Mining And Construction Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 178

Taesu chuckled.

He knew the smell of money but not the smell of power.

“What kind of power would a mere top 100 conglomerate heir exude?”

“A mere top 100 conglomerate heir? You don’t actually believe that, do you? You’ve gotten too comfortable.”

No matter how much Taesu downplayed it, the reality remained.

An Jeong-u confidently stated,

“Think carefully about how you’ll wield that weapon in your hands.”

“Are you suggesting I decide whether to use it directly and step into the spotlight, or become a puppet master pulling strings from behind?”

“Ideally, I’d like to see you become the protagonist leading the new country and new era.”

An Jeong-u laughed heartily.

“I’m looking forward to it. I’m eager to see what choice you’ll make. I believe you’ll make a wise decision.”

Taesu was lost in thought.

‘I need to meet Lee Se-hu first and then decide. It would be problematic if he seized power under the pretext of the President Park Jeong-hwan assassination, like Jeon Du-hwan did.’

Just then, there was a knock, and the door opened.

“Forgive my late-night intrusion.”

It was Lee Se-hu, the Army Chief of Staff, Martial Law Commander, and head of the joint investigation into the Park Jeong-hwan assassination.

* * *

“I must begin with a word of thanks.”

Lee Se-hu approached Taesu and extended his hand.

Taesu took his hand and shook it.

“First, thank you for saving my life amidst the chaos. I mean it sincerely. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t protected me.”

At the Cheongil Hotel, Lee Se-hu had been drugged and detained.

After losing consciousness and being subdued, he was found and protected by the Taeyang Group’s security team.

The same was true for other ROK [Republic of Korea] Army generals.

“You could call me your savior. I almost died absurdly.”

What would have happened if the Taeyang Group’s security team hadn’t driven out the Oseonghoe [a secret military society] and established a defensive line?

The generals who had gathered from all over the country would have been massacred.

Lee Se-hu couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat at the thought.

“Don’t mention it. Please, have a seat. Would you like a cup of tea?”

“Sounds good.”

Lee Se-hu sat down.

Taesu brought the tea.

“What brings you here?”

“I heard that Acting President Kim Jong-pyo was heading here. And I happened to see him leaving this place.”

“Yes, he stopped by briefly.”

“I don’t know what he said, but I know what the KCIA [Korean Central Intelligence Agency] agents said. That’s why I came.”

Lee Se-hu sighed.

“As soon as I obtained information about Park Jeong-hwan’s misdeeds, I tried to cover it up. But he got the same information. It was my fault for not controlling the information adequately.”

How could Kim Jong-pyo, a seasoned politician, not be aware of the public’s attention on the presidential assassination?

“Let me ask you one thing. Are you tempted by this?”

Lee Se-hu shook his head.

“No, I have no interest in politics.”

It was unexpected.

Lee Se-hu tapped the newspaper on the table.

-Security Commander Jeon Du-hwan incites a rebellion by mobilizing private organizations within the military!

-Weapons smuggled out of the military! Should private organizations within the military be allowed to continue?

“The military must protect the country. What good is it for soldiers to abandon their duty and meddle in politics for personal gain? It’s unacceptable.”

That was why Lee Se-hu had decided to draw the sword of purification.

“I have a remaining duty. Before I take off my Army Chief of Staff uniform, I must eradicate the secret private organizations that are eating away at this country’s military.”

Eradicating the Oseonghoe.

It was the first thing Kim Yeong-sam did after the era of military regimes led by Jeon Du-hwan and Roh Tae-woo ended.

‘If he reorganizes the military, the liquidation of the past will be 15 years faster than in my previous life.’

The military should not wield state affairs by leveraging its power.

As the top leader of the military, Lee Se-hu felt a heavy responsibility.

“Soldiers protect the country. Politicians set the country right. Businessmen develop the country. Each must be faithful to their assigned duty.”

Lee Se-hu smiled and placed his hand on Taesu’s shoulder.

“I’m in charge of the presidential assassination investigation. I’ll protect you. As long as I’m in charge of this case, no one will be able to hold you accountable.”

Even if he is the head of the executive branch, the Acting President.

Lee Se-hu’s hand was warm.

“So, you go your own way. Let’s support this country together.”

Taesu looked at Lee Se-hu silently.

“I came to tell you that. This is a golden opportunity to correct this country stained by military dictatorship. I hope you don’t miss this good opportunity by being swayed by the sweet talk of politicians.”

Taesu nodded.

“I won’t.”

Lee Se-hu was relieved.

“I knew you’d say that.”

Lee Se-hu had a satisfied expression.

“The military trusts only the General.”

“I’ll do my best not to disappoint.”

Lee Se-hu chose military reorganization as Army Chief of Staff over the presidential seat.

“General, then may I ask you for a favor?”

“A favor? What kind of favor?”

“I would like to hold a press conference under the name of the Joint Investigation Headquarters that you are in charge of.”

“A press conference?”

Lee Se-hu looked surprised.

But soon, realizing Taesu’s intention, he smiled.

“Just say the word. I’ll hold a press conference whenever you want.”

“Thank you.”

Lee Se-hu’s steps back to his position seemed very light.

* * *

Seongbuk-dong Daewungak.

A high-end Japanese restaurant used by political and business figures, and a secret intelligence group run by An So-jeong.

Taesu and An Jeong-u were drinking there.

An Jeong-u let out a hearty laugh.

“See? The threshold of the place where you are must be worn out [meaning many people are visiting you].”

“Are you teasing me? I’m exhausted.”

“Now you believe me, right? Aren’t prominent politicians flocking to find a mere top 100 conglomerate heir?”

Are the top politicians always this quick with information?

They moved quickly, all trying to get the news.

“Even Kim Yeong-sam and Kim Dae-jung, the bigwigs of the opposition party, have all come.”

The purpose was all the same.

-I hope you will give that item for the sake of this country.

-I promise to change the corrupt political landscape.

As Lee Se-hu feared, the sweet talk of politicians poured out.

“Even Jang Jun-yong of Geumsan came, so it’s all said and done, isn’t it?”

In my previous life, he stepped down as the head of a conglomerate and jumped into the presidential race.

He was angry that even while taking money, they treated conglomerates as pockets or dogs.

He said that the return on investment wasn’t worth it, so he jumped into politics.

As soon as he saw Taesu, he started saying ridiculous things.

-I’ll give you my daughter, so let’s exchange it for evidence of traitors!

-If I become president, I’ll push Taeyang Group as much as Geumsan, son-in-law!

Jang Seo-yeon, blushing, dragged the drunk Jang Jun-yong away.

Secretary Kim sighed and repeatedly bowed, apologizing.

-The country’s economy will develop only if a businessman like me becomes the next president!

Jang Jun-yong shouted confidently even as he was being dragged out.

As always, golden business cards were scattered along the way.

Secretary Kim was embarrassed, saying it was just drunken behavior limited to Taesu.

“As time goes on, those who covet your item will become more actively attached.”

“I know.”

“Are you going to leave it like this? Flies will swarm around. You didn’t like that, did you?”

“I don’t like it.”

It’s just annoying to have useless flies sticking around.

“But I’m going to endure that annoyance for a while.”

“For what?”

“For Taeyang Group.”

It’s an annoyance that I wouldn’t bother with if it weren’t for Taeyang Group.

It’s different from when I was the head of Cheongil Group in my previous life.

Taeyang Group has not yet properly established itself as a conglomerate.

“I’m planning to reveal Taeyang Group’s political influence this time.”

Why is a conglomerate a conglomerate?

If you have a lot of money, do they all recognize you as a conglomerate?

No.

If you only have a lot of money, they treat you like a nouveau riche [new rich], not a conglomerate.

Conglomerates are named separately because they exert that much external influence.

“Politicians are flocking first. Money and power follow politicians. How will others see that?”

A glamorous network of connections surrounding you like a shield is powerful in itself.

That’s why Han Cheong-ho held a lavish wedding for his daughter to enhance the image of Cheongil Hotel.

What did he want to gain by using his power to broadcast it nationwide?

It was to show off his influence by gathering famous people.

“Taeyang Group is not yet well known.”

It has only been a year since it was launched as a conglomerate.

Taeyang Group is on the fringes of the top 100 companies.

“People remember the first place, not the 100th place.”

“You said you were going to hold a press conference, so you’re planning to showcase Taeyang Group. That’s a good choice.”

Taesu didn’t answer.

Instead, he poured An Jeong-u a drink and said,

“Elder, why don’t you run for president?”

“Me? Not you?”

An Jeong-u was taken aback.

But Taesu was serious.

“Don’t you have a long-cherished project, Elder? Something you’ve been doing in the shadows all along.”

“Hmm.”

What was it that An Jeong-u, from a family of prominent independence activists, couldn’t let go of?

It was the eradication of pro-Japanese forces and the struggle for democratization.

“Why do you think I recommended you to acquire Dongbang Ilbo [a newspaper]? Why do you think I’m letting the people hear your voice?”

South Korea’s politics were stirred up by military dictatorships on a pro-Japanese foundation.

We had to go through a long struggle for democratization and called for the liquidation of the past, but it didn’t work out properly.

Why is that?

“Pro-Japanese factions are ultimately dominating the political and business circles. Are you going to stand by and watch as those who abandoned the country for their own selfish interests run the country?”

Comfort women issues, forced labor issues, recovery of pro-Japanese assets, treatment of independence merit recipients, etc.

Problems that should have been resolved and gone were left unattended.

It was as if they were just waiting for the victims to get old and die.

“The people needed to change this world are not soldiers with guns and swords, nor politicians skilled in political maneuvering, nor businessmen who calculate profits and losses.”

Taesu looked directly at An Jeong-u.

“Someone who can think of the greater good before calculating gains and losses, someone who can carry out the cleaning of the country for future generations. Now is the time when such a person is needed.”

This country was scarred by war and military dictatorship.

The opposition bigwigs who are calling for democratization can also become president, but they will ultimately be bound by the interests of the party.

That’s why Taesu chose An Jeong-u.

‘An Jeong-u is a patriot who will probably dedicate himself to the country and the greater good until the moment he dies.’

An Jeong-u smiles.

“Yes, the world wants a hero. Wouldn’t it be better for you to be that hero?”

“People have different talents.”

Taesu’s talent is the ability to smell money.

“I find growing companies more fun than playing politics.”

Wasn’t it an unavoidable entry into the political arena to deal with Han Cheong-ho?

When you think about it, this whole mess was a plan to catch Han Cheong-ho.

Jeon Du-hwan was attached to Han Cheong-ho, and in the process of catching Jeon Du-hwan, Park Jeong-hwan was swept away as well.

‘It’s an event that stemmed from self-interest, but as a result, the future of South Korea has changed. I have no intention of wasting this precious opportunity.’

That’s why Taesu recommends An Jeong-u as the next president.

‘If possible, it’s better for An Jeong-u, who has a strong alliance with me, to become president. There’s no need to waste energy lobbying, and there’s no need to worry about checks and balances.’

If An Jeong-u becomes president, wouldn’t I be able to focus solely on Taeyang Group with peace of mind?