"Can't you tell by looking?"
"Huh?"
"A Korean has just become the first Asian to secure admission to a royal school. Isn't that a clear enough answer?"
"Wow!"
Jack was as excited as if it were his own achievement.
The joy of someone witnessing that the sacrifices of heroes were not in vain.
He might be a bit eccentric, but he's probably one of the purest types around.
I tend to feel drawn to people like that.
"Can you show me around if I visit Korea?"
"What do you want to see the most?"
"The War Memorial!"
Sometimes, his peculiar obsession can be overwhelming…
"Sure, there's no reason why not."
"I also want to see other places. Anywhere the British army fought!"
"Alright, whenever you come, just let me know."
"Hehe."
Maybe he was feeling better.
"Can I have some more?"
He asked cautiously.
"If it's too much, we can split the bill…"
"It's fine. Order whatever you want."
"…?"
"The British heroes fought for freedom. We should repay that."
"But it's not like I was the one who fought…"
Leaving a hesitant Jack behind, I spoke to the server.
"Please bring out everything you can make."
On the way out after settling the bill, Jack said with a bit of regret,
"I came without much thought, but now I really want to get accepted."
"…?"
"If I get in, I'll at least make one friend, right?"
To be fair, we had talked about the military over lunch.
Since the Korean War came up, I told him some stories from the GP (Guard Post), as if I had heard them somewhere.
You know, how the equipment is generally like when you're out on reconnaissance.
The firepower of the crew-served weapons mounted at the GP is roughly like that.
I explained very roughly, without leaking any military secrets, but Jack was listening to me with his mouth wide open.
As a result, it seems he has decided that I am a military buff.
That's probably why, even though we've only met for a day, he feels this close to me.
"I can't find anyone my age who's into the military."
Well, of course not.
"You're the first person I've been able to freely talk about the military with."
"…"
"Hope to see you again. Really."
Nodding.
"I'm going to run home to digest. What about you?"
"My chauffeur is waiting in the school parking lot."
"Oh."
After exchanging goodbyes with me, he seemed to look around, then suddenly bolted in the opposite direction.
"Huh?"
Whoosh!
In no time, his figure disappeared in the distance.
'Why is he so fast?'
If Jack gets into the royal school… does that mean I'll have a monster friend?
I smiled at the amusing thought.
After about 15 minutes of walking, I saw the parking lot.
So many people waiting for their interviews.
Maybe that's why.
The Bentleys were lined up, one for each person.
The good thing was there weren't too many limousines!
And I spotted Baker in the distance, so I quickly headed over.
"Why are you waiting outside in the cold?"
"No particular reason, just…"
Baker trailed off.
I'm the one taking the interview, yet he seemed more nervous!
"Did it go well?"
"Of course."
"Whew."
Only then did Baker's face brighten.
"Shall we get you something to eat?"
"I ate with the friend I interviewed with."
"Already made a friend, have you?"
"It just sort of happened,"
"Maybe it's because of your business background, but your ability to connect with people is really something."
"Have you eaten, Mr. Baker?"
"I refrained because I thought I'd get indigestion if I ate."
"Then shall we head to a restaurant?"
"Huh? But you already ate, sir…"
"Am I the only one with a mouth? You both need to eat too."
I looked back and forth between Baker and the chauffeur.
British food has a notorious reputation.
But that's only for traditional British food; London is one of the world's top gourmet cities.
Where there's money, chefs gather and compete.
The place we headed to was a French restaurant with three Michelin stars.
Baker, checking the menu, seemed a bit flustered.
"It's really expensive."
Expensive? It's just a meal.
Did he read my look?
"I mean, uh, it's great to eat something expensive, haha."
Baker scratched his head awkwardly.
While he checked the menu, I browsed the wine list.
Truth is, I'm more of a soju drinker and don't know much about wine.
But still.
I remembered a few legendary wines I had seen in comics.
"Hey, this one has a similar name."
So, I ordered two decent bottles.
Baker, who was about to wave his hand at the price, seemed to remember what I said earlier and kept quiet.
Grin.
This was something I always wanted to do once I made money.
Come to a prestigious three-star restaurant… take my time going through the menu… and order some famous wine.
One item off my bucket list.
Spending a few hundred thousand? Who cares.
Besides, today was the day I secured my admission to the royal school!
'Even if I can't drink, I can at least enjoy the smell.'
As the appetizers were being served, Baker asked me,
"When are you heading back to Korea?"
"The day after tomorrow."
"Then maybe you can enjoy some leisurely sightseeing before that…"
"I think watching a soccer match would be nice."
"I'll make arrangements."
Baker was jotting something in his notebook when I said,
"Also, please find me a house."
"A… house?"
The royal school usually requires dormitory living.
But since you can go out on weekends, it wouldn't hurt to have a house.
"It doesn't need to be fancy. Just close enough to walk to school is fine."
"Ah, sir, I'm sorry to say this, but…"
"Hmm?"
"…?"
"All the areas near the royal school are filled with luxury mansions. The prices are astronomical."
"Then I guess I'll have to live in one of those astronomical places."
Baker added that it would cost around 5 billion won.
Hmm.
Maybe it's because I'm used to New York and Silicon Valley prices, but 5 billion won feels similar to Gangnam.
While we're on the topic of spending money, there's one more thing.
"How much would it cost to build a memorial in London?"
"Huh? What do you mean by that all of a sudden…"
Jack had mentioned that over 80,000 British soldiers participated.
If I hadn't known, it couldn't be helped, but now that I do, I can't just ignore it.
"I want to create a memorial space to honor the veterans."
"…!"
"It should be large enough to engrave the names of each and every fallen soldier."
"The cost will be significant."
"It doesn't matter."
Isn't this why I made money in the first place?
But I didn't say that out loud because it felt too cheesy.
"Does it have to be in London, sir?"
"Is there a problem?"
"Well, it's not exactly a problem…"
"…?"
"In order to buy property in London, you can't avoid dealing with the Grosvenor Duke's estate."
So they really are famous for owning a lot of land.
Looks like it's true.
"They're very strict, and there's a lot to be mindful of."
"Since it's for a good cause, if we explain the intention well, won't they understand?"
"I hope so, but…"
Baker seemed uncomfortable at the thought of getting involved with the Duke's estate.
He gazed down at his wine glass with heavy eyes.
***
Back at the accommodation, I sprawled out on the sofa.
I had just proposed buying a mansion to stay at on weekends and building a memorial in the heart of London.
Not a penny had actually left my pocket yet, though.
"Maybe it's because I committed to such big expenses."
Since I came all the way to the UK… I should probably try to make some money, right?
Suddenly, I felt like it…
I had already asked President Yang Eok-gwan to prepare something in advance.
'Could it be ready by now?'
I checked the clock on the wall.
It was a good time to make a call without any issues.
Without hesitation, I picked up the receiver, and soon, a familiar voice came through.
(President, I was just about to inform you that everything is ready.)
Oh!
I had asked him to find a promising British company just in case.
(Over the past few days, I've reviewed companies based in the UK, but most of them are centered around finance or oil, so it's difficult to expect significant profits without considerable capital.)
But, given the confidence in his voice?
'That means he found a pretty good investment opportunity amidst all that!'
Sure enough, Yang Eok-gwan continued with conviction.
(Fortunately, there are some fairly promising companies in the startup sector.)
"Really?"
(The most recommendable one is a semiconductor manufacturer called Architecture.)
Wow, such a sincere recommendation!
You know how the saying goes: if it's that good, buy it yourself.
In the future, Yang Eok-gwan would pour out his wallet and become the largest shareholder of Architecture.
So essentially, he's recommending me the stock he's planning to buy!
(Since you're the largest shareholder of Hyungang Semiconductors, acquiring Architecture would create tremendous synergy.)
"It sounds good, but…"
(?)
"Isn't semiconductor a sector that takes a long time to generate profits?"
(That's why I've also prepared something that could yield short-term results.)
As expected!
Just like how it feels comforting to entrust work to Jo Soo-deok, talking about money with Yang Eok-gwan brings a sense of peace.
(Though the business hasn't been fully established yet…)
"…?"
(There's a rumor that a famous British inventor is planning to start a company.)
An inventor.
To be honest, it sounds a bit far-fetched and unrealistic.
But if Yang Eok-gwan found it himself and is recommending it…
'This must not be an ordinary person.'
As I quietly waited, Yang Eok-gwan cautiously continued.
(Up until now, his inventions have been modest, but this time, it seems he's really putting effort into it.)
"What is he making?"
(He's focusing on creating a powerful motor.)
"A motor?"
(Yes. If he can successfully manufacture a good motor, it seems he plans to roll out a series of derivative products. I've heard he's already started applying for patents one by one.)
"How much investment does he need?"
(Around 10 billion KRW should secure 50% of the shares.)
"You're saying I'd have to put 10 billion into a company that doesn't even exist yet and only get half the shares?"
(That's how legendary this figure is in the industry…)
"Who is this person?"
I asked out of frustration.
And then, what's this?
(Jeremy Dyson.)
What?
(He's a highly respected figure in the British engineering community…)
"So, you're telling me this guy named Dyson… is making motors?"
(Yes.)
"And he's willing to give me half the shares for a mere 10 billion?"
(…?)
There wasn't much to think about.
"Proceed immediately."
TL/n -
Hey everyone!
From now on, there'll be regular updates — one chapter every day.
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