CH49 | MCT

Invitation from the Saudi Royal Family (1)

Jang Jun-yong, the head of Geumsan Group, burst into laughter.

In his hands were several telegrams sent from Saudi Arabia.

"Kang Tae-soo… This guy really knows how to make things interesting."

One of the telegrams read:

<I’d like to use the golden business card. Would it be possible to keep the oil tanker docked for two more months?>

"I never expected him to use my business card this way. If he had simply presented it from the start and asked for a two-month docking period at a Saudi port, they wouldn’t have agreed. But he saw right through that."

Unlike Han Cheong-ho, this "Little Cheong" had a completely different approach—one that Jang had willingly accepted.

Transporting water and supplies to Bahrain on the way was nothing unusual.

But if Tae-soo had immediately requested to keep the oil tanker docked for two months, the answer would have been very different.

"I had a feeling something like this might happen, so I adjusted the schedule and sent out an additional tanker. Approving this request won’t be a problem."

Jang had anticipated this scenario.

But what mattered most was that he had maintained his dignity in front of Han Cheong-ho.

He chuckled as he read through another telegram—this one from the Saudi royal family.

"Retrieving the business card alone would’ve been enough, but now I see… This guy can even move the Saudi royal family."

The Saudis had reached out for the same reason.

<We would like to delay the departure of the oil tanker bound for Bahrain.>

<If that is not possible, we are interested in purchasing the tanker. We ask you to sell it to the Saudi royal family.>

<The King of Saudi Arabia considers this matter of great importance.>

<Please inform us of your terms. A prompt response would be appreciated.>

The more Jang read, the more pleased he became.

"To think he made all this happen over something as simple as water on an oil tanker… That’s a talent in itself."

With a laugh, he slapped his knee.

"Thanks to Kang Tae-soo, we now have a direct line to the Saudi royal family—even the King himself. This could finally be our breakthrough into Saudi Arabia, something we’ve struggled to achieve for years."

Jang turned to his secretary, Kim Hwan.

"Send a telegram to the South Korean embassy in Saudi Arabia. We need to send Tae-soo our response."

"What should we say?"

"Approve it."

A single word was enough.

"And what about the Saudi royal family?"

"Tell them we’re interested in bidding for construction projects."

Jang had his sights set on something bigger.

"We’re going to build the Jubail Industrial Port."

Geumsan Group was finally setting foot in Saudi Arabia.

"All thanks to Kang Tae-soo. I owe him another debt."

An idea came to him—one that would both repay Tae-soo and increase Geumsan’s chances of winning the contract.

"How about we propose a joint bid to Tae-soo?"

If Tae-soo had the negotiation skills to sway the Saudi royal family over just a tanker’s water supply, then securing the Jubail Industrial Port contract would be a breeze.

***

Vroom.

Tae-soo was driving a jeep toward the port.

Beside him, Holjjugi was grinning from ear to ear.

"The well construction is going smoothly, the limestone mine and cement factory are taking shape, and the cement plant equipment has just started running. There’s nothing to worry about."

"There’s still plenty of work left."

"That’s true. We’ve been so focused on the village construction that we’ve neglected the port. So now we need to unload the materials from the barge and decide where to start the canal construction, right?"

"Yeah."

They chatted and laughed as they drove, and before long, they arrived at the port.

The harbor, where the oil tanker was docked, was the largest in the area.

Ships were constantly coming and going, and fishing boats filled the docks.

"Tae-soo, every time I come here, I’m amazed. I thought this was just some poor fishing village with a few boats docked, but why is the port so massive?"

"The Saudi kingdom is investing heavily in large-scale infrastructure projects. There’s a reason they’re outsourcing road construction to foreign companies."

"But the nearby villages don’t seem like much."

"Just wait and see. Once our roads fully connect to this port, this entire region will grow into a much larger city."

Tae-soo already knew how this city would develop.

This was a port city on the Red Sea, and up until 1975, it had remained a small town.

However, it had a long history—for over 2,500 years, it had been a vital trading hub, connecting Yemen, Egypt, and the Mediterranean through the spice trade.

'In short, this has always been a key maritime trade city. That’s why the Saudi government is investing heavily in its development.'

Soon, this place would rise alongside Jubail as one of the new epicenters of the oil industry.

'With this massive port built and roads laid down, nothing is stopping its growth now. A new wave of the oil industry will sweep through here.'

After the Middle East wars, the Saudi government expelled foreign capital powers.

They reclaimed oil resources that had been exploited at dirt-cheap prices, fueling Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic growth.

As a result, the Western golden age of cheap oil was coming to an end.

'The Middle East wars and the oil shock… This is my opportunity.'

It was the perfect setup for a three-month short-term investment.

'If I could discreetly get a foothold in Saudi oil just as foreign investors are being driven out, I wouldn’t ask for anything more.'

But Tae-soo knew the reality.

'Something like that would take a stroke of divine luck. With my current standing, it’s impossible.'

To get that far, he needed another variable.

'No choice. I shouldn’t be greedy.'

At the port, a Geumsan tanker was using a crane to unload containers.

Trailers and forklifts were also in full operation.

Just then, someone approached Tae-soo.

And they spoke in Korean.

"Kang Tae-soo?"

"Yes, I am Kang Tae-soo."

A man in his 30s, dressed in work clothes, took off his safety helmet and smiled.

"I’m from Geumsan."

"Nice to meet you. I’m Kang Tae-soo from Taeyang Construction."

"I work for Geumsan Shipping. And over there, that’s a team from Geumsan Heavy Industries."

"Geumsan Heavy Industries?"

Tae-soo turned to look. A man dressed in the same work uniform raised his hand.

"Do you see those cranes, forklifts, and trailers?"

"Yes. What are they for?"

"Chairman Jang Jun-yong personally gave the order. He said, ‘The heavy equipment sent by Cheongil won’t be enough, so use these as needed and return them later.’"

It was unexpected.

"Chairman Jang is being very considerate."

"Haha, I wouldn’t know. I’m just here to provide support."

"I’ll have to express my gratitude. This is a huge help."

That’s what Tae-soo said, but his thoughts grew more complex.

'Why does Chairman Jang Jun-yong keep extending his help? First, he put in a request with the Foreign Minister on my behalf. Now, Geumsan Heavy Industries has sent equipment?'

They hadn’t even negotiated in front of the President.

Tae-soo hadn’t even asked for help, yet Jang took the initiative.

'A favor should be repaid with a favor. A debt of gratitude must be acknowledged. But still… I won’t forget who extended their hand first.'

It worked out perfectly.

He had been needing a trailer to transport the water tanks anyway.

And heavy machinery was always useful when available.

Just then, Holjjugi spotted Chief Corino.

"Look! There's Chief Corino!"

In the distance, the Bedouins were digging the ground, following Corino’s instructions.

Excavators, bulldozers, and dump trucks had also joined in.

[Thank you all for your hard work.]

As Tae-soo approached, several people greeted him warmly.

Chief Corino was the first to rush over.

[The Bedouins are laying the waterways and connecting the pipes.]

[You're all working hard. This is all thanks to the Bedouins.]

[Everyone is happy that they now have access to a sufficient amount of water. They also say that their wages are generous, and their living conditions are improving day by day.]

[That’s good to hear. As long as they work hard, I’ll make sure they’re well compensated.]

A worker's wages should never be unfairly reduced.

Tae-soo wanted to build a mutually beneficial relationship with them.

[Just as you instructed, we have also cleared the ground where the water tanks will be placed.]

A dozen bulldozers were focusing on leveling the land.

[In the name of our tribe, we have once again requested support from the Saudi royal family. We don’t know how large the storage tanks they’ll send will be, but we’re preparing in advance.]

[That was a good decision. The canal construction is progressing smoothly as well. I don’t see anything that needs additional direction from me.]

[That skinny one came to me last night with the blueprints.]

Chief Corino pointed toward Holjjugi.

[He taught us how to mark the work areas. Thanks to him, we’ve been able to work efficiently without getting lost.]

Tae-soo looked at where Corino was pointing.

The work areas had been clearly marked using chalk lines.

For the sandy terrain where chalk wouldn’t stick, small iron stakes had been hammered in, with strings stretched between them to outline the construction zones.

[That guy is surprisingly capable. He’s sociable, works hard, and has even picked up quite a bit of our tribal language. He’s gotten along well with our people... except for the women, of course.]

Holjjugi had a habit of flirting with Bedouin women, only to be rejected every time.

At that moment, he was laughing heartily while chatting with the Bedouins.

'So that’s what he learned after clinging to Park Cheol-wan for days.'

Holjjugi was actually quite good at his work.

Park Cheol-wan had probably taught him road construction, but he had adapted those skills to canal construction as well.

'Holjjugi usually excelled in sales, but no matter what task he was given, he always managed to get it done.'

He was clever and knew how to work efficiently.

That was why, when he followed Tae-soo into Cheongil Group, he had eventually risen to an executive position.

'Han Cheong-ho valued Holjjugi highly, so he climbed the ranks faster than most his age.'

Holjjugi had always been a reliable work companion for Tae-soo.

He had supported Tae-soo in every way possible and was always by his side.

That’s why, when Holjjugi died first, Tae-soo felt an overwhelming loneliness.

It had been so bad that he quit drinking and didn’t touch alcohol for over twenty years.

'This time, I won’t send Holjjugi to Cheongil. I won’t let him die at Han Il-kwon’s hands.'

Just then—

From the other side of the port, the sound of an engine roared as a massively luxurious cruise yacht sailed in.

Both the Bedouins and the harbor merchants all turned their gazes toward the ship.

—[Wow, that thing is insanely big and flashy. Did some royal come here on a leisure trip?]

—[Look at all that gold decoration shining! The chairs must be encrusted with jewels, right? How much do you think that all costs?]

—[Now this... this is the true definition of wasting money!]

Chief Corino subtly moved closer to Tae-soo and whispered.

[It seems a member of the Saudi royal family has arrived.]

Tae-soo nodded.

[Do you know who it might be?]

[There are too many royals to keep track of, so I usually wouldn’t know. But judging by that yacht, I can take a guess.]

[Who is it?]

[Rahman bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. I’ve heard he’s a key figure in the western city development projects for the royal family.]

Well, now.

This was a bigger player than Tae-soo had expected.

He looked again at the ostentatious arrival of the royal.

‘So he’s the mastermind behind the urban development of Saudi Arabia’s western cities. I heard he was also the one who planned this port and Samwon Construction’s roads.'

Rahman was not just the power behind Shoibokshi, Samwon Construction’s foreign partner, but also the royal in charge of western Saudi Arabia’s development.

And on top of that—he was the 12th son of the next king.

[Benefactor, it seems he’s here because of the telegram I sent to the royal family.]

[That does seem likely.]

[I tried to explain the situation thoroughly, but I suppose a telegram wasn’t enough. They must have decided to send a royal stationed in the west to confirm things in person.]

Tae-soo agreed.

‘Crossing the desert from the capital just to verify facts seems excessive… but this is unexpected. Of all people, they sent that particular prince.’

As he watched the extravagant yacht, Tae-soo’s thoughts deepened.

‘That’s the very man whom Han Cheong-ho arranged as a foreign sponsor for Cheongil…’

It must have been one of the connections Han Cheong-ho cultivated in the Middle East for Cheongil Refinery.

Which meant—

‘His influence must be greater than I thought. Han Cheong-ho wouldn’t have invested in just anyone.’

And one more thing.

‘Han Cheong-ho cut ties with Samwon Construction like shedding a lizard’s tail. He abandoned his connections along with it.’

Otherwise, there was no reason for the Saudi royal family to send a formal complaint.

Han Cheong-ho had shaken his head at Park Jeong-hwan’s plea to intervene and had instead showered key officials with bribes, using them as Cheongil’s shield.

‘Why did Han Cheong-ho sever ties with this man?’

That was the question.

‘His father is the current Minister of Defense. And his older brother is the future king.’

Han Cheong-ho was obsessed with power—so why would he be the one to let go first?

‘I suppose I’ll find out when I meet him.’

Tae-soo was intrigued.

He wanted to establish a new connection with the Middle Eastern royals.

A connection that could descend from the heavens and pull him straight to the top—a thick, unbreakable lifeline.