The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

At 6 p.m., the "Cloud View" banquet hall on the top floor of the Shilla Hotel.

This private space, measuring only 80 square meters, is never booked by the public and is only open to guests whose invitations are personally signed by the hotel's president, Lee Jae-ki.

When Xu Yun walked in, there were already five people sitting in the hall.

Besides Lee Jae-gi, there were four other men aged between forty and fifty, all dressed in dark suits and wearing watches of the Patek Philippe or Vacheron Constantin level.

They sat on a low leather sofa, holding whiskey glasses, and their conversation stopped abruptly the moment Xu Yun pushed open the door.

"Mr. Xu, welcome." Lee Jae-ki smiled and stood up to greet him.

Today he changed into a light gray suit, which looked less businesslike and more casual than it did yesterday at the Luo Yan Restaurant.

"Let me introduce you. These are all my friends—Director Kim of Samsung Securities, Department Head Lee of Samsung C&T, Executive Director Park of Samsung Life Insurance, and this gentleman..."

He pointed to the man sitting at the very back, whose hair was neatly combed, and said, "This is Vice President Jung of Samsung Electronics' Overseas Business Division."

Xu Yun shook hands with each person, making sure his smile was appropriate.

He could feel the scrutinizing gazes of these people as they briefly lingered on him.

The way they look at you makes it seem like they're not looking at a person, but rather at a product, a transaction, or an assessment of a potential variable.

"Mr. Xu's Chinese name is 'Yun'? In Korean, this word means 'luck'."

Director Kim of Samsung Securities was the first to speak.

He was in his early fifties, with long, sharp eyes behind his glasses. He smiled and said, "It seems Mr. Xu is a lucky man."

"Luck is also a part of strength."

Xu Yun sat down at the spot indicated by Li Zaiji, and a waiter immediately brought him a wine glass.

"Just like how you all hold important positions in a company like Samsung, it's not just luck, is it?"

That's a clever way of putting it.

Xu Yun both picked up on the conversation and flattered everyone present.

People grow up too. In this year, he met too many important people and experienced too many things. He naturally learned some interpersonal skills.

Lee Jae-ki smiled and raised his glass: "Let's have a drink first. This is a 30-year-old Macallan that I brought back from my private cellar in Scotland. I hope Mr. Seo likes it."

After a few rounds of drinks, the conversation naturally turned to business.

After all, that's the purpose of having dinner and meeting together today.

Samsung C&T's Minister Lee asked casually, "I heard that Mr. Xu came to South Korea this time to introduce Chinese food into our market?"

"A small test."

Xu Yun swirled his wine glass, the amber liquid gleaming under the light, and said, "There's a Chinese saying, 'Food is the first necessity of the people.' Food is the commodity that most easily transcends cultural barriers."

not to mention……"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before him, and said with a smile, "Young people in South Korea are becoming increasingly accepting of Chinese culture, from K-Pop to Chinese dramas, and now it's time for Chinese food to take over."

"Have a vision."

Park, the executive director of Samsung Life Insurance, chimed in. He was a round-faced, slightly chubby man.

He smiled, his eyes narrowing into slits: "But the food market in South Korea is not easy to enter. Food safety standards, localization of flavors, distribution costs... these are all hurdles."

"That's why I need partners."

Xu Yun put down his wine glass, leaned forward slightly, and said, "A threshold is an obstacle for outsiders, but for those with local partners, it's a moat, right?"

The banquet hall was silent for a few seconds.

The Samsung Electronics executive who had been silent until now, Vice Minister Jeong, suddenly spoke up and asked, "Mr. Xu, what industry are you in in China?"

His question was very direct.

Upon hearing this, Xu Yun remained unfazed: "A jack of all trades, master of none. I dabble in everything. I've invested in a few financial companies, a few tech companies, and even real estate. Recently, I've become quite interested in consumer brands."

"A technology company?"

Vice Minister Zheng became interested and pressed further, "In what aspect?"

"Biotechnology, artificial intelligence, chips, and new energy sources."

Xu Yun casually named a few and laughed, "But they're all small-scale operations, nothing compared to giants like Samsung."

This is half true and half false.

He did invest in these areas, but on a much larger scale than "small-scale".

There's no need to reveal our hand now.

For the next half hour, the conversation took place in what appeared to be relaxed casual conversation.

They talked about China's economy, the political situation in South Korea, and changes in the global supply chain, but Xu Yun could sense that every question was a test of his background, strength, and true intentions.

Until the dinner was nearing its end.

A waiter came in at just the right moment to remove the plates and then brought out a cigar box.

Lee Jae-ki may have truly believed in Xu Yun's abilities, so he personally cut open a Cuban Cohiba, handed it to him, and said with a smile, "Mr. Xu, try this. It's a rare 1998 edition that you can't find on the market anymore."

Xu Yun doesn't smoke, but he doesn't mind having one occasionally.

The cigar is lit, and the smoke rises slowly into the air.

The other four guests had only come today to verify Xu Yun's identity for the first time. Now that they had obtained the information they wanted, or when they realized that they would not gain anything more tonight, they got up one after another to say goodbye.

Before leaving, everyone left their business cards and said polite things like "keep in touch".

In the end, only Xu Yun and Li Zaiji remained in the banquet hall.

"What does Mr. Xu think of them?"

Lee Jae-ki skillfully exhaled a smoke ring, revealing himself to be a seasoned smoker. Compared to Xu Yun, he was much more conventional and even somewhat green.

“They are all smart people.”

Xu Yun spoke frankly: "He's so smart that he has to think about every single word three times."

"That's how it is to do business in South Korea."

Lee Jae-ki laughed and said, "Especially dealing with people from the Three Star System, but..."

He then changed the subject: "Compared to Samsung, the Shinsegae Group is probably more complicated. The empire that the Park family has run for three generations looks glamorous on the outside, but it has long been riddled with problems on the inside."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yun did not respond, but waited for what was to come.

"I heard that Mr. Xu is discussing a collaboration with the Park family? Through that kid Park Ik-tae?"

Sure enough, Lee Jae-ki flicked his cigarette ash and continued, "That kid is useless and has no say in the family. If Mr. Xu really wants to open up the Korean market, he might as well consider other channels."

"for example?"

"For example, Samsung."

Lee Jae-ki looked Xu Yun straight in the eye: "While Samsung's retail channels aren't as extensive as Shinsegae's, they have advantages in the high-end market and the global supply chain, and..."

He lowered his voice: "Samsung won't be like the Park family, fighting to the death internally, dragging out even a cooperation agreement for three months."

Xu Yun slowly puffed on his cigar, letting the smoke linger in his mouth for a moment before exhaling.

"I am very grateful for President Li's suggestion."

Xu Yun didn't respond to his words, but politely declined, saying, "However, business is about first come, first served. I've already contacted the Park family, and it doesn't seem appropriate to switch to you now."

But if other cooperation opportunities arise in the future, Samsung will definitely be my first choice.

This statement was perfectly watertight—it neither refused nor promised.

Lee Jae-ki nodded, as if he had expected this answer.

"I understand. I wish Mr. Xu all the best."

However, Mr. Xu, having more friends and options in South Korea is always a good thing, especially when the Park family is in turmoil; having a place to take shelter is always beneficial.

"okay, I get it."

Xu Yun nodded casually and continued to study how to blow out fun smoke rings like Lee Jae-gi.

"..."

Lee Jae-ki watched from the side, his eyes narrowed.

It seems that this young man named Xu Yun is more interested in cigarettes than in the cooperation they are discussing.

After exchanging a few more trivial words, Xu Yun made an excuse to get up and leave.

As he walked out of the banquet hall, he glanced at his watch: 9:47 p.m.

Outside the window at the end of the corridor, Seoul's night view is as dazzling as day.

Xu Yun had just returned to his executive suite and taken off his suit jacket when his phone rang.

It's Lin Suiling.

"How about it?"

Her voice came through the receiver, with soft music playing in the background, like a stereo playing at home.

"I just met with a few people from Samsung to sound them out."

Xu Yun loosened his tie, walked to the liquor cabinet, poured himself a glass of water, and laughed, "More direct than I expected. It seems Samsung is very clear about the situation inside New World and wants to use me to stir things up."

"What are you going to do?"

"Let's play along."

Xu Yun took a sip of water and replied, "Samsung wants to use me, and I want to use them. This kind of mutually beneficial relationship is the most stable because each gets what they need."

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds.

"Xu Yun".

Lin Suiling said softly, "I just checked the backend data, and the first batch of mini breads for trial sales in South Korea... is sold out."

"Sold out?"

Xu Yun raised an eyebrow: "All of them?"

"All."

Lin Huiling said, "Homeplus has ten stores and three New World Food Halls, with a total of five thousand items, all of which sold out within forty-eight hours of being put on the shelves."

Lin Suiling's voice was filled with disbelief, "And people on South Korean social media started posting that this Chinese bread has a 'magical texture' and a 'rich milky aroma,' and some people were even asking where they could buy it."

Xu Yun smiled.

This was within his expectations, but he didn't expect it to happen so quickly.

Lin Suiling's "Suiling Baking" bread is actually different from that in China.

He obtained this recipe through the system a week ago.

Then, the latest improved product, which is now being produced, emphasizes a "cloud-like texture" and "zero additives." In a small place like South Korea, where eating meat is a luxury, this kind of product is simply a game-changer.

"Can the factory's production capacity keep up?" Xu Yun asked.

“I’ve already set up the production line in three shifts, but if we want to supply the country with kimchi on a large scale, we need to expand the production line by at least one more.”

Lin Suiling paused for a moment and then said, "Moreover, cross-border logistics, warehousing, customs clearance... all of these take time."

"Don't rush yet."

Xu Yun thought of Lin Zhengyu and said with a smile, "The formalities are naturally troublesome, but I'll help you find another partner and set up a subsidiary to handle overseas business. With his involvement, none of the problems you mentioned will be a problem."

"Well, I will listen to you."

Xu Yun looked at Nanshan Mountain in the night and said, "Also, the Park family should take the initiative to talk to us tomorrow, then I will have leverage."

After hanging up the phone.

Xu Yun opened his laptop and checked the latest report sent by the speculative investment team.

New World Group's share price rose another 2.1% in the past 24 hours, bringing their holdings to 1.8%.

Another source of funds—Samsung Securities—is estimated to hold around 2.5%.

A note was attached at the end of the report.

The Financial Supervisory Service summoned the CFO of New World Group today to inquire about the reasons for the recent abnormal stock price fluctuations.

The group responded that its operations were "sound and there was no undisclosed material information."

Typical official rhetoric.

Xu Yuncai is unfamiliar with this place, and he is currently relying on the intelligence from the system to cause trouble.

This time, however, he did not exchange information with the system, but instead directly purchased a skill called "Rule Insight".

A surge of electric current coursed through his body.

Xu Yun closed his eyes, concentrated, and suddenly his mind was filled with a lot of knowledge.

[Current Scenario Analysis: The Economic System of Korean Chaebols]

Key characteristics: close ties between government and business, family monopoly, cross-shareholding, and fragile inheritance system.

[System notification: The following exploitable rules exist in this country's business environment:]

1. The actual control of a conglomerate often lies in its family foundation rather than the listed company itself. The conglomerate can indirectly control the group by influencing the foundation's decisions.

2. The succession transition period is the most vulnerable stage for chaebols, as internal factional struggles will expose financial and management loopholes.

3. Zaibatsu (conglomerates) are highly dependent on domestic bank credit, but credit lines are linked to political and business relations; political changes can lead to credit tightening.

4. Numerous related-party transactions exist among subsidiaries of conglomerates, which can become a point of attack in audits and public opinion.

Xu Yun opened his eyes and took a deep breath.

He was amazed that the system could summarize these business rules of South Korea so clearly.

At the same time, he redeemed another piece of intelligence related to the New World Group.

Park Chung-woong, the founder of Shinsegae Group, is 87 years old. He was hospitalized three weeks ago with pneumonia. Although he has been discharged, his health has declined significantly.

The doctor privately told the family that they "need to be mentally prepared."

The position of chairman of the group is currently nominally held by the eldest son, Park Ji-ho, but Park Ji-ho was paralyzed in a car accident three years ago, and the actual power is exercised by his wife, Lee Young-ae.

The second son, Park Ji-hoon, controls the group's real estate and hotel businesses and has a long-standing feud with Lee Young-ae.

Key information: Park Jung-woong's will has not yet been made public, but it is understood that he divided the group's shares among his three children and established a family trust, requiring the third generation to "pass the assessment" before entering the group's core layer.

The evaluation standard is performance.

Xu Yun opened his eyes, a smile playing on his lips, and couldn't help but laugh, "So that's how it is..."

No wonder Lee Young-ae is so eager to achieve results, and no wonder that good-for-nothing Park Ik-tae can still coast along in the family.

Because we are in the race stage now, everyone is trying their best to prove themselves.

His small bread rolls will undoubtedly become the "performance highlight" that Lee Young-ae desperately needs.

As Xu Yun was thinking, his phone vibrated, and the caller ID showed Park Ik-tae.

He deliberately waited three rings before answering, and asked with a smile, "Young Master Park, what's up so late?"

"Mr. Xu..."

Park Ik-tae's voice trembled: "Something's happened! My older brother... Park Dong-joon, he just collapsed at the company and was taken to the hospital!"

Xu Yun's eyes sharpened: "What's going on?"

"I don't know. They said he suddenly fainted and is currently being treated at Samsung Hospital."

Park Ik-tae said, "The family group chat is in an uproar. My sister-in-law, Lee Young-ae, has already rushed over, and my second uncle (Park Ji-hoon) has also flown back from Jeju Island... Grandpa is going to hold an emergency family meeting tomorrow morning..."

"Where are you?"

“I’m at home, but my dad wants me to go to the hospital right away… Mr. Xu…”

Park Ik-tae said cautiously, "It's too coincidental that this happened at this time..."

"..."

Xu Yun walked to the window and looked at the lights of Nanshan Pagoda in the night.

What a coincidence.

That's quite a coincidence.

Just as the small bread rolls had successfully completed their trial sale and Li Ying'ai had seen a glimmer of hope for sales, her husband got into trouble.

If anything were to happen to Park Dong-joon, Lee Young-ae's status within the family would plummet.

After all, what a widow without a direct heir means in a South Korean chaebol family is self-evident.

"Young Master Park."

Xu Yun thought for a moment and then slowly said, "You need to do two things now."

"You say!"

"First, go to the hospital immediately, but don't rush to express your opinion. Observe and listen more and speak less."

"second……"

Xu Yun paused for a moment and said, "If anyone asks about your collaboration with me, just say that everything is going smoothly, the market response to the mini bread is better than expected, and the sales in the first month are expected to reach one billion won."

"A billion? But we've only sold five thousand..."

"Do as I say."

Xu Yun said in an unquestionable tone, "Now is your time to prove your worth. Remember, you are the only one who can bring good news during the family crisis."

After a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, Park Ik-tae seemed to understand something: "You mean... you want me to be the one to deliver the antidote?"

"clever."

Xu Yun smiled: "Go quickly, and keep in touch."

After hanging up the phone, Xu Yun immediately dialed another number.

The head of the speculative investment team answered quickly: "Mr. Xu?"

"Something big is going to happen to the New World Group tomorrow."

Xu Yun spoke quickly, saying, "I need you to do two things."

First, continue buying after the market opens tomorrow to push the stock price up and create the impression of a major positive development.

Second, release information to the media saying, "Chinese capital is optimistic about the retail business innovation of New World Group."

"Understood. Is there anything else?"

"Have."

Xu Yun walked to the desk and said, "At the same time, start shorting Samsung Electronics with a small account, keeping the scale within five million US dollars, but do it obviously so that Samsung Securities can detect it."

"This will alert them."

"What I need is for them to be vigilant."

Xu Yun said, "I want Samsung to know that I'm playing multiple games at the same time, so they'll seriously consider whether to continue watching from the sidelines or join me in playing."

"Okay, Mr. Xu, we understand."

This foreign speculative capital group is impressive, but they need time to gather intelligence or analyze the reasons for stock market fluctuations before they can do anything.

However, Xu Yun could tell them the results directly, which saved them a lot of time and procedures.

After arranging everything, Xu Yun put down her phone.

Then he exchanged some information with the system and learned that the medical accident was not accidental, but rather that Park Ji-hoon had bribed the medical staff and switched the medication.

"I never imagined that the power struggles among South Korean chaebol families were as brutal as depicted on television."

Xu Yun chuckled to himself, "Damn, I feel like I'm acting in a Korean drama."

Tonight, Yu Xuan, who had been standing by the side the whole time, watched her boss Xu Yun's performance and felt the unique charm of a successful businessman for the first time.

Honestly, she never thought Xu Yun was a capable, successful, and shrewd entrepreneur before.

Because she had never seen the other party manage any company; they were always a hands-off manager.

But his wealth is indeed astonishing.

But this time, during her time in Korea, she stayed by Xu Yun's side, watching his every word and action, as if she were seeing a Xu Yun she had never seen before.

This Xu Yun is mature, decisive, good at planning, calculating people's hearts, and taking things one step at a time.

It's hard for Yu Xuan to say which one she doesn't like.

All I can say is that she likes them all.

Xu Yun turned to look at Yu Xuan, who was lost in thought, and asked with a smile, "What's wrong? Something on your mind?"

"No."

Yu Xuan said with a smile, "I just feel that you've changed a bit lately, boss."

"is it?"

Xu Yun chuckled and said, "I think you've changed a bit lately too."

"What's different?" Yu Xuan asked, puzzled.

Xu Yun pretended to be a little dissatisfied and said, "You've become cold towards me and don't even know how to seduce me."

"..."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xuan's face instantly turned red, and she said, "President Xu, I'll go run the bathwater right away." (End of Chapter)