Still, I Will Live As The Son-In-Law Of A Conglomerate [EN]: Chapter 25

25. 8th. Give and Take Race (1)

That evening.

We were having a *makgeolli* [Korean rice wine] party with my grandfather in Samcheong-dong, with boiled pork belly and *bossam* [boiled pork wraps].

“Hahaha! Everyone has been through a lot!”

Grandfather, laughing heartily, emptied the bowl of *makgeolli* in one gulp.

“Keuh, the liquor is sweet today! Even the *makgeolli* I drank after winning the construction bid in Vietnam wasn’t this sweet, euhehe!”

It was strangely amusing to see my grandfather put down the dented brass bowl with a clanging sound. They say traditional liquor should be drunk from ceramic cups, wine and brandy from glass cups, but *makgeolli* tastes best when drunk from a dented brass bowl.

The effect of demolishing the Seongsu Bridge was better than expected.

TV was filled with news praising Haedong Construction for preventing an accident by collapsing the Seongsu Bridge in advance, and as a bonus, there were even favorable reviews of the buildings and facilities Haedong Construction had built so far.

Thanks to that, it was impossible to calculate how much the improvement in the image of Haedong Construction and the entire group was worth.

“Chairman, did you see the stock market today? Buy orders for Haedong Construction didn’t stop from the start of the market to the close, hahaha!”

Seon Hae-cheol was laughing his head off, but it wasn’t just construction. Haedong Cement, Haedong Steel, and Haedong Heavy Industries also saw huge positive gains, although Haedong Trading and Haedong Merchant Bank, which were unlisted companies, were exceptions.

“I met with the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs and the Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs at the Blue House [the presidential office] at lunchtime, and they thanked Myung-jin for supporting the creation of a new Korea, Chairman. They also asked me to convey the President’s apology for the financial real-name system issue.”

As Go Seung-ju reported what had happened during the day, my grandfather nodded.

“It seems that ignorant fool is showing off; his shoulders must be high up in the sky, euhehe.”

Even as my grandfather laughed heartily, Go Seung-ju began to unpack the gift bundles sent from the Blue House.

“I don’t think it’s just showing off. The Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs said that, under the President’s orders, they would entrust Haedong Construction with safety inspections, demolition, and reconstruction of major facilities.”

Lee Myung-jin put down the *makgeolli* he was drinking and asked urgently.

“Is that true, Hyungnim [older brother]?”

“They said they would have the Ministry of Construction send an official letter to Haedong Construction tomorrow. Get ready to suffer, hehe.”

“It’s suffering because there’s work, not because there aren’t enough people, isn’t it? Don’t worry, haha.”

Lee Myung-jin’s lips curled up, but Go Seung-ju seemed determined to tear his lips apart.

“There’s one more thing. They said we should bid on the Gangnam Terminal construction.”

“Yes?”

“Since Gangnam Terminal is exclusively for the Honam Line [a major railway line], they said it would look good if we, who have ties to that region, built it. The architect is also from the same hometown.”

Lee Myung-jin looked inwardly pleased but also somewhat disappointed.

“Is there anything else, Hyungnim?”

“There is. Only for this project, they will tell the bank presidents to give us loans under the same conditions as the top 5 groups. You’ve proven your capabilities, so there won’t be any quibbles… and you won’t be pushed back on price, haha.”

Hearing that, my grandfather banged on the table and laughed heartily. It was an unexpected bonus, but if the banks gave good loan conditions, my grandfather wouldn’t have to use his private funds, Haedong Merchant Bank’s burden would be reduced, and Haedong Construction’s capabilities would be recognized, wouldn’t they?

“Euhahaha! A shower of money will pour down on Haedong Construction! You’ve been through a lot, Myung-jin!”

“No, Father. Isn’t this all for the good of our family? If it weren’t for Sung-min, I wouldn’t have even thought about such an interview, haha!”

It was my idea for Lee Myung-jin to say things in the interview that would boost the Blue House and the government. I suggested it to avoid making enemies at least, but I didn’t expect such gifts to pour in.

Lee Myung-jin, who was laughing heartily, patted me on the back.

“Thank you, Sung-min. Hyungnim and Hyung-sunim [older brother’s wife] will also be happy.”

“It’s nothing, Uncle. This wouldn’t have happened if everyone hadn’t believed in me.”

I feigned humility, but it wouldn’t have happened? Bullshit.

If this plan had failed, I would have hired people on my own to destroy the Seongsu Bridge and pushed Lee Myung-jin to do the interview.

Fortunately, Lee Myung-jin seemed to feel desperate about this project, so things went smoothly.

Now, all that’s left is to get rid of that bitch Jang Ho-kyung and put in Haedong Department Store, right? In the Gangnam Terminal that we will build with our own hands.

***

At the same time.

“Does that make sense? Does that make any sense!”

Jang Ho-gun was yelling, having called a meeting of key executives, including the heads of affiliates, in the main conference room of the Shinseong Group headquarters.

“Shinseong Group didn’t even know about it. How could that tiny company have found out? Huh!”

Even as he was panting, Jang Ho-gun couldn’t believe what had happened this morning. How could the mediocre Haedong Construction have known about the collapse of the Seongsu Bridge?

When he even thought about what would have happened if a Shinseong Group affiliate, not Haedong Construction, had taken that spot today, Jang Ho-gun raised his voice again.

“President Park!”

“Yes, Chairman!”

There were several presidents with the surname Park in this room, but it was Park Byung-joon who hurriedly stood up from his seat.

“Seongsu Bridge, you said it wouldn’t collapse, didn’t you?”

“Th, that’s…”

Bang!

Seeing his hesitant appearance, Jang Ho-gun slammed the desk as if to break it.

“Did you see the data Lee Myung-jin spread? Did you see it! Just looking at the photos, it was obvious it would collapse, but you said no? Ergh…!”

“…I’m sorry, Chairman.”

As Jang Ho-gun spewed out harsh curses, Park Byung-joon bowed his head repeatedly with a pale face. He had been relying on the merits he had made during the succession process and had been defiant, and now he was in the dark about what kind of punishment he would receive.

“Chief Lee! Where are we doing overseas construction projects for Mulsan right now?”

O. v. e. r. s. e. a. s. c. o. n. s. t. r. u. c. t. i. o. n. p. r. o. j. e. c. t. s.

Each letter was hammered into Park Byung-joon’s heart.

He had seen executives who had been demoted to overseas corporations and various business sites since Jang Ho-gun took office as chairman, but he was the first president-level executive to be hit! All the humiliations he had experienced in his life could not compare to this moment.

“I know we are doing a highway construction project in Egypt and a civil engineering project in Panama.”

“What about bridge construction?”

“The Panama civil engineering project includes bridge construction, Chairman. The total construction period will take about 3 years.”

Panama. Civil engineering. Bridge construction. 3 years.

Those four words made Park Byung-joon’s head spin. Wasn’t being exiled to the other side of the world the same as being told to die?

Jang Ho-gun nodded, then pointed to the door with his finger while looking at Park Byung-joon.

“Go to Panama right now! Review and come back!”

Rotting at the construction site for the next 3 years was as good as being told to die.

However, the shout of ‘Review and come back!’ felt like a lifeline, so Park Byung-joon dragged his feet as if he were being pulled out of the conference room.

Jang Ho-gun watched him with a look of contempt and pity, and as soon as the door closed, he shouted at the remaining presidents.

“The rest of you are the same. If your work performance drops, be prepared to clear your desks from that day on!”

“Yes!”

Even though it was unpleasant and dirty, the presidents answered loudly. Wasn’t their salary account, business card, and slush fund collected during their company life at stake?

Jang Ho-gun left the presidents behind and entered the chairman’s office with Lee Soo-han and Jung Chang-ho.

“Chief Lee, how much do you think Haedong Construction will gain from this?”

“The government will push public works projects or move the banks to give interest rate benefits. And…”

Lee Soo-han trailed off but continued speaking after seeing Jang Ho-gun’s fierce gaze.

“The Blue House has reportedly suggested to the Haedong Group that they bid on the Gangnam Terminal construction.”

“What!?”

“The Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs at the Blue House told Chief Go Seung-ju that the President instructed them to do so after hearing about Haedong Construction’s construction record and financial structure, as Gangnam Terminal is exclusively for the Honam Line and has ties to the region.”

“Lee Myung-jin, that bastard, isn’t the type to talk sweet like that old man… I can’t understand it.”

Jang Ho-gun muttered with a cold expression.

The Haedong Group, which was said to be so upright that it wouldn’t break even within the business world.

Even when other *chaebols* [large family-owned conglomerates], including Shinseong, were competing to flatter the new military regime and expand their business, the Haedong Group only threw money at the soldiers as much as they wanted and only increased the company as much as they were told.

How could the second son of a family that was too stiff to be a businessman have said such embarrassing things… Jang Ho-gun couldn’t figure out how to understand this situation.

“In this case, to Chairman Jang or Vice Chairman Jang…”

Jung Chang-ho cautiously suggested rebuilding the united front, but Jang Ho-gun shook his head firmly.

“It won’t be easy, Hyungnim. You know Nuna [older sister] and Ho-min’s personalities, don’t you?”

“Hmm…”

Jung Chang-ho couldn’t answer easily to Jang Ho-gun’s question. As the last secretary of Shinseong Group’s founding Chairman Jang Byung-ho and Jang Ho-gun’s first secretary, he knew better than anyone how great the two people’s greed was.

After a moment of contemplation, Jung Chang-ho opened his mouth.

“How about trading with the Haedong Group?”

“Trade?”

“Haedong Department Store has a strong perception of being a cheap department store that anyone can go to. If we help Haedong Department Store move in against the architect, and they help us re-enter Korea Hotel, it seems like it would be a good deal for each other.”

Not to be outdone, Lee Soo-han also offered his opinion.

“Our Shinsegi Group bonds, which are due this year, are worth 400 billion won, and if we refuse to extend the maturity, Chairman Jang Ho-kyung will give up. If we also exclude the hotel duty-free shop and handle the permit delays caused by the design change, the scales will be balanced.”

The two people’s suggestions had their own basis, so it was not something to be rejected immediately.

However, knowing the hidden preconditions as well, Jang Ho-gun opened his mouth with a heavy expression after a long silence.

“Tell Ha-yeon to try to talk to Sung-min since she is meeting him. I don’t have the face to ask him directly, Hyungnim.”

“Isn’t Korea Hotel Vice President Jang’s share? Sometimes you have to do rough things to become strong, Chairman.”

For the chairman of the great Shinseong Group to have to sell his daughter to do business for his daughter… Jang Ho-gun’s expression was still dark despite Jung Chang-ho’s consolation.

***

Some time later.

“We will announce the results of the Gangnam Terminal construction bid. After reviewing both price and non-price factors, the Gangnam Terminal turnkey construction contractor is…”

Everyone held their breath and watched as the middle-aged man opened his mouth again.

“Haedong Construction has been selected.”

“Waaaaah!”

Lee Myung-jin and the executives, who jumped up from their seats, hugged each other and jumped around with shouts. It was their first turnkey project, beating out all kinds of flying and crawling construction companies such as Taehyun Construction, Daeju Mulsan, and Serim Industry, so they couldn’t help but be happy.

Watching the scene from afar, I wiped the tears from my eyes. Seeing my family, who had left on their own feet, happy thanks to me, I couldn’t hold back the emotions that were welling up.

I smiled as I saw Lee Myung-jin giving me a thumbs up and took out my cell phone.

“Yes, Lee Sung-min…”

[It’s me, Sung-min.]

It was Jang Ha-yeon’s voice, but unlike usual, her tone was low.

“What’s wrong?”

[That’s…]

For a woman who was always clear, she was slurring her words. Could it be…?

“Don’t do it over the phone; let’s meet in person. The cafe we always go to, is that okay?”

[…Okay.]

“I’ll leave now. See you there.”

After hanging up the phone, I walked over to Lee Myung-jin and said.

“Uncle, I have someone I need to meet urgently.”

“Is it that urgent?”

“Yes. And… how long do you think it will take to get the changed design re-approved?”

It was a sudden question, but Lee Myung-jin said in a low voice to my ear.

“If you give them some grease money, it will be approved within 2 weeks.”

“Will I have to spend a lot?”

“You have to feed everyone from the mayor to the vice mayor to the director, so you’ll have to spread around 1 billion won [approximately $750,000 USD]. Father said he would open the vault, so it’s okay, hehe.”

The Gangnam Terminal construction cost was well over 300 billion won [approximately $225 million USD], so there were quite a few places to cheat and go around. It was unthinkable for my grandfather in the past, but it seemed that safely passing the financial real-name system was a big deal.

“I understand, Uncle. Thank you for letting me know.”

I bowed to the waist and said goodbye, then got in the car and went to the Misari cafe. When I went inside, it seemed that my thoughts were becoming more and more correct as only Jang Ha-yeon was there.

“Did you wait long?”

“No. I just got here.”

We sat down and drank the coffee that the employee gave us.

“I was worried when I heard your voice. Are you okay?”

“That’s…”

Jang Ha-yeon, who was only touching the coffee cup and fidgeting, opened her mouth.

“Help Korea Hotel re-enter Gangnam Terminal.”

As expected.

There was no way that Jang Ho-gun and Shinseong Group would give up that prime land. It was a place that could never fail if operated as a luxury hotel, wasn’t it?

If you even think about selling luxury goods in the set-in duty-free shop or arcade, Gangnam Terminal was a place that could not be given up.

“Nuna [older sister]?”

When I pretended to be surprised even though I knew, Jang Ha-yeon’s face turned red.

The face of Jang Ha-yeon that I am looking at now was full of shame. Apart from the group ranking, she would be embarrassed to face me with such a thing.

Moreover, she herself would be thinking that she was shameless because it was thanks to me that she had made personal assets of 10 billion won when she was penniless.

“I know. It’s an unreasonable request. It’s asking you to put it back in the place we ruined. So, about that…”

Jang Ha-yeon trailed off, then sipped the coffee cup she was holding with both hands.

“We will terminate the lease contract for your aunt’s department store. If Korea Hotel re-enters, we won’t put in a duty-free shop or arcade, and we will handle the permit issues for you. How about it?”

Withdrawing Shinsegi Department Store is something that can be done sufficiently if we refuse to extend the maturity of Shinsegi Group’s debt tied to Shinseong Group.

The non-entry of duty-free shops and arcades was probably added as a way to show off since the current domestic duty-free shop market size is small.

She said that she would handle the permit issues, probably thinking that our family’s slush funds and private loan funds were locked in the bank.

After a moment of contemplation, I nodded.

“I’ll go back and tell you.”

“Okay…”

After leaving the cafe, I drove the car on the highway only after Jang Ha-yeon left.

“Damn human…”

I cursed Jang Ho-gun and gripped the steering wheel so tightly that the veins on the back of my hand bulged. For the chairman of that great Shinseong Group to give his precious daughter only this much to bargain with!

It’s better this way. How easy did they think our family was to throw such conditions?

‘Should I push the elders of our family to the table this time and have them play cards with Shinseong Group? I have to rip off Jang Ho-gun several times what Ha-yeon couldn’t give me. It would be appropriate since I’m doing behind-the-scenes work in Kazakhstan by now.’

I believed that the elders of our family were the best players who could draw what I wanted from Jang Ho-gun, with the slush funds of the future Shinseong Group as stakes. I drove down the road with a confident smile.