Chapter Forty-two Negotiation

  As a country that imports almost all of its oil, South Korea is heavily affected by international oil prices. For every $5 increase in the price of a barrel of crude oil, South Korea has to spend an additional $5.5 billion, which would lower its GDP by 0.9 percentage points.

  To reduce expenditure, the government had to restrict the external lighting of highway rest stops when oil prices were high, limit the use of neon lights in cinemas, massage rooms and shops, operate elevators above four floors intermittently, enforce a "one-in-ten vehicle restriction" where one-tenth of vehicles are not allowed on the road each day, etc. However, the effect is almost negligible compared to the huge total consumption.

  Since the flow is not going well, we can only open up new sources. In recent years, the South Korean government and major conglomerates have been investing in oil fields around the world with a flourish of cash, but the returns are not enough to cover their domestic consumption for even one year!

  When a report from the Modern Iron and Steel Company stated that a private company could supply no less than 1 million barrels of light crude oil per month, it immediately attracted attention from all parties. When the Tianba No. 2 oil tanker arrived for the second time with 490,000 barrels of crude oil, the government and major financial groups immediately arranged this meeting.

  Mr. Jin's face wore a smile, but in his heart he was cursing. The total contract value of the steel components for the bridge purchased by Gao Yang was $1.02 billion, with payment to be made in oil at a price negotiated at $95 per barrel, about 10% lower than the international crude oil futures price, making Modern Corporation a big profit. But now the government and various financial groups all want to come and take a bite of the meat, how can Mr. Jin possibly be happy?

  After the pleasantries, Gao Yang sat in the main guest position, with SC Trade employees and lawyers sitting on either side of him. Across from them was Kim Jong-hoon, head of the department, and the meeting officially began.

  "Director General, we have reviewed the contract between SC Trading and Modern Steel. The contract stipulates that SC Trading must pay over 10 million barrels of crude oil to Modern Steel within 10 months to settle the payment. I would like to know if your company has sufficient payment capability?" asked Kim Jong-hoon, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose with a serious expression.

  Gao Yang picked up the cigarette box, lit a cigarette, took a light puff and smiled at Kim Jong-hoon, saying "What's wrong, does your government have a problem with this contract? Alright, no oil is fine, I'll give you cash instead."

  "Chairman Gao, you've misunderstood. Our government is very grateful for the care your company has shown to our enterprises. This meeting with you is just to explore if there's any further space for cooperation." Jin Zhengxun hastily explained.

  At this time, Samsung's Lee Ho-jae, who was sitting on the side, put down his pen and said, "Chairman Ko, we understand that you have a contract with China National Petroleum Corporation to supply 500,000 barrels of crude oil every month."

  Li Houzhai shifted his body and changed his posture, continuing to say "First of all, I would like to apologize, we have investigated your company's oil fields in Africa. Although there are already dozens of oil wells producing oil, after analysis by professionals, it is indicated that the monthly oil production of your oil field will not exceed 200,000 barrels! We are very curious where your oil comes from?"

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

  "As a businessman, whether buying or selling, what's most important is something you don't know?" A low and husky voice came from behind the smoke "The most important thing is that you must have this thing!"

  He stood up from his chair and walked slowly around the conference table to the opposite side, saying "Do you think Jin Shouzhang is a fool? He only received 1 million barrels of crude oil and dared to deliver goods to me? That's because I have a letter of credit from a Swiss bank!"

  "Look, I have a lot of oil, where it comes from and what it has to do with you! If you don't want to do business, that's fine, there are plenty of people who do! Just say so if you're not interested in doing business, we don't need your little bit of money!"

  "Director Jin hastily stood up and said, "Chairman Gao, don't be angry, we didn't mean to question your intentions. Please sit down." Chairman Gao extinguished his cigarette and returned to his seat, looking at the Koreans in front of him with a smile, saying, "After completing the contract with Modern Steel, I will end my business in Korea. How about it?"

  Kim Jong-hoon coughed and said, "Director Gao, you misunderstood. We came to talk about cooperation today, nothing else." He glared at Li Houzai fiercely after finishing speaking. Li Houzai, who was looked at with complaining eyes by everyone, also stood up and bowed to Gao Yang, saying, "I'm sorry, I misspoke. Please forgive me!"

  Gao Yang picked up the mineral water in front of him, opened it and started drinking without paying attention to him. Jin Zhengxun pulled Li Houzhai down to sit down, turned his head to look at Gao Yang with a smile and said: "Chairman Gao, our country's situation is basically not producing oil, but the consumption is extremely large, and the annual oil import volume ranks fourth in the world. The financial pressure is huge. This time I invited you to explore whether there is any possibility of cooperation between your company and us?"

  "What kind of cooperation?" Gaoyang put down the mineral water and said with a playful expression on his face.

  "Yes, that's right. Our government is willing to invest in your company's oil field. Any amount of money can be negotiated, and both technology and manpower can be heavily invested in exchange for a share of the oil field's output. What do you think?" Jin Zhengxun said with excitement.

  "Hey," Gao Yang curled his lip "Are you taking me for a fool? Say something useful." Jin Zhengxun's face immediately turned dark.

  "Hmph." The people around him burst into a fit of ridicule, making Kim Jong-hoon's face even more unsightly. "Before the oil comes out, it's okay to talk about exploration, but at this time, you're still thinking of getting something for nothing? Do you really think we're fools?" Park Jung-yeong, representative of SK Group, said with a mocking tone.

  "After finishing speaking, his face turned serious and he looked at Gao Yang and said, 'Director Gao, the government's words are finished. Now we start discussing business.'"

  Gao Yang lit a cigarette, "Say whatever you're thinking."

  "We, several companies, have formally proposed to SC Trading a contract for the purchase of oil. I think we can now discuss specific quantities and prices," said Pak Jong-yong seriously. Previously, when Kim Jong-hun was speaking on behalf of the government, they were all watching with amusement, but now it's their turn.

  "How much? What's the price?"

  "The more the better, and for the price, I hope it can be referred to the contract price of SC Trade and Modern Steel Company."

  "It's okay to make a profit in business, but it's not right to take advantage of others."

  "If it's like international crude oil prices, then we can buy it anywhere."

  "There's no such thing as free love in this world, why should I sell myself cheaply to you? What benefits can you offer me?"

  "Ms. Zheng Xiujing is Korean."

  Gao Yang looked at Jin Shouzhang silently, and the latter gave him a brilliant smile.

  "Starting at 4.2 million barrels per month, the price will be based on the average international crude oil futures price for that month, and we'll take 90% of it. Also, sell me a few tankers that can be used immediately, and use petroleum to offset the payment." Gaoyang extinguished his cigarette and continued, "I want to acquire S.M company."

  "I'll give you a satisfactory answer tomorrow." He stood up and shook hands.

  Gao Yang and his entourage checked into the New Luo Hotel, but Gao Yang was not adapted to the narrow room environment of the New Luo Hotel. He ordered his entourage to check if there were any high-end residences or villas for sale in the central area of Seoul that had a good environment.

  After dinner, Gao Yang called his parents to report safety and hung a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. He then activated the time-space shuttle and arrived in 1925's Magic Capital.

  Mr. Andrews has been in a good mood recently, his work in China has achieved great results, and the head office has already sent news that he may be entering the board of directors soon!

  In high spirits, Mr. Andrews and his secretary Miss Jennifer spent thousands of dollars at the newly opened department store of SC Trading Company on Avenue Joffre in the French Concession!

  The senior belt of Jinlili brand (artificial leather) has a unique design and a beautiful gemstone buckle (actually artificial), making people look extraordinary.

  Casio's high-end mechanical wristwatch, crystal glass face paired with a perfect steel case, annual time error rate of less than one second! (Everyone understands this kind of publicity stunt) This is the watch that men need!

  Mr. Andrews felt that all the cigarettes he had smoked before were fodder for horses when he smoked high-grade filtered Zhonghua cigarettes!

  Miss Jennifer is carrying a Dior lady's handbag (made of artificial leather) and in her shopping bag, there are various Dior series cosmetics and perfumes (all counterfeit products). Most importantly, she also has six pairs of flesh-colored silk stockings!

  Mr. Andrews drove with Miss Jennifer towards his residence, all the way Miss Jennifer kept expressing her affection to him, the enchanting fragrance made Mr. Andrews feel as if he had already surrendered shamelessly.

  The car sped away, leaving behind a trail of curses. Back at the residence, Andrews hastily parked the car and dragged Jennifer inside. At the entrance, Andrews, who was burning with desire, suddenly saw the CEO of SC Trading, Mr. Gao, and his butler standing at the door, smiling at him.

  "The butler didn't invite him in to sit down, that is to say..." Mr. Andrews released Miss Jennifer's hand and stuffed all the shopping bags into Jennifer's arms.

  Hurrying forward, "The boss is waiting for you." Gao Feng said with a smile. The butler looked at Mr. Andrews and nodded slightly. Standing at the door, calming his emotions and adjusting his attire, he pushed open the door and went in. "I wonder what this rich man wants from me?" Andrews thought to himself as he entered.

  Gao Yang sat quietly on the sofa in the living room, smoking a cigarette. When he saw Andrews come in, he gave him a slight smile. "Mr. Gao, it's an honor to meet you," Andrews said with a quick step forward and a slight bow, flattering him with a smile.

  There's no way out, Mr. Andrews' fate is now tied to Gao Yang's whims. If Gao Yang says he doesn't like the look of him and decides not to buy Mobil oil anymore, Mobil will definitely kick Mr. Andrews out.

  "Sorry to intrude," Gao Yang said, sitting on the sofa with a presumptuous expression. When dealing with Americans, nothing else matters as long as you have utilitarian value - you are their God!

  Andrews hastily refilled Gao Yang's half-empty coffee cup and smiled, saying "Mr. Gao, is there anything I can do for you?"