The Chairman Who Wants to Play and Eat

Chapter 49. The guy has opened his eyes again.

Omaha?

“What’s that?”

It was a city name I had never heard before.

– You can’t possibly not know it?

“No.”

– It’s where Warren Cain lives. He’s a legend in the investment world, having led the Cain Investment Group until its dissolution ten years ago, maintaining a return three times that of the Dow Jones for over twenty years.

Warren Cain,

Now that I think about it, I believe I’ve seen that name in the newspapers a few times.

I had no idea he lived in a place like that.

I had assumed that a wealthy investor would typically reside in a big city like New York.

But is he really that impressive of a person?

I don’t know enough to say anything.

“Why are you telling me this?”

So I asked.

– Isn’t it my duty to inform investors about potential changes that may arise? This time, we only exchanged brief greetings, so there wasn’t much to gain, but next time will be different. I’ll find a way to secure an investment from him, no matter what.

As he said this, he asked me not to say anything else when the time comes.

What could I say?

Would I really say anything else?

Howard has once again missed the mark.

If he’s such an incredible investor with high returns, wouldn’t he be unlikely to invest in something like Starfox?

He hasn’t learned a thing, even after being rejected so many times.

Someone like me, getting an investment from him…

Wait a minute?

‘Someone like me?’

As I spoke, a sudden chill ran down my spine.

It reminded me of the misunderstanding I had when I first met Steven Jackson.

Of course, the likelihood of that is extremely low.

This person cannot be it.

But you never know in this world. There’s a saying that you should test even a sturdy bridge before crossing it. In any case, I need to verify.

What’s needed in times like this is information.

‘I need to find out. I must know more accurate facts about Warren Kane.’

And,

There was one person I could ask…

At that moment,

Oh Hyun-sik, the head of the finance department at Seonghyeon Electronics, had been feeling an emptiness for several days.

‘It seems that the young master’s absence is quite significant.’

At first, he didn’t believe it.

But after a few days, he realized it.

The quality of the incoming analyses had noticeably changed. The profitability was not what it used to be.

It was only natural.

All this time, the team members had unknowingly relied on the young master’s help. So, it was inevitable that the difference would be felt so acutely.

There was no sharp solution.

He could only wait for time to resolve it.

‘They seem so incompetent.’

A sigh escaped him. He blamed his unfortunate subordinates.

Just then, the phone rang. It was an international call.

“Yes, I’m on the line.”

– This is Hyun-sung.

“Y-young master?”

As they say, mention a tiger and it appears; Oh’s voice grew with delight.

In an instant, many thoughts crossed his mind.

Could it mean he’s coming back? Should I prepare a place again? Would the next gift be a house instead of a car? His happy thoughts began to whirl.

But,

– I have a request for some materials.

“What kind of materials are you referring to?”

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

– Since it’s urgent, could you send it via fax right away? It’s information about ‘Bedford and Hampshire’ in Nebraska. Warren Kane is the chairman of the board there. The more detailed, the better; the more, the merrier.

It wasn’t long after I asked that the materials arrived.

It was a surprisingly brief two-page document.

I skimmed through it quickly.

‘So he was that kind of person.’

Name: Warren Foster Kane.

A tremendous tycoon who ranked 92nd on the Forbes list of billionaires,

his wealth, which began with $30,000 at the age of twenty-one, has now surpassed $500 million in his fifties.

But what was truly remarkable was something else.

It was his company, Bedford and Hampshire,

that is to say,

the textile company he chose to make his stronghold, even after quitting a high-yield investment partnership he had maintained for over a decade to start personal investments with the money he had amassed.

What was so impressive about it, you ask?

The losses were staggering.

Especially in the textile sector, which was his main business.

‘Being a declining industry, it has never recorded a profit since its acquisition, and it’s only gotten worse recently. Not once has it shown a surplus. Annual net losses exceed five million dollars; it was just a garbage company, wasn’t it?’

It’s not that Warren Kane is a fool.

That’s just the way the numbers look on paper.

So what on earth is keeping him in charge of such a company?

There must be a reason.

I need to find out.

‘Wait a minute?’

But there was something strange.

At the bottom of the document I received, there were mysterious numbers: 1/34, 2/34. What could that possibly mean?

Did they send only part of a 34-page document?

Was the rest so dire that they couldn’t possibly send it to me?

Questions began to spiral.

I shrugged it off.

‘It’s probably nothing.’

You can’t know everything just from the materials.

There is only one good way.

To go directly, see with your own eyes, and meet the owner of the company to have a conversation.

As soon as I made up my mind, I picked up the phone.

“Is this Assistant Lee?”

– Yes, sir. Do you have something for me to do?

Assistant Lee Beom-seok answered right away. He relayed my request quickly.

“Please look into flights to the United States. As soon as possible. I’ll need to get an exit permit, so you should prepare right away.”

– To the U.S. again?

His surprised voice came back.

It was understandable. It had barely been a few days since I returned to Korea.

But,

“There’s something important.”

At my words, he immediately dropped his suspicion.

– …I will prepare as you instructed. But where in the U.S. are you going? Is it back to Santa Clara?

No way, I dismissed that.

“Omaha.”

– Omaha?

He sounded confused.

– Where is that? I know about Omaha Beach where the U.S. troops landed during World War II, but I believe that’s in France, not the U.S. It’s not even a real place, just a code name. What exactly are you referring to…?

He trailed off.

In any case,

It didn’t matter.

A chance bestowed by the heavens had come again.

I wanted to meet Kane and quickly learn the secrets to finding a solid company like Bedford and Hampshire.

Indeed, learning is a joy.

My heart raced.

*

Seonghyeon Headquarters,

“First, it’s the trading company.”

In the chairman’s office, Director Joo Yong-hoon faced Chairman Hyun Byeong-geon. It was a routine report.

“They say they’ve been pulling funds from short-term finance lately.”

“From a savings bank? Are you saying they’re using private loans?”

“That’s one way to put it.”

Director Joo nodded in agreement.

“It’s not dangerous at the moment, but there’s a possibility that the financial structure could become unhealthy. I think you should issue a warning soon, Chairman.”

Chairman Hyun nodded.

He was already aware of the circumstances surrounding the money that had been in that kid’s pocket, which was linked to the recent fraud case.

It’s fine.

It’s still within the control range.

If it reaches a point where it can’t be managed, that’s when the real problem arises. Family ties or not, they must be severed.

“That kid Seung-jae is causing trouble again. And?”

Director Joo continued.

“Next, there’s a report from the U.S. subsidiary. Young Master Hyun Sang-yoon has requested detailed information about American financial companies from the finance department.”

“Sang-yoon?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“When you say American financial companies, which ones are you referring to? Silverman Sachs? Darryl Lynch?”

“It’s a place called Bedford and Hampshire.”

He went on to explain that it was a company acquired by an investor named Warren Kane, who made a fortune through stock investments. Although it might seem misleading at first glance due to its involvement in the declining textile industry, it was actually generating significant profits in its affiliated sectors, such as finance and insurance.

“An investor…”

Chairman Hyun’s thoughts deepened.

“What do you think?”

“What could I possibly think? I’m just here to report to you, Chairman.”

“Still, tell me.”

There was an undeniable force in his directive. Director Joo answered.

“In my opinion, it seems the young master has found a new interest.”

Chairman Hyun smiled faintly.

“Is that what you think too?”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“I think so as well. That kid has opened his eyes again. He never tires of this kind of thing…”

He thought.

When he first entered the law school at Korea University, he was only filled with joy.

But gradually, anxiety crept in.

It was because he was doing too well.

A fear arose that perhaps he might cut off his interest in business and plunge into the legal world.

Fear, indeed,

It was a company built with blood and iron. It was thanks to his grandson that he first realized such emotions resided in his heart.

“But that kid was different.”

He showed a path that far surpassed his own fears.

He wasn’t buried in the law.

He moved into semiconductors.

Just when it seemed he was captivated by that, he jumped into computers, then into Hollywood blockbusters, raking in unexpected huge profits.

And now, what?

What?

Warren Kane?

It was a first for him too.

Just how far does Sang-yoon’s vision reach? This kid, whose limits he couldn’t even begin to guess, was a first in his seventy years of life.

He grumbled.

“That kid is just running around everywhere. Is he opening his eyes again? Does he have about a hundred eyes or something?”

He tried to hide his anticipation behind a stoic facade.

But he couldn’t deceive Director Joo.

“It seems you are feeling good, even if you say otherwise.”

“Does it look that way?”

“Forgive my impertinence, but yes, it does.”

Hahaha,

Chairman Hyun suddenly burst into laughter. It was a long, refreshing laugh that he had been holding back until just now.

“Well then. If you say so, it must be true. There’s no need to worry about that kid, so let’s continue our conversation. What’s next? How are things going in the Middle East? Isn’t oil prices continuing to drop?”

*

On the way to the family home,

From noble mtl dot com

It was the last journey to seek his grandfather’s permission.

“Will the chairman easily grant permission?”

Suddenly, Assistant Lee spoke up.

“Why do you think that?”

“I’m sorry to say, but it’s been less than a week since you returned to the country. Would he really allow you to go back to America?”

I had a different thought.

‘He might not grant permission. That would be better.’

It wasn’t entirely out of the question.

‘So, you’ve been coddled, and now you’re showing your true colors? You want to gallivant around America without studying? To betray the trust built until now, fine. Go ahead and enjoy yourself. But Seong-hyeon, don’t even dream of it. Go to America, go to Ireland, wander around wherever you like and live like that.’

It might be a futile dream.

But what of it? Imagination is always a delightful thing.

Living leisurely as a building owner in Gangnam with the money I made in Ireland would also be…

“Sir.”

“…”

“Sir?”

Before I knew it, Assistant Lee had interrupted my thoughts.

“Well then, I’ll wait for good news. Sir, fighting!”

I took a step toward my dream.

In the end, Chairman Hyun’s scolding did not come down.

The imagination, after all, did not come true.

Rather,

‘Yes. You are right. True learning is not found in laws but in the world itself. As soon as you get the ticket, leave immediately.’

As soon as I spoke, he granted permission without question or hesitation.

It was surprising.

‘Why is this so easy?’

There was one more easy thing.

Assistant Lee’s report.

“I’ve made contact with Bedford and Hampshire.”

“What did they say?”

“They said that when we requested a meeting with Chairman Kane, they mentioned that he doesn’t really like such grand gestures. He said to just come.”

Just come?

His words continued.

“The chairman has a routine of eating a cherry-flavored cola and a hamburger at the cafeteria near the company at eight in the morning. If you go at the right time, you can meet him anytime, and if the conversation goes well, he might even invite you to the company.”

Things were falling into place easily.

Now, all I had to do was arrive in Omaha to meet Warren Kane.

There was only one thing I wanted to ask him.

“A company like Bedford.”

If that was too difficult, there was another way.

If a company like Bedford was hard to come by, I could just invest in Bedford itself.

I could pour all the money left in Seonghyun Electronics into Bedford stocks. Perhaps owning that one stock would be a better strategy than buying ten companies like Starfox or Appel?

“Kane, which way will your answer lean?”

I had done everything I could.

“Do your best and leave the rest to fate,”

Now, all that was left was to go and confirm Kane’s answer with my own eyes and ears.

Meanwhile,

Seonghyun Electronics.

“What is this?”

A sound of air escaping came from Manager Oh’s mouth as he discovered something strange.

He had a habit of checking the equipment room, which occasionally housed a fax machine, before leaving work. Today, he stopped by the equipment room as well.

There was one reason for this.

That fax machine was quite expensive.

This fax machine, directly connected to the secretary’s office, was an essential device for exchanging important documents instead of relying on mail that could take days.

Seonghyun had only one, and so did Jeongsang and Geosan.

There could be no problems.

But now, that problem had arisen.

A very big problem.

— ERROR: TRANSFER STOP 3/34

It was a document that had been sent to the young master previously.

It had gotten stuck around page three and stopped. The machine was shaking, continuously spitting out error messages.

He hurriedly turned off the power and looked for the subordinate he had sent on the errand.

“Assistant Bang! Assistant Bang!”

Bang, the assistant, rushed in, breathless.

“Yes, Manager.”

“Bang, what is going on right now? Don’t you see the error?”

“Uh, why is this happening?”

“What? Why is this happening?”

He exploded in anger.

“Is this really the time for such talk? This document—didn’t I tell you to send it to Seoul quickly? Why on earth is it like this? Huh?”

It wasn’t just a mechanical failure.

The documents that needed to be sent hadn’t all gone through.

Bang offered nothing but flimsy excuses about how he had only recently learned how to use it, how he was too busy and had just pressed the buttons, forgetting to check later.

“Enough.”

I cut him off.

“I’m sorry! I was too busy! I’m sorry!”

“Sorry and whatever else doesn’t matter right now! Send it properly again, even now! This is precious material that the young master requested. If you only looked at the front page and something goes wrong, will you be the one to fix it all, Bang!? Handle it immediately!”

There was much more important information in the latter part.

The front contained information on the textile sector, just before folding, while the back held details on the growing subsidiaries in insurance, reinsurance, and finance.

It was a company that couldn’t be explained without mentioning its subsidiaries.

But to leave that out?

‘It can’t be late. I need to correct this quickly.’

Manager Oh clenched his jaw.

At that moment,

“Sir, we are about to land. The announcement has been made.”

“Yes, understood.”

The international passenger plane carrying two people was smoothly landing at Chicago O’Hare Airport, the closest major city to Omaha.