God of Money

“The government has decided to initiate a process for selecting the fourth mobile carrier in order to reduce the cellphone cost for the public. It was one of the promises the current President has made, and he hopes to achieve it very soon. After the selection process is completed, the winning company will be awarded with a prepared frequency, and an auction will be held for 4G frequencies.”

Woosung turned off the TV and said to Jang Gwangchul, “We have a billion-dollar budget for XFeed, so we should be ok.”

“How about the frequency auction? If we want to take advantage of 4G, we will need 1.81MHs.”

“It will be easy because it will be a concurrent auction.”

The company that bid the most would win.

“But TK has a good funding power. Their yearly profit is 2 billion dollars.”

“We won’t lose.”

“How much are you thinking to bid? You know what winner’s curse is, right?”

Luckily, Woosung knew how much TK would bid.

“Don’t worry.”

Jang Gwangchul nodded. “Well, as long as you know what you’re doing.”

“It will be an amount we can afford.”

“There is a rumor that it will be over a billion dollars.”

“Haha, 1 billion dollars is nothing. We have more than that.”

Jang Gwangchul knew how much Woosung made recently, so he nodded. “I…I guess.”

“But until we actually win, please stay focused. You never know what might happen.”

“Like the possibility of the existing three mobile carriers working together against us?”

“And also the fact that an official named Choi Gijung from Korean Communications Commission is secretly helping another company to win.”

“But you also have a good connection. You have Attorney Lee.”

“Even the President himself can’t help in certain situations. You just never know.”

“I suppose.”

“I asked him to make sure the process is done fairly. If this happens, we will win for sure.”

“Alright. The paperwork should be done in about three days.”

“Thank you.”

***

Korean Communications Commission official Choi Gijung’s office.

Choi Gijung held a secret meeting with two members of the liberal party. Choi Gijung said, “We need to make Daeyang win this selection. I trust that you will follow my lead.”

One member replied uncomfortably, “But Attorney Lee contacted us to make sure we conduct a fair process. I’m not sure what we can do to make sure Daeyang wins.”

“You know exactly what you need to do!” At Choi Gijung’s anger, the two members remained silent. Choi Gijung continued, “I want a fair process too, and the fair process will result in Daeyang winning. Got it?”

The two men nodded.

After they left, Choi Gijung took out one of his cellphones. It was The One from Daeyang Electronics.

There was only one number saved on this phone.

Choi Gijung called this number. A welcoming voice answered. “Hello, sir!”

“I got it done.”

“Haha, thank you. I will not forget your help.”

Choi Gijung lowered his voice and replied, “But it will cost more than you thought.”

“Don’t you worry. I will have it ready.”

“Alright.”

“Thank you!”

After the call, Jang Hyunho, Daeyang Electronics’ management team leader, visited Choi Taemin.

“I got a call from Choi Gijung. He said he can get it done, but he will need more from us.”

“That old man is so greedy.”

“How much should I prepare?”

Choi Taemin thought for a second. He didn’t want to pay, but he answered, “200,000 dollars.”

Jang Hyunho warned him.

“You can’t be stingy in situations like this or he may go against us. He also needs to pay others too, so I really think you need to send him at least 500,000 dollars.”

“Really?”

“Daeyang isn’t known for being stingy when it counts.”

“You mean my father is like that.”

Jang Hyunho remained silent.

‘Do I need to choose my side now?’

Jang Hyunho was originally Choi Gunwon’s man.

He had to now decide if he would remain loyal to the current chairman, or Choi Tamin, who could potentially be the next chairman of Daeyang.

Jang Hyunho answered slowly.

“I will follow your order.”

“Smart man.”

After Jang Hyunho left, Choi Taemin’s assistant entered.

Choi Taemin ordered, “Make sure to monitor Jang Hyunho.”

“Yes, sir. I will have someone follow him”

“I need to do something or else I will never make it.”

The assistant became rigid. It sounded like Choi Taemin was planning something sinister.

“He asked me recently if I am someone who makes Daeyang money or who just spends the company money. What do you think?”

“Our smartphone business is just starting, so it makes sense that we are at an investment stage. Besides, you are the one who is leading MC to success.”

“I know, but he is planning something against me. If I don’t do something…”

The assistant thought quickly and answered, “Then I will find people to help us.”

Choi Taemin nodded in agreement.

This was war.

***

Late night KYLO meeting.

When Woosung entered, people exclaimed, “Is that him?”

“Wow, he looks good. He must work out.”

“So he is being compared to Zuckerberg?”

“That’s right! I should have befriended him!”

The women gossiped, while the men looked at Woosung respectfully.

“So he is the next Daeyang.”

“Daeyang must be nervous. Blue S is winning over The One too.”

Shin Semi was listening to the conversations.

‘How could he not even call me once?’

She felt disappointed.

Hwajung Law firm’s lawyer ran to Woosung and greeted him respectfully.

“Haha, hello sir.”

Woosung whispered to him, “Long time no see. I hope Jung Jinsup’s case is going as I requested?”

“Of course. I am following your order exactly.”

Before they could finish the conversation, another person approached Woosung.

“Sir, how do you do!”

“Oh…hello. Who…are you?”

“Haha, I’m the second son of Doha Auto’s CEO. This is my first time attending the meeting, so we haven’t met yet.”

“Oh! Nice to meet you.”

Quickly, another man greeted Woosung. This went on for a while. Everyone wanted to make Woosung’s acquaintance. It took over an hour for Woosung to say hello to everyone.

Afterward, Woosung sipped on whiskey and looked around. He felt someone glaring at him and turned around to find Shin Semi standing far from him.

Woosung bowed lightly but she turned away.

Woosung ignored her rude behavior and continued to look around.

‘Is Choi Gichul not coming today?’

Woosung wondered where he was and what he was doing. The reason why Woosung attended these meetings was to meet him. He didn’t care about the other people and their incessant and useless questions.

Suddenly, the door opened and he finally walked in.

Choi Gichul.

People didn’t pay any attention to him and Choi Gichul frowned. He used to be the center of everyone’s attention, but things have changed.

Woosung walked toward him. People followed Woosung’s move.

Woosung greeted Choi Gichul.

“Long time no see, sir.”

Choi Gichul took his hand and shook it.

“Nice to see you again.”

Every time they met, it seemed like Woosung’s status changed.

And now…

Woosung was finally superior to Choi Gichul.