Chapter 114
Chapter 114
For some reason, there seemed to be a deep regret in her eyes looking at me. After her light farewell, Diane turned her back.
Her inauguration began as it began to rain little by little.
In this presidential election, most of the large corporations and financial institutions supported Diane. Because Ronald was so out of the ordinary, and he had very little chance of winning.
But when she was elected, things changed. Companies that wanted to support Ronald lined up, and the largest amount of political donations in history was gathered for this inauguration ceremony.
On the other hand, she continued to maintain an uncomfortable relationship with the media. CNN, NBC, Washington Post, etc. attacked Ronald’s remarks and policies, and Ronald pushed them through Twitter as Fake News and engaged in a keyboard battle.
The gossip and profanity are still there, but now everyone seems to be like that.
After Vice President Mike Bauer’s oath of office ended, Ronald Stamper stood before Chief Justice Rapert and took the oath of office.
Ronald put his left hand on the bible and raised his right hand and spoke proudly.
“I solemnly swear that I will faithfully perform the duties of the President of the United States, and to the best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. God bless you!”
clap clap!
People cheered and applauded all at once. From this moment on, Ronald, a real estate tycoon and political cult, became the president who would lead the United States for the next four years.
Taek-gyu and I also applauded hard.
Standing on the podium, Ronald delivered his inaugural speech in a strong tone, with characteristic exaggerated gestures.
“… … In the past few decades, only foreign companies have sailed, and American companies have not grown well. While subsidizing defense spending to other countries, the US military’s strength gradually weakened. The United States has made other countries rich, but our wealth is dwindling. Factories closed, machines rusted, and people lost their jobs. Millions of American workers and ordinary people have suffered greatly over the past hour. The purpose of our gathering here is to make a new declaration. As President of the United States, I will only put America’s national interests first. We will implement policies that benefit the United States and its workers in trade, taxes, immigration, diplomacy, everything. We will protect our borders, our factories, and our jobs. We will build walls on our borders, protect our trade, and make our country strong and prosperous!”
This is so… … .
Although I expected to some extent, the content of the speech was stronger than expected. It was seen that the expressions of the representatives of each country who came for the congratulatory message darkened.
To sum up his inaugural speech in one word, it was ‘America First’.
After World War II, the United States was the world leader, both economically and militarily. With the Bretton Woods Agreement, the dollar became the reserve currency, and the U.S. military was deployed in conflict zones and served as the world’s police force. (Right now, there are more than 20,000 U.S. troops stationed in Korea alone).
As a result, the United States suffered huge gains and losses at the same time.
While spreading the gospel of free trade, they had to endure a huge trade deficit (trade deficit is the fate of key currency countries), and defense spending increased to an astronomical level, messing up the already severe deficit.
After all, it was America’s duty and right. But Ronald Stamper has now declared that America will value rights over duties.
This meant a complete change in US foreign policy going forward.
Right now, Ronald plans to join hands with Russia to keep China in check. This is good news for Russia, which had been at odds with the West due to the annexation of Crimea and the civil war in eastern Ukraine, but for NATO allies, it would feel like a comrade in the head.
The trade war seemed to have been foretold.
It plans to reduce the trade deficit with China, abandon Japan-led TPP (Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership) membership, and review various trade agreements, including the Korea-US FTA.
“… … .”
First of all, it looks like Korea, China, and Japan will win.
The important thing is that I helped create that flow, and I am now in the middle of that flow.
The economy hates uncertainty. Rather, if you see a fire in front of you, you can splash water on your body and then jump in. But there is a thick fog, so if you don’t know what’s there, you can’t move forward even one step.
If Diane had been elected, the policy of the existing government would have been followed. But Americans prefer change over stability.
The inauguration ceremony ended safely as everyone watched with mixed expectations and concerns.
* * *
After his inauguration, Washington, D.C. became a forum for diplomacy.
Representatives and businesspeople from different countries lined up to meet the new president of the United States. In the meantime, they also had talks with each other.
Looking at the article on my cell phone, it seems that Prime Minister Hwang Gyu-sang is also actively meeting Japan and China.
Even though we didn’t get a numbered ticket, Ronald made time for us.
As we entered, a large old man greeted us warmly.
“Long time no see. How have you been?”
“of course.”
This is the second time we met in person. When we first met, he was just a Republican presidential candidate (with very little chance of winning), but now he is the president of the world’s most powerful country.
“Haha, that’s good.”
“It is thanks to the President’s concern.”
“Come on, take a seat.”
We took our seats.
Ronald’s expression was bright, but he looked very tired.
After all, he is 70 years old. He is the oldest US president ever. He wouldn’t have been able to rest properly in preparation for his inauguration.
“I enjoyed your inaugural speech.”
“How was it?”
The inaugural address of the President of the United States is often prestigious. A typical example is the inauguration speech of the 35th President John F. Kennedy.
Compared to that, the writing level of elementary school students is… … .
I said sticking out my tongue.
“It was concise and clear. It’s the best inaugural speech I’ve ever heard.”
Ronald burst out laughing as if he was in a good mood.
“Hahaha! You have quite a keen eye.”
“… … .”
If I lied, my conscience pricked me a little.
“What are your plans for the future?”
“As I said before. We’re going to build factories in America, hire American workers, and build cars that Americans drive. It would be even better if we could even export it.”
The United States is not a very attractive environment for manufacturing. Labor costs are high and taxes are high.
As a result, most of the manufacturing factories went to Mexico or Southeast Asia.
To solve this problem, tariffs on imported goods should be imposed and corporate taxes should be lowered. Both of these are Ronald’s promises.
In addition, we hope to dramatically loosen regulations on autonomous driving. Only then will you be able to use the technology that Karos has to the best of your ability.
Ronald nodded as if he liked my answer.
“Other companies should imitate OTK Company.”
Even if we don’t want to be imitated, shouldn’t everyone be imitated?
Already, all companies are feeling the tremendous pressure to set up factories in the United States.
The aide approached and said in a low voice.
“You need to move on for your next appointment.”
“Okay.”
We got up.
Ronald held out his hand.
“If you have any difficulties, let me know. I will help you as much as I can.”
“Thank you, President.”
I made a decisive contribution to Ronald’s election. It is a kind of national announcement.
But how far will it go?
One thing that politics and business have in common is that they swallow when they are sweet and spit them out when they are used.
No matter how good they are, if they don’t make a profit, they throw it away mercilessly. Conversely, no matter how bad the relationship is, as long as it is mutually beneficial, you can hold hands.
That was the case with the Three Party Hapdang in 1990, and the current relationship between NPL and Seosung Electronics is like that.
Ronald is now president, not a real estate businessman. But his style is still business man.
A business is established when there is something to be exchanged with.
In order to keep the relationship going, you must continue to prove yourself worthwhile. Otherwise, it could be thrown away at any time.
With that in mind, I shook hands with the President of the United States.
* * *
Daryl told me.
“I’ll go to the Silicon Valley lab first.”
“Already?”
“The message to make the car I want to make keeps lingering in my mind. I was going to rest a little while I was here, but my body was itching and I couldn’t bear it.”
Looking at his face, it seems to be of no use to dry it.
“Then take a private plane. We’re going back to Korea from here anyway.
Taehyung nodded his head.
“Yes. We don’t even pay for oil.”
Daryl laughed at our words.
“Okay.”
Daryl left for the airport, and we headed to the hotel.
Due to the inauguration ceremony, a nearby luxury hotel had already been booked.
But thanks to Ronald’s consideration, we were able to get a room at the Stamper Hotel. As the name suggests, it is a hotel owned by Ronald.
I showed my passport in the lobby and was guided to the penthouse. Like the most expensive room in a high-end hotel, the interior was gorgeous in a duplex structure.
Taek-gyu immediately took off his suit and changed into a gray sweatshirt. Then he flopped down.
“Hey, I’m going to live now.”
I sat on the sofa and unbuttoned my tie and buttons. I feel like all the gin is gone.
As I was about to rest, I got a call from the lobby.
[A guest has arrived.]“… … .”
Who’s coming to me from America? Few people know that I’m staying here.
“Someone?”
[If you say L6, you will understand.]“L6… … .”
I told him to upload it and hung up.
Taek-gyu asked.
“Who is it?”
“It’s called L6.”
“cell phone?”
Who the hell are you?
After a while, the bell rang. When I opened the door, there was a man standing there. He was a Korean in his mid-40s with a neat appearance and gilt-rimmed glasses.
I was shocked to see him.
“… … .”
Why is this person here?
Taek-gyu, who suddenly showed his face, was startled.
“Uh, you’re the guy who made the L6.”
He looked at us and said hello.
“Nice to meet you. This is Im Jin-yong.”
* * *
We sat facing each other on the living room sofa.
Vice Chairman Im Jin-yong also attended the inauguration ceremony. In fact, the Seoseong group deserves an invitation. Did you come as a delegation with Prime Minister Hwang Gyu-sang?(Read more @ wuxiax.com)
Taek-gyu stared at the opponent’s face from before.
Vice Chairman Im Jin-yong asked.
“What’s on my face?”
“no. It’s amazing to see people I only see on TV every day in front of me.”
Well, in a way, it’s not an exaggeration to say that he’s the most famous person we’ve ever met in person.
Even if Chase Southwell is a legendary investor in Asia, the general public doesn’t know much about it, and James C. Goldman, like a hermit investor, is not known at all. When I first met Ronald, he was a candidate, not a president.
On the other hand, there will be no Koreans who do not know the name of Im Jin-yong.
Actually, I feel a bit strange. Who would have known that I would meet Vice Chairman Suh Sung Electronics in my lifetime?
“is that so? He doesn’t show up very well on TV.”
Taehyung waved his hand.
“Hey, what are you talking about? You’ve been on the news a lot for evading military service and expedient succession of management rights. I got divorced last year.”
“… … .”
I can’t raise my head because I’m ashamed.
I poked my side and said in a low voice.
“I’m not saying that out loud in front of you.”
Taek-gyu shrugged his shoulders and said.
“Why? It’s true.”
“… … .”
It’s not because it’s true. Just like you shouldn’t say bald in front of a bald person.
Because of him, it was difficult to be close with the Seoseong group.
Had it been someone else, he would have kicked himself up and blushed.
However, Vice Chairman Im Jin-yong burst out laughing.
“haha! It’s really the first time I’ve ever heard such a thing face to face.”
“Instead, I apologize.”
At my words, Vice Chairman Im Jin-yong waved his hand.
“Fine. I saw a lot of comments on the internet.”
It really doesn’t look too bad. By the way, Vice Chairman Suh Sung Electronics is also checking comments on the Internet.
“Now that I see you, you are a great person.”
If it’s an adult, it’s a big person, if it’s a small person, it’s a small person. What country is the big person in?
Taek-gyu put his hand on my shoulder and said.
“And don’t worry too much about malicious comments. It’s nothing compared to running on him.”
“… … .”
That’s why I don’t see comments at all these days.
