Max-Level Son of a Chaebol Family - Chapter 51

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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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51. Quick and Easy Route Map

 

I chuckled softly.

 

‘Did Mayor Gu really make that proposal on a whim? I don’t think so.’

 

It might have been different if he had called Taeseong and Wooguang to the Mayor’s Office and made the proposal secretly.

 

‘But he brought the Subway Line 2 Route Map, which could be considered top-secret information, to such a public place. It doesn’t make sense logically. How does he plan to handle the aftermath?’

 

What kind of reaction did people show earlier when it seemed like Taeseong would take on the Subway Line 2 construction?

 

When it looked like they would offer development land to investors, everyone flocked over asking about investment opportunities.

 

Even after witnessing that situation, Mayor Gu pretended to pull out the Subway Line 2 Route Map.

 

This was clearly a calculated move with political and strategic intentions.

 

‘A typical corporate taming strategy.’

 

The answer was already predetermined anyway.

 

Mayor Gu had already made his plans and intended to proceed with them.

 

He even said it outright.

 

-The budget the Government can allocate is fixed. If the plan Taeseong brings isn’t innovative and outstanding? We’ll have no choice but to follow our planned bureaucratic administration.

 

That was Mayor Gu’s authority, the Blue House’s will, and the direction of budget execution.

 

Mayor Gu intended to use this opportunity to crush the construction company’s arrogance and cleanly put an end to the ridicule and complaints about bureaucratic administration.

 

‘Mayor Gu must have been confident that a mere construction company couldn’t draw up a subway route map in just one week when he made that proposal.’

 

If it had been an easy task, Father wouldn’t have hardened his expression, and President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction wouldn’t have dismissed it as an unreasonable demand.

 

With the budget and deadline already set, there were too many things to consider and calculate separately.

 

On top of that, it was time to prepare bid proposals and construction plans with less than a month remaining.

 

It was natural that the personnel available for creating the subway route map would be drastically reduced.

 

So the probability of coming with a subpar route map or empty-handed was very high.

 

‘It’s a blatant calculated scheme and annoying manipulation. There’s no need to spend much time on it.’

 

Wouldn’t it be better if we drove the final nail in before Mayor Gu even made his proposal to Wookwang Construction?

 

If I drew the Subway Line 2 route map, there would be no need for Father and the Taeseong Construction people to gather and struggle for a week.

 

That sounds good.

 

‘If you’re going to make an impression anyway, it’s best to do it on the day itself, decisively, and spectacularly.’

 

Mayor Gu had already used the word ‘young’ several times when referring to Father.

 

In this industry that values experience and seasoned expertise, he had subtly revealed a hint of distrust.

 

‘It’s better to be recognized than to be looked down upon.’

 

This was a massive construction project that would require coordinated efforts for a full five years.

 

If the decision-maker and supervisor looked down on the construction company and nitpicked at every opportunity, everything would become incredibly exhausting.

 

‘Actually, this worked out well.’

 

What if Taeseong brought a Subway Line 2 Route Map that was similar to what Mayor Gu had envisioned?

 

As Mayor Gu said, it would mean a construction expert with the same goals and vision had appeared.

 

Then how would Mayor Gu react?

 

Would he still be able to dismiss Taeseong’s capabilities and Father’s youth?

 

‘But there’s just one problem here.’

 

It was a trivial problem, if you could call it trivial.

 

‘Where am I going to get a Seoul City Map right now?’

 

I need a Seoul City Map to draw the Subway Route Map!

 

I raised my head and quickly looked around.

 

This was the event hall of Hyeonmu Hotel.

 

I thought of the information desk that would be in the Hotel Lobby.

 

‘I wonder if the front desk has a Seoul Tourism Map? Or maybe I could use a Map Book or something.’

 

Since it wasn’t a time when many foreigners were coming and going, I wasn’t sure if the Hotel front desk would have tourism maps available, but since this was an era without GPS, everyone drove while looking at Map Books.

 

I walked confidently across the Hall.

 

* * *

 

“Young Master!”

 

As I came out of the Hall, Yoo Jong-tae and the Taeseong Group Security Guards rushed over with bright expressions.

 

“Young Master, why did you come all the way out here? Do your legs hurt?”

 

“Oh my, your hands are ice cold. Please wear my Fur Gloves.”

 

“Your cheeks are red. You don’t have a fever, do you?”

 

One of the Taeseong Group Security Guards carefully massaged my arms and legs, while another placed their hand on my forehead.

 

“His legs aren’t swollen with fluid. They’re soft and pliable like rice cake…”

 

“Fortunately, there’s no fever. Just some flushing in his cheeks… May I touch his cheek just once?”

 

“Hey, how dare you, you’re just a Rookie. You stay back there, man.”

 

Before I knew it, Yoo Jong-tae had pushed the Security Guards aside and stood at the front.

 

“No tear stains around the Eyes, no chocolate stains around the mouth. Good.”

 

Yoo Jong-tae wore his usual sly, smooth smile.

 

“From that spirited and determined expression, you’re definitely our Young Master. Do you need any comfort or encouragement? My embrace is very wide and warm. Come, step into here.”

 

“That’s enough. I’ll politely decline. But why are you all gathered here?”

 

“They came from Woo-gwang. We were waiting here for a moment to prepare for any possible emergency.”

 

Taeseong had decided to call off the marriage arrangement with Woo-gwang.

 

The Taeseong Group Security Guards all knew this too.

 

They seemed to be on standby, worried that a fight might break out inside the venue.

 

“Young Master, did you eat anything inside?”

 

“As it happens, quite by coincidence, somehow we have Silver Pills and Puffed Rice. Would you like some?”

 

“We also prepared children’s Digestive Medicine in case you got indigestion from the stuffy atmosphere.”

 

Then Yoo Jong-tae pulled out a drink bottle from his pocket and offered it to me.

 

“Young Master, we don’t have warm Steamed Buns, but we have lukewarm Soy Milk. When your hands are cold, you need to eat something like this.”

 

“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”

 

I obediently accepted the goodwill of Yoo Jong-tae and the Taeseong Group Security Guards.

 

The Taeseong Group Security Guards’ Eyes lit up.

 

“Steamed Buns and Soy Milk… Taking notes…”

 

“Wait a moment, Team Leader Yoo! Which is correct, lukewarm Soy Milk or warm Soy Milk?”

 

Grumble!

 

An embarrassing sound came from somewhere.

 

But I had eaten several pieces of Finger Food that Father brought me earlier?

 

Grumble! Grumble!

 

As expected, it wasn’t a sound coming from my stomach.

 

When I looked up, the Taeseong Group Security Guards were awkwardly scratching the backs of their heads and clearing their throats.

 

“Have you not even had dinner yet?”

 

“….”

 

“What time is it now? Hurry up and go inside to eat something.”

 

The Taeseong Group Security Guards hastily waved their hands.

 

“We can’t go inside.”

 

“It’s fine, Young Master. We can eat dinner later.”

 

“We’ll eat after the event ends. We even got beef dinner vouchers as a reward.”

 

Suddenly I remembered the Wookwang Construction President who had been ranting about ranks and status to the former era bigwigs who controlled Korean Underground Finance, demanding they be dragged out immediately.

 

I could also understand why so many burly men were loitering around here.

 

They would be secretaries, drivers, or security guards.

 

‘How petty. Who’s human and who’s a servant?’

 

I had forgotten that when they were trying to kick out even the wealthy former era bigwigs, there was no way they’d take care of security guards or drivers.

 

“Then let’s do it now, the beef dinner!”

 

I took out 100,000 Won Cashier’s Checks from my coin purse.

 

100,000 Won Cashier’s Checks were the highest denomination and were often used by the wealthy.

 

This was money that had fallen to my share when I robbed the Former President of Taeseong Construction’s safe.

 

“We’re all doing this work to make a living, but working overtime while starving is too pitiful.”

 

“Young Master….”

 

“You remember how our Mother got angry when she heard Uncle Cheol-gu was starving, right? Go quickly and eat beef.”

 

“No, Young Master. We’re fine.”

 

“I heard the steak at Hyeonmu Hotel’s restaurant here is really delicious? Have some expensive, good wine with it too.”

 

“The event isn’t even over yet….”

 

“The event is hosted by Hyeonmu, not Taeseong. And now you don’t need to worry about potential fights. Grandfather and the Wookwang Group Chairman went off to drink together amicably.”

 

I smiled.

 

“If you need to prepare for emergencies, you could take turns eating dinner, right? Since you’re on duty, just have exactly one glass of wine each.”

 

Though there probably won’t be any punch bowls to use as drinking glasses here.

 

“Young Master, you don’t need to do this. Who are we to receive such a large sum….”

 

“I’m grateful that you help our Father with his work from early morning until late at night every day. I really wanted to treat you all to a delicious, proper dinner.”

 

Five 100,000 Won Cashier’s Checks in total, 500,000 won altogether!

 

During this era, a Minister’s salary was 250,000 won, and the Prime Minister’s salary was 350,000 won.

 

“And today, for the first time, I was recognized as a member of the Taeseong Family in front of people. I’m so happy about it that I want to buy a celebratory drink.”

 

“Ah…!”

 

“If you don’t want to celebrate and that’s why you’re refusing the dinner I’m buying….”

 

The Taeseong Group Security Guards quickly waved their hands and spoke urgently.

 

“No, Young Master. Let’s do it, a company dinner! A beef dinner, we should!”

 

“We were on the verge of starving to death anyway! I want to eat right now, long live beef!”

 

“Since our Young Master has officially become a member of the Taeseong Family, we should naturally celebrate. We’ll even pop champagne!”

 

I held out the cashier’s check to Yoo Jong-tae.

 

“The change is a tip.”

 

The Taeseong Group Security Guards spoke with very happy faces, as if for everyone around to hear.

 

“Did you see that? Already so generous and bold! This is our Taeseong’s youngest Young Master!”

 

People who had been loitering around cleared their throats and pretended not to notice.

 

They also showed envious looks while watching the 100,000 Won Cashier’s Check that Yoo Jong-tae was holding spread out like a fan for all to see.

 

Some people licked their lips, while others pretended to look elsewhere.

 

I took out a 10,000 Won Bill from my coin purse again.

 

“It’s cold and chilly, so please buy plenty of hot coffee and snacks to share with these people.”

 

The Hotel Lobby doors are wide open here and there’s only one kerosene stove lit, so it seems too chilly compared to inside the hall.

 

“Huh…?”

 

“You’re taking care of us too?”

 

They had bewildered expressions.

 

Regardless of that.

 

I slightly poked my head out.

 

“Team Leader Yoo, could you possibly get a Seoul City Map or map book?”

 

“A Seoul City Map?”

 

“Yes, I’m curious since Father is doing construction. I want to take it inside and look at it.”

 

“Hey, Rookie!”

 

Yoo Jong-tae threw the car key he took out from his pants pocket.

 

A Security Guard who clearly looked young caught the car key in confusion.

 

“Go get that map book rolling around in the back seat of my car.”

 

“Yes, understood. But that one’s completely yellowed from cigarettes. Will it be okay?”

 

What can you do. For something urgent like this, I’ll have to use whatever’s available.

 

It’s not like I’m going to gold-plate a map I’ll just show briefly and throw away.

 

“It doesn’t matter. If you happen to have a red marker or magic marker, please bring that too.”

 

“Yes, I’ll be right back.”

 

The Taeseong Group rookie security guard rushed off hurriedly.

 

But then some neatly dressed man raised his hand.

 

“I happen to have a fairly large Seoul City map. If this would work.”

 

It was a well-packaged premium gift map.

 

I’m the type of man who doesn’t refuse kindness offered first.

 

“Team Leader Yoo, let’s have that gentleman join us for steak too!”

 

“Understood. Secretary Jang from Geumjo Group, would it be possible for you to join us?”

 

“I’m sorry, but that would be difficult. I’ll just gratefully accept the kind gesture.”

 

I’m not the type to default on debts of kindness and gratitude.

 

“Then you should at least accept payment for the map. Thank you.”

 

I stuffed a generous token of appreciation into his suit pocket.

 

“….”

 

He couldn’t hide his strange expression.

 

Yoo Jong-tae smiled broadly and bowed at the waist.

 

“Young Master, is there anything else you might need?”

 

“Secretary Kim.”

 

“Ah, Secretary Kim went up to the Hyeonmu Hotel Bar just now. The Chairman said he was opening some deodeok wine.”

 

“Could you tell Secretary Kim to spare me some time?”

 

“I’ll be right back.”

 

Just then the rookie came back panting, carrying the map book and red marker.

 

“Thank you. You did well.”

 

I put my hands together and bowed politely at the waist.

 

“…?”

 

For some reason, it feels like everyone in the lobby is looking this way.

 

Whatever.

 

Anyway, I’m just going to hide in the restroom and draw the Subway Line 2 Route Map.

 

3 minutes will be enough!

 

* * *

 

Secretary Kim entered the hall.

 

He spotted Father and walked briskly toward him.

 

Father was alone on the terrace chain-smoking when he encountered Secretary Kim.

 

“Young Master, I’ve brought the presents.”

 

“Presents? So suddenly?”

 

“The proposal that Mayor Gu requested. Let’s submit it and finish this before Mayor Gu goes home.”

 

“…!”

 

Father looked at Secretary Kim as if he’d seen a ghost.

 

“It’s been less than 20 minutes since we received the proposal. How could that be possible?”

 

“What’s impossible about it?”

 

Secretary Kim waved the neatly folded map.

 

Father’s eyes swayed along with the map every time it moved.

 

“Su, surely….”

 

“Shall we go then? Read this and familiarize yourself with it on the way.”

 

Secretary Kim also held out a paper densely filled with writing.

 

“What’s that?”

 

“You should be able to answer Mayor Gu’s questions, shouldn’t you?”

 

“…?”

 

Honestly, writing that took longer than drawing the subway route map.

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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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