[099] Inescapable Fate 3
“They say he’s heading to Gunsan at dawn the day after tomorrow.”
“Gunsan? Are you sure?”
“Yes. He plans to go quietly, without even informing his secretary.”
“Is he going alone?”
“That part, I’m not sure about.”
Jin’s chauffeur stood with his hands clasped, maintaining a respectful posture.
“When did he mention going to Gunsan?”
“He mentioned it on his way back from Yeouido.”
“Yeouido? You mean Oh Se-hyun?”
“Yes, it was after meeting with Mr. Oh Se-hyun.”
“Was Do-jun there by any chance?”
“That, I don’t know. I was waiting outside.”
“Alright, you can go.”
The chauffeur picked up the envelope tossed to him and quietly left.
Once the chauffeur was gone, he paced for a while before finally picking up the phone.
He discreetly informed two people of the situation and hung up.
The two who received the call were startled at the mention of Jin Do-jun’s name and didn’t forget to thank the informant.
The first exit poll in South Korea was conducted during the 1995 local elections. MBC and Gallup Korea announced their predictions based on telephone surveys around 6:15 PM, accurately forecasting all 15 metropolitan mayors.
Interestingly, exit polls tend to predict presidential and local election results accurately, but they notoriously miss the mark during general elections.
On June 4th, election day was quiet, a stark contrast to the noisy campaigns leading up to it.
The person most anxious today was likely Jin Seo-yun.
She had done things she never dreamed of to ensure her husband’s election as mayor.
After enduring daily hardships, she would vent her stress on her husband, but on election day, she regretted not having done more.
When she heard that Go Kyung-yeol’s wife had scrubbed backs at the local bathhouse, she scoffed in disbelief, but now she felt she could do a full-body scrub if needed.
In the afternoon, she steadied herself at the campaign office, waiting for the exit poll results.
Her husband, confident of his victory, was patting the shoulders of campaign workers and party officials, praising their hard work.
Jin Seo-yun frowned at this sight. She had hoped he would remain tense until the results were out, but he always relaxed at the last moment. He was quick to hope and quicker to give up. With bigger challenges ahead, she sighed deeply.
Surrounded by many people, she couldn’t nag and had to maintain a gentle smile, though she was boiling inside.
“Candidate, it’s starting now.”
At the campaign worker’s shout, everyone turned their eyes to the TV.
6:15 PM.
The screen began a countdown, and as it hit zero, a name appeared.
“Candidate No. 2, Choi Chang-je, 42.1%”
A cheer erupted in the office.
Jin Seo-yun clasped her hands tightly and closed her eyes.
The first hurdle was finally cleared.
“Congratulations, Uncle.”
“Uncle, I’m just happy to have the mayor of Seoul as my uncle. Haha.”
He was someone who didn’t forget a favor. Less than 30 minutes after the exit poll results were out, a call of gratitude came through. At least he wasn’t shameless.
Of course, securing a solid financial backer for the next election was likely part of it.
Uncle didn’t forget to thank Oh Se-hyun either. With a contract for election funds in place, it was only natural to be deferential.
Despite the mayor-elect’s praise, Oh Se-hyun’s expression remained unchanged.
“Damn, even winning doesn’t feel good.”
Oh Se-hyun irritably turned off the TV.
“What are you going to do? Follow your grandfather’s orders, or are you going to push back?”
“I’ll try to persuade him one more time. I’ll flatter and fawn… If that doesn’t work, I’ll push back.”
“When I hinted to the construction company executives, they backed down.”
“Those people are just my grandfather’s pawns.”
Oh Se-hyun let out a long sigh and bit his lower lip.
“It feels like we’ve been played. We reached out because we trusted Chairman Jin, but now it looks like we’re handing over Daehan Construction entirely. It was a mistake.”
“At the time, it was the best choice. Without the people from Sunyang Construction, we couldn’t have taken control to this extent.”
Thanks to them, they recovered hidden slush funds and withdrew from unnecessary projects. They kept the profitable business units and cleanly cut away the money-draining ones.
They were indispensable in the initial setup.
“Uncle, let’s not regret the past, even if we review it. In the worst case, we can hand over the entire DMC project and attach Daehan Construction to Sunyang. Consider any losses as tuition fees. This is how we learn.”
“If you’ve learned something, then I’m okay with it. But all I feel is that we’ve been backstabbed.”
“I’ve learned something. Trust no one. Haha.”
Though he said this, he still trusted his grandfather. No matter how massive the DMC project was, his grandfather wasn’t so greedy as to snatch it entirely from his grandson without leaving a trace.
Perhaps, after the project’s success, he might even return it to him. If he thought optimistically.
“The election results probably won’t differ from the exit poll… I’ll go see my grandfather. I’ll contact you if anything special comes up.”
He stood up with a heavy heart.
It seemed he would be the first grandson to offer a well-prepared table to his grandfather.
“Did you speak with your uncle?”
“Yes. He called right after the results came out.”
“Right after? How long after?”
“About 30 minutes?”
His grandfather chuckled.
“Your uncle called me less than a minute after the results were out. He thanked me, saying it was all thanks to me. I didn’t do anything, though. Haha.”
Because he did nothing, his uncle was quick to express gratitude. If he had wanted, making his uncle lose would have been a piece of cake.
Just as it takes many to save someone from drowning, but only one to push them in, it’s right to be grateful when someone with immense power refrains from interfering.
Especially when that person is someone with enormous influence.
“Grandfather.”
“Yes?”
“I’m already quite intimidated. I know my uncle will act according to your wishes, even if you don’t say it.”
“You’re quick-witted. So, will you do as I say?”
“Before I tell you my thoughts, may I ask you one thing?”
“Go ahead.”
“Do you really covet the Mapo project? Or is there another reason?”
I had no other way, so asking directly was my only option.
“Another reason? What other reason?”
“I don’t know either.”
“See? Overthinking leads to no answers. There’s no other reason. Because of the IMF, even Sunyang is running out of money. We have to do whatever we can.”
“Does that mean you’re taking away your beloved grandson’s bowl?”
“And you?”
“Sorry?”
His grandfather propped his chin and looked at him with an amused expression.
“You lent… no, you didn’t just lend. You swallowed an automobile company by converting dollars to won, didn’t you? Even if the exchange rate was favorable, wasn’t it a blatant grab?”
He was speechless. Could it be that his grandfather was trying to repay him for that incident?
“Grandfather!”
“Boy, you’re going to make me deaf.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course. I’m serious. The automobile, the group’s controlling shares… the losses were significant. I need to make up for it this time.”
He couldn’t find a counterargument.
Using the power of the dollar, he had acquired a lot. Of course, it was only possible because of his grandfather’s significant concessions and consideration.
Now it was his grandfather’s turn.
Using his influence, exploiting the weaknesses of him and Oh Se-hyun, who were amateurs in the construction industry, it was only natural to aim for a big profit.
“Don’t feel too wronged. Even if Sunyang Construction becomes the main entity, I’ll make sure you get a good share.”
“What do you mean by a good share?”
“Hmm, let’s see… enough for Daehan Construction to pay off some debts and settle overdue wages.”
“Specifically.”
“I’ll ensure Daehan handles at least 30% of the total project.”
The overall scale was already outlined. While 30% might not be a fortune, it was substantial enough to be considered generous.
The fact that his grandfather immediately came up with a reasonable figure suggested that Daehan Construction’s executives were regularly reporting to him.
Though he felt betrayed, he didn’t think of ousting them. They were essential for when he eventually took over Sunyang Construction.
“You won’t give any more, will you?”
“Stop being greedy. You know 30% is more than enough.”
Backing down here would mean the media empire his father was building would crumble. Since profit wasn’t the goal, even if 30% was sufficient, he couldn’t accept the offer.
Looking at his grandfather’s condescending gaze, he hesitated no longer.
“Grandfather, I’m truly sorry, but…”
“Before you say that, think it over once more.”
His grandfather raised a hand to cut him off, warning him firmly. But it was too late to back down.
“I’ve been thinking about it since yesterday, but my mind hasn’t changed. I find it hard to concede this time. Even if my decision means going against you, I’ll give it a try. I’m sorry.”
“Are you serious? Are you sure you won’t regret it?”
His grandfather’s eyes seemed to spark with anger. It felt like all the blood was draining from his body, but he steadied himself.
“Even if I don’t gain a single penny from the DMC, I won’t regret it. And I won’t resent you either. After all, everything I’ve achieved so far is thanks to you.”
“Are you serious about that too?”
“Yes, but… if everything gets taken away, please understand if I don’t contact Grandfather for a few days. I think he might sulk a little. Heh.”
I wanted to show him a confident front, even if I had to force it.
After all, a man has to keep his pride, right?
“Well, that sounds like a rather petty threat. Are you saying you won’t even call to say hello? Haha.”
“Yes, but I’ll try not to let it go beyond a week.”
His laughter eased my tension.
I stood up. I needed to get moving right away. First, I had to deal with my aunt and uncle. I wasn’t sure how it would go, but I had to try.
“Do-jun.”
“Yes?”
“Come back early tomorrow morning. Let’s go for a walk before we start our battle.”
What could he be planning now?
Grandfather burst into hearty laughter as he watched me blink in confusion.
Vice Chairman Jin Young-gi rubbed his forehead as he stared intently at a chart that looked as complex as a blueprint.
“Do I currently hold the largest share?”
“Yes, except for the Chairman.”
“And if I secure friendly shares? Can I stand against my father?”
“It’s difficult. Without inheriting the Chairman’s shares, securing management control is impossible.”
The way he shook his head made it clear that it was entirely out of reach.
Vice Chairman Jin Young-gi cautiously addressed the two lawyers standing by his side.
“If, just hypothetically, my father were to pass away, how would the share structure change?”
The unexpected question drained the color from the lawyers’ faces.