Chapter 113
Chapter 113
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 113
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Development
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Come to think of it, it was about time.
It's been well over half a year since the administration changed, so it would be unusual for the NIS Director to keep his position.
The problem is, he's likely been offered a CEO position at a public corporation, just like Vice President Kim. Honestly, I'm worried he won't accept the hellish CEO position at KAI when he has such a comfortable alternative.
"Should I try to make contact first?"
"Please do."
I answered readily.
When I turned my head, the car was already entering the Jaewoo Commercial Vehicle plant.
"Welcome."
CEO Do Ji-hwan, who had been waiting, immediately opened the door to greet us.
After a brief handshake, I looked around at a scene that was drastically different from before.
With the recent construction of a new commercial truck factory and the modification of the existing production lines, the once-spacious grounds now seemed cramped.
"What's the completion rate?"
"Converting the existing commercial vehicle line into a Polar Bear production line just needs the equipment installed. And the new commercial vehicle factory expansion is about 50% complete."
CEO Do Ji-hwan's face was clouded with worry as he answered.
He looked as if he couldn't decide whether it was right to build a new factory for trucks with such low sales.
To be honest, I had similar concerns at first, but now my thinking has changed.
'If my predictions come true, the current factory's scale might not be enough to handle future demand.'
"Let's go."
Putting my thoughts aside, I led the way to the office.
Inside the office, people were already busy preparing for a meeting.
I felt bad for those who had worked so hard to prepare, but we needed to change the topic.
"I'm sorry, but we'll need to switch out the meeting materials. I heard on the way here that we received a request to build the presidential vehicle. Let's tackle that issue first."
At my words, the executives bustled about again.
All sorts of new documents were placed on the table, and the materials on the large screen on one wall, which seemed to have been prepared in advance, were also switched to ones related to the production of the special vehicle.
Meanwhile, I quickly reviewed the documents, and CEO Do Ji-hwan, who had been watching me, spoke up tentatively.
"Um... just to let you know in advance, a total of two vehicles are scheduled to be built."
"Two? What for?"
"Ah, well..."
CEO Do Ji-hwan met my gaze but hesitated, unable to answer.
As I tilted my head in confusion, Vice President Kim Young-gi, who was beside me, stepped in.
"I requested it. I asked them to build one more while they were at it."
"..."
"The Chairman needs a secure vehicle of his own now, don't you think?"
I was speechless and remained silent.
Seemingly taking my silence as a negative response, Vice President Kim quickly continued.
"Frankly, aside from the President, you are the person most likely to be exposed to danger in this country. Besides, I heard North Korea has now designated you as a person of interest. We need to be prepared."
"And how did you know that?"
My eyes widened.
At the same time, Natasha crossed my mind.
When I looked at him with narrowed eyes, just in case, he nodded.
"Yes, Natasha told me a few days ago. She said she warned you, hoping you'd take it seriously, but it seemed you were brushing it off."
"It's not that I brushed it off... Anyway, so you're planning to build a vehicle for me too?"
"Since we're already going through the trouble, it seems like a good idea. Honestly, if it were up to me, I'd have you wear a bulletproof vest. I hear the research institute's technology has improved so much they can now make vests that can be worn like a suit vest."
That didn't sound like a joke.
No, given how specific his description was, it's possible they've actually made one.
Whatever the case, I couldn't bring myself to refuse when he was this concerned about me.
No, honestly, the time has come for me to start looking after myself.
"Alright, proceed with it. But what's the plan for the engine? Using composite materials will significantly increase the vehicle's weight, and the existing engine won't be able to handle it."
"We've already consulted with Ssangwoong about that issue. Fortunately, the composite we use for armor is lightweight, so they say the vehicle's weight won't exceed six tons. At that weight, a modified V8 engine should be sufficient."
"Won't meddling with the engine potentially cause issues with its lifespan?"
"Modifying the engine won't cause any problems. In fact, in some ways, it can even lead to performance improvements."
"..."
"You don't need to look at it that way. The U.S. presidential vehicle also uses a modified commercial engine, and they just replace it if any issues arise."
I had no experience in that area, so I had nothing to say.
Then again, designing a new engine from scratch just for the president is pretty much out of the question.
Besides, even if it's a modification, it won't create safety issues, so it should be fine.
"Well, if there are no problems, let's proceed that way."
In the end, I agreed with Vice President Kim.
Now, I was fated to ride in an armored vehicle I never asked for.
I let out a dry laugh and was about to close the file when a catalog for Daeyu trucks on the desk caught my eye.
"By the way..."
The moment I started to speak, everyone's eyes were on me again.
I casually held up the catalog and asked the executives.
"How much horsepower does this vehicle's engine have?"
"Ah! The 8080 model has an output of about 400 horsepower."
"Mercedes, MAN, or Scania. Is it competitive compared to other famous foreign manufacturers? Or let's at least compare it to Hyunwoo's commercial vehicles."
"..."
At my question, the executives fell silent as if on cue.
That was as good as an answer.
I immediately closed the catalog and picked up a photo of the Polar Bear that was next to it.
"This is just a thought of my own for now, but what do you think about using the Polar Bear's engine in a civilian truck?"
"..."
The executives' eyes widened at that moment.
Vice President Kim Young-gi was just as surprised.
Just then, a man who looked like an engineer raised his hand as if he had a question.
"Using that engine seems like a good idea. But I understand the Polar Bear also uses an imported transmission. What are your plans for that?"
"If we don't have the technology to make one right now, we'll have to import it for the time being. However, I'm planning to form a research group soon that will specialize in developing transmissions. It's an issue we must resolve for the future of the K9 anyway."
"A transmission... well, anyway, if we're fitting it with a German one for now, the commercialization potential is more than enough. No, with an engine like the Polar Bear's, we could honestly dominate the market."
The man spoke with great excitement.
It wasn't an exaggeration. The Polar Bear's engine was a machine that had survived all sorts of harsh, cold environments.
Moreover, since it was originally intended for military supply, it was revolutionary not only in ease of maintenance but also in the field of electronic control systems.
Having become familiar with these facts through the production process here, he was probably more hopeful than anyone else in the room.
"Um... but can we meet the production cost?"
The man, who had been excited, spoke again with a cautious tone.
That was another point that absolutely needed to be addressed.
After a quick calculation, I concluded that it wouldn't be much of a problem.
"Of course, it's true that the manufacturing cost is higher than the existing engine. However, if we remove some of the self-diagnostic sensors that are unnecessary for civilian use, I don't think the cost will be significantly different."
A murmur went through the conference room at those words.
I raised my hand to get everyone's attention, and their gazes focused on me once more.
"What you need to keep in mind is that this is a project that hasn't even undergone a feasibility study yet. So, for now, just consider the possibility."
I said that to prepare for any unforeseen variables.
To put it bluntly, it was just a calculation I'd done in my head.
Whether it's actually applicable to a truck is a matter that requires a more thorough feasibility analysis.
'Hmm...'
But even I was finding it hard to suppress my anticipation.
No matter how I thought about it, I didn't think my calculations would be that far off from reality.
It was more than just a hunch; it was a conviction I'd developed while bringing that engine to life.
******
"How is your health, Father?"
"Me? My job is to do nothing all day. What could possibly go wrong with my health? By the way, they say seeing you these days is harder than getting a meeting with the President, and it seems they're not wrong."
On my first visit to the main house in a while, I was greeted by Chairman Jin's chiding.
Father.
Since when had I been able to say that word without feeling any resistance?
Sometimes, I even surprise myself with how quickly I've adapted.
"You're not getting any younger. You need to take care of your body while you work."
"Yes, and you should take care of your health too, Mother."
It was the same when I spoke to Mrs. Kim.
With my memories of my own birth mother being so faint, the title 'Mother,' which I had long forgotten, now came out so naturally that I sometimes felt I was forgetting I was once Kim Jun.
"So, you're going ahead with the executive reshuffle?"
Even though he had left the company, it was something he needed to know, so I had reported it to him in advance.
He didn't seem to have any intention of interfering, as he said nothing more about it, but there was one thing he wouldn't budge on.
"If you're conducting a reshuffle on such a large scale, it would be best to do it in the form of an event. It would also help to strengthen the unity of the group's executives and employees."
"I'll do that. But are you not planning to attend the event?"
"What would I do there? The employees would just be walking on eggshells around me."
That was probably his way of being considerate of me.
He wanted to prevent the attention from shifting to the former chairman at an event meant to declare a new future for the growing group.
As I remained silent, having nothing particular to say, he spoke again, changing the subject.
"By the way, when on earth are you...?"
"Oh! Does my brother visit the main house often these days?"
Sensing something was off, I quickly cut him off.
From his gaze and tone, it was clear he was about to bring up the topic of marriage again.
His eyes narrowed as if displeased with my attitude, but he didn't press the subject.
"Tsk, tsk, you unfilial son."
"Me?"
"You think being a good son is just about making a lot of money? For a child, there's no greater filial duty than finding a good partner, getting married, and continuing the family line."
"My brother is already doing a fine job of that, isn't he?"
"If only you couldn't talk back... Anyway, I heard a rumor that you're thinking of launching a truck using the engine from the military vehicle."
For a topic he just switched to, it carried considerable weight.
The atmosphere also turned much more serious than before.
I took a sip of the tea Mrs. Kim had served and revealed my plan.
"An all-weather truck will be born, one that can operate without issue in deserts as well as in the harsh, sub-zero conditions of minus 30 degrees Celsius."
"With that engine, it's certainly possible. The problem is, if you really want to dominate the market, you absolutely must resolve the transmission issue."
It seemed Chairman Jin shared my thoughts on that matter.
Of course, we don't need to develop everything ourselves, but for key components like the transmission, in-house development is essential from a long-term perspective.
Moreover, if our product were to dominate the market, that component could become a liability. It would be problematic not to resolve it.
"I'm already preparing to find a concrete solution for that very issue soon."
He nodded at my answer.
"Dinner is ready."
Just then, Mrs. Kim, having finished setting the table, called out. As I started to get up, looking forward to a home-cooked meal for the first time in a while, Chairman Jin suddenly blurted out something startling.
"I heard Chairman Lee Yong-moon of Samjung collapsed yesterday."
"...Who did you say collapsed?"