Golden Spoon Investor

Savannah, Georgia, USA.

Located about 15 kilometers away from the city center, several large, modern buildings stood near the international airport.

These buildings housed the headquarters and factory of Gulfstream, a renowned aircraft manufacturer famous for producing business jets.

Seok-won, who had come with Landon to order a private jet, was wearing a white safety helmet labeled "VIP." Following the guidance of the representative, he first toured the factory.

"As you can see, our factory boasts a massive size of over 8 million square feet. That's roughly the area of about 140 soccer fields combined," said Wallace, a blonde Gulfstream sales executive, in a cheerful tone, proudly explaining the factory.

"From airframe assembly to painting and final inspections, our skilled technicians craft aircraft step-by-step in separate factory buildings under strict procedures."

Inside the enormous and wide factory buildings, whose ceilings easily surpassed five stories in height, several business jets were lined up in a long row, being assembled one by one in sequence. It was truly a magnificent sight.

Standing on the second-floor balcony overlooking the production line, Seok-won, dressed in a white shirt and casual jacket, watched with sparkling eyes.

"Amazing."

Landon, standing next to him, also wore an expression of admiration at the immense scale of the factory.

Noticing their reactions, Wallace smiled and said, "With cutting-edge technology and rigorous quality control, we ensure the creation of the finest business jets that our clients desire. If you place an order with us, you'll never regret it."

"How long does it take to deliver after placing an order?" Seok-won asked.

Wallace immediately replied, "Since all aircraft are made-to-order with fully customized options and interiors tailored to the client's preferences, the timeline varies slightly. On average, it takes about 18 to 24 months."

"That's quite a long time," Seok-won muttered, looking slightly disappointed.

"Well, aircraft aren't like fast food that you can whip up quickly. And as they say, true luxury requires time and care."

Indeed, even cars take one to two months to be delivered after an order is placed. So, it was only natural that business jets would take even longer.

Accepting this explanation, Seok-won nodded slightly. Wallace smiled and suggested, "Shall we move on to the next stage of the process?"

Following Wallace's lead, Seok-won and Landon slowly toured each stage of the production process. The sheer scale of the factory meant that even a quick tour took a considerable amount of time.

Exiting the final assembly building, they came upon a vast open field with a long, straight runway stretching out in front of them.

Nearby, more than a dozen completed business jets were neatly lined up in the adjacent parking area.

"The finished aircraft are delivered to our clients in sequence via the private runway you see ahead."

"Are all the jets parked over there newly built?" Seok-won asked.

"Yes, they are," Wallace replied, raising his arm to point to a business jet at the far left end. "That one over there is the G-IV model you're looking to order."

Since they had flown to Savannah aboard a chartered Gulfstream IV business jet, Seok-won was familiar with the model and glanced at it indifferently.

"It's quite a distance back to the office building. Please, let's use the prepared vehicles," Wallace suggested.

At Wallace's suggestion, Seok-won and Landon got into two large SUVs parked nearby.

Driving along the asphalt road beside the massive assembly factory, they arrived at the office building, a five-story concrete structure with glass exterior walls.

Entering the office building adorned with the company's prominent logo, the group was guided straight to the VIP consultation room on the third floor.

As they catered to wealthy clients, the VIP consultation room was luxuriously decorated.

A plush rug covered the floor, while the walls were adorned with paintings by famous artists and expensive-looking Chinese ceramics placed on shelves. Additionally, all the chairs and tables were premium-quality furnishings.

Once seated comfortably on the leather sofa, a slender, attractive staff member entered, placed tea and light refreshments on the table, and then left.

Wallace, seated across from them, laid out thick catalogs on the table and smiled as he looked at Seok-won.

"You may already know, but let me briefly explain the specifications again. First, the G-IV model is equipped with two Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8 engines, each boasting a powerful thrust of 13,850 pounds. It can ascend to an altitude of 13,716 meters and fly at a maximum speed of Mach 0.88."

Wearing a sky-blue tie, Wallace continued with pride evident in his expression. "The maximum flight range is 4,856 miles."

Seok-won slightly furrowed his brows and asked, "How much is that in kilometers?"

Wallace, realizing his oversight, quickly replied, "Ah, converting to kilometers, it's approximately 7,815 kilometers."

Even though the metric system had been the international standard for decades, the United States stubbornly continued using units like feet, inches, gallons, miles, and acres.

'For a country that prides itself on being rational, the U.S. can be oddly stubborn about unreasonable things,' Seok-won thought, shaking his head slightly as he recalled an incident where NASA lost an expensive Mars probe worth over $120 million due to mismatched unit conversions.

"The maximum seating capacity is 19 people, but this can change depending on the options you choose," Wallace explained while opening the catalog to discuss the options in detail.

"By default, the aircraft is equipped with first-class seats that recline 180 degrees and can double as beds. Each seat comes with a personal monitor and table."

The business jets Seok-won frequently rented for travel also had these seats installed.

"If you find these reclining seats inconvenient, you can opt for a master room with a double bed and bathroom. However, adding this would reduce the seating capacity as it takes up more space."

Wallace then showed Seok-won a cross-sectional diagram of a jet equipped with a master room and various interior design concepts.

"For the G-IV model, due to the limited fuselage size, bathrooms typically include a shower booth, sink, and toilet but no bathtub. That said, we can add a bathtub if you'd like."

Looking up from the catalog, Seok-won fixed his gaze on Wallace and asked, "If we add a bathtub, that would reduce the seating capacity further, correct?"

Wallace responded with a slightly awkward smile, "That's correct. With the limited space available, there's no way around it."

Unless he upgraded to a larger aircraft, space limitations were inevitable. Understanding this, Seok-won nodded in agreement.

'Upgrading to a larger private jet would be overly inefficient,' he thought. Most of the time, he used the jet alone or with no more than four or five others. Purchasing a jet larger than the Gulfstream IV seemed unnecessary.

"A kitchen equipped with a sink and microwave oven will be included, as well as a dining table and sofa to accommodate multiple people. The cabin will also have a large TV, making it suitable for meetings or presentations during flights. Naturally, satellite phones, radios, CD players, and DVD players are included as well."

At Wallace's signal, an assistant brought out a thick sample book and spread it on the table.

Sliding it closer for Seok-won to see, Wallace continued, "What I've just described is the basic configuration. You can further customize everything, from the material of the sofas to the colors and even the initials or logo you'd like to include."

Straightening his posture slightly, Wallace added with a proud expression, "If you desire something unique, we can specially create options that aren't even in our catalog."

There were so many options to choose from that one could easily spend an entire day deciding—even down to the faucet style in the bathroom.

Wallace, observing Seok-won leaf through the catalog, offered a simpler alternative. "Of course, if this process feels too tedious or complex, you can select one of the pre-designed interior templates we've prepared."

"I see. Well, for now..." Seok-won said after taking a sip of coffee to moisten his throat.

"Since I'll be taking long-haul flights often, I'll definitely need a master room and a bathroom."

Wallace gestured to the assistant to take notes and asked, "Would you like us to include a bathtub?"

"No, a bathtub seems excessive. Let's leave it out."

"Understood."

Turning to Landon, who was seated to his left, Seok-won asked, "What do you think?"

"Well, having a bathtub wouldn't hurt, but considering the limited space, I think leaving it out is the better option," Landon replied.

Nodding in agreement, Seok-won took a folded piece of paper out of his inner pocket and placed it on the table.

"I've listed my preferences after reviewing the catalog you sent. Please follow this."

"Ah, I see."

Having a predetermined list simplified the process significantly. As Wallace picked up the paper and unfolded it, Seok-won seemed to remember something and added, "Also, I'd like all the leather in the cabin to be covered in Merino leather."

Given his past experience as a shoeshiner for half his life before his return, Seok-won had a keen eye for high-quality leather.

"As expected, you have excellent taste. Merino leather is highly breathable and remarkably resilient—nothing surpasses its quality."

After reviewing the paper again, Wallace said, "We'll carefully review your requested options and provide an accurate estimate as soon as possible."

"You mentioned it would take about two years for delivery?" Seok-won asked.

"That's the typical timeframe," Wallace confirmed.

"Is there any way to expedite the process?" Seok-won asked.

Wallace replied with a troubled expression, "I'm sorry, but production proceeds strictly in the order of received orders, so it's difficult to change the timeline."

"Hmm."

While it was disappointing to have to wait two years, Seok-won knew there was no point in rushing something that couldn't be hurried. He sighed softly, resigning himself, and didn't press further.

At that moment, Wallace hesitated briefly before speaking cautiously. "If you're not willing to wait, there is one way to receive delivery faster."

Looking intrigued, Seok-won asked, "What's that?"

"When you toured the factory earlier, you may have noticed the completed jets parked on the tarmac."

"Yes, I saw them."

"Well, a few of those aircraft are currently in a canceled contract status."

As Seok-won narrowed his eyes slightly, Wallace continued, "To be precise, these are aircraft whose original clients chose not to take delivery after failing to pay the remaining balance."

"Is there a problem with the aircraft?" Landon, seated nearby, looked skeptical.

Wallace quickly waved his hands in denial. "Oh, not at all. There are no issues with the aircraft."

Crossing his arms, Seok-won tilted his head slightly. "Then why would someone cancel after waiting two years for completion?"

"Well…" Wallace hesitated before explaining. "You may recall that earlier this year, the Federal Reserve suddenly began raising interest rates, causing significant turmoil on Wall Street."

"You mean the 'Bond Massacre'?"

"Yes, that's correct."

As someone who had made significant profits from short-selling during that period, Seok-won was well aware of it.

"Many investors who had heavily invested in bonds and stocks suffered substantial losses during the market crash. Some even went bankrupt."

Realizing what Wallace was getting at, Seok-won muttered, "So these are jets that were ordered but abandoned by those who lost money during that time."

"That's correct."

Wallace explained that the jets were fully completed but left without buyers due to the sudden withdrawal of the original clients.

Since these were not standard aircraft but customized private jets tailored with specific options, they weren't easy to sell to other clients. As a result, they had become something of a burden for the company.

"Doesn't it feel uncomfortable to buy something abandoned by bankrupt clients?" Landon asked, his expression uneasy.

Wallace quickly added, "Although they were custom orders, they've never been delivered. On paper, they're entirely new aircraft."

"But regardless of the paperwork, aren't they technically secondhand?" Landon retorted, unimpressed.

Unable to refute this, Wallace hesitated. Realizing he might have pushed too hard, he decided not to risk jeopardizing the potential sale by insisting further.

While Wallace was lost in thought, Seok-won, who had been silently contemplating, broke the silence.

"If I were to take one of those aircraft instead, when could it be delivered?"

Sensing interest, Wallace leaned forward eagerly and replied, "If we keep the airframe as is but renovate the interior, it would take about ten months."

Eyeing Wallace keenly, Seok-won clarified, "What if I want the interior as-is?"

"In that case, we could deliver it immediately, even today," Wallace said. "However…"

Interrupting him, Seok-won said firmly, "The whole point of ordering a private jet tailored to my needs is to customize it, not to settle for a pre-made interior. Otherwise, why would I even come here instead of buying secondhand elsewhere?"

"Of course, sir." Wallace nodded quickly, recognizing the reasoning.

"If you can deliver within six months, I'll sign the contract right now."

At this, Wallace frowned deeply, visibly troubled. "To renovate the interior, we'd have to reintroduce the aircraft into the production line. With other jets already in line, meeting a six-month deadline would be challenging. Honestly, the ten-month estimate I mentioned earlier is already an expedited timeline."

"In that case," Seok-won said, as if making a casual remark, "I'll purchase not just this aircraft but also two additional ones of the same model."

Wallace's eyes widened in surprise. "You're saying you'll order two more jets in addition to this one?"

Even Landon, seated next to him, looked stunned. "Boss!"

"With the company's expansion, there will be more frequent travel requiring private jets. Instead of constantly renting, it makes sense for the executives and staff to have their own aircraft."

Though purchasing private jets costing hundreds of millions of dollars, Seok-won spoke nonchalantly. "Since there are idle aircraft here, it's a good opportunity to acquire one."

Naturally, Wallace, not wanting to miss the chance, interjected enthusiastically, "Having a private jet at your disposal for any destination with an airport is a tremendous advantage for business."

While it was sudden, Landon acknowledged that, with the company's growth, they had indeed been frequently renting jets. Nodding in agreement, he asked curiously, "What about the third jet? Where will that be used?"

"That one has a separate purpose," Seok-won replied with a faint smile.

"I see."

Landon didn't press further, and Wallace, barely able to contain his excitement, eagerly asked, "So, you're ordering a total of three jets?"

"That's correct."

The thought of selling not just one but three jets—including one that might have become dead stock—filled Wallace with delight. He struggled to suppress the grin spreading across his face.

"Let me prepare a new contract right away. Please wait just a moment."

"Hold on," Landon interrupted as Wallace prepared to summon an assistant.

"Yes? Is there an issue?" Wallace asked.

"Given that the aircraft is technically secondhand, there should be a discount," Landon said firmly.

"Ah… Of course. For the aircraft, excluding the interior, we can offer a 5% discount," Wallace replied with a somewhat hesitant expression.

While slightly disappointing, Wallace was prepared to offer this discount as it was within his discretionary authority. After all, the value of the jets would continue to depreciate the longer they sat idle.

However, Landon shook his head disapprovingly and countered, "Make it 20%."

"What? These jets have only undergone a few test flights—they're practically brand new. A 20% discount is impossible!" Wallace protested vehemently.

Unmoved, Landon retorted, "Whether you call it new or not, they are technically secondhand. And given that we're purchasing three jets at once, a significant discount is only fair, don't you think?"

He added shamelessly, "If that's not possible, we can always look into Dassault or Bombardier. Honestly, we're open to any manufacturer."

Wallace looked pleadingly at Seok-won, hoping for some support, but Seok-won remained silent, folding his arms and pretending not to notice. He had clearly decided to leave the negotiations entirely to Landon.

After a long internal struggle, Wallace let out a deep groan and reluctantly conceded. "Fine. We'll do it at 20%."

Hearing this, Landon turned to Seok-won with a triumphant expression, as if asking for praise. Seok-won, looking satisfied, nodded slightly in approval.

"I'll have the contracts updated immediately," Wallace said, barely managing to conceal his frustration.

"Please take your time," Seok-won replied, leaning back in his seat with a calm smile.

The negotiation concluded, and Wallace hurriedly left the room to arrange the revised contracts. Landon turned to Seok-won, unable to hide his grin. "Boss, that went well, didn't it?"

"You handled it perfectly," Seok-won replied, his tone relaxed.

TL/n -

The NASA Mars Climate Orbiter disaster, which occurred in 1999, was caused by a mix-up between the imperial and metric systems. The spacecraft was lost because of a miscommunication between two teams that were working on the mission.

One team, working on the spacecraft's propulsion system, used imperial units (pounds-force) to measure the amount of thrust. Meanwhile, another team, handling the navigation and software system, used the metric system (newtons) for the same measurements. When the data from the two systems were combined, the spacecraft's navigation software was given incorrect information, leading it to enter the Martian atmosphere at the wrong angle. This caused the orbiter to disintegrate.

In short, a simple but critical mistake in converting between units led to the loss of the $125 million Mars Climate Orbiter.