After the Divorce, I Found a Thousand Bitcoins - Chapter 44

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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I Got Divorced and Found a Thousand Bitcoins Episode 044

 

The meeting was suspended.

 

“We will review the documents submitted by both sides and reconvene the meeting.”

 

Menon returned to his office with the documents submitted by both parties.

 

And he told his staff.

 

“We will review all these documents by today.”

 

“By today?”

 

“There’s too much volume.”

 

“I don’t think we’ll have enough time.”

 

Even in India, civil servants were still civil servants.

 

They mentioned that quitting time was approaching, but Vice Minister Menon was firm.

 

“If the review isn’t finished, no one goes home today!”

 

Eventually, the review began.

 

They said they would process it quickly, but there was so much work that they could only finish all the reviews at dawn.

 

“Phew…”

 

Menon, left alone in his office, let out a sigh.

 

“I never imagined the Barma Group’s internal situation was this much of a mess.”

 

Through the documents submitted by KH Construction, it was revealed that the Barma Group’s financial soundness was in shambles.

 

With financial statements like these, they should naturally be excluded from all public projects.

 

But Menon wasn’t the one who could make that decision.

 

“I need to report this to the Minister.”

 

This was a matter that needed to be reported to his superiors.

 

* * *

 

Kang Hyeon and his group returned to their accommodation and waited for contact.

 

Cha Vice President took the stance that a sole bid might be possible, as if nothing had happened before.

 

“With the other side’s soundness deteriorated to this extent, we’ll get the sole bid!”

 

He too had changed his position after reviewing the materials Kang Hyeon had sent.

 

Certainly, thinking that way was common sense.

 

But Kang Hyeon’s thoughts were a bit different.

 

“It probably won’t be resolved that easily.”

 

“Excuse me? What do you mean? Are you saying the Indian government will choose the Barma Group even after seeing that report?”

 

“This is India, after all.”

 

Choi Byeon chimed in.

 

Cha Vice President made an expression of incomprehension.

 

Then Choi Byeon said.

 

“There have been countless cases where the Indian government sided with domestic companies. Representative examples include the Adani Group incident and our country’s POSCO Odisha project case.”

 

India had experienced various incidents and accidents, and each time they had treated foreign companies unfairly, so Choi Byeon was worried about that aspect.

 

“The most concerning part is whether the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs really didn’t know about the Barma Group’s condition. Although the materials you secured are internal documents, it’s unlikely that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which can be considered the core of the central government, didn’t know.”

 

“So you’re saying they knew but turned a blind eye?”

 

“Judging from Vice Minister Menon’s reaction, it’s likely that those above him turned a blind eye.”

 

“Above him means…”

 

Cha Vice President’s face hardened.

 

“Isn’t that the Minister level?”

 

If those at the pinnacle of power had turned a blind eye, this fight was essentially without hope of winning.

 

Because expectations had been high, disappointment soon turned into despair.

 

“A sole bid would be impossible then.”

 

Watching Cha Vice President slump onto the sofa, Kang Hyeon said nothing.

 

Choi Byeon looked at the unusually quiet Kang Hyeon with suspicion.

 

‘If it’s the CEO I know, he would have definitely considered this possibility.’

 

The fact that he had revealed the information they possessed despite knowing this meant he had something to rely on.

 

Then Kang Hyeon looked intently at his smartphone and stood up.

 

“I’ll go out for a moment.”

 

“I’ll accompany you…”

 

“No. I’ll go alone.”

 

Kang Hyeon firmly refused and left the room.

 

* * *

 

The place Kang Hyeon arrived at was a room in the hotel lounge.

 

When he opened the door and entered, a man with a familiar face was sitting there.

 

“Mr. Choi, it’s been a while.”

 

“It’s good to see you again, Chief of Staff.”

 

The man’s name was Anish Singha.

 

He was Prime Minister Lao Xing’s Chief of Staff, whom he had met during a private meeting with the Prime Minister in South Korea.

 

Since they had exchanged contact information when he saw him off, Kang Hyeon had contacted him.

 

“Thank you for making time despite the sudden request.”

 

“Not at all. The Prime Minister said to prioritize any contact from Mr. Choi, so it was possible.”

 

“Please convey my gratitude to the Prime Minister.”

 

After exchanging brief greetings and taking seats, Chief Singha brought up the topic.

 

“Seeing that you contacted me, it seems the discussions with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs aren’t going well.”

 

The other party already had some grasp of the situation.

 

“I’m embarrassed to say, but that’s correct. I tried to handle it at my level, but…”

 

“It’s not an easy matter in India.”

 

Chief Singha said with a regretful expression while drinking tea.

 

“India has just begun to develop. It has very high growth potential in the future, but unfortunately, there are many problems in the political and business circles. Corruption is also rampant.”

 

Kang Hyeon said nothing.

 

If he brought up the wrong topic here, it could end up being criticism of India.

 

“Foreign institutions have also exploited such aspects to enter the country and dominate. However, this part seems to be somewhat resolvable thanks to Mr. Choi’s efforts.”

 

This was precisely why Prime Minister Lao Xing viewed Kang Hyeon favorably.

 

He was a man who prioritized India’s development above all else, and naturally viewed corruption unfavorably.

 

But because it was so deeply rooted, he thought it would be difficult to uproot it all at once.

 

In the midst of this, contact came from Kang Hyeon.

 

“The Prime Minister said to prioritize helping Mr. Choi if he made any requests.”

 

That was why.

 

The reason why Chief Singha, who could be called Prime Minister Lao Xing’s right hand, came personally to hear his concerns.

 

“What I want is one thing.”

 

Kang Hyeon, who had been listening, brought up the main point.

 

“Please help ensure this bid can proceed fairly.”

 

It was an unexpected request.

 

“You’re not asking to be awarded the bid, but just for it to proceed fairly?”

 

“Isn’t that the picture Prime Minister Lao Xing wants?”

 

At Kang Hyeon’s answer, the corners of Chief Singha’s mouth turned up.

 

* * *

 

After hearing his Chief of Staff’s story, Prime Minister Lao Xing asked again.

 

“So, he asked for the bid to proceed fairly?”

 

“Yes, he said he would win the bid through fair competition.”

 

“That young fellow is truly remarkable.”

 

As if reading his mind, Kang Hyeon’s answer was perfect.

 

“If that’s what he wants, we should grant it. Contact the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs.”

 

“Understood.”

 

After confirming that Chief Singha was moving, Prime Minister Lao Xing looked out the window.

 

New Delhi, India’s capital, still showed signs of incomplete development.

 

This city, still dominated by old buildings, was what Prime Minister Lao Xing’s ambition sought to change.

 

‘To change this country, we need to completely overhaul it once.’

 

The higher-ups committing corruption.

 

Unless they were replaced, this country would never change.

 

He knew this, but couldn’t easily approach it.

 

If he started cutting from too high up, the foundation could crumble.

 

Above all, the position of Prime Minister required handling everything from diplomacy to various other matters.

 

Especially recently, with many diplomatic disputes occurring, he was spending busier times than ever.

 

‘It’s been too hectic since Goldwin became president. In the midst of all this, I’m grateful someone found a place we can strike first.’

 

Barma Group.

 

Though they conducted various businesses based on construction, construction was still their main focus.

 

‘There are plenty of places that can handle things even if we take down someone like Barma. And it would serve as a warning too.’

 

A warning message to those who engage in political collusion.

 

It was the perfect target to send the message that this is what happens when you continue committing corruption.

 

“Choi Kang-hyeon…”

 

It seemed his relationship with him would deepen more than expected.

 

* * *

 

Two days after meeting the Chief Secretary.

 

Kang Hyeon and his group received a call from Menon and visited the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

 

In the meeting room, Barma Group’s chairman and his secretary were already seated.

 

Their faces were full of triumphant expressions, as if they had already won the battle.

 

‘As expected… they’ve finished all their preparations.’

 

Seeing their expressions, Cha Vice President instinctively knew they would have to surrender in this fight.

 

After hearing the story from Choi Byeon, he had spent the past two days investigating India more deeply in his own way.

 

And he discovered that corruption was more severe than expected.

 

‘How could we possibly win such a project alone in a country like this without backing?’

 

Cha Vice President recalled the construction stories from the 70s and 80s he had heard from Kang Myeong-gu and other construction veterans.

 

‘They said when our country was developing as an emerging nation, countless forms of corruption ran rampant.’

 

Now it had weakened somewhat and occurred more subtly, but in the past, corruption and lobbying literally happened openly.

 

This was a process like the fate of developing countries.

 

Knowing this, Cha Vice President lowered his expectations.

 

“Since both parties are here, let’s begin the meeting.”

 

Today too, Menon was trying to proceed with the meeting as a mediator.

 

Looking at Menon, a strange light appeared in Kang Hyeon’s eyes.

 

‘Why is this man emitting a red light?’

 

It was definitely a light he hadn’t seen during the second meeting.

 

But today it was suddenly glowing.

 

‘Did something change in his personal circumstances in just a few days?’

 

While he was having such doubts.

 

“Ah, Vice Minister. We don’t have time, so let’s proceed quickly. You received contact from the Minister, didn’t you?”

 

Barma Chairman cut off Menon’s words and stepped forward.

 

At his attitude of openly mentioning the Minister, Menon frowned.

 

“Yes, I did.”

 

“Then you can just proceed accordingly, can’t you?”

 

“Huu…!”

 

Knowing what Barma Chairman was talking about and why such orders had come down, Menon let out a deep sigh.

 

But there was nothing he, a mere subordinate, could do.

 

“Mister Choi.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Unfortunately, it seems a solo bid for this project will be difficult. For bidding, establishing a JV with Barma Group must be prioritized, and this is the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ final position…”

 

Click!

 

At that moment, the meeting room door opened and a man entered.

 

“Why is that our Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ final position?!”

 

“Who…!”

 

The moment Barma Chairman irritably turned his head to shout, he saw the man’s face and jumped up from his seat in shock.

 

“La… Lator Minister!”

 

Lator Minister looked at Barma Chairman calling him as if looking at an insect, passed by him, and approached Kang Hyeon.

 

“Mister Choi?”

 

“Yes, Minister.”

 

“The Prime Minister spoke very highly of you.”

 

“It’s an honor.”

 

Hearing the conversation between the two, Barma Chairman’s face turned pale.

 

‘Pri… Prime Minister? He said Prime Minister?!’

 

While he was realizing who was behind Kang Hyeon, Lator Minister turned his head to look at Menon.

 

“Vice Minister Menon.”

 

“Yes, Minister.”

 

“Conduct this bidding fairly. And report directly to me.”

 

“Dir… ectly? But Deputy Minister Aier is…?”

 

Lator Minister turned his head to glare at Barma Chairman and continued speaking.

 

“Deputy Minister Sanjiv Kumar Aier stepped down from his position as of today.”

 

Shocking news was delivered.

 

“So you make the decision and report directly to me. Understood?”

 

“Yes, yes. I understand!”

 

After hearing the answer, Lator Minister shifted his gaze to look at Kang Hyeon.

 

“Mister Choi.”

 

“Yes, Minister.”

 

“The bidding for this project will be conducted fairly, so you don’t need to worry.”

 

“Thank you for saying that.”

 

“When this matter is finally concluded, let’s have a meal together.”

 

“I’ll visit whenever you call.”

 

Pleased with the answer, Lator Minister smiled with satisfaction, turned around, glared at the pale Barma Chairman, and then left the meeting room.

 

Though a storm had swept through, the work wasn’t finished yet.

 

Vice Minister Menon, who had effectively gained decision-making authority, spoke in a stronger voice than before.

 

“All conditions for the highway corridor construction bidding will be reset to blank and re-examined from the starting point, with the final decision to be made at the next meeting.”

 

As soon as his words ended.

 

Thud!

 

The heavy Barma Chairman collapsed on the spot.

 

“Chair… Chairman!!”

 

Lao Secretary rushed to him, but seeing the chairman collapsed and frothing at the mouth, he was equally flustered.

 

“Some… Someone please call an ambulance! An ambulance!!”

 

Only Lao’s urgent voice echoed through the meeting room.

 

* * *

 

South Korea.

 

Choi Chang-wook parked his Porsche Panamera in the underground parking garage of Cheongdam-dong Prime, his residence.

 

Though he owned a high-end apartment worth tens of billions and a car worth hundreds of millions, he hadn’t been at peace lately.

 

‘Damn… just getting criticized at the company again today.’

 

Since coming to Korea after soaring on Wall Street, things hadn’t been going well for him.

 

Especially starting with NextMove and continuing to this Arkon incident.

 

Experiencing the bitter taste of consecutive failures, his position at the company was diminishing.

 

With losses mounting, there was a high possibility his performance bonuses would be significantly reduced.

 

“Haah….”

 

As his irritation grew, only sighs increased.

 

Ding dong-!

 

Just then the elevator arrived and he moved his heavy steps to open the door lock at the entrance and went inside.

 

“Tsk!”

 

As soon as he entered the foyer, seeing the expensive shoes scattered messily around made his irritation surge even more.

 

Still, he suppressed his anger and went into the house when the door opened and Han So-ye, wearing a face mask pack, walked out.

 

“You’re back?”

 

“Yeah. If you were home, you could have tidied up the entrance a bit.”

 

“Leave it. The cleaning lady will take care of it tomorrow anyway. Why are you irritated as soon as you get home?”

 

“Haah… Never mind.”

 

Han So-ye, who had been glaring at the irritated Choi Chang-wook with strange eyes, opened the refrigerator door, took out foreign brand bottled water, drank it, and said.

 

“Oh, and I need to spend about fifty million won on my card tomorrow.”

 

“What? Fifty million?”

 

“Yeah, tomorrow is VIC Day.”

 

“I told you to hold off on department store shopping and such for later since I’m having a hard time these days.”

 

“I know! I know you’re having a hard time too! That’s why I haven’t even gone near the department store for a month! But I absolutely have to go on VIC Day! Don’t you know if I miss that, I’ll get downgraded from VVIP status?”

 

A woman who prioritized department store rankings even in these difficult times.

 

Just as he was about to speak while forcibly suppressing his irritation that had crossed the limit.

 

Buzz!

 

Buzz!

 

His smartphone rang consecutively.

 

Since it was his work phone, he quickly took out the phone.

 

What came wasn’t a call but the company information sharing group chat.

 

‘At this hour?’

 

Among the information sharing group chats, this was one where only urgent matters were shared, so he quickly checked the content.

 

[(Breaking News) KH Construction wins 1.3 trillion won national project contract with India! Global company leap!]

 

Han So-ye, who had been watching Choi Chang-wook, approached and spoke again.

 

“Anyway, I absolutely have to go tomorrow, so the credit limit….”

 

Just as she was bringing up the department store topic again.

 

“Fucking hell!!”

 

Bang!!

 

With sudden profanity, Choi Chang-wook threw his smartphone.

 

The smartphone that flew toward the wall bounced off with a loud crash.

 

While Han So-ye was startled, Choi Chang-wook walked past her with quick steps and entered the study.

 

Bang!!

 

Just as Han So-ye, who had come to her senses startled by the irritably slammed door sound, was about to shout.

 

Buzz!

 

The smartphone rang again.

 

“What on earth could it be….”

 

As she bent down to pick up the smartphone, one chat message came into view through the cracked screen.

 

[(Photo) KH Construction’s Cha Tae-hun Vice President and KH Recovery’s Choi Kang-hyeon CEO shaking hands with Indian Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Mahendra Lator.]

 

Her eyes widened upon seeing the photo.

 

“Huh…?”

 

In the photo, she could see her ex-husband Choi Kang-hyeon shaking hands with a man who appeared to be Indian.

 

That image was shining like the upper-class appearance she had dreamed of so much.

 

Spark!

 

“Kyaah!”

 

Just then, sparks flew from the broken smartphone.

 

Startled, she dropped the smartphone and discovered her own reflection in the now-dark screen.

 

Whoosh!!

 

Then small flames rose from the smartphone, consuming her reflection.

 

“Aaaaah!!”

 

Soon her screams echoed throughout.

 

Whether it was self-loathing for the wrong choices she had made in the past or fear of the sudden fire, only she knew.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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