Korean TV series: King of Peninsula 1997

Chapter 347 Friends of friends

"No problem," Zhao Taixie laughed, "President Li, give me some time. I'll ask him to come to Seoul to see you in person."

"Any day or so will do," Li You didn't give a specific time, but just smiled and nodded, "As long as it's as soon as possible."

"Then it's settled," Zhao Taixie clapped his hands, "Friends of friends are naturally friends too. I believe that Chairman Li and Cui Yixian will have a pleasant exchange."

"He knows everything about Busan, no matter how big or small the matter is," Cho Tae-seop praised Choi Ik-hyun. "With his help, I believe it won't be difficult for Chairman Lee to take over Busan."

The two of them talked about whatever came to mind, and before long, the topic jumped from Busan to international relations.

When it comes to this, Zhao Taixie, who is already talkative, becomes even more talkative.

"Speaking of North-South relations," Cho Tae-seop soothed his throat with tea, "it's really complicated."

"Things have gotten much better in the past few years," Cho Tae-seop sighed. "After all, the North has had a new leader in the past decade, and President Kim is very decisive, which is why the relationship has been restored to this level."

He shook his head. "There is a confidential matter. I wonder if President Li has heard about it."

The secrets that Zhao Taixie mentioned were obviously for ordinary people.

"Confidential?" Li You raised his eyebrows. "What's going on?"

"This happened in 1994," Cho Tae-seop said mysteriously, "The previous leader of the North was in a critical condition at the time."

"Even the relationship between the two sides has become very bad as a result."

"Due to the backward medical conditions and the scarcity of top surgeons, doctors here end up going there to perform surgeries."

"What's the result?" Li You already realized what this was.

"It is said that the operation was successful," Zhao Taixie said with some regret, "but due to some other reasons, he still died of illness."

It is self-evident who this 'he' is referring to.

"In fact, from that time on," Zhao Taixie nodded affirmatively, "the relationship between the North and the South began to get better and better."

"The doctor didn't come back?" Li You asked, the question seemed a little out of place in the conversation.

Zhao Taixie frowned and thought for a while, then answered the question, "I don't know the details either. The person in charge of this matter was Zhang Shuozhou, who is now on the same side as President Kim."

"But there is indeed no news of that doctor returning to Seoul," Cho Tae-seop said affirmatively.

"It's a bit heavy to talk about it," Zhao Taixie smiled and shook his head, "Let's not talk about these two sides, let's talk about something else."

"Chairman Li, the National Assembly recently passed a very interesting proposal," Cho Tae-seop introduced to Lee Woo, "It's about a joint trade zone between our three countries."

"Is it Han Rihe?"

"Yes," Zhao Taixie nodded, "Now everyone is in a friendly period, and this proposal is also good, so it was passed."

"But this still requires a lot of research and it certainly won't be completed in one or two years."

Li You nodded, "What is the specific idea?"

"Assuming that," Zhao Taixie said, "the population of this three-country free trade zone exceeds 1.5 billion, and tariffs and other trade restrictions within the trade zone will be abolished, Chairman Li should be able to imagine how smooth the flow of goods will be, and even all manufacturers can reduce production costs and have a larger market and profits."

"People will also be able to get goods at lower prices, and the overall economic welfare of the three countries will increase."

"."

Li You was silent for a while. "According to this model, it will take ten to twenty years, not to mention a few years, to complete. We may not even be able to start."

"There are too many obstacles," Li You shook his head, "and there is another country that we simply cannot get around."

Zhao Taixie thought about the situation in South Korea and Japan and fell silent. After a while, he smiled bitterly and shook his head, "That can't be helped."

"It's better to focus on the North-South Joint Development Zone at present," he sighed, "at least the resistance in the middle will be much smaller."

The sunlight still shines through the windows of the teahouse, gently sprinkling on the wooden floor of the teahouse, warm but not dazzling.

At this time, the teahouse is filled with tranquility, and the aroma of tea is still rising, which complements the hustle and bustle coming from the street corner.

Li You gently stroked the metal watch case on his wrist, his eyes wandering between the delicate hands.

The ticking sound of the dial reminded Li You of the time. Zhao Taixie opposite him lowered his head slightly with a smile on his lips, recalling the conversation just now.

The ceramic tea set on the tea table exudes a faint residual warmth, and the remaining tea is swaying in the transparent cup.

The two sat by the window and had a long conversation about the city's development and various situations.

As time passed, the afternoon sun gradually moved westward, projecting onto the surface of Li You's watch, reflecting a hint of cold metallic light.

Li You's eyes moved away from the watch dial. He gently put down the teacup in his hand, which was now empty.

He stood up and stopped Han Zhixian from pouring him tea. "Secretary Han, that's enough."

Li You nodded slightly to Zhao Taixie who was sitting opposite him, "Councilman Zhao, let's stop here today."

"Okay," Zhao Taixie also stood up, "I had a great time chatting with Chairman Li today. I didn't realize it's already this hour."

"Councilman Zhao, you're too polite," Li You smiled. "As for me, I gained a lot from chatting with Councilman Zhao."

"Chairman Li is even more polite than me," Zhao Taixie laughed, stood up, straightened his collar, and put on his coat on the rack.

"President Li, I'll take you there."

The sun sets in the west, and its afterglow shines on the Seoul skyline, with the golden light complementing the glass curtain walls of the tall buildings.

Li You and Zhao Taixie walked out of the tea room side by side, and the breeze gently brushed their faces.

After they walked out of the tea room, they both had smiles on their faces.

They walked slowly along the path in the courtyard toward the busy street outside the teahouse.

Outside the alley, there is a hustle and bustle of traffic and people coming and going. It is still the fast-paced life and hurried footsteps of Seoul, which is completely different from the tranquility in the tea room.

"No wonder it's called the Quiet Tea House," Li You nodded with a smile, his words full of praise, "It's possible to achieve completely different rhythms on both sides."

"It was just a coincidence," Zhao Taixie laughed, "that's how I came across this teahouse."

"That's enough," Li You looked at the car whose door was opened by Yoon Ji-woo, turned around and said goodbye to Zhao Taixie, "I know Councillor Zhao also has his own things to do."

"Okay," Zhao Taixie shook hands with Li You, "As for Choi Ik-hyun, I will tell Chairman Li as soon as the time he comes to Seoul is confirmed."

He watched Li You get into the car and waved goodbye with a smile.

After a while, Zhao Taixie looked at Han Zhixian who was following him and said, "Zhixian, have you seen your brother recently?"

Zhao Taixie still cared a little and talked to Li You about Han Zhixian's siblings. After all, he knew very well what he had done to Han Zhixian's brother.

That was to take advantage of a kind man's amnesia and turn him into a killer with countless blood on his hands. Han Zhixian lowered his head and shook his head quickly, "He has been busy with his own affairs."

"See him more often when you have time," Zhao Taixie said with a gentle smile, "After all, you are not separated, so don't make it so sad."

He narrowed his eyes, "As for Cui Yixian, when he comes to see Li You, see his attitude and see if you can get him to reveal Li You's plan."

"Cui Yixian has always been smooth and cunning. I don't know why he took the initiative to ask for a meeting with Li You this time."

Han Ji-hyun wrote down everything Zhao Taixie told her.

When Li You returned to Kinmen Group, it was not too late. It was just dusk. The headquarters building of Kinmen Group was bathed in the afterglow, and the forest of steel and concrete became softer.

At least the wait for Li You’s visitor was not in vain, at least Li You came back.

Lee Soo-man, who was patiently waiting for Lee Woo to come back, had a neatly-tied suit and a hint of barely perceptible anxiety on his face.

But it wasn't because of the long wait, but because the situation was really urgent.

When he saw Li You's figure through the translucent glass door in the waiting area on the top floor, a light flashed in his eyes.

Lee Soo Man quickly pushed the door open and greeted respectfully, "Chairman Nim."

"Producer Li," Li You smiled at him gently. When he came up, someone had already told him that Lee Soo Man was waiting upstairs. "Sorry for the long wait."

"No, no," Li Xiuman had a smile on his face, but Li You still saw the anxiety in his eyes, "Just follow me in."

Li You took a step forward and said, "Then tell me why Producer Li is so anxious."

The corridor outside the office was silent again, with only the sound of footsteps echoing in this spacious space.

Lee Soo Man followed Lee You's steps, the older middle-aged man cautiously and eagerly.

Li You pushed open the office door and stepped into the office representing Kinmen’s highest decision-making. Li Xiuman followed closely behind him and stepped over the threshold.

In the office, the evening sun was pouring in through the French windows. Li You and Li Xiuman sat on the sofa. Looking at the somewhat reserved Li Xiuman, he couldn't help but smile, "Producer Li, are you here this time because of the concert in Japan?"

"It's like this," Lee Soo Man was not sure whether Lee Woo still remembered him. Last year, he came to Lee Woo specifically to ask for help, hoping to use Lee Woo's power to promote SM Entertainment's artists in Japan.

"As expected, the president still remembered," Lee Soo Man breathed a sigh of relief, "and it was the artist Kwon Bo Ah."

"I just need to say hello over there," Li You smiled, "I don't really have many connections in Japan, but I do have some business dealings."

"What's more, Quan Baoer is now a hot new star in East Asia, and they are willing to let her test the waters."

Last year, 13-year-old Kwon BoA released her first EP in Korea. Her musical talent is truly incredible and she quickly became a popular star in East Asia.

Over the past year, she has been invited to become a regular guest on Inkigayo and has become a well-known figure in her local area.

"BoA's overseas songs have received very good responses," Lee Soo Man nodded, "That special album is very popular."

"If you approve it, I want her to release a few singles in Japan first. It's better to take it slow."

"No problem," Li You didn't ask about the specific details. As long as he could make money, it was fine. He waved his hand and said, "I'll contact you about this matter. Don't worry, Producer Li."

"SM Entertainment's stock price has started to rise again recently," Li You looked at him with a smile, "Should we congratulate Producer Li on his financial freedom in advance?"

"There's no such thing as freedom or insecurity," Lee Soo Man sighed, "I just love this job."

Li You nodded and took out his phone with a smile, "Wait a moment, Producer Li. I have nothing to do anyway. Let me finalize the matter first."

He hasn't contacted Li Mingyi from Japan for a long time.

Or rather, he hadn't contacted him since he last came back from Japan.

The people who obey him are very useful. Although Li You rarely sees the six specially trained geishas, ​​they have always been the personal rotating bodyguards of Mou Xianmin and Li Youmo, and are also responsible for various household chores at home.

When Li Mingyi received Li You's call, he was still very hesitant. He didn't know how to contact Li You.

When I met Li You, Li You was just a rising star, and there was Shi Dongchu above him.

Now both parties are presidents, and the elderly Li Mingyi is no match for them in terms of financial or human resources.

This is also the idea of ​​many leading figures of the Korean Peninsula. Li You is too young and too stubborn, and many people don't know how to contact him.

Li You is not the second generation supported by the Quanzhou Li family, and he cannot pretend to be rich and try to regard himself as an elder.

"President Li" Li Mingyi answered the phone and spoke hesitantly.

The same address came over the phone. Li You smiled and said, "We are both Chairman Li, so I will just call you Uncle?"

Compared to the time in Japan, Li You's attitude this time was gentler.

Li Mingyi first breathed a sigh of relief, but then his heart tightened. He did not change his address, "President Li, why did you call me this time?"

"Uncle is right," Li You said with a smile, "There are indeed some small matters. I have some artists here. If they want to debut in Japan, how should they proceed?"

"Artist?" Li Mingyi was stunned and realized it was a trivial matter.

He thought for a moment and quickly answered, "It just so happened that in 1999, a record company was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and I still had quite a few shares."

"If President Li thinks it's suitable, I can recommend it. At least I can guarantee the artist's resources in Japan."

To be honest, Li Mingyi had the wrong idea. He always felt that these artists had a close relationship with Li You.

Li You smiled and asked, "What company are you talking about, uncle?"

"Avex Music is headquartered in Tokyo," Li Mingyi said. "I decided to invest in the company because I thought its business philosophy was good. I didn't expect it to be doing so well now."

"Their business is also very broad. In addition to the common record production and distribution, artist management, music magazine publishing, etc., they now also have a specialized animation production company."

"Then I'll trouble you, uncle," Li You introduced, "There is only one artist at the moment, her name is Quan Baoer, she is quite famous in East Asia, and she is a very young singer."

"Kwon Bo-ah?" Li Mingyi wrote down the name. "I'll let them know. What is her agency in Korea?"

"SM Entertainment," Li You told him the message, "The people from Avex can just contact them directly. I told them to wait for the call."

"No problem," Li Mingyi agreed immediately.

After hanging up the phone, Li Mingyi touched his heart and thought, I've finally sent him away.

"Producer Li," Li You smiled and stood up, returning to his office chair, "I've already made arrangements over there. You should have heard of Avex?"

"Hiss," Lee Soo Man took a breath, "Avex is one of the largest record companies in Japan, of course I know that."

"It's good to know," Li You was a little surprised when he heard him say that. He didn't pay attention to these things. He really didn't know, but he just waved his hand and said, "Producer Li, just go back and wait for the call. Someone from Avex will contact you soon."

"Thank you, President Nim," Lee Soo Man nodded and bowed, and left with satisfaction.

(End of this chapter)