Dictator From Outer Space

Chapter 8: Different Path

Yu Ji-ha returned to Seoul and began the restructuring of Silla Energy.

Unlike other energy companies, Silla Energy had no stake in the petroleum and chemical industry. 

It’s only businesses were natural gas charging, city gas, and renewable energy.

However, the previous management teams had been preoccupied with maintaining the status quo and had been reluctant to invest heavily in the trending renewable energy sector. 

This was partly due to Chairman Yu Kyung-seok’s personal circumstances, which prevented him from fully dedicating himself to the management of the company.

The executives, who only cared about their monthly paychecks, became obsessed with short-term profits.

As a result, Silla Energy not only fell behind the global trend but also lost its chance to participate in government projects.

The root cause of this decline was Yu Ji-ha himself.

Chairman Yu Kyung-seok had lost his health temporarily when his only son became a Yu Kyung-seok and stopped consuming food. 

Yu Ji-ha knew the internal story and found it amusing.

“So the bad evaluations weren’t just baseless.”

At first, he had felt a hint of sympathy for taking over Yu Ji-ha’s body, but now it had completely disappeared.

The original owner had done terrible things and died, and now it was up to him to change the evaluations.

However, it seemed that the employees of Silla Energy did not share his vision.

A group of alternative energy project team members, who were soon to be disbanded, submitted their resignation letters together.

Yu Ji-ha looked at the resignation letters on his desk and then at the faces of the employees.

“Are you sure about this? You might regret it later.”

“We’ve thought about it a lot before coming to this decision.”

“We’ve endured for a long time, but we don’t see a future in this company, so we’ve decided to change jobs.”

“The salary is at the industry’s lowest level, there’s hardly any welfare, and we don’t even see a vision. Please accept our resignations.”

Facing the resolute attitude of the employees, Yu Ji-ha accepted their resignation letters.

“I understand. You’ve worked hard until now, and I wish you success in the future.”

Several other teams also followed suit and gathered their employees.

There was no reason for the captain and crew to die together on a sinking ship.

Arma reported it like this.

[There’s a malicious rumor going around that you will soon be in jail, causing unrest among the employees.]

“It’s better for them to leave quickly. We were planning to salvage what we could, focusing on batteries. Prepare to sell the natural gas charging stations and city gas businesses. We’ll need funds soon.”

As a result, Silla Energy was left with only one battery business team and one research institute. 

The number of employees drastically reduced to just over 100.

This news reached the headquarters of the group, and the executives were all taken aback.

―Would it be okay to leave it as it is?

―Shilla Energy isn’t the kind of subsidiary that can afford to fail like this.

―We should give some frank advice to the chairman. Maybe even convene a board meeting…

―I already did that. They just want to leave it as it is.

―If we continue like this, regulatory authorities will intervene. Won’t there be an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting?

―Sigh…

Everyone sighed and no one stepped forward.

The chaebols Family, that’s what they called it.

Although Yu Ji-ha was a newcomer who had separated from the Silla Group, he was the absolute ruler of this small kingdom. 

Perhaps the only thing worth pinning hope on was that Yu Ji-ha seemed relatively sane.

One executive scoffed at such an opinion.

―If he ruins it while in his right mind, wouldn’t that be even worse? It’s true that he wasn’t in his right mind before, intoxicated by drugs and women, but…

―Shh. Let’s stop here. It will cause a commotion if it reaches the chairman’s ears.

―I wish everything had just flipped upside down instead…

Despite the serious concerns expressed at the headquarters, the restructuring continued.

After gaining control of the company, Yu Ji-ha sold off everything, leaving the remaining employees feeling anxious. 

In response, he posted a notice on the company bulletin board under the name of the CEO.

The notice stated that he was well aware of the concerns and assured everyone that he was not crazy and that everything was going according to plan. 

Upon reading the notice, the employees collectively sighed.

―We want a clear vision to feel reassured…

―Looks like I won’t be staying here for long. Let’s all prepare to change jobs.

―Ruining a company that was doing fairly well, that’s some talent.

―Didn’t I say it? People don’t easily change.

While the company was in such turmoil, Yu Ji-ha worked late into the evening.

Coincidentally, trucks carrying black metal from Samcheok Port arrived at the site.

“Alright, let’s get to work!”

After the employees had left for the day, Yu Ji-ha personally supervised the unloading of the black metal from the trucks.

Researchers, including Director Lee Han-jong, rushed out late to see what was happening.

“Wow, what is all this?”

“Black metal… Where did you get it from?”

The warehouse floor was stacked with solid metal ingots.

Yu Ji-ha lifted one ingot and it instantly began transforming and took the shape of a gauntlet.

“We mined it from the East Sea. There’s a company over there with mining rights.”

“I think I heard that mining there is difficult…”

He recalled reading a newspaper article with that phrase a few years ago.

However, his concerns were overshadowed by Hwang Seon-young’s chatter.

“Well, Director, that’s not the issue right now. With this much black metal, we can start preparing for mass production of G-type standard battery cells, can’t we?”

“Well, not immediately… The real question will be how much supply we can secure in the future.”

Yu Ji-ha’s response hinted at lingering concerns.

Everyone looked at Yu Ji-ha with anticipation, and he nodded his head.

“Don’t worry. The supply will proceed smoothly from now on. Besides the East Sea, there are quite a few other mining sites.”

“But if countries with mining rights start mass production, won’t we be left behind?”

“I can assure you that there is no other country capable of using black metal besides us.”

“But there are people other than you who can manipulate black metal. Park Jun-ho from the previous team, for example…”

“There are certainly individuals with such abilities, but if they can’t break it down enough to make batteries, it’s just a waste. Teacher, would you pay a fee and entrust me with it, or would you rather waste expensive raw materials?”

Lee Han-jong, the director, who understood his meaning, stood speechless.

In other words, without Yu Ji-ha, they would have to endure a significant increase in costs.

If the production cost of a commodity differs several times, competition becomes impossible.

“Just a moment, I understand that, but the CEO should still be present on-site,” Hwang Seon-young expressed her doubts.

In response, Yu Ji-ha handed her the newly created black metal glove.

“What is this?”

“It’s a disassembler that can replace me. It’s a kind of key. With this, anyone can disassemble black metal as they please.”

“Wow.”

She was surprised as she saw the black metal glove transform into a thick book. 

To her amazement, the book even had pages!

Everyone marveled at the metal book, flipping through its pages as if they were seeing a metal book for the first time.

“Is this influenced by Sister Bookworm’s consciousness?”

“It would be chaos if Seong-hoon gets involved. Is it going to produce a female doll?”

“It’s not like Pygmalion.”

“Now the question is how to apply this to the production process.”

“Can’t we just leave it as it is?”

While the researchers chattered, Director Lee Han-jong called for Yujiha.

“It seems like you’ve encountered a whole new world.”

“I was lucky.”

“Since it’s a technology that hasn’t been clearly defined, obtaining a patent will be difficult… The whole world will rush in. You’re going to become wealthy.”

“I don’t really care about money. As long as I have enough to use.”

“Haha, is it a kind of show-off to say that chaebols don’t need money? Anyway, congratulations. You’ve worked hard, and now you can wash away all the past misfortunes.”

Director Lee Han-jong’s gaze toward Yu Ji-ha had changed significantly.

More accurately, it had returned to how it was in the beginning.

“Only the final test remains. We should package it and install it in the vehicle chassis for evaluation.”

“I see. I’ll start preparing tomorrow.”

“No, we’ll make it now.”

“Now?”

While Director Lee Han-jong was taken aback, he called the researchers working under Yu Ji-ha.

“Let’s work late tonight together. In return, I’ll provide each of you with the laptop you desire.”

Offering desired laptops as compensation for working late?

As all the researchers were technology enthusiasts, they couldn’t resist his offer and readily agreed.

Shortly after, the production line dedicated to solid-state batteries began operating.

With a skill honed from somewhere unknown, Yu Ji-ha adeptly manipulated various equipment.

The researchers watched in awe, their tongues tied.

“Where on earth did the boss learn how to operate the adhesive applicator?”

“I just gave up. Even if the boss knew, I’d just go along with it.”

After several rounds of overtime, the battery cells were finally installed in the test vehicle chassis.

As researcher Bae Sung-hoon set up the program, he murmured to himself.

“If you look at Japanese electric cars, they can go slightly over 700 km with 15 G-type battery packs. Since our capacity is only 1/10 of that, if we can achieve 100 km, it would be a remarkable accomplishment.”

“What? Only that much?”

“We can’t help it. We don’t have a battery management system or optimization in place yet…”

“It will perform well. Reset it.”

Yu Ji-ha gave his instruction.

Finally, the measurement results for the battery cells were obtained.

170 km.

Everyone erupted in cheers at this number.

“Yes!”

“Amazing, amazing!”

Considering that the capacity was only 1/10, there was no battery management system in place, and no optimization had been performed yet.

If everything were to come together, what would happen?

The day would come when electric cars could travel 2,000 km on a single charge and dominate the market.

…

In front of the banquet hall of the Gangnam Mo Hotel, luxury foreign cars gathered.

The people getting off the backseat all had youthful appearances and were dressed in exquisite clothing.

They were the third-generation heirs of South Korean chaebols.

They gathered in groups of threes and fives, engaging in familiar conversations.

“I bought a yacht recently, and let me tell you, it’s amazing.”

“Did you sail it to Southeast Asia? It must have been exciting.”

“And the service was to die for. You know? The yacht that comes with beautiful women like in Hollywood.”

“That was the service?”

“There’s nothing you can’t get with money. I had a great time with five companions for two days.”

“Wow… there’s no emperor like that.”

He heard the conversation of the third-generation heirs inside the maintained car.

At first, he thought they were discussing the country’s economy or company management, but that wasn’t the case.

They were immersed in vulgar conversations about recently purchased limited edition supercars and sex tours.

“They’re just talking nonsense.”

[Master, the Noble’s Club is originally like this. Unlike their ancestors, the heirs of chaebols don’t face significant pressure regarding company management. Everything is provided here.]

“So, it’s about enjoying moderately and enduring, right?”

[It has been decades since the chaebols system was established in this country. The driving force for growth has long disappeared, and the chaebols have begun to be eroded by foreign powers. There’s no passion left.]

“I thought I would gain something, but it seems like a mistake…”

For his purpose, he needed the assistance of Arma and the Settler, but that wasn’t all.

He needed someone he could trust and delegate tasks to.

Having received the best education of this era, he came to see the possibilities, but all he found were disappointing individuals.

“As expected, I need androids.”

He needed numerous beings that were indistinguishable from humans.

They would obey only the commands of Yu Ji-ha and Arma without any doubt.

With their transcendent combat power, durability, and above-average judgment, they would be of great help.

[To create androids, I need permission. Shall we proceed?]

“For now, design the framework. Create an anticipated performance and appearance. It should resemble Koreans as much as possible.”

[Yes. Production will begin within a month at the latest.]

That meant that with a generous estimate and three months, he would have a workforce that could be fully utilized.

Of course, there was a burden of having to create their past and careers anew, but with Arma’s computational power, there shouldn’t be a major issue.

“I have to go. There’s no point in staying in a place like this any longer…”

As he started the car, someone blocked his way.

[It’s Shin Ha-yoon.]

She was quite audacious to wear a red evening dress and casually rest her high heels on the bumper.

“She’s the kind of woman who makes you want to push her away forcefully.”

[Should I eliminate her?]

It would be a simple task with the micro drones attached to her.

“No, I was just saying. So, why did she stop me?”

“It seems she was infuriated when Silla Group repaid their debt. She was part of the creditors.”

“Come to think of it, she was at Hansung Securities.”

“She’s head of IB2. She’s also sold a lot of Silla Energy stocks recently.”

To be a head at 33, she seemed exceptionally capable.

Of course, her true background was probably her grandfather’s.

“If I see the stock price skyrocket tomorrow, I might just smash the office.”

[If I don’t answer her immediately with that temperament, it seems like she’ll smash the car.]

‘Let’s start the conversation.’

Observing Yujiha’s head shaking, he slowly rolled down the window.

“Why?”

“Just open the door for a moment.”

“What do you have to say?”

“You might not have anything, but I do. It won’t harm you to listen.”

‘It’s not difficult to indulge in a little tantrum.’

When he nodded his head, Shin Ha-yoon cheerfully climbed into the passenger seat.

“You’ve changed your preferences a lot. Riding around in this piece of crap car.”

“It’s not a piece of crap car. It’s a car made by Silla Group.”

“That’s what I’m saying. It’s a piece of crap car. Your dad split off from the Future Auto Group to create an electric car.”

She was referring to the rebellious son.

However, he didn’t just carry Future Auto with him. 

He brought together heavy industries, defense, and more, firmly separating from the Future Auto Group.

Thanks to that, even after 15 years, Yu Kyung-seok couldn’t set foot in the ancestral home.

“If you’re going to say things like that, get out.”

“2 trillion won, right?”

She came prepared, it seemed.

Nodding his head vaguely, she crossed her arms and grumbled.

“Don’t start with the excuses about coins and bullshit. Where did you get the money? Bank loans were completely blocked, I’m sure.”

“You’re right, it’s about coins.”

“Don’t these stories sound like fantasies that men read? You lie comfortably while the coins skyrocket and then sell them… Fixing things…”

“Regardless, I repaid it. That should be enough. Do you have anything else to say?”

“You’re so nonchalant. Should I surprise you a little? There will be an interim shareholders’ meeting in January next year. Since you’re still the majority shareholder, you have the authority to hold the meeting, right?”

He could sense a triumphant smile on her face from Yujiha’s profile.

“Because of Silla Energy?”

“That’s right. From the perspective of the majority shareholder, I can’t just sit back and watch some clueless fool ruin the company.”

“Do we need to go to an interim shareholders’ meeting? Watch the evening news from M Company tonight.”

“Why? What difference does that make?”

“Maybe your attitude will change.”

“There’s absolutely no chance of that. Oh, if you finally admit your mistake, there might be a chance.”

He clicked his tongue at her persistence.

“Why are you doing this? You have everything. Why are you so unsatisfied and want devour me?”

She laughed merrily.

“So you really did forget due to memory loss. Well, it’s fine. I’ll slowly enlighten you. Anyway, if you don’t want the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, figure it out yourself.”

“Get out.”

“Oh, I’m so scared.”

Shin Ha-yoon grabbed the door handle and informed him.

“If you surrender quickly, I’ll teach you what to do in the future. Honestly, why did you turn out like this? I can’t believe it.”

Her tone revealed an arrogant arrogance towards the other person.

But suddenly, they heard a sound, followed by the splattering of windshield washer fluid.

“Ah, damn it!”

Her red dress was soaked and ruined, and Yujiha leaned out of the window and hastily apologized.

“Sorry, I thought I already fix it but I forgot.”

“What kind of shitty car is this?”

She wriggled, with her chest wet, then kicked the car and walked away.

“Close the door and let’s go.”

The car started smoothly, and Arma unexpectedly asked, [Well done?]

“Why did you suddenly do that?”

[Listening to her was getting on my nerves.]

“From now on, you can’t do that without my permission, understand?”

[Yes.]

There was a sense of delight in the obedient response.

He buried himself deep in the seat of the car.

“So, any idea why that woman is acting like that?”

[If we deduce from her habitual words, it seems like she wants to break free from her household.]

“Is it because she’s an illegitimate child?”

[That’s one reason, but the influence of her grandfather, the chairman, is even greater. He is a tyrant who has no qualms about using his children as tools.]

“I have a rough idea of the reasons.”

A woman who dreams of escaping from being a tool of her grandfather.

The man promised her the subsidiary company to inherit in the future and easily won her over.

Despite being a declining Silla Group, if they reorganized systematically and focused on relatively robust heavy industry, they could secure a solid foundation.

The fact that the original’s father was such a fool would have been taken into account in her plan.

Well, once Yu Ji-ha got involved, everything would become insignificant.

“Let’s go back to our hometown. We need to explain it to our parents.”

It was soon going to be announced about the black metal battery.

The vehicle crossed the Han Namdaegyo Bridge.

…

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