Kapitel 692: Chapter 692: Changing the Paradigm of Oil
After a long pause, Michael finally responded to my question.
"No matter how much I think about it, I still don't know what you want, Charlie. A person with enough wealth and power shouldn't want anything from me…"
The confident demeanor he had when we first met was nowhere to be found, and he hesitated with his words.
Michael hadn't brought the goods we were supposed to trade.
"Director Michael."
I called out to him with a smile.
"Everyone has something they're capable of. Some engage in politics, some in business, and others farm. Each person's work is different, but in the end, they do what they can. Some aim to change the world. Some seek to earn money. Some just want to survive."
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
"Ultimately, everything has its purpose, right?"
"Please just tell me what you want straightforwardly."
Michael responded gravely to the mention of purpose. Noticing his resolve, I asked,
"Michael, where does your dream end?"
"What's the goal for a salaryman? I want to be the chairman of Chevron."
"I'll help you achieve that dream. No, I'll make sure you grow your influence within the oil cartel. In return, you'll need to report to me about everything happening in the cartel, even the minor details."
"…Are you saying I should be a mole?"
Michael frowned and squinted, but he didn't outright refuse.
"In exchange, I'll also provide you with information. What you do with that within the cartel is your ability, Director Michael. This is what we call 'mutual support.' Since you're interested in the East, I assume you understand my intent?"
"Helping each other out."
"The beginning of the deal is that Chevron will take over the exploration rights in the Seven Islands along with Yugansk Oil. I think that's a fair start."
As the carrot I had dangled before him waved tantalizingly, Michael swallowed hard.
"Charlie, is that really possible?"
"If you can't manage even that, how will I make you chairman of Chevron? I'll contact you soon. Wait for me in the U.S. And make sure the construction on this oil pipeline goes smoothly. I know you oversee Asia pretty much at this point."
"Yes. Chevron isn't particularly interested in Asia. But I believe Asia is the future."
Michael seemed to have a keen sense for trends.
"You're right. We must think about the future. China will continue to grow, and changes in North Korea will alter all of Northeast Asia. If we can cut back on the excessively high military budgets, that money can be used elsewhere, allowing Korea, Japan, and even North Korea to thrive even further."
Of course, that was something that would need more time.
And in that time, I held the bomb that would shorten it.
"The oil business will also change. The excessive monopoly of oil from the Middle East will gradually diminish."
"Even if oil fields are discovered in the Seven Islands, it won't change the importance of the Middle East."
"True. Even if oil fields are found, would it even equal 10% of Saudi Arabia's expected reserves? Gas reserves might be more, but technology continues to advance. I'm already preparing for change in the U.S. That change will help reduce the influence of Middle Eastern countries."
I had been quietly and slowly preparing for the shale revolution for a long time.
To that end, I acquired all related patents and shared some of my unique insights with them.
"Are you talking about shale oil and gas?"
"The shale revolution. That's what's going to change the paradigm of oil."
"We know about it, but our technology is still lacking, and the investment costs for facilities are astronomical, making them unprofitable."
"That's the case for now. The current production cost is about $70, right?"
Traditional oil drilling methods had production costs around $20.
However, the cost of drilling shale oil was a staggering $70.
Currently, the more you extracted, the more you were at a loss.
"That seems about right. That's why most shale-related companies have gone bankrupt."
"Bankrupt, you say. Director Michael, are you aware of George Mitchell?"
"Yes, I know him. He's the one who created the hydraulic fracturing method. I heard he eventually ran out of money and had to sell his company."
"We acquired that company. And we're consolidating related patents into one company. While consistently supporting George Mitchell, we've been seeking ways to lower production costs."
Michael listened in astonishment, then quietly marveled.
"So you were the one who acquired George Mitchell's company. Just how long have you been preparing for this?"
"Once the shale revolution happens and the dominance of the oil market shifts from the Middle East to the U.S., it will be too late to start. As a businessman, you need to jump into the market quicker than others to seize profits."
"But even if you cut production costs, they can't be lower than the existing methods. Major oil companies won't dive into unprofitable ventures."
Just as Michael said, major oil companies showed no interest in the shale revolution.
They had already secured many oil fields across the globe, so there was no incentive to extract oil and gas from shale at such high prices.
However, with time, they would naturally start extracting energy from shale gas.
Yet, now, most companies diving into shale gas were small firms.
The shale revolution succeeded, but those companies would not reap the benefits and instead be sold off to major oil players.
The best way for major oil companies to enter the market without losing out was to acquire small firms that already had sufficient technology.
But this time would be different.
I planned to buy up such small companies one by one and create one gigantic oil corporation.
"You might think this sounds ridiculous now, but just wait a few years and you'll understand what I mean."
Despite my words, there was no anticipation on Michael's face.
He seemed more interested in the immediate crumbs before him.
"Well, that's a problem for later. For now, we should first address the exploration rights in the Seven Islands. I'll contact you after negotiations with Japan are finalized."
After sending Michael away, I contacted Han Gyeong-yeong.
― Oh. Mu-hyeok.
"Busy? Got a moment to talk?"
― No matter how busy I am, I have enough time to take your call. I was actually planning to reach out to you. I made connections with asset management firms that own over 5% of Chevron's shares, just as you suggested.
"Quick work. As expected of you, Hyung."
― If it weren't for the name recognition of Dream High, this would have been impossible.
While listening to Han Gyeong-yeong's banter, I shared my plans to elevate Director Michael to a pivotal role in Chevron.
― Hmm. Guess I'll have to manage this carefully.
It was clear we clicked right away.
Without needing to elaborate, Han Gyeong-yeong understood what I was getting at.
This is why working with my people is so convenient.
"If you can manage that, I'd be grateful."
― Sure, I'll handle it. It's probably not something you need to deal with directly.
"Thanks, Hyung. I've got a bit too much on my plate right now."
― You're just doing your job; you deserve the payment you get for it.
Han Gyeong-yeong's playful words made me laugh without realizing it.
"Keep Michael as a top priority, and spare no effort in assisting him."
― Don't worry. I'm better at dealing with people than you are, aren't I?
"That's true. By the way, how's George Mitchell? Is the technology development going well?"
― George? He mentioned testing new technology, but I haven't heard from him since then.
No news… That made me a bit anxious as the progress seemed slower than I'd hoped.
"That man is essential for our future, so please pay extra attention to him. I'm worried since he's quite old."
― You're surprisingly soft-hearted toward older folks. Got it, Boss.
"Catch you later. I'll be heading to the U.S. around the presidential election season."
After wrapping up my conversation with Han Gyeong-yeong, I put down my phone.
* * *
"How much longer?"
"We'll arrive shortly."
The next day.
I headed to the North-South Passage office on the Gyeongui Line.
Soon, we arrived at the office, and our group got out of the car.
The new building of the office was sparkling clean.
Due to its nature of only allowing exits and entries during specific hours, not many people were present.
Upon entering the immigration office, I spotted Taesan Bank to the left. It felt more nostalgic to see it in a place like this.
It seemed like Taesan Bank had established a branch here for currency exchange and banking services for workers from the South.
I couldn't imagine how much money would flow through here, but banks were indispensable.
"Let's check out the bank first. We still have some time, right?"
"Yes. I arrived an hour early since you mentioned wanting to take a look around before."
Just as I was about to head toward the bank, a group approached us.
"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok?"
The middle-aged man at the front called my name.
"Yes, I'm Kim Mu-hyeok."
"Welcome. I'm Kim Tae-hyeong, responsible for the immigration office. The Unification Department contacted us directly to escort you here."
I was going to visit Pyongyang via the Kaesong Industrial Complex, having reached an agreement between the South and North Korean governments.
It seemed the government had issued a special order for me to be taken care of.
"The North Korean representatives haven't arrived yet. Would you like to tour the immigration office? I can guide you."
"How will the exit interview proceed?"
"There's been a directive to let Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok and your party through without an interview. They mentioned the discussions with the North have already concluded."
"I see. Then I'll take a look around here until the North Korean delegation comes out."
"I'll guide you."
Director Kim Tae-hyeong stepped forward to offer his guidance.
"It's fine. I just want to look around quietly. If there's anywhere I shouldn't go, please let me know."
"As long as you don't pass the exit gate, you may move freely."
"Understood. Then don't mind me, I have my own things to attend to and will be looking around by myself."
"Still…"
Even though I repeatedly declined, he insisted on guiding me.
I suppose he was anxious, given that someone who had been ordered to be specially managed by higher-ups was saying they wanted to wander alone.
But I truly wanted to roam freely.
"I genuinely mean it. If you keep insisting, it'll become uncomfortable."
"Alright. Please call me if you need anything."
When I revealed my discomfort, they finally dispersed to attend to their duties.
"Unnecessary formalities are uncomfortable."
"Next time, I'll be sure to communicate this to the Blue House when I contact them, Boss."
I nodded at Manager Ma's comment.
Considering how crucial this place was, I wondered why a high-ranking official was fussing over me.
Once the distractions had cleared, I led Manager Ma and the bodyguards around the office.
Starting from the bank near the entrance, the first floor had the civil service and waiting rooms.
After slowly checking the first floor, I moved to the second.
The second floor housed convenience facilities like a convenience store and a restaurant.
It also contained the office of Daehyeon Construction. After about an hour, we thoroughly surveyed the immigration office.
"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok."
While I was surveying the second floor, Director Kim Tae-hyeong returned.
"The North Korean representatives have arrived."
I checked my wristwatch and nodded. It seemed they had arrived just in time.
"Not late at all. Let's head down."
"But…"
Director Kim Tae-hyeong trailed off.
I paused and looked at Director Kim Tae-hyeong.
"They have sent high-ranking officials from North Korea."
"High-ranking officials?"
"Yes. Choi Ryong-hae has come personally."
Now I understood why Director Kim was cautious. Choi Ryong-hae was known to be a close aide to Jang Seong-taek.
"Is that so? Let's head down for now."
I went down with Kim Tae-hyeong toward the exit gate.
Beyond the exit gate, I could see Choi Ryong-hae and soldiers of the People's Army.
"Can we go through?"
"Yes. That's fine."
I led my group through the exit gate.
"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok. It's been a while since we met."
Choi Ryong-hae greeted me with a smile. I returned his smile and greeted him back.
"Indeed. It's quite a pleasure. I never expected we'd meet again like this, safely."
The smiling face of Choi Ryong-hae suddenly turned serious.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein