New Employees With an Annual Salary of 1 Trillion Won - Chapter 24

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 24. Negotiation (4)

 

 

 

COMDEX event, day 3.

At first, every visitor seemed like a variable.

But their actions and reactions ultimately followed certain patterns, and I began to accept them as constants.

 

I could even control them to some extent through my words and movements.

After news of the joint project with Microsoft spread, more visitors flocked in, but thanks to the fun of reading patterns, it wasn’t too burdensome.

 

“Employee Lee, what are you doing? Leave this to us and go check out other booths.”

“I’m fine. There’s already a long line in front of the booth.”

“Do you think that line will shrink quickly just because you’re here? Besides, Tiger Fund sent additional staff, so don’t worry and go take a look.”

 

Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay at the booth forever.

Various technologies and patents were displayed at other booths, and since they would all become materials for new patents, I had to see and learn from them.

 

“I’ll be back soon.”

“Seeing and hearing new technology firsthand is the best. In times like these, not just technology but conversations with developers are also assets. You have to seize opportunities when they come. So take your time and look around.”

“I feel sorry for being the only one playing around.”

“What are you talking about? Understanding new technology is also legitimate work. You’re actually doing more important work than us.

So go and see everything with peace of mind.”

 

The President was right.

This wasn’t just simple ‘sightseeing’ but information gathering.

To plan new patents as soon as I returned to Korea, I had to see and learn as much as possible.

 

“I’ll be going then.”

“Take care of your meals too, and come to the hotel when you have time. Don’t feel sorry unnecessarily, and come back after seeing everything properly.”

 

I began touring the event venue areas with one staff member in charge of interpretation and guidance.

Computers, peripherals, various software, network technology.

Countless technologies I had only seen in magazines or papers were displayed as real objects before my eyes.

 

The sound of gears pouring from all directions sent shivers through my entire body.

Whether technologies that create discord or harmony, they’re all gears that can be combined.

I concentrated on making as many gears as possible my own.

 

“Palm is definitely overwhelming in PDAs.”

“Tiger Fund also uses Palm products. Now that we’ve signed a contract with Microsoft, we’ll have to change, but honestly, Palm is much more convenient.”

 

The first place I visited was the Palm booth.

It was also the decisive reason we joined hands with Microsoft,

and various miniaturized and lightweight PDA models were on display.

 

I stayed at the Palm booth for quite a while, coming up with various ideas.

Only then did I turn around to encounter the next technology.

 

“Shall we go to the Bluetooth exhibition hall next?”

“I’ll guide you. It’s one of the places that received the largest booth allocation at this event.”

 

Following the Private Equity Staff’s guidance, I moved to the Bluetooth exhibition hall.

The technologies I had been envisioning in my head were spread out before my eyes in much more concrete forms than I had thought.

 

“Oh? Our technology is also on display here.”

“Yes, we received a request a few weeks ago. The Bluetooth exhibition hall wanted to display the prototype that Nexpin made, so the Branch Manager gave permission.”

 

A wireless headset prototype with the Nexpin logo.

It was proudly displayed in the center of the booth, with people constantly gathering around it.

 

The moment I saw that scene.

A strange sense of overwhelming emotion and inspiration hit me simultaneously.

I was moved that the technology I created had become a prototype and was receiving attention.

But such emotions were brief, as there were still many new technologies left, so I couldn’t stop walking.

 

“Next, please take me to the monitor booth. I heard many new structured LCD monitors came out this time.”

“Yes, not only Korean companies but also Japanese, American, and European companies brought various models. I’ll guide you to each one in turn.”

 

I experienced countless technologies firsthand.

Mobile devices, USB, PC, optical devices, storage devices, internet services.

Just from brief experiences, tremendous ideas gushed forth, and my head was filled with circuit diagrams and blueprints.

 

Neither my head nor legs could move anymore, so I needed a brief rest.

I found the most secluded spot in the US Pavilion and moved there to lean against the wall and rest.

 

“But what do they do over there? It looks like the smallest booth in the US Pavilion.”

“It’s a startup that makes PDA-based payment systems. It’s called ‘PayPal,’ but it still has few users and low recognition.”

 

The smallest booth.

But strangely, the inside was filled with a mysterious vitality.

Though small in size, it had a structure of precise gears meshing together without a single error.

It even felt like looking at Nexpin, so I couldn’t take my eyes off it and muttered.

 

“Let’s go there. I want to see the PDA-based payment system in detail.”

 

The PayPal booth was quieter than expected.

But when I approached, someone who appeared to be a staff member quickly pulled out a pamphlet and greeted me brightly.

 

[Welcome. This is PayPal. We aim for a simple payment system and are developing a platform that enables money transfers through PDAs and email.]

“It looks quite different from existing internet banking.”

[It’s a completely different structure. You don’t need to know account numbers or bank names. After linking a credit card or bank account, you can send money just by knowing the email address.]

“You’re saying money transfers are possible without going through banks.”

[Exactly! It’s a system created to break the bank-centered, closed internet banking structure.]

 

Rollbook came to mind.

After introducing point payments, I had built a simple payment system myself.

But from the user’s perspective, there were quite a few inconveniences.

So I added various features, but there were still many regrets.

 

“I operate a website. It has a structure where members purchase points to use content,

so I created and attached a simple payment system.”

[Could you show us what kind of website it is?]

“It’s only in Korean, so it would be difficult for you to understand. Let me explain it instead.”

 

I used their laptop to directly show them the Rollbook website.

The PayPal personnel were momentarily flustered by the unfamiliar Korean screen.

But when I pulled out C language code to explain the structure, their attitude changed.

 

The common language of technicians was ultimately ‘code’.

When I alternately showed them the code and website, they also pulled out their own sample code and structures.

Even though our languages were different, there were definitely parts that connected when it came to technology.

 

In that small booth,

our ideas and structures, problems and solutions were exchanged, and we naturally began sharing technology.

 

[This is a completely new type of security system. With the security structure applied to Rollbook, security incidents could be dramatically reduced.]

“It was possible because it’s a region-based site. And there are aspects that are possible because it’s Korea. Student ID verification is basic, and evaluations from people around you also function as a kind of security device.”

[That part is also impressive, but the two-factor authentication system is truly revolutionary. The method of sending verification numbers via email or mobile phone will definitely greatly reduce the possibility of incidents.]

 

We excitedly continued our technical discussion,

and in the middle of it, the interpreter was doing their utmost to connect our conversation.

 

“The verification numbers are generated based on random numbers. And when mobile phone penetration becomes higher, we plan to shift from email to text message verification as the main focus.”

[But I’d like to ask one thing. Is this technology open?]

“I’m sorry. Rollbook technology is difficult to make public. It’s all protected by patents.”

[I thought so. Then, may I ask what your affiliation is?]

“I’m affiliated with Nexpin. The Rollbook site is operated together with Tiger Fund.”

[Nexpin…? Ah, you mean that company that both Steve Jobs and Bill Gates reached out to!]

 

Just two days ago, few people knew the name Nexpin.

But thanks to consecutive major news stories, now the name ‘Nexpin’ could be heard anywhere in the exhibition hall.

The PayPal personnel also clearly remembered Nexpin.

 

“Let me formally introduce myself. I’m Employee Lee Jung-hoo from Nexpin.”

[Nice to meet you. I’m Elon Musk. I previously operated X.com, but recently merged with Confinity and now I’m in charge of PayPal management.]

 

We shook hands.

At that moment, a very strong gear sound came from the PayPal executive’s body.

For a moment I was absorbed in that sound and time seemed to stop, but I quickly came to my senses and continued the greeting.

 

“Ah, you’re the CEO. You’re so young that I thought you were a developer like me.”

[In startups, developers often handle management as well. By the way, could we also use part of Rollbook’s payment system?]

 

This was the topic I had wanted to bring up first.

If PayPal’s payment technology could be introduced to Rollbook, we could complete a much simpler payment system.

 

Two gears with perfectly matching grooves.

When such gears meshed together, they could create synergy of more than 10 times, not just double.

 

“Actually, I’d also like to introduce some of PayPal’s technology. But it’s difficult for me to decide alone. I need Tiger Fund’s permission.”

[I’m in a similar situation. I’m the CEO, but I need to consult with colleagues who share equity, especially Carter Till from Confinity.]

“Then shall we meet again in a little while? Our person in charge happens to be nearby.”

[Good. Carter is also scheduled to arrive soon. Let’s meet again in an hour.]

 

We both pulled out our mobile phones at the same time.

I tried to call the Branch Manager, but the private equity staff gently stopped me.

 

“The Branch Manager is currently in the VIP room. I’ll guide you there.”

“It’s urgent, so I’d like to inform him right away.”

“In negotiations, the impatient side becomes disadvantaged. Please take your time for a moment.”

 

The private equity staff answered with a smile.

I also knew well that I needed to maintain composure, but it was difficult to do so.

 

PayPal’s gear structure was more powerfully and precisely meshed than any company I had seen so far.

It wasn’t simply that their technology was excellent.

The various axles supporting the structure were positioned more solidly than any other structure.

Actually, I couldn’t yet clearly explain what exactly this structure meant, but I knew one thing for certain.

 

We had to connect with PayPal somehow.

And to grow Rollbook, their simple payment system was absolutely necessary.

 

“The Branch Manager has finished his meeting. Please go to the VIP room right now.”

 

Perhaps because I had been there once before, I could head to the VIP room without hesitation.

The Branch Manager looked up from organizing documents and lightly raised his hand in greeting.

 

“What brings you here so suddenly?”

“I found the company you mentioned yesterday that we must secure. And it’s also a company we absolutely must work with for Rollbook.”

“Sit down first. This is the first time I’ve seen you so excited. More than when you met Steve Jobs or Bill Gates?”

 

They were legendary figures.

But PayPal was still a rough diamond unknown to the world.

That point made me even more excited, and I caught my breath and began explaining the possibility of cooperation with PayPal.

 

“If PayPal’s simple payment system is introduced to Rollbook, the payment entry barrier will be lowered and user experience will also improve dramatically.”

“There would definitely be synergy.”

“And above all, PayPal’s potential exceeds imagination. The internet commerce market is growing exponentially every year, and with this technology, they have no choice but to succeed.”

“You’re confident.”

“I’ve looked around the entire exhibition hall. Excluding the already famous large corporations, PayPal had the most promising technology.”

 

Perhaps I spoke too definitively.

It wasn’t yet at a stage where I could guarantee certain success.

It was difficult to be confident whether they would grow into a giant corporation like Apple or Microsoft.

 

But even so, I had to say it.

PayPal’s structure, that unprecedented structure with multiple solid core axles embedded in it, was still rotating ceaselessly in my head.

 

“Assistant Branch Manager. Tiger Fund holds PayPal shares, right?”

“Yes, we entered through a joint investment format during the Series A stage. Tiger Fund currently holds approximately 5% of PayPal shares.”

“Then the conversation will be much easier. Let’s have the Korea Branch independently secure additional shares.”

 

The Branch Manager was moving too quickly.

Though it was the situation I had wanted, it was still too bold.

 

“Branch Manager, shouldn’t we meet with PayPal’s management and then decide? We have an appointment to discuss and meet with each other in an hour.”

“If Employee Lee says so, it’s natural to prepare in advance. Of course, I’ll make the final judgment after meeting them directly, but I’m already viewing this positively.”

 

The Branch Manager seemed to have already finished all the planning.

He called over a Private Equity Staff member and quietly moved to the next step.

 

“Go to the PayPal Booth and bring the decision-makers to the VIP Room. Even if they’re in discussions, wait until they’re finished and absolutely don’t miss them.”

“I’ll bring them quietly and carefully.”

 

The meeting between PayPal and Rollbook was about to come to fruition.

I strongly felt that to expand into the United States, we absolutely had to join hands with America’s payment system as well.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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