The Genius Grandson of the Loan King - Chapter 80 (80/840)
< Sure, for a beauty like you. >
#80
Sure, for a beauty like you.
Hong Kong was on the verge of being returned to China, and the UK had already 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.
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 to achieve her goals for her employer.
Sometimes with money, sometimes with force, and if that didn't work, she would even throw herself into the fray.
Her name is Eva Joo.
Her father is Korean, and her mother is British. She lived in Korea for a short time when she was young, which allowed her to speak Korean, Chinese, English, and Japanese, making her stand out in 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 made an appointment to meet Eva.
Manager Ma had given the driver the location of our meeting when he rented the car.
'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 immediately.
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 clean 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."
"Hehehe. Even if it's a compliment, thank you. But how did you know about me and contact me?"
"Well, that's not the important part. The important thing is whether I can give you what you want, right?"
"You talk as if you know what I want. We just met today."
"The number of times we've met isn't important. What matters is how much effort you put in and what you can gain, right?"
Our conversation circled around, as if we were probing each other.
"Let's have dinner first. Since it's my first time in Hong Kong, I'd appreciate your recommendations."
"Hotel restaurants are all the same. If we meet again, I'll properly introduce you to the flavors of Hong Kong."
After finishing her sentence, Eva called a staff member to place the order and then crossed 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?"
Her face stiffened at my direct question.
HSBC was suspected of laundering funds for the global underworld.
Given that it was established 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 loose end...
"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 bit of regret. I don't know who your boss is, but seeing you here makes me think 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 knew it was wrong. 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 you personally because you will play a crucial role in what I have planned."
Eva, who did not hide her skeptical expression, shrugged her shoulders.
"Hard to believe, but it's true. I will immediately form the best legal team in Hong Kong to defend you in your trial, provided you work with me."
Eva's contemplation was shorter than expected.
"...I don't believe it, but 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 use the best legal team and all the means at my disposal to protect you."
Eva, reading the sincerity in my eyes, uncrossed her arms.
"What I want you to do is..."
"Be the vanguard of the invasion force entering South Korea. You can hire anyone you want."
"Hmm..."
"South Korea will soon sell everything. Real estate, gold, companies, even people. You can buy anything you want. It's like a proper shopping spree. That's all you have to do."
Instead of nodding, Eva smiled charmingly.
"Why did you choose me?"
"Do you want flattery? Or the truth?"
"Tell me the truth."
"Your appearance, and your silence during this trial. I don't need a clean person. There are plenty of those. I need someone like you, who can do anything. Of course, I already know your capabilities. I need someone who can inspire trust and deliver results."
The food we ordered arrived at the perfect time.
"Think about it while we eat. I don't have much time due to my tight schedule."
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.
She spoke when the meal was almost over.
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 entity we will set up in South Korea."
"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 South Korea. It's up to you. I only want one thing: 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."
"It's possible once you enter South Korea, but it might be difficult right now due to your trial."
She couldn't bring the important documents to Hong Kong.
"Let's quickly wrap up the trial. Contact the best law firm in Hong Kong immediately. Don't worry about the money. Aim for a not-guilty verdict, or at least a fine. Then come to South 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 after washing up, Eva was sitting on the bed, smoking a cigarette.
"Muhyuk, are you going straight to South Korea?"
"Yeah, it's a busy time. You should come to South Korea quickly."
Eva shrugged and smiled charmingly before going to take a shower.
We discussed the company establishment, which we hadn't finished the previous night, over breakfast.
"In South Korea, we need to act as if we don't know each other. We must meet secretly."
"Got it. What should we name the company?"
"What's in a name? What matters is the substance."
"The brand name is important. 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 or land. But for the ones I specifically ask you to buy, use any means necessary, no matter the cost."
Eva smiled confidently.
"Finish the trial well and see you in South Korea. Try to be there by this fall at the latest. That's when we start."
"Yessir, boss!"
I handed her a credit card.
"Use this to buy what you need until the company card is ready. There's no limit, so buy whatever you want."
It was a credit card I made for Eva. The famous Amex Black Card, a symbol of wealth.
Eva's eyes were fixed on the Black Card.
"Is this mine?"
"No, it's mine."
"What?"
"You'll have an even bigger company card waiting for you. Don't worry. Use this for now."
"Thanks, boss."
Eva held the card, inspecting it from front to back, and giggled.
When we came out to the hotel's main entrance, Eva lightly kissed my lips.
"Muhyuk, see you in South Korea."
I nodded, and Eva went back into the hotel.
On the way back to the airport, Manager Ma, who was sitting in the passenger seat, asked,
"Isn't giving her too much power risky?"
"Power comes with responsibility. I understand your concerns, but she will do more than what I expect."
"I understand."
While I understood Manager Ma's concerns, Eva was a sure bet for me, knowing the future.
Her abilities would shine as soon as the South Korean real estate market opens and regulations are lifted.
"How is the establishment of PMC going?"
"According to the reports, Han Kyung and Eric are working hard. Eric's requested funds are being provided quickly, and all preparations should be complete by June this year."
"Is it possible to set up a branch in South Korea?"
"It will be difficult for now. We need to register as a security company to enter the market."
"Good. Send A-class personnel to South Korea. We need them for the war with the Cheongpung Gang and to protect people."
"Understood."
While mercenaries might not be of much help in the war with the Yakuza due to the restrictions in South Korea, having reliable security personnel to protect my people would allow me to move more confidently.
Soon, I boarded the plane back to South Korea.
During this time, South Korea continued to move forward like a runaway train with broken brakes.