Chapter 149 ·The Bond of Shared Work

The Bond of Shared Work

Taeshin Asset Management was under a gloomy atmosphere due to the shareholders' meeting held at the Mulsan head office of Taeshin Group. At the same time, the word among employees within Taeshin Group couldn't help but become noisy, in stark contrast to the mood.

"Isn't the management rights in danger of being handed over to a foreign company at this rate?"

"Come on... Would that really happen? It's not an easy thing, after all."

"I heard even the appointment of Executive Vice President Tae Seok-ho as CEO was rejected at the shareholders' meeting."

"Is this treason or betrayal...? Is that what this is?"

Every sort of rumor was flying around.

It was only when In-hyuk and his secretary, Baek Si-hwan, arrived at the elevator in the underground parking lot that the staff finally fell silent.

After that, In-hyuk went up to the 6th floor. Baek Si-hwan, following behind, spoke.

"The documents that require immediate approval can be reviewed before noon."

"Understood. And this is the new welfare project investment plan proposed by the Korea office of AMK Partners. Conduct a preliminary due diligence on the listed foundations, and flag any with issues."

Baek Si-hwan accepted the documents In-hyuk handed over, wearing a puzzled look. As he glanced through the contents, something caught his eye.

"... Is AMK investing in the welfare sector?"

"It seems so. For now, they're considering domestic foundations connected to the welfare business, centering on the Korea office."

That was because among the organizations he'd just seen, the Seunghwa Foundation, which their organization managed, was included.

"But you were in America until three days ago—when did you receive this request?"

"I got it while I was in the hospital. The investigation has been delayed until now because it was hard to look into immediately. Why do you ask?"

Sensing a tinge of suspicion in In-hyuk's tone, Baek Si-hwan seemed to realize he might be overstepping and quickly tried to recover.

"I just thought you must be very busy with ongoing work."

Reading his reaction, In-hyuk smiled faintly.

"Is that so? In any case, check this within the week and send it back."

Baek Si-hwan nodded slightly and exited.

Once the door was closed, In-hyuk connected to Ghost Link on his computer.

【Guest5436: Did you get to work alright?】

This was a message to Go Mi-ah.

【Red Witch: All office workers are the same. By the way, I heard the chairman made quite a scene? Was that part of the plan?】

【Guest5436: Not that far.】

【Red Witch: So, what's going on this morning?】

【Guest5436: Plusystems' Quantum Pulse prep is almost done. So just upload all the related materials and resign.】

Bzzz— bzzz—

At that moment, instead of a reply, Go Mi-ah called.

"I sent a message because I thought you might be at your desk. Is it okay to talk?"

[I just walked into a conference room. But resigning suddenly?]

"We were going to take over Taeshin Group's system and move once your side was ready anyway."

This was something they had already discussed. But Go Mi-ah seemed uncomfortable, which made In-hyuk suspicious.

[Still, after working together for so long, how can I just say I'll quit?]

"... A bond?"

In-hyuk was flustered.

[Geez... You talk like you've never worked with people before. Didn't you get close to anyone while working here?]

"..."

In this life, the only person he was even remotely close to from when he joined was Noh Dongjun. And even that was just Noh Dongjun occasionally coming over to chat; it didn't really count as a deep relationship.

[Anyway, as the boss said, I'll let them know. But I'll need to hire a replacement and hand over duties, so it won't be immediate.]

"Do as you want."

With a sigh, In-hyuk ended the call.

*

*

*

Back at his desk, Baek Si-hwan was checking the investment list of welfare foundations he received from In-hyuk. All sorts of foundation names were listed, from those supporting children and youth, disabled and vulnerable groups, veterans and seniors, to public and educational institutions.

Among them, the Seunghwa Foundation, which specialized in educational support, was a high priority.

"I heard the National Intelligence Service is also investigating Seunghwa Foundation. Could this be related?"

It was a rather uncanny coincidence. Moreover, in the uncertain future of Taeshin Group, AMK Partners had entrusted work to Kang In-hyuk at Taeshin Asset Management.

"Does AMK think they can secure Taeshin Group for themselves? Or does it mean that Kang In-hyuk is important to AMK even in this situation?"

Countless thoughts occupied his mind. But due to lack of information, there were no clear conclusions, and the isolation of Chairman Baek Ji-woong, after being disciplined by the Association, added to the complications.

After pondering a moment, Baek Si-hwan grabbed his phone and stepped into the conference room.

"Chairman. I have something to report."

[What is it?]

On the other end of the line was Chairman Baek Ji-woong of WISE&WIRE Group.

"It looks like AMK Partners is planning an investment in welfare foundations. They'll select from a list and conduct initial due diligence, and Seunghwa is on the list."

[Welfare foundations? Do you know why?]

"I haven't heard the exact reason, but I guess it's for image improvement and tax benefits, considering the recent shareholders' meeting."

Baek Ji-woong went quiet for a moment, lost in thought, before speaking.

[Handing it to Taeshin Asset Management instead of doing it themselves... that means they want to quietly test the water before making a move.]

"I thought so as well."

[What do you think is the likelihood of Seunghwa making the list?]

"The cut-off hasn't been set yet. I believe they'll finalize the criteria after their initial due diligence."

The key point now was whether AMK Partners had any particular intention. However, it was too soon to judge anything clearly.

[Make regular reports related to this. By the way, anything unusual with Kang In-hyuk since his return to Korea?]

"Nothing especially noticeable."

[What do you think?]

Baek Si-hwan didn't have to think long.

"At the moment, he doesn't seem interested in the Taeshin Group management dispute."

[Even though he smuggled out Chairman Tae Gun-seung from America?]

"He's a quick calculator. So even when Tae Ju-ha traveled to England to contact Lumen Holdings, I assume he let her go alone. Chairman Tae Gun-seung's survival had become an immediate problem that had to be solved."

This was a very subjective opinion.

[So you're saying he's drawing a line?]

"That's my take."

[Alright, then. Have you found out how he's communicating with AMK yet?]

Both had already checked Kang In-hyuk's call history in the past.

But there were no traces of calls or messages exchanged with AMK Partners associates. This meant he must have a separate device besides his main phone.

Baek Si-hwan had even searched Kang In-hyuk's office thoroughly after he returned from America, but found nothing.

"... I'm sorry."

[If he'd carried it around, there would have been a chance to spot it—even just once. Maybe there's something special about the phone he's using now?]

"Is that possible? Even the cipher programs our agents use leave some kind of trace."

[If it were truly impossible, there would have been a slip-up from Kang In-hyuk by now.]

Given the current context, this was the most plausible theory.

Baek Si-hwan hadn't ignored this possibility either.

But the Kang In-hyuk he knew was extremely sensitive to bug sweep detection—he would regularly check his car and office.

Targeting his phone, knowing this, meant risking exposure of his identity.

"What do you want me to do?"

Of course, the decision wasn't his to make—only Baek Ji-woong could do that.

There was a momentary sigh from the other end of the line.

[Can you create an opportunity to clone his phone?]

"To be honest, it won't be easy."

Kang In-hyuk wouldn't even let others handle his jacket. Naturally, his phone was always on him—making such a chance nearly impossible.

[Try it anyway. Make Kang In-hyuk separate from his phone, or even cause it to malfunction. That would give us an opening.]

"Understood. I'll set up a plan and proceed right away."

[Counting on you.]

After finishing the call, Baek Si-hwan let out a sigh.

Even the phone that Baek Ji-woong had just used was a burner—to hide the record as much as possible. There were only so many ways to cover your tracks with phone calls.

But in Kang In-hyuk's case, there wasn't even a burner phone to be found, making things even more mysterious.

* * *

A few days later.

Summoned by Tae Ju-ha, In-hyuk was seated in the CEO's office.

It was time to discuss the first round of welfare project investment, whose shortlist had been finalized not long ago.

"How much is AMK Partners planning to invest? Has a specific amount been set?"

"We expect at least 20 billion KRW."

"That much?"

Even for a large company, that was a significant sum—especially since it wasn't going directly into a profit-making sector. Tae Ju-ha couldn't help but be surprised.

"As a foreign company, they're extending their reach into domestic business, so there are a lot of points to be cautious about."

"But it's bigger than I expected. So what targets have been chosen for investment?"

At her question, In-hyuk handed over a document.

Her eyes scanned the list inside.

"There's quite a range of fields."

"We'll initially prioritize projects involving public facilities—especially private foundations in the children, youth, and education sectors."

"If the goal is tax reduction, is there really a need to go as far as private welfare foundations? Or perhaps..."

"I think you're right. AMK Partners is looking to not only improve their image and tax benefits but also build more ties with certain firms."

In other words, by promoting welfare foundation investments, they aimed to expand the company networking pie.

Tae Ju-ha nodded and sighed.

"Even in times like this, they seem to be playing many moves ahead."

At that moment, the office door opened and a young staff member brought in hot coffee. Tae Ju-ha tilted her head at her.

"Where's Secretary Heo?"

Secretary Heo typically attended to all of Tae Ju-ha's needs.

"Oh, she got a call that someone hit her car in the parking lot and went down."

"I see."

The employee replied as she moved. As she set the coffee in front of In-hyuk, she stumbled as if she were about to fall.

The steaming coffee was aimed directly at In-hyuk's torso.

In that instant, In-hyuk quickly stood, caught the cup with his right hand, and steadied the staff member with his left.

Clink—

That was the sound of the slightly swaying cup on the coaster.

"... Are you alright?"

The staff member, held steady by In-hyuk, snapped back to attention. She quickly bowed and stepped back.

"I'm sorry!"

"It's nothing, I didn't even get wet. You can go. Just be careful next time."

After In-hyuk's reply, the young lady also bowed to CEO Tae Ju-ha and hastily left.

Meanwhile, Tae Ju-ha, who had quietly watched, looked quite surprised.

"I noticed it in Vladivostok too, but your reflexes are impressive."

"They're not bad."

In fact, this sort of thing had happened a few times lately. Ever since a certain point, near-run-ins with strangers had become frequent—in the officetel parking lot, office hallway, restrooms, and at various external venues. He had a good idea as to why.

'Seems like they're after my stuff... Maybe my phone?'

He had even found signs someone had searched his office after his return from America. Of course, the traces were subtle—not obvious to just anyone.

Only In-hyuk could spot the faint differences.