CH442 | heir

The gene-editing research team had spent a hectic week.

From Centurion to the AI Center, IIT, and finally the Taewoo Group headquarters, they had guided the teams from Berkeley and the Broad Institute so that their paths never crossed even once throughout the week.

But today was different.

The last stop: Taewoo Group headquarters.

This time, the schedule was deliberately arranged so that the two teams would overlap.

In the conference room, they faced each other, maintaining as much of a poker face as possible, merely exchanging glances.

“It’s an honor to have you all here.”

“This is a bit awkward. I have no desire to sit with those people and listen to them talk.”

“Likewise!”

After all, how many people were there researching gene-editing technology?

Especially in the United States, the number was even smaller. The researchers from Berkeley and the Broad Institute were not strangers to one another.

They might have collaborated in the past,
or built friendships through academic conferences or various studies.

But whatever past camaraderie existed, it had now soured into resentment over ongoing lawsuits.

As anyone involved in legal disputes would know, no matter how close or familial the relationship, once entangled in a lawsuit, a person can quickly become more despised than the enemy who killed your parents.

“I’d like to make one proposal. It could be very beneficial for all of you, so please hear me out until the end.”

“…….”

“I’ll sit for just ten more minutes. Beyond that, I refuse to breathe the same air as them.”

Could this be what they mean when they say someone’s eyes shoot lasers?

Professor Janice, who first announced the gene-editing technology, had a deadly intensity in her gaze.

“Taewoo Group and Centurion also recently went through a lawsuit with Novo Nordisk. We know better than anyone how grueling that process can be, and the endless rumors and gossip caused them immense suffering.”

“That’s different. Taewoo Group paid fair compensation to acquire patents and technology, but those people never signed a contract with us.”

“Publishing a paper on gene-editing technology doesn’t automatically grant patent rights. You need to turn the research into a practically usable technology to secure the patents!”

The researchers looked like they could grab someone by the collar at any moment.

Hastily, she continued before harsher words could fly from their mouths.

“Everyone’s reputation has already taken a major hit. Whoever wins will only be left with a hollow victory.”

“We can’t just sit by and let it be taken from us.”

“A lawsuit is unavoidable if we want our research recognized!”

They were researchers who would accept even a hollow victory.

For those who had devoted their entire lives to research, the success of their studies was the ultimate measure of achievement.

“So, what if there’s a way for everyone to win, not just a hollow victory?”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Taewoo Group will purchase all the patents for gene-editing technology—from the technology held by Berkeley University to the patents at the Broad Institute. Right now, the technology is split between two parties, which is why there’s conflict, but if all the patents and technology were consolidated in one place, wouldn’t it be much easier to resolve?”

“…….”

Everyone fell silent.

It was an unexpectedly bold proposal, one only possible for a group like Taewoo, backed by significant financial resources.

“I believe that advancing gene-editing technology could lead to treatments that save people suffering from rare and incurable diseases. To achieve that, I think it’s essential for all of you to be in a situation where you can focus entirely on research.”

“Do you think Taewoo Group can make that happen? To acquire all the patents and technology, you’ll need to offer an amount that satisfies both the university and the research institute.”

“How about one billion dollars? I’m proposing to purchase the patents on the condition of donating five hundred million dollars to each university and research institute.”

“Do you really think gene-editing technology is worth a billion dollars?”

The researchers could hardly believe the figure.

Yet it wasn’t actually an enormous sum.

Gene-editing technology had not yet been fully recognized for its value. One billion dollars might seem large now, but in just a few years, its worth would far exceed that amount.

There was no reason to share that information with them.

Instead, a new justification was created to persuade them.

“Gene-editing alone might not be worth a billion dollars. But if we combine it with the mRNA and DNA research Centurion has developed so far, and integrate artificial intelligence technology, I believe we can create an entirely new medical revolution.”

“I’ve also heard that there are issues regarding gene-editing patents in Korea. Have you already discussed this with that company?”

“We are already in contact. If you choose to join, we will facilitate collaboration with that company as well.”

Korea University was also researching gene-editing technology.

Negotiations at the planning director level were already underway.

Since the company received government subsidies, with the government’s backing, it would be easy to bring them into Centurion.

“One more thing I’d like to confirm: this isn’t just about the patents, correct? You plan to bring the entire research team on board?”

“That’s right. We aim to recruit all of you to Centurion or Taewoo Group. We promise salaries at least double what you currently earn, along with top-tier benefits and unlimited research support. For those who wish, we can even create a professorship position at IIT.”

A few researchers seemed intrigued.

They were assistant professors or researchers who had not yet become full professors, and the possibility of immediately securing a professorship sparked significant interest.

But most were hesitant.

They feared leaving the United States and starting anew in Korea.

“If IIT is a university in the United States, I might consider it, but moving to Korea is impossible. Who could make the choice to abandon their entire family so easily?”

“I understand. That’s why, for those who wish to stay in the U.S., we plan to establish a research center there as well. Taewoo Group already has numerous R&D centers and research facilities in the U.S., and one of them will be dedicated entirely to gene-editing research.”

“Would that really be okay?”

Distance always introduces communication challenges.

But Taewoo Group had conducted several long-distance joint research projects before, and they already possessed the world’s most advanced video conferencing systems, which were in regular use.

“We’ll provide a system for remote video conferences. You’ll feel as though you’re working in a lab right next door.”

“If we accept your proposal, does that automatically drop the lawsuit?”

“The lawsuits will be nullified. Of course, I understand your desire to have your achievements legally recognized, but that path only brings suffering for everyone. So why not compete fairly from here on out? Taewoo Group promises full support.”

I turned to Professor Janice.

She was at the center of the lawsuits, and much depended on the choice of the woman who first published the gene-editing paper.

“Please give me a moment to think.”

“Just one more thing. No matter who wins a legal battle, one side suffers the dishonor of having their technology taken, while the other suffers the dishonor of taking it. Instead of such dishonor, why not achieve the honor of conquering incurable diseases together?”

Professor Janice closed her eyes for a moment.

Her eyes were bloodshot, perhaps from thinking through so much in such a short time.

“I… I’ll accept the proposal. I just wanted to continue my research without any other concerns.”

“We’ll accept it too. We want to stop meaningless legal battles and dedicate ourselves to helping suffering patients.”

“We’ll send people to each university and research institute immediately. All contracts will be finalized within this month. Please also provide the list of those who will come to Korea.”

As the saying goes, strike while the iron is hot.

There was no time to deliberate; the process was pushed forward relentlessly.

The contracts were presented first to prevent any reversal of the decision.

And for researchers interested in faculty positions, a move to Korea was strongly encouraged.

Thus, the gene-editing dispute was resolved.

Negotiations with Korea University still remained, but since this was a domestic matter, it posed little difficulty.

***

A few days later.

The planning director came with good news.

“We’ve finalized all contracts with Berkeley University and the Broad Institute. Centurion and Taewoo Group will now share all rights to the gene-editing technology. And the gene-editing dedicated center will be operational as soon as this month.”

“The preparations for the researchers coming to Korea are complete as well, right?”

“We’ve arranged security to ensure their safe arrival in Korea, and all accommodations—including luxury apartments, houses, and vehicles—are fully prepared.”

The U.S. gene-editing issue was resolved.

Now, the only remaining matter was the technology patents held by Korea University.

“Are negotiations with Korea University going smoothly?”

“The gene-editing patents are not held by Korea University but by Professor Kim Jin-woo personally. Rather than persuading the university, we are focusing on convincing him.”

“Seems like it’s not going well.”

“It appears he intends to start a business using the gene-editing technology.”

“Starting a business with a project funded by government subsidies? The government won’t just stand by—it’s a risky decision.”

I could understand Professor Kim Jin-woo’s reasoning.

Even though the project was government-funded, the intellectual property from the research belonged to him.

So, to gain proper recognition, he likely chose to start his own venture.

“We could pressure him through Korea University and the researchers he’s associated with.”

“No. I’ll meet him personally and persuade him. We can’t let such talented individuals get trapped in legal disputes.”

Every talented researcher counted.

Especially those from Korea, the desire to recruit them was even stronger.

To secure him, I decided I would take action personally.

“We just received a message that he wants to meet immediately. Since he’ll need substantial investment for his startup, it seems he intends to seek funding from the Chairman.”

“Then we can have dinner together. Please bring him to Captain Kang’s restaurant.”

“I’ll send someone right away.”

I headed to Captain Kang’s restaurant first.

Around sunset, Professor Kim Jin-woo arrived at the annex.

Professor Kim exuded a strong scholarly aura, and after checking his profile, I saw he possessed S-level research abilities.

Why had we only discovered him now?

Someone with S-level capabilities could never be allowed to fall into someone else’s hands.

He would be recruited into Taewoo Group or Centurion at all costs.

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Kim Min-jae from Taewoo Group.”

“It’s truly an honor to meet you, Chairman.”

“Before we begin our main discussion, could you review the materials I’ve prepared?”

I handed him the documents I had prepared.

They contained a detailed record of every shortcut or rule he had violated during his research.

“Ho-How… did you get this?”

Professor Kim Jin-woo was stunned, unable to close his mouth in shock.

He never imagined I would come armed with such materials.

But I was willing to do whatever it took to recruit top talent.

Even extreme measures were justified to secure Dr. Kim Jin-woo, the researcher I was determined to bring on board.