Kapitel 147: Chapter 147: No Gains, No Movement
Why don't I invest in China?
Because it's an incredibly unreliable country.
In some ways, it's worse than Japan.
"I don't understand. American investors are slowly coming in, and South Korean conglomerates are very interested in the Chinese market. Why is Boss Kim so negative about it?"
I thought for a moment but decided to speak honestly.
"It's because I can't trust it. Of course, there are risks in investing, but money might be tied up in China for political rather than economic reasons."
"Are you saying you don't trust the Chinese government?"
Wen Jiabao's voice rose slightly.
I answered calmly.
"Yes, I don't trust them."
"Oh…"
Chinese economic policies shifted according to the Communist Party's directives.
Russia was the same, but if you had connections with the top power holder, you wouldn't be neglected so quickly.
But in China, it would take at least ten more years before such an absolute power could emerge.
"What would make you trust them?"
"Well, there are things the Deputy Prime Minister can do and things he can't. Is it really necessary to change policies just to get me to invest in China?"
"I need the name of James Han."
I wondered why they approached me specifically.
"I know that the currency attack by Japan also occurred under James's leadership. The fact that the U.S., which considers Japan an important ally, allowed that attack means he has enough influence in Wall Street and American politics."
"And?"
"If James Han acts, Wall Street will naturally follow suit. When Wall Street moves, investments from the Western world will follow as well. That's what I want."
If China knows this, Japan must know too.
I never thought I could keep it a secret forever.
"If you can get Han Gyeong-yeong to attract foreign investors, what benefits would I receive? And what about the Deputy Prime Minister?"
"You're quite direct, aren't you?"
Wen Jiabao's voice lost its fluctuations.
"I'm a businessman, and you're a politician. Our common ground is that 'if there's no gain, we don't move,' right?"
Wen Jiabao did not reply immediately.
I didn't feel the need to say anything more and fell silent, letting the time pass in silence.
Eventually, it was Wen Jiabao who spoke first.
"First, help me out."
"Are you asking for a deferred payment?"
No answer came.
"I won't defer, but I'll listen and think. Explain what the Deputy Prime Minister would gain from investments in China."
He sighed, reluctant to answer immediately.
"You know enough about China's political factions, so I won't explain it. I have no affiliation with any of them, so my influence is quite limited. I may not reach the position of President, but I'd like to be Prime Minister. For that, I need my own contributions. Right now, China's economy is a priority."
It wasn't an entirely unreasonable argument.
"My visit to South Korea was primarily to discuss North Korea, but it also served to urge South Korean companies to invest in China. Tomorrow, I'll converse with the heads of conglomerates at the Goryeo Hotel."
China's growth after the economic reforms and opening-up was staggering. After reclaiming Hong Kong, China was willing to tolerate 'one country, two systems' because its national economy was at stake.
Despite ongoing investments in Hong Kong, investments in mainland China have stagnated.
Currently attracting investors could be a move towards aiming for the Prime Minister position in the next leadership.
But isn't this person supposed to hold the Prime Minister position for ten years in the next leadership?
Something felt off.
"You may be a strong candidate for Prime Minister, but your political power is really weak. Russia, Korea, and next on the agenda is Japan. Does that sufficiently explain the benefits I would gain?"
"Yes."
China has its own unique guanxi culture.
Wen Jiabao called it a good culture of his country, but ultimately it's an unreasonable culture built on bribery and connections.
In business and investment, it's a double-edged sword, but Wen Jiabao had avoided the blade of corruption even after stepping down.
If I establish interest and guanxi, I won't face great risks from corruption in China… but.
I worried about how things would change if I got involved.
"It's hard to give an immediate answer. I need to talk to Han Gyeong-yeong. How long will you be in Korea?"
"It's a five-day trip with four nights."
"I'll get back to you before you leave."
"Okay. I'll be waiting for your contact."
I left the hotel with complicated feelings.
"It's indeed a rare opportunity."
After much thought, I picked up my phone.
I summoned Eva to Han Gyeong-yeong's office.
When I arrived at Han Gyeong-yeong's office, both of them were waiting for me.
"What's up? Why the late hour?"
"I need to discuss something. Let's sit first."
Once all the discussions ended, it was Eva who spoke first.
"It's a great opportunity, Boss. You know about guanxi, right?"
"Yeah."
"There's a hierarchy in guanxi."
"Really?"
It was a new concept to me.
"Helping him become Prime Minister would incur a significant debt. If you've received that much, Chinese people won't refuse any request you make. You absolutely must repay it."
"Any request?"
"Yeah, it would be hard for foreigners to understand."
"Hmm…"
"It's not a relationship you can easily get by offering bribes or petty favors a few times. I see it as a good opportunity, especially if you plan on doing business in China."
Eva's explanation was clear.
Help Wen Jiabao, and you'll gain a lot in return.
"I'm not so sure. I've inherently found Chinese people untrustworthy. Oh, Eva, that doesn't mean I'm referring to you."
"It's okay. I'm not Chinese. I was born in Hong Kong, though."
On the other hand, Han Gyeong-yeong didn't seem thrilled.
"Do we really need to venture into China?"
"James, we have to. We can't underestimate China's growth."
"I know that. But it's an unreliable country."
"That's true. But if you forge bonds, it becomes different. You just don't know enough about China."
Eva and Han Gyeong-yeong began to argue.
Originally, I held a negative stance like Han Gyeong-yeong, but after hearing from Eva about the guanxi culture, I started to rethink my perspective.
The debate shifted once I opened my mouth.
"I also find Chinese people inherently untrustworthy, but I think Eva makes a valid point. Let's meet again tomorrow and then decide."
"Alright."
"Sure, Boss."
Once I made my decision, they both nodded without further fuss.
"First, contact New York and find out how Wall Street is handling investment in China. Eva, set up an asset management firm in Hong Kong. As for the head, leave that to you, Eva."
"Okay, Boss."
"When do you need the investment status from Wall Street?"
"Just get a rough overview for now."
"That should be doable by tomorrow."
"Then the meeting's over! Let's grab a drink."
We decided to meet again tomorrow to assess Wen Jiabao's reaction before making our final call.
I rented a quiet bar nearby and had a conversation with Han Gyeong-yeong and Eva.
"Eva, you're not on any medication?"
"No."
"Any dreams?"
"I occasionally have them, but they're not as terrifying as before."
"That's good to hear."
"What are you talking about?"
Han Gyeong-yeong grumbled, unaware of Eva killing Mei Hong, but I didn't mention anything.
Everyone has secrets.
The next day.
I headed to the Goryeo Hotel to attend a party hosted by the Chinese embassy.
I was stopped right at the entrance.
"Please show your invitation."
"I was invited by Deputy Prime Minister Wen Jiabao."
The embassy staff at the entrance shook their head.
"We haven't received such information. Without an invitation, you cannot enter."
I wasn't happy about it, but I couldn't blame the person just doing their job.
Reluctantly, I called Wen Jiabao.
"Deputy Prime Minister, I'm here."
— Oh, I'm sorry. I completely blanked on that.
"…"
Soon, one of Wen Jiabao's subordinates rushed over.
The embassy staff who had blocked me bowed in apology.
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine. You were just doing your job. Now I'll go in, thank you."
Guided by the secretary, I arrived at the grand banquet hall of the Goryeo Hotel where the party was held.
I recognized many familiar faces.
Among them, Chairman Song of Daehyeon stood out. It had been a while since I saw him at such parties.
He probably came because China plays a significant role in the various North Korean initiatives carried out by Daehyeon.
Chairman Song, who had been talking to others, noticed me entering the banquet hall and greeted me warmly with a wave.
I walked over to him.
"Chairman, it's been a while."
"This is our first greeting for the New Year, right?"
"Indeed. How's your health?"
"Same as always. But what brings you here?"
Chairman Song had a puzzled expression.
"Oh, I met Deputy Prime Minister Wen Jiabao in Russia, so I dropped by for a moment."
"With Deputy Prime Minister Wen?"
Chairman Song's expression transformed from confusion to surprise.
"What a coincidence!"
"You seem to be globally connected. Haha."
"Boss Kim."
Kim Seong-hyeok from Hyunhwa Group approached with a smile.
"Nice to see you again, Chairman Song."
"I've heard you've become Hyunhwa Group's new chairman. Boss Kim helped out a lot, right?"
"Yes, Chairman."
"Whatever the circumstances, now that it's happened, I hope you manage it well. Don't let the legacy left by your predecessors get spoiled because of conflicts."
"I will keep that in mind."
"Well then, we should meet again later. Boss Kim, you should come by my place. I have something to discuss."
"Yes, I'll visit soon."
Chairman Song returned to his group, leaving me alone with Kim Seong-hyeok.
"How's the negotiation with Il-sung going?""
"It's going okay. Ugh, they're trying to get it for peanuts, which is a pain."
"Since you received help, you need to reciprocate. Even if it means taking a slight loss, keep your promise."
"I want to, but there are many internal disputes. This might take some time."
Yeah, transferring Hyunhwa Life and Hyunhwa Card wouldn't be a small deal.
Still, a promise is a promise.
Not long after, Seo Yong-geon from Il-seong Group approached..
"It's been a while, Mr. Kim and Chairman Kim."
Kim Seong-hyeok frowned at Seo Yong-geon's voice, while I just smiled.
"Nice to see you again, Chairman Seo."
The nod of his head greeted me while Chairman Seo smiled and said.
"Boss Kim is quite the international traveler. After Russia, now into China? What connections you have with Putin and Wen Jiabao are envy-inducing."
He didn't even try to hide his scrutiny of me.
"It just happened, you know."
"By the way, Boss Kim, when do you intend to fulfill your promise? Chairman Kim has been putting it off."
This guy really hasn't changed a bit.
"You're trying too hard to get it for a cheap price, which is why it's dragging on."
"I accepted your proposal, and now it's time for me to receive my reward. Whether at a low price or a fair one, I must collect my dues. Don't forget that."
"That's not something Boss Kim knows now. Please discuss it with me, Chairman Seo."
Kim Seong-hyeok interjected with an uncomfortable expression.
I thought, 'I'll definitely need to siphon some energy out of this Seo Yong-geon guy.'
Whether he knew my thoughts or not, Seo Yong-geon was now busy talking to Kim Seong
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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