Chapter 131 : A Bizarre Appearance
A Bizarre Appearance
Taeshin Trading's executive vice president, Tae Seok-ho, was sitting at his desk reviewing documents he had received via email.
His hands were trembling, and he sighed deeply.
This was because the documents stated that the management rights of the H&T Fund he had managed in New York had been completely taken over by another company.
"So it's come to this after all. But of all companies, why...?"
In the first place, the H&T Fund had started running into financial troubles and became unstable after Noah Gardner, who had managed it, disappeared.
Eventually, the other directors who held shares couldn't hold out any longer and sold them off, leading to the current situation.
Of course, this was inevitable unless the capital was replenished. But because the company that acquired the fund was AMK Partners, Tae Seok-ho felt even more disgruntled.
Just then, someone knocked, and Reina Blackwood came in. Perhaps sensing Tae Seok-ho's grim expression, she placed the documents she had brought on the desk and asked,
"Is something wrong?"
"I lost a company I was running to a place I really didn't want to lose it to."
"Are you talking about the H&T Fund?"
As soon as that name was mentioned outright, Tae Seok-ho's expression hardened.
"You already knew?"
"I can't help you without looking into matters concerning the executive vice president. I'd heard that after CEO Noah Gardner disappeared, several companies were attempting to acquire it."
"You know it ended up going to AMK Partners, too?"
This time, it was Reina whose expression stiffened. She hadn't known about that detail.
"So AMK had its eyes on that place too. It wasn't included when I checked, so I had no idea."
"So you're saying they suddenly intervened."
Although the H&T Fund had encountered management problems, the bonds, patents, stocks, and so on that it held were valuable enough for other companies to covet.
However, Tae Seok-ho had put Noah Gardner at the front as a shield to erase any trace of connection with Taeshin Group.
When that relationship broke down, all Tae Seok-ho could do was watch as the H&T Fund slipped out of his hands.
"There's something even more important going on right now, though."
"Who doesn't know that?"
He was hinting, asking how the preparations they had discussed earlier were going.
Reina, knowing what he meant, went straight to the point.
"The operation I mentioned before—the location is almost decided. The timing is still up in the air, though."
"Where is it?"
"It's a place you're quite familiar with, Executive Vice President."
Reina pulled up an article on her tablet and showed it to him.
[Velbyte Technology, presumed to have acquired land for a factory in Sedona, Arizona, America. The site is confirmed to be owned by Greenbyte Labs, but the companies haven't released precise statements....]
Looking at this, Tae Seok-ho exchanged a meaningful glance with Reina.
"So you intend to deal with Father here?"
"That's right. But it will depend on the event being held there."
"Why?"
"The location and circumstances are ideal. And, if something happens, there's someone who can act as the trigger."
He immediately knew who she meant.
"Kang In-hyuk? But... will the chairman really go all the way to America himself, especially considering his age?"
Even in Seoul, he often represented the chairman, Tae Gun-seung, at events due to the latter's age.
"Do you think we would prepare all this without adequate reason or intelligence?"
"Don't tell me—you acquired information that my father will attend? How?"
Tae Seok-ho had tried everything to work on Tae Gun-seung's close aides, but there were no openings.
They were fiercely loyal, which meant all he could do so far was bide his time until the chairman's luck ran out. Reina gave a light smile.
"Since I promised to help, I'm pulling all strings possible."
"Then what's the reason for using Kang In-hyuk in the operation?"
He raised his earlier question again.
"He's survived several assassination attempts already, so the suspicion will naturally fall on him. Of course, you'll need to be present at the scene as well, Executive Vice President."
"If it's for an alibi... is that really necessary?"
A memory flashed through Tae Seok-ho's mind—the shootout between Redfall and Warborn. The fear that bullets could fly anytime, anywhere still sent chills down his spine.
"Eliminating suspicion is essential. Besides, I and others will make sure you're well protected, so don't worry."
The explanation made sense, but it was hard to trust easily.
If those aiming for Kang In-hyuk attacked, and Chairman Tae Gun-seung died in the crossfire?
Just that would leave Kang In-hyuk with no justification to remain in Taeshin Group.
Riiiing—Riiiing—
At that moment, the internal call rang, and the voice of a female staff member who handled secretary duties alongside Reina Blackwood came through.
[Executive Vice President, Division Director Kang In-hyuk of Taeshin Asset Management is here to see you.]
Tae Seok-ho and Reina Blackwood looked at each other in surprise, but Tae Seok-ho replied without hesitation.
"Let him in."
As soon as he answered, the door opened and In-hyuk entered.
In-hyuk glanced at Tae Seok-ho and Reina Blackwood, who was standing before him.
"This visit may be rather unannounced, especially since you're busy."
"No problem. Please, have a seat."
The two sat facing each other on the sofa. Reina didn't leave but stood quietly behind Tae Seok-ho.
"What brings you here without notice?"
"There's something I'd like to ask."
"And what would that be?"
In-hyuk, with a calm expression, looked at him and spoke.
"As you know, Velbyte Technology—a company in which Taeshin Asset Management recently acquired shares—is about to hold an opening ceremony for its company and new factory. We plan to invite key figures from Taeshin Group as well."
That explanation alone let Tae Seok-ho know why In-hyuk had come.
It was in line with the plan Reina had just explained.
Some cloudy points were cleared up, but Tae Seok-ho had suffered too much at In-hyuk's hands to simply feel good about it.
"... Are you saying I'm invited, too?"
"You're one of the main figures in Taeshin along with the chairman, Executive Vice President."
Somewhat surprised, Tae Seok-ho's expression became even more startled.
"To be honest, that's unexpected. Given our relationship, I wouldn't have thought you'd make such a request."
He deliberately brought to the surface the real nature of their strained relationship. But In-hyuk's expression remained unchanged.
"I was just doing what the chairman asked of me. And it pertains to Taeshin Asset Management business. Also, the matter with you, Executive Vice President, is no different."
"So you mean I'm not the problem here? Still, is there any real reason for me to go? If it's about Taeshin Asset Management's image, wouldn't the chairman's attendance be enough?"
It wasn't a wrong point. But In-hyuk shook his head.
"The value of our Velbyte shares will keep rising. But for potential investors, it's not only Velbyte itself, but also the reputation of the company behind it. I want to make it clear that there are no internal conflicts within Taeshin Group."
Tae Seok-ho gave a small laugh at this.
"Heh. In the end, you're asking me to lend my face for your own gain?"
"It's not just for my benefit, but for Taeshin Group's. You, too, know how far Velbyte Technology's business could go."
Its technology reduced power consumption by nearly 60%—revolutionary in itself. If it could be integrated into various devices, it would be a groundbreaking technology no business would want to miss.
"You have some long-term vision. But isn't their technology still hard to apply to ultra-compact devices?"
As of now, their low-power tech only worked for small- and mid-sized gadgets, though that still covered company equipment and consumer electronics.
But if it reached the smartphone level, the possibilities would be endless.
"If latecomers develop something better than Velbyte, that's one thing, but until then, it's only a matter of time."
You couldn't stop tech copying in any industry. No matter how tightly it was kept under wraps, once products hit the market, imitators would appear.
Often, the company with the original idea would even lose out to the copycats.
But In-hyuk was making bold predictions, and Tae Seok-ho chuckled wryly.
"Do you really think no one else can catch up?"
Of course, In-hyuk knew why he was being asked this.
"No. Similar technology will emerge elsewhere."
"So you're saying there's something more?"
In-hyuk shrugged.
"Anyway, will you be able to attend the opening ceremony?"
At this, Tae Seok-ho paused before answering.
"If it's for main figures in Taeshin Group, does that mean the chairman will go as well?"
"I'll check with him after your decision, so I'm not sure yet."
"Is that so?"
Earlier, Reina had spoken as if Tae Gun-seung's attendance was certain.
Feeling a bit surprised inside, Tae Seok-ho didn't take his eyes off In-hyuk.
"So what will you do?"
"I'll attend. It may be uncomfortable, but if it's for Taeshin, I have to."
"Thank you. We'll send your invitation soon."
With that, In-hyuk stood up. Baek Si-hwan, who had been waiting, opened the door and followed beside him as he left.
"Executive Vice President Tae Seok-ho agreed to attend. Please include him on the guest list."
"Understood."
"Other than the chairman, please call each person on the list for confirmation."
When directed, Baek Si-hwan brought up a relevant point.
"What should we do if someone not on the list inquires about the event?"
For Velbyte Technology, this was the first time that AMK Partners, which had only invested so far, was entering manufacturing.
While the venture was operated through an affiliate joint venture, it was an opportunity for people in the related industry to form good relationships.
In Korea, AMK Partners's only known local connections were the Korea branch and Kang In-hyuk of Taeshin Asset Management, meaning the opening ceremony would be a crucial opportunity for those operating in related industries.
"In that case, sort through the list and submit it to me for review."
"As you say."
With that, In-hyuk walked with Baek Si-hwan toward the chairman's office.
.
.
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Past midnight.
W&W Group's chairman Baek Ji-woong arrived at an apartment construction site on the outskirts of Gyeonggi Province, riding in a car driven by Do Jung-geol.
The construction, bustling during the day, was quiet now, with no security in sight. Baek Ji-woong followed Do Jung-geol inside.
"I'll go alone from here."
"Yes, sir."
Baek Ji-woong walked alone into the central hallway of a commercial building whose concrete frame was the only thing finished.
"You've arrived?"
At that moment, a deep voice echoed with a question.
"It's been a while. ... Nomen."
With that greeting, a man in a black suit slowly approached from the far end of the dark corridor.
The two drew close—just five steps apart. Moonlight flowed in from the window overlooking the outside, illuminating their figures.
At the same time, Nomen's appearance came into view. Like the other elders, he wore a mask.
But his was different: a bizarre mask that completely covered his head, with dozens of jumbled eyes and mouths.
"It's been four years."
His appearance and his voice sent shivers down Baek Ji-woong's spine.
"... It has."
Baek Ji-woong's answer was delayed, as if he was hesitating.
Nomen's calm voice continued, pressing on with a heavy atmosphere.
"You wanted to meet like this to confirm something, didn't you? What is it?"