episode_0045

The construction of a giant theme park spearheaded by the most famous mouse-like character on Earth, in the heart of Seoul.

Attracting long-term tourists to Korea had been a long-standing issue.

It wasn’t just about such simple tourism infrastructure; Korea’s blueprint was surely to leap forward as an advanced city, or to become Asia’s financial hub.

In conclusion, however, it ended up floating aimlessly, unable to achieve either, pushed aside by neighboring countries.

As Korea rapidly grew, it gradually lost its position and advantages, so this construction of a famous theme park is a project aggressively pushed by the Seoul City government.

Therefore, this huge project, which had been overturned midway, was also being closely watched by our .

– Rather than a rash decision, it would be better to investigate further before making a judgment…

– That’s right, there must be a clear reason why the project was suspended after only the groundwork was laid and no further investment was secured!

– The cost is considerable, but if we can complete it, we might be able to receive regular royalties…

– No, rumors are already spreading that our financial situation isn’t particularly good, so there’s no need to make such a choice—

– Hey, if doesn’t do this, who will?!

A meeting was held to determine the bid price before officially securing the construction contract.

It was, quite literally, a free-for-all where opinions clashed.

It was roughly 6 to 4, with 6 saying they should decline this project and 4 insisting they must secure the contract.

They were almost evenly split, fighting tooth and nail.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

However, even with the debate, as voices grew louder over me, I slammed my hand on the desk.

After I showed a bit of my temper, the executives, understanding the atmosphere, quietly settled down like dust, accompanied by coughs.

“Hoo… Everyone’s opinions are divided, but listen carefully from now on.”

– Yes…

“This contract isn’t about whether we’ll take it or not, but about ‘we must see it through’.”

Immediately, executives sighed.

As they exhaled deeply as if the ground would collapse, implying I was stubbornly ignorant and knew nothing,

BANG!

This time, I kicked the underside of the desk with the tip of my high heel.

After kicking it with enough force to seem like I’d break the desk, I warned them.

“Haven’t you all heard the news about Cha Doyeon!?”

– Th-that…

“That brat, who knows nothing about construction, is suddenly bringing in several corporations, trying to barge in and push us out! A guy who knows nothing about construction, relying only on money he got through lucky tricks! Are you going to just let him be? Aren’t you nervous?!”

– ……

All complaints immediately died down.

Even if it was about losing their livelihood in a construction company where manpower and investment costs were already being reduced, this was also a matter of pride.

This contract was about ’s reputation, which had maintained its top position in the industry.

Still.

They still seemed uneasy.

A middle-aged executive, wearing a displeased expression, raised his hand and asked.

“Still, since this project is a joint venture, the period and amount involved will be considerable. Can you… manage it?”

“…How much is the estimated construction cost we need to contribute?”

“Well… we’d need to conduct more on-site surveys, but the period it’s been neglected due to strikes and bankruptcies is long, so if we were to lay the groundwork again from scratch, there’s a possibility the construction cost could balloon tremendously…”

“So, how much!?”

“At-at least 3.2 trillion won over 3 years… we estimate.”

3 trillion won.

An amount that could be considered both large and small, depending on whether it’s seen as a long-term investment cost.

It would have been absolutely no problem for our construction company in the past.

However, the current financial situation of the company is…

“Add a generous 10%… no, set it 20% higher.”

“What!?”

“We’re in a bidding war because of that annoying fly.

To win the contract, there’s no other way. It’s right to bid higher so our opponent, , can’t even dream of competing.”

“Then the scale of the project will become too big, will we be able to handle it…?”

“……”

I fell silent for a moment.

Honestly, as the uncontrollable numbers went up and down, I gnawed on my lip and spun a plausible ‘happiness circuit’ to avoid feeling miserable.

“If we just endure until completion… the problems will be resolved afterward.

Since it’s a joint development, Seoul City will also provide support, and it’s fine even if we sell off shares, so if we just secure the construction, it will be a new breakthrough.”

For now, I reassured them.

As the company representative, I tried to reassure the employees, but,

– ……

There didn’t seem to be many executives who trusted me.

Perhaps because they had all heard the rumors circulating within the company, there was no longer even a speck of faith left in me.

Only a sullen distrust.

*Grind!*

Even so, there’s nothing I can do.

Pushed to the edge of a cliff by short selling and that Woo Miae bitch’s continuous betrayals, finding a way to survive is my top priority.

‘I have to cling on somehow… I need to get this construction contract and succeed in this to re-establish my position, so that damn Cha Doyeon can’t even dream of coveting it!’

My life was on the line; I couldn’t afford to miss this.

I, Cha Hwaryeon, could not be defeated by that lowly scoundrel.

* * *

“Alright, shall we get going too?”

“Yes, young master.”

The public bidding announcement day.

Upon arriving at the destination where the driver had dropped me off on D-day, I confidently entered.

The highly anticipated results announcement held at City Hall.

The bid price had already been submitted, but it took time for review.

Just how eager they were to start construction was evident; today, two days later, was finally the grand announcement day.

While it’s mostly done electronically these days, because the amount involved in the theme park was so immense, not just a simple apartment construction, a separate in-person event was held.

As I swaggered into the building, my second older sister and what appeared to be executives were seated on the right.

They were all sitting together in such a stiff atmosphere that I approached them to lighten the tension.

“Noona, are you going to war or something? Why so grim?”

“……”

At my voice, Cha Hwaryeon merely rolled her eyes upward, looking annoyed.

She didn’t stand up, but remained seated, her lips twitching, and her round ‘mandu’ bun hair swaying.

“Don’t get cocky.”

“Cocky?”

“You do seem to have changed recently, but no matter what, your scoundrel nature won’t change.

Whether it’s Bitcoin or stocks or money you’ve earned, it was all just good luck.”

“Oh~ Is that so?”

I casually dug my ear.

It was truly easy for me, who knew the future, which is why I was showing composure, but perhaps she took it as contempt, as her narrow shoulders trembled violently.

True to her short-tempered nature, the moment I flicked a spark, a fire spread. I patted my cute older sister’s furiously burning shoulder to help her relax.

“Calm down. I’ve even prepared a surprise gift for you today, something you’ll love.”

“……A gift?”

“It just so happens to be your birthday this month, right?

I’ve been thinking hard about it until now, and I’ve decided to give you what you want most right now.”

“Stop beating around the bush and just say what you mean, you brat!”

Despite the boss’s sudden profanity, no one was surprised.

It seemed none of the subordinates were unfamiliar with Cha Hwaryeon’s personality, as they pretended not to hear it.

Looking down at Cha Hwaryeon, who had been overflowing with composure just recently, now huffing and puffing with anxiety, I gave a wide grin.

“Well, you’ll find out soon.”

“You!”

“Later.”

“Excuse me.”

After provoking her to the very end, I sat down on the opposite chair with Woo Miae.

As we waited, sharing the intensely uncomfortable atmosphere, representatives from other construction companies that had partnered with me began to gather.

*Screeech!*

The door closed to control entry, and the atmosphere became even more solemn.

Not long after, the mayor himself walked through a staff-only door to the podium and made the announcement.

“Alright… then, I will now announce the results of the public bidding for the Seoul City co-hosted theme park project.”

After looking around the podium,

“I have confirmed the attendance of the two representatives who participated in this project.

First, I want to clarify that since the company previously entrusted with the work had financial instability and a prolonged reckless response, we have shifted to a joint project where land shares can be divided to distribute responsibility, and we have rigorously selected only companies capable of handling this massive project.”

True to his scholarly background, he went through each point meticulously.

Casually wiping the sweat from my forehead, I calmly took each step forward in this uncomfortable atmosphere.

“Then, I shall now announce the results of the public competitive bidding for the contract rights.”

Looking at the prepared documents, he swallowed hard, then announced,

“ has submitted a contract amount of 230 billion, 210 million won and a solid construction plan spanning a minimum of 3 years, therefore, we announce that has been selected for this project.”

At the mayor’s declaration, a faint flush spread across Cha Hwaryeon’s face.

Perhaps it was the joy of securing the project, as she instantly clenched her fists.

‘Hmph… it’s finally over♪’

Following that, I also smiled.

Hearing the contract amount, which was beyond her wildest dreams, I thought the game was finally over.

The bid was Cha Hwaryeon’s victory.

It was Cha Hwaryeon’s victory, but I wasn’t upset at all.

“……!?”

Perhaps she saw my smile, as Cha Hwaryeon belatedly furrowed her brows.

When I met her eyes and just grinned, perhaps feeling a strange void behind her back, she shouted at the mayor.

“Just a moment!

Mayor-nim, then how much did Cha Doyeon’s side bid?”

“What?

Oh, that’s… since the proposal has already been adopted, it’s a secret—”

“It’s a public bid anyway! Please tell us how much you bid?”

At that, the mayor looked my way.

I shrugged my shoulders, signaling that there was no problem in telling, and the mayor cleared his throat and flipped through the documents.

“The former … which has now changed its trade name to , bid…”

was the changed company name.

A trade name changed by just taking the initials of Hwaryeong.

It was a bit tacky, but it was a temporary company name changed before actually taking over the Hwaryeong Group, so it didn’t really matter.

The point to focus on right now was this.

“The contract amount… 10 billion won.”

“What!?”

10 billion won.

A paltry sum compared to the amount previously called out.

“Additionally, ’s alliance stated in their plan that they would not be able to significantly contribute to construction costs… so Seoul City had no choice but to select .”

As Cha Hwaryeon stared wide-eyed, I merely smiled.

I bowed my head deeply, covering my face, and laughed like a madman.

That’s right.

It was all a show.

I only bid the minimum amount for this huge project.

Just the minimum bid amount required to participate in the auction.