"Handle this according to the original plan."
Seok-won handed over the approval docunts to Han Ji-sung, who was standing in front of the desk, then leaned back against his chair and asked,
"By the way, have you managed to get the DSP chips developed by Germany's Micronas and send them to Digital Wave?"
"Yes. As per your instructions, I secured thirty sample units, and they are currently being shipped by air. They should arrive no later than tomorrow."
Satisfied with the response, Seok-won gave a small nod.
"If anything else is needed, make sure to take care of it, Secretary Han."
"Understood."
Holding the approval docunts in one hand, Han Ji-sung continued,
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"Go ahead."
After offering a slight nod, Han Ji-sung straightened up and left the room. Seok-won then reached out and pressed the intercom button on his desk.
[Yes, Mr. President, how can I assist you?]
"Could you bring
a cup of coffee?"
[Understood.]
Releasing the button, Seok-won picked up a report from his desk and began flipping through it.
Before long, there was a knock at the door, and Na Seong-mi entered, carrying a tray. She set down a steaming mug of coffee, its rich aroma filling the room.
"I've brought your coffee."
"Thank you. I'll enjoy it."
Seok-won said with a smile, and Na Seong-mi's eyes curved as she returned his smile.
"You're very welco. Do you need anything else?"
"It's fine."
After Na Seong-mi left with the empty tray, Seok-won picked up his warm mug and stood up from his chair, walking toward the window.
Beyond the large glass pane, towering skyscrapers stretched into the sky. Gazing at the cityscape, he murmured to himself,
"If it's already this hot, this sumr is going to be brutal."
As he leisurely sipped his coffee, taking in the bustling urban scenery, the sudden vibration of a pager broke the silence.
Turning around, Seok-won walked back to his desk, set down his mug, and picked up his phone to answer the call.
[Mr. Park, it's been a while.]
A deep voice ca through the receiver.
Recognizing the caller imdiately, Seok-won's expression shifted slightly to one of curiosity.
"It should be nightti in California right now. What brings you to call, Mr. Jobs?"
[I have sothing urgent to discuss. Do you have a mont?]
Sensing the serious tone, Seok-won's curiosity deepened.
"Go ahead. What's this about?"
[You should have received the Q2 earnings report a few days ago.]
Recalling the Apple Q2 earnings report that Landon had sent, Seok-won listened as the voice on the other end continued.
[Despite canceling several costly projects and laying off over 6,000 employees in a drastic restructuring effort, we still posted a $100 million deficit. The company has yet to recover.]
Seok-won was well aware that most of the losses stemd from cleaning up the ss left behind by Steve Jobs and his predecessors. But he chose to keep that thought to himself.
'Co to think of it, Jeff Collier only has about a month left in his interim CEO term.'
Apple had been bleeding money for so ti, teetering on the edge of insolvency. With the company facing an imminent crisis, the desperate board had fired the previous managent and appointed Jeff Collier, one of its directors, as interim CEO, giving him 500 days to turn things around.
Of course, if he delivered results, he'd be rewarded with a bonus and a chance to stay on as permanent CEO.
'Given how cash-strapped the company was, the fact that he managed to issue $661 million in corporate bonds through Goldman Sachs to stabilize Apple's finances was already a significant achievent.'
On top of that, acquiring NeXT—the company Steve Jobs had founded—had laid the groundwork for Apple's revival. By all accounts, Collier had a strong case for staying on.
But Steve Jobs wouldn't allow that.
'He's always treated Apple as an extension of himself. There's no way he'd sit back and watch soone else run it.'
Jobs's obsession with Apple was well known, and Seok-won could already guess where this conversation was headed.
Sure enough, Jobs got straight to the point, speaking in his usual blunt manner.
[As I've said before, Apple has no future under Jeff Collier—soone who doesn't understand the company and has no vision for its direction.]
Holding the phone to his ear, Seok-won responded,
"So, you're opposing Jeff Collier's reappointnt?"
[That's right. Apple, on the verge of sinking in a storm, needs a new leader with the strength to push the company forward.]
Jobs responded without hesitation, his voice firm with conviction.
"And who would that be?"
Already anticipating the answer, Seok-won asked the question anyway. Without a mont's pause, Jobs replied confidently.
[That would be .]
His voice was filled with unwavering self-assurance.
[If I take over again, I can restore Apple to the great company that once changed the world.]
Even though Seok-won already knew how things would unfold, he couldn't help but shake his head in amazent at Jobs's sheer confidence and belief in himself.
[At next month's board eting, I need your support to replace Jeff Collier and secure my position as the new CEO.]
Jobs made his request outright, his tone calm and direct.
After acquiring the 1.5 million shares that Steve Jobs had previously owned, Seok-won had steadily increased his stake in Apple. He now held a 10% share, making him one of the company's major shareholders.
Naturally, his influence over the board was substantial. If Jobs was to reclaim the CEO position, Seok-won's support was crucial.
Perhaps sensing this, Jobs made a bold promise—if reinstated, he would turn the company around within a year.
Seok-won, well aware that Apple's revival depended on Steve Jobs more than anyone else, didn't hesitate. He gave a firm nod.
"Alright. I'll delegate my voting rights to you. Will that suffice?"
Jobs seed montarily taken aback by the decisive response.
[Are you serious?]
"I've always said that I invested in Apple because of you. That hasn't changed. I still believe that you're the right person to bring Apple back from the brink."
Hearing such strong support, Jobs responded with visible enthusiasm.
[Thank you. I appreciate that.]
Seeing an opportunity, Seok-won casually floated another idea—one that could allow him to increase his stake in Apple even further.
"If you're interested, I'm willing to invest an additional $200 million in Apple after your reinstatent, in the form of CB."
Convertible Bonds (CBs) are a type of corporate bond that can be converted into stock at a predetermined price after a set period.
For Apple, which was struggling financially, an extra $200 million was like rain after a drought. Jobs's excitent was evident as he quickly asked,
[You'd really do that?]
Seok-won smiled and said,
"Given the company's dire situation, having sufficient liquidity is crucial for a swift recovery, don't you think?"
Jobs, clearly elated by the unexpected support, responded with newfound confidence in his voice.
[If soone as highly regarded as Mr. Park, known for his keen business insight, is willing to invest such a substantial amount, it will undoubtedly help dispel much of the market's skepticism toward Apple.]
"I hope so too."
Originally, Steve Jobs was supposed to reach a settlent with Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, regarding Windows-related patent disputes and secure a $150 million investnt. But now, Seok-won was the one stepping in to take over that role.
'This will significantly weaken Bill Gates and Microsoft's financial standing.'
Seok-won smirked inwardly at the thought.
His decision to support Steve Jobs so aggressively stemd from a clear understanding: Apple's spectacular revival and success were largely tied to Jobs's presence as a cultural icon, soone with an almost fanatical following.
Of course, Apple's dominance was also fueled by its relentless innovation and groundbreaking products, but Jobs's personal brand and charisma were unmatched.
'Apple without Steve Jobs is simply unthinkable.'
Even after Jobs's untily passing following a long battle with illness, the legacy he left behind kept Apple at the pinnacle of the industry for more than a decade. His impact was undeniable.
'But now that history has been altered, what if Jobs refuses to reconcile with Bill Gates and continues their feud like before?'
That thought montarily concerned Seok-won. He knew he had to tread carefully and avoid bruising Jobs's ego, so he cautiously brought up the subject.
"Given Apple's financial situation, it would be in the company's best interest to resolve the Windows-related patent dispute amicably with Microsoft."
To Seok-won's surprise, Jobs, who had a reputation for being difficult, responded rather calmly.
[During my ti away from Apple, I've had a lot of ti to reflect and learn. In fact, once I return to leadership, settling that matter will be my top priority. So, don't worry.]
Seeing Jobs accept the idea without resistance left Seok-won montarily stunned.
Jobs's obsession with Apple remained unchanged, but it was clear that the once-stubborn and domineering leader had grown after facing hardship.
[Thanks to you, Mr. Park, the financial strain will be significantly alleviated. That puts
in a stronger position to negotiate with Microsoft.]
Seok-won noted how much more flexible and pragmatic Jobs had beco, a stark contrast to his previously rigid deanor. He responded with an approving nod.
"Since Microsoft is preoccupied with its browser war against Netscape, they don't have the bandwidth to focus on other matters. If you leverage that situation well, you can achieve a favorable outco."
[I'll keep that in mind.]
After a long conversation, Seok-won finally ended the call and lowered his phone from his ear.
Leaning against his desk, he absentmindedly stroked his chin and murmured to himself,
"So, Steve Jobs is finally reclaiming the helm of Apple."
Excitent welled up within him as he imagined the groundbreaking products that Jobs and Apple would create to change the world once again.
At the sa ti, he couldn't help but think about the astronomical growth in value his Apple shares would experience as the company surged back to the top of the global market. The re thought of it was enough to make him feel full, as if he didn't even need to eat.
"I already know the path Apple will take to beco the world's most valuable company. If I just let things play out, the money will co rolling in on its own—no need for
to intervene and make things harder for myself."
A grin spread across Seok-won's face, his lips curling into a satisfied smile.
Jobs would put in the effort, while Seok-won would reap the financial rewards.
But in the end, it was a win-win situation. As Apple's major shareholder, Seok-won could provide unwavering support, ensuring that Jobs had the stability to focus solely on managing the company without distractions.
"With all the negativity surrounding Apple and predictions of imminent bankruptcy, its stock price is at rock bottom right now. This is the perfect opportunity to buy up even more shares and secure the position of the largest shareholder."
Since he had already expressed his strong support for Jobs, increasing his stake significantly wouldn't raise any red flags. Jobs wouldn't see him as a threat.
Acting on his thoughts imdiately, Seok-won picked up his phone again and dialed Landon in New York.
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