We Do Business In Full Auto [EN]: Chapter 104

104

M&A (2)

H Group Chairman’s office.

Chairman Lee Kang-no had always been interested in CEO Lee Yoo-sung, but now he was paying such close attention that he received daily reports about him.

It was true that he had given CEO Lee Yoo-sung a little push, but Lee was developing at an incredible rate, sometimes to the point where Chairman Lee Kang-no was surprised.

“Chairman.”

“Come in.”

It was Head of Department Han Cheol-soo.

He came today with news about CEO Lee Yoo-sung.

“CEO Lee Yoo-sung acquired Haejin Lunchbox today.”

“Haejin Group’s lunchbox company?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm. Isn’t that a pretty solid company?”

“It is solid, but the profit margin wasn’t great, so it was up for sale. They say they’re going to invest in semiconductors after the sale.”

“If it’s a lunchbox company, it’s deeply related to convenience stores. And if Mrs. Lisa’s skills are excellent…”

“She’s knowledgeable in both Korean and Western cuisine, so I don’t think it would be too difficult to expand overseas.”

“What other movements are there?”

“He was looking into trading companies. A company that could handle distribution as well.”

“Does that mean he’s going to import directly and distribute directly?”

“That’s how it seems.”

“Hahaha.”

“CEO Lee Yoo-sung has not only management skills but also technical skills. On top of that, he is now building his own team.”

“His own team?”

“The head of the General Affairs Department pushed for the M&A. Looking at that, I think CEO Lee Yoo-sung tested him.”

“He’s testing someone who could become a key player with an M&A worth over 200 billion [Korean won, approximately $150 million USD]?”

“Yes.”

“Bold.”

“It’s like seeing the chairman in his younger days.”

Lee Kang-no clicked his tongue.

No matter how brave you are, M&A could determine the fate of the company.

Of course, there was a cut-off line for the M&A price, and if it exceeded that line, it would be considered a failure, but even so, his boldness stood out.

It perfectly matched Chairman Lee Kang-no’s belief in people management.

“What’s next after the trading company?”

“Hahaha. I’m curious about that too.”

I arrived in front of the house.

I tried to come as quickly as possible, but I was a bit late because of the traffic.

Han Yu-ram was holding fruit in her hand.

When visiting someone’s house, you shouldn’t go empty-handed. This much is basic etiquette.

“Hoo.”

Han Yu-ram took a breath.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m nervous.”

“Is there any need to be nervous?”

“I’m worried about what if the Madam [term of address for a high-status married woman] doesn’t like me.”

“My wife isn’t that kind of person.”

I said that, but of course, she would be nervous.

Who wouldn’t be nervous when visiting their boss’s house? Moreover, due to the nature of the lunchbox industry, she might have to face my wife often.

If a woman is picky, it’s a big headache.

Han Yu-ram was also a woman, and she was nervous because she knew that trait.

Ding-dong!

I opened the door and went inside.

Sua and Sujeong, who had just started walking, ran to me.

“You’re back!”

“Daddy, welcome!”

As the two daughters ran to me, I held them in my arms.

Han Yu-ram stared blankly at Sua.

It’s natural that Sua, who speaks fluently, looks amazing. A baby who just turned one speaks so fluently?

Of course, she would look like a genius.

“You’re here?”

My wife came out wearing an apron.

My wife, who received the call earlier, was busy preparing food.

“Wow.”

Han Yu-ram groaned without realizing it.

It must be the first time she’s seen my wife this close.

When she was blank, Lee Seul-gi nudged her shoulder.

“Ah! Hello! My name is Han Yu-ram!”

“You’ve hired a pretty lady.”

“Ah, that’s…”

“I wanted you to hire a pretty lady. Because that will help the business.”

“Thank you!”

“Are you hungry? Please sit down.”

“Yes, yes!”

Han Yu-ram had a pretty shocked expression.

She must have been even more shocked because she knew my wife’s background.

In case of emergency, we can get help from England. This alone was a huge merit as a businessman.

Moreover, everyone knew that Lion Group was a company run by the Cotton family. It was common sense if you were involved in the business world.

I didn’t even think about linking business with Lion Group, but the future was uncertain, and people who didn’t know the internal situation couldn’t help but think that we had a close relationship.

The difference between having such a possibility and not having it was still significant.

It’s a parade of Korean and Western food.

My wife even presented fusion cuisine.

As the meal began, the two women exclaimed.

“Wow!”

“How can such a taste…”

“Is it to your liking?”

“If it’s released as is, success is guaranteed!”

“It will be released as is.”

“Amazing.”

Even so, they didn’t put down their chopsticks.

“Eat slowly. Have a drink too.”

Pour, pour!

My wife filled their glasses with alcohol.

Han Yu-ram and Lee Seul-gi drank with gratitude.

“I look forward to working with you.”

“You’re too kind. We should be the ones saying that.”

As they drank, the women fell into endless chatter.

As expected, women’s chatter is endless.

It’s said that when three women get together, the plates break [a Korean idiom for loud and excessive chatter], and that’s exactly what it was like now. Of course, my wife isn’t the talkative type.

The two women mainly talked, and my wife listened.

The company dinner is over.

Han Yu-ram and Lee Seul-gi realized that they were talking a bit too much.

Time passed in an instant.

As they said goodbye and came out, they thought about the magic that Lisa had.

“Madam really seems to have a charm that attracts people.”

“I thought so too…”

“When I came to my senses, I was chattering.”

Lee Seul-gi felt embarrassed again.

She lived thinking that she was different from ordinary women, but when she opened the lid [another idiom, meaning when she revealed her true self], she was no different from ordinary women.

“Me too.”

Han Yu-ram smiled slightly.

Anyway, the meeting with Lisa wasn’t bad.

A genius scientist and genius daughters.

Come to think of it, Lisa seemed to be a genius too. Looking at how she knew people’s minds so well.

“What would happen if Madam participated in management?”

“It would be amazing. But Madam won’t participate.”

“Why? She seemed talented.”

“Because she decided to become a good wife and mother. She’s getting involved in the lunchbox business because the president asked her to. If it wasn’t for the request, Madam wouldn’t have moved.”

“A true good wife and mother.”

“Even though she’s British.”

It was truly a mysterious thing.

Even though the cultures were clearly different, Lisa was the woman that men wanted more than anyone else.

The next morning.

After dropping Sujeong off at school first, I prepared to go out with my wife.

It was a place for cooking, but Sua was now walking and expressing her opinions clearly. So, I thought there would be no problem taking Sua with me.

All the ingredients were ready at Haejin Lunchbox.

Even if it wasn’t a factory, Haejin Lunchbox always researched new menus. If you keep releasing only one type of lunchbox, sales will naturally drop.

You have to keep the popular menus and replace them periodically. So, it can be said that the research team’s job is to research new menus. While matching the unit price, so I can guess their concerns.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

My wife came out after changing into her going-out clothes.

She just changed into clothes that were comfortable for cooking, but she looks different.

Sua hugged my wife and said.

“Mommy is pretty.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. Mommy is the prettiest in the world.”

“What about Daddy?”

“I think Daddy is lucky.”

“Huh.”

Is that the vocabulary of a one-year-old?

Of course, she’s now heading towards her second birthday, but still, Sua’s vocabulary development was amazing.

I thought she was just a prodigy, not a genius, because she was slower to speak than Sujeong, but looking at her level of thinking, I wonder if she’s ahead of Sujeong.

Waiting for the car in front of the apartment.

Soon, a driver from Haejin Lunchbox arrived.

“Nice to meet you, President. My name is Lee Tae-jin, your exclusive driver.”

“I feel secure with a strong man.”

“It seems like you’ve only had women by your side until now.”

“Hahaha! That’s right.”

“I also work as a bodyguard, so please tell me anytime.”

“Okay.”

He was as big as a bear and over 190 cm tall [approximately 6’3″]. He was around his late 30s and had been a mercenary overseas, but I don’t know why he’s working as a driver. It’s not like he’s particularly uncomfortable or anything.

‘Everyone has a past.’

I decided to think that way and move on.

I took the car and headed to Haejin Lunchbox headquarters.

One fortunate thing, if I had to say so, is that Haejin Lunchbox headquarters is in Gwangmyeong City. It was at least close to Incheon.

While driving, I asked Lee Tae-jin.

“What’s the atmosphere like at the company?”

“Are you talking about after the M&A was announced?”

“That’s right.”

“There’s no particular unrest. There are rumors that you are running CL Retail and will attempt mergers and acquisitions in trading companies, Android companies, and other fields. Since Haejin Lunchbox was a discarded card anyway, they believe that it will develop further if it is acquired by you, who are continuing to connect related businesses.”

“Is that so?”

“I would like to say that expectations are quite high.”

Have I come this far already?

When I first acquired CL Retail and held the inauguration ceremony, people were very embarrassed. They didn’t expect CL Group to abandon them.

However, there had been talk of separating or selling Haejin Lunchbox for a long time.

They would have preferred to be acquired by a large company, but they think it’s not bad to be acquired by me, a rising star.

Rapid development also means faster promotion.

Suddenly, I realized that Lee Tae-jin was well-informed.

“You’re well-informed?”

“I served in the intelligence department in the past. After being discharged, I worked as an overseas mercenary and also acted on behalf of the intelligence department.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Lee Tae-jin was making full use of his past experiences.

Was it said that talent is nearby?

There are many people in this world, and there are many talented people. Isn’t sweeping up the talent nearby the basics of management?

“Driver Lee, please bring your resume to my office in the afternoon.”

“Understood.”

I thought I saw a smile on Lee Tae-jin’s face.