Max-Level Son of a Chaebol Family - Chapter 48

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

48. Year-End Night (3)

The Wookwang Construction President raised his voice even higher.

“I heard that Taeseong Construction’s President Cha Yun-seong is going around visiting bank presidents trying to sell land? Their domestic construction projects are severely behind schedule, and Taeseong Construction’s apartment construction has completely stopped.”

The Wookwang Construction President shouted confidently.

“Since construction has stopped, when the promissory notes they need to cover come due, Taeseong Construction will collapse in an instant. In the end, it means they might not be able to proceed with the Subway Line 2 construction even if they win the contract because they don’t have money!”

He raised both fists as he spoke.

“If you exclude Taeseong, the only construction company that can easily handle the Subway Line 2 construction is our Woo-gwang! Woo-gwang apartments are selling like hotcakes these days! That’s why our financial situation is very comfortable and good!”

Someone snorted at the Wookwang Construction President’s words.

“The Subway Line 2 construction is a major project that’s difficult to even start without proper Underground Civil Engineering Technology backing it up.”

“Unlike Taeseong, Woo-gwang has almost no experience in underground civil construction.”

The Wookwang Construction President shouted confidently.

“Just because we lack technique and experience doesn’t mean we can’t do it. If there’s no road, we’ll make one, and if we need technique, we’ll learn it, if we need experience, we’ll accumulate it. Our Woo-gwang has that level of capability!”

Grandfather laughed heartily.

“If you have that much capability, why did you propose a joint bid to me?”

“Th-that was with the intention of joining forces between future in-laws to create a great undertaking…”

Had such a thing happened?

This was the first I’d heard of it.

That made it even more infuriating.

‘Who benefits from a joint bid? The Subway Line 2 construction is something I’m pushing for Father’s sake.’

But I’m just a seven-year-old child.

If Grandfather and Father decide to join hands with Woo-gwang, there’s no way for me to oppose it.

‘What exactly did the Wookwang Construction President say to entice them?’

My mind started spinning rapidly.

I tried to think of the proposals the Wookwang Construction President might have made.

But most of them seemed trivial.

‘If he had wielded the stick instead of the carrot······.’

Grandfather and Father were people who cherished their family.

If the Wookwang Construction President had threatened them using family as leverage, it might have worked.

With that thought in mind, I looked at Grandfather and Father with anxious eyes.

“Our Taeseong won’t do joint bidding! We’re going solo!”

But Grandfather spoke decisively and clearly.

“Everyone, our Taeseong has signed a technology agreement with the Japan Transportation Bureau and Japan Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority! We can apply Advanced Civil Engineering Technology to the Subway Line 2 construction!”

People’s eyes widened.

Taeseong was already evaluated as being several steps ahead of Woo-gwang in Underground Civil Engineering Technology, experience, and track record.

But if they had also completed an advanced technology agreement with Japan, it meant they were significantly ahead technologically.

Only then did I smile broadly.

‘That’s right. Why else did I give him the Bribery Ledger in advance.’

I gave it to him to use like this.

I believed that Secretary Kim could use the Bribery Ledger to firmly trap his opponent.

‘But the fact that the Wookwang Construction President came out so confidently means there’s a possibility he made a double agreement with Japan?’

Secretary Kim just stood by and watched that happen?

‘If we signed a technology agreement, he should have quickly sent the Japanese People back home. Surely he didn’t just leave them to make contact with Woo-gwang?’

If so, this would be disappointing.

Did I perhaps overestimate Secretary Kim?

The Wookwang Construction President also shouted back without backing down.

“The technology agreement is a matter based on the Korea-Japan Technology Agreement, so our Woo-gwang can also receive Japan’s cooperation if we win the subway construction!”

“Those Japanese People spat and left saying they’d never deal with Woo-gwang again, didn’t they? Your company’s Vice President heard it clearly, so you can go ask him!”

A hollow laugh escaped me without realizing it.

‘He completely messed things up, so what kind of nerve does he have to talk so big? Unless he has some other source of confidence.’

The hollow laugh that was flowing out stopped abruptly.

‘Some other source of confidence?’

At first glance, he was the Wookwang Construction President who looked despicable and cunning.

When someone who isn’t stupid makes bold claims, there’s always a reason behind it.

‘What could it be. What the Wookwang Construction President is relying on. From the atmosphere, it doesn’t seem to be Chairman Kim of Wookwang Group.’

The reason he could make bold claims even if the technology agreement with Japan fell through.

The reason he could act so arrogantly even after I proposed a joint bid.

I became curious about that.

Then the high-ranking officials from political circles let out low chuckles.

These were people who had been grinding their teeth ever since they got in trouble for accepting bribes from Woo-gwang.

“To think Woo-gwang would become detestable when they don’t even have the technology.”

“They can’t properly manage their account books or their subordinates. Just how did they conduct technology negotiations with Japan for this kind of talk to come out?”

“Even if Woo-gwang wins the subway construction contract, they don’t have civil engineering technology so they won’t be able to lay a finger on it, right?”

The Wookwang Construction President ground his teeth.

“Does only Japan possess underground facility civil engineering technology? Whether we find it in Europe or America, we’ll handle that ourselves! But the money problem is different! Does money that doesn’t exist just fall from the sky?”

“Haven’t you heard yet? Our Taeseong has gained a backer.”

People nodded in agreement.

“I heard they generously donated 3 billion in cash?”

“A measly 3 billion! Looking at the scale of the subway construction, that still seems woefully insufficient! On the other hand, our Woo-gwang is······!”

That’s when it happened.

“3 billion! I will invest in Taeseong Construction!”

It was Master.

Someone recognized Master and shouted.

“It’s Myeongdong Hawk!”

“The investment genius who swept up all the well-located apartments in Gangnam?”

“The legend of the underground finance world who supposedly never had a single investment go bad? That wasn’t just a rumor?”

This was exactly Master’s reputation and the credibility he had built up.

-Taeseong Construction, the investment target chosen by Master, the investment genius!

This was why I had asked Master to help create buzz.

Master gently waved his fan as he spoke.

“Instead of demanding shares in Taeseong Construction or high-interest loans, if you give me the substitute land for this Subway Line 2 construction, I’m prepared to invest even more. About 2 billion more. So 5 billion total!”

Since we hadn’t written a contract, Master probably wanted to nail it down officially.

I wanted exactly this kind of situation right now.

This was another reason I deliberately left no traces of back-room deals.

The one who needs something more makes the effort.

“Substitute land?”

“That’s right. When Taeseong Construction wins the subway construction contract, they cover the insufficient construction funds with substitute land.”

“Then that substitute land is definitely land near subway stations?”

People’s eyes flashed with interest.

Where subways passed through, compared to places without subways, land prices typically jumped several times, sometimes even dozens of times higher over the same period.

They had already witnessed the Subway Line 1 substitute land project become a huge hit.

‘Who wouldn’t be tempted when they can easily acquire land where subway stations will be built?’

Not only the Apartment Lady who was enthusiastic about real estate speculation for wealth management, but even politicians wanting to launder political funds all turned their heads.

Also, business circle people who wanted to build and sell commercial buildings near subway stations, and high-ranking public officials who wanted to fill their home safes without consequences beyond bribes, all perked up their ears.

“You’re saying we can get substitute land if we invest in Taeseong Construction?”

“Substitute land is priced at the rates when land was cheap. Once buildings start going up near subway stations, land prices will definitely jump significantly.”

“The return rate would be much higher than buying Gangnam apartments or candidate development area land, wouldn’t it?”

Maljuk Intersection Horse Head raised his hand high.

“I’ll invest 5 billion too!”

Since they said they’d reduce interest on gambling debts if he put up investment money, he went all in without hesitation.

The cash Secretary Kim brought after going around gambling houses and completely emptying their vaults was 3 billion!

The remaining 2 billion was gambling debt documents and all real estate and movable property tied to those houses.

“I don’t even need substitute land! Just give me generous interest instead!”

He was asking for generous interest reduction.

Since the outrageous private loan shark rate of 67.8% annual interest was applied.

People looked at Horse Head and drew in their breath again.

“Even Maljuk Intersection Horse Head?”

“No way, I heard that guy never loses when money’s on the line…”

“Who would have thought he’d refuse gambling house loan sharks and pour money into Taeseong Construction’s Subway Line 2 construction.”

“Huh, he’s betting boldly. Will Taeseong Construction really win the Subway Line 2 construction contract?”

People’s eyes sparkled even brighter.

Everyone wants to stand on the winner’s side and share in the spoils.

They had caught the scent of the crumbs that Taeseong Construction would spill after winning the Subway Line 2 construction project.

As if they had been waiting, Jongro’s Gold Tooth and Kkachishan Lady Bang joined in as well.

“I’ll invest 3 billion! While we’re at it, I’d like the subway to pass near Jongno.”

“I’ll do 2 billion! But I should be able to pick and choose what I want from the substitute land, right?”

These were investments already promised in advance.

500 million per subway station.

Jongro’s Gold Tooth and Kkachishan Lady Bang had already promised to hand over information on 6 and 4 subway stations respectively.

“Even Jongro’s Gold Tooth and Kkachishan Lady Bang?”

“The big shots who move Korean Underground Finance are rushing in first to decide on investments?”

“This can’t be! Every time I went to borrow money, I threw away all my pride and crawled on my knees, but someone doesn’t even need loan sharks and comes running here!”

People looked at Grandfather and Father.

Father smiled happily with a somewhat dazed expression, while Grandfather was completely excited with both fists clenched tight.

“Father, the investment amount is 18 billion won!”

“Yes! It couldn’t be better!”

The presidents of Taeseong Group Subsidiaries who had gathered around Grandfather couldn’t hide their joy either.

“Chairman, this is truly wonderful!”

“It seems like heaven is helping our Taeseong!”

“To attract such a massive investment!”

Grandfather muttered as if he couldn’t believe it.

“Now we can do the subway construction without worrying about money. Everything is going smoothly just as we wanted. Can we really be this lucky? It feels like I’m possessed by a ghost.”

But with a disgusted expression, the Wookwang Construction President shouted angrily.

“Who the hell let these loan sharks in here! Since when did Year-End Night become a chaotic mess where even the Back Alleys money dealers get to act up?”

The Hall fell quiet at the sudden cold water being thrown.

At the Wookwang Construction President’s irritated gesture, the Musicians stopped their ensemble and the Guest Singer’s song was interrupted.

Jongro’s Gold Tooth smiled.

His yellow Gold Teeth embedded like corn kernels glinted obtrusively under the lights.

“That’s quite hurtful to say. We were properly invited here too. This Year-End Night is supposed to be a charity bazaar to help the less fortunate. Is there any reason we shouldn’t be invited?”

Kkachishan Lady Bang also added a word.

“Of course. Do we lack money, people, or ability? We also know how to help the underprivileged.”

Horse Head smirked and stepped forward.

“Hey, what kind of bastard are you to be so rude?”

The way he rolled up his sleeves looked like he was ready to flip the table and cause a scene at any moment.

I clicked my tongue quietly.

‘That bastard’s temper, really. If he loses it and goes wild here, there’ll be trouble.’

It wouldn’t be a problem if they invested in Taeseong Construction or caused a minor scuffle.

But causing a scene would be different.

Questions would surely arise about how these unrecognized uninvited guests managed to enter.

And if that happened, President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction, who had turned a blind eye to this, would be in an awkward position.

Taeseong would be in trouble as the main culprit who received invitations and ruined the Year-End Night.

“Secretary Kim.”

“Yes.”

Secretary Kim immediately strode toward Horse Head.

Horse Head had just grabbed a chair when he spotted Secretary Kim.

“Korea Racing Association, Ttukseom Seoul Race Track, bank branch manager.”

“······!”

At the three words Secretary Kim mentioned, Horse Head immediately became docile.

He dusted off the cloth covering the chair and cleared his throat awkwardly.

“Ahem!”

Low, very quiet murmuring began.

The Wookwang Construction President snorted.

“Look at this. Money dealers don’t know where they belong and where they don’t. Good grief. At this rate, we’ll all look cheap by association.”

Jongno Gold Teeth snorted, and Kkachishan Lady Bang waved her invitation.

“Whether it’s a white cat or black cat, as long as it catches mice well, that’s enough. Whether it’s white money or black money, as long as they donate well, isn’t that enough?”

“They came with invitations to donate money, so why are those who aren’t even the hosts stepping forward to give them the cold shoulder? Whose money is money, and whose money is shit?”

The Wookwang Construction President burst into laughter.

“No matter how much money they have, this isn’t a place they can squeeze into. What are these hotel security guards doing! Hurry up and drag those bastards out!”

At that moment, President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction, who was also the owner of Hyeonmu Hotel, picked up the microphone.

“Everyone who entered with an invitation is my guest. President Kim, please show some courtesy first.”

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