I Am the Third-Generation Heir of a Conglomerate - Chapter 494



Only Noblemtl

494. Pranks (4)

Li Gang, Secretary of Shanghai.

Even though he was still in a high position.

The person who would soon rise to second place in the Chinese Communist Party hierarchy was Secretary Li Gang.

I came to meet that person empty-handed.

Until now, whenever I met a high-ranking Chinese official, I would prepare an extravagant gift, but now I didn’t need to do that.

Because it wasn’t me who was disappointed.

Just flying all the way to Hong Kong to meet Secretary Li Gang could be seen as the utmost courtesy.

“It’s been a while. I saw you last time in Korea, and now it’s finally time to meet you again.”

“It’s not easy to meet Chairman Kim because he’s such a busy person. Hehe, how have you been?”

“How are you doing? The international situation is very chaotic.”

“Wow, I don’t know what’s going on because of one crazy American president. It makes my teeth grind just thinking about it. It’s like they’re treating China like a child. They’ve been too lenient and now they’re spoiled!”

President Trump has made many famous and outrageous remarks.

One of them was, ‘After looking after China for so long, it has become spoiled.’

This treatment was humiliating, as not only the Chinese upper class but also the entire population regarded China as a great power.

Of course, it has nothing to do with me.

Trump may have been over-the-top, but that doesn’t mean China had anything to say.

There was a time when I said that Korea, being a small country, should follow the great country of China.

“The White House and the U.S. government are likely to move more aggressively.”

“Well, that’s what worries me. They’re trying to block Chinese companies from entering the US. Does that make sense? I filed a complaint with the WTO, so they’ll probably take back those measures soon.”

Frankly, it didn’t seem very likely.

China has also been blocking the expansion of not only Korean companies but also American companies into China.

Video platforms, social media, etc. were not available in China, which gave the US a justification for its actions.

“I don’t know if I should say this, but looking at the current situation, the United States has a lot of advantages.”

“Huh, don’t you know me? That’s why I desperately need Chairman Kim’s help. If Taewoo Group and Financial Tower can help, we can turn the current situation around in an instant.”

“I appreciate your high regard, but Taewoo Group does not have that kind of power. And the financial tower is just a building that I provide. Each financial company makes its own judgment and moves.”

Are you taking China’s side in this situation?

That was tantamount to suicide, so I declined.

“Shouldn’t Taewoo Group stand on China’s side in order to continue doing business in China?”

“If that happens, Taewoo Group will have to withdraw all of its business from the United States. And it will have to give up its semiconductor business. We cannot take such risks and side with China.”

“So, does that mean you will side with the US and attack China together?”

Secretary Li Gang’s face turned red.

He seemed angry because I, who always answered like a YES man, kept saying NO.

“If we do not accept the proposal, will Taewoo Group become an enemy of China?”

“Is it really that difficult to propose working with China? China has a consumer market of 1.3 billion people!”

“Does Secretary Li Gang want Taewoo Group to join hands with China and attack the United States?”

“… … It’s not about attacking, it’s about defending together.”

China did not want an alliance now.

I wanted a shield that would stop bullets against America instead.

Why would Taewoo Group volunteer to be a shield?

“If you keep forcing us to side with either the US or China, it will be difficult.”

“This is not a request, this is a request. Are you going to just sit back and watch America’s misdeeds?”

“The moment Taewoo Group joins hands with China, Taewoo Group will be abandoned by the Korean people.”

“What does that mean? Why are you abandoning China when you are holding its hand!”

“The THAAD measures have not been completely lifted yet. The anger of the Korean people is building up.”

“Isn’t it because of THAAD? How can we just sit back and do nothing when we’re joining hands with the United States to deploy THAAD!”

Continued rejection.

Because of this, Secretary Li Gang’s voice gradually grew louder.

Now that we’ve warmed up enough, it’s time to bring out the main dish.

“The Taewoo Group does not want to be at odds with either the United States or China.”

“Aren’t you already helping America! Do you think I don’t know that the financial towers are buying the US bonds that China is selling?”

“US bonds are very stable products that all financial institutions invest in. Financial companies in the financial tower also use a certain portion of their capital in US bonds.”

Secretary Li Gang did not believe me.

That was understandable, because as soon as China issued bonds, the financial towers were all eating them up, so it was a situation where it was hard to believe even if they wanted to.

“What fool would believe that?”

“The Financial Tower is ready to invest not only in US bonds but also in China.”

“Are you asking us to completely open the financial markets? We have already opened the financial markets more widely than before since last year!”

The hegemony war between the United States and China began with the election of President Trump.

That is why China has put a lot of effort into attracting foreign capital in preparation for a war for hegemony.

One of them was the opening of the financial market, but compared to the United States or Europe, there were still some closed areas.

From China’s perspective, it was a safety device.

However, from the financial tower’s perspective, it was an obstacle that prevented it from earning higher profits.

“At least lift the restrictions on financial companies in the financial tower.”

“That’s beyond my ability to do anything about. And I lack the justification.”

Lacking justification?

Then, all that was needed was to fill in the gaps.

“There’s a breaking news story that just came out. You should check it out.”

“What have you done in America again?”

“Breaking news on Qing Dynasty bonds.”

I handed the cell phone to Secretary Lee Gang.

It was a breaking news story on the front page of CNN, and from China’s perspective, it was a very shocking article.

[Republican Party prepares to introduce Qing Dynasty bond redemption bill]

It was a gift David had prepared for today.

It caused several media outlets to report that the US Republican Party was pressuring China through Qing Dynasty bonds.

“What a crazy thing to do! You’ve really gone too far!”

“We can solve this problem at the Financial Tower. With that kind of justification, wouldn’t the Financial Tower be able to penetrate deeper into the Chinese financial market?”

“Who would accept the validity of Qing bonds? Just ignore them.”

Was it a little weak?

Indeed, it was a bit excessive to demand the opening of China’s financial market with only Qing Dynasty bonds.

I didn’t plan on getting everything from China today. It was just a stepping stone.

“Okay, then I’ll find another way for the Financial Tower and China to work together.”

“I can’t wait that long.”

“I will give you an answer within next month at the latest.”

There was no need to go until next month.

Because we have prepared an event that will make Secretary Lee Gang come running to Korea soon.

***

Same time.

David was working on a schedule in Taiwan.

He expanded his reach beyond the United States, Europe, China, and even Taiwan.

Because of his fame, many Taiwanese politicians came to David without him having to come forward first, including Chin Liangtai, the secretary-general of the Democratic Progressive Party, one of Taiwan’s two major political parties.

Jin Ryang-tai is a strong candidate to become the next leader of the Progressive Party.

Although he was the second-highest ranking member of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, he was humble in front of David.

“It is an honor to meet someone who moves American politics, something I had only heard of through rumors.”

“I am just a lobbyist. I just help high-ranking officials conduct their political activities without any problems. I came here to help politicians from the United States, Europe, China, Russia, and now Taiwan.”

David’s name value was never low.

Although he is known as one of the best lobbyists in America.

He was more famous among politicians because he believed that if they received his support, they would definitely be elected.

The most important thing for politicians was getting elected.

The rumor that joining hands with David would help her get elected was so widespread that it even reached Taiwanese politicians.

“I really appreciate that you are interested in Taiwanese politics.”

“The importance of Taiwan has increased due to the hegemony war between the United States and China. Can we not allow the Kuomintang to monopolize Taiwanese politics as it is now?”

“The Kuomintang is no different from a pro-China force. So our Democratic Progressive Party must grow further than it is now and check the Kuomintang!”

Taiwan has a solid two-party system.

The Chinese Nationalist Party, which can be seen as a pro-China force.

The Democratic Progressive Party, which is classified as a pro-American force.

The Kuomintang has won 12 of the 14 presidential elections.

However, it was a close race as the Democratic Progressive Party won the previous presidential election.

“But I heard that the Democratic Party is losing significantly in the local elections in November this year.”

“If you look at the approval ratings so far, yes. But there are still two months left until the election. Once we enter the full-scale election period, we can turn the tide.”

However, the Democratic Progressive Party won the presidential election.

The situation was one of disadvantage in the upcoming local elections.

It was also to overcome this situation that Jin Liangtai, the second-ranking member of the Democratic Party, came to see David.

“I would like to make a small donation to help the Democratic Party win. It won’t be enough to change the course of the election, but it will be enough to run a smooth election campaign. And I will make the donation in a way that is completely legal.”

“I know of no one as expert in this field as David. I would be grateful for your support.”

Jinryangtai’s expression brightened in an instant.

He was already happy as if he had won the election, as he knew full well that the candidate he supported was guaranteed to win.

“But even if they do receive donations, it seems difficult for the Democratic Party to win this local election.”

“Are the results expected in the US really that bad?”

“This is not the result that the U.S. government expected. This is what I am saying based on the predictions made by the think tank I lead. By the way, our think tank’s predictions have never been wrong.”

Is this the look on someone’s face when they fall from heaven to hell?

Jinryangtai’s face began to darken rapidly.

“So you’re saying that we can’t win like this?”

“With the current election landscape, a reversal is impossible. The possibility of a reversal can only be created if the election landscape itself is overturned.”

“Is there any way to overturn the election?”

“There is one way, but it is one that could really upset China.”

“It doesn’t matter which method you use. We can’t be dragged around by China forever, right?”

David took some documents out of his bag and held them out.

Jinryangtai couldn’t help but swallow his saliva just by looking at the title of the document.

[Qing Dynasty Bond Project]

Jinryangtai read the documents in one breath.

He accepted the project with real-time changes in his facial expression.

“It is certainly a project that could turn the election landscape upside down.”

“If you want, I can help you. Would you like to give it a try?”

“How can I back out when the world’s best election expert is helping me! I will personally take charge of this project.”

Jinryangtai and David joined hands.

It was the moment when the show began, to which many countries would react sensitively.