CHAPTER FOUR

"I am sorry to have kept you waiting Richard. I had some things to square out with the shareholders." Seo-joon said as he entered the room. "It's okay. But I still don't have the foggiest clue of what just happened. I just had to play along because of those nice looking people. Now I will truly appreciate it if you tell me what the hell is going on." Seo-joon smiled. 

"Well, I expected that. But it's exactly as you heard. You are now the chairman of this company and also the majority shareholder." Richard scoffed. "Don't tell me that this is about fulfilling a promise to my dad, because this is too much." "As a matter of fact, it is. You see, the former chairman we were all referring to was none other than your father."

Richard couldn't believe what he just heard. He knew his dad was an eccentric man, but the mystery unfolding before his eyes made him think he didn't know his father at all. "I don't believe you. I know all my father's assets, and so does my uncle. Which was why he knew how to claim them."

Seo-joon shrugged. "Whether you believe me or not is irrelevant. The fact remains that your father planned ahead so that in the event of his death, his children will be well provided for. This company is worth $890 billion. And the responsibility of taking that net worth beyond a trillion dollars now rests on your shoulders. So you better have to wake up to your current realty real soon. And speaking of your uncle, I have something to show you."

Seo-joon led him to a cubicle at the rear of the board room. There was a television and a DVD player inside, used by shareholders. "Sit down" Seo-joon said. Then he retrieved a DVD disc from the drawer in the cubicle and slot it into the player. Seconds later, Alexander Yeon appeared on the screen. Seeing his father's face again gave Richard goosebumps. "Is it recording? Okay. Excellent." He took in deep breaths. "Richard my son, if you are watching this, it means that I am dead." He paused for a moment then continued.

"Few weeks ago, you and I had an argument about your uncle's business decisions. I know you thought I didn't listen to you, but I did. I did some investigation and found out that your uncle was buying substandard materials from a company called Unijack Steel and Construction." 

At this point, Seo-joon stepped out of the cubicle to attend to someone looking for him. Richard faced the television and continued watching. "For example, a factory in the Philippines placed an order for a Thermoelectric generator last year. As the procurement manager, your uncle went for materials of zT value of 1. Instead of the zT value of 2-3 as the client specified." Richard sighed.

"This made the Seebeck coefficient lower than required. Therefore it set the client back on their own delivery to their costumers. Now that company wants nothing to do with us any more. That's millions of dollars walking away. I have, effective immediately set up an enquiry to look into all your uncle's records as regards to doing business with Unijack steel. If they find him culpable, he will not only loose his position in the company, but will go to jail." The video stopped for a few seconds, and continued.

"My son, I believe you have met Seo-joon by now. We grew up together in South Korea, and I was the first major investor in his company. We have been friends for a long time. Trust him, and he will guide you in the tough journey ahead. My life is being threatened by the chairman of Unijack steel, Haoyu Cheng. I hear he has some affiliation with the triads in Shanghai and Beijing. Take care of your sister, and ensure that she lacks nothing. I love you my son, and I always will." The video ended.

Richard felt warm tears run down his face. In his heart he wished he never told his father about his uncle's business conduct. Maybe he would still be alive. It now dawned on him that his father's death wasn't an accident but murder. If only he kept his mouth shut, things would still be normal. Now, his uncle has claimed ownership of the company and all his father's assets.

Seo-joon walked in and saw Richard crying faced down. He quietly led out of the cubicle and straight to his new office, which shared a hallway with the board room. Richard sat down on the sofa in the office and poured himself a glass of cognac from the bottle beside him. Trying as much as he can to calm down from the shock of what he just witnessed. 

He then asked a question he already knew the answer to. "Did my uncle kill my father?" Seo-joon sighed. "Your guess is as good as mine Richard. But that video is inconclusive and therefore can't serve as sufficient evidence to indict your uncle and his accomplice. We need more evidence to get a conviction." Seo-joon said while rubbing his eyes.

"How do we get the evidence?" Richard asked impatiently. Seo-joon smiled. "I know how you feel Richard. I feel the same way too. But we need to approach this very carefully. As you now know, your uncle is in cohorts with a man who has connections with Chinese gangsters. It could get very dangerous. So for now, I want you to get to work like we've talked about, and also find a way to get your sister out of that house as soon as possible. Because if your uncle and Haoyu Cheung finds out that you have been released from prison, they won't let her go. And her life will be in danger. Do you understand me?"

Richard nodded softly. "If it is eventually true that he killed my father, I will make sure he rues the day he was born." Seo-joon took in deep breaths. "Lets hope it doesn't get to that. You are not a murderer son. Whatever we find out, we will leave it to the police and the courts to decide his fate." And with that, Seo-joon left the office.

Richard stood up from the sofa with the glass of cognac still in his hand, and glared round his new office. The office is about 50 x 20 in length and width, with ergonomic furniture. The lighting in the office, meticulously done in the floors and the ceiling for perfect illumination during night time. The office also caught the view of the city's skyline and the ports. A bookshelf built with mahogany wood stood at the right side of the office. And beside it is a wall safe.

Richard gulped the last of his drink and put down the glass. He glared at the beauty of the city while he thought about all that transpired earlier. The video played over and over again in his head and he became enraged. At this point, Richard didn't know if he could have patience with Seo-joon till enough evidence is acquired. He wanted blood. But the thought of his sister flashed through his mind and he shelved his quest thirst for vengeance.

'I need to go get Anna out of that house first. Her safety is of paramount importance. When all is set, then the game will begin.' Richard thought. Sitting down on his comfortable chair, he reminesced about his days in prison, and the code he wrote. Remembering the code, Richard opened the laptop on his table and started creating his masterpiece.

"Where has that stupid wife of yours gone to Maurice?" Megan asked disdainfully." Maurice scoffed. "Who cares. She can jump into a lagoon for all I care. I have better concerns." Susan chuckled. "You mean Yu Yan Xing?" Maurice's eyes widened. "How did you know? She drives me crazy. Whenever I see her, my body starts shaking like an epileptic patient." They all laughed heartily. 

"Well I think she's a good match for you." Megan added. "Are you kidding me? Her older brother is married to the youngest daughter of the King of Thailand. Do you know what that would mean for me? For our family? Her in-laws can facilitate the penetration of our business in the Thai market and expand our market share and net worth. I can have the opportunity to meet with world leaders and climb higher in the society." Christine nodded. "But how are you going to get rid of Anna?" The question struck Maurice like lightning.

"I haven't figured that part out yet. Lord daddy has to sign off on it first, since he was the one who arranged our marriage in the first." Megan waved her head. "You are in quite a pickle bro." Maurice nodded. "That is absolutely correct sis. But eventually, I will find a way to kick her out. I can't stand that girl. She's like a bundle of misery and depression hanging on my neck." Christine smiled. "And what do you think mum would say about all it?"

Maurice frowned. "I don't understand the reason for your sarcastic inquisition. You sound like you are not happy that I would finally kick that lowlife wife of mine out of this house and be free to marry who my heart desires." 

"Yes Christine. What's with the unnecessary questions? Mum isn't here is she? Since Lord daddy put her in-charge of the company's operations in Europe, she barely comes back home. We haven't seen her in three years, so why are you bothered?" Megan scolded Christine. Christine raised both hands in surrender. 

"Fine. I am only looking out for my brother. I haven't seen Yu Yan Xing here before, neither have I seen her call Maurice before. A girl who is truly interested in a man would do these things to show that. That's all am saying. So Maurice doesn't loose what he already has." Maurice snorted.

"I am the heir to the throne of Unijack empire. I don't need her to call or visit me. Those things are for poor people. I can fly her to London, New York, Malta and Dubai. And shop for her at the most exotic places in these countries and still order her lunch from Milan without scratching the surface of my wealth." Megan clapped. "Yeah bro. That's how the wealthy talk. I doubt she won't be impressed by your eloquence and grandeur. Now can I get that Gucci bag you promised me already?" Maurice giggled. "Of course sis."

Some kilometres away, Anna laughed heartily at Ji-Hoon's joke. She can't remember when last she laughed that hard and the feeling was exhilarating. They both sat on the withered leaves in Pudong Jinhai Wetland park enjoying the company of each other. Anna's heart flustered with joy and happiness in Ji-Hoon's presence.

At that moment, Anna felt like the first sunny warm day after a protracted and shitty winter. Her head was in the clouds but feet on the ground at the same time. She felt like being lost, but in the right direction. Ji-Hoon on the other hand, looked at Anna like an answered prayer. 

He wasn't sure how to handle his feelings, but he was sure he couldn't go any more day without seeing her. There was a special equanimity about her that gives him peace and hope. Falling for Anna was as unintentional as knocking over a stone, but Ji-Hoon couldn't help it. Her beauty, humility, intelligence and incredible talent is something he has never seen in other women he has been with.

Anna remembered her personal resolution and turned to Ji-Hoon. Looking straight into his lush green eyes, she asked. "Can you tell me more about yourself Ji-Hoon? I know almost nothing about you." Ji-Hoon smiled. "Well Anna, I am an only child and also an orphan. I never knew my parents because they died in a tragic accident when I was still a baby. I was raised by my grandmother and uncle." 

His words struck a chord in Anna and she started crying. But instead of asking why she was crying, Ji-Hoon just came closer and cuddled her. Anna couldn't believe that she and Ji-Hoon had so much in common. And his story made her connect with him even more. When Ji-Hoon cuddled her, Anna felt jolts of electricity rush through her veins. It was like repairing an old factory machine and switching it on.

Anna raised her head and looked into Ji-Hoon's eyes and knew that heaven exists. The soft evening autumn breeze blew her her over and around as Ji-Hoon's eyes peered into her soul. Anna couldn't imagine spending a day without him. As the both looked at each other, their heads started coming closer and closer till their lips locked together. 

At that moment, Anna felt like the world stood still as Ji-Hoon's soft and pink lips caressed hers so gently and smoothly. Ji-Hoon closed his eyes and felt true bliss for the first time in his life. He felt like he was walking on water, or flying without wings. The more he kissed her, the more he knew that he couldn't lie to her for a long time. It wasn't meant to get personal, but only a stone or log of wood could resist such an impeccable woman.

Whatever the consequences of his actions would bring, he was ready to face it wholeheartedly. He has found his heartthrob, and nothing would make him loose the opportunity of spending time with her at every possible chance.

On the 35th floor of Druixgenix Technologies, Richard worked relentlessly in his tech lab. He hasn't gone home for over two weeks and has eaten very little food. His heart beat was faster than it should be, and his eyes red because of lack of sleep and lots of coffee. But how could he eat or sleep when he was close to creating a groundbreaking technology?

On his work table was laptops, heat sensors, solar panels, varieties of conductors and insulators. There was also a glass orb placed on a mechanical tripod, with a magnet at it's base. It was almost midnight when Richard typed in the last piece of code into his computer and hit the enter button. What happened next is truly mind wobbling. 

There was multiple sparks on the equipments and the lab and the lights went off. Richard peered through the darkness, but even his dilated pupils couldn't catch a flicker of light. Then suddenly, his computer came on. And seconds later, the glass orb lighted up slowly. 

A voice spoke from the orb. "Shrppgfsi hahgfdyeio jsgcfwujjvs gehugrqusnthhb dbdjwjbwyvvsjjv ejdbeuiwggrwuutvvcsj sbdhdjhbrvhhsjhrvcwiiurvg jebbdijrhsbbirnhgvdjjdbb dnbvqqywvdbbdodbdvdheknf sjebhuwjbevvstwijfvgei sjebhdhwjiieg." Richard almost fell off his chair when he heard the voice. Though it sounded like gibberish, Richard felt it means something, so he quickly went back to the source code and tweaked it a bit.

"Hello my name is Frana. It's nice to meet you. Where are I? What am I doing here?" Richard couldn't believe his eyes and ears. The female voice sounded like his mum's voice. He named it after the toy his father bought for him. Richard took a moment to marvel at his creation, before going back to work.

At that moment, he couldn't wait to show Seo-joon and the board members what he has created. A self aware artificial intelligence is technology way ahead of its time, and Richard has just created one. The next step was to go get his sister out of the Cheung house, then he would give them a taste of their own medicine.