Chapter 203: Embracing Pride

In Chairman Song’s hand was a faded photo.

“Here, this is a picture of Chairman Cheon when he was younger.”

Chairman Song placed the photo on the table and slid it towards me, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

I picked up the photo, examining it closely. It showed two men with their arms around each other in a black-and-white snapshot.

“Is that really my grandfather and the chairman?”

“Haha, aren’t they young? The one on the left is from the Cheon family, and the one on the right is me.”

The young men in the photo were covered in dust, looking ahead with bright smiles.

Though the photo was faded, the men’s faces shone with brightness.

It was the first time I had seen my grandfather smiling so freely.

Unconsciously touching the face of the man in the photo, Chairman Song chuckled warmly and spoke.

“He was handsome, right? That was back in…”

* * *

Seoul in the 1950s, still reeling from the aftermath of the Korean War.

“Hah…”

A young man emerged from a U.S. military base, heaving a sigh.

“Hey, Boss Song! Why the long face? What’s wrong?”

“Ah, Baek Gi-chan.”

Song Young-ju turned back to Baek Gi-chan, who playfully punched his shoulder.

“Didn’t you get the construction project? For someone like you, it should be practically guaranteed. You’re on good terms with the military, right?”

Song Young-ju shook his head, worry etched on his face.

“No, I did get the contract.”

“Then why do you look like the world is ending?”

“Haha…”

A sheepish laugh was all that Song Young-ju could manage as his shoulders slumped.

“Just tell me. I’ll help however I can.”

“It’s a money issue since I have to proceed with multiple projects simultaneously; what else could it be?”

“Hmm…”

At the moan of frustration, Baek Gi-chan frowned.

“I said I would help, but I’m sorry. I’m not exactly swimming in cash myself. The world’s been like that ever since the war devastated everything.”

“I know. That’s why I’m feeling so hopeless.”

Much had been shattered in the wake of the Korean War.

For business owners, the failure of the banking system was a huge blow.

However, the government of South Korea was also short on funds and struggling to recover, which only left room for complaints.

“When will the U.S. military pay for the construction? They usually pay half upfront before starting the project, right?”

“That payment needs to be funneled into another project. It’s a government contract, you see. They’ve been dragging their feet on the payments, you know how it is.”

With no cash on hand, the government’s behavior in delaying payments to contractors had become a widely circulated rumor.

Understanding the situation, Baek Gi-chan patted Song Young-ju on the shoulder to console him.

“In the end, it will all work out. There’s nothing we can do, and that’s why you’re feeling so frustrated.”

“Yeah, you’re right. What else can I do? I’ll have to go around asking for loans.”

As Baek Gi-chan listened to his forlorn friend, he suddenly seemed to remember something and clapped his hands.

“By any chance, do you know someone named Cheon Tae-san in Myeong-dong?”

“Cheon Tae-san?”

It was the first time I had heard that name.

“Is he younger than Boss Song? No, that’s not important. He’s someone who can make money in Myeong-dong. You should consider meeting him.”

“He makes money? Is he a loan shark?”

“Exactly. Right now, I doubt there’s anyone in Seoul who can handle cash better than he can.”

In a city that was practically in ruins, I couldn’t fathom how he made money.

Suspicion flickered in Song Young-ju’s eyes.

“Huh… What does he do?”

“I wouldn’t know. I’ve only gone there to borrow money myself. You should definitely check him out.”

With those words, Baek Gi-chan wrote down the address of Cheon Tae-san’s office.

After parting with Baek Gi-chan, Song Young-ju headed to Myeong-dong, where Cheon Tae-san’s office was locate

He had to secure the contract at any cost. If things went wrong, it would be hard to regain the trust of the military.

“Is anyone there?”

He knocked on the door of the office he had found without any clear directions. The door opened to reveal a young man.

“Who are you?”

“Is Chairman Cheontae here?”

“That’s me. Who might you be?”

“Ah…”

The young man looked far younger than I had expected. As Song Young-ju stood there, astonished, Cheon Tae-san swung the door widen.

“Please, come in.”

Following Cheon Tae-san into the office, Sooung-ju stepped inside.

They faced each other and took their seats.

“May I ask who referred you?”

“It was Chairman Baek. He runs a textile factory in Mapo.”

“Ah! Chairman Baek.”

Upon hearing the name, Cheon Tae-san nodded in recognitind looked back at Song Young-ju.

“Then, may I know your name?”

“I’m Song Young-ju.”

“You’re the chairman of Daehyeon Construction, then.”

“You know me?”

Cheon Tae-san laughed at my naiveponse; it seemed too innocent for someone of his stature.

“Of course I know Song Young-ju of Daehyeon. I’ve heard that you’ve secured most of the military construction contracts.”

As Cheon Tae-san mentioned, Song Youu had gained most of the military construction contracts due to his relationships built from his time in Busan.

“It’s an honor to have someone of your caliber visit me. But what brings you here?”

With Cheon Tae-san’s inquiry, Song Youu hesitated before responding.

“I heard that you lend money.”

“Money? It’s hard to believe Daehyeon Construction lacks it. Most of your payments from the military are in dollars, right?”

“…The government isn’t making payments. I think I’ll have to funnel the construction payments I receive from the military into other expenses first.”

Cheon Tae-san nodded thoughtfullyderstanding the government’s predicament.

He was one of those well versed in the government’s issues.

Having reaped tremendous profits from receiving war reparations and American aid, Cheontae had managed to meet many high-ranking government officials and knew well how corruption worked.

“I can lend you money, Mr. Song, but I don’t give loans without collateral.”

In his loan shark business, Cheon Tae-san had established thiinciple of requiring collateral unconditionally.

“Hmm… Would it be acceptable to use future government payments as collateral?”

“You can’t use something uncertain as collateral. Use your company as collateral instead.”

“…That’s a bit much.”

Being asked to risk the company he had built with his blood and sweat, Song Young-ju hesitated.

“Why? If you intend to repay me, it shouldn’t be a problem. Are you planning to default?”

“No, no! Absolutely not! I value my credit more than anything; I would never do that.”

“Yes, so there’s no problem then?”

Realizing that Cheon Tae-san understood why he hated, Song Young-ju confirmed resolutely.

Cheontae’s interest was focused solely on money.

“I don’t care about managing companies. I only look at the money.”

Song Young-ju had to think it through. But regardless of how much he thought, he knew the answer was singular.

If he couldn’t fulfill the military project, he would lose everything.

“I will use the company as collateral.”

“How much do you need?”

“I urgently need five hundred million won.”

“Five hundred million won?”

The amount was larger than he expected, causing Cheon Tae-san to pause.

“Yes. I have so many projects lined up. The construction payments I’m due from the government alone add up to over five hundred million won.”

Cheon Tae-san shut his mouth for ief moment as if he were pondering, then he nodded.

“That’s indeed a considerable amount. Understood. I will prepare the paperwork by tomorrow; Mr. Song should bring the necessary documents as well.”

“What?”

Hearing that he could procure five hundred million won so readily, Song Young-ju widened his eyes in disbelief.

“But the interest is higher than anywhere else. It’s 5% monthly. Is that acceptable?”

Song Young-ju’s face paled. If he couldn’t pay, he would owe two and a half million won monthly in interest.

“I will need to review the financial statements and other documents, but for Daehyeon Construction, I will only charge 5% interest.”

However, right now, there was no one else willing to lend five hundred million won all at once.

“Understood.”

He urgently needed the money. If he didn’t take a loan now, he would have to stop all ongoing projects.

“Let me detail what you need to bring for tomorrow.”

Cheon Tae-san told him what to pre.

More meticulous than a bank, Song Young-ju felt a new respect for him. He was embarrassed by how casually he had initially judged him for being young.

“Then come back tomorrow. I will have everything ready.”

“Understood.”

The next day, Song Young-ju returned to Myeong-dong with the documents Cheon Tae-san had requested.

“You’re here. Please, take a seat.”

Cheon Tae-san meticulously reviewhe documents and set them down.

“Unlike other companies, your financial statements are very tidy. I see where your diligence comes from, Chairman Song.”

“Can you really tell just by this?”

Looking at merely the financials to glean the company’s health was a feat that most couldn’t manage.

Seeing Song Young-ju’s surprise, Cheon Tae-san smiled as if he couead his emotions.

“I’ve seen many such dealings; I’ve become more knowledgeable than most experts out there.”

“That’s impressive for your age…”

“Haha. Just please sign here and here. I’ll go bring the funds.”

While Song Young-ju stamped the various documents, Cheon Tae-san disappeared inside re returning with a bag.

Cheon Tae-san checked the stampeduments before nodding.

“I’ll be collecting the interest on the first of every month. I will come personally.”

Placing the bag filled with money on the table, Cheon Tae-san announced.

“Five hundred million won. Please verify the amount.”

As Song Young-ju opened the bag and confirmed its contents, he found it indeed held five hundred million won.

“That’s right. Thank you very much.”

“For Daehyeon Construction, I can lend up to two hundred million won without collateral. Feel free to contact me anytime.”

With a smile, Cheon Tae-san rose from his seat extended his hand. Song Young-ju stood to shake his hand.

This marked the first meeting between Song Young-ju and Cheon Tae-san.

* * *

“That’s how I borrowed money from the Cheon family back then. It became the connection that allowed me to expand my business with their support every time I needed it.”

Chairman Song’s eyes misted over in nostalgia as he reminisced about the past.

“That photo was taken as a memento when Chairman Cheon was suddenly covered in sand, while he was here to collect the interest. It was the first time I saw that neat Cheon guy in such a rugged state.”

A smile spread across Chairman Song’s face as he recounted moments shared with his grandfather.

“Without Chairman Cheon’s assistance, Daehyeon would never have grown into one of the top conglomerates in South Korea. I received so much help.”

Leaning back in his chair, Chairman Song continued with a soft voice.

“Thanks to Chairman Cheon, I stayed away from corrupt political connections and managed to survive the harsh dance of the military regime.”

The face of the grandfather in the photo appeared joyous. I slowly traced the smile of the smiling grandfather with my finger.

“I’ve never once broken a promise I made to Chairman Cheon. I have never delayed paying interest. That’s why we could regard each other as partners and friends.”

Just as Chairman Song claimed, he was the only major corporate leader who treated my grandfather as a friend.

“People will only remember me, Song Young-ju. I’ll be the one etched in history.”

No one knows the name of the loan shark in Myeong-dong. It’s normal for them not to.

Spending his life in the shadows, my grandfather never revealed himself until the end.

“But your grandfather played a major role in the development of Daehyeon, and by extension, the economy of our country.”

As I pulled my gaze from the photo, I found Chairman Song’s face lit with a gentle smile.

“Your grandfather is among the few who helped shape a part of Korean history. Just because it’s not recorded doesn’t erase his impact. So, you can take pride in that.”

Those were the words from a living legend of the business world in Korea. A warmth spread through my chest.

“You should keep that photo. There’s no one left to share those memories with now.”

“Thank you.”

“And… if you ever get a call for help from Daehyeon after my death, help if you can, for Chairman Cheon’s sake.”

In the time since my grandfather had passed, I could see a creeping concern on Chairman Song’s face.

I nodded in response to his words.

“Alright, I understand.”

“That’s settled then.”

Chairman Song laughed heartily. I couldn’t help but smile faintly in return.

“A generation is ending.”

Chairman Song muttered as he gazed out the window. I had no response to his bittersweet words.

After sharing many more conversations, I left Chairman Song’s residence.

“Manager Ma.”

Manager Ma, who had been sitting in the passenger seat, turned his head.

“Yes, Boss.”

“What was your impression when you first met my grandfather?”

“The chairman?”

Manager Ma paused before answering my question.

“He was intimidating.”

“Intimidating?”

I had felt the same when I first met my grandfather. It was interesting to hear someone share that sentiment.

“Yes, he always had a blank expression. I’ve never once seen the chairman smile.”

“I see.”

“Why do you ask?”

I pulled the photo from my pocket and showed it to Manager Ma.

“This is a photo of the chairman when he was young. He looks even younger than when I first met him… He seems so happy in this picture.”

“Doesn’t he?”

“Yes.”

Seeing Manager Ma unable to tear his eyes from the photo, I couldn’t help but smile softly.

“How long will it take to reach the restaurant?”

“About thirty minutes.”

“I miss Grandma.”

I glanced out the window. The sun was setting.

Like that setting sun, Cheon Tae-san’s era was coming toend.