CH67 | MCT

Rahman’s Gift (1)

A small soup restaurant near the hotel.

It was Jeong Yoon-ah’s idea to come here.

"Oppa, would you like some more kkakdugi?"

"Sure."

She placed a piece of kkakdugi onto Tae-soo’s spoon.

At that moment, a memory surfaced—when he had first returned home, his mother had placed kkakdugi on his spoon similarly.

The meal that day had also been haejangguk.

So Tae-soo asked,

"Don’t young women usually prefer steak, pork cutlets, or pasta over dishes like this? We could have had a nice lunch at the hotel restaurant instead."

"Next time. Today, we’ll have gukbap, and next time, we can enjoy a fancy meal and use our knives properly."

"Do you like gukbap?"

"I eat everything."

She smiled brightly as she took a spoonful of her soup.

"Were you worried about my stomach?"

"You noticed?"

"I saw you looking for motion sickness pills and stomach medicine."

Jeong Yoon-ah playfully rolled her eyes at him, but a smile lingered on her lips.

"I told you to wait on the bench for a moment, but you followed me?"

"I was curious when you went to the pharmacy. I was worried you might not be feeling well."

"Ah..."

Yoon-ah’s face turned red.

"Don’t say embarrassing things like that. We’re in a gukbap place."

Under the table, she lightly tapped Tae-soo’s thigh.

It didn’t hurt—if anything, it was endearing.

"You have a long flight ahead. If you’re dealing with both a hangover and motion sickness, that would be awful."

"I’ll just get some sleep on the plane."

She looked at him with a hint of disappointment.

"You won’t be back in Korea for a while, will you?"

"Not for the time being."

She glanced toward the hotel and then back at him.

"If you do come back, would you have a meal with me at a nice restaurant?"

She subtly pointed in the direction of the hotel.

"I heard the steak at Geumsan Hotel’s restaurant is amazing."

"Regretting your decision to choose gukbap instead?"

"You’re just trying to avoid my date invitation, aren’t you?"

That wasn’t it.

But he wondered—would she still remember this promise even after she became a famous actress?

"Who knows? You won’t even give me your contact information, so I’m sure you’ll figure it out. How annoying."

Jeong Yoon-ah turned her head away with a huff.

Yet, her face was still full of playful amusement.

"Tae-soo oppa."

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For giving me some tough but honest advice. It really woke me up."

She clutched the small note Tae-soo had given her.

"You’re the first person who’s ever spoken to me like that."

She smiled warmly.

"When you return to Korea, I hope my face is everywhere in the city—on movie posters, on billboards, on TV commercials every time you turn it on."

"I have no doubt it will be. You’re beautiful, charming, and probably a talented actress too."

Jeong Yoon-ah blushed slightly.

"Dummy. What I meant was, I want you to think of me when you see those things."

She handed Tae-soo a small slip of paper.

"This is my number."

Since he refused to give his, she had no choice but to give hers.

She playfully winked at him.

"Call me anytime. I’ll be waiting."

"Once you’re a famous actress, you’ll probably find my calls bothersome."

"If I become a famous actress, then I’ll treat you to the finest steak at Geumsan Hotel’s top restaurant."

She winked again.

"So, you’re paying for today’s gukbap."

***

At the airport, the person who came to see Tae-soo off was Song Chang-jun, a second secretary from the embassy.

As he loaded Tae-soo’s trunk into the car, he grinned.

"Your stay was shorter than your vacation period. I thought you’d be here for at least a month since you made the trip back."

"Work is busy. I can’t afford to be away for too long. A short visit to see my parents—that’s a vacation in itself."

Song Chang-jun gave him a surprised look.

"You came all this way just to see your parents? Not even a girlfriend?"

"It was Parents’ Day, wasn’t it?"

"......"

"I pinned a carnation on their chests before I left."

"......"

Since it was Parents’ Day, he gave them flowers, sent Han-soo to the U.S., met Jang Mal-dong, and even had a meeting with Geumsan’s Jang Jun-yong.

And somehow, along the way, he also met a beautiful woman—not a lover, but still.

"Where to first? Your accommodation? The port? The road construction site? A Bedouin village?"

"Take me to the Saudi government offices."

"Pardon?"

Song Chang-jun rubbed his ears as if he had misheard.

"You just arrived in the Middle East, and you’re already heading somewhere?"

"The Saudi government office. The department handling urban development in the western cities. Rahman should be working there."

As the saying goes, strike while the iron is hot.

He needed to meet Rahman right away and give him the work he had brought from Korea.

Song Chang-jun started the engine of the Jeep.

"You really live a busy life. Not surprising, though—you're the kind of guy who meets the Bedouins as soon as he lands."

"Will it take long?"

"Longer than you’d think. We have to go all the way to Jeddah."

Jeddah was one of the largest cities on Saudi Arabia’s western coast.

Like many major cities in the region, it was a port city along the Red Sea. The name "Jeddah" also meant "grandmother" in Arabic.

Jeddah serves as the outer port of Mecca, a city that pilgrims pass through. With its thriving trade port, the city has a vibrant commercial sector.

It was also the reason why Rahman had been able to visit the harbor where Tae-soo worked, arriving in a luxurious cruise ship.

"Then, while we’re on the way, could you brief me on the construction progress and anything else I should know?"

Song Chang-jun shook his head with a sigh.

"I feel like I’ve become a secretary for Taeyang Construction rather than an officer of the Foreign Ministry’s embassy."

"Would you like to resign from the Foreign Ministry and join Taeyang Construction instead? We’d welcome you anytime, Secretary Song."

"I’m honored by the scouting offer."

Song Chang-jun jokingly bowed his head.

However, a strange ripple formed in his mind.

'Should I really quit the Foreign Ministry and switch to Taeyang Construction?'

Following the ambassador around meant taking pictures, sending telegrams, drafting official documents, and assisting with protocol.

Compared to that kind of grunt work, this seemed far more exciting.

'If I stay by Kang Tae-soo’s side, I might get to see a much bigger and more incredible world.'

A spark of ambition ignited within Song Chang-jun.

But he quietly shook his head.

'It’s too soon. For now, helping him from within the Foreign Ministry is the best way to get in his good graces.'

As a government official, there were many ways to assist him—sending telegrams, taking photos, handling official duties, and acting as an interpreter.

'Damn it, I didn’t join the Foreign Ministry just to do these menial tasks.'

It was frustrating.

***

Saudi Government Office in Jeddah

Rahman, who had been reviewing documents at his desk, looked up when an employee approached him with a report.

[Who did you say is here to see me?]

[A foreigner working on the Yamboo road construction.]

Kang Tae-soo had come to see him!

He had been meaning to reach out to him anyway, so this was perfect timing.

[Bring him in. I’d like to meet him.]

At Rahman’s command, the staff member left the office.

Now alone, Rahman interlocked his fingers and leaned back in his chair.

'I had prepared a gift for him anyway… How did he know to come find me now?'

He glanced down at the stack of documents on his desk.

It was the urban development plan he had been personally drafting just moments ago.

Knock, knock.

[Come in.]

Kang Tae-soo stepped into the office.

He was momentarily taken aback by the sheer opulence of the room.

From the finest carpets to luxurious wooden furniture and expensive ornaments, everything screamed extravagance. Even the curtains were embroidered with gold thread, with jewels embedded here and there.

The other Saudi government offices he had seen on his way in had been relatively modest, but this space felt like a world of its own.

'No matter how many times I see it, his taste is ridiculously extravagant.'

It was no wonder that from a mere glimpse of the luxurious cruise ship, the Corino chieftain had instantly recognized who it belonged to.

For a member of the Saudi royal family—who were considered restrained in their spending compared to other royal houses—Rahman’s tastes were quite unusual.

Even his attire was excessively lavish.

The ever-stylish Rahman spread his arms wide, welcoming his ally.

[It’s been a while, Kang Tae-soo. I’ve been waiting for you. I’ve even prepared a gift for our alliance.]

Tae-soo returned his warm smile and greeted him in turn.

[It’s been a while. I’ve also prepared a gift for our alliance.]

It was a truly favorable relationship—one of mutual exchange.

Rahman, pleased, chuckled.

[Since you’ve come bearing an alliance gift, I must treat my guest in style. How about we have a glass of red wine and talk at leisure?]

Was this man seriously suggesting drinking alcohol so brazenly in a government office?

[I’ll pass. Wouldn’t that be a huge problem if we got caught? This isn’t a private yacht—there are plenty of eyes watching.]

[You’re a foreigner, and I’m the one in charge here.]

Rahman smiled meaningfully as he pulled out a bottle of red wine from beneath his desk.

[This is a $40,000 bottle of premium wine. I’ve learned how to enjoy it properly. Look—the sediment has settled nicely. That means it’s ready to drink.]

This man… He had truly developed a taste for fine wine.

Even in Dubai, he had been practically glued to a glass of red wine.

Some things never change—his habits and preferences remained constant.

[You’re not going to put on another show by smashing the bottle, are you?]

[I regret that more than anything. If I had known how exquisite that wine was, I would have hidden it away and drunk it all myself instead of serving it to guests.]

Tae-soo eyed the $40,000 bottle suspiciously—it certainly looked like something Rahman had stashed away for his own indulgence.

It wouldn’t have been hidden under his office desk if he hadn’t intended to keep it for himself.

[Well? Will you have a glass?]

[Sure, pour me one.]

Tae-soo and Rahman raised their wine glasses.

Tae-soo took a sip, savoring the deep flavors and complex aromas.

Premium wine always tasted exquisite, no matter the occasion.

[Thanks to you, Rahman, my taste buds are being spoiled.]

[A poor friend will leave you with nothing but fleas and lice. But a wealthy friend? Even his leftover rice will be a feast.]

That was why people often clung to those with money.

[Oh, right. First, here’s a gift from the Saudi royal family.]

Rahman continued.

[The royal family has decided to pay you for the construction.]

[Payment? But the road isn’t even completed yet. Are you saying the royal family is covering the cost on your behalf?]

The road construction project, contracted to Samwon Construction, had a budget of $12.5 million.

Tae-soo’s share of the funds? A solid $8.75 million, or 70% of the total.

But that wasn’t the only thing at stake.

He and Rahman had made a bet.

If Tae-soo completed the project within the deadline, Rahman would compensate him in crude oil—a staggering 35 million barrels!

[No, this payment is for the construction of canals, wells, and roads in Corino and Harkonnen villages. The government has decided to provide financial support.]

[Ah, I see.]

That project had been funded by revenue from the limestone mine and cement factory.

'I never even asked for financial support for this project, and yet the Saudi royal family decided to fund it?'

It was completely unexpected.

And it was thrilling.

[I extend my gratitude to the Saudi royal family.]

[We should be the ones thanking you. You took on this massive project for the Saudi people without asking for anything in return.]

[So, how much is the royal family providing?]

[Eighteen million dollars. It’s being covered through the emergency budget.]

That was a hefty sum—even more than the Samwon Construction road project.

Tae-soo glanced at Rahman.

[Would it be possible to convert this into crude oil as well?]

[Hahaha, you really love oil, don’t you?]

[I’d like the same terms as before.]

[That can be arranged. It’s actually more beneficial for us to pay in oil rather than in dollars. I assume the delivery date will be in December again? When the road construction is completed?]

Perfect.

The amount of oil he was set to receive just kept piling up.

Soon, his bank account would be overflowing with dollars.

[You do know, right? The only thing more reliable than words is a contract.]

[Of course. I've taken that lesson to heart, thanks to you. In fact, I already have the contract prepared.]

Rahman opened a desk drawer and pulled out the pre-prepared contract.

[Thorough as always.]

[I learned from the best. Thanks for teaching me.]

The two men began signing the contract.

Within moments, copies were exchanged, and they exchanged knowing smiles.

A bond of trust, sealed through written agreements.

[Now, shall I present the gift I’ve prepared for you?]

Rahman handed over a stack of documents he had placed on his desk.

Tae-soo took it and read the title on the cover.

<Kaiba-AlUla Highway Construction Plan>

It was a development project for Saudi Arabia’s western cities—an ambitious coastal highway spanning 164 kilometers along the Red Sea.

The approval had already been granted, and the bidding announcement was scheduled for June.

[A $24.059 million highway project—consider it a gift from our alliance.]

This was the very project that, in Tae-soo’s past life, had first put Samwon Construction on the map in Saudi Arabia.

"And now, it’s fallen into my hands."

Was it because Samwon Construction had been acquired by Taeyang Construction?

Was it fate?

Or was this another result of Tae-soo’s own efforts?

As he looked at the Kaiba Highway Construction Plan, Tae-soo’s emotions were mixed.

"In my past life, Samwon Construction and Rahman were entangled in the failed Yanbu-Umluj highway project. In the end, the higher-ups from both nations chose to bury the truth. But now, that project has landed in my hands."

If things continued as they were now, the Yanbu-Umluj highway would be completed within the year without issue.

Tae-soo had no doubt.

This time, it would go down as the first successful Saudi project by a Korean construction company.

"I just hope this also improves Rahman’s standing. And now, the Kaiba project has come back to me."

But then, a question surfaced in his mind.

"In my past life, Samwon Construction failed the Yanbu-Umluj highway project. So how did they secure the Kaiba-AlUla project the following year?"

The Saudi royal family had even sent an unofficial protest letter at the time, showing their complete loss of trust in Samwon Construction.

So how?

How did they pull it off?

Tae-soo felt a conspiracy lurking behind it all.