After greeting each other, the president and guests took their seats.
The president said: "There are many reporters here today, let's get started."
Before lunch, a speech to reporters was first arranged. This link was not mentioned when introducing the process just now.
The public relations officer said, "First, let me explain to the reporters the purpose of this luncheon."
He discussed the hopes for the Korean business community in the new year and mentioned the ongoing Paris flu epidemic. "The country and all citizens have been going through an extremely difficult time. Thanks to DS Pharmaceuticals, led by Vice Chairman Park Jin-hyuk, the successful development of a flu vaccine has brought hope to the country in this difficult situation. This can truly be said to be a blessing from heaven."
Before he finished speaking, everyone present applauded.
Amidst applause, the President continued, "In the new year, I hope to see all of you entrepreneurs achieve even greater success. Today, I have invited five of the best entrepreneurs to lunch with me..."
The sound of camera shutters rang out one after another, and everyone knew that the president was about to reveal the real purpose of this lunch.
"...Our goal is to work with the business community to develop new directions for industrial development. After lunch, we will announce the results of our discussions to the media. Thank you, and see you after lunch."
After the president finished speaking, the reporters left the banquet hall under the guidance of staff.
The president said to the guests at the luncheon table, "It's clear that the outside world is paying close attention to today's luncheon."
The staff member said, "Of course. Today's lunch meeting will very likely determine the landscape of industrial development for the next 10 years."
Han Ji-yeon was secretly surprised, and she couldn't help but look at Park Jin-hyuk.
Park Jin Hyuk patted her hand gently, meaning not to worry, it was no big deal.
As the president was chatting with everyone, the staff brought the food over, and the president changed the subject and got to the point: "I think everyone already knows why I invited you all to have lunch with me."
One president said, “When I first heard about it, I was also a little surprised.”
The president said: "To implement such a large project, we certainly need your full participation."
"Mr. President, I wonder if this project will be implemented with DS or Mitutoyo as the center?"
From the conversation between the president and the presidents, it can be heard that they had discussed it in advance.
The president said, "The scale of this project is so huge, I'm worried that DS might not be able to handle it. What do you think, Vice President Li?"
"I will obey the orders of His Excellency the President," said Li Xianyu.
"So I'd like to ask Mitutoyo to lead this project. As I'm about to step down, it's an honor to be able to drive such a large project forward. I would like to ask for your active participation and support."
Park Jin Hyuk finally couldn't bear it anymore and said, "I've been listening for a long time, but I still don't understand what you are talking about. Can someone explain it to me?"
Everyone looked at Park Jin Hyuk, who continued, "I've been hesitating whether to interrupt Mr. President. You just mentioned DS Group, so I have to ask a question."
At this moment, Han Ji-yeon's heart was pounding with nervousness. She didn't expect that her husband would dare to start his speech like this in such an occasion.
The president smiled and nodded. "This luncheon was held in such haste that the news wasn't relayed to you in time. Let me clarify. We were just discussing photovoltaic projects in the United States."
"Are you talking about the photovoltaic project that DS Group is preparing to launch in the United States?" asked Park Jin Hyuk.
"That's the project we're talking about."
Park Jin Hyuk frowned. "Why are we talking about this project? Does this project have anything to do with anyone here?"
"I've already said that a project this large can't be done by one company alone. We have to work together."
"This is so strange! This was a project that Vice President Buchanan assigned to DS Group. How did it become a joint project?"
"Vice Chairman Park, please listen to my explanation." As he said this, the president waved to the staff, indicating that the food should be taken away.
The purpose of a lunch meeting was not to eat, and as the conversation progressed, no one had the appetite to continue eating.
The president asked, “This project requires a huge investment. Does DS Group have the ability to make such a large investment alone?”
"Whether they can do it or not, isn't that something the DS Group should consider for itself?"
The president insisted, "Even the best projects have risks. If multiple companies can implement them together, the risks can be dispersed."
"You didn't discuss this idea with DS Group beforehand. Setting that aside, this project was solely undertaken by DS. If it were a joint effort between several companies, DS should have been the lead. How did it become the lead now?"
Han Ji-yeon's palms were sweating as she listened to this, because the other person was the president of a country.
The president turned and glanced at Li Xianyu, who said knowingly, "Vice Chairman Park, I understand your feelings, but I still hope you can consider this issue from the perspective of the country."
“What is the country’s position?”
"DS Group has made a lot of money from vaccines and has secured such a large project. If they monopolize such a large project, it would probably not be a good thing for the country."
"I want to say it again: DS Group fought hard for this project. Even if the President had other considerations, he should have at least discussed it with me. Now, without even saying hello, he's summoned so many reporters and is directly forcing me to give up this project. I cannot accept this."
As he spoke, Park Jin Hyuk raised his hand angrily and wanted to slam the table, but he felt Han Ji Yeon gently pulling the corner of his clothes, so he didn't slam it. Instead, he adjusted his tie and put his hand down again.
He added: "This is a complete disregard for the DS Group."
Li Xianyu smiled and said, "I understand Vice President Park is upset. I heard that you have asked JH Investment to prepare the funds for the acquisition... Unfortunately, Sampoong also plans to acquire Company C."
"How can I possibly believe that? Company C has never been publicly listed for sale, and this time DS is only acquiring the American shares."
Li Xianyu said with a hint of pride: "Sanfeng is not just acquiring the American shares, but intends to acquire the entire company."
For a moment, Park Jin Hyuk froze there.
Li Xianyu turned to the president and several other chairmen and said, "Vice President Park is in a bad mood. Please understand that anyone who encounters such a thing would be unhappy."
It sounded like Lee Seon-woo was comforting Park Jin-hyuk.
"Please calm down, Vice President Park. When running a business, you're bound to encounter all sorts of problems."
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