Mining And Construction Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 8

Mining Tycoon and Construction Conglomerate – Episode 8 (8/230)

8. The Man Who Gets a Promissory Note from a Loan Shark (1)

Tae-soo’s eyes gleamed with mischief.

“Wanna bet?”

“What?”

“If I get a promissory note [a written promise to pay a debt] from the loan shark, you’ll call me ‘hyungnim’ [older brother, a term of respect] from now on and use honorifics, okay?”

“You need to say something that makes sense first-”

“Wanna bet or not?”

Tae-soo grinned mischievously.

Han-soo’s fists clenched involuntarily.

“Fine. But if you can’t get the promissory note, you’re working under me. Doing everything I say.”

“Deal!”

Han-soo smirked.

“Start practicing with that pickaxe right away.”

“You’re the one who should practice using honorifics. I’m not expecting the ‘da-na-kka’ form [an extremely formal and outdated form of Korean speech], but you have to use ‘yo’ [a common polite suffix] at the end of every sentence.”

Smirk.

Sparks flew between the smiling brothers.

* * *

In 1970s Korea, private lending, or loan sharking, was rampant. It was a common practice.

This was because institutional finance, represented by banks, was not properly established, unlike in developed countries. Banks weren’t as accessible or reliable as they are today.

Inevitably, people had no choice but to use loan sharks with annual interest rates approaching 40 or 50%, even if it meant weeping while eating mustard [enduring hardship]. They were forced to accept exploitative terms.

Even major conglomerates were among the main customers of loan sharks. Even large companies relied on these lenders.

Jang Mal-dong, a big shot in Myeongdong’s loan sharking scene, lived in a lavish house, both inside and out. He was clearly a wealthy and powerful man.

Jang Mal-dong, a stern-looking old man in his seventies, sat on a silk cushion, fanning himself with a fan. He exuded authority.

Song Jin-gu knelt at the end of the large room, which was nearly 20 pyeong [approximately 720 square feet] in size. He was showing proper respect to his superior.

“I heard your guest came to my house?”

“Strictly speaking, he’s not my guest.”

“If he’s not your guest, how did he find you at my house?”

“That’s… I’m not sure either.”

“Huh?”

“We didn’t even properly introduce ourselves.”

Jang Mal-dong’s eyes gleamed with suspicion.

Even Song Jin-gu had only visited this place a few times. It was a very exclusive location.

How did he know to come to a house frequented only by prominent figures in politics and business? How did this stranger find him?

“What kind of guy was he?”

“In a word, he was crazy.”

Song Jin-gu told him everything about Kang Tae-soo, whom he had met at Oh Chun-shik’s house. He recounted their entire encounter.

Jang Mal-dong’s eyes gleamed when he heard about the mine. The potential for profit piqued his interest.

‘A crazy guy, huh? People usually call someone unpredictable that way.’

Whether in a good or bad way. It could be a compliment or a warning.

Jang Mal-dong turned to the man in the hanbok [traditional Korean clothing].

The man in the hanbok nodded as if to say he was okay with it. He seemed to be giving his approval to proceed.

“Alright, since he came all the way to my house, let’s meet him.”

“Elder?”

“What are you doing? Bring him here.”

“Yes.”

It was a rare occurrence. It was unusual for Jang Mal-dong to agree to meet someone so readily.

There were countless people who came to Jang Mal-dong to borrow money. Many sought his financial assistance.

However, only a select few could meet Jang Mal-dong in person. He was very selective about who he saw.

Crazy. The word Song Jin-gu used stimulated Jang Mal-dong’s curiosity. He was intrigued by this “crazy” individual.

Screech. Clack. The doors opened, and footsteps approached.

Two handsome young men entered.

Jang Mal-dong discovered a cool beauty with a haughty aura and was impressed. He was struck by Han-soo’s presence.

Indeed, he was outstanding enough to catch anyone’s eye. He was remarkably attractive.

He was a very desirable talent. He saw potential in Han-soo.

“Who are you?”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Kang Han-soo.”

The cool beauty bowed politely.

“Oh, the Yeongdeungpo Troubleshooter?”

“You know me?”

“Of course. Good looks, good business skills, and even top-notch abilities, right? I’ve heard a lot about you. Seeing you in person, it’s true.” He acknowledged Han-soo’s reputation.

“You flatter me.”

Every action and word was perfect in Jang Mal-dong’s eyes. Han-soo made a very good impression.

“So, what brings the Yeongdeungpo Troubleshooter to me?”

“Let’s talk to me instead of him.”

The guy next to the cool beauty raised his hand. Tae-soo interrupted.

He looked like a gigolo, but he had an unusual amount of experience. He seemed both young and world-weary.

‘Strange. How can his eyes be as sunken as a 70-year-old’s?’

How bizarre. He was struck by Tae-soo’s unusual gaze.

‘How did a guy like this pop up?’

His vibe was different from ordinary people. He had an aura that set him apart.

It was a very special feeling, as if the ambition of a young man and the experience of an old man were cleverly mixed together. A unique blend of youth and wisdom.

‘I really can’t explain it in words.’

It was said that in Korea, if you were looking for someone with an eye for talent, you would count Han Cheong-ho, the chairman of Cheongil Group, and the big shot of Myeongdong’s loan sharking scene. These men were known for their ability to spot potential.

Jang Mal-dong couldn’t take his eyes off Tae-soo. He was captivated by Tae-soo’s presence.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Kang Tae-soo.”

“Oh, so you’re the crazy guy?”

“Crazy… well, since you know me, I guess I can skip the tedious introductions.” He was casual and confident.

Tae-soo plopped down on the floor. He sat down without ceremony.

Jang Mal-dong’s eyes narrowed at his overly confident and brazen attitude. He was taken aback by Tae-soo’s audacity.

‘Look at this? Look at this impudent guy?’

Swish.

Jang Mal-dong abruptly folded the fan he had been gently fanning himself with. The gesture was sudden and deliberate.

Seeing that, Song Jin-gu’s eyes widened. He recognized the significance of the action.

‘The Elder folded his fan?’

That meant Jang Mal-dong was signaling that he would have a serious conversation. It was a sign that things were about to get serious.

“I heard you came to see Song Jin-gu?”

“I came to find an investor.”

“Indeed, you don’t even give Song Jin-gu a single glance.” He noted Tae-soo’s dismissive attitude towards Song Jin-gu.

“I’ll give him plenty of glances later when I have time.”

“Alright. Don’t you need a job? Why don’t you come work by my side and learn a thing or two?” He offered Tae-soo an opportunity.

Jang Mal-dong smiled subtly. He was intrigued by the young man.

‘The Elder is interested?’

This was also a very rare occurrence, so not only Song Jin-gu but also the middle-aged man in the hanbok looked at Tae-soo with fresh eyes. They were all surprised by Jang Mal-dong’s interest.

‘Does that mean Jang Mal-dong took a liking to him at first sight? Indeed.’

Jang Mal-dong swallowed hard and his eyes gleamed. He was clearly impressed.

“Young man, do you know who I am?”

“Aren’t you Elder Jang Mal-dong, the big shot of Myeongdong?”

“So you know who I am and came to see me. How did you know about me? And how did you know about this house?” He was curious about Tae-soo’s knowledge.

Everyone else only knew him as the ‘big shot of Myeongdong’s loan sharking scene.’ He kept his true identity hidden.

He had been wearing a mask and playing with money in the shadows. He operated discreetly.

But to know his real name, Jang Mal-dong, and to come straight to his house…

Jang Mal-dong reflexively looked at Song Jin-gu. He suspected Song Jin-gu had revealed his identity.

‘That, that crazy bastard. He’s matching the Elder without batting an eye.’

Seeing him with his mouth wide open, it seemed Song Jin-gu was also quite surprised. Song Jin-gu seemed genuinely shocked.

Jang Mal-dong immediately realized that Song Jin-gu hadn’t leaked the information. He realized Song Jin-gu wasn’t responsible.

“Young man, you’re quite resourceful.”

“I haven’t even started yet.”

He liked the young man’s guts. He admired Tae-soo’s boldness.

“Elder, you probably know what this is, right?”

Tae-soo took out a document from his pocket.

It was a mine certificate.

‘He’s trying to hand over the mine certificate right away?’

Han-soo, who was watching, felt anxious and looked at Tae-soo. He was worried about Tae-soo’s impulsive actions.

But Tae-soo, who met his eyes, simply smiled meaningfully without saying a word. Tae-soo reassured him with a knowing smile.

Han-soo suddenly remembered what Tae-soo had repeatedly told him.

-Just trust me, hyung. No matter what nonsense I say, just watch.

-I’m going to get that promissory note from the loan shark today.

-Wanna bet?

Han-soo clenched his fists tightly. He was determined to trust Tae-soo’s plan.

Tae-soo had already openly announced that he would be talking nonsense. Tae-soo had warned him to expect the unexpected.

‘Alright, let’s see what he does first.’

Tae-soo opened his mouth leisurely.

“Elder, would you like to do a business together with me?”

“Why would I? I don’t need it.”

“Oh, you missed a valuable opportunity.”

Jang Mal-dong was dumbfounded to see him put the mine certificate back into his pocket. He was surprised by Tae-soo’s nonchalant attitude.

“A guy who wants to do business doesn’t try to persuade me? At times like this, you crawl on your knees and rattle on and on.”

“Would you listen?”

“…”

Jang Mal-dong was speechless because he was right. He knew he wouldn’t be swayed by persuasion.

He wouldn’t have listened even if he had been persuaded a hundred times.

‘He’s a very bold and clever guy.’

“If you don’t want to do business together, then invest.”

“I don’t need it.”

It wasn’t a joint venture where they shared profits and rights, but this time it was an investment where they only shared profits. He clarified the terms of the deal.

“Why are the conditions getting harsher? Give me a good enough condition to be interested.”

“You’re the one who rejected the good conditions, Elder.”

Such a bold guy.

“Samcheong Electronics, Geumsan Construction, Daehyun Motors, all bow their heads in front of me.” He boasted about his influence.

“Will you invest if they bow their heads?”

“…”

He was speechless again.

The corners of Jang Mal-dong’s mouth twitched slightly. He was struggling to maintain his composure.

‘He’s definitely not ordinary.’

It had been a long time since someone had spoken so loudly in front of Jang Mal-dong. He was unaccustomed to such directness.

The man in the hanbok’s eyes flashed with interest. He was intrigued by Tae-soo’s audacity.

‘Impressive. To be able to repeatedly shut Jang Mal-dong’s mouth.’

Jang Mal-dong shook his head.

“Young man, you came to the wrong place. I’m a loan shark, not an investor.”

“Alright. Then let’s take out a loan.”

“How much do you need?”

“Two thousand.”

An apartment cost 7 to 8 million won. This was a significant sum of money.

“The interest rate is 50% per year.”

“Can you lower the interest rate a bit?”

“I don’t need to. Go to the bank if you don’t like it. Why else would it be called high-interest debt? Then shall we check the collateral first?” He was firm on his terms.

“Will this be enough?”

Tae-soo took out the mine certificate from his pocket.

“An abandoned mine from the Japanese colonial era? Isn’t that worth 100,000 won? I don’t need it.” He dismissed the mine certificate as worthless.

He smiled brightly and quickly put the mine certificate back into his pocket. He seemed unfazed by the rejection.

“How about paying later?”

“Paying later? Are you saying you won’t put up any collateral at all?”

“Instead of collateral, I’ll pay you back with a proper bank in the future.”

“I said I don’t need it. I don’t do moneylending without collateral in my dictionary.”

“Oh, that’s too bad.”

Unlike his words, Tae-soo was still smiling brightly. He remained cheerful despite the setback.

He was so relaxed that Jang Mal-dong was embarrassed. He was unnerved by Tae-soo’s composure.

‘I can’t figure him out at all. He’s not an easy guy.’

A person whose actions cannot be predicted at all. He was unpredictable and unconventional.

In his experience, these guys often accomplish great things. He knew that such individuals were capable of extraordinary feats.

In ways that others don’t think of,

They are the ones who do things that seem absurd without hesitation. They were willing to take risks and defy expectations.

Jang Mal-dong had seen such guys only five times in his life. He had only encountered a handful of people like Tae-soo.

And they all ruled the world. They had all achieved great success.

Jang Mal-dong’s eyes gleamed like a viper. He was intrigued and wary of Tae-soo.

“Let’s stop this meaningless bickering here. What are you after?”

Tae-soo smirked. He revealed his true intentions.

“I came to sell information.”

Jang Mal-dong was dumbfounded. He was completely taken aback.

“A guy who came to borrow money is now trying to get money from me?”

Tae-soo smiled mischievously.

“It’s top-secret information that will determine whether you lose all your assets in an instant.”

“What?!”

Everyone was surprised and widened their eyes. They were shocked by Tae-soo’s claim. The tension in the room escalated.