Chapter 98: The Chairman’s Gambit

Chairman Jin shook his head, a wry smile on his face, and turned off the TV. The news was all about bashing Candidate Go Kyung-yeol, a supposed exclusive that had been running all day.

The official campaign blackout period meant the public was in the dark, but on Chairman Jin’s desk lay the latest opinion poll results.

Election experts predicted an easy win for his son-in-law, with a comfortable 7% lead.

With the election just a day away, this level of bombardment would be enough to sink anyone.

Candidate Go Kyung-yeol himself had held an emergency press conference, demanding an immediate halt to the slanderous reports. However, his son-in-law’s campaign camp retorted, telling him to start with a paternity test.

This leak was definitely the work of an insider.

If a media outlet had been secretly investigating, it would have been an exclusive. The fact that every major daily paper had launched an attack simultaneously pointed to a solid tip-off.

“Humph, swaying Go Kyung-yeol’s right-hand man. What tricks did that guy pull…”

Chairman Jin had seen many men throw their lives into the political arena.

Once intoxicated by the sweetness of power, they wouldn’t be swayed by mere money. Of course, many were still controlled by money, but their limitations were obvious.

Those with grand ambitions only took the necessary funds to seize power, while the lesser ones used power as a means to make money.

Someone like Go Kyung-yeol’s right-hand man was definitely aiming for something bigger.

He shouldn’t be someone easily swayed by money…

Chairman Jin stood up.

He didn’t want to summon the person he needed to see to his study. For the first time in a long while, he wanted to go out and meet someone himself.

As he left his study, a secretary who had been waiting immediately rushed over.

“Get the car ready. I need to go out.”

“Shall I take you to the company?”

“That’s none of your business. Just hurry and get it ready.”

“Yes, sir.”

The secretary dashed out, already pulling out his phone to call the driver.

The waiting secretary at the back door of the sedan parked at the main building entrance felt his legs tremble as he realized something was wrong.

The Chairman’s brow was furrowed in displeasure.

“What is this?”

“Sir?”

“What is this car?”

Chairman Jin looked at the flustered young secretary, utterly unimpressed. Why was this young guy so clueless?

“It’s been a while since Soonyang Automobile was taken from me. Why would I ride in this?”

The driver was quicker on the uptake than the secretary. He swiftly moved the large Soonyang car and brought forward the German sedan that Chairman Jin preferred.

Chairman Jin dismissed the secretary who tried to sit in the passenger seat and set off with only the driver. Of course, the secretary would follow in a flurry.

“Head to Yeouido. To Oh Se-hyun’s company.”

Everywhere, candidates were engaged in fierce electioneering. The noisy loudspeakers, the haphazardly placed banners and posters. With less than half a day left, they were squeezing out their last bit of energy.

* * *

“Chairman!”

“Grandfather!”

Do-jun had been reviewing district plans on a map of Sangam-dong in Mapo. The representatives from Dae-ah Construction were also present, and they all jumped up at the Chairman’s appearance.

They looked deeply moved as his grandfather even reached out to shake their hands.

These were, after all, Soonyang Construction employees who couldn’t even catch a glimpse of the Chairman last year.

“Looks like you’re busy.”

“We are, but we always have time for a cup of tea with you, Chairman.”

Oh Se-hyun smiled and offered him a seat.

“Gentlemen, would you mind giving us a moment? There’s something I need to discuss privately.”

“Yes, of course, Chairman.”

As the construction company employees left, his grandfather’s stern expression vanished, replaced by a bright smile.

“Representative Oh, you’ve certainly gained a different air about you. You’ve got the Chairman’s scent now, haha.”

“Oh no, not at all. I haven’t been able to exercise lately, so I’ve just gained weight.”

“I’m not talking about your weight, but your demeanor.”

Oh Se-hyun exchanged a few light pleasantries, then carefully broached the subject.

“But what brings you here? Seeing you come all the way here in person, it must be something important.”

“Today’s news, was that the two of your doing?”

It was about the election.

I met Oh Se-hyun’s gaze and spoke.

“Yes, it was.”

“So, it turned out as you said. How did you manage to sway him?”

“Kim Kwan-hyeok wasn’t someone content with being second-in-command or a right-hand man. His ambition was big enough for him to step on others to create opportunities for himself.”

“Chairman, have you perhaps received the election result prediction data?”

Oh Se-hyun interjected cautiously.

“You must have received it too, haven’t you, Representative Oh?”

“Your information network is on a different level than mine, Chairman.”

“They say it’s a 7% difference.”

Unconsciously, I clenched my fists. It might not be accurate, but if it was the opinion poll circulated by Soonyang Group, it was likely the most accurate prediction available.

“Our survey showed a 10% difference. Both predict victory, so unless there’s a major upset, my uncle-in-law has won.”

“What kind of upset could happen with only a few hours left? There won’t be any problems.”

His grandfather nodded, as if to assure him there was nothing to worry about.

“And the project you’re working on has already passed the halfway mark.”

Barely halfway?

Since it was a Seoul City project, I thought it was past the 70% mark. Was I being too optimistic?

Seeing my surprised expression, his grandfather chuckled.

“You idiot. Is the one who sets the table the same as the one who eats? You’ll see. There will be more than a few who come scrambling for a bite. If they can’t get their share, they’ll try to flip the table.”

It wasn’t something I was completely unaware of. But since I didn’t know the construction industry well, my grandfather’s warning felt significant. Would they really be that aggressive?

“Representative Oh, and Do-jun.”

“Yes.”

We both fixed our eyes on his grandfather’s lips. The quiet tone he used to call us suggested he was about to reveal the real purpose of his visit.

“How about you leave the Mapo Media City construction project to me?”

A thud echoed in my head.

I hadn’t fully grasped the implications, but his grandfather’s words seemed like he was reaching for the spoon at the table I had set.

Oh Se-hyun felt the same.

His lips pressed together, letting out a soft groan.

“Why the long faces? Don’t you like the idea?”

“Chairman, could you clarify what exactly you mean by ‘leave it to you’?”

Oh Se-hyun asked cautiously.

“It’s exactly what it sounds like. The entity contracting with Seoul City will be Soonyang Construction. Of course, Dae-ah Construction will also play a significant role.”

“So, you mean Soonyang will take the lead, and Dae-ah will be a subcontractor… is that right?”

“Now, why would you put it like that? Subcontractor? We call it collaboration.”

As I grasped the depth of his grandfather’s intentions, disbelief rendered me speechless. Even for a notoriously greedy old man, was he really trying to snatch an opportunity his own grandson had created with billions of won?

“Grandfather, are you serious?”

“Idiot. Do I joke when it comes to business?”

His grandfather studied my expression before continuing.

“Didn’t I tell you? This is too much for the two of you to handle. Construction companies are collapsing left and right. The ones that survived won’t let such a lucrative opportunity pass. You could even consider this a national project, couldn’t you?”

“So, you’re saying we won’t be able to secure this project on our own?”

“That’s right.”

“Then you could just help us, Grandfather. Why do you have to take it all?”

“It won’t just be helping. If I don’t step in, this project will be torn to shreds. You’ll be lucky to get 20% of it. Otherwise, the construction company cartel will overturn this whole thing and start anew next year or the year after. And Dae-ah Construction won’t even have a chance then.”

“Excuse me, Chairman.”

Oh Se-hyun’s tightly pressed lips finally parted.

“Most of Dae-ah Construction’s executives are from Soonyang. I believe that provides sufficient cooperation. Is there really a need for Soonyang Construction to be the primary contractor?”

“Goodness, why are you young people so slow to understand? I’m telling you that my involvement goes beyond mere assistance. If it’s a project that’s hard to secure without me, then naturally I should be the primary contractor, shouldn’t I?”

I couldn’t understand. Why was he suddenly acting like this?

He never saw Dae-ah Construction, or the entire HW Group, as separate from Soonyang. Why would he be so greedy now?

Was this the nature of a chaebol chairman? Would they not even consider their own blood when it came to a profitable venture, a truly massive one?

For a while, I simply watched their exchange.

Oh Se-hyun tried his best not to offend his grandfather, merely requesting his assistance, while his grandfather calmly repeated that he would take charge of the project.

“Grandfather.”

I made up my mind and spoke.

I wasn’t sure if my grandfather was testing me, but showing my resolve was the best I could do now.

Even if it made him think poorly of me, I couldn’t just sit back and watch like my uncles and aunt.

“The number of companies under the Soonyang Group umbrella has steadily increased, and at some point, everyone just started asking you for favors, Grandfather. That’s why you didn’t need to leave your study. But now, you’ve made the difficult journey here yourself.”

I didn’t miss the slight twitch of his grandfather’s eyebrow.

“I do come out from time to time. The weather’s nice, isn’t it? Haha.”

“Is that it? Or are you in a hurry?”

“What would I be in a hurry for…?”

“The moment my uncle-in-law is inaugurated as mayor, I’m going to push this project forward aggressively. We’re the only company prepared to jump into this project right now. We won’t give other companies a chance to even think about it.”

“Will things really go as you…”

“You know better than anyone, Grandfather, that if you don’t seize a project before it starts, there won’t be another chance. Isn’t that why you rushed here?”

His grandfather simply blinked, offering no reply.

“We may not know the construction business well, so your help is crucial. But we can’t hand over the entire project. Us taking the lead, with Soonyang Construction as a reliable partner, that’s the most we can concede.”

His grandfather’s expression grew increasingly stern at my resolute stance.

“You’ll only get hurt if you try to eat something you can’t swallow. You’ll be in for a rude awakening if you overestimate your abilities.”

“Don’t children grow up getting hurt? I’m willing to try.”

“Are you suggesting that you’re making an enemy of this old man?”

Looking at my grandfather as he uttered those menacing words, I had to try hard not to show any fear.

His imposing presence was no joke.

“An enemy? No. I still believe Soonyang Construction is the best partner for this project.”

“Enough. Anyone who opposes my will is no different from an enemy!”

His grandfather roared as he stood up.

“Think carefully until the election ends tomorrow and we’ll talk again. Representative Oh, you should also consider this carefully. This won’t be easy without me.”

Oh Se-hyun sighed as he watched his grandfather leave without looking back.

“Whew… what on earth is wrong with him? Is it really true that blood ties and even his own grandson mean nothing when money is involved?”

“I don’t know either. Surely he’s not just using me…”

“What are you going to do? Give in? Or push through as planned?”

“I can’t bring myself to back down now, how embarrassing would that be?”

Should I swallow my pride and yield?

The thought wouldn’t leave my mind.

* * *

“Is it time…?”

“Pardon me?”

Chairman Jin’s muttered words made the driver glance back briefly.

“Nothing. Just drive.”

“Ah, yes sir, Chairman.”

A bold fellow. He seemed full of confidence and spirit, like himself in his younger days.

“You.”

“Yes?”

“Come in a bit early the day after tomorrow.”

“Where shall I take you?”

“I’m thinking of going to Gunsan. Get the car checked. And don’t tell the secretaries. I want to go quietly.”

“Understood, Chairman.”

The driver stole a glance at Chairman Jin in the rearview mirror as he replied.