CH48 | MCT

The Scorching Desert Night (3)

Song Chang-jun murmured in admiration.

‘He’s playing them in the palm of his hand. He’s completely in control of the fierce Bedouins.’

Now that he thought about it, Tae-soo’s title kept changing.

[We will honor you as our tribe’s eternal benefactor.]

That was what came from the Bedouins' own mouths.

At first, they had called him "you," then "guest," then "noble one," and now—"benefactor."

‘It’s incredibly rare for the Bedouins to call someone a benefactor. Even Saudi Arabia’s first king never received such a title.’

The Bedouins had fought alongside the first king to establish the nation. Even now, they were the royal family's most loyal supporters—fierce warriors cherished like treasures by the Saudi monarchy.

And yet, they were now expressing gratitude to Tae-soo.

‘This guy is unbelievable. His way of handling things is on a whole different level from Samwon Construction. If only we had sent him here from the start, none of this mess would’ve happened.’

At the same time, anticipation stirred within him.

‘He’s taken on the tribe’s wells, aqueducts, and roads. How does he plan to pull it off? If it were me, this would be impossible.’

Yet Tae-soo had claimed he could shorten the construction period.

That only made Song Chang-jun more curious.

‘The road construction is only 30% complete, and we have less than a year left. Even if we deploy all available heavy equipment and start tomorrow, it’s still a tight deadline.’

Logically, it shouldn’t be possible.

But against all reason, a strange sense of hope kept creeping in.

This was a first for Song Chang-jun.

‘For some reason, I actually believe this guy can pull it off—and do it spectacularly. It doesn’t make sense, yet I can’t help but expect it.’

After all, he had just witnessed Tae-soo negotiate with the Bedouins firsthand.

‘I’ll throw my full support behind him. I’m going to trust him all the way.’

The Bedouins, who would normally fight over the smallest provocation, had been skillfully united under his leadership.

‘He shoves carrots down their throats and whips them mercilessly when needed. No wonder they’re half-dazed. They don’t have time to think—they have to put out the fire at their feet first.’

And now, those who had once pointed weapons at each other were sitting together, discussing construction plans.

They were cooperating. They were planning for the future.

They were acknowledging and respecting each other’s opinions.

Watching them, Song Chang-jun could only marvel.

‘He’s managed to push both reconciliation and progress forward with such a simple method.’

The man who had boldly declared he would level the seesaw and safely bring both tribes down—

Had just done exactly that.

Tae-soo lay down comfortably, ready to sleep.

He hadn’t planned on staying, but the Harkonnen tribe had desperately clung to him.

[Benefactor, please… Just stay until the tribal meeting is over. If you leave now, our children will have to cross the desert in the middle of the night.]

[Please, just one night. If any problems arise, we won’t be able to reach you—the hotel is too far away. We beg you.]

The elders’ pleading voices, on the verge of tears, were impossible to refuse.

In the end, Tae-soo sent his entourage—including Song Chang-jun—to the prepared lodging, while he remained with the tribe.

‘Did I push them too hard? The tight schedule has thrown the entire tribe into a state of emergency.’

But he had no other choice.

After all, he had borrowed a ship from Geumsan Shipbuilding.

Tae-soo had personally requested that a tanker—originally scheduled to transport oil to Bahrain—carry water instead.

Jang Jun-yong of Geumsan had graciously accommodated the request, even advancing the departure date.

Not only that, but he had ordered the ship to sail at full speed, allowing it to arrive days earlier than expected.

‘I never thought I’d end up using this card.’

Tae-soo recalled the golden business card he had received long ago.

It had been a gift from Jang Jun-yong, given in gratitude for a molybdenum supply deal Tae-soo had helped facilitate.

“If you ever bring this to me, I’ll grant you one request.”

Tae-soo had sent that very card with Song Chang-jun.

Along with it, he included the business card of Kim Hwan, Geumsan’s chief secretary.

If Song Chang-jun—one of the ambassador’s trusted aides—handled the matter, the request would be delivered with absolute certainty.

‘I asked for the ship to remain docked for at least two months. Will they agree? If not, I’ll have to find another way… Maybe building a massive storage facility at the port is the only option.’

Completing the project in just fifteen days was impossible.

But if he hadn’t created a sense of urgency, the laid-back Bedouins wouldn’t have acted with such determination.

‘I asked for a telegram to be sent, so I should hear back soon.’

Tae-soo had instructed Song Chang-jun to send telegrams to two places:

Jang Jun-yong of Geumsan

The Saudi royal family

‘If the Saudi royals decide to support me, it’ll be a game-changer.’

As he thought about it, he recalled what had happened earlier.

During the tribal meeting, the chieftain had gone pale, practically begging Tae-soo for help.

[Benefactor, there’s no way we can meet the construction deadline.]

[We can’t just stand by and let this water slip through our fingers.]

[Please, do you have any solution? Anything at all?]

Tae-soo let out a sigh and finally opened his mouth.

[You have enough water to last for months. Take this chance—be generous.]

[What do you mean? Who are we supposed to be generous to?]

[Didn’t you say the neighboring tribe is also desperate for water? Give them some. In return, have them send workers.

[You mean… the neighboring tribe?]

[Offer water as payment, and they’ll come flocking to help. Tell them to bring their own leather water pouches. They’ll love the deal.]

[Ah! That’s brilliant!]

The Bedouins erupted into action.

Messengers mounted camels in the dead of night and galloped across the desert.

Trained falcons carried letters tied to their legs.

Some warriors raced into the dunes on foot, determined to spread the word as fast as possible.

[Construction starts at dawn! Forget the feast—wash up and get to bed early!]

[Leave the children with the elders. Women, you’re working too—this is an emergency.]

[We must finish the project in fifteen days, no matter what. Our tribe’s future depends on it.]

With the clock ticking, the Bedouins reached a consensus at lightning speed.

There was no time for complaints or arguments.

Anyone who even thought about objecting was swiftly and unanimously silenced.

Before they knew it, both tribes had joined forces, committed to completing the massive project in just fifteen days—whether they lived or died in the process.

This was exactly why Tae-soo had instilled a sense of urgency.

[Benefactor, even if we push ahead with the well, what about the Korino tribe? We need them to run the limestone mine and cement factory.]

[Let them stay in Harkone Village during the construction. That way, we’ll need fewer guards to protect the settlement.]

[That’s a fantastic idea! Benefactor, you are truly remarkable. Together, our tribes will build a massive well and an enormous water reservoir. We’ll fill it to the brim!]

The two tribes had a long history of war and bad blood.

The water crisis had forced a temporary truce, but under normal circumstances, they would never willingly unite.

Tae-soo knew they couldn’t work together while sitting on a ticking time bomb of unresolved hatred.

But history had proven something time and time again—

A civil war is best resolved by an external conflict.

Tae-soo let out a slow breath.

“I achieved exactly what I intended by scaring them. Now, it’s my turn to support them. I need to handle the rest so they can focus solely on construction."

The night had grown deep.

“It’s been a long day—traveling, negotiating… I’m exhausted.”

Tae-soo extinguished the lantern and lay down, ready for sleep.

That was when he heard it.

A faint rustling sound.

The entrance to his tent shifted slightly.

“Who’s there?”

A slender shadow stood at the opening.

“Shh. If you speak too loudly, you’ll wake the others.”

A woman’s voice—smooth and melodic, speaking flawless English.

Only the tribal leaders spoke English fluently, which meant… she was someone of considerable status.

“Why have you come to my tent at this hour?”

She lifted a delicate silk ribbon.

“You accepted my token.”

“…Ah.”

Now he recognized her.

She was the dancer—the same woman who had stolen the breath of every man at the feast.

She laughed softly, her voice a gentle hum in the quiet night.

“You said my dance was beautiful, didn’t you?”

“I did. But I thought the chieftain returned your ribbon…”

She lifted it again, smiling.

“This?”

It was different from before.

This time, she had tied a long silk cord from her own garments, letting it trail elegantly between her fingers.

Tae-soo thought it looked like the ribbon of a hanbok jeogori.

A subtle fragrance drifted toward him.

A familiar, captivating scent.

She stepped closer, whispering.

“You may not have understood the first time… but now, do you know what this means?”

She raised the ribbon again.

Tae-soo’s gaze flickered downward.

Her curved silhouette was impossible to ignore.

He studied the ribbon, then asked evenly,

“If someone sent you to entertain me, you can leave.”

She tilted her head, her smile playful.

“Do I look like I was forced to come here?”

With a graceful motion, she loosened her hair.

Dark waves spilled down, cascading like a waterfall over her shoulders.

“This is my first time sneaking into a man’s tent at night.”

She let out a soft, musical laugh.

She straddled Tae-soo’s thigh, gazing at him with deep, smoldering eyes.

“I like intelligent men. Most desert warriors… they’re too simple.”

She lifted a delicate hand, her fingertips grazing his cheek.

“I liked the way you looked at me. That’s why I gave you my ribbon.”

She leaned in closer.

So close, their noses nearly touched.

“Isn’t that reason enough for one night?”

Then, she kissed him first.

A soft, fleeting touch.

“The night is short. And thanks to you, I have to wake at dawn for construction.”

Tae-soo held her gaze.

“You won’t regret this?”

She took his hand and placed the silk ribbon in his palm.

“I’d regret it if you didn’t accept my ribbon.”

Then, gently, she pulled his hand.

With a soft whisper, the knot unraveled, and her robe slipped off.

To his surprise, that was all she had been wearing.

Tae-soo wrapped an arm around her waist.

“Then, I suppose I should make sure you have no regrets.”

* * *

As the royal dawn meeting in the Saudi Arabian palace came to an end, the king glanced at a small telegram in his hands, his expression intrigued.

Several urgent messages had arrived overnight.

"The Corino and Harkonnen tribes have declared a truce. They have begun constructing wells, canals, and roads in the village."

"A tanker ship arrived, carrying a full load of water for the desert tribes."

"However, the ship will soon depart for Bahrain, making the situation critical."

"Large storage tanks and water purification experts are urgently needed."

"Many lives depend on this. We request immediate support from the Saudi royal family."

The king read the messages aloud, allowing his ministers to take them in.

Their expressions were a mix of confusion and disbelief.

“This is strange. Weren’t these the same tribes that were ready to kill each other just days ago? The royal court has tried to broker peace for years, but they never listened. And now, they suddenly decide to work together?”

The royal secretary bowed slightly.

“Your Majesty, our reports confirm that not just these two tribes, but Bedouins from across the desert are gathering for this massive construction effort. Heavy machinery is already in use.”

That caught everyone’s attention.

“A large-scale project?”

“This is no mere village construction, Your Majesty. They are building a water system stretching from the port to their villages.”

The king’s eyes widened.

“That far? Then this is beyond what a single village can handle alone.”

“Indeed, Your Majesty. It appears to be a full-scale waterway construction project.”

The king’s expression shifted from surprise to deep satisfaction.

“A severe drought has forced them to unite and secure their future. This is commendable!”

It pleased him greatly to see his people setting aside conflict to fight for survival together.

“If our people are working with such dedication, the nation must support them. Minister of Finance, Minister of Construction.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Draft a budget immediately. The government will cover the necessary expenses for this project.”

“How much support should we prepare?”

“First, calculate the total estimated cost. Then determine how much we can provide from the national treasury. We will assist as much as possible. Move quickly.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

The king then turned to the Minister of Industry.

“Gather all available oil and water storage tanks. We must be ready to send support at a moment’s notice. This request must have come with urgency.”

“I will arrange it immediately, Your Majesty.”

“Also, summon water purification specialists to aid them.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Finally, he addressed the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“Find out who owns the tanker ship docked at the port. Negotiate to extend its stay if necessary. This is water, not oil. It’s crucial for survival.”

A pause.

“In fact… purchasing the entire ship might be the best solution.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

It was a strategic decision.

Saudi Arabia already needed more tankers. Buying one now would solve multiple problems at once.

The king rose from his seat.

“This concludes the dawn meeting. Get to work immediately!”

A single small push from Tae-soo had reached the Saudi royal court.

And soon, that push would reach Jang Jun-yong, Chairman of Korea’s Geumsan Group.