Mining And Construction Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 165

165. The Most Extravagant Wedding in the World (2)

Taesu said,

“I heard you prepared a lavish wedding. You must have gone through a lot of trouble.”

His words felt pointed, carrying an undercurrent of accusation.

Especially since the wedding was being used as a pretext for a major operation.

“I don’t recall sending an invitation to the Taeyang Group.”

It was a blatant rebuke, a clear message that he wasn’t welcome.

But Taesu smiled shamelessly.

He reached into his coat and pulled out a blue card.

“I received an invitation like this, though.”

It was a real invitation, leaving no room for doubt.

Han Cheong-ho frowned.

“I didn’t authorize an invitation to be sent to the Taeyang Group. There must have been a mistake.”

“Indeed. I wasn’t planning on gracing the occasion either, but I came out of courtesy.”

“I have no desire to exchange courtesies with you.”

“It would be best to smile in front of the cameras, though.”

Click, click, click, click.

The press was capturing Taesu’s every move as if he were a celebrity, eager for a scoop.

The women who came to attend the wedding were all watching Taesu, drawn to his presence.

“Weren’t you gathering the press to improve Cheongil’s image?”

Forced, Han Cheong-ho put on a fake smile, playing along for the cameras.

Click, click, click, click.

Taesu and Han Cheong-ho exchanged meaningful smiles, each hiding their true intentions.

‘Kang Taesu, today is the day.’

‘Han Cheong-ho, today is the day.’

Two men with the same thought, envisioning different futures, locked in a silent battle.

Han Cheong-ho sneered in a small voice amidst his forced smile.

“Why don’t you try to win over Jeon Doo-ho like you did with Park Jeong-hwan? I don’t think it’s possible.”

“I don’t think that’s possible either.”

“You know your place.”

Taesu grinned.

“Of course. Does President Jeon Doo-ho even deserve to be president?”

Meaning there was no reason to win over Jeon Doo-ho, who wasn’t even the real power.

“Insolent bastard. Kang Taesu, you’ll regret this.”

“That’s what you should be saying to yourself.”

“Our in-law gave you a chance, didn’t he? If you had offered 1 billion and bowed your head, you would have preserved the Taeyang Group’s reputation.”

“Before worrying about the Taeyang Group’s reputation, you should worry about Cheongil Group’s finances.”

Taesu grinned.

“I heard you’re on the verge of bankruptcy?”

Han Cheong-ho bit his lip tightly, anger flashing in his eyes.

“Just you wait. See if Cheongil goes bankrupt or not. See if the Taeyang Group’s reputation comes crashing down or not.”

“Shall we bet on it?”

An invisible spark flew between Taesu and Han Cheong-ho, the air thick with animosity.

“Kang Taesu, the Taeyang Group should be afraid of tomorrow.”

“Isn’t the Cheongil Group afraid of today? You’ve made a big bet with your life on the line, so even if you regret it, it will be hard to turn back.”

There was a barb in Taesu’s words, a subtle threat that hung in the air.

That gaze, as if he saw through everything, was unsettling. He knew Han Cheong-ho’s plans, or so it seemed.

He knew it well from experience.

Han Cheong-ho became uneasy.

‘Has information about the operation leaked?’

Han Cheong-ho swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure.

“Kang Taesu, what does that mean?”

“The wedding.”

Marriage is also a big bet with one’s life on the line, so even if you regret it, it’s hard to turn back. He was referring to the arranged marriage, but the words carried a double meaning.

But the problem was that it sounded different, more ominous.

“Don’t play innocent and talk nonsense.”

“I’ve prepared a wedding gift.”

Taesu smiled meaningfully, his expression unreadable.

It was impossible to know what he was thinking, what he was planning.

Han Cheong-ho glared coldly.

“I refuse your gift.”

“Ah, then thank you even more. I’ve saved on the congratulatory money.”

He was getting on his nerves, deliberately pushing his buttons.

Han Cheong-ho clenched his fist tightly, struggling to control his anger.

“My daughter’s wedding will be very extravagant. But more than my daughter’s happiness, your life will soon be turned upside down.”

I’ll make it happen.

I’ll throw your life into the gutter, Kang Taesu!

“I refuse. I have no intention of getting married for the time being.”

Click, click, click, click, click, click.

As the press’s flashes went off, Taesu turned his back, dismissing Han Cheong-ho.

“Dreaming of turning your life around with your daughter’s wedding, what a cruel father.”

“Take it as a compliment. Do you think you’re any different?”

“I will be different.”

“Well, I think you’re the same.”

Han Cheong-ho’s words sounded ridiculous, a desperate attempt to drag Taesu down to his level.

“I thought Han Cheong-ho was the best at reading people, but I guess I was wrong.”

“No, you’re just like me. Don’t try to deny the truth, Kang Taesu. I see Cheongil’s shadow in you.”

Cheongil’s shadow?

Taesu stopped walking, his interest piqued.

Han Cheong-ho whispered like a devil, trying to plant seeds of doubt.

“Do you think you’re good and I’m evil? Why? Because my methods are ruthless? You’re wrong. You and I are fundamentally the same.”

Han Cheong-ho’s tongue was provoking Taesu, trying to expose a hidden truth.

“I won’t deny that I got to this position through political maneuvering instead of business acumen. But isn’t that the same for you, Kang Taesu? Look back at yourself.”

No.

I’m different from Han Cheong-ho. I’m a businessman first, and I have a knack for making money. What am I lacking?

“How did the Taeyang Group grow? How did you win the Saudi construction project? How did you get Cheongil Oil? Cheongil Heavy Industries?”

Honestly, I won’t deny that politics were mixed in with business. It was unavoidable.

“Are you going to deny that we’re both aiming for the same opportunities and the same goals?”

The wedding was set as D-Day, the day everything would change.

That was the same for both Taesu and Han Cheong-ho, their fates intertwined.

“What about using people? Only the details are different, but we’re fundamentally the same kind. Parasites who dream of glory by clinging to power. We both want to be winners.”

“Indeed.”

Taesu chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“You and I are very different.”

He didn’t waver, remaining steadfast in his conviction.

Even with words that attacked him at his core, Taesu didn’t bat an eye.

“You’re wrong. You chase power, but I chase something else.”

Revenge.

And happiness.

I plan to protect my family and my life, which I couldn’t protect in my past life. That’s my driving force.

“Unlike you, I can succeed with my own abilities without clinging to power. That’s the fundamental difference between you and me.”

I smell money. It’s a gift.

I have 45 years of experience leading Cheongil. I know what I’m doing.

I created Cheongil, a global company that even Han Cheong-ho couldn’t have imagined. I have more than enough ability.

“Have you ever thought about this? That I’ve been dealing with you using your specialty, not mine.”

“What?”

“Han Cheong-ho, your specialty: being an entrepreneur who’s better at political maneuvering than business.”

Han Cheong-ho glared at Taesu with wide eyes, realization dawning on him.

Taesu was smiling, a chillingly cold smile.

“Look forward to it. See how I’m going to shatter your pride, which you’ve always boasted as the best in this field.”

There are countless ways to win a fight. It’s about exploiting weaknesses.

Each person fights in their own way, using what they’re good at, what’s advantageous. Taesu was about to turn Han Cheong-ho’s own tactics against him.

But instead of his specialty, Taesu chose something else to fight Han Cheong-ho, something far more devastating.

“Inferiority, humiliation, defeat, misery. I’m telling you to feel it properly.”

The reason for confronting Han Cheong-ho with Han Cheong-ho’s specialty instead of Taesu’s own was simple.

It’s because he knows Han Cheong-ho, a giant who has always comforted himself by boasting that he is the best in this field until his death. Taesu wanted to inflict maximum pain.

Taesu wanted to take revenge on Han Cheong-ho in the most painful way possible.

‘What’s most important to you isn’t family, it’s not success. It’s your very existence, that pride and superiority, that belief in yourself. I won’t allow it.’

Han Cheong-ho has always relieved his inferiority by crushing his competitors. Taesu was about to become his greatest challenge.

He will show him a great wall, an insurmountable obstacle.

“You’ll be pathetic until you die, remaining a loser.”

Those words, like a curse, pierced Han Cheong-ho’s heart, striking at his deepest insecurities.

“It’ll be miserable because you’ll have to watch Cheongil collapse with your own eyes.”

Taesu grinned, savoring the moment.

“The difference between you and me? Watch and see.”

With those words, Taesu walked into the wedding hall, leaving Han Cheong-ho behind.

With his back to Han Cheong-ho, he made his exit.

“Kang Taesu!”

Han Cheong-ho tried to stop Taesu, but he couldn’t because of the flood of guests, a sea of faces blocking his path.

Taesu was followed by the Taeyang Group’s president and executives, and bodyguards, a formidable entourage.

Soon, Taesu’s back was barely visible, disappearing into the crowd.

Han Cheong-ho bit his lip and clenched his fist tightly, his knuckles white.

‘Kang Taesu, I will be a winner until I die and live a glamorous life. I will never be pathetic or miserable!’

He provoked Taesu by shaking him from the root, trying to unsettle him.

But for some reason, it was Han Cheong-ho who was shaking from the root, his confidence shattered.

Han Cheong-ho ran a hand over his face and gritted his teeth, forcing himself to regain control.

‘I will be the victor, Kang Taesu!’

* * *

He went inside the wedding hall and took a seat at a table, surveying the scene.

Han Kyung-ryun members recognized Taesu and greeted him, acknowledging his power and influence.

Some of the military generals sitting in the groom’s guest seats also greeted Taesu, showing their respect.

They were the Army Chief of Staff and other high-ranking generals, a powerful presence.

Taesu exchanged eye contact with them, assessing the situation.

“You came early.”

It was Ahn Jung-woo and Jang Mal-dong, old allies and trusted confidants.

Song Jin-gu and Ahn So-jeong were also visible, part of his inner circle.

Taesu got up from his seat, leaving the Taeyang Group’s president and executives behind, and sat at Ahn Jung-woo’s table.

“How is it going?”

“The security is tighter than expected. But all of our people have entered properly.”

That was a relief, a sign that their plan was proceeding as expected.

“Did you bring all the supplies?”

“Of course. Thanks to Taeyang Electronics for developing some very good things.”

Ahn Jung-woo was holding a small remote control switch and smiling, a hint of excitement in his eyes.

“The signal is good. Good technology, huh? Are you interested in a technology alliance with our weapons factory?”

“Why don’t you just buy our products? We’ll give you a discount considering we’re allies.”

“Okay, let’s talk about business tomorrow.”

Ahn So-jeong said quietly, her voice barely audible.

“I’ve secured an escape route.”

“Good job.”

It was then, interrupting their conversation.

“Kang Taesu.”

A young woman called out to Taesu, her voice soft but clear.

When Taesu turned his head, Park Kyung-hye was smiling, a genuine smile that reached her eyes.

“The Young Lady has also come?”

“Of course. Do you see that table over there?”

Park Kyung-hye was pointing to where Park Jeong-hwan was seated, observing the wedding with a detached air.

Cha Ki-beom was also next to him, as always, a silent guardian.

“I came to deliver this to you.”

Park Kyung-hye took out a silver object from her coat, revealing it to Taesu.

“You said you needed this, right?”

“This is…….”

“It’s my mother’s keepsake.”

Park Kyung-hye placed it in Taesu’s hand, entrusting him with something precious.

“Thank you for helping my mother.”

With those words, Park Kyung-hye left the hall entrance as it was, disappearing as quickly as she had arrived.

Taesu nodded, acknowledging her gratitude and the significance of her gift.

‘Park Jeong-hwan condoned me sending this to me, knowing its importance.’

Taesu carefully examined the object, recognizing its significance.

It was a silver cigarette case with a large Blue House [the South Korean presidential residence] mark on it, a symbol of power and influence.

Taesu recognized it at a glance, understanding its connection to Park Jeong-hwan.

‘An item that is a pair with the lighter.’

The lighter is Park Jeong-hwan’s cherished treasure, a symbol of his past.

But the treasure that the First Lady hid in the Japanese safe is a cigarette case, its secrets carefully guarded.

Click.

When he opened the cigarette case, a piece of paper came out, revealing its hidden contents.

Taesu carefully unfolded the paper and read it, his eyes widening in surprise.

‘This, this is……!’

I think I know why the First Lady’s father passed this on to his daughter, understanding the weight of its secrets.

‘Does Han Cheong-ho know about this too?’

He probably heard it from the First Lady, gleaning information from their alliance.

That this is an object that can shake Park Jeong-hwan, a potential weapon.

‘Because of this……. To get this…….’

Did he deceive people by making Choi Tae-moon do it? Was it all for this one object?

Just because of this!

Taesu’s eyes sank coldly, his expression hardening.

It was then, breaking the silence.

“We will begin the wedding ceremony! We ask all guests to be seated!”

As the emcee shouted loudly, the piano accompaniment began, signaling the start of the ceremony.

* * *

The press was frantically capturing the wedding scene with their cameras, eager to document the event.

For broadcasting or for newspaper photos, they were capturing every detail.

“It’s amazing.”

“Look. The first floor is full, and the second floor is also full of guests.”

“How many people came?”

It was very crowded, a testament to the power and influence of the families involved.

That scene was vividly captured on camera, broadcasting the extravagance to the world.

The interior of the high-end Cheongil Hotel, decorated with luxurious interior materials, was being broadcast nationwide, showcasing the opulence of the event.

“It’s really a lavish wedding.”

Park Jeong-hwan was closing his eyes while the wedding was in progress, seemingly lost in thought.

Cha Ki-beom looked at Park Jeong-hwan with an indifferent expression, his loyalty unwavering.

Park Jeong-hwan quietly opened his mouth, breaking the silence.

“It’s a good time.”

As always, Cha Ki-beom had no answer, remaining a silent observer.

“So many guests have gathered to celebrate a young couple starting a new life.”

Cha Ki-beom remained silent, his expression unchanging.

Park Jeong-hwan said regardless, continuing his train of thought.

“Depending on who you marry, you will live a completely different life than before. That’s how important it is to find a good partner.”

It was a reflection that could be had at a wedding, a moment of contemplation on the significance of marriage.

“There are three of the most tenacious relationships in the world: the relationship with parents, the relationship with a spouse, and the relationship with children. The only one you can choose among these is the relationship with a spouse.”

Park Jeong-hwan looked at the couple making their marriage vows, their faces filled with hope and anticipation.

“How else would you call a wedding the most important event in human relations?”

Park Jeong-hwan’s eyes were cold, betraying his true feelings.

“To think that they are rushing to this precious place as an opportunity, using this sacred event for their own selfish gains.”