Given that it was a flight departing from Osaka International Airport to the United States, it was understandable that there would be fewer flights compared to Tokyo.

“Let’s head to the hotel.”

The sedans carrying Jung Hyun-woo and his entourage proceeded to the hotel in a convoy.

However, the procession soon ground to a halt.

“The traffic is terrible.”

Although Kyoto was smaller than metropolises like New York or Tokyo, it was still a large city with a population approaching one million.

It was inevitable that the roads in the city center would be congested during rush hour.

“Shall we go to the airport?”

Jung Hyun-woo shook his head at Luna’s suggestion.

“It’s alright.”

If they went to the airport now, they would be stuck waiting in the lounge for at least 3 or 4 hours.

‘The hotel has better amenities than the lounge anyway.’

The facilities he had in mind were, of course, not furniture like chairs or beds, but wired communication equipment like telephones.

1 hour later.

Jung Hyun-woo finally arrived at the hotel. He checked the time and sighed briefly.

“Hoo… I have about 2 hours to kill.”

He considered it an awkward amount of time to start anything that required focus.

“CEO.”

Luna’s gaze was fixed on a familiar figure standing nearby.

“Mr. Tanaka?”

Jung Hyun-woo’s eyes widened in surprise when he saw Yu Tanaka had come to see him.

“How did you get here?”

Yu Tanaka bowed respectfully and answered.

“I came by Shinkansen [Japanese bullet train].”

It took about 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen.

‘So this is Japan’s pride, the Shinkansen?’

Jung Hyun-woo raised his right hand in greeting.

“I had some time to spare, so this is fortunate.”

It seemed he could spend the remaining 2 hours with Yu Tanaka.

* * *

Yu Tanaka frowned after hearing Jung Hyun-woo’s plan.

“CEO, isn’t that plan too risky?”

Jung Hyun-woo asked with a calm expression.

“In what way is it risky?”

The investment plan he had shared with Yu Tanaka involved making bold investments in Japanese banks.

“You’re essentially buying shares of Japanese banks with money borrowed from those same Japanese banks, aren’t you?”

“Is that so strange?”

“The Japanese government might view it with suspicion.”

Japanese banks were increasing their capital by leveraging Jung Hyun-woo’s investment.

Some might interpret it in a less favorable light.

“Are you suggesting it would be difficult to see it as a simple investment?”

“The amount is too substantial.”

Jung Hyun-woo intended to use the entire additional $3 billion he could borrow to purchase shares in Japanese banks.

“Then how much do you think is an appropriate amount to invest in banks, Mr. Tanaka?”

Yu Tanaka considered the question carefully, organizing his thoughts.

After a moment, he answered decisively.

“More than $500 million would be pushing it.”

That was about 15% of the borrowed funds.

Jung Hyun-woo sighed briefly.

“Hoo… So you have to be cautious even when investing.”

“Yes, as I mentioned before, it’s akin to buying shares of a bank using the bank’s own money.”

Jung Hyun-woo clicked his tongue in disappointment.

‘Real estate is the next best thing to banks.’

He was simply disappointed that he couldn’t increase his investment in Japanese banks.

“How about this?”

“How do you mean?”

“Borrow money from Kajima Bank and use it to buy shares of Sumitomo Bank.”

As of the mid-1980s, Sumitomo Bank was considered Japan’s leading financial institution.

“That’s a bit…”

Jung Hyun-woo voiced his displeasure.

“That’s not feasible either?”

“CEO, couldn’t you invest elsewhere?”

Yu Tanaka believed that Victoria Fund’s investments were too heavily concentrated in banks and real estate.

‘To mitigate risk, it’s necessary to diversify investment destinations.’

Jung Hyun-woo countered with a question.

“If we’re talking about alternative investment destinations, do you have a specific company in mind?”

Yu Tanaka responded promptly.

“How about NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation)?”

NTT was a company that combined the functions of Korea Telecom and Korea Mobile Telecom in South Korea.

“NTT?”

“It’s going public next month.”

“Hmm, you’re suggesting we invest in a company that hasn’t even gone public yet. Is that possible?”

“If you allocate $3 billion, you could acquire at least $1 billion worth of shares.”

Jung Hyun-woo hadn’t even considered NTT’s existence.

‘Japan’s leading public corporation is going public.’

He didn’t think it was a bad investment opportunity.

‘But banks would be preferable.’

He still regretted not being able to invest more in banks.

“NTT, are there any over-the-counter shares available?”

“I’ll look into that as well.”

Yu Tanaka was planning to participate in NTT’s IPO and also acquire over-the-counter shares.

‘NTT is sure to be a success.’

He was confident in NTT’s potential. Of course, he couldn’t predict exactly how successful NTT would become.

“What is Mr. Tanaka’s incentive?”

The more successful the fund manager, the higher the incentive.

“My incentive?”

“I’ve never asked John [likely referring to another fund manager at Victoria Fund].”

Yu Tanaka adjusted his glasses and answered.

“It’s 2%.”

“2% of the profit?”

“That’s correct.”

The profit Victoria Fund had generated in Japan amounted to $22 billion.

‘If it’s 2% of $22 billion, that’s $440 million?’

Yu Tanaka, who appeared to be an ordinary salaryman, could also be considered a billionaire.

“Don’t you regret not asking for a larger share?”

Yu Tanaka waved his right hand dismissively.

“I’m already compensated handsomely.”

“You’re not very greedy.”

“Personally, I believe I’m receiving more money than I deserve.”

Yu Tanaka didn’t have any equity in Victoria Fund, so the profit-based incentive was his sole form of compensation.

However, he had already earned far more than he had ever imagined.

“Okay. Then let’s conclude today’s meeting with the decision to invest as much as possible in NTT.”

Yu Tanaka rose from his seat and bowed.

“I will proceed accordingly.”

He exhibited a degree of excessive politeness, as is common among Japanese people.

After he left.

Jung Hyun-woo also departed from the hotel.

‘NTT… I should consider it fortunate that it’s being listed before the bubble [referring to the Japanese asset price bubble of the late 1980s].’

If it had been listed after the bubble burst, it would have languished at the bottom without ever experiencing a period of prosperity.

* * *

Jung Hyun-woo, upon returning from Kyoto.

He was greeted by a mountain of accumulated work.

“This is what’s left even after Sarah and I have processed as much as possible.”

Robert’s face was grim.

Jung Hyun-woo knew he wasn’t exaggerating.

‘Because each of them would have been swamped with work.’

In particular, Sarah was juggling her regular duties with preparations for her upcoming trip to the Soviet Union.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Jung Hyun-woo’s gaze shifted to the stack of documents.

“Aren’t you going to hold a meeting?”

“A meeting?”

“To discuss the results from Kyoto, for example.”

Jung Hyun-woo said softly.

“The only tangible outcome from Kyoto is that we secured the Soviet distribution rights for the NES [Nintendo Entertainment System].”

Robert’s expression seemed to say, “Is that all?”

“Didn’t you reach any agreements regarding next-generation console development, improvements to US distribution, or investment in Nintendo headquarters?”

Jung Hyun-woo answered calmly.

“No, I didn’t.”

Robert sighed deeply at his response.

“Hoo… Then you’re saying there’s really nothing substantial to report.”

“Securing the Soviet distribution rights is a significant achievement.”

Robert raised his eyebrows skeptically.

“Charlie, do you honestly believe Tetris will revolutionize the world of gaming?”

Jung Hyun-woo countered with a question.

“Wouldn’t you know if you’ve played the game?”

“It’s an enjoyable puzzle game, but I’m not sure it has that kind of impact.”

“You’re saying it’s not to Robert’s taste.”

Robert shrugged and conceded Jung Hyun-woo’s point.

“I might be biased, but I didn’t feel it was a groundbreaking title like Super Mario.”

The game he considered the pinnacle was Nintendo’s Super Mario.

“What if you could sell half as many copies as Super Mario?”

Robert answered his hypothetical question.

“Even selling half as many would guarantee your place in gaming history.”

Jung Hyun-woo said quietly.

“Tetris has at least that much potential.”

Robert sighed in disbelief.

“Hoo… If Charlie says so, it must be true.”

He had simply reaffirmed Jung Hyun-woo’s passion for Tetris.

Just as he was about to leave.

Jung Hyun-woo called out to him.

“Robert.”

Robert turned around and responded.

“Is there anything else you need me to do?”

“What should I bring back from the Soviet Union?”

It was a question about souvenirs to purchase in Moscow.

“I’m fine. I don’t want to attract the attention of the CIA.”

It was a lighthearted joke.

Jung Hyun-woo couldn’t help but chuckle at his reply.

“Okay. Then I’ll return empty-handed.”

After Robert left.

Ann entered the office.

It had been some time since she had sought out Jung Hyun-woo independently.

“Ann?”

Ann was the COO of Victoria Corporation and held a position closely aligned with Jung Hyun-woo in terms of responsibilities, but she typically discussed most matters with Sarah rather than him.

“I came to see you because there’s something I need to discuss with you.”

A formal greeting.

Jung Hyun-woo extended his right hand.

“Ann, why are you being so formal? Let’s sit down and talk.”

Ann hadn’t brought any data or business plans; she had come empty-handed.

‘I have a bad feeling about this.’

It suggested that she wasn’t planning to persuade him with data-driven arguments.

“Could it be about personal matters?”

Ann shook her head.

“No. It’s more work-related than personal.”

Jung Hyun-woo frowned.

‘A work-related discussion without documents or data.’

He couldn’t shake his apprehension.

‘She’s not going to resign, is she?’

Ann was one of his most trusted aides. If she were to leave Victoria Corporation, it would be difficult to find a suitable replacement.

‘I hope it’s not a resignation.’

He said softly.

“Ann, let’s talk casually, like we used to.”

Before she became COO.

When she was working as Jung Hyun-woo’s secretary, Ann treated him more informally than Luna does now.

But after becoming COO, she seemed to have erected a barrier.

“Charlie, I want to go to Moscow.”

Jung Hyun-woo tilted his head in confusion.

“Pardon?”

Ann raised her eyebrows and repeated with emphasis.

“I want to go to Moscow too!”

What she desired was to accompany him on the upcoming trip to Moscow.

‘Hmm, seeing her come to me directly like this, it seems Sarah opposed it.’

Jung Hyun-woo clasped his hands together and asked.

“Ann, did Sarah object?”

Ann nodded vigorously.

“That’s right. Miss Hilton said there wasn’t any room, so it would be difficult.”

Jung Hyun-woo didn’t immediately grant her request.

‘I need to understand the reason, at least.’

He raised his voice slightly.

“So, what’s the reason you need to accompany me on the trip to Moscow?”

“My mother is in Moscow.”

“Ann’s mother?”

“Yes.”

Jung Hyun-woo relaxed his brow.

‘She said it wasn’t a personal matter, but it turns out it is.’

He didn’t inquire why her mother was in Moscow. Instead, he asked.

“Is it alright?”

“Are you asking if it’s okay for me to meet my mother?”

“I’m fine with it, but the CIA might not be.”

Ann replied.

“My mother has been a Soviet citizen from the beginning, so I don’t anticipate any particular issues.”

As of 1987, the United States and the Soviet Union had diplomatic relations, and American citizens were permitted to visit the Soviet Union.

The same applied to the Soviet Union. Although a valid reason was required, Soviet citizens could also apply for immigration to the United States.

“Okay. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to go together this time and meet her, rather than taking a separate vacation.”

Jung Hyun-woo figured he could accommodate one more person, Ann.

But 3 minutes later, Sarah, who entered his office, shook her head.

“You can’t take Ann.”

Jung Hyun-woo’s eyes widened at her firm stance.

“You can’t take Ann?”

“It’s subject to personnel restrictions.”

Jung Hyun-woo hadn’t even considered the possibility of personnel restrictions.

“There’s such a thing?”

“The government has limited the number of people to five.”

It meant that the US government had capped the number of individuals who could visit the Soviet Union under the auspices of Victoria Corporation at five.

“Um, me, Sarah, and Luna…”

“Corey and Joseph, that’s the limit.”

Because the quota was so tight, Sarah couldn’t even bring her secretary.

“Corey is in marketing, so he’s handling the practical aspects? And Joseph is a Russian translator, right?”

Sarah nodded.

“That’s right. Both of them are essential personnel.”

Jung Hyun-woo suddenly remembered something and pressed the intercom.

“Luna, connect me to Ann.”

“Okay.”

Sarah assumed he would contact Ann and explain that it was impossible.

But her expectations were incorrect.

“Ann.”

“Charlie?”

“Can you speak Russian?”

He assumed she could speak Russian, given that her mother was Russian.

“I can. But I might struggle with writing documents.”

Jung Hyun-woo nodded at her response.

“Okay. Please wait a little longer.”

He disconnected the intercom and turned to Sarah.

“Charlie, what are you planning to do?”

Jung Hyun-woo answered her question.

“I have to take Ann.”

“Ann? As a translator?”

Sarah reasoned that even if Ann could speak Russian, he couldn’t replace Joseph.

‘Because Joseph can also write documents.’

Jung Hyun-woo smiled and replied.

“I’m going to inform the US government that I need to bring an additional person as a translator.”

He intended to leverage the influence of the wealthiest man in the United States.