#80 Of course, for a beauty like you. Ahead of its handover to China, Hong Kong was in a state where the UK had already transferred much of its authority. The hub of international finance and logistics in Asia.
Many foreign corporations and banks operated with their headquarters or branches located here. HSBC (The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation). Ahead of the handover, it had acquired Midland Bank in the UK.
The headquarters was moved to the UK, while HSBC, now a subsidiary, remained in Hong Kong. The person I was trying to recruit was an employee at HSBC who had yet to achieve any significant results.
But after leaving HSBC, she would become part of a private equity fund's invasion force into Korea, and the things she would do were beyond imagination. Whether it was real estate or companies on the market, she would stop at nothing if it meant making money. She did her utmost for her employer.
Sometimes with money, sometimes with power. If that didn't work, she was ruthless enough to even throw her body on the line. Her name was Eva Ju.
She was of mixed heritage, with a Korean father and a British mother. Having lived in Korea for a short time as a child, she could speak Korean, Chinese, English, and even Japanese, which caught the eye of the private equity fund. Of course, her young, beautiful appearance also scored her major points.
Her nickname was Miss Valentine. Ten years from now, she would leave Korea, having brought her employers a return twenty times their investment. After landing at Hong Kong International Airport and going through the procedures, I got into a rented car.
I had already scheduled a meeting with Eva. Section Chief Ma told the driver who came with the rental car our destination.
‘There’s no one better suited for the role of the bad cop than this woman. I just hope she hasn't already signed a contract with someone else.’
While I was organizing my thoughts, we arrived at the hotel, our meeting place. It was also where I would be staying.
“Miss Ju?”
I recognized Eva at once. Eva stood up from her seat and extended her hand. Her long hair was tied up high in a ponytail, and she wore a navy suit with faint vertical stripes.
Compared to her crisp and trustworthy attire, her face looked quite youthful. After shaking hands, we sat facing each other.
“A pleasure to meet you, I’m Kim Mu-hyeok. To meet such a stunning beauty right after arriving in Hong Kong, it’s a real feast for the eyes.”
“Hahaha. Thank you, even if it’s just empty flattery. But how on earth did you know about me and get in touch?”
“Well. That’s not what’s important. Whether I can give you what you want, that’s what’s important, wouldn’t you say?”
“You speak as if you know what I want. We’ve only just met today.”
“The number of times we’ve met isn’t what matters. Isn't it more important how much heart is put in, and what can be gained?”
The conversation circled around, as if we were sizing each other up.
“Let’s eat first. This is my first time in Hong Kong, so I’d appreciate a recommendation.”
“Hotel restaurants are all the same. If we have a chance to meet again, I’ll properly introduce you to the taste of Hong Kong.”
After she finished speaking, Eva called a waiter to place an order, then crossed her arms and stared intently into my eyes. I, too, stared back into her eyes.
“Let’s get to the point. Tell me why you came looking for me.”
“You’re currently on trial, aren’t you?”
Her face stiffened at my direct words. HSBC was under suspicion of laundering money for the global underworld. Having been established in the 1800s when imperialism was rampant, it would be a lie to say HSBC wasn't involved in all sorts of corruption.
But even as imperialism fell and democracy advanced, their way of doing business did not change. The color of money didn't matter. What mattered was whether it was profitable for them.
Eva was currently on trial for the crime of turning a blind eye to a client's illegal funds. Of course, it was a case of cutting off the tail to save the body…
“What are you talking about?”
“It seems the bank has no intention of helping you at all.”
“Hah…”
Eva touched her forehead and let out a deep sigh.
“Mr. Kim, when you bring up someone’s weakness, you should at least pretend to look sorry. I don’t know who your boss is, but seeing them send someone like you to the negotiating table, I don't think there’s any need to talk further.”
“I apologize if I’ve offended you. But your weakness is not important to me. I arranged this meeting because of your conviction—the way you never questioned a client's request. Of course, your expertise in real estate was also a factor.”
Eva furrowed her brows and looked at me.
“And to correct one thing, there is no one above me. The reason I came to negotiate with you myself, Eva, is because you will play a crucial role in the work ahead.”
I shrugged at Eva, who didn’t hide her doubtful expression.
“It may be hard to believe, but it’s the truth. I will assemble the best legal team in Hong Kong for your trial, right now. That is, if you work with me.”
Eva’s deliberation was shorter than I expected.
“…I don’t believe it, but I will trust you. So, what is it that I’ll be doing? Are you also planning to use me as a bullet shield?”
She seemed to be furious about being abandoned by HSBC. After diligently handling the work she was given, all she got in return was betrayal and a cold shoulder.
“I can’t promise you anything else. But I do promise that I will never be the one to abandon you first. As long as you, Eva, do not betray me. If anything happens while you’re carrying out my orders, I will mobilize not only the best legal team, but every means at my disposal to save you.”
Eva, having read the sincerity in my eyes, uncrossed her arms.
“What is my job.”
“To be the vanguard of the invasion force entering the Republic of Korea. You may hire any personnel you desire.”
“Hmm…”
“Soon, the Republic of Korea will be selling everything. Real estate, gold, corporations, even people. You are to buy all of it. Anything you want. You just need to go on a proper shopping spree, literally. That’s all you have to do.”
Instead of nodding, Eva showed a charming smile on her face.
“And the reason you chose me?”
“Do you want lip service? Or the facts?”
“Tell me the facts.”
“Your looks, and your attitude during this trial, keeping silent about your client until the very end. I don’t need a clean person. People like that are a dime a dozen. Someone like you is perfect. Because you’re someone who will do anything. Of course, I’m already aware of your abilities. I just needed someone who would repay my trust with their own loyalty and competence.”
With perfect timing, the food we had ordered arrived.
“Think about it while you eat. My schedule is tight, so I can’t give you much time.”
I picked up the knife and fork on the table and began to cut the steak in front of me. Eva also shook her head a few times and began to eat. For a period of twenty minutes that was both short and long, we focused on our meal without any conversation.
Her mouth opened as the meal was coming to an end. Putting down her knife and fork, Eva wiped her mouth with a napkin and spoke.
“What’s the company’s name?”
“It will be a company whose shares are divided among a total of five investment firms. As for the name of the corporation to be established in Korea, you can decide on it, Eva.”
“Nothing is prepared? Not the company, not the employees?”
“Correct. It’s pre-establishment. You will be in charge of everything. Whether you hire people to your liking, or buy out an investment firm in Korea, that’s for you to handle, Eva. What I want is just one thing. To buy up the good assets before the other hyenas get them.”
“And the operating capital?”
“It won’t be lacking. Let’s just say it’s as much as you want.”
“I’d like you to show me with my own eyes.”
“That’s possible once you come to Korea, but… it will be difficult for now because of the trial.”
I couldn’t have brought those important documents to Hong Kong.
“First, let’s wrap up the trial quickly. Contact the best law firm in Hong Kong first thing tomorrow. Don’t worry about the money. Settle it with an acquittal at best, or just a fine even if you’re found guilty, and then come to Korea.”
Eva, who had been looking at me silently, suddenly spoke.
“A meal isn’t enough. How about a drink tonight? I’d like to talk more.”
“Of course, for a beauty like you.”
We left the restaurant and moved to the bar in the hotel. We talked a lot over drinks. The next day.
The day broke. As I sat up in bed, Eva, who was lying next to me, stirred.
“Mu-hyeok?”
“Go back to sleep.”
When I came out after washing up, Eva was sitting on the edge of the bed, smoking a cigarette.
“Mu-hyeok, are you going straight back to Korea?”
“Yeah, it’s a busy time. I can’t stay long. You should come to Korea quickly too.”
Shrugging her shoulders, Eva gave a charming smile and went in to take a shower. We had breakfast together and discussed the company’s establishment, which we hadn't finished talking about yesterday.
“In Korea, you have to act like you don’t know me. We must always meet in secret.”
“Alright. What should we name the company?”
“What’s so important about a company name? The substance is what matters.”
“A brand name is very important. How about Mirae Investment?”
“Do as you please.”
Eva laughed playfully. I shook my head slowly.
“I won’t be involved. Buy up any property that seems profitable, whether it’s a building, land, or anything else. However, anything I specifically tell you to buy, you must acquire by any means necessary. No matter how much it costs.”
Eva grinned, as if full of confidence.
“Then, finish up the trial well and I’ll see you in Korea. Come over by this fall at the latest. That’s when it all starts.”
“Yes, boss!”
I handed her a credit card.
“Until you get a corporate card, use this to buy whatever you need. There’s no limit, so you can buy anything you want.”
It was a credit card I had made to give to Eva. The so-called Amex Black Card. A card known as a symbol of wealth.
Eva’s gaze was fixed on the black card.
“Is this mine?”
“No, it’s mine.”
“What.”
“An even bigger corporate card is waiting for you, so what’s the worry? For the time being, live off of that.”
“Thanks, boss.”
Eva took the card in her hand, examining it front and back with a grin. When we came out to the hotel’s main entrance, Eva gave me a light kiss on the lips.
“Mu-hyeok, see you in Korea.”
I nodded, and Eva went back inside the hotel. On the way back to the airport, Section Chief Ma, who was sitting in the passenger seat, asked.
“Aren’t you giving her too much authority?”
“With great authority comes great responsibility. I know what you’re worried about, but she’s the kind of person who will deliver 200 when I ask for 100.” “I understand.”
I understood Section Chief Ma’s concern, but to me, who knew the future, Eva was an unscratched lottery ticket. The moment Korea’s real estate market opened up and various regulations were lifted, the abilities she possessed would be fully unleashed.
“How is the PMC establishment coming along?”
“Han Gyeong-yeong and Eric are reportedly moving busily. The funds Eric requested are being provided quickly. By this June, all preparations should be complete.”
“Will it be possible to establish a branch in Korea as well?”
“It will be difficult for now. It won't be possible until the relevant laws are enacted, so for the time being, it seems we’ll have to register as a security company to bring them in.”
“Good. Please dispatch A-class personnel to Korea. We’ll need them not only for the war with the Blue Wind Association, but also for protecting our people.”
“Understood.”
Given the circumstances in Korea where firearms cannot be used, mercenaries wouldn't be of great help in a war against the yakuza, but if trustworthy bodyguards were protecting my people, I could move with greater peace of mind. Soon, I boarded a plane back to Korea.
In the meantime, the Republic of Korea was charging forward like a runaway locomotive with broken brakes.
< Of course, for a beauty like you. > End