Why not invest in China?
Because it’s a country I can’t trust.
In so ways, it was worse than Japan.
“I don’t understand your reasoning. Even Arican investors are starting to enter, and Korea’s major corporations are showing interest in the Chinese market. I’m curious why you’re still negative, Mr. Kim.”
I hesitated briefly, but chose to be honest.
“Because I can’t trust it. Of course, no investnt is risk-free. But in China, money can get stuck not for economic reasons, but political ones.”
“You an you don’t trust the ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) Chinese governnt?”
Wen Jiabao’s voice rose slightly.
I answered calmly.
“Yes. I don’t.”
“Huh...”
China’s economic policies were constantly shifting under the Communist Party’s direction.
Russia was the sa, but at least if you had a personal connection with the top leader, you wouldn’t be cast aside so easily.
But for soone like that to erge in China... it would take another ten years at least.
“What would it take for you to trust us?”
“Well, there are things you can do as Vice Premier, and things you can’t. And really, is it necessary to change national policy just to make invest in China?”
“We need the na Jas Han.”
So that’s why he approached directly.
“We’re aware the currency attack on Japan was led by Jas. The fact that the U.S. allowed such an attack on its important ally shows just how much influence he holds on Wall Street and within U.S. politics.”
“And?”
“If Jas Han moves, Wall Street will follow. If Wall Street moves, so will Western investors. That’s what we want.”
If China knows, then Japan must know too.
I never thought it could be kept a secret forever, but...
“Move Han Kyungyeong to draw in foreign investors. And what do I gain from that? What’s in it for you, Vice Premier?”
“...You’re very direct.”
Wen Jiabao’s voice lost all inflection.
“I’m a businessman, you’re a politician. But we share one thing in common—‘we never move without profit,’ right?”
Wen Jiabao didn’t respond imdiately.
I didn’t feel the need to say anything more either. Silence stretched between us.
Eventually, Wen Jiabao spoke first.
“Help , for now.”
“Are you asking for a transaction on credit?”
There was no reply.
“I don’t do credit. But I’ll listen. Tell —what do you gain if I invest in China?”
He hesitated, then sighed.
“You already know about the political factions in China, so I won’t explain. I don’t belong to any. That makes my political base weak. I don’t know if I can beco President, but I do want to beco Premier. For that, I need tangible achievents. And right now, China’s top priority is the economy.”
It wasn’t completely unconvincing.
“This visit to Korea is officially to discuss North Korea, but also to encourage Korean corporations to invest in China. Tomorrow, I’ll be eting with the heads of major conglorates at the Koryeo Hotel.”
Since economic reform and opening, China’s growth had been terrifying. After regaining Hong Kong, they even tolerated ‘one country, two systems’—proving how seriously they took national economic developnt.
Investnt into Hong Kong continued, but investnt into mainland China was still lackluster.
Now he aid to pull in investors and ride that montum to secure the premiership.
‘But wasn’t he supposed to be China’s Premier for the next decade anyway?’
Sothing felt off.
“I may be a strong contender for Premier, but my political faction is weak. Russia, Korea, then Japan next. Isn’t that enough to justify my gain?”
“Yes.”
China had its own unique guanxi culture.
Wen Jiabao might’ve called it a proud part of Chinese culture, but in truth, it was an unfair system built on bribes and personal networks.
In business and investnt, it was a double-edged sword. But after retirent, Wen Jiabao had managed to avoid every blade aid at corruption.
If I tied interest with guanxi, I might never face corruption charges in China...
But once I got involved, who knew how things would shift? That’s what made hesitate.
“I can’t give you an answer right away. I need to talk to Han Kyungyeong too. How long are you staying in Korea?”
“I’m here for five days, four nights.”
“I’ll give you an answer before you leave.”
“All right. I’ll wait to hear from you.”
With complicated feelings, I left the hotel.
‘It’s a rare opportunity, no doubt.’
After so thought, I picked up the phone.
I called Eva to Han Kyungyeong’s office.
When I arrived, both of them were waiting for .
“What’s this about? Calling us this late?”
“I need to talk sothing over. Sit down first.”
After the full explanation, Eva responded first.
“It’s a great opportunity, boss. You know about guanxi, right?”
“Yeah.”
“There are levels to guanxi.”
“Really?”
This was news to .
“Helping him beco Premier puts him in great debt to you. When the Chinese owe that much, they don’t refuse any favor. They have to repay it, no matter what.”
“No matter what kind of favor?”
“Yup. Foreigners find it hard to understand.”
“Hm...”
“You can’t build that kind of relationship with a few bribes or favors. It’s a rare opportunity—if you’re planning to do business in China.”
Eva’s explanation was clear.
Help Wen Jiabao, and you’ll gain a lot.
“I don’t like it. I’ve never trusted Chinese bastards. Ah, Eva—not talking about you.”
“It’s okay. I’m not Chinese. I was born in Hong Kong.”
Han Kyungyeong, on the other hand, looked displeased.
“Still, do we really need to go into China?”
“Jas, of course we do. China’s growth is impossible to ignore.”
“I know that too. But it’s just not a trustworthy country.”
“True. But if you form yi (righteous bond), things are different. You just don’t know enough about China.”
Eva and Han Kyungyeong began to argue.
Originally, I shared Han Kyungyeong’s skepticism. But hearing Eva’s explanation of guanxi made reconsider.
The debate only ended when I spoke up.
“I don’t trust Chinese people either, but Eva makes so good points. I’ll et him again tomorrow and decide then.”
“All right.”
“Got it, boss.”
Once I made my decision, the two nodded without protest.
“First, Hyung, contact New York and find out what kind of investnts Wall Street is making in China right now. Eva, set up an asset managent firm in Hong Kong. You pick the CEO.”
“Okay, boss.”
“Wall Street investnt trends... when do you need it by?”
“Just a general overview is fine.”
“I can get that by tomorrow.”
“Then this eting’s done. Let’s get a drink.”
We decided to et Wen Jiabao again the next day and decide based on his reaction.
I rented out a quiet nearby bar and had drinks with Han Kyungyeong and Eva.
“Eva, you’re not on dication anymore, right?”
“No.”
“Still having the dreams?”
“They happen sotis, but they’re not as scary as before.”
“That’s good.”
“What are you talking about?”
Han Kyungyeong grumbled, not knowing Eva had killed i Hong.
But I didn’t tell him.
Everyone has their secrets.
The next day.
I headed to the Koryeo Hotel to attend the party hosted by the Chinese Embassy.
I was blocked at the entrance.
“Please show your invitation.”
“I was invited personally by Vice Premier Wen Jiabao.”
The embassy staff at the entrance shook his head.
“I haven’t received any such ssage. Without an invitation, you cannot enter.”
It didn’t feel great, but I couldn’t get angry at soone just doing their job.
Reluctantly, I called Wen Jiabao.
“Vice Premier, I’ve arrived.”
—Ah, my apologies. I completely forgot.
“....”
Soon, one of Wen Jiabao’s aides rushed over.
The embassy staff who had blocked bowed in apology.
“I’m terribly sorry.”
“It’s fine. You were just doing your job. I’ll go in now.”
Guided by the aide, I arrived at the Grand Ballroom where the party was being held.
I saw many familiar faces.
Among them, Chairman Song of Daehyeon stood out. It had been a while since I’d seen him at this kind of event.
Given Daehyeon’s North Korea business, China’s involvent must’ve been crucial—hence his personal appearance.
Chairman Song, who had been talking with others, spotted and raised his hand in greeting.
I walked over.
“Chairman, it’s been a while.”
“First ti since New Year’s, right?”
“Looks like it. How’s your health?”
“Sa as ever. But what brings you here?”
Chairman Song looked puzzled.
“Oh, I t Vice Premier Wen Jiabao in Russia, so I dropped by.”
“Vice Premier Wen Jiabao?”
His look shifted from puzzled to surprised.
“Pure coincidence.”
“You’re really playing on the world stage now. Haha.”
“Mr. Kim.”
Chairman Kim Seonghyuk of Hyeonhwa Group approached, smiling.
“Chairman Song, it’s been a while.”
“I heard you beca the new chairman of Hyeonhwa Group. Mr. Kim helped you out quite a bit, I hear?”
“Yes, Chairman.”
“Whatever happened, now that it’s settled, make sure you do it right. Don’t ruin the company your predecessors built just because of internal conflict.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Let’s catch up later. Mr. Kim, stop by my house soti. I’ve got sothing to discuss.”
“Yes, I’ll visit soon.”
Chairman Song returned to his group, leaving with Kim Seonghyuk.
“How’s the negotiation with Ilseong going?”
“So-so. Hah, they’re trying to get it for dirt cheap. It’s frustrating.”
“You got help. Now it’s ti to give sothing back. Even if you take a small loss, keep your promises.”
“I’d like to, but there’s a lot of internal opposition. It’ll take so ti.”
True, handing over Hyeonhwa Life and Hyeonhwa Card wasn’t a small deal.
But a promise is a promise.
Just then, Chairman Seo of Ilseong Group approached.
“Mr. Kim and Chairman Kim—been a while.”
At his voice, Kim Seonghyuk frowned. I smiled.
“Chairman Seo, good to see you again.”
Nodding, he smiled and said,
“Mr. Kim really gets around internationally. Russia wasn’t enough? Now China? Wen Jiabao and Putin—what a network.”
He clearly wasn’t hiding his interest in .
“Just happened that way.”
“But Mr. Kim, when will you keep our promise? Chairman Kim here keeps pushing it back.”
So things never change.
“You’re trying to get it for too cheap. That’s why it’s taking ti.”
“I accepted your proposal. Now it’s ti for to be compensated. Whether it’s cheap or fair price, it’s ti to pay up. Don’t forget.”
“Mr. Kim doesn’t handle that anymore. Speak with , Chairman Seo.”
Kim Seonghyuk cut in with a displeased look.
‘As expected... I need to strip Seo Yonggeon of his power.’
Whether he noticed my thoughts or not, Seo Yonggeon now focused on talking to Kim Seonghyuk.
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