Chapter 79 of 100
Chapter 79
7 min read1,676 words
Thank you to "Sleepy Pig," "Memories," and "Bored with Sugar" for your support! I'm asking for recommendations and favorites...
The energy group's oil distribution agreement with five countries or regions, originally scheduled for the morning of the 10th, faced significant changes due to Ji Feng's high-profile exposure on the 8th and the Forbes ranking announcement on the 9th.
The most attention-grabbing news was the mention in the evening news on the 9th that the Premier of the Heavenly Dynasty would arrive in Jeju Island early the next morning and personally attend the signing ceremony with the Jeju Energy Group.
Almost immediately after, the South Korean President and the Japanese Prime Minister also decided to visit Jeju Island. Even the usually reclusive Little Kim Fatso sent a special envoy to call, expressing his desire to attend the ceremony and to have a private meeting with Ji Feng.
Only the Taiwan region, with its somewhat awkward status, sent a high-level government official.
The Jeju government department was overwhelmed by the arrival of these dignitaries. The change was too sudden, especially given the already bustling tourism market on Jeju Island since the handover. Finding suitable hotels was a challenge. In the end, the only option was to vacate the building in the Shilla Hotel where Ji Feng was staying, to accommodate the leaders and their entourages from various countries.
Security was not a concern, as Defense Minister Xu Qiang personally took charge of all security matters, along with security personnel from the various countries and a large number of police. It was believed that safety would not be an issue.
Of course, Ji Feng was confident about security. Even if someone tried to cause trouble, he would not allow it. He also warned the visiting dignitaries that while Jeju would do its best to ensure safety, it could not guarantee 100% security. Therefore, they were advised to take responsibility for their own safety. If they were worried about their safety, Ji Feng did not welcome them to Jeju Island, as he could not bear the responsibility.
Especially the last part, which was almost a direct statement: "If you're afraid of dying, don't come." This message was sent to the foreign affairs departments of various countries, leaving many people both amused and impressed by Ji Feng's assertiveness and uniqueness.
Looking at the suddenly increased military and police presence outside, Ji Feng shook his head in the room upstairs, complaining, "What's the point of these guys coming? It's just a signing ceremony. Do they really need to come all the way here? It's so annoying."
Lin Hui, who was just bringing the latest schedule for the next day, almost fell over when she heard Ji Feng's complaint. She sighed inwardly at her boss's boldness.
Xu Xian, chuckling on the sofa, patted her small belly and said, eating the fruit Ji Feng had taken from his space, "You shouldn't say things like that. It's normal for them to be worried. We had hundreds of police and security personnel at our concert, let alone for these leaders. But is the Chairman from the North really coming? What if he meets the President?"
Ji Feng pursed his lips and said, "I don't care what they do. It's not my problem. I just need to sign the agreement. They can do whatever they want. But I think Little Kim Fatso insists on coming because he wants me to invest. He's been considering reforms for the past couple of years. Maybe he sees this as an opportunity."
Seeing Lin Hui come in, Ji Feng shook his head and sat back on the sofa.
As the leader of a country with 24 million people, with a GDP of only 33 billion USD last year, Ji Feng felt embarrassed for him. He despised dictators the most. Did he really think he could pass the throne to his descendants? Did he really see himself as an emperor? If it weren't for his position as a national leader, Ji Feng would have refused to meet him, as it would be a hassle.
Lin Hui timidly handed over the file and said softly, "Boss, don't say such things in front of them. It could cause diplomatic issues."
Ji Feng rolled his eyes and said, "Do I look that stupid?"
Xu Xian, holding her belly, laughed so hard it hurt. "Honey, you might actually be that stupid sometimes. You always act impulsively without considering the consequences. Remember to be more careful outside."
Ji Feng shook his head helplessly. As a young, grassroots individual, he couldn't compare to those old and cunning politicians. He had already clearly stated his ideals to Xu Xian and others like Jin Bingli. He just wanted to run a simple farm, earn a little money, support his family, and enjoy life with his children and wife. He didn't want to be bothered by other matters.
Looking at the schedule for the next day, Ji Feng sighed and said, "My miserable life started yesterday, and I don't know when it will end. Lin Secretary, tell Mayor Jin that I'll only do this once. In the future, he can handle it. We should avoid inviting other leaders unless absolutely necessary. It's too much trouble."
Ji Feng's words made Xu Xian, who was just about to stop laughing, burst out laughing again. Seeing Ji Feng's bitter face, she couldn't help but think of how stuffy he looked in a suit, which made her even happier.
The next morning, Ji Feng had to leave early as the signing ceremony, originally scheduled for the morning, was moved to the afternoon. The morning was dedicated to welcoming dignitaries from various countries and regions. The first to arrive was the Prime Minister from the East, followed by the President from the North and guests from the South. Around 11 AM, the Premier from the Heavenly Dynasty, with whom Ji Feng had had in-depth discussions, also arrived.
All were high-ranking officials, and Ji Feng had to repeatedly go to the airport to welcome them, causing many flights to circle in the air. Fortunately, after Ji Feng greeted them, he didn't need to hold any formal ceremonies at the airport. After a brief welcome, he directly escorted them to the city government, where the signing ceremony would take place in the afternoon.
Around noon, Little Kim Fatso finally arrived from the North. His sudden appearance, given his highly secretive movements, surprised the other leaders. They didn't expect him to come just for an energy cooperation signing ceremony.
What puzzled them even more was that Little Kim Fatso and Ji Feng had recently had a conflict. The two young men of the 80s had a physical altercation in the sea, and Little Kim Fatso had lost five submarines to Ji Feng, though they were old and outdated.
After picking up Little Kim Fatso from the airport, Ji Feng, with only one bodyguard in the passenger seat, drove his Mercedes. Despite suggestions that Little Kim Fatso should take a protected vehicle, he enthusiastically got into Ji Feng's car.
On the way back to the city government, Ji Feng couldn't resist his curiosity and said, "We're both young, and I don't like beating around the bush. I also don't like politics. Let's just be direct."
Little Kim Fatso's usually expressionless face finally showed a smile, looking surprisingly lively. "That's best. I'm tired of being around those old guys all the time. I needed a chance to get some fresh air and get closer to you. As they say in the Heavenly Dynasty, we're both from the 80s, so we should have a lot in common."
Ji Feng smiled and said, "Don't make me laugh. Common ground? You immediately jumped out to confront me as soon as I took over Jeju Island. Was that necessary? Regardless of the past, this place was bought by my great-grandfather. Was it really necessary to make such a fuss?"
Little Kim Fatso laughed bitterly, knowing Ji Feng would bring this up. "I had no choice. Our positions are different. If I didn't stand up, how would the people see me? Forget it, you don't understand politics. I was forced to do it. Didn't I send you five submarines? What more do you want?"
Ji Feng laughed and said, "Don't kid yourself. If it weren't for the discovery, my beach might not have been left intact. Forget it, let's not talk about the past. What do you want this time? Be direct. I'm lazy and don't plan to participate in such events again after this one."
Little Kim Fatso sighed and nodded, "I'm here to learn from you. I know the situation in my country. I don't know how you got this place from the South, but since I've acknowledged it, I won't go back on it. As the world's richest man, you must have a way to make money. I genuinely want to change my country. We need to develop the economy. People are struggling, and if we don't act, it will lead to serious problems."
Ji Feng agreed, "Since you put it that way, I'll consider you a friend."
Little Kim Fatso immediately smiled, "Of course, we are friends. I came here to be friends with you."
Ji Feng nodded, "Alright, let's put aside our positions and speak as friends. Developing the economy is necessary and urgent. I know you've been to Europe and understand modern and new things. What is modern warfare about? It's about money. Whether it's logistics or advanced weapons, it all comes down to money. What do you have? You might think you have a strong hand, but there's always a better hand. For example, you claim to have nuclear weapons, intermediate-range missiles, and a large army. Do you know what I have?"
(Recalling a funny incident from school, one day a classmate asked me, "What's the difference between a wife and a mistress?" I thought for a moment and said, "I don't know." My classmate, with a calm expression, said, "A wife is always enough!!!" I was completely confused...)