Great Power Reclamation

"Understood!" A fierce tug-of-war between bulls and bears unfolded between Wall Street and the Seoul Stock Exchange. The stock price charts turned into a breathtaking roller coaster, sometimes plunging straight down, sometimes surging violently, with trading volume increasing dramatically, and countless funds being crushed in this game.

Ye Feng not only used the huge capital invested by his brothers, but also made full use of the political influence of the "Future Party".

Several prominent Future Party members of Congress held an emergency hearing on Capitol Hill, publicly questioning:

"Have we overlooked the enormous geopolitical and technological risks in our over-investment in certain South Korean conglomerates?"

What does the Warrior Group's technological breakthrough mean? Does it foreshadow the impending collapse of certain business models that rely on external technology?

"It is recommended to re-examine technology cooperation and military procurement projects with South Korean companies (such as certain components of the F-35)!"

These comments, amplified by the media, further eroded market confidence. Some neutral institutions and funds began to reassess the risk level of South Korean assets, reducing their holdings or even joining the short-selling movement.

A senior senator, representing the Cleveland Foundation, attempted to refute the claims, but was rendered speechless by Future Party senators who bombarded him with detailed data and sharp questions. The incident was broadcast live across the country, achieving the opposite effect.

In a five-star hotel suite in Seoul, Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong were also busy. Ye Yuze was in charge, constantly making and receiving phone calls.

"Old Zhang, yes, it's me. Can your brokerage firm release the research report on LG Electronics' technology rollout now? Make it as strong as possible, yes, don't worry."

"President Li? This is Ye Yuze. Regarding the localization of our fast food raw material procurement, I think we can discuss it further. Yes, the volume is large, but the price... Hehe, your stock price isn't good right now, so cost control is very important..."

His casual remark added another layer of pressure to the already overwhelmed food company under the Xianjing Group.

Yang Geyong was in charge of "practical supervision," and he took several capable assistants to go deep into the grassroots level. Ostensibly, he was there to "inspect the operation of the food branch," but in reality, he was secretly meeting with Li Damei and some senior executives within the Samsung Group who were inclined to cooperate.

"Miss Li, what does your father think?" Yang Geyong looked at Li Damei, who, despite her young age, already displayed astonishing courage.

Lee Dae-mi's eyes were firm: "Yang Oppa, my father and most people within the group believe this is an opportunity. With other conglomerates suffering setbacks, Samsung can become more stable. We are willing to accelerate our cooperation with the Warrior Group in the fields of semiconductor materials and some components, and maintain...neutrality in public opinion."

This so-called neutrality, in this situation, is actually tacit approval and support for Ye Yuze and his group.

Even Samsung's investment arm has begun to "take advantage of the situation" and slightly reduce its holdings in those conglomerates' stocks. Although the reduction is small, it sends a strong signal and has sparked more speculation in the market.

Meanwhile, the long queues outside "A Bite of China" restaurant, and the heartwarming photos of Jin Ping and Jin Wan enjoying the food and experiencing Chinese culture posted on social media, stood in stark contrast to the dire situation of the chaebol's stock price plummeting in financial news.

Park Soo-ah also stepped forward, "unintentionally" revealing in an entertainment interview:

"I've been under a lot of pressure lately, but thankfully my dad's delicious food has been a comfort. Some people always try to confine us with their narrow-minded views, but what's wrong with food and cultural exchange? Everyone enjoys it, right?"

Her pitiful yet stubborn demeanor instantly won the sympathy and support of many young netizens. Meanwhile, a large number of voices questioning the chaebol began to appear online.
Why is it that when tech giants are suppressed, it's always ordinary people and small businesses who suffer?

"Did they think of us when they were enjoying privileges? Why can't they speak for themselves with truly good products, like 'A Bite of China'?"

"Support openness and competition! Oppose monopolies and hegemony!"

Public opinion has begun to tip. After three consecutive days of violent fluctuations, the average stock price of South Korea's major conglomerates has fallen by more than 30%, wiping out hundreds of billions of dollars in market value.

American capital has suffered heavy losses, with funds such as Cleveland and Alnim facing enormous redemption pressure and book losses.

They finally couldn't sit still any longer. Carl Anderson, the arrogant Wall Street veteran and CEO of Alnim Capital, sent a signal through an intermediary that he wanted to "negotiate".

The call went directly to Ye Feng. "Mr. Ye," Anderson's voice came through the phone line, still trying to remain calm, but a hint of fatigue and anxiety was hard to hide.

"This pointless fight should end. You've flexed your muscles, and we admit we underestimated you. Continuing will only result in mutual destruction. We can discuss terms."

Ye Feng leaned back in his comfortable executive chair, his tone relaxed:
“Mr. Anderson, I don’t think this is a pointless fight. It’s about business rules and fair competition. As for negotiations… I think you’ve got one thing wrong.”

"Oh?" Andrei asked, somewhat puzzled.

"It's not a question of whether you want to end this or not."

Ye Feng's voice suddenly turned cold, "It's not a question of when I'm willing to back down. Besides, you don't seem qualified to talk to me directly. Let Sir James of Cleveland and the real people behind you come. Remember, my patience is limited."

After saying that, Ye Feng hung up the phone. The trading manager standing beside him couldn't help but give him a thumbs up: "Boss, that was awesome!"

Ye Feng smiled faintly: "Pass the word down. The next target: target their exchange rate. The Bank of Korea's foreign exchange reserves can't protect the stock market for long. Let's see how long they can hold out!"

A bigger storm is brewing. Meanwhile, in Seoul, Ye Yuze receives an unexpected invitation to a meeting, and the initiator is...

The meeting invitation Ye Yuze received came from an unexpected person—Park Jin-hyuk, the chairman of the Korea Development Bank (KDB).

The Korea Development Bank is South Korea's largest policy bank, often referred to as the "nanny" of chaebols, and is also an important force in stabilizing the financial market.

The significance of extending an invitation at this delicate moment is self-evident.

The meeting was held in a discreet yet luxurious conference room at the headquarters of the Industrial Bank. Besides Park Jin-hyuk, there were two middle-aged men with somber expressions, who were introduced as the trusted secretaries of the Minister of Finance and the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, respectively.

Chairman Park Jin-hyuk was about sixty years old, with his hair neatly combed and wearing gold-rimmed glasses. He looked tired but tried to remain calm.

"Mr. Ye, I have long admired your name. I am only here today because of an urgent matter."

Ye Yuze slowly sipped the top-grade Longjing tea offered to him and smiled:
"Chairman Park, you're too kind. May I ask what brings you here, a fast food vendor?"

Park Jin-hyuk's lips twitched slightly; he clearly understood the teasing in Ye Yuze's words, but since he needed Ye's help, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and say:
"Mr. Ye, let's not beat around the bush. The recent turmoil in the financial markets has had a significant impact on our country's economy. We understand that you and your family played a crucial role in this... fluctuation." "Oh?" Ye Yuze put down his teacup. "Market behavior, just free buying and selling. What, does the South Korean stock market not allow short selling? Or are you saying that only American capital is allowed to make money, while Chinese capital has to obediently take the hits?"

The finance minister couldn't help but speak up: "Mr. Ye! Your actions, in conjunction with Brothers Investment Company of the United States, have gone beyond the scope of normal business! This is malicious sabotage! It will destroy the foundation of South Korea's economy!"

"Sir, you are mistaken." Ye Yuze's face darkened.

"The foundation of the economy is not supported by a few monopolistic tycoons, nor by a stock market manipulated by certain foreign capital. The foundation is the millions of hardworking enterprises and ordinary people! You tycoons, enjoying privileges and resting on your past laurels, resort to crooked methods and suppress fair competition when your technology can't keep up. This is what shakes the foundation!"

His tone turned stern: "As for malicious attacks? If they hadn't used non-market means to suppress my small business first, would I have bothered with this? Do they really think I, Ye Yuze, am made of clay?"

A silence fell over the meeting room. Park Jin-hyuk spoke with difficulty: "Mr. Ye, there may have been some misunderstandings in the past. Now... we hope you can be lenient. If this continues, the Korean won will collapse, businesses will go bankrupt en masse, and unemployment will soar, which will benefit no one. Your investment will also suffer."

Ye Yuze snorted: "My investment? My little fast food restaurant isn't worth much. If it's gone, it's gone. But my son's plans on Wall Street won't be so easy to withdraw from. Besides,"

He changed the subject, "You've come to the wrong person. The real decision-makers aren't me, they're the market and the technology. The core technologies of your conglomerates have fallen far behind the Warrior Group, and that's the root cause. Treating the symptoms is not as good as addressing the root cause."

The secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs finally spoke, his tone much more humble:
“Mr. Ye, we understand. The government is willing to mediate and ensure that your ‘A Bite of China’ and other legitimate businesses are treated fairly in South Korea, and all obstacles will be removed. At the same time, we also urge the Warrior Group to reconsider the possibility of technological cooperation… The price is negotiable.”

Ye Yuze glanced at him, knowing that the time was right. Pushing too hard and actually ruining the South Korean economy was not what he wanted, and it would also attract criticism from the international community.

"Technological cooperation is not out of the question," Ye Yuze said slowly, "but there are a few conditions."

"Please tell me!"

"First, immediately cease all criticism and restrictions against our companies and personnel, and publicly clarify that the so-called 'cultural invasion' and 'food safety' issues are completely unfounded."

"Secondly, LG, Hyundai, SK Group and other groups must show sincerity and send formal delegations to negotiate technology transfer and cooperation with the Warrior Group. Prices should be set according to international business rules. Don't try to play any more tricks."

"Third, in the future, South Korea should maintain an open attitude and carry out equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with us in fields such as high-end manufacturing and new energy, rather than engaging in malicious competition."

Park Jin-hyuk and the others exchanged glances. Although these conditions were harsh, they were not unacceptable, since core technology was the lifeline.

"Then... what about the capital market..." This was Park Jin-hyuk's biggest concern.

Ye Yuze took out his phone: "I'm going to call my son."

The call connected, and Ye Feng's voice came through: "Dad, how did the talk go?"

“That’s about it,” Ye Yuze said. “They’re willing to back down now. You can start closing out your short positions gradually. However, use a portion of the profits from closing out those positions to buy into good core assets, especially subsidiaries with technological potential. We don’t want to destroy them, but rather… to get deeply involved, and even control them in the future.”

Ye Feng laughed on the other end of the phone: "Understood, Dad. The ultimate goal is to acquire companies at rock-bottom prices and integrate resources. I'm already making arrangements. Also, the 'Future Party' just passed a bill restricting hostile takeovers of key companies by certain foreign funds, which will help us clear some obstacles, such as those in Cleveland and Alnim..."

"Great! Well done!" Ye Yuze hung up the phone with satisfaction.

Park Jin-hyuk and his companions were terrified. This father and son, one negotiating and exerting pressure in the public eye, and the other engaging in financial operations and political maneuvering behind the scenes, worked together seamlessly and were extremely cunning.

They not only want to make money in the market, but also seize the opportunity to buy up the most vulnerable parts of South Korea's core industries! This is simply...

But things have come to this point, and they have no more cards to play. American capital itself is in dire straits and has already begun a quiet withdrawal.

The South Korean government had no choice but to cooperate. Several days later, the storm gradually subsided.

Warrior Group announced "technology cooperation consultations" with several South Korean companies. Although details were not disclosed, the market regarded it as a major positive, and the South Korean stock market rebounded strongly. However, the stock price structure has quietly changed. Through a series of operations, Warrior Group and Brother Investment have become major shareholders of several key South Korean companies and have even gained dominance in some areas.

The Korean won exchange rate stabilized. All obstacles to "A Bite of China" were cleared, and the expansion plan was accelerated. Li Damei and Park Soo-ah enthusiastically devoted themselves to the construction of the chain stores. The Kim family's technology investment agreement was officially signed, promising considerable future returns.

The Cleveland consortium and Alnim Capital suffered losses exceeding $10 billion, exiting the South Korean market in disgrace, and their influence on Wall Street was also severely damaged.

A fierce battle of capital ended in a complete victory for the Ye family father and son.

Myeongdong, Seoul. Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong sat on the third floor of "A Bite of China" again, looking down at the still incredibly popular queue.

Yang Geyong clicked his tongue: "Old Ye, that feels good. Not only did you vent your anger, but you also made a killing! It's just that it doesn't feel quite right yet; we didn't get to have a real fight."

Ye Yuze exhaled a smoke ring and chuckled, "You old rascal, all you know is fighting and killing. In this day and age, you have to use your brain to make money! But..."

He paused, gazing at the vibrant night view of Seoul outside the window, his eyes deep and thoughtful.
"After this battle, these guys from South Korea have finally realized who the real boss is. From now on, we're the ones who call the shots here!"

He had barely finished speaking when his phone rang. It was a message from Ye Feng:

"Dad, all done. Next time you adopt a goddaughter, remember to do a background check beforehand, don't mess with someone so formidable again."

Ye Yuze replied with a laugh and a curse: "Get lost! I know what I'm doing!"

He put down his phone, picked up a steaming hot lava bun, bit into it, and the golden lava filling gushed out, incredibly sweet.

The smoke of the capital war has cleared, but the conquest of the palate continues.

Ye Yuze, however, felt a mix of smugness and a growing headache as he watched Park Soo-ah stealing glances at him with increasingly clingy eyes. This "sweet stone" seemed to be getting heavier and heavier. (End of Chapter)