CH22 | MCT

Acquiring a Mine (2)

Tae-soo began explaining.

"Gold and molybdenum have almost the same refining process. We can just repurpose the equipment used for the gold mine."

"Ah-ha!"

✔ First condition met: The mine must have molybdenum refining facilities.

"And they failed in their gold mining venture, right? Gold mining is all or nothing—if you find a vein, you strike it rich; if not, you go broke."

"Ah-ha!"

People rush into gold mining, lured by the dream of instant wealth.

If they strike gold, it’s a jackpot. That’s why so many chases after it like moths to a flame.

But in reality, it's a money pit.

"That’s just how life is—high risk, high return."

"Since they failed, recovering from that loss will be nearly impossible in the short term. The risk is just too high."

"Oh—!"

"They probably took out huge loans for the mining operation. Even with a profitable cement factory and limestone mine, they wouldn’t have been able to stay afloat. That debt must have pushed them to the brink of bankruptcy."

✔ Second condition met: The mine must be on the verge of collapse.

Han-soo nodded in agreement.

"And now the miners and workers who were doing their jobs are just left in limbo. They haven’t left yet, but they’re hanging by a thread."

"Perfect. This is ideal."

✔ Third condition met: A skilled workforce ready for immediate deployment.

Tae-soo nodded decisively.

"Let’s acquire this mine."

"That’s exactly why I rushed to bring you here."

"You’ve already tried negotiating for the acquisition, right?"

At this, Han-soo's expression darkened.

"Did it not go well? Is the money an issue?"

Twenty million won was a substantial amount, but buying an entire mine and cement factory with it was a tall order.

Han-soo let out a deep sigh.

"It’s not just about the money. There’s another problem."

"What is it?"

"The mine owner is being held by loan sharks."

"Damn it."

Why do these loan sharks keep showing up?

First, when they retrieved the mining rights certificate.
Then, when they had to recover Jang Mal-dong’s loan document.
And now, even at the neighbouring mine.

Every time they tried to make a move, these damn loan sharks popped up.

"Well, considering this era, it makes sense. Private loans were more common than bank loans back then."

Almost no business ran without borrowing money.

Especially when managing a large-scale mine and factory, initial investment costs were massive.

This was truly the golden age of private money lending.

"That’s probably why Park Jung-hwan enforced the private loan freeze policy."

Han-soo and Hol-jjook both sighed at the mention of loan sharks.

Their expressions were full of frustration.

But Tae-soo was different.

At the mention of loan sharks, Tae-soo’s eyes gleamed.

"Looks like we’ll be benefiting from loan sharks again."

What kind of thinking leads to that conclusion?

The loan sharks had interfered and messed everything up, putting the entire mine acquisition at risk.

"Think about it. Because these loan sharks are stirring up trouble, no one else dares to make a move on this solid mine and factory. That’s why the opportunity has landed in my lap."

...That actually makes sense.

Han-soo and Hol-jjook exchanged glances.

Just moments ago, they had been discouraged, but now their expressions turned oddly intrigued.

"So we just have to deal with the loan sharks, huh?"

If they could solve that problem, they’d be able to acquire a top-tier limestone mine and cement factory in one go.

How could they not feel motivated?

Tae-soo, eyes shining, scanned his surroundings.

"Where’s the mine owner being held?"

"They’ve got him at the cement factory. Head southeast from here, and you’ll find it."

"Let’s go."

As Tae-soo strode forward with purpose, Han-soo muttered quietly.

"Hyung, you're walking the wrong way."

"Huh? You said southeast, right?"

"That’s north. Follow me."

Once again, Han-soo took the lead.

Hol-jjook quickly fell in behind Tae-soo.

Han-soo shot him a concerned look.

"Yong-sik hyung, the cement factory is dangerous. You should stay down here."

"And leave Tae-soo’s back unprotected? Who’s got his six if I don’t?"

"…."

Hyung, with all due respect, no one's getting protected by those bones of yours.

Who the hell pumped up that fragile lung of his with so much confidence?

Han-soo glanced at Tae-soo again, his eyes narrowing.

Tae-soo felt wronged.

"Why am I just 'hyung,' but Yong-sik gets 'hyung-nim'? Call me 'hyung-nim' too!"

"…."

Han-soo shook his head in exasperation.

"Yong-sik hyung, you should go talk to the miners. They're on edge. Someone needs to reassure them before they start leaving."

Right now, the mine owner is held captive by loan sharks.

That meant there was no one around to calm the anxious workers.

Even if they managed to acquire the mine, it would be a headache if the miners abandoned the ship.

"Han-soo, didn’t you already talk to them?"

"Weirdly enough, the moment I bring it up, they start shaking and swearing they have nothing to do with anything before running away."

"…."

The KCIA interrogator was built for questioning, not comforting people.

Some people just aren’t suited for certain tasks.

Hol-jjook, on the other hand, was warm and sociable—perfect for the job.

Tae-soo turned to him.

"Han-soo’s right. You should go talk to the miners."

"And leave you unprotected? Who’s got your back if I’m not there?"

Tae-soo pressed something into Hol-jjook’s hand.

When he opened his palm, he saw a few banknotes.

"Don’t they sell makgeolli around here? We had a big lunch, and the weather’s perfect for some rice wine to wash it down."

"Leave it to me. I’ll smooth things over. A drink’s just what we need today."

Hol-jjook swallowed hard at the thought of makgeolli.

Before anyone could stop him, he dashed off toward the mining village.

Watching him disappear, Han-soo muttered,

"Hyung, you really know how to handle Yong-sik hyung. It’s fascinating to watch. The fact that you two are even friends is amazing."

Tae-soo still looked put out.

"I told you, call me ‘hyung-nim’ too! Now even Hol-jjook gets to be ‘hyung’? Isn’t that unfair? Is it really that hard to say?"

"…."

"Let’s go. We need to stop those loan sharks before they take the mine."

Tae-soo turned sharply and started running toward the cement factory.

Han-soo shouted after him.

"That’s north again! Hyung, this way!"

By the time they reached the cement factory, they were greeted by a familiar sight.

It was exactly the same scene they had witnessed at Oh Chun-sik’s house.

A classic gang-style beating.

Even the players and lines were nearly identical.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

"Hey, even chickens lay eggs when you feed them. If you borrow money, you gotta pay the interest on time. Isn’t that right?"

"Please, I beg you!"

"Then maybe you shouldn’t have taken out a loan. Or at least paid it back on time."

"This is too much! There are still a few days left before the deadline we agreed on!"

"You’ve already hit rock bottom, and you think deadlines matter? You should know better. It’s over!"

Thud. Thud. Thud.

"I’m begging because I don’t have the money right now! If I had it, do you think I’d be here getting beaten up, you sons of bitches?!"

The mine owner, unlike Oh Chun-sik, had some backbone.

Which was probably why he was getting beaten up even worse.

"He hasn’t had enough yet. Keep going until he learns his place."

"Yes, sir!"

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Tae-soo clapped his hands to draw attention.

Clap. Clap.

"Let’s take a break, shall we?"

One of the thugs turned around, scowling.

"Who the hell are you?"

The loan sharks paused their beating and turned their heads.

It was Song Jin-gu’s gang.

‘This must be because I told Jang Mal-dong about the August 3rd loan freeze policy. Now they’re desperate to collect their debts as quickly as possible.’

That desperation had spilt over to the limestone mine owner.

It was clear from the way they were roughing him up although the deadline hadn’t even passed yet.

“You look familiar.”

Song Jin-gu smirked, recognizing Tae-soo.

“Hey, lunatic. What brings you all the way here?”

Tae-soo shrugged.

“I have business with the mine owner you’ve got there.”

Song Jin-gu glanced at the man crumpled on the ground.

“Why? Did this bastard borrow money from you too? You got a promissory note?”

Technically, yes.

One personally written by the esteemed Jang Mal-dong himself.

But that wouldn’t take effect for another two days.

Without a word, Tae-soo walked over to the mine owner.

“Damn bastards… Huff… Huff…”

The man was crying.

Tae-soo checked him over for broken bones.

Fortunately, he seemed to be in one piece.

Meanwhile, Song Jin-gu shoved his hands into his pockets, standing with a cocky tilt.

“Too bad, lunatic. You’re late this time. Heh.”

He pulled a document from his jacket and grinned.

“This mine and the cement factory? They’re ours now. Just signed over to us. What a shame, huh? Keke.”

With that, Song Jin-gu and his crew sauntered away from the cement factory.

Just like Tae-soo had done after securing Jang Mal-dong’s promissory note.

“Take care, now. Keke.”

He even threw Tae-soo’s own farewell line back at him.

Song Jin-gu walked off, exuding the confidence of a man who had just won big.

“Damn it.”

A step too late.

Han-soo let out a heavy sigh, rubbing his forehead in frustration.

But Tae-soo? He had the opposite reaction.

“Well, well.”

This was… unfolding almost too perfectly.

Was fate handing him this mine at a bargain price?

Tae-soo glanced back at the cement factory.

Should he be mourning the loss? Or celebrating how well things were playing out?

‘If only they had waited another day and a half. Once the August 3rd loan freeze policy kicks in, that promissory note becomes worthless. It’s unfortunate for the mine owner, sure…’

But from Tae-soo’s perspective?

A completely different story.

If the mine owner had been freed from his loan debts by the policy…

No one in their right mind would hand over a prime mine and factory like this to Tae-soo for a bargain.

‘From my perspective, this is turning out perfectly. Normally, I wouldn’t even dream of acquiring such a valuable mine and factory at this price.’

Jang Mal-dong was a loan shark.

Even if he took possession of the mine and factory, he wasn’t interested in running them—he’d just sell them off elsewhere.

And given that he needed to liquidate his assets immediately?

‘Selling them to me at a bargain would be his best option.’

In just two days, private loans would be frozen.

That meant Jang Mal-dong had only two days to clean up his outstanding debts.

Even if he tried to sell now, he wouldn’t be able to fetch a fair price.

He’d have no choice but to sell cheap.

And after the loan freeze?

If Tae-soo couldn’t borrow money, he wouldn’t be able to buy the mine and factory at all.

Which meant finding a buyer—even at a low price—would be even harder.

The conclusion?

Either way, he’d be forced to sell at a bargain.

‘I need to pay Jang Mal-dong a visit.’

Looks like it’s time to wave that promissory note in his face again.