Hong Kong, on the verge of being handed over to China, was already in a state where the UK had transferred many of its powers to China.
The center of international finance and logistics in Asia.
Many foreign companies and banks have their headquarters or branches here, conducting business.
HSBC (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation).
On the eve of the handover, it acquired the UK's Midland Bank, moved its headquarters to the UK, and left HSBC as a subsidiary in Hong Kong.
The person I was trying to recruit was an employee at HSBC who had not yet achieved significant results.
However, after leaving HSBC, she became the vanguard of a private equity fund's invasion of Korea, and her actions were beyond imagination.
Whether it was real estate, companies, or anything that could make money, she did not hesitate to use any means for her employer.
Sometimes with money, sometimes with force, and if that didn't work, she would even throw herself into the fray. She was a ruthless person.
Her name is Eva Joo.
Her father is Korean, and her mother is British. She is a mixed-race individual who, due to living in Korea for a while when she was young, can speak Korean, Chinese, English, and Japanese, which caught the eye of the private equity fund.
Of course, her young and beautiful appearance also earned her high marks.
Her nickname is Miss Valentine.
Ten years later, she left Korea, giving her employers a 20-fold return on their investment.
After landing at Hong Kong International Airport and completing the necessary procedures, I got into the rented car.
I had already arranged to meet Eva.
Manager Ma had told the driver who came with the car the meeting place.
'There's no one more suited to play the role of a bad cop than this woman. I just hope she hasn't already signed a contract with someone else.'
While organizing my thoughts, we arrived at the hotel, which was also where I would be staying.
"Miss Joo?"
I recognized Eva at once.
Eva stood up and extended her hand.
She had her long hair tied up high, and she was wearing a dark gray suit with faint vertical stripes.
Her appearance was neat and trustworthy, but her face looked quite young.
After shaking hands, we sat down facing each other.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Kim Muhyuk. Meeting such a beautiful woman right after arriving in Hong Kong is a real treat for the eyes."
"Hehehe. Even if it's a compliment, I appreciate it. But how did you know about me and contact me?"
"Well, that's not the important part. What's important is whether I can give you what you want."
"You talk as if you know what I want. We just met today."
"The number of times we meet isn't important. What matters is how much effort you put in and what you can gain, right?"
The conversation circled around, as if we were sizing each other up.
"Let's have dinner first. Since it's my first time in Hong Kong, I'd appreciate your recommendations for the food."
"Hotel restaurants are all the same. If we meet again, I'll properly introduce you to the taste of Hong Kong."
After finishing her sentence, Eva called a staff member to place the order and then folded her arms, staring at me.
I also stared back at her.
"Let's get to the point. Tell me why you came to see me."
"You're currently on trial, right?"
At my blunt words, her face stiffened.
HSBC was suspected of laundering funds for the global underworld.
Given that it was founded in the 1800s during the era of imperialism, it would be a lie to say HSBC was not involved in various illegal activities.
However, even as imperialism declined and democracy advanced, their business practices did not change.
The color of money was not important. What mattered was whether it benefited them.
Eva was currently on trial for turning a blind eye to her clients' illegal funds. Of course, it was a way to cut off a limb to save the body...
"What do you mean?"
"It seems the bank has no intention of helping you."
"Hah..."
Eva sighed deeply, pressing her forehead.
"Mr. Kim, when you talk about your opponent's weaknesses, at least show a little remorse. I don't know who your boss is, but seeing you here for negotiations, it seems there's no need to say more."
"I apologize if I offended you. But your past indiscretions are not important to me. I set up this meeting because of your unwavering commitment to your clients, even when you didn't question their requests. Of course, your expertise in real estate also played a role."
Eva frowned and looked at me.
"Also, to correct one thing, there is no one above me. I came here to negotiate with Eva myself because you will play a crucial role in what we plan to do."
Eva, who did not hide her skeptical expression, shrugged her shoulders.
"You may find it hard to believe, but it's the truth. I will immediately form the best legal team in Hong Kong to handle your trial. Of course, if you work with me."
Eva's contemplation was shorter than expected.
"Even though I don't believe it, I will. So, what do you want me to do? Are you going to use me as a scapegoat?"
She seemed angry at being abandoned by HSBC.
Despite her hard work, she was met with betrayal and cold indifference.
"I can't promise anything else. But I promise I will never abandon you first. As long as you don't betray me. If anything happens while carrying out my instructions, I will mobilize the best legal team and all the resources at my disposal to protect you."
Eva, reading the sincerity in my eyes, unfolded her arms.
"What I want you to do is..."
"Be the vanguard of the invasion force entering the Republic of Korea. You can hire anyone you want."
"Hmm..."
"Soon, the Republic of Korea will sell everything. Real estate, gold, companies, even people. You will buy everything. Whatever you want. You will shop to your heart's content. That's all you have to do."
Instead of nodding, Eva smiled charmingly.
"Why did you choose me?"
"Do you want flattery? Or the facts?"
"Give me the facts."
"Your appearance, and your silence during this trial regarding your clients. I don't need a clean person. There are plenty of those. Someone like you is perfect. You can do anything. Of course, I already know your capabilities. I needed someone who would earn my trust and deliver results."
The food we ordered arrived at the perfect time.
"Think about it while we eat. I have a tight schedule, so I can't give you much time."
I picked up the knife and fork and started cutting the steak in front of me.
Eva shook her head a few times and then started eating.
For a short 20 minutes, we focused on our meal without speaking.
When she finally spoke, it was near the end of the meal.
Eva put down her knife and fork, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and said,
"What's the company name?"
"It will be a company with shares divided among five investment firms. You can name the Korean entity."
"Nothing is prepared? No company, no employees?"
"Yes. It's before the establishment. You will be responsible for everything. Hire whoever you want, or buy existing investment firms in Korea. It's up to you. All I want is to buy good assets before other hyenas do."
"What about the operating funds?"
"They won't be lacking. Let's say you can have as much as you want."
"I want to see it with my own eyes."
"You can when you come to Korea, but it might be difficult right now due to your trial."
She couldn't bring those important documents to Hong Kong.
"Let's quickly wrap up the trial. Contact the best law firm in Hong Kong tomorrow. Don't worry about the money. Aim for a full acquittal, or at least a fine. Then come to Korea."
Eva, who had been silently looking at me, suddenly said,
"The meal was insufficient. How about a drink tonight? I want to talk more."
"Sure, for a beauty like you."
We moved from the restaurant to a bar in the hotel.
Over drinks, we had many conversations.
The next day.
The sky was bright.
When I got up from the bed, Eva, who was lying next to me, stirred.
"Muhyuk?"
"Go back to sleep."
When I came out of the shower, Eva was sitting on the bed, smoking a cigarette.
"Muhyuk, are you going straight to Korea?"
"Yeah, it's a busy time. I can't stay long. You should come to Korea quickly."
Eva shrugged and smiled charmingly as she went to take a shower.
We discussed the company establishment, which we hadn't finished the previous day, over breakfast.
"In Korea, we need to act as if we don't know each other. We must always meet in secret."
"Got it. What should we name the company?"
"The name isn't important. What matters is the substance."
"The brand name is crucial. How about Future Investment?"
"Decide it yourself."
Eva laughed playfully.
I shook my head.
"I won't be involved in the day-to-day operations. Buy any asset that can make money, whether it's a building, land, or anything else. But for the ones I specifically tell you to buy, use any means necessary, no matter the cost."
Eva smiled confidently.
"Finish the trial well and see you in Korea. Try to come by this fall at the latest. That