How can you become a star without money?

Chapter 219 Was He Cursed?
"Regarding what you mentioned last time, I've reached a cooperation agreement with the two of them. We're planning to establish a foundation and invest $4000 million in Kakao for a 20% stake," Deng Wendi said.

"This funding amount is just right. What about the communications issue?" Wang Yao nodded. Money wasn't the most important thing; whether or not the communications blockade could be resolved was crucial.

“SK Telecom has about 40% of the domestic telecommunications market share. If we enter the mobile communications field early, we will not face much opposition. But the only risk is my family,” Lu Shuying said frankly.

She learned about her husband's infidelity and the fact that he had an illegitimate child at the beginning of the year. She tried to salvage the relationship and even offered to take the illegitimate child home to raise herself, on the condition that she would not divorce him. After all, although she looks young, she still has the old-fashioned thinking of the last century.

She had a very strong sense of family, and she always hoped to maintain the reputation of her father and even the entire Lu family through her good image. For a divorced woman, the damage to her reputation is very great. This is due to the distorted traditional Confucian values ​​of Goryeo.

However, after being repeatedly brainwashed and persuaded by Deng Wendi and Li Fuzhen, she did realize that although family is important, she also had to consider her two daughters and one son. If her future husband was determined to divorce her, the SK Group might fall into the hands of that illegitimate child, and she and her daughters might suffer unpredictable harm.

And it's almost inevitable.

Even siblings have their disputes. Look at how serious the infighting was among the three stars in their early years, which directly led to the youngest sister's accidental death. In the end, Lu Shuying decided to stand up and do something for her daughter.

Previously, influenced by her husband, she was reluctant to let her children work in the group, but now she is preparing to make plans early. This time, she took a risk and cooperated with Deng Wendi and others because she discussed the future of Kakao Mobile Communications with her children and finally felt that it had potential.

After all, most of their children and those around them are using KT for socializing, especially the group chat function, which is very attractive to them. Traditional SMS and phone calls will inevitably be phased out.

The money that Lu Shuying invested was made in the name of the Lu family trust, completely separate from the SK system, so that it could be used as a trump card in the future.

"What are Ms. Lu's personal thoughts?" Wang Yao asked.

"It would be best if he could return to his family. But if he has no attachment to his family, I'm not the type to cling on relentlessly. We can part amicably."
But SK was built with my father's support. It can be said that without the Lu family, he would hardly have achieved what he has today. Therefore, my children and I hope to get the rights we deserve, in a dignified way, of course. Lu Shuying's thinking was very clear.

“A divorce at your level is bound to have a significant impact,” Wang Yao said after a moment of contemplation.

“That’s right.” Lu Shuying’s face darkened.

She still felt that divorce was a shameful thing, but given her status, it would inevitably cause a national uproar.

“Since the impact is unavoidable, let’s make use of it,” Wang Yao said.

"How can we use it?" Lu Shuying was taken aback.

"The other party cheated first, and justice and righteousness are in our hands. As long as we can get the people of the whole country on our side and indirectly affect SK's interests, we won't need to take the initiative. The shareholders will help us make the judgment," Wang Yao said with a smile.

"This kid really knows his stuff when it comes to manipulating public opinion," Li Fuzhen said with a smile.

"What is Ms. Lu's relationship with the current president?" Wang Yao asked.

“This is acceptable.” Lu Shuying glanced at Li Fuzhen.

Theoretically speaking, the factions behind Roh Suk-young and Lee Boo-jung are in competition, but the internal competition within the Goryeo faction is always complicated. However, the current ruler does belong to the same faction as Roh Suk-young.

“Actually, China has a very high opinion of White Horse. We can actually boost its influence through the movie, so that the public can learn more about the relationship between SK and White Horse. Then we can also report on Chairman Choi’s affair. Ms. Lu, do you know about the incident involving Cheng Long and Little Dragon Girl a few months ago?” Wang Yao said.

Jackie Chan's influence is global, especially in East Asia. He has many fans in Korea, so the media naturally reports on him extensively.

"I know a little about it. Mr. Cheng Long's refusal to acknowledge his illegitimate child is indeed protecting the rights of the family." Lu Shuying nodded.

"You mean, we can use this model to first establish the image of Sister Shuying as someone who dedicates herself to her family and the company, and then use the harm caused by her illegitimate child to undermine Cui Taiyuan? Make him cut his losses and get a divorce?" Li Fuzhen's eyes lit up.

"Has Chairman Cui ever brought up divorce?" Wang Yao asked.

“He brought it up last year after I discovered the illegitimate child.” Lu Shuying’s eyes dimmed.

“It would be best if there was evidence. As Sister Fu Zhen said, we should first get the public’s attention to SK, and then use the public’s emphasis on family rights to force Chairman Cui to make concessions. This way, at least for SK, your existence is also crucial, and we cannot attribute SK’s success solely to Chairman Cui.” Wang Yao nodded.

"Won't this cause too much of a stir?" Lu Shuying hesitated.

“Sister, how can this matter be made a small fuss? Only by making a big fuss can we be sure of things going smoothly,” Li Fuzhen sneered.

“Ah Yao’s method is very practical, and it can also highlight the importance of women to the family. Sister Shuying has been working hard and enduring behind the scenes for so many years, and she is the epitome of millions of housewives. Sister Shuying may be able to take this opportunity to become a legitimate wife.” Deng Wendi’s thinking has reached a new level.

Wang Yao raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at Deng Wendi with a somewhat serious expression.

They've gone too far.

“That’s right. The Park family’s daughter lost the election last time, so she will definitely participate in the next election. If Sister Sook-young helps her out, then we will have a female leader, which will be recorded in history.” Lee Boo-jung suddenly became interested.

Her background destined her to have no chance to participate in such important matters, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t interested in participating.

"This... I'm not suitable for this." Lu Shuying was slightly taken aback, even though she actually had certain qualifications and a solid foundation.

“Doesn’t Min-jung want to serve in the military in the future? Sook-young can pave the way for her in advance.” Lee Boo-jung narrowed her eyes.

“I can garner some support for you in the West.” Deng Wendi seemed more interested in this matter.

“But my father…” Lu Shuying fell silent. Her father’s influence was not very positive, not nearly as strong as the Park family’s, which was one of the reasons why the Lu family kept a low profile.

“The White Horse still enjoys a high reputation in China. I think we could produce a film about it to recreate what happened back then. Ms. Lu was a party involved, so she can best reveal the historical truth. I think it could at least achieve good box office results and generate buzz in China,” Wang Yao said again.

"Shoot Double Twelve? That sounds exciting!" Lee Boo-jung's eyes lit up.

“If it can’t be shown in Korea, it can go to Hollywood. Fox can participate.” Deng Wendi also curled the corners of her mouth.

"It would be best if Goryeo Company were to produce it." Lu Shuying remained silent for a long time, Wang Yao's words, 'restoring the truth of history,' echoing in her mind.

She truly possesses the relevant genes and upbringing, so her perspective on things is different from others. This type of person must be produced by Korea Company.

“Coincidentally, HIC is also looking for new investors.” Wang Yao raised an eyebrow slightly.

"HIC? Which film and television branch in Korea are you with?" Lee Boo-jung asked, frowning.

“I plan to have KT acquire 5% of HIC’s shares, and then rename it KT Entertainment,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Dressed up in a different skin?" Li Fuzhen asked.

“Yes, KT will inevitably develop into a comprehensive conglomerate in the future, and it will inevitably have to get involved in the entertainment industry. HIC is a suitable bridge that can complement the resources of China and Korea,” Wang Yao said.

“If that’s the case, KT Entertainment can directly invest in this movie.” Lu Shuying’s mind raced, which meant she would indirectly own an entertainment company as well. “How much would it be valued at? Didn’t you say your Skyfire is now valued at almost $10 billion? As its largest wholly-owned subsidiary with the highest revenue, HIC shouldn’t be cheap,” Deng Wendi said with a smile.

"Oh ho? Little brother has really struck it rich, his net worth is almost catching up with mine," Li Fuzhen teased.

I earned it through my own hard work and struggle, just like you were born with it.
Wang Yao couldn't help but roll his eyes upon hearing this: "The Korean subsidiary has a large business scale, and KT Entertainment will also be involved in business in Japan in the future, so I expect the valuation to be 2 to 3 million US dollars."

"What is YG's valuation?" Deng Wendi asked.

“Around 1.5 million dollars, while SM is only worth less than 3 million. How can your company be worth so much? Are you trying to rip us off?” Lee Boo-jung said with a frown. YG and SM are considered to be the private domains of the three stars and CJ.

“HIC’s revenue in just six months is almost ten million dollars, which is about the same as SM’s revenue.” Wang Yao smiled.

"Tsk, the Chinese market is still huge," Li Fuzhen remarked.

"After several investors acquire shares in KT, I plan to invest 2000 million in HIC for a 10% stake, renaming it KT Entertainment, and then acquire a 30% stake in JYP Entertainment under the name KT Entertainment."

"5 million will be invested in MLS (Mulan Street), with 1 million going towards acquiring Coupang (a newly established group-buying website in Korea). In this way, KT Group's entertainment and e-commerce sectors will act like two arms, providing KT Communications with a continuous stream of cash flow and exposure support," Wang Yao briefly explained KT Group's plans.

With e-commerce and entertainment as its core, mobile communications as its foundation, and the gaming industry as its legs, if it can successfully go public in the future, its valuation will be at least tens of billions of US dollars. Then it can follow the example of three stars and invest in the AI ​​big data industry as its head.

Wang Yao outlined a grand blueprint for a massive business empire for the three of them, a pie that might even rival those of Three Stars and SK Group, which surprisingly excited them.

Second-generation rich kids like Li Fuzhen and Lu Shuying, who were born with a silver spoon in their mouths, are most susceptible to the temptation of 'success and fame'. Although their status as women imposes many restrictions on them, it cannot actually limit their ambition.

Lu Shuying was fortunate to only have one younger brother. Although she was somewhat sexist, it wasn't too serious. But Li Fuzhen was different. Her upbringing was much more complicated. Especially after being forced by her father to marry a man she didn't like and after her younger sister's unexpected death, her sense of belonging to the family became increasingly weak.

Now that she has this opportunity to 'change the world,' she naturally wants to try it out.

If KT can dominate the entire Korean mobile communications market and expand overseas, then Wang Yao's blueprint seems to be a natural progression.

At Lee Boo-jung's urging, Noh Suk-young finally decided to take a gamble and use her influence to affect SK's restrictions and bans on KT, and even facilitate some traffic collaborations.

Just as the four were discussing the potential obstacles KT might encounter in its future development, they were interrupted by a commotion outside.

Wang Yao went out to take a look and found that Li Bingbing and Jun Ji-hyun seemed to be arguing, but they had already been separated.

"What's going on?" Wang Yao frowned and walked over to ask.

"It's alright, it's alright. Ji-hyun had a bit too much to drink and said something wrong. We had a few words, but it didn't affect Mr. Wang's business, did it?" Yoo Jae-suk quickly stepped in to smooth things over, looking at the private room with concern.

"What did you say that made Sister Bingbing so angry?" Wang Yao walked up to Li Bingbing.

Li Bingbing is a mild-tempered person, and given her age, she rarely gets into arguments over trivial matters.

"This woman has always been at odds with me during filming. She acts like casting me as her co-star is an insult to her. I usually tolerate it, but just now she actually said that Changbai Mountain belongs to them. I tried to explain it to her, and she accused us of stealing their property." Li Bingbing's face turned red with anger.

Jun Ji-hyun seemed to have really drunk too much, and she was sobering up a bit by now. Although Wang Yao and the other person were speaking Chinese, she realized that she might have said something wrong, but she still raised her chin.

"Director Wang, what's the progress of the filming?" Wang Yao turned to Wang Ying and asked gently.

“It’s almost halfway done.” Wang Ying seemed to realize something.

"Change the personnel, and Tianhuo will take responsibility for all losses." Wang Yao nodded.

Wang Ying was somewhat displeased with this.

"If such comments about the second female lead get back to China, it's impossible for the film to be released. Director Wang, you still need to think this through," Wang Yao said in a deep voice.

"You and Wendi can discuss it," Wang Ying nodded, without saying anything more.

“Changing your roles midway through the project is a breach of contract, and I will file a lawsuit,” Jun Ji-hyun suddenly said.

She clearly understands some Chinese, and years ago it was revealed that her ancestral home was Shandong, and there were even outrageous rumors that she was originally Chinese.

As a top actress in Korea, backed by the powerful SK Entertainment, her smooth sailing over the years has made her somewhat arrogant.

"A lawsuit?" Wang Yao curled his lips into a strange smile. "I heard you're planning to leave SK and switch jobs?"

Jun Ji-hyun's expression changed drastically upon hearing this.

Her contract with SK Entertainment expires in August, and she doesn't plan to renew it. Anyway, she has enough connections and popularity to start her own business, and she has also met a new wealthy businessman who can support her startup.

This matter was only circulating among SK's senior management. After all, the turnover of top personnel would affect the company's development, and how could Wang Yao, an outsider, know the truth?

But the thought of Wang Yao being in the same private room as Lu Shuying, who seemed to be the mistress of SK, made his fingertips go numb.

"What happened?" Deng Wendi and the others came out to inquire when they saw that Wang Yao had not returned.

After hearing Wang Ying's account, Deng Wendi was so angry she laughed: "How can there be such a stupid actress? Has she never been to school?"

Lu Shuying frowned upon hearing this. Although she was also Korean, she was speechless at such ignorant and arrogant behavior. She frowned at Jun Ji-hyun and said, "Don't you think before you speak? I will call President Lee and make things clear. You want to terminate your contract? You can do it tomorrow."

Although Lu Shuying does not oversee the operation of the SK Group, she has never missed any major events. Moreover, SK Entertainment and the NABI Art Center, which she manages, are the closest partners.

Jun Ji-hyun was stunned for a moment, but then stood up with a mocking expression and shouted: "Remember, it's me who quit. Do you really think SK can control everything?"

“The Three Stars don’t need idiots,” Lee Boo-jung said sinisterly from the side.

Jun Ji-hyun froze, then snorted coldly and left.

"We'll see."

"How did she get to this point?"

Wang Yao was also stunned. He never expected that someone would dare to slap the faces of two core members of SK and Samsung on Korean territory.

Has he been cursed?
(End of this chapter)