How a Salaryman Became an Underworld Boss

“Director, what are we supposed to do if Intern Cha’s English is terrible?”

In order to improve Cha Jiham’s English skills, Director Jeong Sunho had gone to extreme lengths and granted him paid leave. However, less than a day later, Chief Secretary Song Dosok learned about it. He gave Jeong Sunho a severe scolding, criticizing him for handing out such privileges to a mere intern. Moreover, Song Dosok delivered an ultimatum: if the young man’s English was not up to par, the Director would answer for it himself. Because of that, Support Team Leader Heo Yeongjin was genuinely worried.

“How much can someone really learn in just half a month? How much could his level have improved?”

“So what do we do?”

“Intern Cha must have understood my goodwill and worked himself to the bone. Isn’t that enough?”

Jeong Sunho tried to comfort himself and turned to Team One Head Jeong Doyeon, who sat in the passenger seat.

“Jeong, what do you think are the chances that Endivia will award the contract for high-bandwidth semiconductor manufacturing to Hangang Electronics?”

“Judging by all the information circulating on Wall Street, Micron has the highest odds and ranks first. TMSC is second. Hangang Electronics and BK are only competing for third and fourth place.”

Director Jeong Sunho tilted his head in confusion. It was understandable that the American company Micron occupied first place because it was an American firm. But he could not accept that TMSC had secured second place. After all, Hangang Electronics held a larger share of the memory semiconductor market than TMSC.

“So why is TMSC ahead?”

“TMSC holds absolute leadership in foundry services.”

“So Endivia is putting its faith in their foundry capacity?”

“That is my conclusion as well.”

“Why do I have this feeling that this trip to the United States is going to bring us nothing but trouble?”

Jeong Doyeon shared the Director’s concerns. Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun had poured his heart into winning a deal with Endivia. Yet contrary to expectations, the Americans considered them no better than third-tier candidates. If the contract fell through, the prideful Vice Chairman would not let it slide. Naturally, Hangang Electronics would take the primary blow, but their department would not escape unscathed either.

“To survive, we’ll have to seize that contract no matter what.”

“And how exactly?”

“...”

Jeong Doyeon fell silent, unable to answer.

“Haa...”

Director Jeong Sunho’s heavy sigh dissolved into the heat rising from the asphalt.

***

Gimpo Airport.

After passing security and arriving at the meeting point, I sensed an unusual tension. Even though it was a business trip, everyone had hoped that if time allowed, they might at least visit some of San Francisco’s famous sights. Logically, there should have been some excitement on their faces.

Instead, everyone looked deeply anxious.

Deciding to find out the reason later, I approached Woo Changhun and bowed politely.

“Deputy Manager Woo, hello. Long time no see.”

“Come on, it’s only been half a month. Let me introduce you to the people from Hangang Electronics.”

Following behind him, I greeted the representatives from the subsidiary. After finishing the introductions, I returned to Yun Sola and quietly asked,

“Why does everyone look so gloomy?”

“Everyone’s terrified that we’ll lose the Endivia contract.”

“And what’s that conclusion based on?”

“Wall Street is buzzing with rumors that Micron has the contract in the bag.”

“Oh, I thought something serious had happened.”

At that moment, Yun Sola looked at me carefully, suspecting that I knew something more.

“Intern Cha, do you think those rumors are meaningless?”

“If I were Chairman Michael Hudson, I’d never sign a contract with Micron.”

“But why?”

Before she could continue, Director Jeong Sunho, Support Team Leader Heo Yeongjin, and Team One Head Jeong Doyeon approached us. Our conversation naturally ended.

Since I hadn’t seen the department heads for two weeks, I immediately adopted a respectful posture and greeted them.

Director Jeong Sunho accepted my greeting and, unable to conceal his anxiety, got straight to the point.

“Intern Cha, how’s your English? What level did you manage to reach?”

In truth, I could already communicate freely with foreigners on any subject, but bragging in this situation would have been foolish.

“I believe I’ve reached a level that won’t disappoint the Vice Chairman.”

“Can I trust your words, Intern Cha?”

The words “You can test me right now” nearly escaped my lips, but I exercised iron self-control and restrained myself.

“I’ll prove my abilities as soon as we arrive in the United States.”

“Oh, that’s the spirit! Good. I’ll hold you to those words. Wait here.”

Director Jeong Sunho, accompanied by Heo Yeongjin and Jeong Doyeon, went to greet the Hangang Electronics team before returning.

Then something unexpected happened.

Deputy Manager Woo Changhun suddenly spoke up.

“Director, before you arrived, I accidentally overheard Intern Cha talking with Intern Yun. Intern Cha predicted that Endivia won’t sign with Micron.”

“Intern Cha, is what Deputy Manager Woo says true?”

Why does everything around me always get blown out of proportion?

“Yes. That’s correct. I do believe that.”

“And do you have convincing reasons?”

“I believe I do.”

“Good. Explain immediately.”

At that moment, Support Team Leader Heo Yeongjin glanced at his watch and interrupted.

“Director, the Vice Chairman will arrive any minute.”

“You mean Intern Cha should explain it personally to the Vice Chairman?” Jeong Sunho quickly grasped the situation. He certainly had not earned his director’s seat for nothing.

“That would be much more appropriate.”

“Hm, you’re right. Intern Cha, think carefully about how you’ll present it.”

While I organized my thoughts, Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun arrived together with Chief Secretary Cho Seongjin.

Apparently anticipating the burden of this American trip, the Vice Chairman walked with heavy steps. After accepting everyone’s greetings with a gloomy expression, he silently headed toward the private jet parked on the tarmac.

We hurried after him.

Once everyone had taken their seats, the flight attendants busied themselves preparing the aircraft for departure.

As she looked out through the round window, Yun Sola quietly called out to me.

“Intern Cha, could you at least give me a hint?”

“A hint about what?”

“About why Endivia will reject Micron.”

“Oh, that. Your hint is America itself.”

“America...?” Yun Sola repeated in confusion.

At that moment, the jet rolled onto the runway and surged powerfully into the clear sky.

Once we reached cruising altitude and the seatbelt sign went off, Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun, accompanied by his entourage, came directly to my seat.

“Intern Cha, come with me to the conference room.”

“Yes, sir!”

I immediately stood up.

After entering the conference room, I modestly sat at the edge of the table.

Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun observed me with interest and calmly began.

“Intern Cha, I hope you made good use of the paid leave Director Jeong arranged for you.”

“Rather than waste words, let me simply say this: I did everything possible to improve my spoken English.”

“Director Jeong reported that your level won’t disappoint me. Is that true?”

“Yes. It is.”

“Very well. To test your skills, I’d like to speak with you in English. What do you think?”

What must happen will happen.

“As you wish, Vice Chairman.”

“I like your confidence. Then let’s have a serious conversation in English.”

“I’m listening.”

“Director Jeong informed me that you’re convinced Endivia won’t sign with Micron. I’d very much like to hear what gives you that confidence.”

Switching to flawless English, I spoke confidently.

“Endivia was founded in 1993 by three men: Chairman Michael Hudson, John Prime, and Chris Malachowsky. Five years later, John Prime left the company and founded his own chip design firm. Chairman Hudson sued him, accusing him of stealing Endivia’s technology.”

“And what happened?” Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun asked, leaning forward with growing interest as he listened to my smooth and professional explanation.

“John Prime insisted on his innocence, but the jury sided with Chairman Hudson. In the end, Prime paid Endivia a massive settlement, and they became mortal enemies. Years later, John Prime sold his company to Micron and currently serves there as Chief Technical Advisor.”

After pausing briefly, I continued.

“Endivia would only do business with Micron if no other company in the world were capable of manufacturing high-bandwidth semiconductors. But if I were Chairman Hudson, I would never extend my hand to a company where my sworn enemy plays a key role.”

“Hm. I understand the logic. But then why is Wall Street so convinced that Endivia and Micron are about to join forces?”

“I can’t say with certainty, but there is a strong possibility that the American government itself is encouraging those rumors.”

“The American government?”

“Yes. The White House has every reason to want strategic chip production to remain under American jurisdiction.”

“I see...” Yoon Sanghun nodded in understanding.

Taking advantage of the pause, Chief Secretary Cho Seongjin cautiously spoke up.

“Vice Chairman, Intern Cha’s English is truly phenomenal, isn’t it?”

By now, Yoon Sanghun had spoken endlessly about the miraculous effects of the herbal sedative medicine that I had taken before the interview. He already had no doubts about my cognitive abilities and composure. This test was intended more to eliminate everyone else’s doubts.

“I realized that the moment Intern Cha started answering my questions confidently and without hesitation,” the Vice Chairman confirmed.

“Indeed,” Cho Seongjin agreed.

Leaving his secretary behind, Yoon Sanghun looked at me again.

“Intern Cha, let’s set Micron aside. TMSC is still standing in our way. Can Hangang Electronics surpass them and win the contract?”

“Without question, TMSC offers better conditions in terms of fundamentals. However, they face one critical risk.”

“And what is that?”

“The threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.”

“That’s true,” the Vice Chairman nodded.

While Yoon Sanghun thought it over, an energized Director Jeong Sunho interjected.

“Intern Cha, does that mean Hangang Electronics really has a chance to win?”

“Yes. But only if the company mobilizes all of its resources and strikes precisely.”

“Of course. That’s exactly what we’ll do. But tell me, where does an ordinary intern obtain such profound analysis?”

“I carefully studied and compared publicly available reports from global business organizations and publications from leading economic media outlets.”

“Hm. Excellent,” Director Jeong Sunho concluded with satisfaction and stepped back.

The Vice Chairman took his place again.

“Cho, where is the thing I told you to prepare?”

“Here, sir.”

Chief Secretary Cho Seongjin immediately pulled a thick envelope from his jacket and handed it over.

“Intern Cha, do you remember what I promised when I visited your Future Strategy Promotion Department?” Yoon Sanghun asked with a faint smile.

At the time, the Vice Chairman had promised a substantial cash reward to the employee who correctly identified the department’s core mission. I had answered correctly and earned the reward, but he had left the meeting room in a hurry without giving me anything.

I had completely forgotten about it.

Apparently, the reward had finally found its owner.

“Of course I remember, Vice Chairman.”

“Sorry for the delay. Here, this is yours.”

I bowed politely and accepted the heavy envelope.

When I cautiously peeked inside, I discovered that it was stuffed full of crisp hundred-dollar bills.

For a moment, I hesitated. The amount was far too large to be a simple prize. My conscience wouldn’t allow me to casually pocket such a fortune.

“Vice Chairman, I believe this reward is too generous.”

“Consider part of it my personal gratitude for opening my eyes to certain geopolitical aspects we had overlooked.”

In that case, I had every right to accept the reward. Besides, I had already observed proper etiquette.

One refusal for courtesy’s sake is enough.

“In that case, Vice Chairman, thank you very much. I’ll use it wisely.”

“Hahaha!”

Vice Chairman Yoon Sanghun’s loud and satisfied laughter echoed throughout the conference room of the aircraft flying across the sky.