บท 691: Chapter 691: The Apology is Enough
After finishing his call with Kim Mu-hyeok, Han Gyeong-yeong closed his eyes, organizing his thoughts.
A moment later, he opened his eyes and pressed the bell to summon his secretary.
"Olivia, cancel all my appointments. I need to attend the party on Wall Street."
"Excuse me? Are you saying to cancel everything?"
Han Gyeong-yeong nodded and stood up.
"Yes. Cancel everything. And Olivia, prepare to go to the party with me."
"Huh… If you suddenly cancel, it might make others uncomfortable. Please at least let me know what's going on."
"Something more important has come up. Just relay that we'll schedule it again, offering something in return."
"Is it something really important?"
"Yes. I received a call from the boss."
Only then did Olivia understand why Han Gyeong-yeong canceled all his appointments.
"Understood, boss. I'll reach out for an apology and set up a new appointment."
"Thanks, Olivia."
"No need to mention it. That's what I'm paid for."
Olivia beamed, and Han Gyeong-yeong smiled back at her.
"Quickly contact them, and let's go get some clothes. The party today requires a partner for entry, so I'll need you to help me. I can pay for the outfit we'll wear tonight, and consider it compensation. Oh, and the bonus is on top of that!"
"Of course, boss."
Once Olivia left, Han Gyeong-yeong walked over to the window.
The sun set, darkness enveloping the city.
Yet Wall Street's night never sleeps. The dazzling lights and bustling cars created a vibrant spectacle.
The myriad desires of people blended together, filling New York.
Two hours later.
Han Gyeong-yeong attended President Bush's campaign party with Olivia.
At the fundraiser for President Bush, whose approval rating significantly lagged behind the Democratic Party, many people were already enjoying the party.
Various attendees gather at a presidential candidate fundraising party.
From citizens supporting the candidate to politicians and political affiliates, and the main reason for this gathering—donors.
Many celebrities, including Hollywood stars and singers, also attended.
They would give speeches supporting the candidate and sometimes perform at the fundraiser.
Surveying the banquet hall, Han Gyeong-yeong whistled, impressed.
"This is the inner circle that moves America. I can never seem to adjust every time I come here. Right, Olivia?"
"Boss, you need to behave properly. You're the face of Dream High. Every action you take reflects our brand's values."
"Sometimes I can't tell if I came with my secretary or my mom. Don't be so serious. They're all familiar faces; can't I have a little fun? It's a party!"
Just then, someone who recognized Han Gyeong-yeong approached him.
"James!"
Han Gyeong-yeong stopped teasing Olivia and turned to the man calling his name.
"Oh, Murdoch. Long time no see."
"Haha! It's been a while indeed!"
Han Gyeong-yeong smiled brightly and shook hands with Murdoch.
"I heard you're in the UK. Did you come back for the party?"
Murdoch nodded as he released Han Gyeong-yeong's hand.
"Of course. We always support the Republican Party."
Murdoch's media empire had always backed the Republican Party.
In the U.S., it was common for journalists to favor one side.
Among them, Murdoch was notably a staunch Republican supporter.
"This is the last fundraiser, isn't it? I have to attend."
Knowing Murdoch's inclinations, Han Gyeong-yeong merely nodded with a smile.
"That's right."
"I heard Dream High made the largest contributions. You donated hefty sums in both presidential campaigns."
"That's according to the boss's directives."
"Heh, I imagine Charlie would certainly do just that."
Murdoch, quick to agree with the mention of Kim Mu-hyeok's instructions, glanced around, speaking softly.
"Wall Street doesn't favor the Republicans, you know that, right?"
Instead of answering, Han Gyeong-yeong gave a faint nod, subtle enough not to attract attention.
Investors on Wall Street generally leaned towards supporting the Democratic Party.
Wealthy individuals often lean towards conservative views, yet in Wall Street, which hosted the richest of the rich, the Democratic Party garnered support.
Perhaps that's why the odds of Wall Street investors attending Democratic fundraising parties were high while major players rarely appeared at Republican fundraisers.
But this presidential election was different.
"Isn't it funny, James? Supporting the Democrats but attending a Republican presidential candidate's fundraiser—isn't that laughable?"
As Murdoch pointed out, many Wall Street heavyweights attended the Republican fundraiser.
They were seen laughing and chatting with President Bush's campaign staff.
This kind of overwhelming advantage in a presidential election was rare in the history of the U.S.
So, even though Wall Street had a high tendency to lean Democratic, it was unavoidable for them to attend.
"What can we do? It's the same in the U.S., the UK, and Korea. In any country, if you're not next to those in power, you won't get to benefit from anything."
At Han Gyeong-yeong's nonchalant remark, Murdoch sneered.
At that moment, a man climbed onto the stage and tapped the microphone.
An ordinary citizen who came to give a support speech.
"Hello, everyone! It's an honor to support President Bush's re-election today."
The speaker seemed to have received the script in advance, delivering it with unusual fluency for a regular supporter.
"For the past four years, President Bush has consistently prioritized the needs of the American people, proving himself as a strong and decisive leader. He has made bold decisions to protect America from domestic and foreign threats, and he has endlessly worked to create jobs, promote economic growth, and provide healthcare for all Americans."
While predictable, it was a speech that gave a good idea of what was to come.
Han Gyeong-yeong turned to Murdoch with a face that said he was weary of it all.
"I've heard it so many times it's become monotonous now."
"Haha! Still, listen to it."
Murdoch responded casually while applauding the ordinary supporter.
Feeling uncomfortable with the situation, Han Gyeong-yeong scanned the surroundings.
"The most impressive part is President Bush's steadfast commitment to our troops and their families. He understands the daily sacrifices of our soldiers to protect our nation, and he has made every effort to support them, from enhancing soldier pay and benefits to providing the best training and equipment and guaranteeing them top-level healthcare upon their return home."
As he surveyed the banquet hall, he spotted someone from the list Kim Mu-hyeok had mentioned.
Excusing himself to Murdoch, Han Gyeong-yeong moved toward that direction with Olivia.
"However, the most important reason I'm supporting President Bush today is that he is a man of integrity and principles. Even when he's unpopular or when circumstances are unfavorable, he always expresses his thoughts and stands by what he believes in."
The zealous supporter's loud speech echoed like background noise.
Turning away from that, Han Gyeong-yeong greeted the person he spotted.
"Good day, Chairman John Bogle."
Hearing Han Gyeong-yeong, Chairman John Bogle turned his head towards him.
Recognizing Han Gyeong-yeong in an instant, he greeted him with excessive enthusiasm.
"Oh, look who it is! The rebel of Wall Street! The investment king, James!"
"Haha, too much flattery. It's good to see you again."
While Han Gyeong-yeong exchanged greetings with John Bogle, the support speech neared its conclusion.
"In difficult times like these, we need leaders like President Bush. A leader endowed with courage, vision, and experience will help us navigate the challenging times ahead. Therefore, I urge all of you to support President Bush's re-election. Together, let's create a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America. Thank you!"
As the support speech concluded, Han Gyeong-yeong mechanically clapped his hands while John Bogle applauded him with admiration.
Amidst the cacophony of whistles, cheers, and applause, the two continued their conversation.
"What brings us together today?"
"Well, you're a living legend on Wall Street, Chairman. Because of you, someone like me could lay the groundwork for my investments."
"Haha! I appreciate the kind words from a young investor."
John Bogle laughed heartily, clearly pleased with the compliment from Han Gyeong-yeong.
"By the way, how's your health? I hear heart transplant patients need a lifetime of management."
His words were genuine, not just a formality to lighten the atmosphere.
Han Gyeong-yeong genuinely respected the investor John Bogle.
John Bogle was the founder of Vanguard Group. He had entered Wellington Management as an investment manager and rose to the CEO position.
But even a monkey can fall from a tree, as they say.
While serving as CEO, he failed in a crucial merger at Wellington Management.
Taking responsibility for that, he stepped down from his CEO position and founded Vanguard Group.
Upon founding Vanguard Group, he immediately created the first index fund, the 'Vanguard 500', to attract investors.
People on Wall Street laughed at and mocked him.
However, John Bogle overcame the derision and ultimately established Vanguard Group as one of the most prominent asset management firms on Wall Street.
"Heart? It feels like I've received a new life. Luckily, I don't have major side effects."
John Bogle chuckled, touching his left chest.
Since his heart transplant, he had passed the CEO position to John Brennan and stepped down to become the honorary chairman.
Nevertheless, he was still someone who could take charge of Vanguard Group if he set his mind to it.
John Bogle was Vanguard Group, and Vanguard Group was John Bogle.
That was why Han Gyeong-yeong sought out John Bogle instead of the current CEO, John Brennan.
"So, what brings the rebel of Wall Street to speak so kindly to me? Is there something you desire?"
"Are you suggesting that I only speak to you because I want something, Chairman? That's hurtful. I'm just here to greet someone I respect, no longer just a rebel in Wall Street, but rather as part of it."
Han Gyeong-yeong joked, but John Bogle with a smiling face scanned Han Gyeong-yeong's demeanor.
Their sharp gazes met, yet Han Gyeong-yeong only maintained a kind smile.
He had no intention of rushing towards them.
If he hurried, trouble was bound to ensue. He had to slowly enter their inner circle.
Those who operate mutual funds differed greatly in inclinations from those working in investment banks on Wall Street.
They prioritized only the interests of the shareholders invested in them.
"Sometimes, may I approach you like this to greet?"
At Han Gyeong-yeong's inquiry, John Bogle nodded.
"If an old man like me doesn't mind, you are welcome anytime."
Han Gyeong-yeong took the lead, extending his business card. John Bogle offered his card in return.
Afterward, Han Gyeong-yeong circulated within the party, meeting representatives from asset management firms holding shares in Chevron.
* * *
The day I received a call from Michael was the day before I entered North Korea.
Michael came to see me a day before his return to the U.S.
Upon reuniting, he immediately bowed his head.
"I apologize. I was rude last time."
Seeing an American bow like this was a first for me.
I gestured for him to sit.
"That's enough of an apology. Please, have a seat."
In the days that followed, he must have collected information about who I was.
I had been informed of this beforehand through the people I assigned to him.
"So, do you now understand how to deal with me?"
"As you mentioned before, I need to propose a deal, which is neither a threat nor a request."
"Correct. I prioritize deals. Relying unilaterally on one side is not beneficial for either party."
Michael nodded in agreement, acknowledging my words.
"You're right. I want to participate in the exploration and development of Seven Islands. No, I need results to show I secured that deal. I need it to strengthen my influence at Chevron."
"Now you're speaking sincerely. Good. I understand what you want. Now tell me what you can offer in return."
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