InkBound
patreon
CH39 | VOC
🕑 Added 2025-02-11 12:15:03 +0000 UTC"What a piece of shit. Trying to take advantage of my kindness."
A frustrating day like this called for soju.
Maru refilled my glass and asked,
"Are you really going to sell them?"
"Yeah, if they keep acting like that, I will."
"But you'll be severing ties with MG completely."
"I can just sell them to Daehoo and Sasung and get their electronic scrap. Money aside, I don't want to put up with this bullshit."
Maru, still concerned, said cautiously,
"Wouldn't it be better to settle this amicably? Even if we're not breaking any laws, a large corporation like MG could make things difficult for us if they decide to target us."
"I know, that's why I asked for their boss. If they're reasonable, we can work things out. But if not, I'll fight back."
"Hyung…"
"I know what you're worried about, but what do we have to be afraid of? Do we have any bank loans or outstanding bills? The worst MG can do is tell their suppliers not to do business with us. If that happens, we can always use the money to start that university business Team Leader Park mentioned…"
As soon as I mentioned the university, Maru, who had been watching me nervously, frowned.
"Ugh, you're not actually considering that, are you?"
"I'm just saying. I'm trying to resolve this peacefully, so don't worry too much. Let's see what kind of person their boss is and decide then."
The next day, Kim Soo-chan came to the company alone, without his boss.
He saw our workers scraping off the MG logo with sandpaper and panicked. He came to me and pleaded,
"I'm so sorry. I was blinded by greed and tried to save a few pennies. Please, I beg you, give us another chance."
I ignored him and continued working on some documents.
Kim Soo-chan, desperate, continued pleading.
"That project cost us 20 billion won in development over two years. Please, I beg you. If it's leaked, the entire project could be scrapped, or we might have to start over. If this goes wrong, many people will lose their jobs. I'm truly sorry for my rudeness."
I remained silent, focusing on my work, ignoring his pleas.
After a while, Kim Soo-chan, defeated, left the office.
***
"I apologize for my employee's grave mistake. I'm Kim Dong-wan, director of MG's research lab."
Kim Soo-chan finally brought his boss on the last day.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Park Sol from Chunha Trading. I didn't expect you to come in person, Director."
"Hahaha, I'm the only one above Kim Soo-chan."
"I see. I didn't know that."
It seemed like the position of senior researcher was higher than I had thought.
"Anyway, now that you're here, let's talk."
Kim Soo-chan stood behind him, looking dejected. I led Director Kim Dong-wan to my office.
Fortunately, unlike Kim Soo-chan, Director Kim Dong-wan seemed like a reasonable and well-mannered person.
This wouldn't have happened if Kim Soo-chan hadn't been such a jerk.
"I think I was too harsh on Senior Researcher Kim Soo-chan. I apologize for that."
Director Kim shook his head.
"No, it's our fault. After questioning him, I realized you had every right to be angry. It was disrespectful of him to accuse you of trying to exploit us. Don't you agree, Mr. Kim Soo-chan?"
Director Kim looked at Kim Soo-chan, who stood up and bowed.
"I'm sorry. I was too hasty."
I forced a smile and said,
"It's okay. I was also too harsh. Let's just forget about it."
Kim Soo-chan stared at me blankly, surprised by my sudden change in attitude. Director Kim said,
"Anyway, those VCRs are a next-generation model that MG has been developing. We've invested a significant amount in research and development, and we were in the final stages of internal testing, with plans to release it at the end of this year. But the prototypes were leaked through the insurance company. Once again, I ask you to sell them back to us."
His polite request made me nod.
"Of course. I don't want to create bad blood with MG."
"That's a relief. You mentioned 1 billion won, right? Would that be enough?"
I thought for a moment and said,
"Director, can we talk privately? Can you ask Mr. Kim Soo-chan to excuse us for a moment?"
"If that's what you prefer. Mr. Kim Soo-chan, please wait outside."
Kim Soo-chan left, and silence filled the office.
I had initially planned to accept the money and be done with it, but the situation had changed.
I hadn't realized how high-ranking a senior researcher was, so I had recklessly demanded to see his boss. And now, a high-ranking executive had appeared.
It would be a shame to miss this opportunity to build a connection with a high-ranking MG official.
"Director, this might be a rude question, but can you tell me what your position entails?"
"You can think of it as an executive position."
I thought to myself,
'An executive and the director of the research lab? He must be a powerful figure at MG. What should I do?'
This could be a golden opportunity to forge a connection with a high-ranking official and benefit from MG. But it could also backfire and label me as a bribe-giver.
And another concern was whether the director, who seemed like a nice guy, would really settle for just 1 billion won.
It couldn't be pleasant for a high-ranking executive and research lab director to visit a junkyard because of me.
If there was any resentment left over this VCR incident, it could lead to retaliation later.
The best scenario would be if this guy was corrupt and willing to accept bribes.
'But I can't tell.'
He had white hair, a kind face, a neatly pressed suit, and a gentle smile. He looked like a perfect gentleman.
Would this just be a pleasant encounter, or could I take it further? I was conflicted.
"Mr. Kim Soo-chan is gone. Did you want to talk about something privately?"
The director's words snapped me out of my thoughts. I couldn't delay any longer.
"Director, your apology has lifted the weight off my chest. Thank you."
"It was our fault from the beginning, why are you thanking me? It's nothing."
"Then, in your honor, I'll accept the original offer of 500 million won. What's money anyway? I don't want to create bad blood with you and MG over such a trivial amount."
If I had intended to sever ties with MG completely, I would have taken the 1 billion won. But in this situation, I needed to show them that I was being considerate, as I had planned.
"Thank you so much. 500 million won is not a small amount, and you're so generously giving up half of it. I'm grateful."
"In return, I would like MG to sell their electronic waste to our company."
"Electronic waste?"
"Yes, I'm not asking for any special treatment or backroom deals. I just want a fair chance to compete. For example, Daeho Metal is collecting electronic waste from the MG Osan factory, even though our prices are higher. I'm not sure about the details, but I heard they have a connection within the company."
"I see."
"I just want a fair chance to do business."
Director Kim nodded.
"That's a small favor, I can do that. But each factory has its own internal circumstances, and it wouldn't be appropriate for me to intervene directly. So if you contact me when you're approaching an MG factory, I can give them a heads-up."
I smiled.
Electronic waste was too trivial a matter for the director to exert his influence directly.
He said it was just a "heads-up," but it would be practically an order to the staff in charge of waste disposal.
Now all that was left was to figure out if the director was the type to play ball.
"I'm so sorry for making you visit this humble place. I should offer you something in return."
"No, you've already done enough."
"Then if you promise to handle this matter with MG discreetly, I'll add 10% to the 500 million won."
I cast my bait.
I usually avoided taking such risks, but when else would I get the chance to meet a high-ranking executive of a large corporation?
I watched his reaction closely, feeling like I was gambling.
But the director seemed surprised and said,
"That's not necessary. You're already being so considerate, I'll handle this discreetly. Don't worry."
"I don't mean anything by it. I just want to resolve this amicably and maintain a good relationship with MG."
"It's okay."
Was he really the type to refuse bribes?
My attempt had backfired and probably created a negative image.
"I see. I guess I shouldn't have said that. Then I'll leave it to you."
"Alright, I'll make sure everyone knows about your generosity in reducing the price."
With that, the meeting ended, and I saw the director out.
"I'll send my employees to collect the VCRs soon. We'll sign the contract then."
"Okay, don't worry. I'll return everything without touching a single unit."
"Thank you. Goodbye."
I watched their car disappear into the distance. Maru said from beside me,
"Did it go well? Why the long face? Are you regretting reducing the price by 500 million won?"
I touched my face and said,
"Do I look upset?"
"You look worried."
"Hmm, this is strange."
"What is?"
"He seemed like the epitome of hypocrisy. But he refused the money, so maybe I'm wrong. I can't read him."
"Really? I thought he seemed like a good person."
I frowned at Maru's nonchalant comment.
"You're so lucky to be so carefree. Sigh, I shouldn't have offered him the bribe."
***
"Ouch!"
Kim Soo-chan cried out in pain as he was kicked in the shin. He stumbled but quickly regained his composure and stood before the director.
"Mr. Kim Soo-chan, because of you, I had to go to a junkyard! Are you out of your mind?"
"I-I'm sorry, Director."
"This wouldn't have happened if you had handled it properly."
"I'll be more careful!"
The director clicked his tongue.
"I'll let it slide this time since it worked out. Proceed with the project as planned and prepare for the launch."
"Yes, sir. But…"
"What is it?"
"Shouldn't we do something about those junkyard bastards… Ouch!"
Kim Soo-chan cried out again as he was kicked in the shin and fell to his knees.
"Don't be ridiculous. Technically, it was our mistake that led to the leak. And how can you guarantee that the CEO will return all the VCRs?"
"What are you…"
"We can't accurately determine the number of prototypes lost in the fire. There's no way to know if he keeps a few for himself. Even if we sign a contract, do you think he'll just sit back and do nothing if you try to retaliate? We need to launch the new product first before we can do anything. And…"
The director smirked.
"I like that CEO."
Kim Soo-chan didn't know how to react. The director, recalling the encounter, said,
"He's quick-witted for a young man… How much did you say his company's sales were?"
"I asked the waste disposal department, and they said their monthly sales are over several billion won. I don't know about the 100 billion won he mentioned, but it must be at least a few hundred billion won."
The director nodded.
"Really? That's great."
"…"
The director looked at Kim Soo-chan, who was standing silently, with a cold gaze.
"You're dismissed. Be more careful in the future."
Kim Soo-chan bowed deeply and backed out of the director's office without turning his back.
The director leaned back in his comfortable chair.
"He even reduced the price without me asking. He's a smart one, isn't he? Thanks to him, I saved face with the company."
Then he chuckled softly.
"Offering me a bribe the first time we met. Reckless or bold? He's interesting."
