"Song Yi, don't think that if Li Yuan can investigate Choi An-won, he can investigate me, Chen Jianxi. Samsung and SK are not the same thing. Even if you expose me today and send me to the Procuratorate for investigation, I can still walk out of the door of the Procuratorate unscathed tomorrow. Do you believe it?" Chen Jianxi was very confident.
"I believe it. Of course I do. Chairman Chen has been in charge of Samsung for 20 years and has served four presidents. You are so powerful. One moment you scolded President Jong Man-yu, and the next moment you recommended Director Luo's brother to be the South Korean ambassador to the United States. Chairman Chen's acquaintances are everywhere in the National Tax Service and the Procuratorate. Even if you are imprisoned, you will be treated preferentially and will receive a presidential pardon sooner or later."
"But Chairman Chen, being detained for a few days is a small matter. Losing face in front of the Koreans is a big deal. Do you really want to be on the headlines of the Korean media again because of tax evasion?" Song Yi asked back.
"Go ahead and state your conditions. I remind you not to ask for an exorbitant price. If the price you offer exceeds my expectations, I am determined to die in glory rather than live in disgrace." Chen Jianxi did not want to get entangled with Song Yi.
"President Chen should know why I'm here." Song Yi said.
"Song Yi, you bullied my daughter, and I haven't settled the score with you yet. Now you dare to come to my house and threaten me?" Chen Jianxi was furious.
Song Yi remained calm, "Chairman Chen, you are exaggerating. Chen Zairong has made trouble for me many times, but I did not retaliate. We are doing business, so it is normal to use some tricks. If it were not for Miss Fu Zhen's face, Chen Zairong would have provoked me one after another. Does Chairman Chen really think that I have no way to deal with him?"
Chen Jianxi snorted and did not refute Song Yi's statement, "Song Yi, I don't have time to chat with you. It's not impossible for you to let me be free."
"Since Xinyu started working at SA Soft, she seems to have been drugged by you and refuses to go back to work at Samsung."
"If Fuzhen leaves Samsung, Xinyu must return to work at Samsung Network." Chen Jianxi stated his conditions.
"President Chen, this is the difference between you and me. You are like the head of a feudal dynasty, you like to have your way. Whether it is family affairs or company affairs, you don't like others to go against your decisions."
"But I am different from you. I never think I have the right to decide the fate of others. Ms. Xinyu is now the president of Yahoo Korea. She has done a great job in the search business and portal website. She turned the loss-making Yahoo Korea into a profitable one. It is amazing."
"We at SA Soft have never restricted Ms. Xinyu's freedom. If Ms. Xinyu wants to return to Samsung Networks, I have never set up a non-compete agreement to make things difficult for her. However, if Ms. Xinyu wants to stay at SA Soft and continue working, I naturally cannot force her to give up her job and return to Samsung Networks."
"Ms. Xinyu is already an adult. She has the ability and the right to decide her own life, instead of becoming a vassal of her family or certain people." Song Yi said bluntly.
When Chen Jianxi heard what Song Yi said, he couldn't hold back his anger and smashed the teacup in his hand. The loud noise alarmed the servants in Chen Jianxi's house.
"Song Yi, don't think that just because you've become the so-called first world-class billionaire in South Korea, you're qualified to tell me, Chen Jianxi, what to do and teach me how to educate my daughter. If Xinyu doesn't return to work at Samsung, don't expect me to give Fuzhen freedom and let her leave Samsung." Chen Jianxi said firmly.
Chen Jianxi's teacup almost brushed Song Yi's cheek and hit the corner of the tea room, then broke into pieces and scattered into a ball.
When the teacup and Song Yi passed by each other, Chen Jianxi was always paying attention to Song Yi's expression. He found that Song Yi was unmoved, he didn't even blink, nor did he dodge subconsciously. It was obvious that Song Yi was sure that Chen Jianxi would not smash the teacup on him.
"President Chen, you are wrong. I don't care about the title of world-class billionaire at all. For people like us, it doesn't make much difference whether our personal assets are one billion dollars more or less. Our power comes from the extensive influence of our group company on a certain industry, not the change in the number of personal assets."
"In order to restrict Japan's semiconductor industry, the United States began to support Samsung to suppress Japan's semiconductor industry. Samsung was able to take advantage of the rise of the semiconductor industry to replace Hyundai Group and become the number one financial group in South Korea."
"The semiconductor industry is the lifeblood of Samsung. Without the advantages of the semiconductor industry, Samsung would not be able to dominate the market in South Korea. After all, South Korea is an export-oriented economy, and Samsung Electronics' exports account for one-fifth of South Korea's share. This is the fundamental reason why Samsung has such a transcendent position in the South Korean economy. If another electronics company shakes Samsung's advantages in the semiconductor industry and even replaces Samsung's export share, can Samsung still maintain its title as the number one conglomerate in South Korea?" Song Yi asked Chen Jianxi.
Chen Jianxi looked at Song Yi in silence. He was indeed very afraid of Song Yi. In just five years, Song Yi led SA Group to become one of the top ten financial groups in South Korea. If SA Group is given another ten or twenty years of development time, it may surpass Samsung Group and become the number one financial group in South Korea.
"There are many Korean conglomerates that want to surpass Samsung, but none of them has succeeded so far. As long as I am at Samsung, no Korean company will be able to replace our position," Chen Jianxi said confidently.
"What Chairman Chen said may be correct, but this is based on the premise that you can always control Samsung. If Chairman Chen's tax evasion of hundreds of billions of won is exposed, and Chairman Chen stays in prison, there are no computers or phones in prison. Even if Chairman Chen lives in a single room, he will not be able to remotely control the huge Samsung Group, right?"
"In modern business competition, time is efficiency, and time is the life of an enterprise. A large-scale enterprise with bloated decision-making will eventually be replaced by a more efficient enterprise of the same type."
"If it was just to compete with Samsung, I should have announced the news that Chairman Chen had set up a secret fund account. This would also give SA Electronics some advantage in terms of decision-making time."
"But in my opinion, this practice of reporting the management of competing companies is an outside trick. The competition among large technology companies should be to win the recognition of consumers through better products, more outstanding marketing, and better services, rather than retaliating against each other through unfair competition means."
"President Chen, the reason why I'm visiting you today is to inform you that our SA Electronics will hold the SA Electronics Autumn Product Launch Conference in late September. At this conference, our SA Electronics will release consumer electronic products. At that time, we SA Electronics will formally send an invitation letter to your company. I hope that President Chen can give some advice on our SA Electronics' new products at that time." Song Yi dropped a bombshell news.
Chen Jianxi was not surprised. Samsung Electronics has also been paying attention to the various patents applied for by SA Electronics in the field of consumer electronics.
SA Group's main businesses are divided into four major sectors: Internet, real estate, media and finance. The revenue and net profit of these four sectors are very considerable, but Song Yi invested most of the profits in the research and development of SA Electronics. Song Yi tried to feed back SA Electronics through the four major businesses of SA Group: Internet, real estate, media and finance. In fact, SA Electronics is the trump card that Song Yi has never used.
"It seems that the mobile phone project that Chairman Song has hidden in the mainland has finally come to fruition? Chairman Song is even preparing to send an invitation letter to our Samsung. Is he sure that the new mobile phone produced by your company is better than our Samsung's flagship phone SGH-D900 this year?" Chen Jianxi asked cautiously.
"Whether the product is good or not is not our decision. Let's leave the suspense to be revealed at SA Electronics' autumn new product launch conference." Song Yi refused to disclose whether SA Electronics' new digital product is a new mobile phone.
Since this concerns Samsung's core industry, Chen Jianxi had no choice but to be cautious. Song Yi's words had already revealed a lot of information.
"One of the two sisters, Fu Zhen and Xin Yu, must stay in Samsung to supervise Jae Yong. If Fu Zhen and Xin Yu are not working at Samsung, I am worried that Jae Yong will have no sense of crisis." Chen Jianxi expressed his plan.
"Chairman Chen, do you believe what you said? Although Fuzhen is the first female president of Samsung Group, she took over a non-core business such as hotels."
"Although Samsung has three Fortune 500 companies, Fu Jin neither joined Samsung Electronics like her brother, nor worked at Samsung C&T or Samsung Life. Anyone who understands the organizational structure of the Samsung Group knows that Chairman Chen did not train Fu Jin as an heir at all, and Fu Jin could not shake her brother's position in succession. So why force Fu Jin to stay in Samsung and ruin her bright future?" Song Yi sneered.
When Chen Jianxi heard what Song Yi said, he was amused by Song Yi, "According to what you said, Fu Zhen will have more development opportunities if she joins SA than if she stays in Samsung?"
"I previously suggested that Samsung merge Everland and Hotel Shilla to form a new company, Samsung Tourism, which will be responsible for Samsung's entire hotel and tourism business. The businesses of Hotel Shilla and Samsung Everland have a lot in common."
“Chairman Chen, you are unwilling to train Fu Zhen, but I am. As long as Fu Zhen is willing to join the SA Group, the SA Group will set up SA Culture and Tourism, which will be responsible for managing the SA Group’s hotels, resorts and mainland scenic spot businesses.” Song Yi told Chen Fu Zhen his arrangements.
"Chairman Chen, you have made a good plan. SA Tourism and Culture is in need of a capable helmsman to integrate the hotel and tourism business of the SA Group. Isn't it too easy for you to poach Fu Zhen without paying any price?" Chen Jianxi felt that Song Yi was daydreaming.
"Chairman Chen, this is wrong. I know you plan to separate Shilla Hotel from Samsung Group and let Fuzhen inherit Shilla Hotel, just like Chairman Chen Mingxi inherited Shinsegae Department Store."
"If Fu Zhen helps me manage SA Tourism, I am willing to give Fu Zhen my shares in SA Tourism as a gift to show my sincerity. I can guarantee that even if Fu Zhen no longer works at Samsung, she can still maintain her current quality of life." Song Yi said.
Chen Jianxi was moved when he heard Song Yi say that the biggest problem for Chen Zaiyong to inherit Samsung Group in the future is the high inheritance tax. If Chen Fuzhen can get the shares of SA Culture and Tourism, then when Fuzhen inherits the shares of Samsung in the future, she will be able to use sufficient funds to pay the inheritance tax.
If Chen Fuzhen does not work at Samsung, she can help Chen Zairong. When Chen Zairong inherits Samsung in the future, Chen Fuzhen, as a younger sister, can also help Chen Zairong stabilize the situation of Samsung and avoid the dilemma of being leaderless.
Chen Jianxi is now mainly guessing Song Yi's real thoughts. Does Song Yi want to take Chen Fuzhen away from Samsung and join SA Cultural Tourism Group? Or is he trying to use the conditions he has offered to force Chen Jianxi to use Chen Fuzhen more within Samsung, or even to get involved in Samsung's management rights through Chen Fuzhen? This is the bottom line that Chen Jianxi absolutely cannot tolerate.
"Chairman Song, you should never put all your eggs in one basket. Although I am currently inclined to let Jae-yong take over, Fuzhen is indeed my backup choice."
"When my father was choosing the second-generation heir to Samsung, I was not his favorite candidate at all. It was only because my eldest brother and second brother were not doing well that my father handed Samsung to me. If Fu Zhen and Xin Yu don't stay to work at Samsung, and suppose I want to replace the heir one day, and Fu Zhen and Xin Yu have never worked at Samsung, how can they convince the public?" Chen Jianxi asked tentatively.
"Chairman Chen, your worries are really unnecessary. In fact, for multinational companies of Samsung's size, many CEOs of large companies also jumped from other companies. If Samsung wants to break away from the fate of a family business, then it is very necessary to introduce a professional manager system."
"If one day, Chairman Chen needs Fu Zhen to take on the family responsibilities on her shoulders to assist her brother in inheriting Samsung, I believe Fu Zhen will stand up and express her support without hesitation," said Song Yi.
Chen Jianxi still did not let down his guard after hearing Song Yi's answer. He no longer believed Chen Fuzhen and felt that Chen Fuzhen and Song Yi were of the same mind. Chen Zairong had tried to attack Song Yi many times before, but all failed. It was very likely that Chen Fuzhen had leaked the information.
SA Group has already begun to challenge Samsung's consumer electronics and chip businesses. The secret relationship between Chen Fuzhen and Song Yi is undoubtedly a betrayal of the Samsung family. This is the key reason why Chen Jianxi placed his beloved daughter Chen Fuzhen under house arrest.
Chen Jianxi has a weak sense of family affection, and he thinks Song Yi is the same kind of person as him. Although Chen Fuzhen is Song Yi's woman, for a successful man, a woman is just an optional embellishment.
If he didn't agree to let Chen Fuzhen go today, maybe the prosecutor would come to investigate the case right after Song Yi left. For Song Yi, he had done his best to come to Chen Fuzhen's house to save her. If Chen Jianxi refused to let Chen Fuzhen go, Song Yi might want to sit back and watch the Samsung family's internal strife.
"Call Fuzhen over and clean the tea room." Chen Jianxi waved his hand and instructed his secretary.
Chen Fuzhen has been under house arrest by Chen Jianxi for several days. She has received news from her sister Chen Xinyu that Song Yi is preparing to return to Seoul to rescue her.
Chen Fuzhen knew how stubborn her father Chen Jianxi was, and she was not optimistic about Song Yi's trip. Who knew that her father actually agreed to let her meet Song Yi? This was undoubtedly a very good sign.
She walked into the tea room and greeted Chen Jianxi and Song Yi in turn, "Father, President Song, hello."
Song Yi glanced at Chen Fuzhen. Chen Fuzhen, who was wearing home clothes, looked much thinner and pale. He couldn't help but feel distressed and nodded, "Fuzhen, long time no see."
Chen Jianxi looked at Chen Fuzhen, was silent for a long time, and sighed, "Fuzhen, Song Yi just said that he would like to invite you to be the president of SA Culture and Tourism, specializing in the management of SA Group's hotels, scenic spots and luxury resorts. I have agreed."
"Since you are leaving Samsung, we will take back the Samsung stocks that your mother and I gave you before. These stocks are very valuable. After you leave Samsung, you will be left with nothing. I hope you don't regret it." Chen Jianxi reminded.
When Chen Fuzhen heard that Chen Jianxi had agreed to restore her freedom, she looked up in surprise and said, "Thank you, father. I believe in Song Yi. He will definitely not let me down."
Chen Jianxi snorted. Although SA Tourism Group is not listed, the two properties of AXA Tokyo Luxury Resort and Elysian Ski Resort alone are worth a lot of money. The value of the shares of SA Tourism Group held by Song Yi is definitely not less than the shares of Shilla Hotel, Samsung Everland and Samsung Life held by Chen Fuzhen herself. Chen Fuzhen said that Song Yi would not let her down, which was not wronged.
"Although we have to take back the shares we gifted you, we will still give you the house we bought for you in Itaewon. If one day you are unhappy working at SA Culture and Tourism, at least you will have a place to settle down when you return to Seoul. I will transfer the house in Itaewon to your name." Chen Jianxi also showed a hint of fatherly tenderness at this time.
After talking to Chen Fuzhen, Chen Jianxi looked at Song Yi. He was very dissatisfied with Song Yi, but his daughter Chen Fuzhen was determined to go with Song Yi.
"Song Yi, I have only two requirements for Fu Zhen's work. First, she cannot stay in Korea to work, so as not to cause gossip. Second, Fu Zhen cannot work for SA Electronics. SA Electronics and Samsung Electronics will become competitors sooner or later, and I, the daughter of Chen Jianxi, cannot help the competitors of Samsung Electronics." Chen Jianxi emphasized.
Song Yi held Chen Fuzhen's hand and bowed to Chen Jianxi to say goodbye. "I have received Chairman Chen's request and will do it. If Chairman Chen needs my or Fuzhen's help in the future, please be sure to contact me. Today, I, Song Yi, owe Chairman Chen a favor."
Chen Jianxi felt a little disdainful. As the chairman of Samsung, how could he possibly ask Song Yi for help? If he couldn't solve the problem, Song Yi's intervention would be useless.
He waved his hand. "You guys go, the sooner the better before I change my mind. Fuzhen, say hello to your mother before you leave. Even if you go to live and work in the mainland, don't forget to come back to Seoul to visit us."
Chen Fuzhen was also worried that something might happen if she delayed, so she did not pack her luggage and got into the car with her son Chen Yuanzhong and left Chen Jianxi's Hannam-dong residence.
Luo Hongxi was a little reluctant to see Chen Fuzhen and her son leave, and was also a little puzzled. "Jianxi, don't you doubt Yuanzhong's background? Song Yi finally came to your house today, why don't you ask clearly?"
"Fuzhen has already given up the inheritance rights of Samsung Group and Samsung stocks worth trillions of won. It is impossible for Yuanzhong to inherit Samsung shares. Does it matter whether Yuanzhong's father is Song Yi or the missing You Zaishi?" Chen Jianxi is very open-minded.
Song Yi kept saying that he was willing to give all the shares of SA Culture and Tourism to Chen Fuzhen. Isn't it for Chen Fuzhen's son Chen Yuanzhong? How could Song Yi leave such a large industry to outsiders? At this point, is there any need to ask some questions?
Thank you all for your monthly tickets, see you tomorrow!
(End of this chapter)