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Chapter 23
For a brief moment, Suar’s eyes sparkled as she listened to Seohui. It was probably because of the words “Shinseong Construction”. All of her attention seemed to be drawn to that topic.
{So that means Hee is a huge conglomerate heiress, right?}
{Again, it’s not me—it’s my grandfather who’s rich.}
Seohui drew a modest line.
{Either way, either way.}
I guess it’s all a matter of perspective.
It was the right time for Suar to ask what kind of work she did.
{So, are there any updates on your work? If it’s not too rude, can I ask what kind of work you do?}
When Seohui put on a bright expression, Suar’s face showed a flicker of hesitation. She was probably conflicted about whether to tell her or not.
It made sense that she would hesitate—the person who had helped her so much was also involved in a project she was overseeing. She had to make a fair decision, and personal feelings couldn’t dictate it.
Suar asked with a very serious expression.
{What kind of company is Shinseong Construction?}
{Uh… it’s ranked among the top in construction. My grandfather always emphasizes something. He says that whether it’s a house, building, or bridge, if it’s a place for people, it has to be the strongest in the world.}
Suar tilted her head at the part that differed from what she had researched. There had been recent issues with poor construction, so perhaps there was a misunderstanding.
But her doubts were quickly dispelled. From what she had seen in just one week, Seohui and Chairman Han seemed like people who would uphold that belief.
There must have been some misunderstanding. If a company employed people who offered unconditional kindness to strangers, it would be a place she could trust.
{Hee.}
Suar’s smile disappeared. Her eyes, voice, and tone were all filled with seriousness.
{Yes?}
{Remember when I said I’d grant you a wish?}
{Ah, no, that’s fine. I don’t really have a wish.}
Seohui stepped back, pretending not to know.
{Tell me to choose Shinseong Construction.}
{What does that mean all of a sudden?}
{I’m saying give me a chance to repay your kindness. Whatever it is, it will be good for you or your grandfather, so just say it—hurry.}
Faced with Suar’s insistence, Seohui slowly nodded. Inside, she was secretly cheering, though her expression outwardly remained puzzled.
{I don’t know what it is, but please do that.}
Finally satisfied, Suar smiled widely. She took a business card from her wallet and handed it to Seohui.
{I work for the Amadan government agency. The reason I came to Korea this time is…}
Everything Seohui already knew slipped smoothly from her lips—the need for a maritime bridge in Amadan, the expected benefits once completed, and the enormous construction costs.
{You’re really going to leave such a huge project to my grandfather’s company?}
{I promised I would, didn’t I?}
{Still, that was a personal promise, right?}
{Hee, you don’t think I chose Shinseong Construction just because of personal feelings, do you?}
Suar answered as if to say it would be impossible not to think that way. She let out a light chuckle.
{I really am grateful to you and your grandfather. But I’m not foolish enough to decide on such a massive project just out of gratitude. I’ve confirmed that Shinseong Construction’s construction capabilities are excellent. The reason I hesitated was…}
She looked at Seohui, took a breath, and continued.
{I was concerned about recent rumors and news articles, but after meeting your grandfather, I was convinced it could have been a misunderstanding.}
Suar was viewing the situation with objective clarity.
{So…}
{…?}
{Could I talk directly to your grandfather about this project?}
There was no reason he would refuse.
{Of course. Let’s go to the study together.}
The conversation with Chairman Han also went smoothly. Over the past week, she had simply thought of Seohui as her granddaughter’s guest, but there was this story behind it.
Though he didn’t show it, the chairman was inwardly surprised. Was it mere coincidence that his granddaughter had brought such a distinguished guest?
Seohui boasted that she would bring in something even bigger than her domestic projects. She then secured a contract worth several times the cost of domestic construction.
Could it be that she knew who Suar was and brought her here?
But there were too many things that didn’t add up. She had known to expect lost luggage at the airport, waited for it, and even knew about a problem at her accommodation to explain the whole process.
She couldn’t have known. If so, it was all coincidence—but everything fit together perfectly.
After seventy years of life, he thought he had seen everything—but could luck really follow so precisely? The chairman’s gaze toward Seohui was meaningful.
“Grandfather, she wants to meet the project staff first.”
While lost in thought, Seohui translated Suar’s words. Only then did he snap back to reality, laughing heartily.
“So it seems the connection was meant to be, and it didn’t feel unfamiliar, huh?”
The chairman, who had previously spoken casually, now showed proper respect. There was a clear difference between dealing with his granddaughter’s guest and a business partner.
Even though she couldn’t understand Korean, the chairman treated her respectfully. Suar placed her hand on her left chest and bowed. She might not understand his words, but she could feel the intent in his tone and attitude.
{It’s all thanks to Hee. We haven’t received full approval yet, but I hope we can become good partners.}
“Let’s go to the company together tomorrow. We need to meet the project staff.”
{The project is too large for Shinseong Construction to handle alone. If there are partner companies, please recommend them.}
Thus, the project exceeding 3.5 trillion won progressed smoothly. After the cheerful discussion, Suar said she had to report to Amadan and went to her accommodation. Left in the study were Chairman Han and Seohui, where a strange tension lingered.
Even after accomplishing something incredible, Seohui’s expression showed no arrogance or pride. She looked calm—even after winning a contract worth over 3 trillion won.
“So, how much of an incentive do you want?”
The chairman was the first to speak. If an employee had just secured such a contract, they would have been promoted at lightning speed.
His granddaughter, who had never even been near the company, had accomplished this huge feat—what should he give her as a reward?
“How much would you like, Grandfather?”
“Hehe, this one. You want to negotiate, huh?”
The chairman laughed heartily. The more he talked with Seohui lately, the more surprised he became.
“Of course. You probably heard earlier how big the contract I secured was.”
He listened silently to Seohui.
“If I were a company employee, I’m sure you’d have promoted me instantly.”
It was as if she could see into his heart. That meant he would inevitably lose in any negotiation with her.
“Hehehe. No need to make it so grand. Whatever you ask, I’ll give you. Earlier, you took some shares in Shinseong Department Store—what do you want this time?”
As expected of the grandfather. He seemed to know her intentions well.
“Should I get shares in Shinseong Construction this time?”
“Yes.”
Seohui answered without hesitation. Her grandfather probably already knew what she intended.
“Seohui, do you understand what it means that I’m giving you shares in construction?”
It meant she would be a candidate for the company’s succession. For Seohui, it was a declaration that she would formally enter Shinseong Group’s succession competition.
She knew this well and nodded positively.
“And one more thing.”
“Go ahead.”
“10 billion. In cash.”
“You want cash on top of shares?”
“10 billion isn’t that much, is it? Surely it’s not too precious? How much profit did this contract bring…?”
She trailed off cleverly, and the chairman let out a hearty laugh.
“Exactly. That’s my granddaughter. I should give you more than 10 billion. Hehehe.”
“Is that a promise, Grandfather?”
“I promise. And Chief Choi, you can use her whenever necessary. There will be times she has to act in your place.”
Expectancy showed on the chairman’s face. The process couldn’t be predicted, but the result was clear. Seohui would likely be the one to wear the crown.
He was curious how his precious granddaughter would navigate the situation. In the short time he had seen her, her results had exceeded expectations.
She uncovered internal corruption at the construction company and secured a massive contract—all on her own.
Do just that, Seohui. Then Shinseong will be yours. No need for me to hand it over—you’ll take it with your own hands.
The chairman looked at Seohui warmly. Though unspoken, his intentions were clear.
Don’t worry, Grandfather. I will protect you. And Shinseong Group. I will make sure I inherit it.
Seohui also gazed at him with eyes full of affection. The real battle was about to begin.
