The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]: Chapter 49

49. Becoming a Villain in a Chaebol Family – Heiress of a Chaebol Family 03 –

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“Why didn’t you ask for more?”

Jung Hyun-woo and Sera had met Bird Walton. Sera posed this question to Hyun-woo after their meeting.

However, Jung Hyun-woo grabbed Sera’s arm, signaling her to stop pursuing the topic.

“I wanted to talk to the Walton family as equals.”

“Equals?”

Jung Hyun-woo nodded.

“We’ll get there soon.”

JP Morgan was just the beginning. Jung Hyun-woo envisioned Victoria Corporation becoming a dominant force in systems and software.

‘Unlike the retail market, which caters to individual consumers, the corporate market is controlled by a few major players [an oligopoly]. If we can capture a significant share of this market early, Victoria Corporation can grow faster than any other company.’

The ultimate goal was to emulate Microsoft, led by Bill Gates.

Microsoft was revolutionizing the IT industry with the success of MS-DOS [Disk Operating System, a command-line operating system].

“Has Robert contacted you?”

Jung Hyun-woo had asked Robert, through Sera, to connect him with potential software developers.

“The list is coming soon. But how will we interview the candidates on the list?”

Most of Activision’s employees were located in the West (likely referring to the Western United States).

“We’ll have to travel to the West.”

“That will take up even more of your time.”

Sera was concerned about Jung Hyun-woo’s academic commitments.

“Please schedule the trip after the midterm exams.”

He couldn’t afford to miss the midterm exams.

“Okay. But, have you considered utilizing John’s contacts?”

The people who had previously developed games with John River.

Jung Hyun-woo had considered that option as well, but he had reservations about John River.

“I’ve thought about it. But I don’t fully trust John yet.”

Sera nodded in agreement with Jung Hyun-woo’s assessment.

“You mean his attitude still seems unreliable?”

John River’s initial impression had been less than ideal, and Jung Hyun-woo suspected that it reflected his true nature.

‘He might try to assert control over his former colleagues and act like their boss.’

He wanted a company where everyone moved in sync with his directives.

“How’s Lee doing?”

Lee Nuuz Korhonen.

He was now simply being called Lee.

“He’s doing well, just struggling with time management.”

“I figured.”

“What can we expect? He’s an international student.”

Lee was in a similar, yet distinct, situation compared to Jung Hyun-woo.

‘He’s closer to being a typical, struggling student.’

In reality, Yucca Lynea, who didn’t have to work part-time, was in a position more similar to Jung Hyun-woo’s.

‘It would have been great if Yucca could have helped us too.’

He had learned in class that Yucca Lynea also possessed strong skills in BASIC [Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, an early programming language].

“Now that the negotiation with JP Morgan is complete, can we head back?”

“We have one more stop to make.”

Sera tilted her head, curious.

“Another stop?”

“Yes.”

Jung Hyun-woo directed them toward Central Park. The weather was clear and pleasant after the previous day’s rain.

“Is this the place Charlie wanted to visit?”

The location he chose was in the heart of Central Park, resembling a meticulously maintained garden.

“It’s a spot that’s often featured in movies.”

“Unexpected, isn’t it?”

“Is it unexpected?”

“I didn’t think Charlie would be interested in a place like this.”

Sera had always perceived Jung Hyun-woo as a highly pragmatic individual.

“I also need to clear my head sometimes.”

“I suppose so…”

Usually, Jung Hyun-woo was preoccupied with countless thoughts.

‘I think it’s important to take a break and clear my mind occasionally.’

If he pushed himself relentlessly without rest, he would inevitably burn out. She didn’t want to witness Jung Hyun-woo reaching that point.

“Sera.”

“Hmm?”

“What was your dream, Sera?”

Sera was also an heiress to a chaebol [a large South Korean business conglomerate] family.

‘Was her dream similar to Aria’s?’

Sera stretched out her arm and replied.

“I didn’t have the luxury to even consider dreams.”

“Really?”

That was news to him.

An heiress of a chaebol family hadn’t had the opportunity to dream.

“It was already a struggle to keep up with my sister.”

As he suspected, Sera had been striving to emulate her sister, Laura.

“What happened when you realized you couldn’t catch up?”

“At that point, I began fighting to break free from my father and family’s control.”

“He doesn’t seem like a particularly controlling person now?”

“Being gentle is different from not interfering at all. And as I mentioned before, my father wasn’t always like he is now.”

It wasn’t overt coercion, but he had attempted to influence her through subtle pressure.

Jung Hyun-woo considered it a common scenario.

‘Even outside of chaebol families, most fathers have a vision for their daughters’ lives.’

This time, Sera posed a question.

“What’s Charlie’s dream?”

“I already told you.”

“To be number one in the world?”

“Rather than simply being number one… I want to shape the future and be at the forefront of innovation.”

Sera smiled brightly.

“Sounds like Bill Gates.”

“If I continue on this path, I’ll inevitably compete with Bill.”

He wasn’t going to shy away from competing with Bill Gates.

‘In the IT field, competition is unavoidable.’

Just then, a gentle breeze brushed past his cheek.

“Sera!”

Someone called out Sera’s name.

‘Is it someone from the Hilton family?’

Encountering someone from the Hilton family in New York was surprisingly common.

‘Especially around Wall Street or Central Park.’

However, the face of the person who waved was also familiar to him.

It wasn’t someone from the Hilton family.

“Peter.”

The person approaching them was Peter Lynch. Jung Hyun-woo tilted his head, puzzled, and asked.

“Peter, aren’t you supposed to be working?”

Peter Lynch, a notorious workaholic, was in Central Park during business hours?

This could only mean one of two things.

Either there was a crisis at work, or he was having a meeting here.

“I came out for a walk.”

Wasn’t this a bit far to call it a walk?

“A walk?”

“My head is a mess.”

Even a prominent figure like Peter Lynch had his share of worries.

“Sera and Charlie are…?”

They didn’t usually frequent Central Park either.

Sera answered his question.

“We were taking a walk after a meeting.”

“You’re taking a walk too?”

“Come to think of it, you could say we’re in the same boat.”

Peter Lynch scratched his head and said.

“The game industry seems to be struggling lately. Is Charlie doing alright?”

He was aware that Jung Hyun-woo was a game developer.

“I’m doing moderately well.”

“What about your investments?”

“I barely managed to get out in time.”

Peter Lynch seemed somewhat relieved after hearing Jung Hyun-woo’s response.

“That’s a relief.”

In fact, the reason he had come to Central Park was due to the massive redemption of funds that included the Warner Group.

The fallout from the Atari shock [the video game crash of 1983] had also impacted the Magellan Fund [a large mutual fund managed by Fidelity Investments].

‘Tsk, Charlie was one step ahead. I couldn’t exit in time.’

He had heard about the impending bubble in the game industry from Jung Hyun-woo.

But he had underestimated the severity of the bubble, and his reaction was delayed.

“Are you okay, Peter?”

Peter Lynch shook his head at Sera’s question.

“To be honest, it’s killing me.”

“Peter, you don’t typically invest heavily in IT, do you?”

“Warner isn’t IT.”

Warner Group was already a well-established company before acquiring Atari. And Peter Lynch had created a content fund centered around the Warner Group.

“It seems like this incident has had a significant impact?”

“Fund redemptions are severe.”

Fund redemptions could have a short-term negative impact on the operation of the Magellan Fund.

“Peter, are a lot of funds being withdrawn at once?”

“That’s right.”

Peter Lynch answered curtly and then sighed deeply.

“Hoo…”

His sigh revealed the reason he had come here.

‘The situation is so frustrating that he needs to take a walk.’

Jung Hyun-woo smiled and said.

“Peter, should we invest in the Magellan Fund?”

Peter Lynch and Sera raised their eyebrows in unison.

“In the Magellan Fund?”

“Charlie?”

Jung Hyun-woo clasped his hands together and said.

“Sera, you were planning to invest in Japan anyway. I know the Magellan Fund has products that invest in Japan, right?”

Peter Lynch nodded and replied.

“We do have investment products focused on Japan.”

The problem was the potential investment amount.

He assumed Charlie’s investment would be around $1 million at most.

‘$1 million is a substantial amount, but it’s not a game-changer for Wall Street funds.’

Even in 1982, many funds on Wall Street managed over $100 million.

“Sera, how much do we have in our account?”

Sera realized that Jung Hyun-woo was serious about investing in the Magellan Fund.

“We have approximately $35 million.”

Peter was taken aback by her answer.

“$35 million?”

$35 million was a considerable sum of money.

‘The total amount withdrawn from our Magellan Fund this time is $36 million…’

If he played his cards right, he could replace over 90% of the redeemed funds with this investment.

“Then let’s invest $20 million for now?”

“Are you sure?”

Peter Lynch, who had been listening intently to Sera and Jung Hyun-woo’s conversation, interjected.

“If you’re going to invest, it has to be in the Magellan Fund. If Sera and Charlie invest, I’ll personally manage it.”

He, the head of the fund, was offering to personally oversee their investment.

Sera turned her gaze toward him.

“Peter, can we trust you?”

“Of course.”

“What about the fees?”

“The best possible!”

Clients who deposited over $10 million were typically given the most favorable terms.

Sera raised her eyebrows and asked.

“Is that all?”

“Sera, just let me know if you need anything.”

“Oh, is this the first time I’ve seen this side of Peter?”

Peter Lynch smiled awkwardly.

“Because of the circumstances.”

It was rare for Sera to be so playful. She crossed her arms and asked.

“I’m not very familiar with Wall Street. Peter, tell me, what are the perks of being a VIP?”

She was prompting him to elaborate on the preferential treatment afforded to VIP clients.

Peter Lynch turned his gaze to Jung Hyun-woo, as if pleading for assistance.

“Peter, I’m curious too.”

At this point, Jung Hyun-woo was no longer an ally.

‘This is becoming troublesome.’

Peter Lynch sighed deeply.

“Hoo, there are various VIP benefits.”

“So please, tell me about those various benefits.”

Peter Lynch groaned softly.

“Well, depending on the client, we offer treatment at high-end restaurants, and depending on their preferences, we arrange visits to expensive bars or exclusive entertainment venues.”

Sera’s smile faded, and she raised her right index finger.

“No adult entertainment.”

“For more practical perks, we also provide airline tickets or hotel vouchers.”

“Are there no fund-related services? Like access to information faster than others?”

Peter Lynch scratched his head.

“That’s usually the standard. A detailed report is mailed to your address every month, and tickets for the annual investment briefing held in New York are also included, along with airline tickets.”

“Hmm, is that all? I feel like you’re holding something back.”

“Sera, what could I possibly be hiding?”

The Magellan Fund was operated fairly, without favoring any specific group.

Was that the reason?

There were no secret services or perks.

Jung Hyun-woo shrugged his shoulders after listening to their conversation.

‘It doesn’t seem like there’s anything particularly special.’

The service in 1981 was definitely not on par with the standards of the 2020s.

The benefits Peter Lynch described were less impressive than what Jung Hyun-woo had experienced during his corporate career.

‘I thought there would be something like a VIP party held in a penthouse in Manhattan.’

He had envisioned a party with Hollywood actors and famous politicians.

But the Magellan Fund didn’t offer such extravagant events.

“Peter, let’s do this.”

As soon as Jung Hyun-woo spoke, Peter Lynch immediately turned his attention to him, his eyes filled with hope.

“Charlie, tell me what you want.”

“Two VIP seats at Fenway Park.”

Fenway Park was the historic home stadium of the Boston Red Sox. The price of VIP seats there was considerable. Of course, it wasn’t so exorbitant that Peter Lynch couldn’t provide them.

“Okay.”

“Next, two round-trip tickets to Japan.”

Peter Lynch tilted his head.

“Japan? Didn’t you say Charlie is Korean?”

“I said I was investing in Japan. I want to see firsthand what kind of country I’m investing in.”

Peter Lynch nodded in agreement with Jung Hyun-woo’s explanation.

“Okay. I’ll arrange two first-class tickets.”

“That’s all I want.”

Peter Lynch turned his head back to Sera.

“Sera?”

Sera knew that Jung Hyun-woo had requested the two Fenway Park tickets for her.

‘Charlie isn’t that interested in baseball.’

She raised her right hand and said.

“I think two tickets to a fashion show in New York will be enough.”

Peter Lynch took out a notebook.

“Okay, Sera gets two fashion show tickets, Charlie gets round-trip tickets to Japan and two Fenway Park tickets. I’ve got it all.”

Jung Hyun-woo extended his hand to Peter Lynch.

“I’ll visit the fund tomorrow.”

Peter Lynch smiled brightly as he shook his hand.

“I hope this will be a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

He believed he had made the right decision by coming to Central Park today.

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