Chapter 1709: The Objective

In the end, Liang Jingyu finally understood Zhao Fusheng's plan.

He was no fool; in fact, he was a highly intelligent talent himself, so he naturally grasped Zhao Fusheng's meaning.

Under the current circumstances, to break into the Korean market, one truly needed to find a new path.

And Lee Byung-hun, as a tool, was undoubtedly quite suitable.

In terms of status, he was a renowned Korean actor, a veritable film king. In terms of background, Lee Byung-hun had collaborated with many actors in the industry and also owned a management agency.

More importantly, Lee Byung-hun had offended Zhao Fusheng and, to save his life, willingly submitted to him.

Under such circumstances, it was only natural for Lee Byung-hun and his company to become subsidiaries of Hanxing Investment.

From then on, whatever Hanxing Investment did would be normal and would not provoke resentment from others.

"Go ahead, do well."

Zhao Fusheng smiled at Liang Jingyu. "I believe you won't let me down."

Liang Jingyu nodded. "Rest assured, Chairman."

After a moment's thought, he said to Zhao Fusheng, "By the way, about Samsung..."

"No need to worry."

Zhao Fusheng waved his hand and said indifferently, "Samsung has taken such a big advantage from us. If they still don't stand on our side, then Lee Kun-hee is forcing us to join forces with Lee Jae-yong."

After all, he was now a shareholder of Samsung, and if he really wanted to cause trouble, it would certainly make Lee Kun-hee uncomfortable.

"Alright."

Liang Jingyu nodded.

Since the chairman had instructed so, he would naturally comply.

"Decide the specifics yourself." Zhao Fusheng smiled and said to Liang Jingyu, "But remember one thing: we are outsiders, our goal is to make money. Do not get involved in Korean politics."

"What do you mean?" Liang Jingyu asked Zhao Fusheng in confusion. "We..."

"Mm..." Zhao Fusheng nodded. "No matter who is in power, we should not lean in. We can give what is due, but we must bet on both sides."

As he spoke, he laughed. "Don't think this country is small; being president is definitely one of the most dangerous professions."

This was the truth. No South Korean president had ever ended well. Even Roh Moo-hyun, a commoner president, was forced to jump off a cliff to his death after leaving office.

Not to mention others; in South Korea, the risk of being a politician was far too great.

Although Liang Jingyu did not know as much as Zhao Fusheng, he had witnessed many changes in South Korean politics over the years.

When Roh Moo-hyun came to power, the whole country celebrated with high public support. But soon after, things went downhill. Those Koreans always seemed to like changing their minds; it was truly hard on them.

Under these circumstances, Liang Jingyu fully agreed with Zhao Fusheng's proposal.

Politics and economics were indeed inseparable, but as a foreign investor, one could make appropriate investments and contacts, but absolutely should not take a definitive stand.

Betting on both sides might be a good choice.

"But if we do this, won't we be criticized? After all, wavering can easily become a reason for others to strike..." Liang Jingyu thought for a moment and said to Zhao Fusheng.

This was inevitable. Politicians were no pushovers. If they followed Zhao Fusheng's approach, Hanxing Investment could easily fall into danger.

"It's not that troublesome." Zhao Fusheng waved his hand. "We are foreign capital, not a local Korean enterprise. As long as you give them money, these people will be happy to let us bet freely."

Liang Jingyu still hadn't considered comprehensively, or rather, he didn't understand the nature of Korean politicians.

Chinese politicians, at least, consider performance for promotion, while most foreign politicians will become your loyal dogs as long as you pay them.

This is no joke. Look at South Korea's presidents, whether Lee Myung-bak or later Park Geun-hye; they colluded with chaebols, amassed huge wealth, and even because Park liked a certain young star, she specially endorsed him, had him act in dramas, and even facilitated the marriage between the young star and a tax-evading actress—truly speechless.

But this is the reality. Some things just haven't been thoroughly investigated; if one really looks closely, nothing can be hidden.

...

...

Liang Jingyu had other matters to handle and soon left the Shilla Hotel.

After such a big incident yesterday, he had to give explanations to all parties and appease the networks he had mobilized, providing reasons.

However, he was not worried about any objections.

What a joke!

Lee Byung-hun had offended the big boss behind Hanxing Investment. Even if they gave him a thorough beating or completely ruined him, no one would think it wrong.

In Korea, the amount of wealth one possesses determines one's social status.

A rich man like Zhao Fusheng, whose wealth is measured in trillions of won, would be considered a chaebol-level figure if he were Korean.

For such a person to have a conflict with Lee Byung-hun, and for Lee Byung-hun to survive, that is already a great mercy.

As for losing the agency he founded, ha, is that even a problem?

"Ms. Lee Boo-jin called, inviting you to a cocktail party this evening."

After seeing Liang Jingyu off, Park Sun-young came to Zhao Fusheng and bowed.

"Cocktail party?"

"Yes." Park Sun-young nodded. "It's a thank-you party for Ms. Lee's appointment as Vice President of Samsung Everland. Not only will key figures from Samsung attend, but representatives from many Korean conglomerates will also be present."

"Huh, interesting." Zhao Fusheng smiled. He could clearly see that Lee Boo-jin intended to use him to build momentum for herself.

No wonder she had come to pick him up for no reason today; after all this, she needed something from him.

"Alright."

Zhao Fusheng nodded. "Prepare; we'll go in the evening."

Whatever Lee Boo-jin was plotting or scheming, in Zhao Fusheng's eyes, it didn't really matter.

The reason was simple: he had no need for her help; on the contrary, Lee Boo-jin needed him.

In the business world, this is a crucial point.

Or rather, not just in business, but even in daily life, it's important.

In interpersonal relationships, the party without desires or demands is more likely to take the initiative. The reason is simple: if you have no expectations of others, you have no weaknesses.

Between Lee Boo-jin and Zhao Fusheng, Zhao Fusheng had no need for anything from Lee Boo-jin because his interlocutor was Lee Kun-hee. Conversely, Lee Boo-jin needed to strengthen her relationship with Zhao Fusheng to prove to the outside world that she, too, had external support.

Of course, this is an implicit understanding; neither party would state it publicly, but they both know it tacitly.

"Yes, Chairman."

Park Sun-young nodded, then recalled something: "And about the young miss?"

"Call Wu Sijie, ask how things are over there, and have him ask Beibei if she wants to come with me." Zhao Fusheng smiled and instructed Park Sun-young.

Park Sun-young was slightly surprised; she hadn't expected Zhao Fusheng to dote on that young miss to such an extent, even bringing her to a cocktail party.

Suppressing her astonishment, she stepped aside and called Wu Sijie.

"...That's the situation. The Chairman's intention is for you to ask Miss Beibei if she wants to attend." Park Sun-young said to Wu Sijie.

Wu Sijie nodded. His conversation with Kim Young-min had already ended, and he was now waiting outside Song Qian's practice room for Fan Beibei.

Inside the practice room, Fan Beibei, Song Qian, and a group of girls were chattering about something.

Of course, they were talking about all sorts of things.

Some spoke Korean, some English, and Fan Beibei spoke Chinese.

Song Qian acted as a bridge, translating for them.

To be honest, aside from Krystal and the others who had met Fan Beibei that day, the rest of the trainees were full of curiosity about this little girl Song Qian had suddenly brought in.

Normally, if there were a new trainee, these 'senior' trainees would bully them a bit—making the newcomer run errands to buy coffee or clean the practice room.

But after Song Qian's introduction of Fan Beibei, all the seniors behaved themselves.

Simple: didn't they see that the trainee manager at the door was standing there like an obedient child, smiling and chatting with a bespectacled young man?

Moreover, Song Qian's exact words were: "She's a close younger sister of mine, from China. She's visiting Korea as a tourist and came to tour our company. Representative Kim has already approved."

Damn!

Since when did a tour of SM Entertainment require Kim Young-min's approval? That meant this little girl's background was no ordinary one.

Otherwise, why would a simple tourist visit involve bodyguards and the personal attention of SM's representative?

The girls who become trainees aren't stupid; they just usually hide it well.

As a group surrounded Fan Beibei talking, Wu Sijie arrived at the door, exchanged a few words with the trainee manager, and pushed the door open to enter.

"Miss, the Chairman called, saying there's a cocktail party hosted by Ms. Lee Boo-jin at The Shilla Hotel tonight, and he asks if you'd like to go." Wu Sijie asked Fan Beibei.

Although Fan Beibei was only eleven, Wu Sijie still spoke to her seriously.

Not only because Zhao Fusheng valued Fan Beibei, but also because Wu Sijie knew that this girl, though just a teenager, was worth more than most people her age.

Moreover, as the sister-in-law whom the Chairman raised like a daughter, her status was comparable to that of a princess in some small countries.