IRLPLBIO Chapter 49 Part 2

With his slightly tanned face and sunglasses still on, Jeong Seung-dae arrived at a traditional Korean restaurant. Despite occupying a large, prime plot of land in the heart of Seoul, it was remarkably quiet. This was because it only accepted reservations, and if a customer requested, it would even provide a service where almost all staff would leave, keeping only the bare minimum personnel.

Jeong Seung-dae found his way to the Plum Blossom Room, which had been mentioned in the text message, even without an escort. With a sliding sound, the door opened, and inside, Jeong Seung-dae’s target was looking at him with a very welcoming expression.

“You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for your call. Ah, I’ve already placed the order. You mentioned you weren’t particular about anything.”

It was Woo Dong-hyeok.

The CEO of Wooshin Pharmaceuticals, Woo Dong-hyeok, who had repeatedly sent proposals reeking of money with his greasy face, and the representative of the company Jeong Seung-dae planned to “exploit.”

“So, did you review the proposal I sent? I believe the terms are not bad.”

“Not bad? They’re more than just ‘not bad’.”

At those words, Woo Dong-hyeok’s face brightened considerably. It seemed he thought Jeong Seung-dae would accept his proposal.

He had offered Jeong Seung-dae a remuneration in the hundreds of millions for slightly exaggerating information related to a foreign investment firm’s investment news and new drug development. He believed no one would refuse such an easy and simple way to make money.

Jeong Seung-dae, having taken his seat, remained silent for a moment. Woo Dong-hyeok’s money, which he could immediately grasp without much effort, and Jae-gu’s money, whose results were uncertain, were weighed on Jeong Seung-dae’s mental scales.

In the meantime, the restaurant staff came in and served the food. They never once lifted their heads, so they likely didn’t even see the customers’ faces, and by setting out all the dishes at once, there would be no need for anyone to come and go in the middle. It was the perfect condition for a confidential conversation.

After all the staff had left, Jeong Seung-dae opened his mouth.

“Since you’ve welcomed me so warmly, Mr. President, I should also be frank.”

“Of course, honesty is important. Perhaps it’s because you’ve experienced America, but you’re quite direct.”

“What you’ve proposed, Mr. Woo, is not difficult for me. However.”

“However…?”

Unable to hide his impatience, Woo Dong-hyeok leaned forward so much it seemed he might tumble over the table. Even he, who usually held his head high as a successful businessman, became utterly vulnerable before money. The greater the potential profit from Jeong Seung-dae, the more Woo Dong-hyeok humbled himself.

“You know that new drug development is a high-risk business, don’t you? While I’m recommending investment to you, Mr. President, I cannot guarantee success.”

“Oh, yes, I know that very well. After all, I am a CEO running a pharmaceutical company, aren’t I? Hahaha.”

“I’m relieved you understand. Indeed, those who are knowledgeable about the pharmaceutical industry are different… There are some who simply can’t grasp it, you see.”

Jeong Seung-dae said it casually, as if letting it slip, but Woo Dong-hyeok knew who he was referring to. It seemed things hadn’t gone well with Han Yun-cheol after their previous exchange of words.

So, the opportunity must have come to me.

Woo Dong-hyeok quickly licked his lips and spoke enthusiastically.

“We respect your company’s investment direction. However, since we are well-versed in Korean affairs, we would like to handle the media aspect ourselves…”

“I also considered arranging interviews with major media outlets, but do you have a better plan?”

“We will run a feature article in the newspaper. Divided into three major parts, it will discuss the horrors of blood cancer, represented by leukemia, the difference between existing treatments and targeted therapies, and the efficacy of the new drug upon its development, as well as its future development direction.”

“Will a newspaper really be that effective?”

“Many people consider newspaper articles to be more objective than TV broadcasts. This is especially true for those with purchasing power and extensive education. If newspapers make a fuss first, TV will soon follow suit.”

Woo Dong-hyeok chattered confidently. Instead of touching the food served, Jeong Seung-dae rested his elbows on the table and gradually leaned forward. It was a very good sign.

“There was no need to deliberate over this, it seems. I should have met you first, Mr. Woo.”

Woo Dong-hyeok smiled even more brightly, following Jeong Seung-dae’s cheerful laughter.

It’s done.

Both Woo Dong-hyeok and Jeong Seung-dae thought the same thing.