Without contributing any funds, what exactly do they mean by helping?
At that, the mayor hastily added,
(Negotiations are inherently a tedious process, aren't they? We can take care of that for you.)
Hmm.
(Perhaps if you could share your desired amount…)
To purchase the stadium and all the real estate it owns, it would cost at least 300 million pounds.
That said, negotiations are more satisfying when there's a discount.
I boldly called for a price 10% lower.
Then, the once-confident mayor fell into a heavy silence.
"If it doesn't work, I'll handle it myself."
(Ah, what do you mean 'it doesn't work'? Without even trying, giving up already… I'm not that superficial.)
Alright, one more thing!
"Five-year installments, interest-free, please."
(Excuse me?)
"It's rare for such a large sum to be paid in full at once, isn't it?"
(Installments could work, but that last part…)
"Interest-free?"
(Yes, that part…)
"If it doesn't work, I'll handle it myself."
(No, no! We'll make it happen. Yes, absolutely.)
That was the acquisition part.
There were also policy issues the mayor had to address.
"Please establish an international school."
(…Pardon?)
"For student-athletes coming here for soccer training, they need a school to keep up with their studies."
Even if they dream of becoming professional players, they're still students in the end.
Imagine flying to a faraway country, dedicating everything to soccer, and failing.
Who would take responsibility for that life?
In a proper society, there should at least be basic safeguards.
"There's also legislation that needs to be enacted."
(Legislation?)
For Korean players to join Manchester United's youth team, their parents need to accompany them and secure stable jobs to obtain visas.
In other words, parents must stake their lives for their child.
Doesn't the child feel immense pressure just knowing that?
"The team assigns dedicated staff to provide thorough care, and under those conditions, the visa issuance should be allowed."
(Fortunately, those two matters fall within my discretion. But still…)
(…)
(How can you be so concerned about such matters?)
Well.
I was interested in my past life… ahem.
Anyway, that was all the stick (criticism), and now it's time for the carrot!
"If all the conditions are met, I will also move forward willingly."
Opening a pop-up store, building a Capsulemon theme park, and relocating the Red Bull factory.
These three were all realistically achievable goals.
(Th-three, no less?)
"Quite bold, aren't they?"
(It's electrifying.)
"Once the negotiations with Manchester United are concluded, please contact me again. I'll prepare for the next steps as well."
And two days later.
The news about Manchester United adorned the front page of the London Times.
***
Michael 'Bear' Grylls, a British member of the House of Lords, was having lunch with a group of reporters.
"Senior."
For a political journalist to address a member as 'senior' is a kind of signal.
Off the record.
It means, "Speak freely, and it won't be published."
"If you've served as the leader of the ruling party, isn't the next step Prime Minister?"
At the journalist's question, Michael responded with a smile instead of words.
"Will you go directly for the Prime Minister position, or take the route through becoming the Mayor of London? That seems to be the only difference. Could you share your future plans?"
"I'd rather seek your advice."
"…Pardon?"
"In your opinion, what do you think I should do?"
At Michael's question, the other reporters burst into laughter.
As the atmosphere lightened, Michael continued speaking cheerfully.
"People often say this. Since I didn't attend a royal school or Oxford, I'm ultimately an outsider."
They claim the position of majority leader is the limit for an outsider.
If he wants to aim higher, he'd need to challenge for the position of Mayor of London and achieve tangible results.
Only then could he rally public support and make a bid for Prime Minister.
"It wouldn't be easy, of course."
"Isn't someone currently walking that path?"
"…Who?"
"Charles Emerson. The Mayor of Manchester."
"Ah, yes. He seems to be doing quite well."
"From the theme park to relocating Red Bull's headquarters. He's been praised for achieving remarkable results."
"I was surprised, too. Just two weeks ago, he was being criticized on all sides. Then, with one decisive move, he turned the tide."
"That's why I'm asking."
"…?"
"Some say he granted unfair privileges to companies for personal gain. As the opposition's majority leader, what's your take on this?"
Michael straightened his posture at the question.
"The citizens' reactions provide the answer. If the same projects were carried out in Liverpool, what kind of response would we see? I believe they would've welcomed it with open arms."
"So, you believe it wasn't favoritism but legitimate corporate recruitment?"
"Of course."
Michael didn't stop there.
"If I were the Mayor of London, I would have undertaken even grander projects."
"The Mayor of… London?"
Even though it was off the record, the reporters' hands started moving quickly.
"Rather than simply asking businesses to relocate, I would consolidate the funds leaking out as subsidies and initiate a full-scale project with JH."
"Senior, if I may say so respectfully."
"…?"
"At this point, it sounds like you're announcing your candidacy for Mayor of London."
Michael neither confirmed nor denied it.
Instead, he said, "I'll arrange another occasion to discuss it later."
With that, Michael quietly rose to his feet.
***
That evening.
I accepted Henri Vuitton's invitation and headed to Nice, a resort city in France.
Thanks to the private jet and helicopter, the travel time wasn't too long.
As soon as I stepped off the helicopter, the first thing I noticed was the pleasant scent of the sea.
Ah!
A castle overlooking the Mediterranean at a glance.
As I smiled at the view, a familiar voice called out.
"Thank you for coming such a long way."
"Why didn't you stay inside?"
"Of course, I came out to greet you."
He asked if I had eaten yet, and I nodded willingly.
"Perfect. Please, come in. I'll treat you to a French-style full-course dinner."
I've noticed this before, but Henri Vuitton truly has an air of elegance.
From his refined speech to his graceful gestures.
It's clear he's had an excellent upbringing.
I hope I'll carry myself like that when I'm older.
As I smiled and walked along, he spoke again.
"Let me first introduce the one responsible for tonight's dinner. This is Chef Paul Bocuse, who runs a three-star restaurant in Lyon."
At Henri Vuitton's words, Paul Bocuse responded,
"I will create a dinner you'll never forget."
Wow!
What confidence!
I smiled and bowed my head.
"Thank you."
"Do you have any allergies or particular foods you dislike?"
"Anything's fine, as long as it's not alcohol."
"Ahhh…"
The chef looked utterly disheartened.
Henri Vuitton then gently intervened.
"His first drink in life will be shared with his grandfather."
"You remembered?"
"Of course. I remember everything related to you."
Grin.
We headed to the outdoor terrace.
"That place over there is Monaco."
"I've heard it's stunning."
"Indeed. There's no place better for relaxation than Monaco. You must visit it with your grandfather next time."
"I really should."
"Just let me know in advance, and I'll personally arrange everything—from a castle to a yacht."
So, this must be the so-called Monaco full-course.
The tableware was already set.
Everything was silver and appeared to be at least 100 years old.
The age imbued it with an even more elegant charm.
Perhaps noticing my interest, Henri explained,
"From the cutlery, plates, trays, to even the candlesticks—all of it was used in the Palace of Versailles."
"Ah."
"Most of it dates back to the era of Louis XVI."
In simpler terms, the late 1700s.
"Everything is truly special."
"You are a distinguished guest, after all."
Henri Vuitton shared that every day feels new for him lately.
He mentioned embarking on various challenges aligned with the slogan of luxury democratization.
"Thanks to this, I feel ten years younger."
"Make it twenty."
"My conscience wouldn't allow that…"
As we shared a pleasant laugh, the first dish arrived.
"These are the finest oysters, caught exclusively in Nice."
Oysters may be inexpensive in Korea, but they are considered a luxury ingredient in France.
Perhaps it's because of their exceptional size.
"Squeeze some lemon over it and scoop it with a spoon."
Hmm.
So, I'm supposed to eat this… without alcohol?
The culinary "torture" continued.
Being a coastal city, Nice offered an endless supply of premium seafood.
Sole, shrimp, lobster… all without alcohol… sigh.
In contrast, Henri Vuitton paired every course with a different wine.
At times like these, he seemed like a master of persuasive influence!
Anyway.
"You're on vacation, correct?"
"Yes."
"Do you have any plans?"
"That's exactly what I'm struggling with."
"…?"
I need to rest.
But maybe I've worked so much that I've forgotten how to relax!
Henri chuckled softly and said,
"In times like these, why not spend a bit of money?"
"Where?"
"Typically, people purchase a winery. I, for instance, have been eyeing Château d'Yquem in Sauternes."
Château d'Yquem is one of the world's most renowned wineries.
Eventually, around 1995, it'll likely be acquired by the LVMH group.
"Hmm, you don't seem particularly interested in wineries."
"It'd be nice to have one, but…"
"They don't offer immediate utility, I suppose."
Henri nodded thoughtfully and continued,
"Then how about a yacht? Imagine being in the middle of the Mediterranean, blasting music, and soaking up the sun…"
"That's already on my bucket list."
A mojito with Jo So-deok on a yacht.
Ah, bliss!
"Shall I introduce you to a dealer? There are dozens of people handling yachts in Monaco."
"How much do yachts typically cost?"
"It depends on the size, but generally…"
After hearing the price, I had a thought.
"With that amount… if I added a bit more… wouldn't it make sense to buy a cruise ship instead?"
"That's not just 'a bit more,' though."
"Still, if I'm going to buy one, I'd rather get something proper."
To put it bluntly, yachts are mainly for sunbathing on deck.
In contrast,
Cruise ships have restaurants, theaters, accommodations, and even water parks onboard.
"Doesn't a cruise ship seem like the real bang for your buck?"
Scratch, scratch.
"If you know someone, please introduce me…"
"Well, about that. When it comes to cruise ships, there aren't any personal dealers. They can only be made by defense contractors or equivalent companies… Naturally, the transaction would be business-to-business."
"How much would it cost, roughly?"
"Are you seriously… thinking of buying one?"
I poured an entire semester into completing a project.
So, of course!
Naturally!
I deserve a gift for myself!
Right at that moment.
"You know the Manchester United you just acquired?"
"Yes."
"You'd need to pay an amount roughly comparable to that."
Hmm.
Manchester United-level, huh?
'That's quite a hefty price.'
But I had confidence in my resources.
No matter how expensive it is…
"Considering the price…"
"…?"
"Surely, there's an installment plan, right?"