I couldn't fall asleep easily.
The conversation with Olivia had left a small ripple in my heart.
"Father."
When her studies abroad ended, she had a place to return to.
Was that why?
She already seemed to be preparing for her return.
Well, that day would inevitably come.
I once read a line in a book when I was young:
"A goshiwon (boarding house) is a place you enter in order to leave."
It's true.
No one lives in a goshiwon to settle down.
People go to a goshiwon because, one day, they plan to leave.
London was exactly that for me.
A mere stopover.
Though I was staying here to avoid my grandfather's gaze, I knew I had to return to Korea eventually.
"In as short as three years."
Or in seven years if you include college.
The problem is the timing of my return.
By the time my college years are over, Korea will face a major crisis.
"IMF."
When the nation is struck by turmoil, will I be able to ignore the company's call?
Everyone faces hardship.
What justification would I have for fleeing, claiming I alone should be comfortable?
"Ugh."
When my thoughts reached that point, of course, I couldn't sleep!
But what could I do? Stop the IMF?
"..."
Even knowing the future, isn't expecting myself to go that far a bit much?
The more realistic thing to do would be to help Hyungang prepare so that the company doesn't get shaken by the IMF.
"Yes."
If I build up preparations steadily over the next seven years, so that even in a crisis, there's no need for them to call me back?
At that moment, I recalled my grandfather's speech.
"When technology advances, is that the end of it?"
"No matter how many times the world changes, the fact that humans are drawn to beauty doesn't change."
It was the scene where he declared the essence of Hyungang's design.
Yes, if I complete my grandfather's goal ahead of time!
"Then there would be no reason for them to need me."
Once that idea started to flow, the thoughts came pouring out like a flood.
"The design of Hyungang."
It's not something that can be solved by acquiring a few design companies with external capital.
Hyungang has to become a company that designers aspire to.
"To do that…"
First, we need to achieve a legendary success that will be remembered in the industry for a long time.
Something like…
"Creating a new commercial district in Manchester."
Why not?
We could create pop-up stores on the factory sites, continuously debuting new designers.
Then reinvest the profits back into the design industry.
If this cycle can be maintained, earning the title of 'The Design of Hyungang' wouldn't be impossible.
For that reason…
"The Manchester model has to be successfully established."
Maybe it was because my mind was so cluttered.
I tossed and turned.
Though the night was deep, sleep wouldn't come to me.
***
Manchester industrial complex.
"An abandoned factory."
The place Baker was headed to was the farthest end of the industrial area, where land prices were the cheapest.
There were quite a few failed factories here.
"Is it even feasible to open a store here?"
Scratching his head.
Even if he couldn't understand, what could he do?
"It's not my job to understand."
The thinking is solely for the boss.
All subordinates need to do is assist.
Baker went to find a real estate agent who was said to have control over this area.
When he explained the situation, an unexpectedly snappy reply came back.
"You see the world through rose-colored glasses, don't you?"
"...?"
"Who do you think will let you sell goods on factory land? If that were possible, everyone here would have done it already."
In short, it was illegal.
"Are you going to file a petition with the council members to get the zoning changed?"
"Well, I don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know? You need to give me your plan so I can look into it properly, right?"
"..."
"Oh, you don't seem to know much. It feels like the higher-ups are providing the money, and you're just here to check out the building?"
When he stayed silent, unable to respond, the man gave him a sly smile.
"Then it's going to take quite some time to report back and get orders, right?"
"Well, I suppose…"
"Let's do this. Instead of wasting time walking around, how about we just talk while looking at the map? You're not the decision-maker anyway."
It felt a bit condescending, but he had no choice but to nod.
The real estate agent soon pointed to a map he had posted on the wall and began his explanation.
But what in the world?
He was quoting prices up to 50 percent higher than the estimates he had researched.
"Hey, you're the one opening the store, right? Then you should pay a fair price."
"But it's still zoned for industrial use…"
"Have you ever seen a price tag on real estate? It changes based on future value."
At this point, further conversation was pointless.
Sigh.
It wasn't like this in London.
Just as Baker swallowed his frustration, the door suddenly opened with a jingle, and a man strode confidently into the real estate office.
Surprisingly, he extended his hand toward Baker and said,
"As I've heard, you're struggling hard in a foreign land."
Wait a minute, this man is…
"M-Mr. Jo?"
***
Yesterday afternoon.
At Hyungang headquarters, in Chairman Park Yong-hak's office.
Jo Soo-deok was on his way, hurriedly rushing after receiving a sudden call.
In truth, he felt a pang of fear when he got the call.
"Why on earth would the chairman be calling for me…?"
But what could he do?
When summoned, all he could do was drop everything and run.
Contrary to his worries, Chairman Park greeted him with a smile.
"Sorry to call a busy man like you."
"Thanks to you, Chairman, I'm busy with work. I've been meaning to visit and offer my respects, so I'm grateful for this chance."
After Jo Soo-deok bowed his head, he continued.
"But what brings you to call me…?"
"I've been worried ever since Ji-hoon went to England."
"...?"
"They say he's left our current business in Japan to our friend over there…"
"Ah, you mean Mr. Yang Eokgwan."
"But it seems Ji-hoon's getting restless. He's trying to start something new even in the UK."
"Well, he's full of ideas. It's probably hard for him to hold back…"
At this point, Chairman Park paused for a moment before continuing.
"Professor Jo, you've worked with our family for quite some time, haven't you?"
"Yes, I have."
"Then you must know well. Isn't it a bit hard to manage the work Ji-hoon gives?"
"It's not so much difficult… it's just that the nature of the work is often quite unique…"
By now, the sharp-witted Jo Soo-deok had a good sense of what Chairman Park was getting at.
The one helping the CEO in England… was probably Baker, right?
'He's not entirely satisfied with him, huh. I'd heard he was quite sharp, but that's likely only when it comes to his field—sports!'
"So, what do you think about going to London as a research professor?"
"...!"
"If you're interested, I can probably arrange a position for you at King's College."
King's College is ranked among the top 40 universities in the world.
Moreover, as a research professor, he wouldn't have to teach and could focus solely on his own projects.
Most importantly…
"It's an opportunity to work closely with the CEO!"
Who would be foolish enough to turn this down?
Jo Soo-deok immediately bowed deeply.
"I'm always indebted to you. I don't know how to express my gratitude…"
"I'll talk to the school, so wouldn't it be better for you to fly out tomorrow?"
"T-tomorrow?"
"Why? Would you prefer to leave today?"
For a moment, it felt as if the CEO himself had taken over Chairman Park's body…
Perhaps the Park family's impatience was a shared trait.
In any case!
"Since we're on the topic, I'll head out. I'll prepare quickly and leave tomorrow."
As soon as he finished speaking, Chairman Park pulled out a bankbook from his drawer and handed it over.
"Get yourself a house first."
"Pardon?"
"Why are you so surprised?"
"Well, still…"
"What? You think I'd send you to England and not even help you with a house?"
At Chairman Park's words, Jo Soo-deok bowed deeply once again.
***
Manchester.
Jo Soo-deok took Baker and headed out of the real estate office.
Baker, surprised, asked what was going on.
It was a long story, but who likes long explanations?
"I heard you were struggling, so I came to see. It seems like I made the right choice."
Perhaps feeling like he had met a reliable ally, Baker let out a sigh of relief.
"Shall we head to a nearby café?"
A Bentley was parked about a 10-minute walk away.
It seemed like Baker had parked it far away, possibly to avoid drawing attention.
'Tsk.'
He had used his brain, but the details were lacking.
"A Bentley limousine in this small town? Even if you park it far away, people will start talking."
"I-I tried to be careful…"
"Wouldn't it be better to just get a second-hand car for business? Since we're in the UK, maybe something like a Vauxhall Corsa. That would be perfect."
"…Ah."
"There's no end to it if I keep talking, so let's just get in."
After Baker and Jo Soo-deok got in the car, Jo Soo-deok spoke again.
"It seems like I'll have to teach you a few things today."
"I hope I'm not causing you too much trouble…"
"Well, since we're at it, how about we start by polishing your conversation skills?"
"Sounds good. Please speak casually."
"Shall I?"
"I was feeling a bit uncomfortable too."
"Well, we've known each other for a while now."
"I-I'll follow you as my mentor."
"Oh, come on, mentor…"
Despite his words, Jo Soo-deok didn't seem to dislike this type of conversation.
"Forget the café, let's head to a nearby thrift store."
"A thrift… store?"
"It's a bit much to be touring factories in a suit and dress shoes, don't you think?"
At Jo Soo-deok's words,
Vroom!
Baker quickly started the car.
Jo Soo-deok bought a work jacket and some worn-out work boots.
Then, instead of visiting the real estate agent again, he headed straight to the city council chairman.
The city council chairman is second in protocol rank after the mayor.
He's not the kind of person you can just meet with anyone.
But wasn't getting through barriers like this Jo Soo-deok's specialty?
'I've even sent gifts to the Queen! The Manchester city council chairman? Ha, easy.'
After a few phone calls, he had arranged a meeting, and while they waited in front of the chairman's office, Baker spoke up.
"Sir, wouldn't it be better to wear a suit when meeting the chairman?"
At Baker's suggestion, Jo Soo-deok smiled slightly.
Manchester, being a traditional industrial city, was a Labor Party stronghold.
In other words, the mayor and city council members were all labor-friendly!
"Wearing a work jacket won't hurt us at all."
By the time Jo Soo-deok finished explaining,
"Would you like to come in?"
A young secretary guided them to the chairman's office.
***
"You want to purchase an abandoned factory?"
"Yes."
"Then you should be talking to the factory owner, not me… why come to me?"
"I understand the City of Manchester directly owns some factories."
At Jo Soo-deok's words, the chairman let out a disbelieving chuckle.
This kind of reaction was nothing new to him, so he calmly continued.
"During World War II, I've heard that the city bought several factories to produce military supplies."
"..."
"After the war, some prime locations were sold or rented out, but I've heard there are still quite a few abandoned factories that the city has had trouble dealing with."
"So, you're saying we should sell off the burdensome properties at a bargain price?"
"No. I have no intention of buying them cheaply."
"…Then?"
Jo Soo-deok laid out the plan he had prepared.
1. Acquiring the abandoned factories would be the starting point of a community contribution project.
2. The first goal is to establish a new commercial district by opening cafes, restaurants, and clothing stores in the abandoned factories.
3. The final goal is to revitalize the entire city through the increased foot traffic generated by this new commercial district.
"The intention is commendable, but do things ever go smoothly based on intention alone?"
"Oh, of course not. What's more important than intention is power."
Jo Soo-deok remained unshaken.
"If I may speak about our JH Network…"
He briefly introduced the distribution network they had built in North America.
Not only that, but he also mentioned their discovery of an unpublished work by Da Vinci and the global buzz they had created, as well as their success with the hit game Dragon Ball.
"With this level of success, I think it's safe to say we have enough power to see our intentions through, wouldn't you agree?"
Perhaps because these were all substantial accomplishments, the other party's attitude began to shift.
"Hmm."
The chairman rested his chin in his hand, lost in thought.
A few minutes later, he spoke again.
"To open stores on factory land, a zoning change will be essential."
"That's why I said I wasn't looking to buy at a bargain."
"..."
"It would be odd to claim we're contributing to the local community while asking for the city's assets at a cheap price, don't you think?"
After all, the ultimate goal is to acquire Manchester United.
Since they would need the city council's support, it would be far better to establish a good relationship now.
Then, the chairman spoke.
"This isn't something I can decide alone. The city council members must agree, and most importantly, the mayor's final approval is required…"
"But, Mr. Chairman, don't you have the power to see your intentions through?"
Jo Soo-deok echoed the chairman's earlier words back to him with a small smile.
If the troublesome munitions factory could be transformed into a thriving commercial district, the chairman who played a key role would not only be the top candidate for the next mayor but could also make a move toward central politics!
"It won't be easy to get this processed in this session."
"Of course. You're handling a big project, so we'll be sure to work around your schedule, Mr. Chairman."
The chairman, seemingly having made up his mind, nodded quietly.