Song Yi sighed, "I'm actually fine, it's just that the old man can't get over it. No matter how successful I am in my career, I can't compare to his other son."
Liao Yu sighed, she knew that what Song Yi said was true. Liao Yu was the manager of Song Yi's family trust fund, and she could use the investment immigration policy to take her daughter Song Miao to become a citizen of Hong Kong Island, China.
In this way, after Song Miao graduates from high school, he can apply for admission to top domestic universities such as Yenching University and Shuimu University as an overseas Chinese student without having to compete with thousands of people for a single place.
Zhou Shulan was of course willing to let her only granddaughter Song Miao study without such hardship, but Song Mingzhe clearly opposed it. In his words, immigrating to Hong Kong Island in China is actually preparing for immigration to Europe and the United States. He didn't want his granddaughter to become a fake foreigner.
Liao Yu really treated her parents-in-law as her own parents. She also knew how much Song Mingzhe cared about his granddaughter Song Miao. She certainly couldn't bear to disappoint her father-in-law Song Mingzhe, so she never mentioned the matter again.
Perhaps Song Mingzhe was worried that Song Yi and Liao Yu would let Song Miao immigrate without his knowledge in the future, so he used the story of Mulan to educate Song Miao not to obtain foreign citizenship.
"Don't think like that. The old man also knows that you have done a lot of work. The successful opening of the Eshan Group's coastal city to Wonsan Port tourist line is also inseparable from your planning. Chinese and Korean tourists can take a cruise ship directly to Wonsan Port and then visit Mount Kumgang." Liao Yu said.
Previously, if Korean tourists wanted to enter the Mount Kumgang International Tourist Area, there were two ways. One was to take the Asan Group's cruise ship from Sokcho Port in Gangwon Province, South Korea to Wonsan Port, and then take a tourist bus from Wonsan to enter the Mount Kumgang International Tourist Area.
The second way is to fly from Andong City or Bianzhou City adjacent to North Korea in China to Pyeonggyeong City, the capital of North Korea, and then fly from Pyeonggyeong City to Wonsan Airport, and then take a tourist bus from Wonsan to travel to Mount Kumgang.
Tourists from China and South Korea now have an additional option. They can depart from Jinhai City, pass through the Zabiruno Port in Russia, and take the Eshan Group's cruise ship directly to Wonsan Port.
This new tourist route is of great significance because the tourist route from Sokcho Port to Wonsan Port has been discontinued. Korean tourists fly from Seoul to Yeji City, and they inevitably spend a few days in Bianzhou. The tourism revenue of Yeji and Jinhai City has increased significantly in the second half of 2002.
After all, the comfort level of traveling by cruise ship is much higher than that of traveling by plane, and taking photos is not allowed in North Korea, but there is no such restriction on cruise ships, so more tourists prefer to travel to Mount Kumgang by cruise ship.
Of course, opening a tourist route is only the first step. After Song Yuxi moves into the Blue House in February next year, Asan Group and Xinya Group will open a shipping route from Jinhai City to Zarubino Port, Wonsan Port, Sokcho Port, and Busan Port. China, South Korea, Russia, and North Korea will all benefit from this shipping route. Specialties and goods from the Northeast can be continuously sent to Busan Port, and then radiate to the entire territory of Japan and South Korea through Busan Port.
Song Yi knew that he couldn't change his father Song Mingzhe's ideas. After all, every generation has its mission. "This year, we will all go to Seoul to celebrate the Spring Festival. You have to convince the old man. Don't let the whole family go there, and the old man stays alone in Yeji to celebrate the New Year. It will be embarrassing for everyone."
Liao Yu knew what was going on. "As long as you convince Miaomiao and get her to agree to go to Seoul for the New Year, the old man will definitely go. The old man is very dissatisfied with you bringing Miaomiao to Korea during the summer vacation."
"I just don't understand. He went to South Korea as a visiting scholar when he was young. It's not like he doesn't know Seoul. Why is he so reluctant to celebrate the New Year in Korea?" Song Yi was a little helpless.
"Maybe the meaning is different. We Chinese have always had a sense of homesickness. No matter where you are in the world, we still value returning to our roots. Going back to our hometown to celebrate the New Year is humane and lively." Liao Yu understood Song Mingzhe's thoughts.
"Returning to one's roots means a hundred years later. Now the old man is an old horse in the stable, with great ambitions. It is the age for him to make use of his remaining energy. He has been to Seoul on business trips many times for the joint operation of Yonsei University and Byeonju University. He always came and left quietly. He would rather stay in the hotel arranged by Yonsei University than in Seongbuk-dong. People who don't know would think that we father and son have a conflict." Song Yi shook his head.
As Song Yi's woman, Liao Yu usually pays more attention to her daughter Song Miao and work, so she does not try to monopolize Song Yi. This time when Song Yi returned to China, it was the longest time for the two to spend together.
"Actually, I know the reason. The old man was actually planning to go to Seongbuk-dong. After all, he was quite satisfied with Tae-hee as his daughter-in-law. But just as he was about to leave, he saw the scandal between you and the actress in the company in the newspaper. He was very angry, so he didn't go to Seongbuk-dong." Liao Yu smiled with gloating.
Song Yi felt a little guilty and touched his nose. Liao Yu held Song Yi's finger and said, "Don't touch your nose. I'm not Tae Hee. I don't have the right to be jealous. If I feel bad every time you spread a rumor, wouldn't I feel bad? You can choose not to tell me, but I don't want you to lie to me."
"Did the old man tell you?" Song Yi took Liao Yu's hand and placed it on Liao Yu's belly. Liao Yu obviously exercised a lot, and she had a beautiful vest line on her belly.
Liao Yu held down Song Yi's mischievous hand and said, "Don't touch my belly. I'm ticklish. You know my belly is my sensitive area."
"Dad didn't tell me, but he complained to Mom. Dad said he was a Party member, had never had any problems with work style, and had only loved Mom in his life. Xiaoyi never had a boyfriend when he was in college, so how come he became a playboy after he had some money? Whose genes did he inherit?" Liao Yu repeated Song Mingzhe's original words.
Song Yi felt a little embarrassed. He was reborn, so his personality and character were naturally different from his original self. After all, he was a playboy who wandered among women in his previous life.
"When I'm not at home, you need to spend more time taking care of our parents and Miaomiao. You've worked so hard." Among the women around him, Liao Yu and Jin Xiyuan are the most tolerant of him.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Miaomiao is my daughter and the apple of my eye. Taking care of her is my responsibility as a mother. My parents treat me as their own daughter, so I must take good care of them and let them enjoy their old age." Liao Yu was full of tenderness.
In early January, Bianzhou University and Zhongguancun No. 3 Primary School were on holiday, and Song Yi's family flew to Seoul to celebrate the Spring Festival. For safety reasons, Song Yi chartered a Korean Air passenger plane to Seoul.
After Song Mingzhe boarded the plane, he found that there were only a few passengers in the Airbus A330. He was a little dissatisfied with Song Yi's extravagance. "The twelfth lunar month is the busiest time for airlines. You specially chartered a passenger plane, which will delay other passengers? Your pomp is comparable to that of the President of the United States. Do you want to buy Air Force One?"
Liao Yu quickly came forward to explain, "Dad, there is now an infectious pneumonia in South China that can cause breathing difficulties for patients. Xiaoyi said that this atypical pneumonia is highly contagious and can even be life-threatening if the condition is serious. Xiaoyi also chose to charter a plane back to Seoul for safety reasons and to avoid contact with suspected cases during the trip."
When Song Mingzhe heard what Liao Yu said, his expression suddenly became serious. "Where did you get the news? We have students from South China in Bianzhou University. If there is such a situation, the school needs to remind the students to pay attention to safety."
Song Yi said: "Dongjiang City, Guangdong Province has reported the case to the Health Department, and some patients have been sent to the Yangcheng Military Region General Hospital for treatment."
"I suggest that the school should not send out a notice to the students, so as not to cause panic. You can contact the student affairs office and ask them to count the number of students from Guangdong Province and their contact information, and ask the counselors to inform the students to do the following."
"First, reduce going out and try not to go to crowded public places. Second, families with conditions can prepare some medical masks and disinfectants for personal protection. Third, if you feel unwell, such as symptoms of a cold or fever, be sure to seek medical attention in time and report to the school in a timely manner." Song Yi said.
"According to what you said, this pneumonia is highly contagious and may even be transmitted from person to person. Guangdong Province is a province with a large number of migrant workers. If these migrant workers return home, then the hidden cases may inadvertently spread the virus to their family and friends. Why didn't you tell me such an important situation?" Song Mingzhe asked sternly.
Song Yi looked helpless. "Dad, this can only be said to be an inference. After all, there has been no death from this disease, and only some medical staff have been infected. The media in Guangdong Province has not reported it yet. If Bianzhou University officially issues a notice to ask students returning to Guangdong to take personal protection measures, and if it causes social panic, then both President Jin and you will be held responsible, and it will be a question whether you can retire peacefully."
As a witness to SARS and COVID-19, Song Yi could only ask Xinya’s employees to do a good job of personal protection, but Song Mingzhe’s ideas obviously differed from Song Yi’s.
"I'm already 57 years old this year and will retire soon. Even if I'm misunderstood and lose my job, it's no big deal. Do you still rely on my pension to make a living? As the school leader and teacher of Bianzhou University, I am of course obligated to be responsible for the personal safety of my students. Student work is no small matter, don't you even understand this?" Song Mingzhe asked back.
"The students are already on vacation, they are all adults, you have no obligation to be responsible for them, and President Jin will not agree with you doing so." Bianzhou University is a double first-class university. The president and secretary are both at the vice-ministerial level. President Jin can indeed contact the ministry leaders.
Song Mingzhe looked at Song Yi blankly, his eyes full of disappointment. He felt that the son in front of him was particularly unfamiliar. If his eldest son Song Bo was still alive, he would definitely support his choice, right? "Xiaoyi, your grandfather named me Mingzhe so that I could understand the principles of being a human being, not to let me be as prudent as you. Lin Zexu once said, 'If it is beneficial to the country, life and death are not the same, why should we avoid it because of disaster or fortune'. I taught you this when you were a child, but now you actually let me ignore the safety of my students. You disappoint me so much." Song Mingzhe's tone was a little bleak.
"How about this, Xiaoyu, after the plane lands, you buy me a flight back to Yeji. I will go back to Yeji and discuss countermeasures with Principal Jin." Song Mingzhe no longer had the heart to go to Seoul to celebrate the Spring Festival.
Liao Yu glanced at Song Yi, and Song Mingzhe noticed Liao Yu's look, "Why? To buy me a plane ticket, I need your boss's consent? Chairman Song, are you planning to detain me in Seoul and not let me return to China?"
Perhaps Song Mingzhe's voice was a little loud, and the flight attendants on the plane noticed the argument. At this time, a sweet-looking flight attendant came over, "Hello? Do you need any help?"
Only then did Song Yi notice that this flight attendant was also an old acquaintance, Li Baona from Dahang Airlines. She had once left Song Yi her phone number, but Song Yi never contacted her afterwards.
Song Yi booked a private jet, a Gulfstream G550, from Gulfstream. Although it is a private jet, it still has to be entrusted to an airline for management.
Song Yi has decided to entrust his Gulfstream G550 to Korean Air for management. For this, New Asia Media Real Estate Group will pay Korean Air a trusteeship fee of over one million US dollars every year.
It was precisely because of the good cooperative relationship between New Asia and Korean Air that Song Yi was able to book a charter flight with Korean Air in the busy month of January.
The flight attendants in the same group as Li Baona saw Li Baona greeting Song Yi. In addition, Li Baona was a former colleague of Jin Xiyuan, the executive director of New Asia Media Real Estate Group. In order to maintain a good relationship with Song Yi, Dahang Airlines specially included Li Baona in the flight attendants for this charter service.
Liao Yu had a good memory. She remembered that Li Baona was the flight attendant on their flight from Los Angeles to Seoul. "No, thank you. They are discussing work and their voices may be a little loud. I will remind them to pay attention. If you need anything, I will greet you."
Li Baona understood what Liao Yu meant. We are talking about some important things now. If it is not necessary, please don’t come and disturb us.
Li Baona bowed and said, "Then you guys go ahead and do your work. I'm the flight attendant of this crew, Li Baona. If you need any help, please let me know."
At this time, Song Miao, who was sitting in another row in the aisle, also noticed the noise here, "Grandpa, uncle, are you quarreling? Our teacher taught us not to make loud noises in public."
Song Mingzhe's expression froze for a moment, then he quickly put on a smile, "Grandpa is not arguing, we are discussing the problem and looking for the answer to the problem. Just like your mother is tutoring you in your homework. Miaomiao, the plane will be flying for a while, you should take a rest first."
Liao Yu looked at Song Yi in embarrassment, indicating that Song Mingzhe was very determined. What should he do now? Song Yi advised Song Mingzhe, "Dad, you finally came to Seoul, why don't you go home with me first? Dayu controlled the flood and passed by his home three times without entering. You have been to Seoul several times, but you didn't come to my house. If Tae Hee and the others knew, they would think you have a problem with her taking me to Korea to get married!"
"Tae Hee has returned to Ulsan and brought her parents and brother to Seoul. This is also a big gathering of our two families. Tae Hee and I have already obtained the marriage certificate. I am already the daughter-in-law of our Song family. You haven't met your in-laws yet. Isn't that impolite?"
"If you come back to the country temporarily now and leave without saying goodbye, you will be blatantly slapping Taixi's parents in the face and not giving face to your in-laws. Then I can only say that you are now the assistant principal and will soon be the vice principal. As a department-level cadre, you are very busy with work. Compared with work, meeting your in-laws is just a small matter, so it's better not to meet them." Song Yi acted like a rogue.
Liao Yu almost laughed out loud. She had learned a lot about Song Yi's eloquence. "What nonsense! Our dad is a famous professor of history. He has lectured on Lecture Room. He always pays attention to etiquette. How could he break his promise to Taixi's parents? Right? Dad?"
Song Mingzhe was annoyed. "Stop singing the same tune and bullying an old man like me. Song Yi, don't you have a family office in Hong Kong Island? Ask your employees to collect information about the cases in Pengcheng and Yangcheng. I'll be ready to report to the department at any time."
Song Yi and Liao Yu breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Song Mingzhe was willing to stay in Seoul, he didn't have to go back and risk his life. As for Song Mingzhe's report back to the department, they didn't take it to heart.
"This work is already in progress. I have also provided funding through the Song Yi Family Trust Fund to support the Hong Kong Island Hospital in conducting targeted research on related cases to trace the source of the virus. If the hospital achieves substantial research results, it will still be time for you to report to the ministry." Song Yi said.
Song Mingzhe and Song Yi, father and son, have completely different working styles. Song Mingzhe likes to do things himself, while Song Yi likes to do behind-the-scenes work.
Liao Yu quickly spoke up for Song Yi, "Dad, you can see that Xiaoyi is not doing nothing. There are tens of thousands of employees in the entire New Asia system waiting for the company to pay their salaries every month. Xiaoyi must be very careful in any decision he makes. After all, his every move may affect tens of thousands of families in China and South Korea. He is not playing it safe, he is just being mature and prudent."
Song Mingzhe's expression relaxed. "Don't speak well of him. I'm not a city leader who's here to inspect. There's no need to mention Xinya's contribution to solving employment problems. Is he being mature and prudent? He's just used to hiding behind the scenes. If it doesn't bring him any benefits, he won't be willing to take the lead. He's a typical egoist."
Song Yi knew that Song Mingzhe's criticism was correct, and this was the biggest difference between him and Song Mingzhe. Song Yi would not do anything without profit, and he never did anything that was not appreciated. The reason why he supported Song Yuxi to become the president of South Korea was also so that Song Yuxi could protect the growing New Asia Group, so as not to be divided up by other consortiums that were eyeing him covetously.
If Song Yi succeeds in obtaining the TV station and bank licenses during Song Yuxi's term, and then launches smartphones, and develops smartphones into a pillar industry in Korea, then the New Asia Group will be another Samsung in Korea, and become the top chaebol in Korea that no one can shake. Thank you for your monthly tickets, and see you tomorrow! (End of this chapter)