Mining And Construction Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 83

83. At the Geumsan Hotel Banquet Hall (4)

What Han Cheong-ho handed over was a collection of graphic photos.

They depicted the gruesome and horrific state of Secretary Song.

Park Jeong-hwan’s eyebrows twitched noticeably as he examined the images.

A reaction.

“My secretary, who was dispatched to Saudi Arabia, met such a terrible end. His family begged for the return of his body, at the very least, so I arranged for them to travel to Saudi Arabia.”

“And, did they recover the body?”

“Not yet. It’s hardly easy to locate a body in the vast Saudi Arabian deserts, is it?”

Now that he mentioned it, Cheongil’s secretary was conspicuously absent.

He was always the sharp and quick-witted one, constantly at Han Cheong-ho’s side.

Park Jeong-hwan tossed the photos back at Han Cheong-ho.

“Why are you showing me this?”

“Are you aware that the secretary in these photos ran errands for you, Your Excellency? Though the errands he ran were only a single time.”

Park Jeong-hwan’s eyebrows twitched again.

‘Bullseye!’

Han Cheong-ho smiled inwardly, pleased with himself.

He had spent the last six hours racking his brain, trying to determine why Park Jeong-hwan had suddenly changed his stance.

Starting with grudges and shared interests.

The timing of the shift in Park Jeong-hwan’s attitude, the potential reasons behind it, and so on.

‘This hypothesis emerged after extensive recollection and analysis.’

He had narrowed it down to three possibilities.

He planned to present them one by one, feigning ignorance, but fortunately, Park Jeong-hwan took the bait with the first one.

“Look closely at the photos. That man was clearly subjected to severe torture. What wouldn’t someone say to save their own life?”

“There are things that one must not reveal, even at the cost of death.”

Judging by the reaction, it was confirmed.

So, that was the crux of the matter.

“Are you unaware that the Saudi royal family harbors animosity towards me?”

How could he be ignorant of that fact?

“The Saudi royal family’s obstruction of oil supplies to Cheongil Oil speaks volumes, doesn’t it? This is slander, a baseless accusation. A misunderstanding, Your Excellency.”

The story involving Rahman was conveniently omitted.

Instead, he embellished the situation, presenting it as a plausible version of the truth, and voiced his grievances appropriately.

This was Han Cheong-ho’s forte.

“I will take appropriate action in both Saudi Arabia and Japan. Resolving a single incident like this is hardly a challenge.”

“Are you confident in your ability to do so?”

“Of course. I am Han Cheong-ho. Please place your trust in me. I am confident in my ability to maneuver people discreetly, if nothing else.”

It was an area where Han Cheong-ho excelled.

Bribery, lobbying, and influencing people through various means.

Only then did Park Jeong-hwan’s rigid expression soften slightly.

Han Cheong-ho seized the opportunity.

“Your Excellency, please grant me a way out of this predicament.”

Han Cheong-ho pleaded.

“I will serve you with even greater loyalty than before. You are well aware that I have dedicated myself entirely to you, with all my heart.”

From the military coup to Park Jeong-hwan’s firm grip on power.

It was undeniable that Han Cheong-ho’s financial resources and connections played a crucial role.

“I will repay the favor you have bestowed upon me. I will never disregard the grace you have shown.”

Finally, Park Jeong-hwan spoke.

His tone was considerably gentler.

“Cheongil Oil is out of the question.”

“I am not requesting that you salvage Cheongil Oil. I am prepared to relinquish it. Instead, I implore you to open another avenue for me.”

“What avenue are you referring to?”

That’s it!

I’m saved!

Han Cheong-ho responded.

“As a reflection of how Samwon Construction has caused such a mess, I wish to repay your grace with Cheongil Construction.”

Han Cheong-ho’s gamble was construction.

Choi Mu-ryong had mocked Han Cheong-ho, saying:

-Cheongil Oil or Cheongil Construction, that is the question.

Han Cheong-ho was determined to rise again with Cheongil Construction, rather than abandoning Cheongil Oil altogether.

He also came with a clear goal to entice Park Jeong-hwan.

“I am aware of your plans to construct the most luxurious hotels on the sites of the Bando Hotel and the National Central Library.”

Charlotte Hotel Seoul.

It was the pivotal hotel that propelled a mere confectionery company into the ranks of a major conglomerate.

Due to the pressing need for a top-tier hotel, Park Jeong-hwan had decided to release state-owned land for its construction.

With 34 floors above ground and over 1,500 rooms, it would be the largest single-structure hotel in Korea.

Subsequently, the surrounding area would be developed into Charlotte Town, featuring shopping centers, group headquarters, and upscale boutiques.

Han Cheong-ho had been eyeing that prime location for some time.

“Shin Gun-ho of Charlotte [Lotte Group’s founder] will be undertaking that project. I have already instructed him to build a hotel superior to those in Japan, in exchange for lifting the business suspension of Charlotte Confectionery [Lotte Confectionery].”

Even the hotel blueprints were already public.

But Han Cheong-ho remained undeterred.

In a situation where even the well-established Cheongil Oil was being taken away, what did he care about snatching the blueprints of a hotel that hadn’t even broken ground yet?

“Charlotte is, at its core, a confectionery company. Furthermore, their primary business operations are based in Japan, and they rarely venture into Korea.”

That was indeed the case.

Shin Gun-ho of Charlotte maintained his headquarters in Japan and seldom returned to Korea.

This was due to the significantly larger size of the Japanese market compared to the Korean one.

Despite the release of the Charlotte Hotel blueprints long ago, Shin Gun-ho remained in Japan.

“Charlotte lacks proper construction experience, a proven track record, and the necessary technical expertise. Cheongil Construction, on the other hand, possesses all of these. We have built bridges, paved roads, and erected buildings.”

Han Cheong-ho spoke with confidence.

“I will build the most exquisite hotel imaginable. I will construct the finest hotel in Korea, surpassing the best in the Orient, no, the best in the world. Please place your trust in Cheongil Construction.”

His determination and self-promotion were sufficient at this point.

Excessive persuasion could be perceived as coercion.

“The 1974 West Germany World Cup will be held soon in West Germany.”

Han Cheong-ho deliberately changed the subject.

To capture Park Jeong-hwan’s attention.

“The Korean national football team first participated in the World Cup finals held in Switzerland in 1954, marking the first appearance by an Asian team. However, they have failed to qualify for the finals for the past 20 years, without securing a single victory. In contrast, what about North Korea?”

South Korea was consistently suffering humiliating defeats.

Park Jeong-hwan was so ashamed that he couldn’t even hold his head high when the topic of football arose, even in international circles.

On the other hand, North Korea was gaining recognition by causing a major upset at the 1966 England tournament.

“The world is suggesting that we are lagging behind North Korea in terms of economic strength and football prowess, implying that we are falling behind in every aspect.”

How could Park Jeong-hwan be unaware of that?

Park Jeong-hwan frowned.

At that moment, Han Cheong-ho spoke softly.

“Cheongil Group will provide substantial support to the football association. We will offer strong financial backing and cultivate talented football players. Wouldn’t that allow Your Excellency to hold your head high in the international arena?”

With significant financial investment, positive results would inevitably follow.

Park Jeong-hwan stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“So, please entrust the hotel project, which you were planning to give to Charlotte, to Cheongil. I will construct a dedicated football stadium, establish a professional football club, and support the national football team. I will restore Your Excellency’s reputation.”

It was a tempting proposition.

* * *

Park Tae-jong sipped his whiskey, feigning disinterest.

Tae-soo nodded slightly to express his gratitude.

Park Tae-jong smiled and shook the hand holding the whiskey glass.

Tae-soo turned his head, sensing a piercing gaze.

It was Han Il-kwon.

“I heard you were avoiding gatherings with your peers because you considered them beneath you, but you were enjoying yourself alone here?”

To prominent figures in the political and business spheres, Tae-soo was insignificant and unworthy of their attention.

“It appeared as though Chief Cha was intervening on your behalf out of pity as he passed by, but considering that, it seems you still haven’t had an audience with the President?”

In the first place, why did Chief Cha even visit the hall where the sons of young entrepreneurs were gathered?

He seemed to have forgotten the very reason for his presence, which he had clearly stated earlier.

“You seem to think you’re someone important simply because you’re involved in a small construction business.”

Han Il-kwon smirked.

“You’ll never succeed anyway. Our starting points are far too different. You’re at the bottom, while I’m soaring in the sky.”

Han Il-kwon advanced towards Tae-soo.

“No matter how diligently an ant works, it remains an ant.”

His habit of treating people like insects persisted.

“It would take you a century to grow your company to the size of Cheongil Group.”

Tae-soo also smirked.

“A man’s jealousy is an ugly thing. Especially the jealousy of a man who is twisted inside and lacks ability is even more repulsive.”

Han Il-kwon possessed no managerial skills.

Tae-soo knew this from firsthand experience.

“Which will happen sooner, me building a conglomerate larger than Cheongil, or you completely ruining Cheongil?”

Tae-soo had elevated Cheongil to the pinnacle of success in Korea.

Even while cleaning up the mess left behind by that incompetent fool.

“Shall we make a bet? I predict the outcome will be very close.”

Whether Tae-soo would build a conglomerate surpassing Cheongil, or Cheongil would go bankrupt and collapse.

If the rules of this world were based on the ranking of conglomerates, wouldn’t Tae-soo have an unconditional advantage?

“I’ve heard you have a knack for destroying things? I’m already feeling apprehensive.”

Han Il-kwon had ruined everything he touched.

After several failures, Han Cheong-ho had completely removed Han Il-kwon from any management role.

Stopped.

Han Il-kwon froze in his tracks, as he had been struck in a sensitive spot.

The corners of his mouth twitched slightly.

The smile gradually vanished from Han Il-kwon’s face.

Tae-soo deliberately said, “Oops.”

“I apologize, I said something inappropriate to an unemployed person. To someone who can’t even ruin things, even if they wanted to.”

Han Il-kwon bit his lip.

Han Il-kwon had not even been given the opportunity to participate in management yet.

His return was being postponed indefinitely.

“What are you without your father? Is it enjoyable to act like a fox exploiting the tiger’s might [relying on someone else’s power]?”

Tae-soo advanced towards Han Il-kwon.

Step by step. Towering.

The two stood face to face in the center of the hall.

“Your father, who should be standing behind you like a tiger? He’s begging for mercy in that room right now.”

Han Cheong-ho had just entered that room, bracing himself for humiliation.

To plead for his life, offering Cheongil Oil in exchange for being spared.

“But you’re picking fights here? You’re a pathetic individual.”

Tae-soo looked down at Han Il-kwon.

Han Il-kwon stared into Tae-soo’s eyes.

“You have eyes that make me want to pluck them out? And your mouth as well.”

“Are you jealous?”

Han Il-kwon grinned.

“Kang Tae-soo, now is not the time to worry about our father. You should be concerned about your own safety at night.”

“Take care of yourself before worrying about others.”

Han Il-kwon’s eyes gleamed.

They were the eyes of a murderer.

‘He’s dying to kill me. Familiar eyes.’

But Tae-soo had lived with those eyes staring back at him for 45 years.

‘It’s only natural for a murderer to possess the eyes of a murderer.’

Those were the same eyes he had seen in the VIP room of Cheongil Hospital.

‘I’ll make you suffer more than the pain I endured. Little by little, one by one. This time, it’s my turn.’

Han Il-kwon smiled deliberately and disgustingly.

“Kang Tae-soo, instead of worrying about me, why don’t you worry about your family first?”

If he brought up family, the dynamics of the situation would shift.

Tae-soo smiled coldly.

“I can do what you can do.”

Tae-soo’s eyes were fierce.

“Why do you assume I’m incapable of it?”

A sense of intimidation emanated from Tae-soo.

It was the pressure of someone who had held a position of power for an extended period.

But Han Il-kwon sneered.

“Try it. You’re incapable of it, but you can say whatever you want, right?”

Han Il-kwon was in an overwhelmingly advantageous position when it came to protecting his family.

Han Il-kwon shrugged his shoulders.

“As you can see, our father is the chairman of Cheongil Group, our mother is the chairman’s wife, and my younger sister is…”

Han Il-kwon whispered softly in Tae-soo’s ear.

Smiling gleefully.

“I’m so tired of inheritance and power struggles, but I’d be grateful if you could take care of it.”

He was suggesting that he eliminate his younger sister.

In fact, Han Il-kwon had a history of getting rid of his younger sister’s husband.

So that he couldn’t gain control of the management rights or property.

“You misunderstood me.”

Tae-soo said, taking a sip of his whiskey.

“I meant you would end up like that.”

If he was the target, the situation would be entirely different.

Han Il-kwon’s eyes trembled.

Tae-soo smiled.

“Shall we try it? You know how it’s done because you’ve done it to others. How it’s executed. What it feels like.”

Han Il-kwon clenched his fist tightly.

Perhaps Han Il-kwon had only threatened others with this type of threat, but had never been threatened himself.