Mining And Construction Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 117

117. Solar Apartment Construction Plan (2)

Tae-soo introduced the head of the planning and coordination office of the Solar Group.

“We have brought in the best of the best from overseas.”

“Hello, I am Song So-ri, the head of the Planning and Coordination Office of the Solar Group.”

As Song So-ri bowed, silence fell over the room.

An unprecedented event in the social circles of the 1970s had just occurred.

‘The head of the Planning and Coordination Office is such a young woman?’

‘Could she be the chairman’s…?’

‘She must be a parachute appointment [a job given based on connections, not merit]. No one in their right mind would…….’

The Solar Group employees were dumbfounded by this unbelievable reality.

Their eyes were full of disbelief.

It was a look that clearly conveyed: ‘This doesn’t seem right.’

Mumbling rippled through the room.

Whispering intensified.

Tae-soo addressed the Solar Group employees, who were visibly agitated.

“Solar Group will be a company that values ability over gender and age. Promotions will be determined by performance, not by seniority or entry date.”

Tae-soo pointed to Song So-ri and continued,

“So, before you question, ‘Why is this young woman in such a high position?’ I encourage you to observe, ‘What outstanding abilities does a person who has risen to such a high position possess?'”

As the focus of the question shifted, the murmuring subsided.

“If she lacks the ability, she won’t be able to maintain this position, and someone more capable will take her place. Prove your own abilities as well. We will provide a title that suits your accomplishments.”

Curiosity and motivation began to replace disbelief and criticism.

In particular, young and ambitious employees clenched their fists, their eyes gleaming with determination.

Tae-soo said calmly.

“If you aspire to improve your skills, Solar Group will support you. We have arranged technical study abroad programs in the United States and Germany. We will also expand the number of professional and advanced research personnel in the Technology Research Institute.”

Technical study abroad!

In an era when even high school graduates were a rarity.

Most of the employees present were from the generation that had directly experienced the Korean War.

Or they belonged to a generation still grappling with the poverty caused by the war.

Education was not an opportunity easily afforded to them.

“The world offers more favorable opportunities to those with higher education. Seize this opportunity and nurture your dreams. Know that Solar Group and I, Kang Tae-soo, stand firmly behind you.”

Solar Group employees swallowed hard, the opportunity sounding so dreamlike they could scarcely believe their ears.

“The Solar Apartment project will be the most crucial battle that determines the future of the Solar Group.”

Tae-soo declared with unwavering resolve.

“We will mobilize all the capabilities of the Solar Group to win the Gangnam development war, no matter the cost!”

Gangnam was a land of gold, where land prices had skyrocketed hundreds of thousands, even millions, of times in just four decades.

With the future of real estate, poised to dominate the wealth of the metropolitan area, hanging in the balance, the chaebol [large South Korean conglomerates] companies were fiercely competitive.

It was a battlefield where construction companies would fight tooth and nail, driven by Park Jung-hwan’s vision to develop Gangnam.

“We will ensure that no one can dismiss our Solar Group as just another new company. We will indelibly imprint our name on their minds. When it comes to apartments, Solar will be recognized as the best in Korea!”

A large drawing of an apartment complex was displayed behind Tae-soo.

It depicted a sprawling apartment complex spanning a whopping 85,000 pyeong [approximately 68 acres], comprising 58 buildings and housing 4,824 households.

In terms of sheer scale and facilities, it would likely be the premier apartment complex in Korea for a long time to come.

“Korea’s finest luxury brand apartment – we, Solar, will build it!”

“Waaaaah-!”

“That’s all.”

“Uwaaaaah-!”

The Solar Group’s unity retreat concluded with a thunderous roar of applause and cheers.

* * *

Park Jung-hwan’s office in the Blue House [the executive office and official residence of the South Korean president].

Han Cheong-ho met with Park Jung-hwan, carrying an apple box as a gift.

“Your Excellency, Cheongil also wishes to participate in the Gangnam development.”

Park Jung-hwan paused his fountain pen.

He was actively promoting the development of Gangnam alongside the policy of fostering heavy and chemical industries.

When he looked up, Han Cheong-ho was sitting with the rigid posture of a soldier.

“In 1972, the Gangnam apartment development began when Korea Housing Corporation built Jugong Apartments in Banpo-dong.”

This was precisely what Park Jung-hwan had ordered.

As industries concentrated in the metropolitan area, so did the population.

Park Jung-hwan aimed to develop apartments to efficiently accommodate a large population on a limited land area.

In particular, chaebol companies were eagerly eyeing the Gangnam apartment development in conjunction with the broader Gangnam development plan.

“Geumsan has announced their intention to build Geumsan Apartments in Apgujeong-dong.”

Before development, the area around Apgujeong-dong consisted primarily of orchards and vegetable fields.

The site where Geumsan planned to build its apartment complex was also a sandy beach along the Han River.

It was land that Geumsan had secured by reclaiming public waters to store heavy equipment imported from abroad during the construction of the Gyeongbu Expressway.

“I heard that you permitted them to build apartments on a site that would become prime real estate after the completion of the Third Han River Bridge in 1969.”

Geumsan initially stated they would build employee housing there.

Then Park Jung-hwan instructed them to build apartments instead, citing the favorable views.

“I will build apartments in Daechi-dong.”

While Apgujeong-dong was a sandy beach by the Han River with orchards and vegetable fields, Daechi-dong was a barren gravel field where even orchards struggled to grow.

The land price was significantly lower.

However, it was flat and well-suited for large-scale construction.

Therefore, Han Cheong-ho had turned his attention to Daechi-dong.

“We will construct roads through donation and build plenty of schools. Please grant us permission.”

Park Jung-hwan smiled knowingly.

Then Han Cheong-ho quickly pushed the apple box forward, offering it as a bribe.

“Too late.”

It was a rejection.

Han Cheong-ho closed his eyes, momentarily defeated.

‘Am I out of favor because I framed Kang Tae-soo and the King of Saudi Arabia?’

That’s why I prepared two boxes of apples.

Park Jung-hwan placed his fountain pen on the desk with a decisive thud.

“Daechi-dong – Kang Tae-soo will build there.”

Kang Tae-soo!

Han Cheong-ho clenched his fist, barely managing to maintain his composure and force a smile.

“Doesn’t Your Excellency know that Cheongil can build faster, more reliably, and to a higher standard? Give Daechi-dong to Cheongil.”

“I heard it’s 85,000 pyeong.”

Park Jung-hwan’s meaning was immediately clear.

It was the land in Daechi-dong that Kang Tae-soo had already purchased.

Han Cheong-ho secretly bit his lip in frustration.

‘Kang Tae-soo, you damn bastard! You snatched the land I had my eye on first!’

Park Jung-hwan stared intently at Han Cheong-ho and spoke.

“I heard you are comforting my daughter, who is in despair?”

Han Cheong-ho was startled.

‘Does he know that I put pseudo-pastor Choi Tae-moon on her?’

Cold sweat began to trickle down his spine.

He had approached Young-ae Park Kyung-hye, who was grieving after the death of Young-buin Oh Young-soon.

His true intention was to steal the ciphertext [encrypted message].

“My daughter has been smiling faintly these days. I know you’re taking care of her, and I appreciate it.”

“T, thank you.”

It was a veiled message: Park Jung-hwan knew that Han Cheong-ho had placed Choi Tae-moon near her, but he would allow it to continue.

Han Cheong-ho bowed deeply.

“I simply wanted to be of assistance in helping Young-ae overcome her sadness…….”

“Stop talking nonsense and make your choice.”

Park Jung-hwan asked bluntly.

“So, where is it?”

The location where Cheongil wants to build apartments.

* * *

Han Cheong-ho continuously wiped his forehead with a handkerchief.

He had just left Park Jung-hwan’s office, and his clothes were soaked with cold sweat.

It was September, and the late summer heat was intense, but this was undoubtedly sweat born of sheer tension.

‘How much does Park Jung-hwan know?’

He felt deeply uneasy.

He was profoundly unsettled by Park Jung-hwan’s behavior.

‘Damn it!’

There was no point in dwelling on his worries.

It was better to address the future when it arrived.

‘Park Jung-hwan’s leash. I just need to secure that quickly.’

He had to push Choi Tae-moon harder when he returned.

Even if he had to harass Park Kyung-hye, even if he had to use honeyed words, he had to uncover the ciphertext.

Han Cheong-ho shouted nervously to Secretary Park.

“Find out about land in Daechi-dong and Jamsil.”

“Land?”

“I have to build apartments.”

Secretary Park was puzzled.

“Do I have to inquire about both locations?”

“Cheongil Apartments will be built in Jamsil.”

“Then what about Daechi-dong?”

“Am I just going to stand by and watch that bastard succeed while twiddling my thumbs?”

No matter what, he would thwart Kang Tae-soo’s plans!

Han Cheong-ho gritted his teeth.

* * *

The unity retreat in Jeju Island was over, and Tae-soo and the key executives returned to Seoul by plane.

While taking a taxi from the airport, Han-soo asked.

“Hyung [older brother or close male friend], I wish your parents had come on the plane with us, but why did you recommend the passenger ship?”

All the other Solar Group employees were traveling on a passenger ship borrowed from Geumsan.

“It’s safer to travel with the miners to Gangwon-do.”

Not only the miners Park Tae-jong had provided, but also the rough men trained with pickaxes were reliable.

They would likely be excellent bodyguards.

“Holjjuk, we’re going to see Grandma after a long time.”

Holjjuk’s grandma lived separately in Seoul.

When Holjjuk worked in the Gangwon-do mine, Grandma also lived in Gangwon-do with Tae-soo’s parents.

However, after Holjjuk went to the Middle East, she insisted on living in the Seoul house that Tae-soo had bought for her.

-I have my own house, why would I live here?

-I have my own land, I have to manage it, who will manage it?

He said he couldn’t dissuade her.

That’s how Holjjuk’s grandma returned to Seoul.

The Yeongdeungpo village where she had become attached had been demolished due to redevelopment, so her close friends would have scattered, leaving her lonely.

“I want to see our grandma soon.”

Perhaps due to the training she received from Secretary Song, Holjjuk had become quite mature.

Holjjuk rummaged through his bag and took something out.

“What is this?”

“A letter from the teacher.”

“Secretary Song?”

There were two letters in total.

He started reading the letter with the number 1 written on it first.

Kim Yong-sik is very excellent. He shows more talent in lobbying than President Kim Bong-nam of Cheongil Chemical. He is especially the best in business dinners. Please use him carefully.>

There was also a separate recommended position.

He is perfect as the head of the Solar Group’s public relations office.>

The main job of the public relations department is to promote companies, businesses, and products.

However, Cheongil Group did not operate the public relations department in a conventional manner.

The hidden function of the public relations department was different.

‘Creating and storing Cheongil Group’s secret information documents, and lobbying.’

In Cheongil, it was written as public relations office, but it functioned as an intelligence office.

‘Entertaining related public officials and partner companies, and digging up information. It was in charge of lobbying. In fact, it is also a place where Holjjuk briefly worked before he showed his talent in sales.’

Tae-soo, who had worked at Cheongil Group for a long time, also planned to operate the public relations department in that way.

Secretary Song also agreed.

‘We can’t always rely on Elder Jang Mal-dong for information.’

It was time for Solar to gradually gather information and build influence and connections in related departments.

‘If you’re just doing a small business, you don’t need to do this, but if you’re a chaebol company, you can’t help but get involved in the interests of the political and business world. It’s a must.’

Information is power.

It is even more crucial when it comes to large business transactions.

So you have to entrust it to someone you can trust and entrust it to.

To a guy like Holjjuk.

‘Han Il-kwon entrusted that job to Kim Jae-hak.’

Kim Jae-hak is the son of Kim Bong-nam of Cheongil Chemical and Han Cheong-ho’s right-hand man.

He was also the guy who ridiculed Tae-soo when Geumsan Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries was launched.

It was when Tae-soo took out the second letter.

“Oh! I see it! It’s our house!”

Holjjuk stuck his head out the window and pointed to the house over there.

It’s the house Tae-soo bought for him.

“Han-soo, do you see it over there? That’s our house! Over there! There!”

A farmhouse could be seen nestled among the mulberry fields.

Han-soo stretched his neck to get a better view.

“What? Where?”

“There, near Seokchon Lake, where the mulberry trees are overgrown. There are only two houses attached to each other. Our house and Tae-soo’s house.”

Come to think of it, he could see two or so old houses.

“Isn’t it a warehouse?”

“That’s definitely a house where people live? I have the house deed and land deed properly. It’s just that the warehouse is bigger than the house, but it’s our house.”

Han-soo’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Tae-soo.

“You made a lot of money with molybdenum and bought Yong-sik hyung’s house. But it was just this kind of house?”

He made a lot of fuss.

“It’s going to be a golden land soon.”

Tae-soo had deliberately bought a farmhouse in Jamsil.

In the past, when Cheongil Land was built, the Cheongil Land project itself almost had to be abandoned because of these two houses.

Because of the two houses that were blocking the most central part of Cheongil Land.

‘In the previous life, I barely secured the land where Cheongil Land would be built after I stepped in. But this time, I quickly ate it first.’

The reason why Tae-soo took the trouble to persuade them and buy the house and land was obvious.

‘It’s obvious that Han Cheong-ho is eyeing the land. The two places that Han Cheong-ho was proud of for his insight throughout his life, Daechi-dong and Jamsil.’

Cheongil Construction rose to prominence with Cheongil Apartments in Daechi-dong and Cheongil Land in Jamsil.

It was Park Cheol-wan who spearheaded the projects, but the credit all went to his successor, Lee Moon-bok.

‘So I prepared in advance.’

As soon as Tae-soo made money with molybdenum, he bought land to build apartments in Daechi-dong.

Also, in Jamsil, he bought exactly two houses and gave one house to Holjjuk.

The remaining one house belongs to Tae-soo.

After that, he started buying land little by little in Jamsil.

To secure land for building apartments.

‘Try to use your power. I’m going to sell this land.’

When Cheongil came to the molybdenum mine, the answer was always the same.

-I won’t sell it!

It will be the same this time.