Chapter 42

As a country that is almost entirely dependent on oil imports, South Korea is significantly affected by international oil prices. A $5 increase in the price per barrel of international crude oil would result in an additional expenditure of $5.5 billion for South Korea, and its GDP would decline by 0.9 percentage points.

To reduce expenses, when oil prices are high, the government has to impose restrictions such as limiting the use of external lighting at highway rest stops, restricting the use of neon lights in cinemas, massage parlors, and shops, operating elevators in buildings over four floors on alternate floors, and enforcing a "one in ten vehicle restriction" where one-tenth of vehicles are not allowed to operate each day. However, these measures have almost no significant impact on the massive total consumption.

Since energy conservation measures have not been effective, the only option left is to increase the supply. In recent years, the South Korean government and major conglomerates have been investing in oil fields around the world with large sums of money, but the returns have not been enough to meet the country's annual consumption!

When Hyundai Steel reported that a private company could provide no less than 1 million barrels of light crude oil per month, it immediately attracted attention from all sides. When the Tianba Xia oil tanker delivered 490,000 barrels of crude oil for the second time, the government and major conglomerates promptly arranged this meeting.

President Kim had a smile on his face, but he was cursing inside. The total contract amount for the Gao Yang Bridge steel components was $1.02 billion, with the contract stipulating that the payment would be made in oil at a negotiated price of $95 per barrel. This was about 10% lower than the international crude oil futures price, and Hyundai Steel was making a significant profit. However, now the government and major conglomerates wanted a piece of the pie, and how could President Kim be happy about that?

After some pleasantries, Gao Yang sat in the main guest position, with SC Trade staff and lawyers seated on either side. Opposite him was Chief Kim Jung-hoon, and the meeting officially began.

"Chairman Gao, we have reviewed the contract between SC Trade and Hyundai Steel. The contract stipulates that SC Trade must pay more than 10 million barrels of crude oil to Hyundai Steel over 10 months to offset the payment. I would like to know if your company has the ability to make such a payment?" Chief Kim Jung-hoon pushed his glasses up and said with a serious expression.

Gao Yang picked up a cigarette, lit it, took a light puff, and smiled as he replied to Kim Jung-hoon, "What, does your government think there's a problem with this contract? If so, fine, I can give you cash instead of oil."

"Chairman Gao, you misunderstood. The South Korean government is very grateful for your company's support of our businesses. This meeting is just to explore the possibility of further cooperation," Kim Jung-hoon quickly explained.

At this moment, Lee Ho-jae, a director from Samsung, put down his pen and said, "Chairman Gao, we understand that you have a contract with China's National Petroleum Corporation to supply 500,000 barrels of crude oil per month."

Lee Ho-jae shifted his position and continued, "First, I apologize. We have already investigated your company's oil fields in Africa. Although dozens of oil wells are currently producing, experts have analyzed that your company's oil production does not exceed 200,000 barrels per month! We are curious about where your oil comes from."

Gao Yang leaned back in his chair, took a deep puff of his cigarette, and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke. Everyone in the room was a bit stunned, "What is he doing?"

"As a businessman, whether buying or selling, do you know what is most important?" Gao Yang's deep voice came from behind the smoke. "The most important thing is that you have the product!"

He stood up from his chair and slowly walked around the conference table toward the opposite side, continuing, "Do you think President Kim is a fool? Would he dare to ship the goods after receiving only 1 million barrels of oil? That's because I have a payment guarantee from the Swiss Bank!"

He stopped beside Lee Ho-jae and looked down at him, saying, "How much oil I have and where it comes from is none of your business! If you don't want to do business, that's fine, there are plenty of others who do! If you don't want to do business, just say so, I don't need your money!"

President Kim quickly stood up and said, "Chairman Gao, please don't be angry. We have no intention of questioning you. Please sit down, please sit down." Gao Yang stubbed out his cigarette, returned to his seat, and smiled at the group of South Koreans in front of him, "After completing the contract with Hyundai Steel, I will end my business in South Korea. How about that?"

Kim Jung-hoon coughed and said, "Chairman Gao, you misunderstood. Today we want to discuss the possibility of cooperation with your company. We have no other intentions." He then gave a stern look to Lee Ho-jae. Feeling uncomfortable under the critical gazes of everyone, Lee Ho-jae also stood up and bowed to Gao Yang, "I'm sorry, I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me!"

Gao Yang picked up the mineral water in front of him, opened it, and started drinking without acknowledging him. Kim Jung-hoon pulled Lee Ho-jae to sit down and turned to Gao Yang with a smile, "Chairman Gao, our country does not produce oil, but our consumption is very high. We are the fourth-largest oil importer in the world, and the financial pressure is significant. This meeting is to explore the possibility of cooperation with your company."

"Oh? How exactly?" Gao Yang put down the mineral water and said with a playful expression.

"Well, it's like this. Our government is willing to invest in your company's oil fields. The amount can be negotiated, and we can provide substantial technical and human resources in exchange for a share of the oil production. What do you think?" Kim Jung-hoon said excitedly.

"Tch," Gao Yang sneered, "Do you think I'm a fool? Get to the point." Kim Jung-hoon's face immediately darkened.

"Heh heh," the others burst into mocking laughter, making Kim Jung-hoon's face even more difficult. "It's fine to talk about exploration before the oil comes out, but to think of getting something for nothing at this point is to treat us like fools," said Park Jeong-young, a director from the SK Group, with a mocking tone.

He then turned serious and looked at Gao Yang, "Chairman Gao, the government has finished speaking. Now let's talk business."

Gao Yang lit a cigarette, "What do you have in mind?"

"Our companies are formally proposing a petroleum purchase contract with SC Trade. I think we can now discuss the specific quantities and prices," Park Jeong-young said seriously. While Kim Jung-hoon was speaking on behalf of the government, they were just watching the show. Now it was their turn.

"How much? What price?"

"The more, the better. We hope the price can be based on the contract between SC Trade and Hyundai Steel."

"..." Gao Yang looked at President Kim, who gave him a bright smile.

"4.2 million barrels per month, with the price based on 90% of the average international crude oil futures price for the month. Also, sell me a few oil tankers that can be used immediately, and pay with oil. I want to acquire S.M. Entertainment," Gao Yang stubbed out his cigarette and continued, "I will give you a satisfactory answer tomorrow." They stood up and shook hands.

Gao Yang and his group stayed at the Shilla Hotel, but Gao Yang was not used to the small room. He instructed his staff to check if there were any high-end residences or villas for sale in the central area of Seoul.

After dinner, he called his parents to report his safety, then hung up the "Do Not Disturb" sign, closed the door, and activated the time travel to 1925 Shanghai.

Mr. Andrews had been in a good mood recently. His work in China had achieved great success, and the headquarters had already informed him that he might soon join the board of directors!

In a great mood, Mr. Andrews and his secretary, Miss Jennifer, spent thousands of dollars at the newly opened SC Trade department store in the French Concession on Xiangfei Road!

The high-end Jinlai brand belt (made of artificial leather) with its unique design and exquisite gemstone buckle (actually artificial) made one look distinguished.

The high-end Casio mechanical wristwatch, with a crystal face and a perfect steel body, had an annual time error of less than one second! (Everyone understands this kind of advertising) This was the watch a man needed!

The high-end Zhonghua brand filtered cigarettes made Mr. Andrews feel that all the cigarettes he had smoked before were just fodder for horses!

Miss Jennifer carried a high-end Dior ladies' handbag (made of artificial leather) and a shopping bag filled with various Dior cosmetics and perfumes (counterfeit products), and most importantly, six pairs of flesh-colored stockings!

Mr. Andrews drove Miss Jennifer to his residence. Along the way, she kept expressing her love to him, and the alluring scent of perfume made Mr. Andrews feel shamefully aroused.

The car sped along, leaving a trail of curses in its wake. Back at his residence, after parking the car, Mr. Andrews hurriedly pulled Miss Jennifer into the house. Just as he was about to lose control, he suddenly saw SC Trade's President Gao Feng and his butler standing at the door, smiling at him.

"The butler didn't let him in, which means..." Mr. Andrews let go of Miss Jennifer's hand and stuffed all the shopping bags into her arms.

He quickly walked forward, "The boss is waiting for you," Gao Feng said with a smile. The butler nodded slightly at Mr. Andrews. At the door, he calmed himself down, tidied his appearance, and pushed the door open. "I wonder what this big client wants from me," Mr. Andrews thought before entering.

Gao Yang sat quietly on the living room sofa, smoking. Seeing Mr. Andrews come in, he gave him a slight smile. "Mr. Gao, it's an honor to meet you," Mr. Andrews quickly walked up to Gao Yang, bowed slightly, and smiled obsequiously.

There was no choice; Mr. Andrews' fate was now tied to Gao Yang. If Gao Yang said he was unhappy and would no longer buy oil from Standard Oil, Mr. Andrews would be kicked out of the company.

"I'm sorry to disturb you," Gao Yang said, sitting on the sofa, but his face showed arrogance. There was no point in talking to Americans about anything else; as long as you have value to them, you are their god!

Mr. Andrews quickly refilled Gao Yang's half-empty coffee cup and said with a smile, "Mr. Gao, is there anything I can do for you?"

---

The page flip ad begins

The page flip ad ends