Rumble, rumble.

The Goliath crane moved with a roar.

The sound thrown off by something that size was enough to set a watcher's heart pounding.

"As you can see, the Goliath crane makes vessel assembly possible on land. Land-based assembly shortens production time by roughly 30 percent and lowers the production cost per unit by at least 20 percent. With this, our Ilhyeon Heavy Industries has acquired a competitive advantage that no shipbuilder anywhere in the world possesses."

Watching the crane from below the platform as Byeong-jin spoke, Tak-hyeon offered Seong-ho a brief verdict.

"Remarkable."

"Thank you."

Seong-ho knew perfectly well that those two words carried more weight than any amount of flowery praise.

So he bowed his head sincerely, and Tak-hyeon glanced at him and smiled.

"Chairman, it really is remarkable. However did you come up with such an idea? Truly, this country would be lost without you. Chairman — live long and in good health."

It was impossible to tell whether the Ulsan mayor was praising the crane or flattering Tak-hyeon.

Assemblyman Chan-hyeon Park, leader of the Shinpyeong Party, followed with praise of his own.

"Hasn't the Ilhyeon Group led this nation's economy from the beginning? And with the Chairman at its heart. We came through the foreign exchange crisis thanks to you, and seeing what you've shown us today, I'm convinced our national strength will grow by the day because of you. Chairman, you truly are extraordinary."

Tak-hyeon laughed and gestured toward Seong-ho beside him.

"It's all thanks to my son-in-law. You both know him? My youngest son-in-law, president of Ilhyeon Heavy Industries."

"Goodness, how could we not know President Kim? In fact, President Kim and I meet for meals now and then."

The mayor made a point of stressing his closeness with Seong-ho.

Chan-hyeon Park, unlike the mayor, greeted Seong-ho as a stranger.

"I've heard a great deal about you. A pleasure. Chan-hyeon Park."

"I've been hoping to meet you. Seong-ho Kim."

Chan-hyeon Park extended his hand first, and Seong-ho took it deferentially.

Chan-hyeon Park nodded, satisfied with the man's bearing.

He was pleased to find…