CH220

[That's just an optimistic outlook. The government shutdown is still ongoing, and I don't think reaching an agreement will be easy. The federal government might... That's why part of our fund's portfolio is in short positions.]

Sitting on the penthouse living room sofa, Seok-won picked up the remote and paused the VCR while watching the edited interview that Debra had brought him.

Dressed in black dress pants and a long wool coat, Debra sat down on the sofa to his left and asked, "What do you think?"

"Doesn't seem like there's anything problematic."

Seok-won nodded slightly as he answered.

"That's a relief. I was worried you'd ask me to make a bunch of edits."

"Do I seem that picky?"

At his teasing gaze, Debra quickly waved both hands.

"No! It's just that I already got the news director's approval to air this interview on tonight's evening news. If we have to re-edit, it'll be hard to make the broadcast deadline."

"Tonight? You're airing it that fast?"

Seok-won asked, slightly surprised. Debra tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before responding.

"You know that Speaker Savitz left Washington for his district in Georgia yesterday, right?"

"Of course. Every news channel keeps talking about it—I couldn't miss it even if I tried."

"Because of that, people are starting to worry that next year's budget deal might not be as easy as they initially thought."

In fact, after news broke of Savitz's departure for Georgia, the New York Stock Exchange had continued its upward trend today, but the gains were minimal, showing signs of losing momentum.

"Now, with the head of Wall Street's hottest fund predicting a market crash, there's no way my news director would pass up such a big story."

Understanding the situation, Seok-won smirked.

"Makes sense."

If his interview played even a minor role in halting the market's climb and triggering a downturn, it would only benefit Eldorado Fund's short positions. Either way, it was a win for him.

"Alright, I'll get going then."

Debra picked up her shoulder bag and stood up.

"You're sure this is good to air as is? My director told me to get your definite approval."

"Go ahead."

Taking the videotape from the VCR, Debra slipped it into her bag and said cheerfully, "It'll be on the 7 PM prime-time news, so make sure to watch!"

"I will."

As Debra hurried out, Seok-won remained seated, taking a sip of his now lukewarm coffee.

Just then, Baucus approached him and spoke.

"Boss, General Manager McGregor would like a moment with you. How should I handle it?"

McGregor was the general manager of the Plaza Hotel, where Seok-won was staying. Since he always used this penthouse whenever he was in New York, they were familiar with each other.

"Did he say what it's about?"

"He said he'd like to discuss it with you in person."

Though curious about the reason, Seok-won had no reason to refuse. Leaning back slightly, he said, "Let him in."

"Understood."

Before long, a middle-aged man with a composed demeanor, dressed impeccably in a gray three-piece suit, arrived at the penthouse.

It was none other than McGregor, the hotel's general manager.

With a warm smile, McGregor stepped into the living room and politely greeted Seok-won, who was seated in the middle of the sofa.

"Thank you for taking the time despite your busy schedule."

Seok-won raised an arm slightly, gesturing toward the empty sofa to his left.

"Have a seat."

"Thank you."

As expected of a five-star hotel's general manager, McGregor moved with composed elegance as he sat down. Crossing one leg over the other, Seok-won got straight to the point.

"What brings you here so suddenly?"

"Actually, our chairman would like to have a meal with you, and I came to ask if you'd be open to it."

At the unexpected proposition, Seok-won raised an eyebrow slightly.

"He wants to meet me?"

"Yes. He has always been interested in Eldorado Fund, given its growing prominence on Wall Street. When he heard that you were staying at our hotel, he expressed a strong desire to meet and dine with you."

Considering how Eldorado Fund had been making waves with consecutive jackpot investments—and especially after heavyweight investor George Soros publicly mentioned the fund in front of reporters—it wasn't surprising that more people wanted to establish connections with him.

'Come to think of it, I received quite a few business cards at that charity gala the other day.'

He had collected over thirty cards that night, enough to warrant storing them in a dedicated cardholder.

Up until now, he had managed fine on his own, but as his reputation grew and more people started recognizing him, the need for a personal assistant was becoming increasingly apparent.

Someone who could manage his schedule, accompany him everywhere, and, most importantly, be discreet and trustworthy.

'And, of course, they need to be competent.'

For a brief moment, Seok-won thought of Na Seong-mi, who had assisted him back at Daehung Securities.

She was efficient, personable, and had a keen understanding of his preferences. However, considering how frequently he would be traveling abroad, having a young female assistant constantly by his side would undoubtedly spark unnecessary rumors.

He had no patience for gossip and unwanted speculation, so Seong-mi was out of the question.

"Uh… Mr. Seok-won?"

"Ah, my apologies. I got lost in thought for a moment."

Offering a brief apology, Seok-won straightened his posture and asked, "What's your chairman's name?"

"Donald Trump."

"…!"

The moment he heard the name, Seok-won's eyes widened in shock.

After all, that was the name of the political maverick who had defied all expectations, rising from an outsider candidate to become the President of the United States—someone who had once held the world in his hands.

Noticing Seok-won's stunned reaction, McGregor looked at him quizzically.

"Is something wrong?"

"It's nothing."

Quickly masking his surprise, Seok-won maintained a composed expression as he spoke.

"I knew he was a well-known real estate mogul, but I had no idea Plaza Hotel was owned by Trump."

"It's been part of Trump Company for seven years now."

Trump Company was a privately held family business specializing in real estate development and hotel management, with Donald Trump as its chairman.

Seok-won briefly ran through his upcoming schedule in his mind before responding.

"I'm free for lunch tomorrow. Would that work?"

"Would it be alright if I check with the chairman and get back to you?"

"Of course."

McGregor offered a polite smile as he rose to his feet.

"Then, I'll take my leave now."

With a courteous farewell, McGregor exited the penthouse.

Seok-won leaned back into the sofa, sinking into the cushions as he stared at the ceiling and muttered to himself.

"Why didn't I make the connection sooner that Donald Trump owns the Plaza Hotel?"

Thinking about it, the man was still quite famous even now.

Especially because, a few years ago, he had made a cameo in the blockbuster film Home Alone 2, playing a passerby who directed the young protagonist to the hotel lobby. The appearance had caused quite a stir at the time.

The behind-the-scenes story was that Trump had made his cameo a condition for allowing the film to shoot on location at Plaza Hotel.

"That just proves he's always had a knack for stepping into the spotlight. He thrives on attention."

Perhaps it was this very understanding of self-promotion—knowing exactly how to package and elevate his own value—that allowed him to transform from a real estate tycoon famous for being famous into the President of the United States.

"The reality show that turned him into a celebrity businessman was The Apprentice, wasn't it?"

It was essentially a competition where contestants vied for an internship at Trump Company with an annual salary of $250,000.

And from that show came his infamous catchphrase: "You're fired."

It was no exaggeration to say that the image of a successful businessman, carefully crafted through The Apprentice, had paved his path to the presidency.

In reality, before launching the show, Trump had filed for bankruptcy four times—and even during its run, he declared bankruptcy twice more. If anything, he was one of the best examples of someone who had succeeded purely through image-making.

"Come to think of it, right now is one of the most financially difficult periods for Trump."

He vaguely recalled reading somewhere that, even after becoming president, Donald Trump had described this particular period in his life as one of the most challenging times he had ever faced.

"If a man in desperate need of funds suddenly wants to meet me, despite having no prior connection..."

It wasn't hard to deduce the reason—it had to be about money.

Most people in his position would have politely declined the invitation and avoided the meeting altogether.

But this wasn't just anyone—this was a man who, in 22 years, would become the President of the United States, the leader of the world's most powerful nation.

"Right now, he might look like a worthless penny stock on the verge of delisting, but if I hold onto him long enough, he'll turn into a ten-bagger. Only a fool would ignore this opportunity."

Seok-won's eyes gleamed as he turned his head and motioned to Baucus, who was standing a short distance away.

"Yes, Boss?"

"Contact Landon. Tell him to gather detailed intel on Donald Trump and the current state of Trump Company. I want a report by the end of the day."

"Understood."

Seok-won interlocked his fingers and rested his hands on his knees, chuckling softly.

"I might just walk away from New York with an unexpected windfall."

A deep smile spread across his face as he welcomed the unexpected opportunity.

* * *

The Next Day

Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, Seok-won made his way to the hotel's French restaurant, accompanied by his bodyguard, Baucus.

As he walked through the grand corridor—adorned with towering ceilings and rows of dazzling chandeliers—he reached the entrance, where a staff member immediately recognized him and bowed politely.

"Welcome, sir. Chairman Trump has already arrived and is waiting for you."

Checking his watch, Seok-won noted that there were still about ten minutes left until their scheduled meeting.

The fact that Trump had arrived early suggested he was highly invested in this meeting.

"Allow me to escort you inside."

With a slight nod, Seok-won followed the staff member, with Baucus trailing closely behind.

The designated seating area was in the more secluded section of the restaurant, shielded from prying eyes for a private and comfortable dining experience. The table was lavishly decorated, reflecting the opulence of its surroundings.

As Seok-won approached, a tall, broad-shouldered middle-aged man with golden hair stood up to greet him.

This was none other than Donald Trump—the owner of the Plaza Hotel and the man who, in the future, would become the President of the United States.

Easily towering over two meters, Trump flashed a wide grin and greeted him in a booming voice.

"Ha ha ha! A pleasure to meet you! I'm Donald Trump."

"Park Seok-won," Seok-won responded, shaking his hand with a relaxed smile.

Trump chuckled, sizing him up.

"I'd heard you were young, but seeing you in person, you look even younger than I expected. You must have been surprised by my sudden request, so I appreciate you making the time to meet with me."

"Not at all. I always welcome the opportunity to meet passionate entrepreneurs like yourself, Mr. Trump."

"Glad to hear it!" Trump spread his arms wide in an inviting gesture.

"Now, let's sit and continue this conversation over a good meal."

"Sounds good."

With a slight nod, Seok-won took his seat across from Trump, ready for what was to come.