America: My Time

Chapter 1303 Fear
Chapter 1293 Fear

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Li Fuzhen's return this time will likely yield no results. Soros and the oil-rich capital will continue to use their influence to affect South Korea, using South Korea to distract them. Despite all that they've done, these guys are far more cunning and treacherous. As long as the rules and bottom lines aren't crossed, there's nothing they wouldn't dare to do.

Even if he knew, John couldn't refuse. The enemy was making plans, and so was John. Soros and those guys, even Rockefeller and those old fogies, were plotting against him, and John was plotting against them too. It all came down to whose methods were more clever. And once the Koreans got involved, they shouldn't expect to have an easy time. They wouldn't be able to get out without paying a heavy price.

John had already anticipated when his enemies would deliver the fatal blow: the Spring Festival. Knowing himself as Soros and his associates did, they would naturally choose this time to strike. For them, it was the perfect opportunity—while he was immersed in the joy of the holiday—to deliver the fatal blow and reignite the financial crisis in Southeast Asia.

Knowing it was a trap, John still jumped in! As soon as the news of Lee Boo-jin's flight from Beijing to Seoul came out, Soros and his cronies knew immediately, and even the Koreans knew. They all had smiles on their faces, looking forward to the start of the contest.

Just as John had guessed, Lee Boo-jin easily completed the real estate acquisition in her deal with those guys without encountering any resistance. The reason was simple: this was their bait. In order to keep Lee Boo-jin tied to the Koreans and to have one negotiation after another with them, they wanted to attract John's attention.

"What? This is impossible! How could she pin the blame on Asian Energy and Standard Chartered Bank? This is impossible, unless John, that bastard, doesn't want to do business with us at all and is just playing us!" When those Koreans wanted to talk to Lee Boo-jin about energy and finance, they were directly rejected and blamed on Asian Energy and Standard Chartered Bank. Even the minerals were blamed on Quantum Mining, which completely stunned those Korean officials.

These conglomerates didn't want to get involved themselves; they just wanted the authorities to intervene. But the outcome exceeded their expectations, hence their shock. By this time, the South Korean conglomerates realized something was wrong, but it was too late. Lee Boo-jin didn't give them a chance, turning away to deal with Phoenix Group and media entertainment matters, leaving them hanging and not giving them any further opportunity to negotiate.

"Old Li, this matter needs your intervention. Only with your intervention can things take a turn for the better. After all, she is your daughter, so we will give you this much face." Those guys went directly to the Samsung Li family and dumped the problem on them.

“I can’t make decisions for her. You know her situation. Although she’s my daughter, Samsung hasn’t gotten much benefit from her. She cares more about that little fox, John. You’re asking me to step in, but I can’t do anything about it!”

Faced with the lack of cooperation from the Samsung Lee family, the South Korean conglomerates were extremely annoyed, and even the government officials were furious. This was not just a matter for the Samsung Lee family, but for the entire South Korean nation!
"Old Li, you should understand that this isn't just one person's problem, it's a problem for the whole of Korea. And don't forget, this is also what those people are demanding. Are you going to make an enemy of them?"

"Heh, don't try to pressure me with them. I don't want to be their enemy, and I don't want to get involved in their internal struggles. What right do we have to get involved in such a struggle? It's fine if you want to die, but don't drag my Li family and Samsung into it. If we really anger them, they can shut us down just by cutting off our sales. You know Sony's situation. I don't want to follow in their footsteps."

When everything is laid bare, no matter how angry those guys are, it's useless. The struggle between John and Soros is an internal struggle within the United States, and they, as outsiders, should not interfere. If they insist on getting involved in this vortex, they will inevitably pay a heavy price. This is an outcome that the Samsung Lee family does not want to accept, and it is also Lee Boo-jin's reminder to them.

"But we lack energy, we lack minerals, we lack food. We lack everything now. If Samsung doesn't step in, how can we talk?" The official finally lost his temper, a hint of anger in his eyes. After all, they were under greater pressure. If they couldn't quell public anger and restore order, the consequences would be unimaginable!

"This is your problem, not mine. If you had shown even a little sincerity, if you hadn't had those foolish ideas, things wouldn't be like this now. John wants sincerity. Do you have any sincerity at all? Is our market bigger than Japan's? Can we compare with China, or can we compare with Japan? We are inferior to them in every way. What right do we have to make such demands? Even Japan has compromised. What are we still insisting on? Can you tell me?" Lee Kun-hee's face showed a mocking expression. Seeing that the other party did not answer him, he continued, "Why can't you speak? I don't care what you think, but Samsung has no choice but to compromise. We will bow down to them in exchange for survival. I can't hold on any longer!"

Has Samsung Group really reached its breaking point? Has it truly reached the end of its rope? No, they are far from that point. They simply don't want to continue. They know they have no hope in this confrontation. Since they see no hope, they want to cut their losses and preserve Samsung's vitality, rather than continue fighting John.

"What? Are you crazy? Are you trying to betray everyone, betray the Koreans?"

"Heh, what time is it now, and you're still trying to pin this on me? You think you're going to die if you don't compromise? Do you really think Soros and his cronies will let us off the hook? You're naive, but I'm not. I don't want to keep making a scene like this! If John steps in and cuts off our sales, I believe it will be too late for you to beg for mercy. You want to die, but I don't!"

"But have you considered that Soros is backed by the Federal Reserve and the United States? If we resist, we will only suffer a worse fate and pay a greater price. I don't believe you don't understand this!"

"I understand, of course, but so what? This is just their internal strife. John is also a member of the Federal Reserve, and he's in cahoots with Morgan. Most importantly, his financial acumen is far more formidable than Soros'. You can't withstand Soros' pressure, but can you withstand John's targeting? Or do you think John will show mercy? Forget about using honey traps; they're useless. In the face of self-interest, they have no effect whatsoever. Make a decision quickly. I can tell you clearly that there must be a result before the Spring Festival, or you'll bear the consequences!"

As soon as Lee Kun-hee finished speaking, everyone gasped. They all knew that Soros's demand was that they hold off John until at least the Lunar New Year. It was clear that John had seen through Soros's scheme, which made them all frown, fearing the seriousness of the situation.

"As expected, these guys have all been bought off. They're incredibly stupid. They're willing to get involved in the internal strife in the US for such a small gain. Isn't that just courting death?" Seeing everyone's reaction, Lee Kun-hee finally understood everything. He realized that he hadn't received any pressure from Soros and his group because of Lee Boo-jin. After all, Soros was worried about the information leaking out and didn't trust Lee Kun-hee or Samsung, so he hadn't discussed it with him at all!

"Old Li, you guys signed a contract?"

"No! But it will be soon. Asia Energy, Standard Chartered Bank, and Quantum Mining will all send people to negotiate with Samsung. If you want to compromise, then seize the opportunity. I won't say anything more. You all understand. The choice is your own business. Samsung cannot be dragged down. I hope you will consider it carefully!"

John made his decision swiftly and decisively, and Lee Boo-jin understood his thinking. She accomplished everything herself without him even needing to speak. Lee Boo-jin was acutely aware of the current situation with South Korea; delaying would only lead to greater losses. It was better to act decisively and finalize the cooperation sooner. If South Korea had reached an agreement with John immediately, things wouldn't be like this now, and there wouldn't be so much pressure. At least the public discontent would be much less. Japan was a case in point; although its financial system suffered a severe blow, public discontent wasn't too serious, as people's basic needs were still met. This was the result of compromise.

“If you’ve already given up, what are we still considering? Without Samsung, we can’t keep going either. I agree to compromise and give up those unthinkable ideas. Survival is the only priority. Now I finally understand Kim Woo-jung’s feelings. What does face matter in the face of life and death? As long as we can get out of this crisis, any price is worth it. Otherwise, we’ll go bankrupt and have nothing left.”

Yes, no one wants to face bankruptcy liquidation. When there's no hope in sight, the best option is to bow down and admit defeat, to compromise with John and show their sincerity. Otherwise, only death awaits them. Although these guys are extremely arrogant, they're not stupid. Samsung has compromised; what reason do they have to continue persisting, unless they truly don't want to live and are determined to destroy themselves!
(End of this chapter)