Chapter 72: The Art of the Deal: Leveraging Politics and Ambition

“The negotiation is already over. Today’s exchange rate on the 8th is ₩1,342. You offered ₩1,600. There’s no hidden agenda here, is there?”

“It could go over two thousand won. By the time your ten billion dollars lands in my hands, you’ll be taking a huge loss.”

“Do you really think the exchange rate will climb to two thousand won?”

I should check the Soonyang Economic Research Institute’s prediction capabilities. Is it true that all the brightest minds are gathered there?

“Over 90% chance of reaching ₩2,200. That’s what the institute’s PhDs are predicting. They’re not always right, but they do get it right sometimes.”

Grandfather subtly observed my reaction.

“Why? Does the thought of it reaching two thousand won sting a bit?”

“I mentioned it before, didn’t I? That it would go over two thousand won. But it doesn’t sting at all. Aren’t I your grandson? I’m not petty enough to resent a loss when it benefits you, Grandfather.”

“I know you’re not petty. But you’re not one to take a loss either. So, what is it? What’s the additional condition?”

Trying to feign ignorance with someone as sharp as him would only breed suspicion. I might as well bring it up while we’re at it.

“I have two requests.”

“Knew it. Alright, let’s hear it. Let’s see if it’s enough to cover your loss, or if you’re trying to squeeze out even more.”

Before my grandfather, who was now showing his curiosity, I unfurled the map I had brought.

“Isn’t this a map of Seoul?”

“Yes. Please take a look at the areas circled in red.”

Grandfather meticulously examined the dozen or so locations before looking up.

“What about these?”

“These are public lands owned by Seoul City.”

“Public land?”

“Yes. I want to purchase this land at a low price.”

“Hmm… So, you’re asking me to put pressure on the Mayor of Seoul?”

“No. He only has six months left in his term. We should ask—no, demand it—from the next mayor.”

The word ‘demand’ made Grandfather’s eyes gleam.

“Are you perhaps considering your uncle by marriage?”

“That’s correct.”

“Absolutely not.”

He pushed the map away as if there was nothing more to discuss.

“I will provide the election funds for my uncle by marriage. Once he becomes the Mayor of Seoul, he can sell the public lands, and you, Grandfather, can pressure the assemblyman of this district to facilitate the sale. Though, perhaps pressuring the assemblyman won’t even be necessary.”

I continued as if I hadn’t heard his firm refusal.

“Didn’t you hear me say no?”

“The justification is sound. If Seoul City sells off non-essential land to secure funds during a national economic crisis, there won’t be any public outcry.”

“Tch! This rascal!”

“Could you tell me why you’re against it?”

“That man is a Choi, not a Jin. Isn’t that reason enough to oppose it?”

Of course, lineage means the man’s blood. A daughter’s blood is outside the family’s domain.

I pretended not to understand and said something irrelevant.

“The Mayor of Seoul doesn’t have a significant impact on Soonyang Group.”

“Choi’s foray into politics is his wife’s doing. He’s nothing more than his wife’s puppet.”

My aunt, Choi Seo-yoon, intends to compensate for the handicap of being a daughter with political power.

Very few politicians in Korea dare to oppose Chairman Jin.

Without even needing a microscope or magnifying glass, one could see all sorts of illegal and underhanded dealings of the Soonyang Group. But everyone turns a blind eye, pretending not to see. Even if someone brings it up, it’s quickly suppressed.

If a powerful politician starts speaking out, trouble is sure to follow.

I know very well that my aunt intends to use that power to demand as many Soonyang shares as a son, or even more.

“Grandfather.”

“I said enough!”

“Why don’t you consider making my uncle by marriage Soonyang Group’s puppet?”

“What?”

“By the time he sits in the Mayor of Seoul’s chair, he’ll be covered in all sorts of dirt and grime. If you hold onto that, wouldn’t he be a puppet?”

“That dirt and grime comes from Soonyang. If it blows up, Soonyang will get hurt too.”

“I’ll take on that dirt and grime. So, you don’t have to worry, Grandfather, because I’ll have my uncle by marriage by the throat.”

“Look at this one. I’m providing the money, and you’re taking the credit? You rascal!”

Grandfather scoffed, seemingly amused.

“No, I’ll provide the money too. And you can use it occasionally when you need it, Grandfather.”

“What? You’ll provide the money too? Then just go ahead and push it through. You don’t need my permission, do you?”

“Wouldn’t a single call from you to the Democratic Justice Party leader prevent him from even getting the nomination? Or am I wrong?”

Grandfather stared at me in silence.

“Just allow him to act as the owner of Seoul City Hall for two terms, eight years. Wouldn’t that be enough time to take care of everything he needs?”

I could almost hear the gears turning in his head. Finally, Grandfather spoke.

“What’s the second request?”

“Do you agree?”

“Not yet. Tell me the second request.”

“Please block government subsidies from flowing into Dae-ah Construction.”

“What was that? Dae-ah Construction?”

Grandfather’s eyes widened at the unexpected name.

“I’m not planning to build a parking lot on the public land. I need to build something on it. To do that, wouldn’t I need at least one small construction company?”

“Small? Dae-ah is ranked fifth in construction contracts. Do you think that’s a corner store?”

“Grandfather, I own Ajin Group and Soonyang Automobile. Compared to those, Dae-ah is a corner store.”

Suddenly, a smile spread across Grandfather’s face. Was that a yes?

“You sly dog, you’re serious.”

“About what?”

“About building your own company. You’re thinking of acquiring Dae-ah instead of begging for a piece of Soonyang Construction….”

“Would you have given it to me if I begged?”

As I joked, Grandfather’s expression turned peculiar again.

“I might have… or maybe not…. Well, it’s pointless now. You said you’d acquire Dae-ah.”

No, don’t be fooled. He’s just trying to provoke me.

I repeated this to myself several times, but a feeling of unfairness still crept in.

“Dae-ah Construction, huh….”

“Yes. No company can escape this current financial crisis. Dae-ah Construction must be thirsty for dollars too. If you cut off their government subsidies, they’ll go bankrupt. That’s when I’ll pick them up.”

“Dae-ah is a good company. Just a few transfusions and they’ll be fine.”

“That’s right. Oh Se-hyun and his team spent days digging and carefully selected them.”

“So, Dae-ah and Choi’s mayoral candidacy are a package deal.”

“Yes. I’ll supply the blood, and my uncle by marriage will provide the fertilizer, and it will bloom beautifully.”

“And there’s no connection between Choi’s election and Soonyang, so there won’t be any problems?”

“That’s correct.”

Grandfather started tapping the desk with his fingers, a habit he had when deep in thought.

I remained silent and waited patiently.

“So, after blooming Dae-ah Construction….”

“Naturally, I’ll put the Soonyang name on it.”

“That’s music to my ears. You’re the only one in this family besides me who wants to expand Soonyang’s subsidiaries. Haha.”

This doesn’t feel good. That laugh isn’t a happy one.

“I’ll think about both of your requests. Anyway, our deal is done, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then go back and hurry. Even the group presidents are getting agitated. Once that ten billion dollars comes in, they’ll calm down a bit.”

“Yes, I will.”

I didn’t push any further and retreated. I should meet with my aunt and give her a stern warning, just in case.

# # #

Chairman Jin stood up abruptly from his chair the moment his grandson’s retreating figure disappeared from his study.

He paced around the study, trying to calm the shock that had washed over him.

The justification for the Mayor of Seoul cooperating in overcoming the nation’s economic crisis and selling public land to secure funds was excellent.

Making that mayor his own, acquiring the land, and then acquiring a construction company as a means to turn that land into a pile of money.

The picture was too good.

To complete this perfect picture, he was even willing to forgo billions, knowing the exchange rate was bound to skyrocket.

Wasn’t that a sign that he was confident in making even more billions?

The moment he heard his grandson’s explanation, he had to forcibly suppress his urge to agree immediately. He couldn’t lend his strength so easily.

And he felt fear once more.

Beneath that cute and handsome face, that boy hid the temperament of the most ferocious beast.

Ajin Group, Dae-ah Construction, the sweet words of putting Soonyang’s name on them—he couldn’t be fooled.

He was definitely going to take Soonyang Automobile and Soonyang Construction.

A grandson who tried to take away was far more impressive and lovable than his own children who tried to get their share.

But he couldn’t help but feel fear and unease.

* * *

“What? You told him?”

“Yes.”

“Do-jun! How many times have I told you not to? If your father finds out, everything will be ruined. He’ll never agree. We’re doomed. We’re all going to die.”

My aunt was in a frenzy, her face pale as death, while my uncle by marriage wore a hesitant expression.

“Aunt, calm down. It’s going to be alright.”

“What do you mean alright!”

“Honey, calm down and let’s hear what Do-jun has to say. He must have a plan. Right?”

He was a puppet dancing to his wife’s tune, lacking any real thought. His face was filled with anticipation at the thought of becoming the Mayor of Seoul.

“Grandfather said he’d think about it. He didn’t reject it outright.”

My aunt took a deep breath, trying to compose herself.

“Honestly, both of you know why Grandfather is against it, right?”

“Why? What did he tell you?”

“He’s uneasy about the election funds for my uncle by marriage coming from Soonyang. He’s worried about the major problems that would arise if a political scandal broke out.”

My aunt began to scrutinize my expression, trying to glean something from me.

“That’s why I told him we could get the election funds from somewhere else and he could just pretend not to know.”

“Is that it? Did he say anything else?”

“I just mentioned that since he’s in politics, it would be good to serve as the Mayor of Seoul and then retire gracefully from the political scene.”

“What? End with Mayor? That’s ridiculous!”

What an idiot. He can’t even understand what’s being said!

“Honey! Overcoming the immediate hurdle is more important. Just be quiet!”

My aunt had much sharper wits.

“Do-jun, if your father approves and turns a blind eye, are the election funds feasible?”

“How much would it cost?”

I blinked innocently.

“Paying ₩3 billion in special party membership fees, bribing key figures with around ₩5 billion… and about ₩30 billion for election campaign funds. Roughly ₩40 billion?”

My uncle by marriage rattled off the numbers as if he had been waiting for the question.

₩40 billion wasn’t some puppy’s name… He really had no sense of reality.

Shouldn’t he at least have a detailed breakdown prepared?

“Wow! That’s a lot.”

I widened my eyes and pretended to be startled, making my uncle by marriage’s face darken.

“Why are you surprised? Don’t you have that much?”

“It’s quite a bit short. And I also need to set aside money to build Father’s theater.”

My aunt, who had been silent, finally spoke.

“I can prepare about ₩15 billion. You just need to come up with ₩25 billion. Is that possible?”

“Yes, that much is possible.”

The expressions on their faces were almost embarrassing to watch.

They looked like children, both surprised and delighted.

“I can’t withdraw ₩15 billion all at once. We need to pay the special membership fee early next year, so… start by preparing ₩3 billion.”

Is this the mindset of wealthy people with no sense of reality?

Casually talking about tens or hundreds of millions of won to their twenty-year-old nephew. Does the unit of money for them really start at a hundred million?

“Yes, I’ll prepare it quickly. Oh, but we need to write up a contract first, right?”

“What? A contract? What contract?”

The two of them stared at me, looking bewildered.

“It’s money without a receipt, so we need at least a contract, right? Don’t you think?”

I also began to stare back at them with a bewildered expression.