Max-Level Son of a Chaebol Family - Chapter 53

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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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53. This Can’t Be! (2)

 

Mayor Gu fell into thought, seemingly pondering Father’s words carefully.

 

“Yeongdeungpo Station already has the underground Line 1 tracks running through it, and with Korea’s current civil engineering capabilities, it’s nearly impossible to excavate through the underground of an already built station…”

 

Father added.

 

“For geological and geopolitical reasons as well, I’d like to recommend Sindorim. It’s possible to build there slightly offset from the existing station.”

 

“That makes sense.”

 

Mayor Gu nodded his head.

 

“What if we use the NATM Method or TBM Method that we imported from Japan this time, even if Taeseong’s current Open-cut Earth Retaining Method alone would be difficult? Do you think it would still be tough even with those?”

 

“It would certainly be difficult, but through trial and error, construction would somehow be possible. However, considering the cost and safety issues, I wonder if we really need to push ourselves that far.”

 

Father spoke decisively.

 

“In short, this is a matter of choice based on realistic reasons. If we force the Underground Tunnel construction and major casualties occur, both Taeseong and Mayor Gu will be in trouble.”

 

“Hmm.”

 

Mayor Gu is someone with political ambitions.

 

After becoming Seoul mayor, he’s pushing the Subway Line 2 construction with stronger will than anyone else, all to secure brilliant achievements.

 

What if he ignores the contractor’s warning and forces construction, resulting in major casualties?

 

Mayor Gu would have to bear all the criticism that follows.

 

It meant he would have to shoulder a huge political burden in the future.

 

“I’ll speak honestly. Since Taeseong has to bear enormous construction costs, we want to avoid Yeongdeungpo Station. That’s why we proposed an alternative.”

 

“Right. It’s construction that must be completed within a set budget and deadline anyway, so if we can change it during the planning process, you wouldn’t want to take on risks and costs that can be avoided.”

 

Mayor Gu nodded again this time.

 

“Sindorim. It’s certainly the most efficient and reliable option. I acknowledge it.”

 

Mayor Gu expressed quiet admiration.

 

“That young fellow is truly remarkable. To think he could pinpoint something that even I overlooked.”

 

Mayor Gu seemed very satisfied.

 

“No one has understood my intentions this accurately before. Even His Excellency told me to take charge and push forward with the Subway Line 2 construction, but showed little interest in my urban planning itself.”

 

Mayor Gu looked at the Subway Line 2 route map several times and burst into quiet laughter.

 

“But I wonder how you conceived such a plan. It’s as if you can see right through my mind.”

 

When I looked at Father, the displeased expression he had been unconsciously wearing had already disappeared.

 

Instead, joy and delight, anticipation and interest had taken its place.

 

“While we’re at it, may I ask one more thing?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“When I presented this circular line plan, the Urban Planning Bureau Director, Urban Planning Department Chief, and Subway Construction Headquarters Director whom I called to the Mayor’s Office all worried about one problem. I suddenly became curious about how you would solve it.”

 

Mayor Gu’s expression as well as his voice showed excitement.

 

“Generally, subway lines are configured radially to connect downtown and the outskirts. Only when downtown becomes overcrowded and traffic reaches saturation do we build circular lines to develop sub-centers. But you…”

 

“You’re asking why Taeseong prioritized planning a circular line. It’s simple. Because I was impressed by Mayor Gu’s three-core city theory.”

 

Mayor Gu’s three-core city theory was the argument that Seoul City should consist of three downtown areas: Inside Four Gates, Yeongdeungpo, and Gangnam.

 

“This problem can be solved by separately preparing radial trunk lines to support the circular line. For that reason, I’ve also separately conceived plans for Subway Line 3 and Subway Line 4.”

 

“What? Not only Subway Line 2, but Lines 3 and 4 as well?”

 

Mayor Gu couldn’t hide his shocked expression.

 

But Father calmly held out a yellowed Seoul City Map.

 

“These are the Subway Line 3 Route Map and Subway Line 4 Route Map. They’re plans that will adequately fill the transportation gaps that the circular line couldn’t cover.”

 

“Give me that right now!”

 

Mayor Gu couldn’t contain himself and snatched the map away.

 

Mayor Gu widened his eyes and looked at the map with the subway route map drawn on it.

 

His pupils shook violently as if an earthquake had struck.

 

“Th-this is unbelievable…!”

 

Mayor Gu let out a scream-like exclamation of shock.

 

“This is a plan that even I haven’t finished conceiving yet! But how did you organize so clearly what I had only vaguely envisioned? Th-this is really…!”

 

Mayor Gu suddenly grabbed Father’s hand firmly.

 

“You’re a genius!”

 

Father flinched.

 

Unable to do this or that, he chose to keep his mouth shut.

 

“I have more than just one or two things I want to ask about this plan of yours right now! Why did you design Subway Line 3 and Line 4 with these routes, how are they similar to and different from the vision I’ve been drawing up, I’m so curious about the blueprint that Taeseong is dreaming of that I simply can’t stand it! You have time, don’t you?”

 

Mayor Gu began walking while holding Father’s hand, extremely delighted.

 

Father had no choice but to match his pace with a bewildered expression.

 

President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction and Secretary Kim also hurriedly followed behind them.

 

Mayor Gu was so excited that he looked ready to snort steam from his nose.

 

“President Oh, are there any rooms left at this hotel? A Suite Room, or even a Business Room if there’s nothing else! Just give me one!”

 

“What? Why do you suddenly need a hotel room?”

 

“I need to discuss subway line plans with this friend of mine all night long!”

 

Mayor Gu didn’t even look back.

 

His steps dragging Father along were getting faster and faster.

 

“I wondered why President Oh praised you so highly! Indeed, you’re truly remarkable! Excellent! Let’s take this opportunity to discuss Seoul City’s urban development together…”

 

“…Thank you, Mayor Gu. But I don’t think today will work.”

 

“What?”

 

Mayor Gu’s feet came to an abrupt stop.

 

Consequently, Father’s feet stopped too, as did President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction’s and Secretary Kim’s.

 

Mayor Gu asked.

 

“Why not?”

 

President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction joined in.

 

“Are you serious?”

 

“Yes. I’m sorry about this.”

 

“This is about a construction project worth 180 billion won. And if we add Subway Line 3 and Line 4, who knows how massive this project will become, and you’re going to refuse this? Why?”

 

“I promised to watch the fireworks with my son.

 

Everyone’s jaws dropped at Father’s answer.

 

“Just because of fireworks?”

 

“Hyeonmu Chemical’s fireworks are spectacular, aren’t they? It’s also the highlight event of Year-End Night.”

 

“Well…”

 

The corners of President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction’s mouth twitched slightly.

 

“If it’s about the fireworks… I’ll give instructions to extend them by about 5 more minutes.”

 

“Thank you. Thanks to you, it will become an unforgettable memory for our family.”

 

Father bowed politely.

 

“Then I’ll see you next time. I’ll be going first.”

 

Father turned his back.

 

Mayor Gu burst into hearty laughter.

 

“To think he’s taking care of his family even in the midst of all this. This is something even I can’t do properly. How could I not covet such a young talent with clear convictions and expertise? Hahaha! Go well!”

 

Mayor Gu actually held Father’s choice in high regard.

 

“Then come to City Hall tomorrow! I’ll be waiting for you in the Mayor’s Office. I can’t compromise on that, so you should know! Hahaha!”

 

President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction quickly tried to catch up with Father but was stopped by Secretary Kim.

 

Secretary Kim slipped a folded note into President Oh’s hand.

 

“Hmm?”

 

Secretary Kim bowed and followed Father without hesitation.

 

Walking quickly through the corridor after leaving the hall, Father spoke.

 

“Secretary Kim, the note only contained information about Subway Line 2.”

 

“I see.”

 

“So that I don’t stammer like an idiot when Mayor Gu asks questions tomorrow, so that Taeseong won’t fall behind even if we debate all day, so that he won’t doubt Taeseong’s capabilities, I think I need to study more about the subway plans. I desperately need Secretary Kim’s help. Please help me.”

 

Secretary Kim’s eyes widened.

 

He seemed not to have expected Father, who had been acting stiffly over the money envelope matter, to take such a humble stance.

 

“Very well.”

 

Secretary Kim nodded.

 

“I’ll arrange a separate room at Hyeonmu Hotel, so please come up after the fireworks are over.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Father’s expression brightened noticeably.

 

On the other hand, Secretary Kim’s expression strangely darkened.

 

Was I mistaken?

 

* * *

 

“Huh…”

 

President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction opened his palm.

 

“Th, this is…!”

 

It was the exact same handwriting as the note the Taeseong Group bodyguard had brought.

 

【If you don’t want to stop at just Hyeonmu Construction, make a proposal to Mayor Gu. Ask him to use Hyeonmu Chemical’s explosives instead of Daehan Chemical’s for the subway construction. In exchange for keeping the subway plan secret.】

 

President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction’s eyes widened.

 

“Well, I’ll be. It looks like I’ll be indebted to Taeseong Construction again this time.”

 

The Subway Line 2 construction was planned to involve massive underground tunnels and civil engineering work, so the amount of explosives to be used would be enormous.

 

“Mayor Gu, I have a favor to ask.”

 

President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction clenched his fist tightly.

 

“I want to make a strong impression on Father this time. Can you help me?”

 

“On the Hyeonmu Group Chairman?”

 

“I’ll keep quiet about what I just saw. In exchange, I’d like you to choose our Hyeonmu Chemical as the explosives supplier for the Subway Line 2 construction.”

 

“Oh ho.”

 

Mayor Gu’s eyes narrowed slightly.

 

Hyeonmu Chemical was the holding company of Hyeonmu Group.

 

Hyeonmu Group had started with chemicals and was expanding into heavy industry, while Hyeonmu Construction was merely a small affiliated company in comparison.

 

“A friend who never used his head for this kind of thing is making a smart proposal today?”

 

Mayor Gu carefully folded the map and gestured with his chin.

 

“Let’s go up to the room later and continue talking. While we’re at it, I’d like to see an estimate and supply plan. Would that be difficult?”

 

“You want that right now…!”

 

“Don’t think too hard about it. I received an interesting proposal, so I just want to hear the specific supply plan.”

 

President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction’s face crumpled.

 

“How can you tell me not to think too hard about it while making such a difficult request? That’s not something I can prepare and present right away!”

 

“Taeseong drew up route maps for Subway Lines 2, 3, and 4 in just 30 minutes.”

 

“…”

 

“Would this be more difficult than that?”

 

President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction couldn’t hold back and ended up spitting out the words that had risen to his throat.

 

“Damn it!”

 

His head was already throbbing as he wore an expression like he’d swallowed sewage.

 

Mayor Gu smiled smugly.

 

“What? Not confident? If you’re not confident, just give up. I’m thinking of making the same proposal to Daehan Chemical anyway.”

 

“Fine! I’ll do it! Who says I can’t? If Taeseong could do it, then Hyeonmu can do it too!”

 

President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction, his heart racing with urgency, rushed out frantically.

 

Mayor Gu, left alone in the hall, sipped his champagne.

 

The corners of his mouth had been turned up for quite some time already.

 

“This is getting interesting. It seems President Oh has finally made up his mind to pursue his ambitions.”

 

His keen intuition, developed from rolling around battlefields and political arenas, stirred.

 

It seemed a new wind that started from Taeseong was about to blow.

 

“If that’s the case, I should gladly help.”

 

Mayor Gu raised his champagne glass.

 

It was a toast to a friend.

 

* * *

 

I cut off the connection with the Grim Reaper.

 

‘Good!’

 

I clenched my fist tightly.

 

I hoped that President Oh of Hyeonmu Construction, who had shown goodwill to Father, could take one step closer to Hyeonmu Chemical through this matter.

 

This was my way of repaying his kindness.

 

“Jeong-hyeok!”

 

Father came running with his long coat fluttering.

 

His breathing was rough, and beads of sweat had formed on his forehead.

 

Hot steam wafted over along with the scent of heavy, sophisticated cologne.

 

“Father!”

 

Bang! Pop pop bang! Bang!

 

Father smiled broadly.

 

“Good thing we’re not late. I kept my promise. Heave-ho!”

 

Father lifted me up and gave me a piggyback ride.

 

“Woooow!”

 

“Can you see better now?”

 

I was now much higher than the adults’ height, so I could see clearly in all directions.

 

In the sky, colorful fireworks bloomed magnificently, while on the ground, Christmas tree decorations and lights of various colors sparkled.

 

Somehow, my heart felt overwhelmed with emotion.

 

“Yes, I can see well.”

 

Pop-pop-pop-bang! Bang!

 

I understood why families come to watch fireworks.

 

I reached out my hand as if to catch the fireworks and smiled brightly.

 

“Hehehe.”

 

Both Mother and Father laughed along with me.

 

‘I’m glad we came to Year-End Night.’

 

After the fireworks ended, Secretary Kim quietly approached and asked softly.

 

“Young Master, I would like to seek your guidance regarding the subway route map.”

 

Ah, this is troublesome. Since Father needs to understand this immediately, I can’t just ignore it and say it’s bothersome.

 

Secretary Kim probably knows well about Seoul’s overall urban planning.

 

Then 3 minutes should be enough!

 

“Alright. Follow me to the restroom in a bit.”

 

“Thank you, Young Master.”

 

For some reason, Secretary Kim smiled brightly with a much more relieved expression.

 

* * *

 

The next morning at Wookwang Group Chairman’s Office.

 

The flower vase thrown by Chairman Kim of Wookwang Group flew past, grazing the Wookwang Construction President’s head.

 

Crash!

 

The flower vase shattered into pieces, and water dripped down the wall.

 

Cold sweat dripped down President Kim of Wookwang Construction’s spine.

 

“Ch-Chairman!”

 

“Shut your mouth.”

 

Chairman Kim of Wookwang Group’s voice was as cold as a winter storm.

 

“It seems Chairman Cha let it slide yesterday out of respect for my face, but I won’t.”

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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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