There seemed to be a deep sense of regret in her gaze as she looked at me. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Diane turned away.
The swearing-in ceremony began as rain lightly fell.
In this presidential election, most major corporations and financial institutions supported Diane. Ronald was such an unconventional figure with almost no chance of winning.
However, once he was elected, the situation changed. Companies eager to support Ronald began lining up, and record amounts of political donations poured into the inauguration.
On the other hand, he maintained a strained relationship with the media. CNN, NBC, and The Washington Post attacked Ronald’s statements and policies, while Ronald fought back on Twitter, labeling them as “Fake News,” igniting a keyboard battle.
Though his harsh words and insults persisted, the atmosphere had shifted; it was now accepted behavior.
As Vice President Mike Bauer completed his oath, Ronald Stamper stood before Chief Justice Rupert to take his own presidential oath.
Ronald placed his left hand on the Bible, raised his right hand, and confidently declared, “I solemnly swear to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. May God bless us!”
Applause erupted!
The crowd thundered with cheers. From this moment, Ronald, a real estate mogul and political outsider, became the President driving America for the next four years.
Tackkyu and I clapped enthusiastically.
Standing on the platform, Ronald delivered his inaugural address with his trademark exaggerated gestures and a strong tone.
“……For decades, foreign companies have prospered at the expense of American businesses, and while we’ve funded military efforts in other nations, our military strength has been waning. Other countries have grown wealthy because of us, yet our wealth has diminished. Factories have closed, machinery has rusted, and people have lost jobs. Millions of American workers and the middle class have endured great suffering. We are here to make a new declaration. As your President, I will prioritize America’s interests above all else. I will implement policies to benefit American workers in trade, taxes, immigration, and foreign relations. We will protect our borders, our factories, and our jobs. We will build walls on our borders and defend trade to create a strong and prosperous nation!”
Well, this is something…
Though I expected it, his speech was even more forceful than anticipated. I could see the representatives from various countries looking increasingly somber.
The inaugural speech can be summarized in one phrase: ‘America First.’
After World War II, the United States emerged as the world leader both economically and militarily. The Bretton Woods Agreement established the dollar as the world’s reserve currency, while U.S. military forces acted as global police in conflict zones (with over 20,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea alone).
This resulted in the U.S. facing both immense profits and losses.
While preaching the gospel of free trade, the country had to endure significant trade deficits (a fate of reserve currency nations), and defense spending skyrocketed, exacerbating the existing financial deficit.
Nonetheless, this was both a duty and a right for the U.S. Ronald Stamper has now declared that the U.S. will prioritize rights over duties.
This signifies a complete shift in U.S. foreign policy going forward.
Stamper is already looking to form an alliance with Russia to counter China. For Russia, which has been at odds with the West due to the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, this news is welcome. However, NATO allies may feel betrayed.
The trade war was already on the horizon.
Plans include reducing trade deficits with China, abandoning the TPP (Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership), and re-evaluating various trade agreements, including the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.
“…….”
It looks like China, Korea, and Japan will take the brunt of this.
What’s crucial is that I played a role in shaping this trend and currently stand at its center.
Economies dislike uncertainty. It’s easier to leap into water if a fire is visible; but if thick fog obscures all, taking a single step forward becomes impossible.
If Diane had won, she would have continued the previous administration’s policies. However, Americans chose change over stability.
As anticipation and concern intertwined, the inauguration ceremony concluded smoothly.
***
After the inauguration ceremony, Washington D.C. became a venue for diplomacy.
Representatives from various countries and business leaders lined up to meet the new American president. In the meantime, they also held discussions among themselves.
After checking the news on my phone, it seemed that Prime Minister Hwang Kyu-sang was actively meeting with Japan and China.
Despite not taking a separate number, Ronald made time for us.
As we entered, a large older man warmly welcomed us.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
“Of course.”
This was our second direct meeting. The first time we met, he was merely the Republican presidential candidate (with very little chance of winning), but now he is the president of the world’s most powerful country.
“Ha ha, that’s a relief.”
“Thanks to your concern, Mr. President.”
“Please, have a seat.”
We took our seats.
Although Ronald’s expression was cheerful, he looked quite tired.
Given that he is 70 years old, he is the oldest president in U.S. history. He probably hasn’t had much rest due to preparations for the inauguration.
“I enjoyed your inaugural speech.”
“How was it?”
Inaugural speeches by U.S. presidents are often eloquent. Notably, there’s the inaugural address by the 35th president, John F. Kennedy.
Compared to that, Ronald’s speech felt like it was at an elementary school level, but…
I shook my head and said, “It was concise and clear. It’s the best inaugural speech I’ve heard.”
Ronald burst into laughter, seemingly pleased.
“Hahaha! You have quite the eye for detail.”
“…….”
I feel a twinge of guilt for lying.
“What are your future plans?”
“It’s as I mentioned before. We plan to build a factory in the U.S., employ American workers, and manufacture cars for Americans. It would be even better if we could export them.”
The U.S. is not the most attractive environment for manufacturing. Labor costs are high, and taxes are steep.
As a result, most manufacturing plants have migrated to Mexico or Southeast Asia.
To solve this problem, tariffs on imports need to be imposed, and corporate taxes should be reduced. Both of these are part of Ronald’s pledges.
Additionally, we hope for significant deregulation regarding self-driving technology. That way, we can fully utilize the technological prowess of CarOS.
Ronald nodded, seeming pleased with my response.
“Other companies should take a page from OTK Company.”
Even if they don’t want to, I think everyone will have to follow suit.
All companies must already be feeling immense pressure to establish factories in the U.S.
A staff member approached and quietly said, “You need to move on to your next appointment.”
“Understood.”
We stood up from our seats.
Ronald extended his hand.
“Feel free to reach out whenever you face difficulties. I’ll help as much as I can.”
“Thank you, Mr. President.”
I played a crucial role in Ronald’s election. In a way, I’m a founding figure.
But how long will that last?
One commonality between politics and business is their fickleness; sweet things are ingested, while bitter things are spat out.
No matter how good the relationship, if it no longer benefits them, they will discard you without hesitation. Conversely, even a poor relationship can thrive if it remains mutually beneficial.
The merger of three parties in 1990 reflects this, just as the current relationship between NPL and Seosung Electronics does.
Ronald is no longer a real estate mogul; he is now the president. However, his style is still that of a businessman.
Business exists when there is something to exchange between parties.
To maintain relationships, one must continuously prove their own value. Otherwise, they could be discarded at any time.
With that thought in mind, I shook hands with the President of the United States.
***
Daryl told me, “I’m going to head to the Silicon Valley research center first.”
“Already?”
“The advice to create the car I want has been stuck in my mind. I thought I’d take a break while I’m here, but I can’t sit still.”
Looking at his expression, I figured there was no point in trying to persuade him.
“Then take your private jet. We’ll be heading back to Korea anyway.”
Taek-kyu nodded in agreement.
“Exactly. It’s not like we’re paying for the fuel.”
Daryl laughed at our remarks.
“Understood.”
Daryl left for the airport, and we headed to the hotel.
Due to the inauguration ceremony, the nearby luxury hotels were fully booked.
However, thanks to Ronald’s consideration, we managed to get a room at the Stamper Hotel, which, as the name suggests, is owned by Ronald.
When we showed our passports at the lobby, we were taken to the penthouse. True to its status as the most expensive room in a top-tier hotel, it had a loft structure and lavish decor.
Taek-kyu immediately changed out of his suit and into gray sweatpants, then flopped down.
“Ah, now I can breathe.”
I sat on the sofa, loosening my tie and buttons, feeling completely drained.
Just as I was about to rest, a call came in from the lobby.
[You have a visitor.]
“……”
Who could be visiting me all the way here in America? Very few people know I’m staying here.
“Who is it?”
[They said you’d know if we mentioned L6.]
“L6……”
I decided to let them up and ended the call.
Taek-kyu asked, “Who is it?”
“They said L6.”
“Is it on the phone?”
Who could it be?
A moment later, the doorbell rang. When I opened the door, a man was standing there. He was a clean-looking Korean man in his mid-40s, wearing gold-rimmed glasses.
I was taken aback when I saw him.
“……”
What is this guy doing here?
Taek-kyu, popping his head in, was surprised.
“Oh, it’s the guy who made L6!”
The man greeted us.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Im Jin-yong.”
***
We sat facing each other on the living room sofa.
So, Vice Chairman Im Jin-yong also attended the inauguration ceremony. Well, a company like Seosung Group would definitely be invited. Did he come as part of the delegation with Prime Minister Hwang Kyu-sang?
Taek-kyu had been staring intently at his face.
Vice Chairman Im asked, “Is something on my face?”
“No, it’s just that it’s amazing to see someone I usually only see on TV right in front of me.”
In a way, it’s not an exaggeration to say he’s the most famous person we’ve met so far.
Even though Chase Southwell is a legendary investor in Asia, the average person doesn’t know him well, and James C. Goldman, true to his reclusive investor image, isn’t even recognized. Ronald was just a candidate when I first met him.
On the other hand, there’s probably no one in South Korea who doesn’t know Im Jin-yong’s name.
Honestly, I feel a bit amazed too. Who would have thought I’d get to meet the Vice Chairman of Seosung Electronics in my lifetime?
“Is that so? I don’t usually make many appearances on TV.”
Taek-kyu waved his hand.
“Oh, come on! You’ve been in the news a lot because of things like evading military service and improper management succession. You even got divorced last year.”
“…….”
I was so embarrassed I couldn’t raise my head.
I nudged him in the side and whispered, “You shouldn’t say that right in front of him.”
Taek-kyu shrugged.
“Why not? It’s the truth.”
“…….”
Just because it’s the truth doesn’t mean it should be said, like saying “bald” in front of a bald person.
Thanks to him, I guess maintaining a good relationship with Seosung Group is out of the question now.
If it had been someone else, they might have stormed out or flushed with embarrassment.
But Vice Chairman Im Jin-yong burst into laughter.
“Haha! This is really the first time I’ve heard such words to my face.”
“I’ll apologize on their behalf.”
At my words, Vice Chairman Im waved his hand.
“It’s all right. I’ve seen even worse comments online.”
He genuinely didn’t seem too bothered. By the way, it seems that the Vice Chairman of Seosung Electronics checks online comments too.
“Now that I see, you’re quite magnanimous.”
If he’s a magnanimous person, then he is; if he’s small-minded, then he is. What language is ‘magnanimous’ anyway?
Taek-kyu placed a hand on my shoulder and said,
“And don’t worry too much about the negative comments. They’re nothing compared to what this guy gets.”
“……”
So, these days, I just don’t look at comments at all.
