Park Sol’s mother, Cho Jin-ja, was beaming, surrounded by her friends.
“Jin-ja, I heard Sol is donating all the money he earned from the gold collection campaign. Is it true?”
“500 billion won! My goodness, how much is that? I can’t even imagine.”
“500 billion won is enough to buy dozens of buildings in Gangnam. He could live comfortably off the rental income, but he’s donating it all. Sol is truly an exceptional person.”
Cho Jin-ja waved her hand...
As You Wish (4)
Tae-soo brought the car to a stop.
Stepping out, he took in the vast, open view.
From here, the entire desert stretched out beneath him.
[It must be breathtaking during the day. Especially at sunrise or sunset.]
His chest felt lighter, as if the sheer expanse of the view had cleared his mind as well.
[Still, the moonlight gives it a unique charm. And look at the stars—it's like they could spill right out of the sky.]...
As You Wish (3)
Everything seemed fine—except for one crucial issue.
“This all sounds great, but… how are we going to get water?”
Water.
That was the problem.
The Bedouin village was deep in the middle of the desert.
Wandering the desert without water?
You wouldn’t last a single day before dying of thirst.
“Haven’t you noticed something strange lately? They’ve been giving us more water than usual these past f...
As You Wish (2)
After Song Chang-jun left, Tae-soo fell into deep thought.
What is Cha Ki-beom really after? Delaying their departure might benefit me somehow, but I can’t see how yet. The disadvantages, though, are clear.
The key issue was that the special agents' stay in the Middle East would be drastically shortened.
They kept pushing back the departure date with various excuses, but now, by tying their return to the upcoming Red Cros...
As You Wish (1)
Rahman sat before the telephone, deep in thought.
It was because of what Tae-soo had said.
I have something to tell you. This isn’t just for you, Rahman, but for your father—Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
It was vital information.
For the Minister of Defense, who oversaw matters of war, it was even more critical.
Is this goodwill or malice? A favour or a trap?
Tae-soo had spoken with unwavering con...
2025-04-18 09:27:21 +0000 UTC View Post
Putin knew everything.
Not only was he already aware that I was the heir to Taewoo Group and the CEO of SAVE Investment, but he also subtly hinted that he knew far more than that.
“This time, I’ve come to Russia as a representative of Taewoo Group.”
“I’ve seen your photos many times, but meeting you in person feels different. I owe you my gratitude. Thanks to you, I was able to reach this position.”
Putin extended his hand for a handshake...
I entered the conference room without knowing the results.
As soon as I opened the door, a wave of applause erupted.
I could guess the outcome from the way President Woo Sung-il spread his arms wide in celebration.
“I appoint Director Kim Min-jae as Vice Chairman. Since 90% of the board members have approved, I trust you’ll accept it humbly.”
My grandfather patted me on the shoulder as he spoke.
Wait, 90% approval? That was unexpected.
I thought...
“Is this really a cellphone? I’d believe it if you told me it was a computer!”
Team Leader Han practically shouted in disbelief.
Even after arriving at Apple’s headquarters, his face remained impassive.
But the moment Steve pulled out the iPhone, he was at a complete loss for words.
While he continued muttering exclamations, I turned my attention back to Steve.
“It’s much smoother than when I last saw it. From touch recognition to screen transiti...
Taek-gyu, having willingly re-entered the Dungeon of MLM, said to Hong Chang-soo and Min Ha-young, “After listening to the explanation that day, I just had a feeling. Is it possible to buy even more than 1 billion won worth?”
Hong Chang-soo asked, “How much more are you thinking?”
“About this much.” Taek-gyu showed them his account balance on his smartphone.
Seeing it, Min Ha-young and Hong Chang-soo were stunned and their mouths dropped open. This was because...
Park Sang-yeop canceled all scheduled appointments and put his head together with Taek-gyu to discuss the situation.
“Cryptocurrency, state-owned oil fields, Petro coin… they’ve thrown in every plausible story.”
Just looking at the materials, Venezuela, which is failing or already failed, looks like some kind of blockchain mecca.
“How exactly was this 150 trillion won figure calculated?”
Oil prices, which had been plummeting endlessly, have now recovere...
Choi Nam-woo traveled in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
He was seated in the right rear seat, the so-called “boss’s seat.”
A driver was behind the wheel, and a secretary sat beside him. The back seat was wide enough to stretch his legs out fully.
It was a different world from the ten-year-old Avante he used to drive as a salesperson. Is this why everyone strives for success?
Once seated, Choi Nam-woo paused in thought.
‘The person I shook hands with ...
Invitation from the Saudi Royal Family (4)
Rahman smirked.
[Since we are now in the same boat, we must strengthen our resolve by sharing something good. Guards.]
Snap.
At the snap of Rahman's fingers, a bodyguard approached him.
[Bring back the red wine I had earlier. This time, I must share another glass with my ally in good spirits.]
I know full well he's forcing himself.
Drinking red wine openly in Saudi Arabia? That mi...
Invitation from the Saudi Royal Family (3)
Tae-soo was relaxed.
It was the complete opposite of Rahman’s tense demeanour.
[There’s no need to worry about losing face. I’m here to ensure the road construction is completed on time.]
[That’s impossible in the current state.]
[It can be done. The Republic of Korea believed it was possible, which is why they sent me here. There’s still time left before the deadline, and construction has...
Invitation from the Saudi Royal Family (2)
Shortly after, the cruise yacht docked at the end of the port.
A man in a black suit stepped off the yacht and approached Tae-soo.
Both Tae-soo and Chief Corino waited for him.
Corino seemed to recognize the man.
[Greetings, Chief Corino. It has been a long time.]
[Ah, now I see—you’re from House Harkonnen.]
[Yes. On my way here, I happened to hear some wonderful news. I understand...
Invitation from the Saudi Royal Family (1)
Jang Jun-yong, the head of Geumsan Group, burst into laughter.
In his hands were several telegrams sent from Saudi Arabia.
"Kang Tae-soo… This guy really knows how to make things interesting."
One of the telegrams read:
<I’d like to use the golden business card. Would it be possible to keep the oil tanker docked for two more months?>
"I never expected him to use my business card thi...
Dimon and Team Leader Han arrived in Japan.
With Captain Kang’s security detail escorting them, they entered the loan company’s office.
Given that the company was funded by Yakuza money, three Japanese swords hung prominently in the center of the office.
The last time Team Leader Han had visited, they had even used one of those swords to intimidate him.
He had been bracing himself for a repeat of that experience.
However, the loan company’s president r...
After wrapping up my meeting with Chairman Jang Kyung-joon, I headed to Captain Kang’s office.
The reason for meeting Chairman Jang was to prepare for the acquisition of Hyundai Semiconductors. An expert in mergers and acquisitions was waiting for me at Captain Kang’s office.
"Dimon! It’s time to start preparing for the Hyundai Semiconductor acquisition."
"Oh! We’re finally acquiring the semiconductor business? I’ve been waiting for this."
"Not right away...
Ten years later, Hyundai Motors will rise to third place in the business rankings on its own.
However, Hyundai Construction, Securities, and Electronics will face significant difficulties, leading to downsizing or being handed over to other conglomerates.
In the end, the ultimate victor was the eldest son, Jang Kyung-joon.
But since no one knew this yet, a fierce succession battle was underway, with each party trying to gain as many subsidiaries as possible.
"If we...
February 17, 1997 – Tokyo, Japan
John Porter, the head of Eldorado Fund’s Japan branch, sat leisurely behind a wide desk, speaking on the phone with Shoichi Nakamura, Head of the Derivatives Division at Nomura Securities.
“So, you’re asking to cancel the CDS option contract with us—is that correct?”
[Yes. I’d be very grateful if you could be understanding about the situation.]
Normally proud and full of bluster as a top executive at J...
Thursday, February 13, 1997
In the depths of darkness, the only glimmer came from the distant lights of Brooklyn across the river. On the 31st floor of One New York Plaza, the trading floor of the Eldorado Fund was abuzz with activity, just like any other day.
“JP Morgan, 100 sold at 6.7!”
“Citibank just placed a sell order for 150 at the same price!”
“BOT — 250 bought at 6.7!”
“Lehman Brothers — 200 sold!”
“BO.....
Thursday, February 13, 1997
– Bangkok, Thailand
From the moment markets opened, the Foreign Exchange Department of the International Division at the Bank of Thailand was in absolute turmoil—as if a hornet’s nest had been kicked.
“Sixty contracts sold at 6.8!”
Sitting in front of a monitor, Piyaphong shouted out in a panicked voice. FX Center Director Kaj Damtathuy, sporting a beard, frowned deeply and snapped back irritably.
“Wh...
The Scorching Desert Night (3)
Song Chang-jun murmured in admiration.
‘He’s playing them in the palm of his hand. He’s completely in control of the fierce Bedouins.’
Now that he thought about it, Tae-soo’s title kept changing.
[We will honor you as our tribe’s eternal benefactor.]
That was what came from the Bedouins' own mouths.
At first, they had called him "you," then "guest," then "noble one," and now—"benef...
The Scorching Desert Night (2)
Song Chang-jun let out a small sigh of admiration.
‘He anticipated all of this… Incredible. No wonder the big shots pulled strings to back him. Not only is he meticulous in his preparations, but he doesn’t rush in recklessly. He’s experienced.’
A young man, yet he had solved the problem so effortlessly.
‘The Foreign Ministry and the Saudi royal family have been struggling with this for months,...
The Scorching Desert Night (1)
Tae-soo pulled a document from his coat.
It was a copy—an excerpt from an unofficial letter sent by the Saudi royal family to Park Jung-hwan.
He had pestered Kim Jung-rim relentlessly to get his hands on it.
[This project was personally requested by the Saudi royal family.]
[What?]
The Saudi royal family meant everything to these people.
Their bravest warriors had once fought alongside the first...
February 12, 1997 – Wednesday night, Manhattan, New York City.
It was just past midnight, but the 31st floor of One New York Plaza—home to Eldorado Fund’s trading floor—was ablaze with light.
By the time Choi Ho-geun and his team, who had rushed in by taxi after receiving an emergency call, arrived, the place was already buzzing with traders.
Phones rang nonstop from every corner, and the entire floor was a flurry of activity. Yoo seok-hyun spoke up, clearly tense...
The last day of 1999
I sat beside my grandfather, waiting for the arrival of the year 2000.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Through the TV, we watched as the Boshingak Bell rang, marking the beginning of a new millennium.
For a few moments, we simply watched in silence. Then, my grandfather let out a deep sigh.
"Whew… Thank goodness nothing happened."
"Wait… Were you actually worried about the Y2K scare?"
"One can never be too sure."
"You...
Taewoo Telecom hit the jackpot with its online lectures for students.
Some parents even signed up for Taewoo Telecom themselves just to access lectures from top instructors. Whether students were gaming enthusiasts or focused on studying, they all preferred Taewoo Telecom.
It would be a waste to stop here.
This whole situation had started as an attack from rival telecom companies, but now was the perfect opportunity to capitalize on it.
“We need to expand our onl...
Everyone was focused on Representative Yang Il-seop.
They were curious about the perfect move to crush Taewoo Telecom in one go.
“Do you know the two things you must never mess with in Korea?”
“Real estate and education, right?”
“Exactly. Especially education—if you handle it poorly, you'll stir up a hornet’s nest of angry parents. Everyone knows how intense Korean parents can be.”
“That may be true, but why would parents collectively prote...
“…So I think I’ll have to stay in the U.S. a bit longer. I’m sorry.”
Choi Ho-geun spoke into the receiver as he returned to his room at the Plaza Hotel after work. On the other end, his wife responded with a slightly disappointed tone.
[Well, if it’s for work, I guess there’s no helping it. That means you won’t be home for Seollal (Lunar New Year) either, right?]
“That’s probably how it’ll be.”
[Alright. Then I’ll take the kids and visit y...
After a week of daily negotiations with Microsoft, Seok-won finally reached an agreement to sell Hotmail for $470 million.
[$470 million?!]
Roy’s excited voice rang through the speakerphone, followed by loud cheers from the other co-founders in the background.
Seok-won nodded with a faint smile.
“That’s right.”
[You got $170 million more than the original offer! We definitely made the right call leaving it to you.]
“But I’m sorry I couldn...