Chapter 39

Information transaction. When I moved to a luxury apartment, expensive cars such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, and Porsche were common in the parking lot. Apartments for entrepreneurs, celebrities, and traditionally rich people. Large artworks were installed in the landscape, decorated with expensive trees, so it was fun to take a walk in the complex. It is said that there are mansions with more than 10 rooms in the United States, but considering the management and distance from the city center, Korean apartments were also good. “Has Jason ever been to Korea?” I have had frequent conversations with my bodyguard Jason since I was traveling. His experience traveling around the world helped him find transportation and accommodation, and he often referred to his point of view. “This is the first time.” “The security here won’t be bad.” Traveling around the world, I came to know how excellent Korea’s security is. Some gangs ride motorcycles with guns like in South America, but pickpockets are making a big splash at tourist spots. A safe country even if you leave your wallet in a cafe. The bicycle I rode to work two years ago was tied up well, but someone stole it and threw it away… …. In Korea, the 7 bodyguards who are proficient with firearms may be overpowered, but it was good because they were reliable. When I took a walk in the apartment with the bodyguards, I could feel the eyes of the residents converging. “Hello.” “Yes. Hello.” We exchanged greetings lightly with the residents, taking a walk. An older woman taking a walk with her husband took an interest in me. “It’s the first time I’ve seen you, so you think you’ve just moved?” “Yes. It came a while ago.” “Which one are you buying?” When I lived in a semi-basement, I wasn’t interested in who lived next door. In high-end apartments, they are interested in their neighbors, and they say that wine parties and gatherings are formed among the residents. It was an unfamiliar and fresh experience for me, who has lived as an assassin all my life. “I live in Building 709.” “Please? I’m also in building 709, but I’ve never seen one before?” “I live on the top floor. It’s been a few days since I moved in.” “Ah, you are a penthouse resident. Honey, hurry up and give me your business card.” My husband took out a business card, and it was a lawyer belonging to a well-known law firm. “This is Lawyer Nam Chang-jin. Please feel free to contact us if you need anything at any time.” “Yes. Thank you.” KakaoTalk! KakaoTalk! KakaoTalk! I have a light conversation with the residents, but a message rings in succession. I need to change my phone number, but I haven’t been able to change it yet because of my business associates. Many media outlets, reporters, and acquaintances are contacting me. Today I got a call from a little special person. ―Jin Yoo-kyung: Kim Shin! You are Kim Shin, who invested in Aurora, right? ―Jin Yu-gyeong: I have something to talk about because of Aurora’s stake. Are you in Korea now? Are you Americana? Youkyung Jin, Executive Director of Future Automobiles. After we met on the plane, when I got a call, I just chewed it up. ‘You said you wanted Aurora’s stake in future cars.’ I heard something from Chris, but I just ignored it. But lately, I’ve come across a few things I’d like to know. Nicola, a large part of my fortune. Despite the company’s numerous press interviews and the release of a new model, the start of construction or production of the plant was being delayed. ‘Even if we plan to launch a competitive model from the beginning… … Shouldn’t the production plan go ahead soon?’ Due to the nature of hydrogen vehicles, hydrogen charging stations would have to be installed all over the United States, and there were several restrictions. Nevertheless, only technology development was continued without vehicle production, and only rumors about new models were being spread. Rivian continues to develop vehicles, dreaming of becoming the next Tesla. Although Rivian, which has received investments from Amazon and Ford, does not produce vehicles and its stock price is skyrocketing. ‘Future cars will know more about Nikola.’ They said that to find out about a restaurant, just ask the restaurant across the street that serves the same menu. Future automobile boasts great production, technology, and sales in the automobile industry, and has been actively investing in the hydrogen field and developing related technologies. It was the company that had the best understanding of Nikola. I just wondered if Jin Yu-kyung would still talk a lot. ―Kim Shin: Seoul. ―Jin Yu-gyeong: This is the first time we’ve had a conversation since the flight to San Francisco. The weather is nice today! ―Jin Yu-gyeong: I didn’t know you were Kim Shin. They say they ride a Ferrari, and they say they invest. Were all the things you said to me true? -Kim Shin: Yes. What… … . ―Jin Yu-gyeong: But why didn’t you reply when I called you? ―Kim Shin: I was busy with various things in the US. After meeting and playing with Oh Myung-woo, I was busy traveling to the US. As a salesperson, I also wanted to chat in moderation while on vacation. ‘It seems like he still talks a lot.’ ―Jin Yoo-gyeong: Ah, it must have been difficult to find the time to invest in Aurora. I knew that you were Kim Shin, and I even doubted it for a moment. ―Jin Yoo-gyeong: Suspicion that he deliberately boarded the same plane to gather information. We never talked about investing. He had a very good memory. To be honest, I didn’t know what to talk about with her. ―Jin Yu-gyeong: How long have you been in the US? ―Kim Shin: Nearly two months? ―Jin Yoo-gyeong: You must have worked a lot. ―Kim Shin: The investment was over soon, and I went on a trip to the US while playing with friends. ―Jin Yu-gyeong: Then, when I contacted you, you must have had enough time to reply? Did you hurt the pride of the third-generation chaebol? Fortunately, I didn’t hold on to that for a long time, probably because I have high self-esteem. ―Jin Yu-gyeong: Anyway, can we meet today? Is it time? Come on, tell me it’s okay! I was busy with the establishment of a production company for several days. It’s something I’m interested in, but I was only occupying the position of representative because I lacked knowledge. If I recruit PDs, I plan to set up a team. It is the privilege of being a representative to be able to make time at any time, despite being busy. -Kim Shin: It’s about time. Shall we see you in an hour? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, and I thought I’d meet you right away because I’ve been in touch. ―Jin Yu-gyeong: In 4 hours! ―Kim Shin: Do you have an appointment in an hour? ―Jin Yoo-gyeong: There is no schedule, but it will be in 4 hours. ―Jin Yu-gyeong: It has to be. -Kim Shin: I know. In the evening, I went to the Japanese restaurant I had promised to Jin Yu-kyung. A restaurant where the experienced chef only accepts two tables. ‘I come to the Japanese restaurant often.’ I came to see Jin Yoo-gyeong more comfortably than the female employees of Arkor. If you meet the daughter of a conglomerate as a salesperson, you may feel a great burden because you are oppressed by power or wealth. As a poor petit bourgeois, he is anxious about meeting a powerful man who can control his life. Just looking at the cops is scary. I lived a lot worrying about things that wouldn’t happen. But after earning a lot of money, I was a person who didn’t care much whether I had a lot of wealth or not. If the opponent tries to press down with power or wealth… …. ‘I think I’ll have more cash.’ Jin Yoo-gyeong waved her hand. “Here.” “Long time no see.” Jin Yoo-gyeong was wearing a very sophisticated-looking outfit. Not the clothes worn by ordinary working women, but luxurious outfits that look like they have one or two more zeros attached to them somewhere. She was perfectly dressed from head to toe, to the point of looking like an actress. “It’s been a long time. Yes?” “Yes.” “Do you know what it was like filming a commercial in America? The wind blows hard, but there are several NGs… … .” As soon as the food is served, the advertisement talks, boasting of an electric car released by Future Automobiles. Rеаd at ոоbӏеmtӏ.соm Vision for the future, etc. After listening to various information and eating food, we soon moved on to talking about business. Jin Yu-kyung’s eyes were shining. “At Future Cars, we want to buy a stake in Aurora.” Maybe it wasn’t just chatter, but the atmosphere changed. An attitude that seems accustomed to dealing with and instructing people. “There seems to be a lot of interest in self-driving trucks in the car of the future.” “Yes. Aurora is a company with proven technological prowess in the field of self-driving trucks. If we collaborate with future cars, I think there will be a high possibility of mutual development.” “Okay.” I contacted you when I came to see Jin Yoo-gyeong. Aurora was steadily developing the technology, and CEO Chris was in favor of acquiring a stake in their company in Future Cars. A relationship between start-ups and finished car makers that can fill each other’s deficiencies. ‘It would be reasonable to sell the stake.’ It was right to sell to a company that could create synergies for Aurora and future automobiles. However, there was some sediment left for future cars. “I once bought a car of the future.” “You did? What type of car did you drive?” “It was Avante.” Small and medium-sized cars. It is said that it is a segment that is only available in Korea, but honestly, when I rode the Avante, I was satisfied with the vehicle itself. It goes out better than expected, and it stands well. Shall we say that the technology of future cars is worthy of a new evaluation? “But the car ate some oil.” “Yes?” “Because of the fish tail, the car was out of control on the highway. When I went to the repair shop, they said the car was not defective, but that I was sensitive.” “… … .” I just wanted to express my dissatisfaction. It is ambiguous to hold Jin Yu-gyeong accountable, but she was also working at Future Automobiles anyway. All Koreans will have some degree of love and hatred for future cars. When Jin Yu-gyeong was embarrassed, she said. “I am thinking of selling about half of my stake in Aurora.” “Really?” “If you give me four times the investment.” “This way… … .” Jin Yu-gyeong’s eyes changed as if she were looking at the thief. I am trying to sell it for four times the price in just two years. But isn’t it necessary to seek the conscience of the seller in the original direct transaction? “I see. It’s expensive, but considering Aurora’s growth over the years, the price is acceptable.” “And there is one more condition… … .” “Are there any more?” This condition was important. The information you want to get by giving away Aurora’s stake. “In the car of the future, you will be familiar with Nikola.” Jin Yu-kyung’s eyes shook for a moment, then she nodded. “Are you Nicola? I don’t know what the purpose of asking is, but I’m interested to some extent. Competition in the automotive industry is fierce.” “Future Car has been steadily investing in hydrogen cars, and I know that Nikola has proposed collaboration several times. What I want is the information I am learning about Nikola in the car of the future.” “What information are you talking about specifically?” “Nikola’s technology, potential, and possibilities seen in future cars. I want information with a comprehensive judgment.” Jin Yu-kyung’s calm expression did not change. I couldn’t help but admire it a little. An attitude that appears to be chatty and affectionate. On the other side of it, there is an aspect of a cool-headed businessman who has accumulated while living in a third-generation conglomerate. “For what purpose do you need information?” “This is necessary information for personal investment.” “You said it was for personal investment. Does that mean you won’t disclose it to the outside world?” “Of course.” “We are willing to pay a huge penalty if we inform Nikola of the information we have or disclose it through the media.” “Of course.” “Once I get it. But I can’t give you a definitive answer right now. We need to figure out what the problems are with providing information.” “I understand.” With this, the business is over. Whether the deal was accepted or not, I thought I could have a good meal and wake up now. Jin Yu-gyeong poured sake into her glass and continued to drink it. “Stop drinking.” “It’s okay. You can drink more. No problem.” “No, you drink too much.” “Why is the alcohol so sweet?”