After the gala, Choi Sung Jae went back to his normal life where legal affairs and dark affairs revolved. But now his focus was on expanding Sigum, his legal front, and capturing new markets.
"Power isn't just about money, it's also about influence," Sung-Jae thought as he looked over the financial reports. - "One must have control over other areas of life to achieve absolute power."
He realizes that to do so, he needs new partners, powerful officials, and connections that have expanded beyond Seoul.
Choi Seong-Jae's key to success as a strategist lies not only in aggressive growth, but also in the ability to maneuver through the complex labyrinths of power and society. He knew that every business is a chess game where each piece has its significant and weak capabilities.
The first step was to close a deal with TechnoCorp, Korea's largest electronics manufacturer. The deal gave Sigum access to new technologies and life markets.
"You have to be careful with Mr. Park," Kim told him. - "He's known for his cunning and greed."
"I know," Sung-jae checked in. - "But the benefits outweigh the risks. We must disable this change at all costs."
Park Jong-soo, the head of TechnoCorp, was a man who brought Machiavellian principles to bear. He believed that the end justified the means and was not squeamish about any method to achieve success.
"Mr. Choi," Park Jong-soo said at the usual time, "I've heard about... your reputation. You are a man who knows how to get his own way."
"I appreciate your candor, Mr. Park," Sung-jae replied. - "I have also heard of your... efficiency. You are a man who knows how to make money.
The deal was done, but what Sungjae needed to realize was that Park Jong-soo was not a partner, but a second ally to keep his ear to the ground.
The next step was to get a license to build a new shopping mall in an upscale area of Seoul. This license gave Sigum access to the lucrative real estate market.
But this is where difficulties arise. Officials responsible for issuing the change, significant bribes, competitors tried to induce Sigum to get the decision.
"We are faced with corruption and bureaucracy," speaker Marco. - "They want us to pay, and pay a lot."
Choi Seong-Jae frowned. He didn't like being put in the middle of things.
"Use the comms," he ordered. - "Remind them who's boss."
Marco contacted the right people, and soon the officials were more cooperative. But one of them, named Lee, proved adamant.
"He's too principled," Marco reported. - "He can't be bribed."
Choi Sung-jae hesitated. He didn't like revenue, but sometimes it was necessary.
"Find some dirt on him," Sung-Jae ordered. - "Everyone has their own skeletons in the closet."
Soon Moon Ho Sung, a genius hacker, Sung Jae compromises official Lee. It turned out that the man was involved in financial fraud and had a mistress.
Sun Jae summoned Lee to his office.
"I know about your... little secrets," Sung-Jae said as he placed the compromise magnet on his desk. - "If you don't help me get a license, these secrets will become known to everyone."
Official Lee turned pale. It was common knowledge that his career and reputation were in Choi Seong-Jae's hands.
"What do you want me to do?" - He asked in a trembling voice.
"Just sign the papers," Sung-Jae replied. - "And we'll forget about this incident."
Lee was reluctantly friendly. The license had been granted, but Sung-Jae had always believed that Official Lee was now his enemy.
"He wants revenge," Kim said. - "We have to be careful."
"I know," Sung-Jae replied. - "But I'm not afraid of enemies. I'm ready for any fight."
But things don't always go Choi Sung Jae's way.
During the TechnoCorp deal, Son Jae realized he was dealing with an experienced player because he stuck to Kim's advice and kept his ear sharp. Which turned out to be the right decision.
For his part, Park Jong-soo realized that his opponent wasn't that easy, don't underestimate him. "I know he's a dark horse. How am I supposed to smash this upstart?" - Puck pondered.
Confronting the competition was only one aspect of Choi Sung-jae's activities. He paid great attention to management philosophy, realizing that business success depended not only on financial performance, but also on employee psychology, motivation, and cohesion. He was convinced that it was a well-coordinated team that determines the success and prosperity of a company.
"You have to create such an atmosphere that every employee feels part of the team," he told Marco. - "They will work with full commitment and bring profit to the company today."
Choi Seong-Jae adhered to the injunction of positive psychology, encouraging creativity, initiative and cooperation. He creates a motivation system based on rewarding achievement and recognized merit.
"People should feel valued," he said. - "They will work with enthusiasm and loyalty today."
He remembered how he had come into this world. The treatment alone had sent shivers down his spine.
As he tried to build his system, Choi Seong-Jae realized that his past would constantly haunt him. And no matter how hard he tried to ward it off, he had to be prepared for anything.
"I have to face my fears," he told himself. Only then will I be able to break out of this vicious cycle and live a normal life."
Using his connections in the underworld, Choi Seong-jae was able to neutralize his competitors and get lucrative contracts. His men controlled the supply of raw materials, secured construction sites, and solved problems with officials.
"I'll have to do what I have to do."
But he did it in a way that would not attract unnecessary police attention. He realized he couldn't go on like this for long, but for now he managed to keep a balance between legal and illegal business.
Following in the footsteps of his past, Choi Seong-jae showed strong management skills, building a system that helped his business thrive.
Choi Seong-Jae's influence in Seoul was growing, and he was ready for new challenges. He didn't care about dirty methods, what mattered was results.