The Chairman of Pharmaceutical Company is a Poison King - Chapter 133

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

Chapter 133: Not Considering It At All

The time when Tae-ju’s group departed for America.

Baek Seo-yeon remained in the Samhan Empire.

There was work to be done.

She had heard from Chairman Kim Tae-ju why a shipyard was needed.

‘Sea routes might open up?’

If it had been anyone other than the chairman who said that, she would have told them to stop talking nonsense.

But as always, Baek Seo-yeon firmly believed Tae-ju’s words.

If he said sea routes would open, then it would surely happen.

First, searching for a shipyard.

It had to be large enough to build large container ships.

Fortunately, there was a suitable place.

Yangsan, where a massive shipbuilding industrial complex was located.

It was a shipyard newly built about 50 years ago as an Empire national project.

That is, just before the appearance of marine elite monsters.

Humanity was arrogant.

At first, they expected that elite monsters would avoid the massive ships due to their size, but that was a mistake.

As soon as the first super-large vessel was built at Yangsan Shipyard, attacks by elite marine monsters began.

Ships sinking everywhere in the sea under attack from elite marine monsters.

Yangsan Shipyard went bankrupt without even being able to launch the new ship they had built.

Currently, Yangsan is an ordinary fishing village.

A place that survives on cage farming and coastal fishing.

Baek Seo-yeon went directly to Yangsan for field research.

Since it felt awkward to go alone, she contacted the Jirisan Defense Corps and called Lieutenant Do Min-su.

The sight of the shipbuilding industrial complex that entered her view.

The Yangsan Shipyard that had ceased operations.

Only empty docks remained.

It was desolate and gloomy.

But then.

“Seo-yeon, look over there.”

Do Min-su pointed at something with his finger.

“Yes? Where…?”

“Do you see that container ship?”

“Oh my?”

A massive ship on land instead of at sea, nearly 400 meters in length.

“Do you know what that is?”

“…It’s a ship.”

“It looks like one, but it’s actually Yangsan’s famous ship hotel.”

“Ah!”

Now she remembered.

50 years ago, the first super-large container ship built at Yangsan Shipyard that was never even launched.

It was on the verge of becoming an eyesore, but a lodging company acquired the ship at a low price and converted the interior to make it into a hotel.

It was popular.

It was located right next to the coast with good scenery, and above all, it had the advantage of being a hotel made from a converted ship.

“It’s quite well preserved, isn’t it? They paint it every year so it hasn’t rusted.”

“It looks good.”

“But this hotel isn’t doing well either. At first, the novelty of a ship hotel stimulated people’s curiosity, but… the management has been poor and it’s now on the market.”

“Is that so?”

Wait!

Baek Seo-yeon’s eyes sparkled.

What was Chairman Kim Tae-ju’s purpose in asking her to look into shipyards?

To build ships and launch them into the sea.

But what if there was already a built ship?

Even if the structure had been modified, they could just restore it to its original state.

It would be much easier and faster than building new.

“That hotel must have a restaurant too, right?”

“Of course. But I heard the food tastes terrible.”

“Then let’s go see if it really tastes that bad.”

“Yes! Let’s go.”

She was hungry anyway, so it worked out well.

Though what she was really interested in was the price of the ship hotel that was on the market.

* * *

The chartered plane Tae-ju was on was heading to the American Republic through monster-safe air routes.

‘A chartered plane…’

Now that he’d tried it, he liked it.

Comfortable beds, pleasant bathrooms, even a shower available.

The zigzagging to avoid flying monster zones wasn’t great though.

‘Should I order one too?’

He had enough wealth to own a private jet.

If there was enough black steel, he could even manufacture an aircraft with it.

Kansas City Airport was still far away.

It would take quite a while.

So a meeting was held even on the plane.

Manager Ma Seok-woo from Taehong Bio’s New Seoul branch, who had boarded the plane with Tae-ju.

“Chairman, Chief Moon Gyeong-sik from the Ministry of National Intelligence sent a document.”

“Ah… what’s the content?”

“It’s a report on Whiteblack’s shareholding structure.”

The Ministry of National Intelligence was doing good work.

He had never even mentioned acquiring Whiteblack.

Of course, if he were to do a merger and acquisition, anyone could predict that Whiteblack would be the optimal company.

Tae-ju slowly examined the report.

Four major shareholders owned over 50% of the shares.

When the copy drug was selling like hotcakes, Whiteblack’s stock price was in the $200s, its all-time high.

However, after CEO Fred Miller was arrested and production halt orders were issued, the plummeted stock price was in the $70s.

It had fallen to one-third of its peak price.

At this level, it was worth acquiring.

But would the major shareholders just sit still?

The report also contained several pieces of information that seemed recently discovered.

A prediction that suspended stock trading could resume if Taehong Bio’s intention to acquire Whiteblack was confirmed.

Manager Ma Seok-woo spoke to Tae-ju in a serious voice.

“Whiteblack has been driven almost to bankruptcy. But resuming trading of a company’s stock when it could collapse at any moment? There’s definitely someone behind this.”

Tae-ju also nodded in agreement.

“If stock trading resumes, the acquisition will become difficult.”

“That’s right.”

“It might even break through the peak of $200 or more.”

Taehong Bio had already emerged as a global pharmaceutical company.

Success was absolutely guaranteed.

Just think about Saengibulkkun being sold again.

They could reap several times more profit than MRC.

Who would be the ones manipulating the resumption of stock trading?

Those greedy major shareholders.

I can’t just let them have their way.

“I’ll modify the plan. The Whiteblack acquisition will be postponed to a lower priority.”

“Uh… then?”

“For now, focus on building the new factory.”

In fact, he might not even do that.

Once he confirms the quantity of black iron.

“Then should we not contact the shareholders?”

“Yes, instead of lower priority, we can just scrap it entirely.”

In fact, Tae-ju was confident.

That there would be an enormous quantity of black iron in Hwangcheon-gye.

Being the same soul, he understood Danggumak’s heart better than anyone.

If the quantity had been small, he wouldn’t have sent the black iron ingots.

It was the same when he sent the Cheon-gye flowers.

He had sent samples because there was enough to make mana rejection treatment and have plenty left over.

Honestly, if he had known about the existence of black iron beforehand, he wouldn’t have even come to America. He only came out like this because he had promised to go.

Eventually.

The plane carrying Tae-ju landed at Kansas City Airport.

Thanks to the airport’s consideration, he came out through the arrival hall, skipping even immigration procedures.

“Uh…”

“What’s with all these people?”

“There are so many.”

“There’s no room to pass through.”

Countless crowds gathered to welcome him.

They were holding pickets and chanting Tae-ju’s name.

【Welcome Chairman Kim Tae-ju’s visit to America.】

【Thank you for saving us. – American Mana Rejection Patients’ Family Association.】

【We wish for Taehong Bio’s successful expansion into America.】

Reporters swarmed in droves.

Click-click-click! Click-click!

Camera flashes bursting from all directions.

“We’re curious about the purpose of your visit.”

“Chairman! When will the 4th shipment of MRC proceed?”

“There are predictions that the quantity will be reduced compared to before, is this true?”

“What about the production of Saengibulkkun and Saesalssugsseug?”

“American citizens are desperately waiting for the release of fatigue recovery drinks.”

“There are also rumors that Taehong Bio will expand into America, please clarify the truth.”

Reporters broke through the barrier and swarmed forward.

So much that he couldn’t even walk forward.

Fortunately.

“Chairman! This way, we’ll escort you.”

Security guards from the White House surrounded Tae-ju’s party.

However.

“We’ll escort you. We’re from the Embassy of Samhan, Chairman.”

The Embassy of Samhan in America also came.

Then a small dispute arose.

“This is America. It’s right for us to host the guest.”

“The Chairman is our citizen, isn’t he? Don’t worry and go back. The Embassy of Samhan will take responsibility.”

Chaos broke out.

With the welcoming crowd, reporters, people from the White House, and staff from the embassy. Tae-ju sorted it out.

“Let’s just go together.”

“Yes? Yes…”

“Where should we go first?”

“A press conference hall has been prepared, but if you don’t want it, we can cancel.”

“No, let’s go.”

This worked out well.

The reporters had been asking questions just before too.

They seemed to be trying to probe his intentions regarding mergers and acquisitions, so he’d settle it clearly.

Tae-ju moved to the press conference hall and took questions from reporters.

At first, there were simple questions about what led him to develop MRC, how it felt to become humanity’s savior, how much money he had made, whether he planned to marry, what his hobbies were…

He answered naturally.

In English, of course.

How convenient it was to have the translation ring.

Then.

“Chairman, there’s talk that the purpose of this visit also includes investment in the American Republic. Do you have such intentions?”

“Well. I’m thinking about it.”

“If you do invest, would it be a merger and acquisition? For example, something like Whiteblack…”

Here it comes.

Tae-ju looked intently at the reporter who asked the question and continued.

“I have absolutely no intention of acquiring and merging with Whiteblack.”

“…What?”

The reporter’s expression seemed flustered.

Ordinary businesspeople rarely speak so decisively like that.

They usually express things vaguely.

“…Absolutely not?”

“Yes, absolutely not.”

“Is there any possibility of change in the future…”

“None.”

Murmur murmur, the press conference hall became noisy.

“Then are you considering a new factory?”

“I’m contemplating it. That’s not definitively decided either.”

Another reporter raised their hand high.

“Please ask your question.”

“First, I’d like to express my respect to the Chairman for inventing MRC.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“However, American Republic citizens are desperately waiting for Saengibulkkun fatigue recovery drinks. Even though they were copy drugs, they realized how it changed their quality of life.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, so we respectfully request. That genuine fatigue recovery drinks be distributed in the American Republic as soon as possible.”

The reporter was right.

It would be different if they had never tried it.

So Tae-ju responded accordingly.

“Yes, I’ll do my best to ensure that Saengibulkkun and Saesalssugsseug can be supplied to the American Republic as quickly as possible.”

Then the reporter who first asked about mergers and acquisitions said.

“By what method exactly? If you build a new factory, we might have to wait several years. You’re surely not considering exports either, so wouldn’t acquiring and merging with Whiteblack be the most convenient and rational method?”

Tae-ju shrugged his shoulders with exaggerated gestures, expressing doubt.

“That’s strange. You keep mentioning Whiteblack acquisition from earlier, do you want me to answer that way?”

“…Yes, what?”

“Or did someone tell you to ask that question?”

Everyone’s attention focused on that reporter.

Not knowing what to do, they fumbled around.

“Absolutely not. Who would order such a thing? It’s merely my opinion. I think acquiring Whiteblack would be a solution that satisfies everyone…”

Zing.

The magistrate’s ring vibrated.

It was indeed a lie.

Let’s wrap this up.

“Let me say this once more: there will absolutely never be an acquisition of Whiteblack.”

The press conference hall fell silent.

“However, I promise you on my name. Within six months at the latest, I will supply Saengibulkkun and Saesalssugsseug to the American Republic.”

With those words, Tae-ju left the press conference hall.

Director Ma Seok-woo quickly approached and asked.

“Chairman, shall I escort you to your accommodation?”

“Hmm, what’s the schedule after this?”

“There’s nothing today. And the White House dinner has been scheduled for the day after tomorrow as you requested.”

“Is that so? Then let’s rest well and go to the department store tomorrow. I should do some shopping.”

The meeting with President Billy Pittman was the day after tomorrow.

Tomorrow was for shopping.

Shopping was more important than the White House dinner.

I need to sweep up some goods.

* * *

Taehong Bio Chairman Kim Tae-ju’s entry press conference.

David Morgan and the investors were also watching through the live broadcast.

“Damn it!”

What was this?

There would absolutely never be an acquisition of Whiteblack?

He wasn’t considering it at all.

They had even pulled strings in advance to resume stock trading right after the press conference.

Indeed, the suspended Whiteblack stock trading on the NASDAQ market was lifted.

But far from soaring, it was falling even further.

The stock price that started in the 70-dollar range was now in the 30-dollar range.

The bottom was nowhere in sight.

This happened because of Kim Tae-ju’s single statement.

Originally, stock prices move based on future value, not present value.

Since the future couldn’t be seen, it was natural for it to fall further.

Who had initiated the trading suspension in the first place?

They had done it themselves.

Due to the copycat drug incident, the decline was so severe that they intervened to prevent further drops.

They waited until they could catch a rebound opportunity, until the copycat drug dispute was erased from people’s memories, and until they could find positive news to induce a stock price rise.

Whiteblack was a company with potential.

They held several patents alone.

However, because of Kim Tae-ju, that bastard, the rebound opportunity vanished like bubbles.

“Fucking!”

“Damn bastard!”

“…I want to kill him.”

They hadn’t even expected a definitive answer about acquisition.

Just vague and ambiguous expressions would have been enough.

For example.

– We are deliberating.

– We are coordinating internally.

– We haven’t decided yet, but we’re keeping the possibility open.

– If the price is reasonable, we might consider it.

Even getting answers to this extent would have led the media to inflate and publish articles, and then the stock price would obviously soar.

But to draw such a firm line like that?

“Isn’t it bluffing?”

“It must be. It’s probably a scheme to intentionally drop the stock price to gain an advantage in negotiations.”

“That greedy bastard dares to play games.”

What’s wrong with buying it a little expensive?

They could make much more money than that within a few years.

“Looking at how he boldly declared he would supply Saengibulkkun and Saesalssugsseug to the American Republic within six months, doesn’t the answer become clear? He must be planning to acquire Whiteblack during that period. In collusion with the White House.”

There was another opinion.

“Could he possibly be planning to export?”

“Not a chance, would he transport by airplane?”

“…What about subspace bags?”

“Subspace.”

David Morgan shook his head and said.

“How much storage space does subspace have? Just about one container’s worth. Even with 100, no, 1,000 subspace bags, it wouldn’t be enough.”

Exporting Saengibulkkun with subspace bags was out of the question.

Even if they gathered all the subspace bags released worldwide, there wouldn’t be 100 of them.

“Unless it’s a large ship, I mean a super-large vessel that can load about 20,000 containers.”

“That’s even less realistic than subspace bags.”

“Right. How would they cross the ocean?”

No matter how they thought about it, entering America would be difficult without acquiring Whiteblack.

David Morgan spoke with an expression full of anger.

“I’ll meet Kim Tae-ju myself, at the White House dinner.”

He would meet him and make it crystal clear.

To stop playing games.

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