[098] An Unavoidable Fate 2
Chairman Jin shook his head in disbelief as he turned off the TV, which had been blaring news all day about the relentless attacks on candidate Go Kyung-yeol.
While the public remained in the dark due to the blackout period of the election campaign, a stack of polling results lay on Chairman Jin’s desk.
Election experts had assured him that his son-in-law would win comfortably with a 7% lead.
With the election just a day away, such a barrage of attacks would be hard for anyone to withstand.
Candidate Go Kyung-yeol held an urgent press conference, demanding an immediate halt to the slanderous reports. However, his opponent’s camp, led by his son-in-law, threatened to start with a paternity test.
This was undoubtedly the work of an insider.
If a media outlet had been secretly investigating, it would have been an exclusive scoop. The fact that all the major newspapers launched their attacks simultaneously could only be explained by a solid tip-off.
“Well, well, they managed to sway Go Kyung-yeol’s right-hand man. What kind of trickery did they pull…?”
Chairman Jin had seen many who threw their lives into the political arena.
Once intoxicated by the sweetness of power, money no longer swayed them. Of course, there were those who were driven by money, but their limits were obvious.
Those with grand ambitions only took the money necessary to seize power, while the lesser ones used power as a means to make money.
Go Kyung-yeol’s right-hand man must be one with big dreams.
He wouldn’t be swayed by money…
Chairman Jin stood up.
He didn’t want to summon the person he needed to meet to his study. For the first time in a long while, he felt like going out to meet someone in person.
As he left the study, a waiting secretary hurried over.
“Prepare the car. I need to go out.”
“Are you heading to the company?”
“That’s none of your concern. Just get it ready quickly.”
“Yes, sir.”
The secretary, already pulling out his phone, called for the driver as he dashed outside.
When the secretary opened the back door of the waiting sedan at the main entrance, he realized something was amiss and his legs trembled.
The chairman was frowning, clearly displeased.
“What is this?”
“Sorry?”
“What is this car?”
Chairman Jin looked at the young, flustered secretary with a mix of disappointment and frustration. Why was this young man so slow-witted?
“I lost control of Sunyang Motors a long time ago. Why would I ride in this car?”
The driver, quicker on the uptake than the secretary, swiftly replaced the large Sunyang car with the German sedan that Chairman Jin favored.
He dismissed the secretary who tried to sit in the passenger seat, leaving only himself and the driver to depart. Of course, the secretary would likely scramble to follow.
“To Yeouido. To Oh Se-hyun’s office.”
The streets were alive with the fervor of election campaigns. The blaring loudspeakers, the dizzying array of banners and posters. With only half a day left, they were squeezing out every last ounce of effort.
“Chairman!”
“Grandfather!”
They were in the middle of reviewing the map of Sangam-dong, Mapo. With Daehwa Construction representatives present, everyone stood up at the grandfather’s arrival.
When he extended his hand for a handshake, they all looked genuinely moved.
Just last year, they wouldn’t have even seen the shadow of the chairman at Sunyang Construction, so their reaction was understandable.
“Seems like you’re busy.”
“Indeed, but we always have time for a cup of tea with you, Chairman.”
Oh Se-hyun smiled, offering him a seat.
“Could you all step out for a moment? I have something important to discuss.”
“Of course, Chairman.”
Once the construction staff left, the grandfather’s stern expression melted into a bright smile.
“Mr. Oh, you look different now. You have the air of a chairman. Haha.”
“Oh no, it’s just that I haven’t been able to exercise lately, so I’ve gained some weight.”
“I’m not talking about your weight, but your demeanor.”
Oh Se-hyun exchanged a few light-hearted words before cautiously asking.
“So, what brings you here? It must be something significant for you to come all the way here.”
“Today’s news, was it your doing?”
It was about the election.
Oh Se-hyun and I exchanged glances, and I spoke up.
“Yes, it was.”
“So, it turned out as you predicted. How did you manage to sway him?”
“Kim Kwan-hyuk wasn’t someone content with being a second-in-command or a right-hand man. His ambition was great enough to create opportunities by stepping over others.”
“Chairman, did you receive any election result predictions?”
Oh Se-hyun interjected smoothly.
“Didn’t you receive them too, Mr. Oh?”
“Your information network is on a different level than mine, Chairman.”
“They say there’s a 7% difference.”
I couldn’t help but clench my fists. It might not be certain, but if it was a poll conducted by Sunyang Group, there couldn’t be a more accurate prediction.
“Our survey showed a 10% difference. Both predict victory, so unless something unexpected happens, your uncle-in-law has won.”
“With only a few hours left, what could possibly happen? There shouldn’t be any issues.”
The grandfather nodded reassuringly.
“Now, the project you’re working on has crossed the halfway mark.”
Only halfway?
I thought it had surpassed the 70% mark since it was a Seoul city project. Was I being too optimistic?
Seeing my startled expression, the grandfather chuckled.
“Boy, do you think the one who sets the table and the one who eats are the same? Just wait and see. There will be more than a few who will try to jump in with their spoons. If they can’t secure their share, they’ll try to overturn the table.”
I wasn’t entirely unaware. But since I wasn’t well-versed in construction, the grandfather’s warning seemed ominous. Would they really act that aggressively?
“Mr. Oh and Do-jun.”
“Yes.”
Both of us focused on the grandfather’s words. His gentle tone suggested he was about to reveal the purpose of his visit.
“What do you think about entrusting the Mapo Media City project to me?”
A loud thud echoed in my mind.
I hadn’t fully grasped the implications yet, but it seemed like the grandfather was the first to try and claim the project I had painstakingly set up.
Oh Se-hyun was in the same boat.
He pressed his lips tightly, letting out a shallow sigh.
“Why the long faces? Don’t you like the idea?”
“Chairman, what exactly do you mean by taking it on?”
Oh Se-hyun asked cautiously.
“Just as I said. Sunyang Construction would be the main contractor with the Seoul city contract. Of course, Daehwa Construction would play a significant role as well.”
“So, Sunyang would take the lead, and Daehwa would be a subcontractor… Is that correct?”
“Why put it that way? It’s called a partnership in this context.”
Understanding the grandfather’s true intentions left me speechless. Even if he was a greedy old man, was he really trying to take advantage of an opportunity his beloved grandson had spent hundreds of millions to create?
“Grandfather, are you serious?”
“Boy, do I joke about business?”
The grandfather continued, observing my expression.
“Didn’t I tell you? It’s too much for you two to handle alone. Construction companies are collapsing left and right. Those that survive won’t just sit back and watch such a golden opportunity. Isn’t it almost like a national project?”
“So you’re saying it’s difficult for us to secure this project on our own?”
“Exactly.”
“Then why not just help us, Grandfather? Do you have to take it all?”
“Helping isn’t enough. If I don’t step in, this project will be torn apart. You’d be lucky to secure even 20%. Otherwise, the construction cartel will overturn the table and redraw the plans next year or the year after. By then, Daehwa Construction won’t even have a chance to get involved.”
“Chairman.”
Oh Se-hyun finally spoke, breaking his silence.
“Most of Daehwa Construction’s executives are from Sunyang. I believe we can cooperate sufficiently with that. Is it really necessary for Sunyang Construction to be the main contractor?”
“Why can’t young people understand? I’m saying that my involvement is more than just helping. If it’s a project that’s hard to secure without me, then naturally, I should be the main contractor.”
I couldn’t understand. Why was he suddenly acting this way?
The grandfather, who never saw HW Group as separate from Sunyang, was now showing such greed?
Would he really disregard family ties for a lucrative project? Was this the nature of a conglomerate chairman?
I watched their conversation unfold for a while.
Oh Se-hyun tried to avoid offending the grandfather, only asking for assistance, while the grandfather repeatedly insisted on taking charge of the project.
“Grandfather.”
I spoke up, having made a significant decision.
I couldn’t tell if the grandfather was testing me, but showing my resolve was the best course of action.
Even if it meant he might find me impudent, I had no choice. If I kept hesitating, I’d be no different from my uncle or aunt.
“As more companies bear the Sunyang Group name, people only come to you for favors. That’s why you never had to leave your study. But now, you’ve come all the way here, making a difficult journey.”
I didn’t miss the slight twitch of the grandfather’s eyebrow.
“I do go out sometimes. The weather is nice, isn’t it? Haha.”
“Is that so? You’re not in a hurry?”
“What would I be in a hurry for…?”
“The moment my uncle-in-law takes office, I’ll push this project forward. We’re the only company prepared to jump into this project. We won’t give other companies a chance to get their spoons in.”
“Do you really think it will go as planned…?”
“Didn’t you come rushing here because you knew that if you didn’t secure the project before it started, there’d be no opportunity?”
The grandfather blinked, but didn’t respond.
“We’re not experts in construction, so we really need your help, Grandfather. But we can’t just hand everything over. We’ll take the lead, and Sunyang Construction will be a trusted partner. That’s the most we can offer.”
As I stood firm, Grandfather’s expression grew increasingly stern.
“If you bite off more than you can chew, you’ll only tear your mouth. Overestimate your abilities, and you’ll end up in trouble.”
“Isn’t it true that kids grow by getting hurt? I’m willing to give it a shot.”
“Are you saying you’ve just made me your enemy?”
I had to work hard to hide my fear as Grandfather’s words cut through the air like a knife.
The pressure was no joke.
“An enemy? Not at all. I still believe Sunyang Construction is the best partner for this project.”
“Silence! Opposing me is as good as being an enemy!”
Grandfather shouted, rising from his seat.
“Think it over carefully until the vote tomorrow. You too, Mr. Oh. This won’t be easy without me.”
Watching Grandfather leave without a backward glance, Oh Se-hyun let out a sigh.
“Why is he like this? Does money really mean more to him than family, than his own grandson?”
“I don’t know. Surely he wouldn’t just be using me…”
“What are you going to do? Surrender? Or push forward?”
“I can’t back down now, not after coming this far.”
Should I swallow my pride and yield?
That thought wouldn’t leave my mind.
“Is it time now…?”
“Sorry?”
When Chairman Jin muttered, the driver glanced back briefly.
“Nothing. Just drive.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
What a bold young man. He reminds me of myself in my younger days—full of confidence and spirit.
“You there.”
“Yes?”
“Come in early the day after tomorrow.”
“Where should I take you?”
“I’m thinking of going to Gunsan, so make sure the car’s in good shape. And don’t tell those secretaries. I want to keep this quiet.”
“Understood, Chairman.”
The driver replied, sneaking a glance at Chairman Jin through the rearview mirror.