Chapter 77

: <K coin>
 
Hiccup.
The manager hiccuped loudly. The CEO appeared mystified.
Lee Ari stared at Woosung in shock.
10 million dollars.
She made her debut at the age of 18, and within two years, she reached the top. However, even as a top star, she made less than 10 million dollars during that two years.
Now, Woosung was offering 10 million dollars just for a single one-year contract.
Lee Ari felt anxious. This was too much money. Only the biggest Hollywood stars were paid this much, but this has never happened in Korea. Lee Ari began to wonder if Woosung had an ulterior motive.
Woosung saw her suspicion and explained.
Your status and image are worth this much money. You are the biggest idol of teens and people in their 20’s. They are our target audience. You are the perfect person for this job.

Lee Ari still looked uncertain. She even looked afraid. Was it because it was too much money?

I realize that 10 million dollars is a lot of money to consider, but I am offering it to you because I am certain that your role will make us even more money.

Jang Gwangchul poked Woosung’s waist again and shook his head. He didn’t agree with Woosung.
Lee Ari was still deep in thoughts. Jang Gwangchul stood up suddenly.

Haha, I am getting really hot. Can I go out for a cup of water?

The CEO answered.

S…sure.

Jang Gwangchul dragged Woosung out with him.
He screamed at Woosung.

President Kang, how can you offer her 10 million dollars? If you run our company like this, we will soon go bankrupt.

Woosung replied loudly.
It’s alright. Lee Ari is worth it.

Jang Gwangchul looked shocked.
What? Are you her fan too? Is this because you’re her fan?


Haha, is there anyone in Korea who isn’t her fan?


But this is business! You need to think objectively.


I am doing just that.

Woosung lied. He was being emotional.
Jung Jinsup.
Choi Gichul.
If he could get to them, Woosung was willing to give up everything.

But 10 million dollars? Do you know Gwyneth Paltrow?

When Woosung nodded, Jang Gwangchul replied in frustration.

Do you know how much she gets paid?


About 1 million dollars. We already talked about this when we were looking into hiring Hollywood stars for Blue S and Coconut release in America. You said it would be 700,000 dollars for Drew Barrymore and 20 million dollars for Beyoncé.


So you remember, yet you offered Lee Ari 10 million dollars?


Because I believe Ari will be more effective than Beyoncé.


W…what?

Woosung answered even louder so people inside could hear him.

And that is why I am willing to pay even 20 million dollars.

Crack.
A loud sound of someone falling came from the meeting room.
Inside the room.
Manager helping his boss up from the floor.

Are you okay, boss?


Oh, yeah. I’m fine. They are talking about Ari, right?


I think so.


…20 million dollars?

The manager nodded.
He is either her biggest fan or plain crazy. Could it be that this Coconut is going to be a huge hit? What do you think?

Lee Ari’s manager shook his head.

I…I don’t know. 20 million dollars… Maybe he’s bluffing?


No way. I know Jang Gwangchul. He has tens of millions of dollars in cash. A boss of someone like him would have much more. It can’t be a bluff.

Lee Ari was looking at the door. Moon Yongjun asked her.

Oh, what do you think? Your opinion matters the most of course, but I really think this is a great opportunity.

His eyes shone with greed.

I agree with you but…


But?


I’m just wondering why he would go this far.


Why? Because he wants his app to be a huge success! What else could it be?

Lee Ari had a different idea. She felt like Woosung was hiding something.
When Woosung walked returned, he asked her right away.
So did you decide?

After a few more seconds of hesitation, Lee Ari finally nodded.

But 10 million dollars is way too much. I don’t feel comfortable with it. I will do everything including the TV commercial for 2 million dollars. I also want you to continue to provide me with reports like you did today.

Woosung offered his hand and Lee Ari shook it. Moon Yongjun sighed disappointedly and asked.

I…is the reduction really necessary?

Lee Ari didn’t pay attention to him. She continued to look at Woosung and asked.

Shall we sign the contract?

Jang Gwangchul took out the prepared contract.
On their way back to KND office, Woosung sent a text message to Jung Jinsup.

Bro, I just hired Lee Ari for my new Coconut service app.

Quickly after it was sent, Woosung’s phone vibrated. Woosung ignored it.

I’m in the car with some people so I am unable to answer your call. Sorry.


Is it really true, then?


Why would I lie to you? We just signed the contract and I happened to remember your request so that’s why I texted you.


My company tried to hire her many times for our game, but we failed every time!


It wasn’t easy for us either.


How did you do it? Tell me! I will tell my marketing people, so they can learn from you.


Haha, we were just lucky.


Luck is also an ability. You must be good.

Woosung grinned. Jang Gwangchul asked.

Who are you messaging? Is it Lee Ari by chance?


Haha, no. It’s a friend.


A friend?


Haha, yup.

Woosung continued to text quickly.

Thank you for the compliment. Now that I hired her, it will be even easier for me to help you.


I wish all my employees are like you.


I will contact you in a few days. Maybe I can arrange a meeting.


What? Meeting?


Maybe we can all have dinner after the commercial shoot.

There was no immediate reply. Woosung wondered.
‘Why isn’t he answering back?’
After about 5 minutes, Jung Jinsup texted back.

If you can arrange that, I will ask Gichul to help you out with your cell phone manufacturing. So make it happen!

He sounded like he was doing a favor for Woosung. Woosung didn’t like his tone.
‘He thinks he’s above me.’
Woosung hated him even more now, but he texted back politely.

Of course. I will do my best.

When they returned to their office, there was a woman sitting in front of a computer typing fast. She looked sharp and confident. Woosung looked at her closely. She looked familiar.
When he got closer, he became shocked. Her hair was clean and wavy. She seemed to have light makeup on.
Woosung called out.

Amelia?

When she didn’t reply, he placed a hand on her shoulder.

Oh, boss.


When did you arrive? You should have called me.


Haha, I got here yesterday. I just wanted to get to work right away.


…I see.


Oh, and I wanted to thank you.


Pardon?

Amelia whispered to him.
For the incentive.

Woosung felt guilty about taking the entire profit of Bitcoin, so he gave her a bonus of 500,000 dollars.

It’s for your hard work. Even now, you are working non-stop.


Haha.
Amelia smiled prettily.
Woosung smiled back and asked.
By the way, what are you working on? Did you already start on the messenger app?


Oh, no. I had some extra time, so I created a new type of coin that’s better than Bitcoin.


Coin?


Well, it’s more like a platform. It can be used as a platform for things like Coconut and other services.

Woosung exclaimed.
Blockchain platform!
Just like second generation coin Ethereum and third generation platform Eos!
It was more than just a coin. It was a platform where services could run.
Amelia smiled and continued.

If we develop the Coconut service on this platform, the blockchain concept could be applied and make it un-hackable.


H…how did you make it all by yourself?


It’s only at an early stage. I need to work on it much more to finish it, but I am stuck in a few places. I was hoping to get your advice.

Amelia’s eyes sparked, and Woosung started to get nervous.