30 Seki's attempt to invest

Lee Han was in the midst of organizing the company's paperwork when his office telephone suddenly ranger. 

"Hello?" Lee Han answered, not finding it unusual for someone to call him. After all, his office phone was company-owned, and its number was listed on business cards, making it public knowledge, especially among potential partners or customers like malls and entertainment centers interested in purchasing arcade machines.

"Is this the General Counsel of KiShin Electronics?" A young voice on the other end of the line inquired.

Lee Han nodded, maintaining his politeness. "Yes, that's correct. I'm Lee Han. How can I assist you?"

"I'm Seki Suzuki, the CEO of Suzuki Department Stores," Seki introduced himself.

Lee Han's reaction was immediate as he recognized the name. He felt compelled to confirm, "Are you the son of the Suzuki Group chairman?"

Seki's chuckle resonated through the phone as he confirmed, "Indeed, I am. Suzuki Department Stores is a subsidiary of the Suzuki Group."

Lee Han massaged his forehead, bracing himself for yet another encounter with an arrogant young scion of a wealthy and influential family, an experience he'd grown accustomed to, even in South Korea.

Seki remained on the line, waiting, and couldn't help but smile, thinking that General Counsel Lee Han was left momentarily speechless.

Lee Han regained his composure, making a conscious effort to hide his disdain for the entitled and haughty young heirs he'd encountered so often.

"Is there something specific you would like to discuss, sir?" Lee Han inquired, his initial politeness replaced by indifference.

Seki, taken aback by the abrupt change in tone, expected more flattery or excessive politeness. However, he was met with Lee Han's stark indifference, a departure from his expectations.

"I'd like to speak with your CEO for a business discussion," Seki requested.

Lee Han clenched his teeth, irritated by yet another wealthy young master who believed he could have whatever he wanted.

"Unfortunately, sir, our CEO is currently unavailable," Lee Han replied curtly.

"I see," Seki responded with a disappointed sigh, followed by a question, "When will your CEO be available?" His tone conveyed urgency and arrogance.

Lee Han couldn't help but chuckle before answering, "Our CEO prefers not to be constantly interrupted by phone calls throughout the day. He only takes calls when they are absolutely necessary for the company. Until then, he won't be available."

Seki's impatience became evident, and he urgently retorted, "I insist you call your CEO. What I have to discuss is of great importance to his company."

Lee Han quietly snorted, choosing to respond with, "I'm sorry, sir. Access to our CEO is limited to those he is already familiar with. If you're not known to him, he won't answer the call."

Seki clenched his teeth, growing increasingly annoyed. "I'm the son of Shiro Suzuki, the chairman of the Suzuki Group! Am I not familiar enough!?" he demanded.

Lee Han shook his head and replied, "I'm truly sorry, sir," though deep inside, he felt even more contempt for this type of person.

Seki gritted his teeth in frustration and continued, "Alright. I'll tell you the purpose of my call and why I want to meet your CEO." He paused briefly as Lee Han waited, then continued, "I'm interested in investing in your company."

Lee Han, a bit surprised but composed, asked, "Invest?"

Seki nodded on the other end of the phone and explained, "Yes. I'm interested in KiShin, your company. There's currently no competition in the Arcade Market, and I believe KiShin has the potential to become a major player." Seki's words were calculated to stroke Lee Han's ego, as it's often easier to negotiate with someone overly arrogant. "I've noticed that KiShin isn't listed on the TSE yet. I can assist in getting KiShin listed, which would facilitate further growth. This can happen if KiShin allows me to acquire a substantial portion of shares," he added convincingly.

Lee Han paused, considering the proposal. He chuckled quietly and responded, "That's indeed an interesting proposition. Let me discuss this with our CEO. I don't make decisions for KiShin on my own."

---

Lee Han proceeded to Shin's office and relayed Seki's proposal. Despite his disdain for individuals like Seki, who relied on their family's wealth and connections, he recognized the merit in the proposal, particularly regarding listing the company, which could greatly benefit a small company's growth.

However, he made sure to voice his concerns, cautioning Shin, "Although it's a tempting offer, we should tread carefully when dealing with second or third-generation wealthy individuals," Lee Han advised.

Shin chuckled, realizing that Lee Han likely didn't expect his boss to come from a wealthy family. He was a third-generation heir, while his father represented the second generation of their family's wealth.

Shin found it somewhat unexpected that his third brother showed interest in his company, which primarily focused on arcade machines.

"Tell him that KiShin company isn't interested in going public," Shin simply instructed. He had no intention of taking his company public, especially considering his third brother's interest in investing in it.

Lee Han was surprised and questioned, "While we should be cautious with wealthy young investors, going public does come with numerous advantages. May I ask why you're not interested in listing KiShin?"

Shin responded, "Going public would jeopardize our company's confidentiality. Furthermore, it would relinquish control over the company to numerous shareholders, especially those with larger stakes, who might interfere with my vision and plans for the company." He chuckled, emphasizing his desire to maintain full control. Lee Han might find him selfish, but Shin believed it was necessary for the success of his plans.