Real Man

“When they wanted to abandon Enertex, they said it was their cooperative company.”

Willie Thompson added an explanation as he sat across from Yoo-hyun.

“It’s a good opportunity to plant a positive image. Thanks to that, the Exxon Mobil PR team is very happy.”

“They should be happy. They have to support shale oil more.”

“They are already forming a negotiation team. They also agreed to extend the pipeline to the Permian Basin.”

“They are fast when it comes to this.”

“Isn’t it a perfect environment for business? They are trying to increase their share in this opportunity.”

As Willie Thompson said, everything turned out well for Exxon Mobil.

It was not because the mineral lease price dropped or because Texas state gave additional support.

It might not make big money right now, but the story would change once they got a large piece of the pie.

Exxon Mobil intended to use this opportunity to put more power into shale oil.

Yoo-hyun nodded and asked.

“That’s good. How is the corporation being processed?”

“As I told you, we agreed to jointly invest in one of Exxon Mobil’s subsidiaries. The company name is Zenex Energy.”

“Zenex Energy, what kind of company is it?”

“It’s in the oil transportation sector, there is no problem. You can consider it as a clean slate right now.”

“Not bad. How about the share distribution?”

When Yoo-hyun asked, Willie Thompson handed him a document as if he had been waiting.

Swish.

“Exxon Mobil has 49 percent, and we have 51 percent as the final agreement. By the way, the structure of our shares is that Paul Chairman has 26 percent, and Steve, you have 25 percent.”

“It went as planned.”

“Yes. There was no interference.”

“The assets and infrastructure are rented from Exxon Mobil, right?”

“That’s right. Except for the operation of the cooperative company, all assets belong to Exxon Mobil. Zenex Energy reduced the proportion of dividends based on sales in exchange for paying rent.”

There was a reason why Exxon Mobil accepted Yoo-hyun’s proposal.

They thought that the sales of shale oil would not increase much, so they wanted to preserve their profits by charging rent.

This was what Yoo-hyun wanted.

Thanks to them taking over the unnecessary real estate, the corporate value of Zenex Energy was very low.

That was why Yoo-hyun was able to secure a large share of 25 percent with 100 million dollars (120 billion won).

Of course, at the current level, there would be no profit left after paying rent.

That’s why Exxon Mobil also thought it was a fair deal.

But they overlooked one thing.

What if the shale oil production reaches the critical point?

What if the increase rate of production accelerates?

The center of gravity of energy would shift to shale oil in an instant.

They just had to hold on until then.

If they could do that, the corporate value of Zenex Energy would skyrocket.

‘At least 10 times? No, maybe 20 times?’

Yoo-hyun could not predict the exact figure.

He just expected that a big fruit would fall in about two years.

Yoo-hyun wrapped up the successful negotiation at this point.

The share settlement was over, and now the only thing left was the operation plan.

For this, he needed someone who would play a pivotal role.

Yoo-hyun mentioned his name.

“I see. Did John agree to take the CEO position?”

“The final decision is only left. Ellis is persuading him, so we’ll hear from him soon.”

“There’s no one like him.”

“I think the same.”

“Hmm…”

Yoo-hyun nodded and recalled what Jeong Da-hye had said.

-To avoid repeating Enertex’s mistake, the representative of the company should be a shale industry expert. He should have a broad and proactive vision. From that perspective, there is no one but John Heinley.

Even if she had not recommended him, Yoo-hyun had planned to put John Heinley as the representative.

It was not only because of his career or skills.

To spread their know-how to other cooperative companies, it was the fastest way for him to step up.

Through this, Heinley Resources’ cutting-edge system and efficient operation method would quickly spread.

It was a necessary step for Zenex Energy to become the center of shale oil.

That way, they could advance the popularization of shale oil.

As Yoo-hyun envisioned the upcoming future, Willie Thompson asked.

“Steve, is there anything you are worried about?”

“No. Not at all. I’m just thinking about when to leave.”

“To New York?”

“Yes. I have to see Ellis finish it.”

With the launch of Zenex Energy, Jeong Da-hye’s work here was all done.

The only thing left was to put an end to the relationship with Sprintcom.

Yoo-hyun wanted to be with her in that process.

Willie Thompson, who understood the overall situation, nodded.

“You don’t have to worry about bumping into Tony Cohen. He will be fired from Sprintcom soon.”

“Not a voluntary resignation?”

“He has committed too many crimes besides this one. He will not only be fired, but also sued.”

“I see.”

Did he get the desired result?

Yoo-hyun did not care much about Tony Cohen.

He did not care how much he would pay for the lawsuit.

He just shrugged it off.

Willie Thompson also changed the subject quickly.

“Please let me know if you need anything. I’ll help you until the end.”

“There is something I want to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“That is…”

Yoo-hyun said, and Willie Thompson listened with a serious expression.

Meanwhile, Exxon Mobil’s experts were dispatched to Zenex Energy.

Their infrastructure and system, which belonged to the top company, melted into the new company.

Thanks to that, Zenex Energy was able to settle down quickly.

When the sun rises, the darkness fades away.

Around the time when Zenex Energy officially made its name, Enertex completely disappeared.

The Enertex building had a sign of Zenex Energy.

The exterior and interior of the building also changed completely.

When all the preparations were done, a banner was hung at the entrance of the building.

-Zenex Energy Launch Ceremony.

There was an outdoor stage set up next to the entrance.

It was the place for the launch ceremony announcement, and behind the podium with a microphone, there were chairs laid out for the VIPs.

Yoo-hyun was there.

He scanned the reporters next to the stage, then looked down at the ground below.

It was buzzing.

The employees of the subcontractors under Genex Energy were chatting freely.

They were all wearing field work clothes.

Then, someone’s loud voice came.

“John! You look handsome!”

He turned his head and saw the protagonist of today’s launch ceremony walking confidently.

It was John Henley.

Yoo-hyun smirked when he saw his face.

“John shaved his beard.”

“I guess he’s very determined.”

Jeong Da-hye, who was next to him, also covered her mouth and giggled.

Amelia Bruson, who was holding her hand, tilted her head in confusion.

Jeong Da-hye explained kindly to the little girl’s ear.

“That uncle had a beard like this on his chin, but…”

Then, the little girl laughed and pointed to Grier Bruson, who was sitting behind her.

“My grandfather has more beard. It’s very fluffy.”

“Well, cowboys need beards.”

Grier Bruson stroked his chin in front of his adorable granddaughter.

Jessica Bruson looked at her husband with disdain.

The launch ceremony proceeded in a somewhat relaxed atmosphere.

There was no special formality like in Korea.

Click. Click.

John Henley stood in front of the podium, receiving the camera shutter baptism.

He seemed to have prepared in advance, as he had a speech ready.

He unfolded the paper and threw a challenge to the employees.

-I’m John Henley, the new representative of Genex Energy. I grew up in Texas since I was a kid, followed my father into the oil industry, and developed shale oil in the Permian Basin for over 10 years. And…

Grier Bruson was annoyed by his more conservative than expected speech.

“What is he doing? Just do what I told him.”

“What did you tell him?”

Yoo-hyun asked, and Grier Bruson waved his hand and changed the subject.

“No, no. He’s always been stubborn since he was a kid, and he can’t handle being a representative.”

“John would be hurt if he heard that. He told me several times that he was close to you, Mr. Grier.”

“Close my ass. He only bothered me by expanding his business unnecessarily. Anyway, he’s no good. It would be much better if Ellis was the CEO.”

Grier Bruson pointed to Jeong Da-hye bluntly, and Yoo-hyun shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t know. She said she wouldn’t do it.”

“How can I be a representative?”

Jeong Da-hye, who was bewildered, raised his voice.

“Why not? You’re much smarter and more competent than that guy. Does anyone say you’re young?”

“Of course not. I wouldn’t let them if they did.”

“Then take it, Ellis. I’ll give you the land as you want.”

Grier Bruson thought he was doing it for Jeong Da-hye.

It was an amazing offer, but Jeong Da-hye drew a line firmly.

“Don’t say that, boss. The assets are not something you can give away based on personal friendship. That’s not good for you either.”

“It’s not that…”

“Stop it, you. If Ellis says so, then that’s it.”

Jessica Bruson pulled her husband’s arm before he could even argue.

He had nothing more to say here.

He knew very well that it was a sincere request from Jeong Da-hye before she left.

“Hmph.”

Grier Bruson adjusted his cowboy hat in vain.

Swoosh.

He glanced back and met John Henley’s eyes.

He waved his hand as if to hurry him up, and John Henley nodded.

The prepared speech flowed out of John Henley’s mouth, who put down the paper.

-I’ve explained my history at length, but it wasn’t possible with my own effort alone. Many people helped me. Among them, there is one person I especially want to thank.

With that, John Henley pulled the microphone from the stand.

Then he turned around and pointed to Jeong Da-hye, who was sitting in the VIP seat.

-It’s the best consultant, Ellis. Ellis, thanks to your stubbornness and whipping, I was able to move forward without wavering. Thank you.

John Henley winked at her, and Jeong Da-hye was dumbfounded.

“Why is he like that, really.”

It was supposed to be a launch ceremony.

No matter what, it was not appropriate to talk about personal matters in front of the employees.

In a word, this was John Henley’s overdoing.

Jeong Da-hye thought so, but the employees were different.

They called out Jeong Da-hye’s name from here and there.

“Ellis!”

“Ellis is the best!”

“Ellis, thank you!”

The scattered voices gathered together and grew louder.

Jeong Da-hye blinked in surprise at the sudden atmosphere.

“Why…”

Jeong Da-hye was not an employee of the same company, but a consultant from an external company.

She worked with them, but that was only to satisfy her customers.

She didn’t give them any direct benefits.

Yet the employees treated her as if she was a retiring colleague.

Was this a reasonable thing?

Yoo-hyun lifted her up.

“Da-hye, you have to greet the people who are looking for you.”

“…”

“Ellis, go ahead and say something. Let’s finish this quickly.”

Grier Bruson also urged her from behind.

He sounded grumpy, but his eyes were very warm.

“Hoo.”

Jeong Da-hye took a breath and stepped forward as if she had made up her mind.

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