Chapter 50: A Map Drawn in Advance

Hyunmu Construction’s President Oh smiled warmly.

“Our Hyunmu Construction had quite the struggle searching for an apartment site. In the middle of all that, you sent someone to transfer the Suseo-dong land over to me. I’m truly grateful.”

Father looked at President Oh of Hyunmu Construction with a curious expression.

He must have already checked that the remaining balance had been fully deposited into Taeseong Construction’s account.

The Suseo-dong apartment site had been solidly handed over to Hyunmu Construction.

“A favor received must be returned in kind. My introducing you to the Mayor of Seoul may not seem like much compared to your generosity, but it’s the least I can do.”

“Not at all. It’ll be a huge help.”

“Fortunately, I have a fairly close personal friendship with Mayor Gu, so I’ll give you a little support from the side.”

It was a reassuring offer.

Originally, this was something grandfather would have covered, but grandfather was now busy meeting not only those seeking investment but also Chairman Kim of U-Kwang Group.

So, with the gap left, President Oh of Hyunmu Construction stepped up himself, making this both a favor and a proper return.

---

“Mayor Gu.”

At President Oh’s call, a neatly dressed middle-aged man turned around.

“Oh, President Oh. This year’s Year-End Night is much more splendid than usual. You must have had a hard time preparing.”

“Could we talk for a moment? It’s about the Subway Line 2 construction.”

“Subway? That sounds good.”

At Mayor Gu’s glance, the ruling party lawmakers he’d been speaking with quietly stepped back.

“Hm, but who’s this friend beside you…?”

“The youngest son of Chairman Cha of Taeseong Group. Didn’t you hear earlier? He’ll be the next president of Taeseong Construction. Please say hello.”

“Hello, Mayor Gu. I’m Cha Sungjun.”

“I heard Chairman Cha put you in charge of the Subway Line 2 construction?”

“Yes. I look forward to your guidance.”

“Taeseong Construction is a solid builder expected to be a key player in Gangnam’s development. To mark our cooperation, how about a handshake?”

Mayor Gu reached out his hand.

Father gripped it firmly.

President Oh of Hyunmu Construction added,

“This young man is quite capable.”

“Really?”

“Those Taeseong Hotels and Resorts built all over the country? That’s all his work.”

“So you’re the hidden force behind the famous Taeseong Hotels and Resorts, known for their prime scenic locations.”

“That’s not all. Taeseong Construction’s successful entry into the Middle East? That’s all his doing as well.”

“Is that so? Is that the project Chairman Kim mentioned earlier—building an entire city in Saudi Arabia? Which area was that, and what was the project?”

Mayor Gu looked at Father with keen interest.

“Oh, is it rude to ask? If it’s a top secret under a confidentiality agreement, I won’t pry.”

“Not at all. The city is in the area near Jubail Industrial Port. Taeseong was contracted not only for the foundational civil works but also for road, water pipeline, and drainage improvements—essentially planning out the city blocks. It’s a new city development project.”

“You’ve managed quite a major project at a young age.”

Mayor Gu gave a slight smile.

“Can I look forward to your bid for the Subway Line 2 construction?”

“Of course.”

“Line 2 is different from the above-ground Line 1. Since it passes under the city center, tunnel construction is key.”

“Taeseong is proud to have the number one technology in South Korea for open-cut earth retaining methods. On top of that, we’re adopting the NATM (New Austrian Tunnelling Method) and TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) techniques from Japan for this project. So the tunnel construction will pose no problem.”

“Yes, Taeseong really is a sharp contrast to U-Kwang, who seem overwhelmed. I already feel confident.”

“Taeseong has secured ample investment, so there’ll be no shortage of construction funds. Leave it to us, and we’ll do our utmost.”

“Good, good. I like young people with this kind of proactive attitude.”

Mayor Gu let out a hearty laugh.

“The President himself is very interested in the Subway Line 2 project.”

Subway Line 2 was being pushed forward under the wishes of the Blue House.

Otherwise, there’s no way they would have poured in such a massive budget of 180 billion won in these times.

“There’s not a single subway cutting through downtown Seoul yet. The city population has already surpassed seven million. Surface roads alone won’t be enough to get commuters to work on time.”

That was why Mayor Gu was so forcefully driving the Subway Line 2 construction.

“This is a major national project we’re putting our utmost effort into.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Mayor Gu downed his champagne in one gulp and spoke.

“I was honestly disappointed when I saw the Line 2 route map drawn by former Mayor Yang Taek-seok. I thought the route really needed a complete overhaul, so I drew up my own plan…”

Mayor Gu rummaged in his coat.

He seemed about to pull out a new route map, but for some reason, he hesitated for a moment.

“Hmmm, now I’m suddenly curious to hear Taeseong’s opinion.”

He withdrew his hand, empty.

“How about it? Would Taeseong draw up a route map for Line 2 and show it to me?”

“Excuse me?”

Father looked perplexed.

“President Cha, one week should be enough, right?”

Father couldn’t give a firm answer.

“Just draft something up and send it over. I’ll use it for reference.”

President Oh of Hyunmu Construction burst out instead.

“Is subway construction child’s play? He’s already busy enough preparing estimates and plans for the bid—how can you ask him this now…”

“I’m not threatening to disadvantage him. On the contrary, I want to give extra points. This is an opportunity.”

Mayor Gu looked Father straight in the eye.

“It’s better to work with a contractor aiming for the same goal, heading in the same direction. And the more expert opinions I get, the better. This isn’t a bad deal for you either.”

“That’s too much to ask of anyone! How can you expect a Line 2 route map in just a week…”

President Oh was deeply flustered.

“Think about it, Mayor Gu. Designing a Line 2 route map is no ordinary task. You need top experts to pore over terrain and cadastral maps, examine soil and bedrock, check for nearby cultural relics and important facilities, and so on…”

“Enough, enough. It’s not like I don’t know all that.”

Mayor Gu waved his hand.

“Let’s not make this harder than it is.”

“How can you say not to overthink it when you’re asking for something so tough!”

“I’m just curious what kind of vision Taeseong has for the Subway Line 2 project, and if there could be a more innovative plan than the current one.”

Mayor Gu spoke earnestly.

“We’re pouring nearly 180 billion into this. Construction alone will take at least five years.”

“That’s exactly my point!”

“Once the tunnel boring starts, you can’t stop. Every change will cost a fortune. And of course, all those costs fall on the contractor, right?”

Seoul only paid according to the bid price.

Any additional costs due to changing site conditions fell squarely on the contractor.

No wonder Father’s face hardened further.

“It’s nearly impossible to change the segments or the route once you start. That’s why the Subway Line 2 construction plan needs to be thoroughly and perfectly prepared. We can’t waste money, time, or manpower.”

“Mayor Gu, that’s all the more reason to be cautious—”

“I know Taeseong wouldn’t jump into a project like this lightly.”

Mayor Gu looked Father straight in the eye.

“Bureaucrats often draw up city plans without knowing anything about the field. Desk work. And when problems arise, they dump all the responsibility and burden on the contractor.”

“Mm.”

“As I said, we only pay the bid price. No matter how much it costs you, the contractor has to deliver the result as planned. That’s how government projects work.”

“…”

“That’s why I’m making this suggestion. Why not get the contractor involved from the planning stage and get expert input from the field? I think it would cut down on a lot of trial and error.”

President Oh of Hyunmu Construction couldn’t help but make a complicated face.

He, too, was the head of a builder handling public works.

He understood the frustrations of desk-bound administration versus realities on the ground better than anyone.

“…There really won’t be any disadvantage?”

“Of course. Like I said, I might even give you extra points. Why would I risk giving you trouble over something like this? Besides, I already drew up a route map myself.”

Mayor Gu tapped his suit’s inner pocket.

He clearly meant the thing he’d almost pulled out earlier.

“The government’s budget is set. If Taeseong’s plan isn’t groundbreaking or outstanding? Then we’ll have no choice but to go with the administrative plan. That’s why I said it’s an opportunity.”

Mayor Gu didn’t forget a warning.

“But keep in mind this is a state project tied to the national interest. Don’t make reckless moves for personal gain.”

Mayor Gu firmly gripped Father’s shoulder.

“Nearly 200 billion won will go into this massive construction. We can’t just hand it to anyone. I’d like to see Taeseong’s abilities for myself. Are you up for it?”

Father clenched his fist.

This wasn’t something to boast about rashly.

No matter how much Mayor Gu told him not to worry, how could it not be a heavy burden?

Taeseong’s top experts would have to pore over the data.

Just the expected bid was 180 billion, and he’d have to decide the locations of over forty stations on a blank sheet in just a week.

Even as president of Taeseong Construction, he couldn’t promise that lightly.

Mayor Gu smiled slyly.

“If you’re not confident, give up. But I plan to make the same offer to U-Kwang Construction.”

“Mayor Gu, you’re really…”

“Who knows? Maybe unlike Taeseong, U-Kwang will come up with a plan I really like. We’ll see.”

“…We’ll do it.”

At last, Father spoke.

“One week, you said? Fine. Taeseong will plan out and submit a route map for Subway Line 2.”

U-Kwang would surely accept the offer.

They were already backed into a corner.

They’d be thrilled for a lifeline from the project decision-maker and jump at the chance.

In such a situation, Taeseong couldn’t back down like cowards.

“We’ll come up with the most efficient route possible within the given budget.”

“Excellent! As expected, a man who’s played in big waters is different! I appreciate Taeseong’s bold initiative. There’ll be no penalty, so give it your best shot!”

“Yes.”

Father grinned confidently.

“I hope Mayor Gu prefers Taeseong’s plan in the end. Then, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll take my leave.”

Father bowed politely and turned away.

But his face was heavy—gone was the earlier confidence.

The way he fumbled in his coat, he looked desperate for a cigarette.

---

I cut off the shared vision with the Grim Reaper.

“Whoohoo!”

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

‘This is easy.’

A route map for Subway Line 2?

If I had to determine all 43 stations and the route from scratch, it would be extremely tough, but I’m someone who’s already ridden the fully completed Line 2.

‘They say the finished Line 2 was built according to the route map drawn up by Mayor Gu. Except for the changes at the Line 1 transfer station, anyway.’

I’ve sold so many packs of gum on the subway in my past.

‘All I have to do is reproduce the Line 2 I know, right? This will take me three minutes!’

So, of course, I couldn’t help but laugh.