Hong Kong: Rise of the Kings

Boom boom——

A Mercedes-Benz was driving steadily in the traffic on the streets of Seoul. In the Mercedes-Benz, Du Yongxiao, who had just come out of the hotel to go to a date, leaned on the wide leather seat and closed his eyes to rest.

The driver was Jin Zhongji, a technical talent who had just been recruited by Yan Xiong and would be known as the "Godfather of Korean Semiconductors" in the future.

Jin Zhongji was 39 years old this year, which was the prime of a man's life, but due to his hard work, his black hair had already turned gray. He had a thin face and wore glasses, but his eyes secretly glanced at Du Yongxiao who was resting in the back through the rearview mirror.

Jin Zhongji originally thought that Du Yongxiao would invite him into the room, and then the two sides would talk in detail, give him encouragement like Yan Xiong, and invite him to join the Du Group.

Unexpectedly, Du Yongxiao directly asked him to act as a driver and help drive. What does this mean?

Even if Jin Zhongji was super smart, he couldn't figure out Du Yongxiao's thoughts.

After getting in the car and driving, Jin Zhongji thought that Du Yongxiao would chat with him in the car, talk about family matters, and then say some words of encouragement, but Du Yongxiao just closed his eyes and fell asleep, which broke Jin Zhongji's cognition.

Originally, Jin Zhongji had designed many scenes and speeches before meeting Du Yongxiao, but now nothing can be used.

Sitting in the co-pilot seat is Yan Xiong. Yan Xiong and Jin Zhongji thought the same, and also thought that Du Yongxiao would talk to Jin Zhongji in the car, but now---

Yan Xiong knew that his godfather was always unpredictable, so he said nothing and kept silent.

The car drove smoothly like this. Seoul in this era is still bustling with cars, but most of them are not particularly good luxury cars, but Hyundai sedans produced in South Korea.

In fact, Korean car companies in this era are fiercely competitive. Not only Samsung Group and LG Group hope to enter the automotive industry and interrupt the monopoly of American vehicles in South Korea, but even Lotte Group, which is engaged in department store trade, and Elephant Group, which is engaged in hotel business, also want to get a share of the automotive industry.

But, technology!

It's a difficult problem!

Neither Samsung nor other groups could overcome this hurdle, and only Hyundai succeeded in the end.

Hyundai's founder Chung Ju-yung is a legendary figure in the business world.

Chung Ju-yung's hometown is Tongcheon City, North Korea. He grew up in a poor family. In order to make a living, he went south from North Korea to Seoul to work - at that time, there was no demarcation line between North and South Korea, and people on both sides could move freely.

Chung Ju-yung first did the rice business. In 1940, he acquired a maintenance station and started repairing cars for the US military. Later, he began to get involved in civil engineering.

At that time, the Korean War had just ended, and South Korea invested a lot of money in civil engineering. The US military also built many bases in South Korea. These base construction projects were basically taken by Chung Ju-yung, earning a lot of dollars.

At this time, South Korean President Park Chung-hee wanted to build a highway from Seoul to Busan, but the treasury had no money, so he found the chaebol Samsung Group.

Samsung believed that the country was so poor that there would be no cars running on the highway after the highway was built, and that this was a loss-making business.

At this time, Chung Ju-yung discovered this business opportunity. He believed that "it's not that there are no cars running on the highway, but that there is no demand for cars because there is no highway." He persuaded his family to invest all their money in the highway project.

Two years later, the highway was built, the logistics industry began to develop rapidly, and the demand for vehicles soared. With the strong support of the government, Hyundai Motor was officially established in 1967. At the beginning, it cooperated with Ford of the United States and introduced American cars for assembly. In 1975, it began to independently produce commercial and passenger cars.

Until now, Hyundai Group has put up the "Hyundai Motor is completely domestically produced" banner, relying on buying patriotic thoughts to vigorously monopolize the Korean automobile industry. Even Samsung has to retreat and lead the way in the automobile field.

Du Yongxiao closed his eyes and pretended to sleep. In fact, he was thinking about how to enter the Korean automobile industry in his mind. If he wanted to break Hyundai's monopoly in Korea, he must have a strong man like Quan Douguang as a backing.

Since Quan Douguang invited him to talk, it seems that the last time he mentioned to him that he wanted to establish the automobile production line under the Du Group in Korea, it has already taken shape.

The place where Quan Douguang lives is the famous "Seoul First Military District Compound" in South Korea! It is known as the "Second Blue House"!

It is heavily guarded and all soldiers are on duty. Because it involves many military secrets, it is even more strictly controlled than the Blue House in some aspects.

Du Yongxiao has been a frequent visitor here these days. Not only does the military commander on duty know that Du Yongxiao is a distinguished guest of Major General Quan, but even the big-headed soldier guarding the gate knows that the only one who can drive straight into the compound in this car is this handsome and unremarkable Chinese young man.

Jin Zhongji is an intellectual who usually works in a company. Where has he been to such a heavily guarded place? Seeing the majestic guards with live ammunition, he felt a little scared.

After finally stopping the car, he hurriedly opened the window and prepared to say a few good words to the guard who came to check, but saw that the guard looked into the car. After seeing Du Yongxiao, he immediately changed his arrogant attitude and saluted Du Yongxiao with his subordinates.

Seeing this, Kim Jong-ki's heart immediately started beating wildly, and he was so excited that he could hardly breathe. He had never been so excited in his life.

Since Kim Jong-ki is known as the godfather of Korean semiconductors, he is not a fool. On the contrary, he has a high IQ.

When he came into contact with the Du Group, Kim Jong-ki privately inquired about Du Yongxiao's various information to judge whether he should rely on him and join his camp.

The news we got is that Du Yongxiao is not only the Commissioner of Police of Hong Kong, but also a first-class earl of the British Empire. In the eyes of the West, he is a typical aristocrat.

These are not all. In terms of business, Du Yongxiao founded the Du Group and became a world-famous super-rich man. He is a close friend of the American tycoon Rockefeller.

Of course, these are the names Du Yongxiao has made abroad. Maybe some places are exaggerated. As for Korea---

First, Du Yongxiao acquired Daehan Bank, one of the four major banks in Korea.

Second, Du Yongxiao is calculating Samsung Electronics and intends to use money to control the management rights of Samsung Electronics.

Third, Du Yongxiao has close contacts with Samsung Group's big company Li Mengxi and the third young master Li Jianxi, and the relationship is very ambiguous.

Fourth, and the biggest legend recently, Du Yongxiao has established a close friendship with the most shining star in the Korean military, Quan Douguang.

As a result, everyone has always believed that the tentacles of this Chinese have penetrated from the Korean business community to the Korean military!

Originally, Jin Zhongji, an intellectual, was skeptical about this.

But now——

Jin Zhongji saw Du Yongxiao coming and going freely in this heavily guarded military compound. It was another matter to see the solemn dignity with his own eyes. In particular, Du Yongxiao did not avoid him, which made him feel that Mr. Du had regarded him as his own, which was undoubtedly the best recognition for him.

In other words, from beginning to end, Du Yongxiao did not say a few words to Jin Zhongji, and there was no way to win him over. Just based on such a scene now, it was enough for Jin Zhongji to feel Du Yongxiao's trust in him, and he even had a vague sense of belonging.

Looking at the dozing Du Yongxiao from the rearview mirror, Jin Zhongji smiled and said, "Mr. Du, we are here! The guards outside are greeting you!"

Du Yongxiao shook his hand gently, but his eyes never opened.

Jin Zhongji stopped talking, stepped on the accelerator, and drove into the military compound.

In the back, the officers and guards were still standing there, saluting the shadow of the vehicle, showing great respect.

Jin Zhongji's heart was burning.

Even though he had been with the father and son of Samsung Lee for so long, he had never seen such a scene.

Yan Xiong, who was sitting in the co-pilot, kept flipping through the documents in his hand, as if preparing the materials for the talks that would begin later.

The Mercedes-Benz car was unimpeded in the military compound, passed several sentries, and soon arrived at Quan Douguang's residence.

At the spacious and bright entrance, Quan Douguang, his wife, and several military leaders were waiting. Seeing the Mercedes-Benz car coming, Quan Douguang led people to greet them.

Yan Xiong got out of the car, walked quickly to the back, and helped Du Yongxiao open the door.

Jin Zhongji realized what he had to do and hurriedly got out of the car.

Quan Douguang glanced at Jin Zhongji who was getting off, and was surprised why it was not Zhuang Dingxian, the bodyguard next to Du Yongxiao, but someone else?

However, his expression immediately recovered, and he laughed and walked towards Du Yongxiao who was getting off the car.

"Mr. Du, you are finally here! Hahaha! It's cold, I'm sorry to have you come all the way here!" Quan Douguang was extremely enthusiastic and shook hands with Du Yongxiao.

The three military leaders next to him also shook hands with Du Yongxiao. They were the future South Korean commander-in-chief Lu Taiyu, Zheng Gaorong, Sun Yongji and others.

I remember well that these people, led by Quan Douguang, established a secret group called "Seven Stars Society", which was later expanded into "One Heart Society" with Quan Douhuan as the president.

"One Heart Society" means that members should "be wholehearted for the country and wholehearted for friends", and especially emphasize the mutual unity and loyalty among members.

"One Heart Society" is centered on the 11th class of the Army Academy, and strictly selects students from all classes of the Army Academy, especially those who are from Gyeongsang Province (South Korea's "Lingnan Region"), are loyal and can stick together, so that a power group has gradually formed within the South Korean army through the combination of academic affinity, geographical affinity, loyalty and personal ambition.

In 1973, another leader of the "One Heart Society", the commander of the Capital Guard, Yun Pil-yong, was investigated for making irresponsible remarks about the presidential successor to the Minister of Central Intelligence, Lee Ho-rak, which led to the "One Heart Society" surfacing. Chun Doo-hwan also faced the crisis of forced retirement, but he was saved by the then Chief of the Security Office Park Jong-kyu. Park Chung-hee also allowed the "One Heart Society" to continue to exist, making the "One Heart Society" a direct line of Chun Doo-hwan and the basis for seizing power.

Among these people, Du Yongxiao paid the most attention to Lu Taiyu, who was also a hero of his generation. Although his means of ruling South Korea were not as ruthless as Chun Doo-gwang, he also knew how to control his subordinates and helped South Korea gain international status. He was also a very capable general.

This was not the first time that Lu Taiyu and Du Yongxiao had met. He had met Du Yongxiao twice through Quan Douguang, and this was the third time. Compared with Quan Douguang's boldness, Lu Taiyu seemed taciturn, or not good at speaking, but Du Yongxiao knew that the more such a person was, the more unpredictable his heart was, otherwise he would not step on his friend Quan Douguang to get to the top in the future.

Everyone exchanged a few words at the door, and Quan Douguang invited Du Yongxiao to come in.

Yan Xiong followed Du Yongxiao, but Jin Zhongji was not qualified to go in.

Quan Douguang's general's mansion was not big, nor luxurious, but just a courtyard attic, with a very Korean classical atmosphere.

In a quiet courtyard, there stood a small wooden building, which was where Quan Douguang often met guests and where the members of the Yixin Club gathered.

When Du Yongxiao walked in, there were four military bosses waiting in the room. They had lower military ranks and were not qualified to accompany Quan Douguang to greet Du Yongxiao in person.

Seeing Du Yongxiao and others coming in, the four of them quickly stood up and saluted Du Yongxiao, Quan Douguang and others.

Looking at the seven people in front of him, Du Yongxiao knew that all the members of the Seven Stars Society, the predecessor of Yixinhui, should be in place today.

It seems that Quan Douguang attaches great importance to today's meeting, and it is difficult for him to break Hyundai Motor's monopoly in South Korea.

Sure enough, when everyone sat down and tea, fruits, and cakes were served, Quan Douguang went straight to the point and told Du Yongxiao: "Mr. Du, you should know that although Hyundai Group's cars are now sold under the banner of domestic production and patriotic marketing, they It has always been supported by the American consortium. To be precise, it is supported by the American Ford Industry. If your Mitsubishi Motors in Hong Kong wants to enter, I'm afraid--"

Quan Douguang touched the tea cup, looked at Du Yongxiao's eyes, and hesitated to speak.

Du Yongxiao smiled slightly: "I know this is very difficult. To be honest, if it wasn't difficult, I wouldn't ask General Quan and you guys for help!"

Quan Douguang nodded, "In fact, South Korea's Samsung Group has always been interested in the automobile industry, but unfortunately -" He glanced at Lu Taiyu next to him.

Roh Taiwoo said slowly: "It's a pity that Samsung and Cheong Wa Dae didn't have a harmonious relationship before, so they missed this bonus."

Of course Do Yongxiao knew that when the Blue House approached Samsung to allow the construction of the highway, Samsung refused, which was tantamount to denying the commander-in-chief Park Chung-hee face.

It is precisely because of this that when Samsung Electronics encountered a crisis this time, its leader Lee Byung-cheol went to the Blue House to seek help from Park Chung-hee and wanted to borrow money from the three major banks. The Blue House promised, but it has been delayed for so long.

To use a common saying, face is given by the other party. If you didn’t give me face before, why should I care about you now?

"General Quan, since I have come to you this time, I think you will definitely have a solution, right?" Du Yongxiao sipped his teacup lightly and said with a smile.

Quan Douguang also smiled, "Indeed, we have a way! Our military purchases a large number of vehicles from Hyundai every year, including jeeps, cars, large military trucks, etc. If Mr. Du is willing, You can compete, in terms of price and quality—"

Du Yongxiao smiled, "The price is easy to talk about!" He said in his heart, isn't it just a kickback for you, I understand. "We will discuss the specific price when the time comes."

Quan Douguang and others smiled knowingly, thinking that Mr. Du was a wonderful man, and he could tell the truth.

"As for quality, our cars are just new. You can check them when the time comes!" Du Yongxiao is also very confident in this point. Mitsubishi's technology is no worse than Ford's.

If this entry into South Korea is successful, then their Du Group will be able to put Mitsubishi aside and officially develop their own cars and supply them to South Korea and the world.

"Haha, Mr. Du is really quick to talk! Let's talk about the conditions next!" Quan Douguang stopped hiding and was about to make a request directly.

Lu Taiyu and others looked at Du Yongxiao with serious expressions.

Du Yongxiao smiled slightly: "I'm all ears!"