Mining And Construction Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 79

79. A Face-Off with the President (3)

Park Jeong-hwan set down his pen, reacting to Han Cheong-ho’s words.

“That’s exactly my point. You know better than anyone the effort I’ve poured into developing the heavy and chemical industries, and yet you’ve jeopardized it all like this.”

“Your Excellency, please grant me one more chance. Cheongil Oil cannot be allowed to fail.”

Han Cheong-ho continued, “Oil isn’t solely sourced from the Middle East. There are resources in America, the Soviet Union, Brunei, Kuwait, Venezuela, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Nigeria, Ecuador, and Angola. Cheongil will undoubtedly find a breakthrough.”

And he didn’t stop there.

“Kim Bong-nam from Cheongil Chemical has taken initiative. If anyone can find a way to secure oil, it’s him.”

Kim Bong-nam was known for his ability to understand and exploit people’s weaknesses.

“We are dispatching all our affiliate heads overseas to negotiate. Securing alternative oil supply sources is only a matter of time. Therefore, Your Excellency, I implore you to overlook this situation just once.”

They were determined to save Cheongil Oil at all costs.

“This time, we will diversify our oil supply sources. Then, even if another Middle East war erupts, Cheongil Oil will be able to weather the storm.”

“Hmm.”

The prospect of diversifying oil supply sources was appealing.

“Should the nation be destabilized by a mere oil shock from the Middle East? Should Your Excellency’s long-cherished ambitions crumble so easily?”

That was an unacceptable outcome.

“Please grant Cheongil Oil some time. We will undoubtedly repay Your Excellency’s faith in us. I, Han Cheong-ho of Cheongil, give you my word. Please trust me one last time.”

If Han Cheong-ho was being this proactive, it suggested he possessed a strong conviction…

Finally, Park Jeong-hwan spoke, “Alright, you may go.”

It was a signal that he would turn a blind eye this time.

Han Cheong-ho bowed his head swiftly.

“Thank you, Your Excellency. Thank you immensely.”

Han Cheong-ho then slid two boxes of apples towards Park Jeong-hwan.

“You certainly won’t be disappointed.”

He had managed to buy himself some time, but just barely.

* * *

Han Cheong-ho, upon exiting the Blue House [the executive office and official residence of the South Korean president], hastily entered his car.

Loosening his tie, which felt like it was constricting his neck, he instructed Secretary Park, “Contact each bank. Arrange meetings with the bank presidents.”

Due to the oil shock, Cheongil Oil’s deficit was escalating rapidly.

They were barely afloat, sustained by the profits from their various affiliates.

At the current rate, they wouldn’t last more than a few months before facing bankruptcy.

“Emphasize that His Excellency is aware of and condoning this. Make sure anyone who hesitates to attend understands the implications.”

“Tell them what, exactly?”

“They’ll face unpleasant consequences.”

Han Cheong-ho possessed ledgers detailing their corrupt dealings.

This was the very reason Cheongil Group maintained a separate intelligence department.

“Cheongil Oil will not collapse. Not like this.”

* * *

Someone was waiting at the airport to greet Tae-soo.

It was Captain.

They had established a solid rapport when Tae-soo apprehended the assassins dispatched by Han Cheong-ho in Saudi Arabia.

“Mr. Kang Tae-soo, it’s been a while.”

“Captain, it has. How have you been?”

“Thanks to you, Mr. Kang Tae-soo, I received a special promotion of two ranks. Just as you predicted, the type of medal has changed.”

This indicated that Cha Gi-beom had used his influence.

“Is Chief Secretary Cha doing well?”

“Of course. Chief Secretary Cha is eager to see you.”

“Let’s go then.”

Captain took Tae-soo’s trunk and placed it in the car’s trunk.

As he ushered Tae-soo into the car, Captain smiled.

“Chief Secretary Cha mentioned that he spoke with the President beforehand and secured an appointment.”

“I can only express my gratitude to Chief Secretary Cha.”

“Let’s have dinner together sometime. My treat.”

Brrr.

The car carrying Captain and Tae-soo drove away.

* * *

Daewungak (大雲閣), an upscale Japanese restaurant situated in the Seongbuk-dong district of Seoul.

Spanning over 7,000 square feet with 40 buildings, it was a quintessential Japanese restaurant of the 1970s.

Renowned as a discreet meeting place for prominent political and business figures, it was where clandestine conversations often took place.

“Chief Secretary Cha brought His Excellency here. Please, go in.”

“Thank you.”

Captain escorted him to the entrance.

Tae-soo stood quietly before the door.

Then, a hostess from the Japanese restaurant politely slid the door open.

Creak. Clack.

Tae-soo stepped through the opening.

Park Jeong-hwan, who was sipping sake from a glass filled with clear rice wine while eating, turned his head.

“Your Excellency, it’s been a while. I am Kang Tae-soo.”

“I’ve been expecting you.”

Park Jeong-hwan gestured for him to take a seat diagonally across from him.

Tae-soo strode over and sat down deliberately.

“You executed the Saudi project flawlessly.”

“It’s all thanks to Your Excellency’s unwavering support.”

Park Jeong-hwan fixed his gaze on Tae-soo.

“You enhanced my reputation with the Geumsan oil tanker incident, and you rectified the blunders of those who abandoned the Saudi project and tarnished my image. How could I ever forget such a favor?”

Park Jeong-hwan nodded to Cha Gi-beom.

Cha Gi-beom then retrieved a document envelope from his briefcase.

The document envelope slid across the table to Tae-soo.

“This is a gift from His Excellency.”

Upon opening it, Tae-soo found documents pertaining to the acquisition of Samwon Construction.

“Simply sign it, and the deal will be finalized.”

“Thank you, Your Excellency.”

“You will also assume the business ventures that those individuals were engaged in.”

“Are you granting me those as well?”

“Chief Secretary Cha has handled that separately, so keep that in mind.”

Tae-soo glanced at Cha Gi-beom.

Cha Gi-beom remained impassive, his expression stern.

“I understand that those gangsters secured numerous government-funded construction projects. Roads, rivers, community centers, even apartment complexes. You will take over all of them and see them to completion.”

Government-funded construction projects were highly coveted opportunities.

They were difficult to obtain, but they guaranteed payment and minimal interference, making them exceptionally desirable.

The school construction project requested by Pohang Steel was also completed.

Park Cheol-wan would be ecstatic to dive into these projects.

“I will do so. I will commence work tomorrow.”

“I appreciate your straightforward responses. Have a drink.”

Park Jeong-hwan picked up a celadon sake bottle with a subtle sheen and filled Tae-soo’s glass.

“Thank you.”

Tae-soo emptied his glass in one go, adhering to proper etiquette.

Park Jeong-hwan observed Tae-soo with a satisfied expression.

“Now that I see it, you’re quite the drinker. You possess excellent drinking etiquette.”

“You flatter me.”

Hadn’t Tae-soo received thorough instruction in the art of drinking (酒道) [sake etiquette]?

“What is the reason you secretly requested this meeting?”

“It’s because I have something to present to Your Excellency.”

Tae-soo retrieved a letter from his pocket.

It was a letter from Saudi Defense Minister Khalid addressed to Park Jeong-hwan.

Park Jeong-hwan’s expression softened as he began to read the letter.

The initial portion of the letter conveyed gratitude and praise from an allied nation.

However, the moment he saw the second enclosure, Park Jeong-hwan’s expression hardened.

“This is…!”

Park Jeong-hwan placed the letter on the table with a thud, halting mid-read.

His eyes turned fierce.

“Kang Tae-soo, are you aware of the contents of this letter?”

“I am not.”

“When the Saudi Defense Minister entrusted this to you, did he not disclose anything?”

“No. He simply requested that I deliver it safely.”

“I see.”

A torn piece of notebook paper was enclosed with the letter.

It contained Park Jeong-hwan’s compromising secrets.

‘The Saudi Defense Minister is aware of my clandestine dealings through Han Cheong-ho…’

This was a profound disgrace.

Park Jeong-hwan’s dirty secrets were on the verge of being exposed to the Saudi royal family.

There were only two possible sources for such specific information.

‘The individual who transported the money, or the one who received it.’

However, the writing in the notebook was in fluent Korean.

Moreover, there were several individuals listed as recipients of the funds.

The source of the leak was becoming increasingly apparent.

‘Han Cheong-ho, that son of a bitch has no fear of God.’

Park Jeong-hwan crumpled the letter.

Cha Gi-beom’s expression also tightened.

“Your Excellency, is something amiss?”

Park Jeong-hwan raised his hand, silencing Cha Gi-beom.

Instead, he turned his attention to Tae-soo.

“The letter mentions that the Saudi Defense Minister presented you with a gift. What is it?”

“This is it.”

Tae-soo produced another document from his pocket.

Park Jeong-hwan’s eyes widened as he read the title of the document.

“Oil supply rights?”

“Yes, I personally accomplished some significant achievements in Saudi Arabia, and I was granted these rights as a result.”

“Amazing.”

It was a certificate granting the right to lift oil supply restrictions for five companies for a period of six months.

It even bore the seal of the Saudi King.

Park Jeong-hwan stroked his chin.

“If I were in your position, I would have requested oil directly.”

The price of oil was skyrocketing at the moment.

Wouldn’t this have been the opportune moment to amass a fortune if he had received it in the form of oil?

“Currently, Middle Eastern oil-producing nations are imposing restrictions on oil exports. I am aware that the Republic of Korea is also facing considerable challenges due to these restrictions. Therefore, I employed a strategy to assist the nation.”

He prioritized aiding the country over personal gain, a noble sentiment indeed.

A subtle, unconcealed smile graced Park Jeong-hwan’s face.

“Your Excellency’s heavy and chemical industry development policy, to which you are dedicating your heart and soul, must not be derailed by the oil shock.”

Park Jeong-hwan emptied his glass in one gulp.

“So, what is your proposition?”

“I wish to offer this to Your Excellency.”

“What?”

Park Jeong-hwan was taken aback.

“Are you suggesting that you are offering me the oil supply rights now? The right to receive oil without restrictions for six months?”

“Wouldn’t Your Excellency be able to utilize it far more effectively than an ordinary citizen like myself?”

It was an enticing offer.

With this alone, the Republic of Korea could navigate this crisis with relative ease.

Park Jeong-hwan’s heavy and chemical industry development policy would gain momentum and thrive even as other nations struggled.

“The heads of conglomerates will prostrate themselves at Your Excellency’s feet to obtain these rights.”

“Even without those rights, those individuals are already subservient to my will.”

“I am aware. However, wouldn’t it be more gratifying to receive their sincere deference, accompanied by tangible sincerity, rather than empty gestures?”

It was undeniably tempting.

Politics inherently demanded substantial financial resources.

Those individuals would undoubtedly come running with boxes of apples [a euphemism for bribes] to secure the oil supply rights.

They would comply with Park Jeong-hwan’s every command without hesitation.

‘To whom should I allocate these rights?’

Park Jeong-hwan was calculating his options.

“Your Excellency, have you reviewed the postscript located at the bottom of the certificate of rights?”

“Postscript?”

Only then did Park Jeong-hwan examine the postscript inscribed at the very bottom of the certificate of rights.

Park Jeong-hwan chuckled.

“The Saudi royal family is exceptionally displeased this time.”

The Saudi royal family was more than a little upset due to the road construction issue previously.

They even dispatched an unofficial letter of protest to Park Jeong-hwan, the president of a nation.

How much more resentment would they harbor towards Cheongil, a mere corporation?

Park Jeong-hwan was well aware of this.

“Hmm, even excluding Cheongil Oil, there are more than five oil companies in the Republic of Korea. All of those companies are encountering difficulties in securing oil these days.”

“If we were to supply oil to them, the nation’s economy would experience a significant boost.”

The economy was teetering on the brink due to the soaring oil prices.

Prices were escalating uncontrollably, defying all expectations.

The heavy and chemical industries, heavily reliant on oil, were accumulating deficits on a daily basis.

Consequently, red flags were being raised concerning the stabilization of people’s livelihoods, overseas exports, and national development.

“In Your Excellency’s estimation, would Han Cheong-ho’s efforts to secure oil from various nations contribute more to economic growth, or would it be more beneficial for the country if five companies were to receive a stable supply of oil by presenting this certificate?”

The answer was self-evident.

“Very well. I will gladly accept this certificate of rights. It will be of immense benefit to the nation’s economy.”

It was a proposition that Park Jeong-hwan could not decline.

“You are offering this to me; what do you seek in return?”

There was always a quid pro quo.

Wasn’t he offering these rights because he had a favor to request?

“I wish to establish TaeYang Oil.”

“Is that a significant challenge? If you desire to establish it, then proceed. Go ahead with it.”

“I wish to remove the sign and replace it in the location where Cheongil Oil has declared bankruptcy.”

It was a request as weighty as the oil rights certificate itself.

Park Jeong-hwan erupted in laughter.

He was thoroughly pleased.