Chapter 69. The Reckless Heir of Huan Group (4)

Huh Min-woong met Brad Button, the CEO of Thomas Motors.

He was a sturdy middle-aged white man wearing glasses.

"Welcome."

"Pleased to meet you."

The two men shook hands.

This was their third meeting. Brad Button's face and body language exuded confidence.

Unlike Huh Min-woong, who was born and raised in a wealthy family, Brad Button had built a $40 billion company from scratch.

'$40 billion.'

Huan Group ranks sixth in the Korean business world.

The combined market capitalization of the group's companies is about 60 trillion won. Yet, the market capitalization of an automobile company that hasn't sold a single car has surpassed 40 trillion won.

'Is this really normal?'

Once he started to doubt, everything seemed strange.

Huh Min-woong asked another question.

"How is the mass production plan for the T1 progressing?"

"It's proceeding according to plan. We plan to transfer the first batch of production in the first half of next year."

"Isn't the factory construction still ongoing?"

Brad Button said nonchalantly.

"We plan to proceed with production while constructing the factory, just like Tesla did. As you know, GM has acquired a 10% stake in Thomas Motors and will collaborate in the production area. GM is currently building a production line for Thomas Motors, which will allow us to advance the mass production plan."

"I see."

It sounded plausible.

If he hadn't seen the factory site where the foundation work wasn't even finished, he might have believed it.

Seeing Huh Min-woong's expression, Brad Button changed the subject.

"The T2 FCV to be unveiled this time has a longer range and superior performance compared to the T1 FCV. We have already received pre-orders from logistics companies like Walmart and FedEx. Considering the economic benefits of hydrogen trucks, hydrogen trucks will capture 30% of the entire truck market within the next three years."

For a while, the praise for the T2 FCV continued.

According to his explanation, it was at the level of turning existing trucks into squid. Listening to the explanation, he even thought about making additional investments right away.

"Can I test drive the T2 FCV?"

Brad Button then showed a troubled expression.

"We are currently preparing for the exhibition. It will be unveiled on the day of the event."

"Then, can I take a detailed look at the car?"

"Since there are technologies that have not yet been made public, if you need any materials, I can organize them and send them to your company later."

Despite the long conversation, the conclusion was that it was not possible.

"About the driving video of the T1 FCV that was unveiled last year."

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

"Is it possible to know where the video was filmed?"

"Why do you ask?"

Huh Min-woong asked while carefully observing the other person's face. Brad Button tried to maintain a calm expression, but he couldn't prevent his eyes from slightly wavering.

Huh Min-woong smiled and said.

"The background in the video looked very beautiful. Since I'm in the U.S., I thought I might drive the car myself if I have time."

"I don't remember the exact location. If you like driving, I can recommend better places. Alabama has many beautiful spots."

Brad Button quickly changed the topic, and Huh Min-woong smiled inwardly.

'I can see his eyes wavering.'

Logically, if the driving was real, there would be no reason not to tell. The only reason to hide the filming location is one.

It really was just rolling down a hill.

Through this, Huh Min-woong was convinced that Han Miru's words were true.

'So this guy has been lying all along?'

How much must he have taken me for a fool to be able to lie without changing his expression?

His hands itched to grab him by the collar, but he held back.

If he rashly tried to kill the other person, he might end up dead himself.

"I have very high expectations for this collaboration."

"We feel the same way."

The two companies planned to build hydrogen production facilities and hydrogen charging stations across the U.S.

Specifically, Huan Energy and Huan Solutions would invest in a project led by Thomas Motors.

After completion, Huan Energy would be responsible for operations.

Although a huge investment cost would be required initially, if the project proceeded as planned, they could receive government subsidies and recover the investment within three years.

'If it proceeds as planned.'

What's the point of building hydrogen charging stations?

There's no hydrogen to fill them, and no hydrogen cars to use them.

"If it proceeds as planned, both companies will take the lead in the hydrogen energy sector."

'So if it proceeds as planned.'

The practical discussions were over, and only the signing ceremony remained. The signing ceremony was scheduled to be held before the PureCell Day event and announced at the event.

For now, he needed to buy time.

"Can we postpone the signing ceremony until after the event?"

"What's the reason?"

"There are a few issues we need to review on our side."

Brad Button asked, puzzled.

"Didn't the practical teams already finish the negotiations? Is there a problem...?"

Huh Min-woong smiled and waved his hand.

"No! It's not that."

The more someone cheats, the quicker they notice things.

He quickly came up with another excuse before the other person became suspicious.

"As you know, the hydrogen infrastructure agreement is not only important for Huan Energy but also for the entire group. It's a significant issue that the chairman will personally review."

Brad Button nodded.

"I know. That's why we planned to announce it at this event."

"At this event, a new car will be unveiled, so the media's attention will likely focus more on the new car than the business agreement. Therefore, I think it's better to announce it separately after the event."

Brad Button looked unconvinced.

'If the new car and the hydrogen infrastructure agreement are announced together, it would create a bigger issue. Why not?'

Before the other person could say anything else, Huh Min-woong firmly said.

"Chairman Huh Sung-hoon also prefers this approach."

At that, Brad Button nodded reluctantly.

"If the chairman wants it that way, I can't do anything about it. I understand."

* * *

After the meeting, Huh Min-woong returned to the hotel and, unbuttoning his tie, shouted.

"Damn it! Is this guy treating me like a fool? Do I look like an idiot?"

Surprisingly, everything Han Miru said was true.

The hydrogen truck didn't drive; it just rolled down a hill. The factory hadn't even started construction.

The headquarters were covered with solar panels, but hydrogen production hadn't even begun. The inverter and motor, claimed to be developed in-house, were actually bought from a German company called Carmen.

And, as expected, he couldn't even see the new car.

Although he had seen several pieces of evidence of fraud, he still believed that there would be at least some core technology for hydrogen cars.

Or, rather, he wanted to believe that.

But everything was a lie.

If this fact became known, how would the market react?

Investors would flee, and the stock price would plummet. The problem was the hydrogen infrastructure collaboration. What's the point of building charging stations and production facilities if there are no cars?

The first to meet Brad Button, acquire shares, and sign the agreement was his brother, Huh Min-hong. However, during the process of adjusting the business areas, Huan Energy became the main collaborator, and the task was passed to Huh Min-woong.

Until then, Huh Min-woong thought he was being given the next-generation energy sector as his share. But now, it seemed like a poisoned chalice.

'Am I going to die like this?'

As his anger reached its peak, he became calm.

Huh Min-woong was a nasty person, but he wasn't stupid.

One might think he could just end the collaboration, sell the shares, and leave, but it wasn't that simple.

The entire group was investing in the hydrogen energy business.

If he handled it poorly, he would bear all the responsibility. He needed to find a way to survive.

After much thought, Huh Min-woong picked up his phone and called the number on the business card.

* * *

A call came from an unknown number.

"Hello."

A question flew immediately.

[What should I do?]

Just by the voice, I knew who it was. Although his tone was as rude as usual, I could easily tell that it was filled with anxiety.

"Did you meet the CEO of Thomas Motors?"

[Why are you asking when you already know?]

Of course, that's why he called me.

"How did the hydrogen infrastructure agreement go?"

[As you said, I postponed it until after the event.]

"Good! Well done."

[Enough. Tell me what I should do.]

He seemed very anxious.

I didn't waste time and immediately gave him the solution.

"Sell all the shares and announce the cancellation of the hydrogen infrastructure collaboration."

Huh Min-woong said irritably.

[Do you think that's a decision I can make so easily?]

"Eventually, the true nature of Thomas Motors will be revealed to the market. We will release a report to the media first. Say you made the decision after seeing the report."

Huh Min-woong was surprised.

[What? Release the report first?]

"Don't worry. It will be released without any evidence. No one will pay attention to it immediately."

The market receives thousands, even tens of thousands, of reports every day. Who would pay attention to a sell report from an unknown company?

"The big reveal will happen at the PureCell Day event."

[Wait. Isn't that too quick?]

"Isn't a big event necessary to make a big impact?"

After thinking for a moment, he spoke.

[Can you really make a big impact?]

I know what he's worried about.

If he cancels the agreement and sells the shares first, but Thomas Motors doesn't suffer significant damage, he'll just look like a fool.

"I need some help."

[What kind of help?]

"Make it possible for one journalist and about five of our people to enter the event venue. It would be good if they can ask questions."

At Thomas Motors events, only invited journalists can enter, and they can only ask pre-arranged questions.

It's like a fixed game.

By the way, this isn't just how Thomas Motors operates; most companies that hold events do it this way.

Who would welcome someone who ruins the party?

[What about Huan Solutions?]

Huan Energy holds 4.3% of Thomas Motors' shares, and Huan Solutions holds 4.2%. Considering the entire group, it would be better if they all sold their shares.

Actually, it doesn't matter much to me what happens to Huan Solutions. But it matters a lot to him.

"The first to sign a contract and acquire shares from Thomas Motors was Huan Solutions. Then, Huan Energy took over the task."

[So?]

"I'm curious about who will take responsibility for this situation. I don't even know what Huan Solutions does, so you figure it out."

He should understand what I mean by now.

Huh Min-woong said.

[Then, I'll keep pretending I don't know. I'll handle it myself.]

With that, he hung up the phone.