142
Possibility (2)
I drop Sujeong off at school and head to the office.
I reflect on what my daughter said.
Here in Korea—no, on Earth—even if you possess extraordinary power, you can’t simply flaunt it. Modern society is an era of mutually assured destruction, with highly developed military technology. If things go wrong and world leaders initiate a nuclear war, it could lead to global annihilation.
Of course, things haven’t reached that point, and since I have no intention of ruling the world, there’s no need to display my power unnecessarily.
However, the Other World is a different matter.
Unless it’s as scientifically advanced as Earth, there are ample opportunities to demonstrate power.
If there’s black magic, there will naturally be white magic, and there will be knights. Even if there aren’t monsters roaming around like in the movies, there will be plenty of chances to showcase my abilities.
Even if conquering the Other World isn’t my goal, I need to demonstrate my power to facilitate comfortable trade.
Since ancient times, trade has been a gateway to immense wealth.
What if I could establish trade relations with the Other World?
If that happens, unimaginable riches will be within my grasp.
“This is exhilarating.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ah, it’s nothing.”
“I’m curious. If the Chairman is exhilarated, you must have a grand plan, right?”
“Have I ever mentioned M Group to you?”
“You did mention that ambitious idea of potentially acquiring M Group.”
I snap out of my thoughts and return to reality.
Acquiring M Group is the key to initiating dimensional trade, so even if I say I’m exhilarated because of that, I’m not misleading Lee Seulgi.
She gives me a skeptical look.
“M Group isn’t some small-time convenience store.”
“I’m well aware of that.”
“But how do you plan to acquire it? Do you have the necessary funds? A company of that magnitude is no small feat.”
Lee Seulgi shakes her head.
She warns that even with my considerable financial resources, acquiring a company of that size would be a significant undertaking, and mismanagement could lead to failure.
But that won’t happen.
Even if I acquire it, I don’t intend to take the chairman’s seat myself. My plan is to retain the current CEO and have them cooperate.
“Well, you’ll see. Summon the executive meeting.”
“Don’t tell me this meeting is about acquiring M Group?”
I shrug.
Lee Seulgi is correct in her assumption, but I can’t elaborate further.
Su Group Conference Room.
Dozens of executives are gathered.
Present are the presidents and board members of each affiliate, as well as employees from the newly established Strategic Planning Office.
There’s still a subtle power struggle, and in the case of Su Retail, there are openly hostile factions.
However, such minor issues will eventually be resolved.
In any case, there are only a few key figures who truly matter.
Lee Seulgi, as the head of the Strategic Planning Office, is effectively the second-in-command of the company. While some have voiced their discontent, Su Group is a new business group, meaning that those with ability can rise to any position.
Many are seeking opportunities for advancement.
Currently, Su Group is pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy.
Lee Seulgi provides an update.
“We’re making progress on the acquisitions of Daesung Logistics and S Construction. According to their representatives, Daesung Logistics will be sold for approximately 800 billion won [approximately $600 million USD], and S Construction for about 1 trillion won [approximately $750 million USD].”
“They’re asking for that much?”
“Yes, that’s their asking price. Of course, it might increase slightly during actual negotiations. They both hold significant symbolic value in the industry, correct?”
“Ha! Symbolic value doesn’t pay the bills. If they try to extract more money under that pretense, we might be better off looking at other companies.”
“Hmm. We’re planning to offer a deal within a 5% margin of error.”
“That range is acceptable.”
The executives nod.
They’re all contemplating how to climb the corporate ladder within the rapidly expanding company.
Clap clap!
I clap my hands to get their attention.
“The reason I’ve called you all here is that the company needs to expand in earnest.”
“…….”
They seem to be thinking, ‘How much more can we expand?’
But I’m still hungry for growth.
Now, I need to expand, considering not only business on Earth but also dimensional trade. To achieve this, it’s necessary to maximize the company’s size.
“Pursue the acquisition of necessary companies through major deals. Contribute to this effort. Develop strong business plans and research potential acquisition targets. For the time being, Su Group will enter a phase of transforming into a giant conglomerate.”
Now that I’ve announced our expansion plans, the company will experience explosive growth in the future.
I have no choice but to make one more announcement.
“Oh, and I almost forgot to mention it, but M Group will be acquired soon. Prepare accordingly.”
“……!”
Rumble rumble!
The room erupts in murmurs.
Acquiring S Construction or Daesung Logistics in Korea would be understandable.
If the other party is willing, it’s a feasible acquisition. But M Group?
To acquire a luxury brand group that is renowned not only in France but worldwide is simply astounding.
Lee Seulgi exclaims.
“Chairman! Do you really intend to acquire it!?”
“It’s already in motion. The discussions with their top management are complete, so Su Group should focus on how to best utilize and manage them.”
The meeting is on the verge of descending into chaos.
The ripple effect of my announcement is significant.
Su Group Strategic Planning Office.
I’ve brought Lee Seulgi and Han Yuram here, and I’m listening to their complaints.
Han Yuram also plays a crucial role in the Strategic Planning Office. She pledged her loyalty to Chairman Lee Yoosung and received power in return.
While they wield considerable influence, they are undoubtedly swamped with work.
“What on earth is the Chairman thinking?”
“What’s wrong? I heard he’s acquiring M Group,” Han Yuram says casually, sipping her coffee.
Lee Seulgi can’t comprehend her composure.
“Do you think that makes any sense?”
“Is there any reason why it shouldn’t? The Chairman is wealthy. He has hundreds of trillions of won [hundreds of billions of USD]. And the growth potential is enormous, so there’s no reason why he can’t acquire a luxury company like that.”
“A luxury company like that…”
From perfumes to clothing, watches, bags, and stationery like fountain pens, they deal in every product imaginable in the luxury market.
They have branches all over the world and generate enormous sales.
M Fashion was the first to release luxury goods with bags costing over 10 million won [approximately $7,500 USD].
Lee Seulgi finds it incomprehensible to acquire such a company. But Han Yuram’s perspective is different.
“That doesn’t mean you’re not going to do what you’re told, right?”
“Ugh. I have to, if possible.”
“What if it’s possible?”
“I’ll have to bury myself in work for the foreseeable future.”
“See? You’re afraid of the aftermath. Aren’t you worried about how much work will come your way after we acquire M Group?”
“…….”
Lee Seulgi can’t refute Han Yuram’s words. Upon hearing them, she realizes she’s right.
Meanwhile, as the news of Su Group’s potential acquisition of M Group spreads.
Catherine arrives in Moscow after an overnight flight.
She landed at the Air Force airfield on a private jet, making it appear as though she’s secretly visiting Russia.
Men in black suits are waiting for Catherine in front of the private jet.
As she disembarks, the agents behind her follow suit.
For the United States, Russia is considered an enemy nation. Even if they don’t outwardly display hostility, the United States and Russia are the most fervent competitors.
Naturally, the agents glare at each other, vying for dominance. They’re prepared to draw their weapons and engage in a fight if necessary.
“What a flamboyant welcoming ceremony?”
“Hahaha! What can I do? It’s due to the unpleasant memories of the past.”
“I came here for cooperation today, right?”
Nova shrugs.
No matter how much the leaders try to prevent it, the agents’ power struggle seems endless. They’re also staring at each other, memorizing faces.
They’re meeting for cooperation now, but it’s certain that they’ll be targeting each other in the near future.
“There’s no need to go far. Shall we conduct our business on the plane?”
“Ah, I can’t do that. What if you kidnap me?”
“Do you think I’d resort to such a petty tactic?”
“Who can I trust when VIPs and key figures from our country have disappeared?”
Catherine nods.
American VIPs and key figures have returned, but the same can’t be said for Russia.
This means that despite the smiles, they can’t help but feel anxious.
And Catherine understands Nova’s position.
“I can’t argue with that. Then let’s set up camp at the airfield and talk.”
“I anticipated this and already made preparations.”
“You’re unnecessarily thorough.”
Catherine doesn’t want to create unnecessary conflict.
While they’re usually competitors, Catherine has come here today to mediate.
The inside of the camp is bare.
Still, considering there’s a coffee machine, a generator, and a heater, it’s a suitable place for a lengthy conversation.
Catherine sits comfortably and drinks coffee.
In contrast, Nova has a very anxious expression.
“Where are our VIPs!?”
“Don’t worry. They’re safe.”
“Who? Who the hell kidnapped them and for what purpose!?”
“Listen carefully. There’s no need to get agitated. The person who kidnapped the VIPs is Chairman Lee Yoosung. We sent a spy there to uncover secrets, and Chairman Lee Yoosung declared he would demonstrate his power. And he followed through.”
“You knew?”
“Yes. Even though we were prepared, we couldn’t prevent it.”
Catherine recounts the events that have transpired so far in detail.
The story lasts for an hour.
Throughout the conversation, Catherine emphasizes that Lee Yoosung should not be touched and that the era of Lee Yoosung has begun.
She hopes that Nova will heed her words and leave Lee Yoosung alone.
But upon hearing the entire story, blood vessels burst in Nova’s eyes.
“You son of a bitch! I’ll peel your skin off!”