Mining And Construction Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 64

64. Raising a Glass with New Colleagues (2)

Park Jeong-hwan addressed Cha Gi-beom.

“Bring the president of Samwon Construction to the National Intelligence Service.”

“What are you planning?”

“Tae-soo personally recommended him. What does that signify? He expects me to extract every last bit of value from Samwon Construction through this individual.”

He officially sent a letter to the Saudi government to proceed with the construction.

Now that Samwon Construction was acquired by Taeyang Construction, Taeyang Construction would assume responsibility for completing the road construction.

“Since I initiated it, I must see it through to the end.”

It’s not a complicated matter.

Giving away a construction company like that is nothing.

“Instruct them to transfer Samwon Construction to Taeyang Construction. Proceed with the acquisition. If they cooperate, release them.”

This was Tae-soo’s gift that Park Jeong-hwan had prepared in advance.

“Your Excellency, that might be difficult.”

Unexpectedly, Cha Gi-beom voiced his concern.

Park Jeong-hwan raised an eyebrow.

“Are you questioning my order?”

“No, sir.”

Cha Gi-beom explained.

“The Samwon Construction executives are stirring up a lot of trouble, even with a preliminary investigation. The charges are too severe to simply release them for cooperating.”

“What charges are you referring to?”

“Various offenses, ranging from minor to major. Should I prioritize reporting the crimes committed domestically or those committed in Saudi Arabia?”

Park Jeong-hwan slammed his fist on the armrest.

“Those bastards! Crimes committed both domestically and abroad? Do these damn bastards dare to tarnish Korea’s reputation?”

Domestic crimes are one thing, but committing crimes even in Saudi Arabia?

And under the banner of a Korean construction company?

“They should be promoting national prestige and earning foreign currency when they go abroad, but they fled, which is already embarrassing enough. And on top of that, crimes?”

Because those men abandoned the construction and ran away, the Saudi royal family sent Park Jeong-hwan a letter of protest.

Park Jeong-hwan was incredibly embarrassed and annoyed when he received it.

Cha Gi-beom listed Samwon Construction’s misdeeds.

Unforgivable charges emerged one after another.

“It’s a construction company established to launder political funds. So, they primarily took on government-funded projects to funnel national funds into slush funds. They also handled politicians’ dirty work.”

“These trash-like bastards!”

“From the president to the executives of Samwon Construction, they all have ties to organized crime.”

The more he heard, the angrier he became.

“Drag all these gangsters to the National Intelligence Service. Shake out every last bit of dirt in their pockets.”

That wasn’t enough.

“This time, identify everyone involved with Samwon Construction and throw them in jail. Give the rest to Kang Tae-soo.”

Only then did Cha Gi-beom bow.

“I will follow your Excellency’s orders. Should I hand over all the apartment construction and government-funded projects that Samwon Construction was pursuing to Kang Tae-soo?”

“Hand them all over.”

“I will do so.”

This was also Cha Gi-beom’s small gift and reward to Tae-soo.

Cha Gi-beom recalled Tae-soo’s telegram.

-Do I still have to thank you for this?

He’s cheeky, but I like him.

* * *

A bar located in the Sky Lounge of the Geumsan Hotel.

Among them was a private room for entertaining VIPs.

Tae-soo and Jang Jun-yong were sharing a drink there.

“I knew I could have a straightforward conversation with you.”

Jang Jun-yong was very pleased.

So, he took out a gift directly from his pocket.

It was a golden business card.

“Take it.”

“Why are you giving me this?”

“I’m not giving it; I’m returning it.”

Jang Jun-yong placed the golden business card in Tae-soo’s hand.

“The compensation for using the oil tanker will be received from the Saudi royal family. In return, I plan to secure the Jubail Industrial Port construction project.”

“That’s a matter between the Saudi royal family and Chairman Jang. How do I benefit from it?”

“What’s wrong with getting some benefits by being next to me? That way, I can also get some benefits from you.”

Jang Jun-yong laughed heartily.

“The Saudi royal family won’t easily hand over the Jubail Industrial Port. It’s not necessarily a profitable business. Of course, that’s right.”

That’s probably true.

Public and private matters will be clearly distinguished.

No matter how expensive the oil tanker water is, it won’t be worth as much as the Jubail Industrial Port, which is worth over 900 million dollars.

“Still, I got a chance to submit a bid because of the oil tanker water.”

Numerous construction companies are competing and lobbying to seize that opportunity.

They do everything they can to win big projects.

Even if Jang Jun-yong borrows the oil tanker and pumps water several times, it won’t be enough to repay the favor.

But the Saudi royal family accepted Jang Jun-yong’s favor.

“As you know, it’s difficult to participate in construction bids in Saudi Arabia. Foreigners need a sponsor [a local partner or influential figure], and securing that is another job.”

Saudi Arabia has high barriers to entry.

But there’s a lot of work.

Just like Tae-soo coveted it, Jang Jun-yong would have coveted it too.

“So, that’s why. I need you to use your influence.”

“Where do I have influence?”

Tae-soo only has a small Taeyang Construction.

There is a big gap between him and Jang Jun-yong of Geumsan.

But Jang Jun-yong shook his head.

“Is Geumsan still Geumsan even in foreign countries? I can’t be too overt when I go outside.”

Geumsan Group is growing rapidly under the protection of Park Jeong-hwan.

But it wasn’t yet an internationally renowned company.

Even more so in Saudi Arabia.

“Right now, I need the power to move people’s hearts.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“I’ll provide the money. So, I want you to take that money and capture the hearts of the Saudi royal family.”

It’s a tempting offer.

But I was puzzled.

“Wouldn’t it be simpler if Chairman Jang moved directly?”

“That’s not possible. Just know that I have other circumstances.”

Jang Jun-yong’s expression was a little dark.

So, Tae-soo didn’t ask any further.

I’m curious, but I’ll be patient.

I’ll find out someday.

“Whose heart do you want to capture?”

“The King of Saudi Arabia.”

Tae-soo couldn’t help but laugh.

“Do you think that’s possible now?”

The request for Tae-soo to meet the King of Saudi Arabia is absurd in itself.

“I know it’s close to impossible. But Han Cheong-ho of Cheongil has such great connections.”

“Do you know whose connections Han Cheong-ho has?”

“He has been courting a man named Rahman for a long time. But he recently switched.”

I know that.

That’s also why Rahman is grinding his teeth at Han Cheong-ho.

“Who is it?”

“Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.”

Jang Jun-yong sighed.

“He’s the Minister of Finance. So, if you want to be one step higher than Han Cheong-ho, there’s no one but the King of Saudi Arabia.”

It’s a headache.

It just so happens that the connection Han Cheong-ho has is the Minister of Finance.

Fahd is the ninth son of the first king and will be crowned as the fifth king after Khalid.

‘I think I know why Han Cheong-ho cut off Rahman’s hand. He caught the Minister of Finance.’

Khalid, the Minister of National Defense, also has great influence, but Rahman is his son.

Because it’s one step removed.

‘Han Cheong-ho must have put the Minister of National Defense’s son and the Minister of Finance on the scales and weighed them.’

As a result, the Minister of National Defense’s son is out.

Instead, he would have grabbed the Minister of Finance, who is currently wielding great influence.

It’s the result of smart maneuvering.

‘Rahman doesn’t even know that he’s the successor of Minister of National Defense Khalid.’

Khalid has many sons.

Rahman is the 12th son.

There are many older brothers above him.

Han Cheong-ho probably didn’t know that Rahman was Khalid’s most beloved son.

‘This is getting interesting.’

Tae-soo asked Jang Jun-yong.

“Does trying to catch the King of Saudi Arabia mean you’re competing with Han Cheong-ho?”

“Yes, Han Cheong-ho also smelled it. He’s eyeing the Jubail Industrial Port construction project. I’m ahead in everything else, but I’m about to lose in terms of connections.”

It’s a construction project worth 930 million dollars.

It’s a project worth half of the Korean government’s annual budget, so Han Cheong-ho can’t help but drool.

“But even so, isn’t it difficult to discuss the Jubail project with just the Minister of Finance?”

“No. Han Cheong-ho chose the right connection this time. Do you know who the Minister of Finance is aligned with?”

“Who is he aligned with?”

“Turki bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. The fourth son of the first king. He’s sharpening his sword, aiming for the next throne.”

“The fourth son?”

I don’t know a man named Turki.

He will not get the next throne.

The third son of the first king, Faisal, is the current king, and the next king is the fifth son, Khalid.

The fourth son in the middle is 빠졌다 [left out].

‘Then he must be the one who is currently fighting for power with Khalid.’

As a result, he will be pushed out by Khalid and lose the throne.

The Minister of Finance, the ninth son, will be crowned after Khalid.

The fourth son will not leave his name in history in the end.

“What position does the fourth son Turki currently hold?”

“Minister of Construction.”

Oh no, of all things.

Jang Jun-yong sighed.

“Do you understand now? Why I’m trying to win over the King of Saudi Arabia.”

Of course, I understand.

The Minister of Finance and the Minister of Construction join forces.

The Jubail Industrial Port construction project is naturally where the power of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Construction is the strongest.

So, I couldn’t help but ask.

“At this point, I’d rather ask you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Knowing that Han Cheong-ho can influence the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Construction, why are you putting so much effort into winning the Jubail Industrial Port construction project?”

The connection that Chairman Jang Jun-yong of Geumsan has is only the 12th son, Abdullah, the commander of the defense forces.

Compared to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Construction, it’s 터무니없이 부족한 연줄 [an absurdly insufficient connection].

Yet, Jang Jun-yong is desperately trying to get the Jubail Industrial Port construction project.

“Why? Do you also think it’s impossible?”

“I wouldn’t say it’s impossible. Rather, there are very few impossible things among the things people do.”

In fact, Jang Jun-yong 멋지게 따냈다 [splendidly won] the Jubail Industrial Port construction project.

“But to be realistic, the probability of winning in terms of connections is low compared to Han Cheong-ho.”

“That’s right······.”

What is the probability that a foreigner can win over the King of Saudi Arabia?

The reality is 냉정하다 [harsh].

The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Construction of Saudi Arabia.

What if the two ministers support Han Cheong-ho?

That’s why Han Cheong-ho is confident of victory.

But Tae-soo was 오히려 웃고 있었다 [rather smiling].

“Probability, that’s a very convenient standard. If you use the yardstick of probability when facing a difficult task, the decision becomes very simple.”

Jang Jun-yong also nodded in agreement with Tae-soo’s words.

“The probability of succeeding in a difficult task? In the first place, that probability is low, so it’s a difficult task.”

Tae-soo’s eyes shone.

“If you use the yardstick of probability? Ordinary people usually decide to give up easily. Because it’s comfortable for them. They’ll comfort themselves. ‘It was a low probability task.’ But then what’s left?”

Tae-soo clenched both fists tightly.

“A task with a low probability of success, a difficult task, an impossible task, a task that everyone chooses to give up on. You have to challenge such a task to get ahead of others.”

Like the Jubail Industrial Port construction project right now.

“History is rewritten when the impossible is realized.”

Jang Jun-yong nodded heavily.

“Yes, you’re right. I’ve been living my life rewriting history like that.”

Jang Jun-yong’s eyes shine.

“How about we create a new history together?”

I like it.

So, I had no choice but to ask about his determination.

“Chairman, it’s a difficult road. We will be walking a rough road from now on.”

The road Tae-soo is walking is also 험로(險路) [a dangerous path].

A long way to becoming a conglomerate starting from a 100,000 won mine.

A reckless path of wielding a mantis’ forelegs in front of a giant conglomerate called Cheongil Group.

A desperate path of revenge that everyone says is impossible.

Tae-soo was walking that lonely road.

“I’m willing to walk together.”

Jang Jun-yong doesn’t refuse either.

“I’ve been prepared for it since the moment I brought it up to you. I’m prepared to that extent.”

“I understand Chairman Jang’s determination well.”

So, I can’t help but respond.

“This time, we have to catch Cheongil and win the Jubail Industrial Port construction project.”

I have to eat this no matter what.

It’s a job that 쌓고 실적도 따와 큰 공사를 [builds up achievements and secures a major construction project], and in the meantime, screws over Han Cheong-ho.

Is there any need to refuse 일석이조 [killing two birds with one stone]?