I Became a Scoundrel of a Chaebol Family-Chapter 192

“Passing the financial authority review is the hardest part.”

Setting up a financial corporation always comes with the hurdle of passing this review. The related regulations are so strict that it takes months just to complete the process. But now that it's done, I can say the foundation for investment activities has been fully established.

“Where is the current headquarters of Muyeol Finance?”

“It's at the Songdo residence.”

“Alright. Move the address to Namdong Industrial Complex and squeeze out the benefits. That will complete the first phase.”

Receiving tax exemptions and formally starting investments will allow for significant asset pumping. I already have several potential sectors in mind. Once the market, which was wrecked by entertainment and real production scandals, shows signs of recovery, I’ll dive right in.

“Let’s head back.”

The tour ended. There was still some cleanup to be done, but it would wrap up soon enough.

I briefly worried if Dan-tto might be upset, having returned to her hometown after three weeks.

“Ugh...!”

Instead, she looked as though she hated being here. She clung tightly to the secretary’s sleeve, her face full of disgust.

Had she remembered something unpleasant?

‘Well, makes sense. She’s an orphan who’s lived through all sorts of hardship. It wouldn’t be nostalgia—it’d be more like disgust.’

Or maybe she has some kind of PTSD. Either way, if Dan-tto doesn’t mind leaving, then there’s no reason to linger.

On the way back, I called Assemblywoman Kim Eun-ji. It took a while for her to answer, likely because she was in a meeting.

“Yes, Master! This is Kim Eun-ji of Namdong-gu’s first district! Command me as you wish!”

As always, Kim Eun-ji sounded energetic.

“The approval for the financial business just came through. When can we start implementing support policies for Namdong Industrial Complex? Things like corporate tax exemptions for headquarters in the area.”

“Ah, well....”

Her voice trembled slightly over the phone.

“It will take... some time. I apologize.”

“I thought the party was backing your committee. It’s not wrapping up quickly?”

“Well... Since Namdong Industrial Complex falls within Namdong-gu, policy decisions require the local councilor’s and district mayor’s authority. Additionally, for tax matters, we’d need cooperation from the Ministry of Economy and Finance as well as the National Tax Service, which heavily involves the district mayor.”

“...”

Ah. The district mayor.

A mental image of that toad flashed before my eyes. This is why I tried to handle things nicely. But that toad of a woman just had to overstep, and I ended up beating her to a pulp.

“And now the district mayor is unable to work, so for any substantial progress, we’d need to hold a by-election to elect a new one. The next by-election is scheduled for April next year.”

“Isn’t there an acting mayor in the meantime?”

“Yes, but they refuse to communicate with us. They’re also from the Progressive Innovation Party, and their powers as acting mayor are limited. They’re not suited for initiating large-scale projects.”

“Then just include it in a special law and propose it as a bill. That would be much more effective than leaving it to the district. Frame it as a city-level special law with clauses for corporate tax benefits and other perks.”

It’s a bit of a workaround, but considering other controversial laws like the ongoing Special Prosecution Act, this should be doable. Given the current momentum, it feels entirely feasible.

Besides, it’s Namdong Industrial Complex. Hardly anyone would complain about throwing some subsidies and tax breaks its way.

“We are already working on that approach and considering a fast-track process.”

Oh?

“For the fast-track to pass, at least three-fifths of the assembly members must agree. Our party will unanimously support it, and given the issue’s nature, even a simple media spin should make it difficult for other parties to oppose.”

As expected. That’s good news.

“Make sure to highlight how the Namdong Industrial Complex restoration benefits all citizens. Push it forward as quickly as possible. Also, send me the drafted bill so I can review it.”

“Yes, Master. I’ll send it immediately.”

I hung ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ up and thought back to the area we had toured earlier.

The first restoration site, which would house the unified headquarters. A massive number of people, resources, and heavy equipment were clearing debris in real time.

“Work keeps piling up.”

There’s still so much to do—finalizing the headquarters' operational plans, adjusting designs accordingly, selecting contractors, and constantly inspecting the site. Months of tasks are already flashing before my eyes.

“Damn, I need sex.”

“Soo-ah, hand me the development plans for this area.”

“One moment.”

Soo-ah retrieved a folder from her bag and handed it to me. I’d reviewed it multiple times already.

No matter how I look at it, this site is the highest priority. Without it, nothing can begin.

Both development proposals drafted by the strategy team placed the unified headquarters in the same location. It was intentional, given the uncertainty surrounding zoning changes.

We chose one critical zone and built the plan around it. No matter how things unfold, the first shovel would hit the ground here.

“Let’s take it slow. Realistically, it’ll take more than a year or two to get this project running smoothly.”

I calmed my impatience.

The Namdong Industrial Complex is unlike other business ventures. In other regions, you can acquire existing buildings, set up a headquarters, and expand operations from there. Here, everything must be built from scratch.

The land is littered with abandoned structures that need to be cleared first. Time and money will flow endlessly into this project. Rushing would only lead to failure.

“Even Go Min-young waited 13 years to buy an artificial island. I need to cultivate some patience.”

Thinking about it, there’s no reason to hurry. No one is chasing me. The urgency I feel is just a leftover reflex—a habit born from fearing my direct relatives might envy or try to sabotage me.

But as I’ve learned more, it’s clear that the chances of them targeting me are slim. Not nonexistent, but not worth panicking over.

I just need to methodically build upon what I already have.

“Speaking of which, I should send a greeting.”

I sent messages to my direct family, including Go Min-young, and left a note in the group chat Min-ji had created. My aunts responded warmly. Before, I thought their affection was simply doting on a nephew, but now, knowing the family’s truths, their words feel strangely touching. My chest tightens.

The group chat, on the other hand, was full of lighthearted banter, as if we were just friends.

“I’ll take everything. Then I’ll have no reason to feel even the slightest anxiety.”

We returned to the restoration site in an armored vehicle. Although it wasn’t a long ride, the vehicle got even dirtier, particularly with bloodstains.

During the bumpy ride, I couldn’t help but wonder if—

“Ugh!”

Dan-tto gagged at the sight of the bloodstains.

“You’ve lived here your whole life, and you’re retching over something this trivial?”

“Pardon? I-I don’t recall living in such a place....”

“...”

What’s this act now? Have I been spoiling her too much these past three weeks?

“Ugh... This wretched, backward, foodless place doesn’t suit me at all....”

“...What the hell.”

Unbelievable.

I couldn’t help but feel mischievous. I went behind her, grabbed her around the waist, and lifted her. Though small, she had some weight and flailed her limbs in panic.

“Alright! Disobedient kittens get released into the wild~.”

“???!”

Dan-tto was horrified, her mouth agape as she kicked frantically after a brief delay.

“W-what!!”

“Now, where should I drop you?”

“Eek?! N-no, stop!!”

“Stay still. I said, stay still!”

“Nooo!!”

She thrashed violently, and the force was too much for even my trained body to handle. Eventually, I let her go.

Thud.

“Guh!”

Dan-tto landed hard on her backside and teared up. I grabbed her chubby cheeks and pulled them.

Squelch.

“This little rice cake...”

“Whaahhh...!”

“I told you to stay still.”

For three minutes, I kneaded Dan-tto’s cheeks as tears welled in her eyes. She lay sprawled on the floor, utterly bewildered.

“You’ve got it good, kid.”

I signaled the secretary to carry her. She hoisted Dan-tto onto her back.

“Hmph...”

“Why is she regressing? Do I need to start teaching her again?”

Unbelievable.