The Former Mercenary is a Chaebol Heir

Chapter 31: Thick Skin, or Do You Want to Die?

A few days later.

Baek Shin-woo knocked on the door of the Strategic Investment Headquarters director’s office. Inside, Im Hee-yeon and Song Tae-hoon were talking.

He stepped inside, stood in front of Im Hee-yeon, and spoke.

“There’s an urgent matter that needs your approval. And it’s convenient that the Director is here as well.”

“…What is it?”

“I’ve uploaded the approval request.”

Im Hee-yeon walked over to the desk with Song Tae-hoon and accessed the company system on her computer to read the newly uploaded approval document.

All individuals involved in the approval line could immediately view the document, which had been submitted as an emergency. Soon after, Im Hee-yeon’s brows furrowed like a sheet of paper.

“…What is this?”

She was surprised by the title on the approval document.

[Investment in LIVIO SOFT]

“You can see it for yourself.”

“Do you think I’m asking because I can’t read?”

“It’s as written. It’s an investment contract with LIVIO SOFT.”

“This project was initially withdrawn on the company’s end by Director Myung Un-seok.”

“We’ve taken it up again. And the terms are different from the previous contract.”

With that, Im Hee-yeon continued reading through the contents of the document.

[…The amount is set at 30 billion won…]

[…In exchange, LIVIO SOFT agrees to sell a 7% stake to MH Group…]

The previous agreement made by Myung Un-seok was for 20 billion won in exchange for a 5% stake, structured as a stock option rather than an outright sale.

However, this time, the proposal was to purchase a 7% stake in LIVIO SOFT for 30 billion won, directly selling shares to MH Group.

If LIVIO SOFT went public in the future, its value would skyrocket by several times.

Additionally, even the current set price for a 7% unlisted equity stake was unbelievably low at 30 billion won, practically a bargain.

“…Do you really think LIVIO SOFT would accept such unreasonable terms?”

“They’ve already verbally accepted. They’re scheduled to visit headquarters this afternoon to finalize the sale contract.”

Im Hee-yeon looked at Shin-woo with incredulity that went beyond mere disbelief.

“They’re coming here this afternoon?”

“That’s correct. So please approve it quickly. We need to have it confirmed before their visit to proceed.”

“Are you telling me LIVIO SOFT actually accepted these terms?”

She had to confirm it once more as it was still hard to believe.

“I simply proposed it, and they agreed. Is there a problem?”

“Problem? No… it’s not exactly a problem…”

What company would sell their stock at a fraction of its value unless they were desperate or had other compelling reasons?

“If you’re concerned, you’re welcome to join the contract meeting.”

Although hesitant, Im Hee-yeon continued reading the remaining parts of the document.

There were no toxic clauses, and everything seemed overwhelmingly favourable to MH Group. This made her doubt if an agreement on such favourable terms for unlisted stock sale was even possible.

“To ensure contract stability, I think I should attend as well. What time are they scheduled to arrive?”

Shin-woo checked his watch.

“I just received a message—they should be arriving shortly.”

Buzz—Buzz—

As if on cue, Shin-woo’s phone rang. It was a call from the secretary of LIVIO SOFT.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

“…Go ahead.”

Turning away, Shin-woo took the call. The conversation was brief, and soon he looked back at Im Hee-yeon.

“They’ve arrived in the lobby on the first floor.”

“Already? And you brought the documents just in time?”

“We had to discuss and decide quickly due to LIVIO SOFT’s imminent listing status.”

“…Understood.”

As she responded, Im Hee-yeon completed her signature in the approval section on the document.

“The contract meeting will take place in the 12th-floor conference room. I’ll stop by the first floor to escort them up, so head there directly.”

“Understood. I’ll do that.”

Shin-woo promptly left the director’s office.

Afterward, Im Hee-yeon turned to Song Tae-hoon, who had been standing behind her.

“Do you really think this deal is feasible?”

“…Honestly, it doesn’t make sense.”

From the moment Myung Un-seok had initially proposed the investment in LIVIO SOFT, Song Tae-hoon had looked into it. LIVIO SOFT had a high probability of going public, and its CEO, Dale Becker, held all the unlisted shares.

With just a bit of patience, they could expect a substantial profit increase due to the anticipated listing. Naturally, it was hard to believe anyone would sell shares at such a low price.

“Even Director Myung Un-seok’s proposal only involved a stock option, not an outright sale. But how could Shin-woo, who lacks relevant experience, negotiate such terms…?”

“It’s important to monitor the contract process in case there’s an issue.”

“Of course.”

The two of them finished talking and got up to head to the conference room.

.

.

.

Meanwhile, in the first-floor lobby, Dale Becker stood with Lillian Foster by his side.

They were here to handle business between the two companies. However, Dale Becker looked lifeless, as if he had been fed nothing but dirt.

Watching him quietly from the side, sunglasses on, Lillian spoke calmly.

“Loosen up a bit. You didn’t come here to die, did you?”

“…Isn’t this situation practically telling me to go die?”

“You should’ve known when to stop being greedy.”

As they quietly exchanged words, Myung Un-seok happened to walk by and spotted them, surprised.

“What brings you here, President Becker and Miss Foster?”

In truth, it wasn’t a coincidence.

Lee Chang-sun, their dedicated bodyguard, had noticed their visit and reported it through the other team members.

Feigning surprise to assess the situation, Myung Un-seok acted as if it was a random encounter.

At the same time, Lillian stepped forward.

“We’re here with a contract for MH Group, accompanying the president.”

“…A contract?”

Once again taken aback, Myung Un-seok’s reaction was met with a smile from Lillian.

“Yes, a contract. Our president has made a significant investment decision.”

“But… weren’t you no longer with LIVIO SOFT, Miss Foster?”

Because of this, he had even bowed his head to Director Im Hee-yeon, seeking approval for personnel allocation.

“It’s complicated. That’s why I’m here now.”

“Then, what is this investment contract you mentioned? Wasn’t it initially handled with me?”

“Apologies, but that has changed. LIVIO SOFT’s majority shareholder has requested a separate investment line.”

Myung Un-seok barely managed to suppress a grimace.

“And who would that be?”

“Oh, there he comes now.”

From the direction of the elevator, Baek Shin-woo appeared and walked over to them.

Ignoring Myung Un-seok, Shin-woo directly handed out his business card to the two visitors.

“I’m Baek Shin-woo, Head of the Strategic Investment Operations Office.”

Surprised by his fluent English, Myung Un-seok, standing off to the side, was taken aback.

Meanwhile, the two guests introduced themselves to Shin-woo.

“Dale… Becker.”

“I’m Lillian Foster.”

“Thank you for coming all the way to MH Group’s headquarters in Korea. But… why are you here, Director Myung?”

Feigning delayed recognition, Shin-woo’s remark made a vein bulge on Myung Un-seok’s forehead.

“Just to confirm… Did Director Baek Shin-woo take over the LIVIO SOFT contract?”

“I merely revived a deal that had been abandoned.”

“That’s what I mean by taking it over. I was the one who researched, investigated, and obtained investment approval for that company.”

“But it still fell through, didn’t it?”

It wasn’t incorrect. In fact, Myung Un-seok, still lingering with regret, had continued searching for the elusive programmer, MANDU.

If he could secure MANDU, the investment with LIVIO SOFT could extend beyond investment to potential management rights.

But since the last attempt, he had found no trace, leaving him more frustrated than ever.

“It was merely postponed.”

“That’s your perspective, Director Myung. Now, would you mind stepping aside so our guests aren’t kept waiting?”

They were standing in the middle of a spacious lobby, not a narrow passageway where only one person could pass.

Nonetheless, Shin-woo purposefully provoked Myung Un-seok.

“Hmm―!”

Aware of the public setting, Myung Un-seok couldn’t push further and slowly backed away.

With that, Shin-woo guided Dale Becker and Lillian Foster toward the elevators.

Left standing alone by the information desk, Myung Un-seok clenched his teeth and balled his fists tightly.

***

In the meantime, Im Hee-yeon and Song Tae-hoon were already waiting quietly in the 12th-floor conference room.

Soon, a knock sounded, and the door opened, with Shin-woo entering alongside Dale Becker and Lillian Foster from LIVIO SOFT.

The two stood up immediately, greeting the guests with handshakes and exchanging business cards.

“I’m Im Hee-yeon, head of Strategic Investment Headquarters at MH Group.”

“I’m Director Song Tae-hoon.”

After the introductions, they all took their seats. Remaining standing, Shin-woo placed the contract folder in front of Dale Becker.

“This is the unlisted stock sale agreement. Please review and sign it.”

Dale Becker, still bearing a sombre expression, began skimming through the contract.

It wasn’t easy for him to stomach giving away shares of a company he had painstakingly built, one that would skyrocket in value, for such a low price.

At that moment, Im Hee-yeon, who had already reviewed a copy of the contract, closed it and spoke in English.

“Selling a 7% stake in LIVIO SOFT for 30 billion won… That’s quite a difficult decision.”

Dale Becker took a deep breath in response.

“Whew―! Yes, that’s how it turned out.”

The terms of the contract were overwhelmingly favourable for MH Group.

If LIVIO SOFT went public without any issues, the current 30 billion won investment could easily triple or quadruple, potentially even increase tenfold.

“I heard there were some issues regarding LIVIO SOFT’s technology patents. Are they fully resolved?”

“…They’ve been settled. There’s no problem now.”

At that moment, Im Hee-yeon was taken aback, although she didn’t show it.

Myung Un-seok had attempted to proceed with the contract following that issue’s resolution, but he hadn’t been able to finalize anything.

“Does this mean you found the programmer known as MANDU?”

“That’s correct. Simultaneously… the arrangement now makes MANDU the largest shareholder, excluding me.”

Both Im Hee-yeon and Song Tae-hoon were surprised.

“If he’s the majority shareholder… how much equity does MANDU hold?”

“Sorry, but I can’t disclose that.”

“Does that include MANDU’s identity?”

“The party involved requested that their identity remain confidential.”

In truth, even Dale Becker didn’t know who MANDU was. Lillian had suddenly returned to the company, claiming to represent MANDU, which had led to this current situation.

As everyone processed this surprising revelation in silence, Shin-woo stepped forward.

“Shall we proceed with the contract?”

Momentarily flustered, Dale Becker refocused on the contract and continued reading.

At that moment, Im Hee-yeon voiced a lingering question.

“May I ask just one more thing?”

“…Go ahead.”

“I understand that the original contract was discussed with Director Myung Un-seok at our Strategic Investment Headquarters. Why did it suddenly switch to Director Baek Shin-woo?”

Dale Becker took a moment, glanced briefly at Lillian, and then replied.

“It was at the request of the majority shareholder, MANDU. They specified that the contract with MH Group be handled by Director Baek Shin-woo of Strategic Investment Operations.”

As he gave his answer, Dale Becker’s brown eyes narrowed to the point that his pupils were barely visible.

Meanwhile, Im Hee-yeon continued watching Dale Becker sign the contract, still unable to fully comprehend the turn of events.

—