Chapter 707: Establishing subsidiary companies in India and in China (1) – Part 2
Gun-Ho agreed to Director Kim’s suggestion.
“I think it’s a good idea to take Mr. Adam Castler on the trip to acquire a factory abroad. By taking him with you, we can give our American partner an impression that we are doing this factory acquisition together. Mr. Adam Castler had his trip to China previously, so I’m sure that he would be willing to go to India this time.”
“If Mr. Adam Castler is going there with me, wouldn’t we need an interpreter?”
“When you arrive at the airport in Delhi, Manager Lee will be there waiting for you to pick you up. As you know, he speaks English fluently.”
The internal auditor suggested, “What if Director Yoon goes to India instead of me then? He has extensive experience with constructing a factory. He will be very helpful in choosing the right factory for us.”
“That sounds good too.”
Gun-Ho called for Secretary Seon-Hye Yee.
“Please ask Director Yoon to come to my office.”
“Yes, sir.”
After a moment, Director Yoon entered the office.
“Please have a seat.”
As Director Yoon sat on the sofa, Secretary Seon-Hye Yee brought one more cup of jujube tea to the office.
“I want you to go on a trip to India, Mr. Director Yoon.”
“India, sir?”
“I received a call from Manager Jong-Geun Lee in India. He found a factory on the market for sale, around the Chennai area. You go and check the property, and if you determine that it is the right factory for us, then make a purchase contract.”
“Am I going there by myself?”
“Vice President Adam Castler will go with you.”
“When should I leave?”
“The sooner, the better. Mr. Internal Auditor, give enough funds to those who will travel abroad to acquire a factory, for their travel expenses.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Mr. Director Kim, I want you to leave for China as soon as you can as well. Call President Min-Hyeok Kim and arrange the schedule with him.”
“Yes, sir. I guess that extra work will be waiting for me there in China.”
“Why are you saying it?”
“I’m sure that Mr. President Min-Hyeok Kim will ask me to meet with the people from the overseas offices of S Group, Egnopak, and Mandong Company since I’m there anyway.”
“Haha. I think he will need your help for his sales work. In return, President Min-Hyeok Kim will prepare the best hotel room and great food for you. I’m sure that he will reserve a room in a five-star hotel for you.”
Gun-Ho turned to Director Yoon and said, “When you shop for a factory in India, I want you to find a clean one. I’m thinking of inviting Lymondell Dyeon’s Vice President Brandon Burke over to our company to run our subsidiary company in India.”
“Huh? Is Vice President Brandon Burke quitting Lymodell Dyeon?”
“I believe that his retirement year is this year. Once he retires, I’m going to ask him to run our company in India, maybe for the next two years. People speak English in India, so he will feel comfortable working there. In addition, his presence in India will greatly help our sales activities there. He will get along with other overseas presidents from all over the countries.”
Director Kim, the internal auditor, and Director Yoon nodded their head.
After the three men left Gun-Ho’s office, Gun-Ho asked for Vice President Adam Castler. Mr. Adam Castler showed up with his interpreter— Assistant Manager Myeong-Joon Chae.
“I was informed that there are factories on the market for sale in India and China.”
“Oh, that’s nice.”
“So, I asked Director Kim to go to China to visit the property. As to the property in India, I think you should visit it with Director Yoon.”
“Me, sir?”
“Yes, please make a trip to India to acquire a factory for us. Also, since you are there, take a tour to some tourist spots such as Taj Mahal and have fun.”
When he heard of Taj Mahal, Mr. Adam Castler looked excited; he smiled broadly. In fact, he was feeling a bit bored in Korea. He loved the opportunity to travel to another country.
As a matter of fact, Mr. Adam Castler didn’t have a busy life in Korea even at work. His Korean colleagues handled most of the work, and all he was doing there was writing a weekly report for the head office.
Gun-Ho continued, “If you have a chance to talk with the head office, please deliver this message.”
“What message, sir?”
“Don’t say this directly, but imply that I want to make a job offer to Mr. Vice President Brandon Burke to run our subsidiary company in India after he retires.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea. Mr. Vice President Brandon Burke would have no reason to refuse the offer. I’m sure he will love the opportunity.”
“Also, tacitly tell him that I highly respect him, especially for his profound ability at work and extensive work experience even though we had some disagreement in the past.”
“Understood, boss.”
“Once you arrive in India, Mr. Manager Jong-Geun Lee will be waiting for you at the airport. He would love to see you, Mr. Adam Castler. He had been working with you for quite a while when he was here in Korea.”
“Haha, of course, sir. I’m so excited to see him again. When do you want me to leave?”
“I told Director Yoon that the sooner would be the better. Please arrange the schedule with him.”
“Yes, sir.”
When he arrived home after work, Gun-Ho quickly washed his hands and ran to his baby boy. Sang-Min smiled pretty often these days, and he was extremely cute when he did that, and Gun-Ho couldn’t stop kissing him all over his face. Young-Eun tried to stop Gun-Ho.
“That’s enough. His cheek is about to fade away because of your kiss. Give him a break.”
Gun-Ho could enjoy abundant food at home these days. All sorts of dishes were placed on the dinner table, because Young-Eun was staying home with the helper lady.
“I went to Seoul National University Hospital earlier today. Sang-Min needed vaccines. Also, I have lunch with my old colleagues there.”
“They must be delighted to see you again, huh?”
“Yeah. They were excited to see me, especially because I buy them lunch all the time. One of them pointed out something on me though.”
“What was it?”
“She said that I married an extremely rich man, but how come I’m still driving a car like that.”
“You should have driven my Land Rover when you went to meet with them today.”
“I’m totally fine with my old car. I don’t understand why people are trying to judge someone based on their house or car.”
“That’s just what they do.”
“People who I encounter assume that I’m rich when they find out that I live in a condo in TowerPalace Condo Complex. And they always ask what kind of car I’m driving. That question always comes up after they learn that I’m living in a TowerPalace condo, without exception.”
“Throw out your SM5, and get a new car. I’m embarrassed that my wife is still driving the old SM5.”
“No way. I love my car. It’s still working perfectly.”
“I will buy you a new Genesis. Drive that car from now on.”
“That would be a waste.”
“You have to ride with Sang-Min most of the time now. We have to think about his safety too. I will get you a Genesis and you drive it, okay?”
When Gun-Ho brought up their baby’s safety issue, Young-Eun blinked her eyes a few times. She was gazing vacantly into space; she seemed to think of something.
After dinner, Gun-Ho was watching TV in the living room while holding the baby. A moment later, Gun-Ho’s eyes widened to a news report.
It was about Minister Jin-Woo Lee. He was resigning from his minister position. The news reporter said that they are guessing that the reason why Minister Jin-Wook Park chose to resign from his position at this time was because of the upcoming by-election.
They said that since Minister Jin-Woo Park used to be a congressman, if he decided to be a candidate for the by-election, there would be a huge change in the current political sphere.