1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 450 Arrival in South Korea
The plane landed at Gimpo International Airport on the south bank of the Han River.

Since Seoul hosted the Asian Games in 1986, South Korea's international shipping volume has grown rapidly, and now it has caught up with the hosting of the Olympic Games.

Upon entering the airport terminal, Zhai Yuan's first impression was of a sea of ​​people, shoulder to shoulder.

Around this time, South Korea began planning the construction of what would later become Incheon International Airport. The pressure on air traffic brought about by economic development was inevitable, just as Hong Kong is now preparing to build Chek Lap Kok Airport on Lantau Island.

“The Chek Lap Kok Airport is enough to give Wei Yixin a headache, so he shouldn’t get angry over such a small matter as the Eastern Telegraph Bureau.”

He flashed to South Korea at lightning speed, leaving the thorny issues to Wei Yixin's chosen Zhai Yuan, who thought to himself: "Anyway, he's already been impeached to the point of being riddled with holes in the UK, so what does it matter if he offends another British-owned telecommunications company?"

Wei Yixin took the initiative to propose developing science and technology innovation. If he wants to bring it back now, he will first have to give up the land in Yuen Long worth hundreds of millions of Hong Kong dollars.

Given the circumstances, Inspector Wei shouldn't have to agonize over the choice for too long. Besides, Tao Zongyi and his team clearly pointed out the problems with the Eastern Telegraph Company in their proposal. If Inspector Wei truly cares about the future of Hong Kong, he should cancel the company's exclusive franchise for operating telecommunications services.

Even though 91 Entertainment has grown to become the largest film company in Hong Kong, it still retains companies like Jiahe, Xinbao, and even Lei Juekun without completely eliminating them.

How dare a British-owned company like the Eastern Telegraph Company, with its many flaws, monopolize telecommunications services in both Hong Kong and Malaysia?

"This is Seoul? It's not what I imagined!"

As usual, four of the Five Ancestors of Shaolin arrived, acting as bodyguards, and escorted Zhai Yuan out.

Seeing Wei Xing and the others looking around, Zhai Yuanjian joked, "You guys were here, weren't you? I had no idea."

The group exchanged knowing smiles. Wei Xing rubbed his nose and said, "I've never been here before, but when I was in the army, I heard from the older generation that when they attacked in 51, this place was also dilapidated. Now it's been renovated and looks quite nice."

Zhai Yuan: "...Don't say anything that is detrimental to unity."

Passengers arriving at Gimpo Airport's three terminals, including those on Hong Kong flights, gradually exited Terminal 2. Once outside the airport, the crowds were less congested, and they began to gather together.

"South Korea is a big place, and I think there are quite a lot of people here too."

Zhao Meizhen came along with Zhai Yao, Zhou Haimei, Li Zhi, Yu Feihong, and Zhou Ping. It was her first time going abroad, and everything was new and exciting. With five girls by her side, she looked just like an empress dowager.

With ample time available, Zhai Yuan decided to bring his family along, treating the trip as a vacation.

The Empress Dowager walked to Zhai Yuan's side and asked, "A Yuan, have you found a place to stay for tonight? With so many people, be careful not to not be able to book a hotel."

Zhai Yuan laughed and said, "Come on, Sister Zhen, this is none of your business."

Before arriving, Tao Zongyi had already contacted Samsung Group. After landing, Tao had already taken people out to make contact.

The South Korean entrepreneurial icon Lee Byung-chul passed away last year, and the Samsung Group was once embroiled in a power struggle among its nine sons. After a fierce battle, the position of leader is now held by the third son, Lee Kun-hee. However, he is still surrounded by his two older brothers, one younger brother, and six sisters who are eyeing the position. In addition, the entire Samsung Group is burdened with trillions of won in debt.

This brand, which represents the eternal stars of 'abundance, size, and strength' in South Korea, is currently going through a turbulent period.

I waited in place for a few minutes.
Instead of Tao Zongyi and his group, several girls from the Girls' Generation gathered around.

Before Empress Dowager Zhao, Ye Yuqing, Zhou Huimin, and Li Saifeng were more obedient than ever before, calling Zhao Meizhen "Auntie" and making her beam with joy. It was only because the Empress Dowager hadn't prepared any red envelopes that day that each of them received one.

Zhou Haimei's smile gradually faded, her lips pursed, and her gaze swept over the girls.

Zhou Huimin and her companions also subtly glanced at the pretty girl of the same age who had been flirting with Zhai Yuan on the plane.

The two groups met for the first time, their eyes meeting and sparks flying.

Zhai Yuan silently took out his cigarette case, walked a few steps away, and squatted down beside the steps with Cai Lan and Inoue Takehiko to smoke.

Anyway, it was only a matter of time before things came to a head. If someone dared to bring Zhou Haimei to South Korea, they should have expected this to happen.

I want both of them now, but I don't want to argue, so let them resolve it themselves.
"Would you like some fish cake?"

Wang Zuxian, an unofficial member of Girls' Generation, strode out and appeared in front of Zhai Yuan.

Zhai Yuan glanced up at her. The Taiwanese girl was even quicker than Tao Zongyi after getting off the plane, heading straight for the food stalls in the terminal. She only slowly walked out now, carrying a large bag of snacks.

"I think you and Uncle Lan should get along very well. You can take care of the food, and he can take care of the writing. How about you stop acting and start a food show for yourself?"

I recall a rumor I once heard that when Wang Zuxian was at TVB, she shared a dormitory with Chen Derong. Under Wang Zuxian's encouragement, Chen Derong's weight increased rapidly, to the point that Chen's mother flew from Taiwan to Hong Kong overnight to help her daughter move out of the dormitory.

It seems the rumors are true...

"If you don't eat, you'll fall down!"

Wang Zuxian gave a haughty snort, ignoring Zhai Yuan's sarcastic remarks, and found a way to sit down. Then she rummaged through her bag and pulled out all sorts of random snacks, which she began to gnaw on like a hamster.

Seeing this, Zhai Yuan smiled and asked Inoue Takehiko, who was standing next to him, "Inoue, do you think she looks like Akagi Haruko?"

With Cai Lan, a translator who had studied in Japan, there were no obstacles in communication between the two sides.

Inoue Takehiko, with a cigarette between his fingers, looked at Wang Zuxian for a moment and nodded thoughtfully: "Her figure and appearance do indeed resemble the female protagonist described by Mr. Zhai."

"She really knows how to play basketball, and her dad is a very famous basketball player in Taiwan."

"Soga? Siguoyi!"

"Anyway, I brought you to South Korea for inspiration this time. When you get back, make sure you finish 'Slam Dunk' as soon as possible. If all else fails, just draw Rukawa Kaede based on my face..."

Zhai Yuan inspired Takehiko Inoue on how to create.
On the other side, the tension between Yao Yao's friends and family, represented by Zhou Haimei, and Zhou Huimin and her group is also escalating.

With Zhao Meizhen in charge, things didn't escalate to an ugly state, but the words gradually became more confrontational.

Ye Yuqing: "Hai Mei is my idol's cousin? Then I should call you cousin too~"

Zhou Haimei: "Let's not use it, we're not that familiar with each other~"

Li Lizhen: "You're just not familiar with us, but we're incredibly close, right, Huimin?"

Zhou Huimin remained silent, only pouting as she looked at Zhai Yuan, who was chatting and laughing on the other side.

"My boss has gone too far! Sister Hai Mei, wait for me, I'll go over there and get to the bottom of this!"

Seeing her cousin being bullied, Zhai Yao was furious and stormed towards Zhai Yuan.

All eyes turned to Yao Yao, the one who broke the deadlock, eager to see how Zhai Yuan would react to her intervention. Here she comes!

close!

Zhai Yao stood in front of Zhai Yuan with her hands on her hips!

"elder brother!"

"Shut up!"

"Oh~"

Zhai Yao turned around smoothly, plopped down next to Wang Zuxian with a clear purpose, and didn't even glance at Zhou Haimei and the others again: "Sister, what are you eating? It smells so good..."

……

The powder keg still didn't ignite.

Not long after Tao Zongyi left, several black Hyundai minivans parked by the roadside.

"Boss, over here."

Old Tao stood across the street and waved vigorously at Zhai Yuan, with several unfamiliar faces in suits standing beside him.

"Yaoyao, get in the car." Zhai Yuan stood up, patted Zhai Yao's head, and laughed, "As expected of my sister, she's the fastest to run away when it comes to getting out of trouble."

Zhai Yao chuckled, said goodbye to Wang Zuxian, and muttered helplessly, "Everyone on the other side could be a future sister-in-law, how can I afford to offend them?"

"Nonsense, Hai Mei is your sister-in-law!"

"I understand. I'll find an opportunity to convey your message to her privately. You can handle the rest yourself."

"Eye-catching!"

Zhai Yuan led Zhai Yao back to the group of girls, ignoring the strange atmosphere, and said to Li Zhi with a smile, "Take Sister Zhen and the others to the car first."

After saying that, he ignored the members of Girls' Generation. He had just bullied Hai Mei's cousin with six against one and had the upper hand. How could they possibly have a chance to stand up for him?

Without saying a word, Zhai Yuan put his arm around Zhou Haimei, who needed comfort the most at that moment. Noticing that his cousin was unhappy, he twisted his waist in resistance and pulled her into his arms again. Without saying anything more, he walked towards Tao Zongyi.

What about Zhou Huimin and Ye Yuqing behind them?
Let's talk about it later!
One by one, anyway, everyone's passports are with me, so what's there to be afraid of them running away?
I'm staying in South Korea for at least a month this time. I refuse to believe I can't win over a few girls!

……

"Boss, let me introduce you."

Beside the Hyundai convoy, seeing Zhai Yuan approaching with Zhou Haiming in his arms, Tao Zongyi pointed to a slightly overweight man with squinty eyes next to him and said with a smile, "This is President Jiang Mingkui, the head of Samsung's semiconductor business."

"Annyeong, hello, President Kang~"

Zhai Yuan released Zhou Haimei, slapped her pert bottom, took two steps forward, and greeted Jiang Mingkui in an exaggerated tone.

"Anning ha sai yo".

Jiang Mingkui smiled broadly, his eyes narrowing into slits as he bowed slightly, showing his respect: "President Zhai's visit should have been personally welcomed by our President Li, but he was invited by the President to the Blue House to discuss matters related to the Olympics. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."

Such a long string of words inevitably requires a translator to relay it.

Zhai Yuan nodded in understanding.

The Chairman Lee that Kang Myung-kyu mentioned is likely Lee Kun-hee, the second-generation head of the Samsung Group.

Based on my memory and the information compiled by Toshie,
It is said that Chairman Lee was nicknamed "Wooden Chicken" because of his taciturn nature. He was never favored by his father and his siblings, so much so that after returning from his studies in the United States, he was directly sent to Japan to manage Samsung's media business.

But who could have imagined that this seemingly incompetent leader would suddenly bare his fangs during the power struggle among his nine brothers and sisters? He not only gained Lee Byung-chul's support and made a full-scale acquisition of the South Korean semiconductor business that was originally controlled by American conglomerates, but also formed alliances and maneuvered to ensure that the board members unanimously approved his decision to become the head of Samsung, directly ousting his other nine siblings from the company.

Zhai Yuan thought to himself that he didn't have that much influence over Lee Kun-hee, who personally came to pick him up at the airport.

South Korea and Hong Kong have two tycoons surnamed Lee: Li Ka-shing and Lee Kun-hee. While they may now be managing their own conglomerates, both are undisputed number one in their respective territories. The gap between them is huge; there's still a long way to go.
However, since I'm in South Korea now, I should at least meet this chaebol tycoon.

Judging from the attitude of President Kang Myung-kyu, Lee Kun-hee is currently showing him a great deal of goodwill.

That's understandable.

Samsung Semiconductor was the cornerstone of the conglomerate built by Lee Kun-hee, and it could even be said that he rose to power through it. After all, with anti-American sentiment running high in South Korea, Lee Kun-hee's ability to wrest back the semiconductor business from the United States made him seem incredibly virtuous, which only made his brothers and sisters seem more useless.

Zhai Yuan didn't believe that Intel would be willing to accept such affordable OEM business, since his own OEM factory in Japan had already secured orders from Intel.

At that time, Samsung Semiconductor was a leader in the memory system field in terms of patent technology.

However, the expansion in scale and technology has not brought Samsung a share of the semiconductor business. On the contrary, due to the corporate problems of the entire group and the single-minded pursuit of technological innovation, the debt ratio of the single semiconductor business has now reached more than 270%.

According to its external financial reports, of the 3.5 trillion won in debt of the entire Samsung Group this year, the semiconductor business accounts for hundreds of billions of won.

If we want to continue to lead in technology, we need to invest more money in research and development and innovation, and allocate more manpower; otherwise, we may be overtaken by Europe, America and Japan at any time.

However, this will cause the debt ratio to continue to increase.

This is where Zhai Yuan's advantage as an OEM manufacturer becomes apparent.

You can devote all your human resources to the research and development of new technologies, and I will handle all external orders. I will not hinder the fierce competition in your industry.

Win-win!

Through his brief contact with Jiang Mingkui, Zhai Yuan quickly sorted out the various relationships involved.

He smiled at Jiang Mingkui again and said, "Chairman Lee is very busy. According to seniority, it should be me who visits him. However, I just arrived in South Korea today, so I will have to trouble President Jiang to arrange for my people to rest first. I will visit you again early tomorrow morning."

"Aigoo! Chairman Zhai, you're too kind." Jiang Mingkui opened the car door and gestured for them to enter, then smiled and said, "Knowing you were coming, Chairman Li reserved the most luxurious room on the top floor of the Shilla Hotel a week in advance, ensuring that Chairman Zhai and your friends will feel right at home during their vacation in South Korea..."

(End of this chapter)