"Come on, father-in-law."
My grandfather's complexion turned dark. If it were Go Kyung-yeol, he wouldn't be a typical Yeouido figure with a questionable past. A career bureaucrat who had walked the non-political path seemed cleaner and fresher compared to members of the National Assembly.
Moreover, he carried the ruling party's premium with him. Unless there were significant variables, predicting my uncle's victory wouldn't be easy.
"Why are you so surprised? Do you think I'm afraid of whoever comes forward?"
"It's not that, it's just that he's an unexpected figure..."
My uncle couldn't bring himself to speak candidly, and my aunt exploded. "Father, all you had to do was say one word. Do you have to oppose your son-in-law's candidacy? Just one word from you, and Go Kyung-yeol won't run, right?"
"If I stop him, is it all over? What if someone even more formidable appears behind him? Do I have to stop that guy too? Pathetic... If you think it's just going to be a bed of roses, it's better to stop now."
My grandfather's message wasn't directed at my aunt or uncle.
It was telling me that making a public official who would be of help isn't an easy task. Is this also one of the ways to test me?
Is it not too heavy for someone in their twenties to handle?
"Choi, son-in-law."
"Yes, father-in-law."
"Go talk to the party officials. The most significant position in the local elections is the mayor of Seoul, right? They won't just stand by without a plan. Hurry up and come up with a solution!"
As the two hurriedly left, leaving just the two of us, my grandfather clicked his tongue.
"Tsk tsk, these youngsters cry at the drop of a hat when they face a bit of adversity. Looks like they didn't raise them well in the Choi family."
"Anyone would want to cry when facing adversity. It's just a matter of whether you express it or not, right?"
"When you're facing adversity, you should clench your fists and let determination burn inside you to be considered a real man. Why cry?" My grandfather's voice got slightly louder, as if he thought I was siding with my uncle. "So, what do you think? Do you know anything about Go Kyung-yeol?"
Of course, I knew well. His achievements and mistakes during his tenure as the mayor of Seoul were always in the news. But now, I had to pretend not to know.
"I've never heard the name before."
"He's a former diplomat. He served as the U.S. ambassador and held various government positions. He's a bit older, but we can package that as stability, and there shouldn't be any major scandals."
"Does uncle have any scandals?"
"Why would the son-in-law of a conglomerate group have any scandals? My son-in-law is the chairman of Sunyang Group, and my daughter-in-law is the department store CEO. If there's a guy who wants to bribe them, he's the crazy one."
"Then, he should be a worthy opponent, right?"
"The problem is that he's a chaebol son-in-law. The media keeps saying it's because of chaebols that the country is suffering due to the IMF, and the folks in our neighborhood won't look kindly on it, will they?"
I regretted my indifference to politics in my youth.
When Go Kyung-yeol became mayor, I couldn't remember who his opponent was or what kind of election it was.
"Grandfather, it seems like you have no intention of helping uncle."
"Me? Why would I? I have no regrets. Even if Go Kyung-yeol becomes the mayor, he won't refuse my request, and even if Choi becomes the mayor, it's the same. I hold the flower medals in both hands. Hehe."
In the eyes of my laughing grandfather, the joyous feeling was evident.
"You're in a dilemma, aren't you? Media City? You had plans to create it and use it as a driving force for Dae-ah Construction's revival, right?"
"Killing two birds with one stone."
"Your business could get tougher if you don't win that project."
"That's why I have to win. Without such a large project, Dae-ah Construction will truly become a burden. It'll become a money-draining pit."
"Ah, it's frustrating. We sent plenty of our Sunyang people over there, and they're starving them."
This is undoubtedly a serious matter. Whether it's Dae-ah Construction or A-jin Group, there's no doubt that they consider us all part of the Sunyang family, except for the sign that says "Sunyang."
Now, I want to see their reaction. If I beg for help, I'm no different from my uncle and grandfather. I need to show the determination to fight with fists clenched, as my grandfather advised.
"Even Mr. Go Kyung-yeol, as a human being, must have a weakness or two that can be exploited. If we can identify those weaknesses, there's a chance of success. Also, the fact that he's a son-in-law of a conglomerate, could be a weakness, but it might also be an advantage."
"How?"
"Being a son-in-law of a conglomerate can be an advantage. He's a wealthy person, so you wouldn't expect him to engage in tax evasion or corruption, would you? Plus, he can cozy up with his father-in-law a bit."
"Sell me out?"
"Yes. Just promise that with Sunyang's power he'll undertake many projects for the betterment of Seoul. Building apartments, for example."
"Why should I do business in Seoul?"
"That's just what he'll say. Everyone knows that political promises are just for show, but don't you think it's better to give it a try, just in case?"
Grandfather only chuckled. "I understand it sounds reasonable, but it's not a guaranteed strategy, you know?"
"You have to build these things step by step in an election, don't you?" Seeing his laughter spread, it seemed like he was relieved. At least I wasn't whining. "Grandfather, please tell me just one thing."
"What is it?"
"To negotiate with Mr. Go Kyung-yeol, who should I use as an intermediary?"
"An intermediary? Are you talking about a close associate?"
"Yes, I would like to meet with that person at least once."
Grandfather couldn't resist his curiosity. "Meet him? What do you want to talk to him about?"
"Well, if it turns out that I can connect with Go Kyung-yeol better than uncle, would it be okay to change my approach?"
"Haven't you already invested a large sum of money with your uncle? Changing the approach would mean giving up that money, wouldn't it?"
"I have a business opportunity that can yield tens or hundreds of times the 40 billion. I'm not throwing away 40 billion; I'm making 400 billion."
"It's a good idea not to focus on what's behind and only look ahead, but... is there a possibility?" Is Go Kyung-yeol really such a determined and unwavering person? "Your uncle will promise to develop Media City. But would the elected Go Kyung-yeol actually implement the losing candidate's promise? I don't think that's likely."