God of Money

Lee Sunghyun called Woosung early in the morning.

“President Kang, did you do something to offend Daeyang?”

“Not that I know of. The only thing I can think of is that Blue S did much better than their own smartphone.”

“I got a call from the prosecutors. They said they got an order to investigate Coconut and KND.”

“For what?”

“Embezzlement, felony, and so on.”

Woosung didn’t panic.

“I guess the usual then.”

“This could be bad for you. If they try, they can always find something.”

“They tried last time with the tax audit, but I ended up getting a refund.”

“I…I guess.”

“So this time, I guess I will end up with the prosecutors’ apology.”

Lee Sunghyun didn’t reply.

Woosung continued, “I have developed new technologies. I am trying to reduce the cell phone cost for the public. I also built factories and hired so many people in this country, yet the government is doing its best to damage my reputation. I am going to have to seriously consider moving my company and factories to another country.”

Lee Sunghyun swallowed audibly. Woosung was able to successfully list Coconut on Nasdaq. Moving his company to Silicone Valley actually would make sense. Blue S’ core technology was also being developed in Silicone Valley already.

Lee Sunghyun replied, “I…I don’t think you need to go that far…”

“I am fine with any investigation as long as it is done fairly. I will cooperate as best as I can, but when I am found to be innocent, I will not let it slide this time.”

“…I understand.”

“By the way, I would like to start the Yongsan project sooner.”

“Y…Yongsan project?”

“Yes. The bigger my empire becomes, the harder it will be for the prosecutors to treat me like this.”

Lee Sunghyun replied uncomfortably.

“It…it wouldn’t be too late to start after the investigation…The mobile carrier business hasn’t even started yet.”

Woosung frowned but his voice remained neutral.

“I understand.”

“A…alright. I will talk to you soon.”

After hanging up, Woosung called for Jang Gwangchul.

“Sir, I just got a call that the prosecutors’ office may investigate our company.” Jang Gwangchul’s eyes widened.

Woosung continued calmly, “Embezzlement, felony, etc. I guess they could come up with more stuff if they wanted.”

Jang Gwangchul asked in a trembling voice, “W…what are you talking about?”

“I think this is Daeyang’s doing. They are known to control the justice system.”

“Then we need to hire some lawyers first!”

“It’s only at the preliminary stage. They will probably start before the decision is made for the mobile carrier selection.”

“Choi Gunwon is down, Choi Gitae overdosed, so it must be Choi Taemin?”

Woosung nodded and replied, “I think so. ITS Consortium is interested in the mobile carrier business as well and Daeyang is one of its investors.”

“Should we bribe somebody too?”

“If we do it now, they will find a way to use it against us. Don’t panic when the investigation starts. You just need to focus on the mobile carrier business.”

Jang Gwangchul felt thirsty.

Woosung continued, “We haven’t done anything wrong, so don’t worry.”

Jang Gwangchul looked at Woosung questioningly. Woosung knew what he wanted to say.

“Don’t worry about that. If they make a big deal about it, Daeyang will be implicated as well.”

However, Jang Gwangchul was still concerned. Woosung did bribe a government official. Woosung assured him that all was fine. Jang Gwangchul finally left.

Woosung called Mayor Oh Hoon. They now had a close relationship that Woosung had his direct number.

Oh Hoon answered, “Haha, hello President Kang!”

“Hello, sir. I meant to call you earlier when I returned to Korea.”

“I know you’ve been busy, so don’t worry.”

“Thank you for understanding. Everything went well in America, so I would like to start on the Yongsan project right away.”

“Umm…”

Woosung could guess why Oh Hoon sounded uncertain. “Are you worried about the prosecutors?”

“Haha, sort of. My father always told me to avoid houses that were on fire.”

“Really? Because my father always told me that you could learn who your true friend is when things got tough.”

“Couldn’t we wait till the investigation is over? It won’t be long.”

Woosung thought for a second. He knew why Oh Hoon was acting this way, but he still didn’t like it.

“You know how it will turn out already.”

“But you never know…”

“I understand what you’re saying.”

“Haha, thank you for your patience.”

Woosung forced himself to sound light. “Haha, alright. Talk to you soon.”

“So this is how he repays me?”

Woosung wasn’t planning to keep Oh Hoon for long anyway.

“I will make him regret it.”

Woosung looked through his contact list and found Lee Ari’s father’s number.

Lee Myungin.

He was the current Governor of Gyeonggi Province.

Woosung asked Lee Ari to talk to her father for him in advance. When Woosung called, Lee Myungin answered immediately.

Woosung explained, “I would like to talk to you about the Pangyo project.”

Lee Myungin wanted to meet Woosung in person right away.

Lee Myungin.

A democratic party member and the current Governor of Gyeonggi Province.

“You are thinking about moving your headquarter to Pangyo?”

“Yes. I will start with Coconut, and then XFeed, which will be the next mobile carrier.”

“If that’s all you want to talk about, then we didn’t have to meet in person in such a hurry. You must have another reason?”

“AI. I am planning on an event where AI plays the game of Go with the best professional Go player Lee Soodol. I would like this to take place in Pangyo techno building. This will be the game of the century.”

Lee Myungin took a sip of water and listened while Woosung continued, “If you could attend, it will make the event so much more special. After the game, I will announce the plan for the space research lab in Pangyo. It will be a joint venture with Space X. Would this be enough of a reason to meet you in person?”

Lee Myungin took another sip as if he was getting thirsty.

“T…that should be enough.”

This was huge. Coconut was compared to Facebook. If it moved to his province, it would attract many other businesses. Not to mention, the game event plus the space research lab! He would be a very well remembered Governor.

Woosung added slowly, “I first offered these projects to Seoul, but it was rejected because there is an ongoing internal investigation on my company.”

Lee Myungin paused.

Prosecutors were on KND?

He wasn’t aware of it yet.

Woosung asked, “What do you think?”

Lee Myungin thought carefully. This could the chance of a lifetime or a poisoned apple.

Woosung asked again, “Do I look like someone who would be involved in illegal businesses?”

Lee Myungin couldn’t answer right away. It was a difficult choice.

Woosung added, “A true friend will help a friend in need. I don’t trust politicians, but if someone shows me sincerity, I will be a good friend.” Woosung looked straight into his eyes and added once more, “And I have the resources to help in every way.”

Lee Myungin knew very well who Woosung was.

Woosung continued, “I am not asking for your help. I don’t need anything from you other than…I just want fairness.”

“I have heard a lot about you from Ari. She said you are a very savvy businessman. Are…are you thinking that I could be the next President of Korea? Is that why you’re offering me these projects? Even if I get elected, I won’t consider myself to be in your debt.”

Woosung laughed. “You haven’t even finished your term as the Governor, yet you are already talking about the Presidential election?”

“Then why are you offering me this opportunity?”

“Hmm…”

Woosung knew who the next president would be. It was Park Hyejung of the liberal party. She would be the first female Korean President.

Woosung answered, “I thought about becoming the kingmaker, but I realized that the Presidency isn’t something you can make as an individual.”

Woosung was planning to help Oh Hoon become the next President, but Oh Hoon lost his trust now.

Woosung added, “So I thought of you.”

After Park Hyejung, Lee Myungin would be the President.

Woosung continued, “Again, I’m not asking for anything. I just thought that you are a good person and that you could make Korea better for everyone. So…do you want to be on my side?”

Lee Myungin continued to stare at Woosung. After a few minutes, he finally answered.

“I trust my daughter. Let’s work together.”

“Even with the internal investigation?”

“I am well aware of how the prosecutors make things up to fit their plan. I will always know the truth, and that is enough for me.”

They shook hands.