Max-Level Son of a Chaebol Family - Chapter 50

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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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50. Mayor Gu’s Proposal

 

President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction smiled broadly.

 

“You have no idea how much trouble our Hyeonmu Construction went through looking for an apartment site. Then in the midst of all that, you sent someone to me and handed over that land in Suseo-dong. I’m very grateful for that.”

 

Father looked at President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction with a strange expression.

 

He must have already confirmed that the full balance payment had been deposited into Taeseong Construction’s bank passbook.

 

The Suseo-dong apartment site had been definitively transferred to Hyeonmu Construction.

 

“Since I received a favor, I should repay it with a favor. Compared to your kindness, my favor of just introducing you to the Seoul mayor isn’t really much, but still.”

 

“No, it will be a great help.”

 

“Fortunately, Mayor Gu and I have quite a thick personal friendship, so I’ll subtly help you out from the side.”

 

It was reliable support.

 

Originally, Grandfather would have covered this, but Grandfather was busy having to meet not only the people who wanted to invest but also Chairman Kim of Wookwang Group.

 

Since President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction had voluntarily stepped forward to fill that gap, this was clearly both a favor and repayment.

 

* * *

 

“Mayor Gu.”

 

At President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction’s call, a neatly dressed middle-aged man turned around.

 

“Oh, President Oh. This Year-End Night event is much more splendid than usual. You must have worked hard preparing it.”

 

“Could we talk for a moment? About the Subway Line 2 construction.”

 

“The subway? That sounds good.”

 

At Mayor Gu’s glance, the ruling party lawmakers who had been conversing subtly stepped back.

 

“Hmm, but the friend next to you is…”

 

“The youngest son of Chairman Cha of Taeseong Group. You heard earlier, right? He’s the friend who will become the next president of Taeseong Construction. Let me introduce him.”

 

“How do you do, Mayor Gu. I’m Cha Seong-jun.”

 

“I heard Chairman Cha entrusted you with the Subway Line 2 construction?”

 

“Yes, I look forward to working with you.”

 

“Taeseong Construction is a solid construction company that should take on a major role in Gangnam development. How about we shake hands as a sign of working well together in the future?”

 

Mayor Gu extended his hand, requesting a handshake.

 

Father firmly grasped his hand.

 

President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction added.

 

“This guy is quite a capable operator.”

 

“Really?”

 

“The Taeseong Hotels and resorts built in every corner of the nation are also this guy’s handiwork.”

 

“So he was the hidden contributor behind Taeseong Hotels and resorts that selectively entered only scenic and prime locations in provincial areas.”

 

“That’s not all. Taeseong Construction’s successful expansion into the Middle East is also entirely this guy’s achievement.”

 

“Really? The construction project Chairman Kim mentioned earlier about building an entire city in Saudi Arabia. Which region and what kind of project was that?”

 

Mayor Gu looked at Father with great interest.

 

“Ah, would it be rude of me to ask? If it’s classified information with confidentiality clauses, I won’t ask any further.”

 

“Not at all. The city in question is in the area near Jubail Industrial Port. Taeseong has been assigned to organize the city districts, handling everything from basic civil engineering to roads, water pipes, and drainage system maintenance. It’s a new city construction project.”

 

“Quite a substantial project for someone so young.”

 

Mayor Gu smiled slightly.

 

“Can I look forward to the Subway Line 2 construction bid as well?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“Subway Line 2 is different from Subway Line 1, which is above ground. Since it has to pass under downtown, the underground tunnel construction is extremely important.”

 

“Taeseong boasts the Republic of Korea’s top technology in the Open-cut Earth Retaining Method. In addition, we’ve recently introduced the NATM (New Austrian Tunnelling Method) and TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) Method from Japan. So underground tunnel construction won’t be a problem either.”

 

“Yes, Taeseong was certainly in contrast to Woo-gwang struggling. I’m already starting to feel confident about it.”

 

“Taeseong has secured sufficient investment funds, so our construction budget is very ample. If you just entrust it to us, we’ll do our absolute best and work diligently.”

 

“Good, good. I really like young people with this kind of proactive attitude.”

 

Mayor Gu burst into hearty laughter.

 

“His Excellency is also showing tremendous interest in this Subway Line 2 construction project.”

 

Subway Line 2 was a project that came to be promoted according to the Blue House’s wishes.

 

Otherwise, they wouldn’t have poured such an enormous budget of 180 billion won into it during this era.

 

“There isn’t a single subway line penetrating through downtown Seoul. Seoul City’s population has already exceeded 7 million. It will become increasingly difficult to transport commuters on time using only road traffic.”

 

This was the reason Mayor Gu was strongly pushing forward with the Subway Line 2 construction.

 

“For us, it’s an important national project that we’re putting our heart and soul into.”

 

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

 

Mayor Gu downed his champagne in one gulp and then spoke.

 

“I couldn’t help but feel disappointed when I saw the Subway Line 2 route map that Former Seoul Mayor Yang Taek-seok had drawn up. I thought the subway route definitely needed a complete revision, so I drew up a route map myself…”

 

Mayor Gu fumbled slightly in his jacket.

 

It seemed he was about to take out this new route map, but for some reason, he hesitated for a moment.

 

“Hmm, now I’m suddenly curious about Taeseong’s opinion?”

 

Mayor Gu pulled his hand back out from his jacket.

 

It was empty.

 

“How about it? Why don’t you have Taeseong draw up a route map for Subway Line 2 and show it to me?”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

Father had a bewildered expression.

 

“President Cha, would one week be enough?”

 

Father couldn’t give a definitive answer.

 

“Just draft something up casually and send it over. I’ll use it for reference.”

 

Instead of Father, President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction burst out angrily.

 

“Is subway construction some kind of child’s play? Right now, when people are busy writing bid proposals and construction plans for the subway construction project…”

 

“I’m not trying to disadvantage anyone. Rather, I’m trying to give bonus points. This is an opportunity.”

 

Mayor Gu looked directly at Father.

 

“It’s better to work with a construction company that shares the same goals and looks in the same direction, and it’s better to hear the opinion of construction experts even one more time. This won’t be a bad proposal for you either.”

 

“Anyone can see this is an unreasonable request! In just one week…!”

 

President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction was greatly flustered.

 

“Mayor Gu, think about it. This is about planning the route map for Subway Line 2. How much manpower do you think would be needed?”

 

This was why President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction was so shocked.

 

“All the experts would have to work together to examine topographic maps and cadastral maps, not to mention investigating soil conditions, bedrock, and other geological factors. Plus, they’d have to consider all nearby cultural assets and important facilities, and also…”

 

“Enough, enough. Do you think I don’t know all that?”

 

Mayor Gu waved his hand dismissively.

 

“Let’s not make this complicated.”

 

“How can you say not to make it complicated when you’re requesting something difficult!”

 

“I’m just curious about what kind of dream Taeseong has for the Subway Line 2 construction project, whether a more innovative plan than the current one could emerge.”

 

Mayor Gu spoke seriously.

 

“It’s a massive construction project that requires at least 180 billion won investment. The construction period alone will take roughly 5 years.”

 

“That’s exactly what I’m saying!”

 

“Once we start digging the underground tunnel, we can’t stop. Every time we stop and turn back, enormous amounts of money will be lost. Of course, all those change costs will have to be borne by the construction company, right?”

 

The money Seoul City pays is only the bid price according to the construction estimate.

 

All costs that change according to on-site conditions become the construction company’s responsibility.

 

So Father’s expression could only harden further.

 

“Construction where it’s extremely difficult to change sections and routes, where once you start you can’t turn back. This is precisely why the Subway Line 2 construction plan must be more thorough and perfect. We can’t waste money, time, and manpower in vain.”

 

“Mayor Gu, so we should be even more careful…!”

 

“Of course, I know well that Taeseong didn’t jump into the Subway Line 2 construction with a light heart either.”

 

Mayor Gu looked straight at Father.

 

“Administrative bureaucrats know nothing about on-site conditions yet keep pushing impossible urban development plans. It’s desk-bound administration. Then when problems arise, they shift all responsibility and burden to the construction companies.”

 

“Hmm.”

 

“We pay exactly the bid price as promised. Meanwhile, the construction company has to create and deliver the originally planned results no matter how much money gets lost. That’s a government construction contract.”

 

“…”

 

“That’s why I made this proposal. How about having the construction company actively participate from the construction planning stage and present field expert opinions? Don’t you think it would significantly reduce trial and error?”

 

President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction could only make a subtle expression.

 

He too was the head of a construction company handling government projects.

 

He knew better than anyone about desk-bound administration and the frustrating on-site circumstances that resulted.

 

“…There really won’t be any disadvantages?”

 

“Of course not. As I said earlier, we’ll just give bonus points and that’s it. What would be the point of unnecessarily giving disadvantages over something like this? I’ve already drawn up a separate subway route map anyway.”

 

Mayor Gu patted the inside pocket of his suit.

 

It was clearly what he had tried to take out earlier.

 

“The budget the government can provide is fixed. What if the plan Taeseong draws up isn’t innovative and excellent? We’ll have no choice but to follow our planned desk-bound administration. That’s why I called it an opportunity.”

 

Mayor Gu didn’t forget to include a warning.

 

“However, keep in mind that this is a national policy project related to national interests. Don’t make any reckless moves for private gain.”

 

Mayor Gu gently placed his hand on Father’s shoulder.

 

“Can we entrust a massive construction project with nearly 200 billion won budget to just anyone? I’d like to see Taeseong’s capabilities this time. Are you not confident?”

 

Father clenched his fists tightly.

 

This wasn’t something to speak about recklessly with mere bravado.

 

No matter how much Mayor Gu told him not to think of it as difficult, how could it not be difficult?

 

Taeseong’s elites would have to stick together and review the materials.

 

With an estimated bid of 180 billion won, they had to decide on at least 40 subway stations from scratch within a week.

 

This was something even the president of Taeseong Construction couldn’t easily guarantee.

 

Mayor Gu smiled slyly.

 

“If you’re not confident, give up. But I’m planning to make the same proposal to Wookwang Construction too.”

 

“Mayor Gu, you really…!”

 

“Who knows? Unlike Taeseong, Wookwang Construction might submit a subway construction plan that’s perfectly to my liking. We’ll see about that.”

 

“…I’ll do it.”

 

Finally, Father’s mouth opened.

 

“Did you say one week? Very well. Taeseong will also plan and submit a route map for Subway Line 2.”

 

Wooguang would definitely accept this proposal.

 

They were already cornered to the limit anyway.

 

They would eagerly rush at the lifeline thrown down by the decision-maker for the Subway Line 2 construction.

 

In such a situation, Taeseong couldn’t back down like cowards.

 

“We’ll come up with the most efficient route within the given budget range.”

 

“Good! A man who’s played in big waters is indeed different! I highly appreciate Taeseong’s spirited aggressiveness! Don’t worry about any disadvantages and give it a try!”

 

“Yes.”

 

Father smiled confidently.

 

“I hope Mayor Gu will find Taeseong’s route map more to his liking. Well then, I’ll be taking my leave.”

 

Father bowed politely and turned around.

 

But as if he had never acted confident, Father’s expression was heavy.

 

The way he fumbled around his chest showed how desperately he wanted a cigarette.

 

* * *

 

I cut off the Vision Sharing with the Grim Reaper.

 

“Hehehe!”

 

Laughter leaked out without me realizing it.

 

‘This is easy?’

 

A Subway Line 2 route map?

 

If I had to decide on 43 stations and routes from a blank slate, it would be incredibly difficult, but I’m someone who has ridden the completed Subway Line 2.

 

‘They say Subway Line 2 was built by constructing exactly according to the subway route map that Mayor Gu drew. Ah, except for the change in the Subway Line 1 transfer station.’

 

How many boxes of gum have I sold in the subway back in the day.

 

‘I just need to draw out the Subway Line 2 that I know exactly as it is? That’ll take 3 minutes!’

 

So I couldn’t help but laugh.

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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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