Chapter 40

Water Source, originally known as the Water Source Protectorate and Water Source County, is not only a place with beautiful scenery and a pleasant climate but also one of South Korea's historical and cultural cities. Li Jingming's grandfather lived here.

A small hill covered with green trees, where private estates have built a large area of Korean-style houses. After the fall of Korea, Prince Yiqin purchased property here, and now, if you count, this house has been a decades-old residence. The sky had already darkened, and Li Jingming drove his car through the main gate himself, while several cars behind him carried Li Shengmin and some of his people. After entering the main gate, they continued through the forest for a few more minutes before Li Jingming got out of the car. Unlike his usual casual T-shirt and sport pants, he now wore a well-tailored white shirt, a neat black suit, and shiny leather shoes. He even wore a watch, which he usually found cumbersome and uncomfortable. At this moment, he was no longer the carefree Li Jingming but Li Kan.

In the center of the estate stood a large house, larger than the surrounding buildings. It was a three-story structure, serving as a combination of a hall and a dining room, with an old Korean style and no seats. Many people had already gathered in this large house, but the more important ones arrived last, such as Li Jingming's grandfather, who had not yet arrived.

In the first hall, important figures of the Li family sat, such as Li Shengmin. Behind the sliding doors, in the second hall, sat some of the Li family's in-laws and third-generation members, like daughters, sons-in-law, and younger generations. The innermost hall was the core of the Li family, where only the current head of the family, the matriarch, the three second-generation brothers, the Li family's daughters-in-law, and Li Jingming, the only third-generation grandson, would sit. Despite the large space, only nine people were seated here.

In front of each family was a table, with space for only two people to sit. Everyone took their seats according to their seniority and status. Only Li Jingming sat at a separate table next to his father, a privilege of being the eldest grandson. The Li family, when counted, had hundreds of members, but this hall, despite its name, could not accommodate even fifty people due to its layout. Therefore, only the elite of the Li family could enter here.

The clan meeting was held three times a year, usually coinciding with traditional holidays like the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Spring Festival. This was different from the ancestral worship activities, which had no fixed time, but its importance was no less.

The table was full of Korean dishes, which made Li Jingming frown. These were indeed made by master chefs, and the taste was not bad, but the large amount of soy sauce used made him think of the "Jessica brand" sandwiches. After everyone had gathered, the meal began, and Li Jingming's meal was not enjoyable. In fact, the others felt the same because everyone knew the main event would come after the meal. There was no warm, family-like atmosphere during the meal; everyone spoke softly and behaved with propriety.

Finally, after dinner, the tables were cleared, and the clan meeting officially began. Li He and Min Yi, Li Jingming's grandfather and grandmother, sat at the head of the table. At first, the younger generations reported minor matters, such as which child had been admitted to a certain school or which family had started a new business. In the middle, there were reports on the performance of the Hanwha Group and other family businesses, and everyone was eager to receive their dividends. At this point, the meeting no longer resembled a family gathering but rather a shareholders' meeting. The two elders sat expressionless, occasionally nodding and saying, "Good, very good."

"Kan, I hear you've been up to something again." The old man waved his hand, seemingly tired of the other matters, and directly asked Li Jingming.

"Grandfather, it's just play." Li Kan sat lazily, not even lifting his head. In the entire family, only he dared to appear so relaxed in front of the old man.

"You've always said it's just play, but each time it's a big deal. Tell me, what's this about the entertainment industry?" Li He leaned forward, looking at Li Jingming. This grandson was his pride. At first, he frowned when he heard that his grandson wanted to be a star, but he knew Li Jingming never did anything "simple." After some investigation, he found out that Li Jingming had his eyes on the entertainment industry.

In South Korea, the market is small, and to make money, one must seek opportunities in external markets. The Korean entertainment industry, though seemingly thriving, is only a facade. A single American blockbuster can earn hundreds of millions of dollars internationally, while Korean "K-pop" stars can't earn as much even with dozens of concerts. Only Korean pop music and TV dramas have a market in Asia, and the film industry, which Korea has long coveted, is dominated by China and Japan, leaving little room for Korea. In Korea, the entertainment industry is not very profitable.

What Li Jingming cared about was never money.

"Our Hanwha, along with Shinhan, Hanjin, and Lotte, are all traditional industries. We have already reached the peak in Korea, and it's a testament to our elders' management that we haven't declined. However, companies like Samsung are still advancing, indicating they have advantages we lack." Li Jingming glanced at the Li family members in the second hall. "Everyone understands this, but no one is willing to do it, so I will."

"Kan, that's not quite right. One of the three major networks is quite 'close' to us." Li Pu, Li Jingming's second uncle, was referring to KBS, which has many Li family members.

"Second Uncle, you mention the three major networks. KBS is known to be a state-owned channel. When did it become 'close' to us?" Li Jingming was unrelenting, even with his uncle. "Do you really think they are our subordinates just because they give us some advertising slots? Can we add our own content to KBS Channel 1? We can't, but Samsung can do it on SBS."

SBS is a joint-stock company, and although no company called Samsung is listed as a major shareholder, Samsung is indeed behind it.

"There are indeed some high-level officials in KBS who are close to us, but it's a state-owned enterprise, and we can never have full control." Li Jingming continued, kneeling. "Koreans today are obsessed with entertainment and celebrities. Those we once looked down upon now have more influence. My idea is simple: if others can do it, we can do it better. It's time for the Republic of Korea to hear our voice."

"This is using the enemy's strengths to counter them." Li Jingming said firmly.

Li He pondered for a moment. "This idea has been discussed in the family before, but our status is sensitive. Those people won't let us build in this area. As soon as we make a move, they will counter us. It's not easy."

"Exactly, if it were easy, we wouldn't be waiting until now." Li Pu sneered.

"Truly laughable. Is Korea the only place in the world?" Li Jingming laughed, including his grandfather in the "laughable" category. "Have you listened to so much nonsense that you really believe the Republic of Korea is the greatest in the universe?"

"Let me be blunt. Don't think it's unpleasant to hear. Koreans have a weakness: while not exactly worshiping foreigners, they are certainly obsequious. If we can use this, it will be our way out. Achieving success in another country can make one a hero in Korea, and it's not hard to do. I'll be that hero."

"Those people can't control America. No matter how tightly they control here, I can still set a fire from the outside."

"I know you have a foundation in America, but aren't you supposed to serve in the military? The family can send some people to help manage your business there." Li Pu mentioned Li Jingming's business in America.

Li Jingming looked at his second uncle, who truly lived up to the "second" name. His father, Li Rong, would never let others touch his business in America. Before he could speak, his grandfather, Li He, interrupted, "Li Pu, can you decide who the family sends where?"

"I dare not."

"Kan, if you have a plan, you don't need to go yourself. It's not fitting for a man to sing and dance." Li He's expression was gentle.

"Grandfather, do I have a chance to become the President of South Korea in my lifetime?" Li Jingming asked.

"Absolutely not." Koreans would never agree to a descendant of the old dynasty becoming the President of South Korea.

"Then, do I have a chance to rebuild the Joseon Dynasty in my lifetime?" Li Jingming asked again.

"Absolutely not." From these two "absolutely nots," Li He understood Li Jingming's intentions. His path in politics was limited by his background, and even if he achieved something, he would face immense opposition. Li Jingming, with his past experience, knew this well.

"Grandfather, this is not about becoming a star but an idol, a true idol." Li Jingming stood up, speaking about his decision to become a star. "If used well, this power will be immense. How can I hand over the knife to someone else?"

"Do you remember the Mid-Autumn Festival when you were fourteen? I asked you what you wanted to do, and you didn't say this." Li He smiled. "You said you wanted to be a second Ban Chao. Have I remembered incorrectly? Why do you want to be an idol now?"

"Given the current situation, it's impossible to achieve what Ban Chao did. Let's first stabilize the internal situation." Li Jingming bowed to his grandfather.

"Tell me what kind of idol you want to be." Li He nodded in agreement.

Li Jingming stood tall, his face resolute. "An idol is like a lighthouse guiding a ship, a signpost pointing the way, and a flag boosting morale. They have two common traits: they are high and need to be looked up to, and they are in the right position."

Li He's eyes lit up. "At seventy-four, I've never heard such a profound insight. Kan, you have not disappointed me. You are a mature man. I will support you in becoming this idol."

At this moment, everyone in the hall was kneeling, except for Li Jingming, who stood tall, just as he said, high and in the right position.

"Kan, you've finished your master's degree at Harvard. Your fourth uncle has just returned from Japan. How about a debate?" Li He was interested. Debates, popular in ancient China, were a way to exchange ideas and test abilities in the Li family.

Li Jingming's fourth uncle, a philosophy Ph.D. from Oxford, was a capable man and had a strong family background. He was surnamed Koo, from the LG family.

"Father-in-law, you're joking. In our family, who doesn't know that Li Kan is unmatched in debate? Rather than embarrassing myself, I'll surrender now." This fourth uncle, Koo Jun-ho, was straightforward. Li Jingming's fourth aunt was only ten years older than him, now thirty-two, and Koo Jun-ho was thirty-six, managing the Koo family's affairs in Japan. He was not supposed to attend the Li family's clan meeting, but he happened to be here for business. When Li He suggested a debate, he thought for a moment and decided to concede.

"Fine, then." Li He seemed in a good mood and did not mind. "If there's nothing else, let's adjourn. Li Rong, come with me."

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