A truly tasteful man is often obsessed with a specific car company to the point of near-paranoia.
It is not a simple consumer choice, but a projection of one’s values.
Having navigated the business world for many years, Gao Hongzhi knew very well that someone who could maintain a firm stance on small details would not easily waver when it came to major matters.
On a quiet night, Gao Hongzhi had accidentally come across a book called A Man Called Ove.
It was a novel that was warm yet carried a faint sting.
It told the story of an old man misunderstood by the world who, after losing his beloved, tried to leave this world behind, only to slowly learn how to live again through a series of “interruptions” by life.
To this day, Gao Hongzhi remembered a scene from the book about Ove.
He drove nothing but Saab cars throughout his life.
His friend, Rune, stood firmly in the Volvo camp.
…
The two spent almost their entire lives arguing over their respective car loyalties.
To outsiders, it seemed like nothing more than a playful dispute, but Gao Hongzhi understood that it was never about the cars.
Saab cars carried an engineer-like paranoia and rationality, refusing to please anyone.
Volvo, on the other hand, symbolized family, safety, and realism.
The so-called “Swedish car faith war” was, in its essence, a confrontation between two worldviews.
Ove was moving not because of his stubbornness, but because he only drove Saabs throughout his life, just as he loved his wife, Sonja.
He never changed, and even after his wife passed away, he never had the slightest thought of marrying again.
His loyalty was clumsy to the point of being endearing.
Gao Hongzhi respected every person who understood and loved cars.
“Are you also familiar with the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star?”
Gao Hongzhi asked in a steady voice, as if posing a casual question.
“Of course, CEO Gao.”
There was not a hint of fawning in Baek Jeong-hun’s eyes.
It was the kind of light that appeared only when someone who truly loved machinery talked about engines and chassis.
It was not the cynical smile that would reflexively appear upon hearing the names of luxury brands.
In reality, when most people mentioned luxury German brands, their first reaction was the price, and their second was the status of the owner.
It was as if a car was merely a class label; as long as one sat in the driver’s seat, they automatically possessed some aura of success.
Gao Hongzhi had seen that posture of using a brand as a prop for showing off far too many times.
‘If this man in front of me only casually says “Mercedes symbolizes success,” then there is no need for this conversation to continue,’ he thought.
Of course, if Baek claimed to be fond of Hyundai or Kia, Gao Hongzhi would not necessarily agree with him either.
The designs of Korean cars had become increasingly sharp over the last ten years.
Large air intake grilles, sharp light clusters, and complex lines — it was a powerful presence.
It was a desire for expression that shouted, ‘I must be seen.’
Deep down, Korean cars possessed a clear sense of upward mobility and a “catch-up” type of self-esteem.
They were eager to prove themselves, eager to surpass others, and eager to shed their former second-tier identity.
This kind of flamboyance was not a quality that Gao Hongzhi appreciated.
He preferred restraint.
He preferred the weight found in silence.
He looked at Baek Jeong-hun and waited for an answer.
As an executive of a Korean conglomerate — as a member of their chaebol structure — would he choose a national symbol or an international authority?
Most high-level Korean executives Gao Hongzhi had dealt with in the past almost unanimously stated that they liked Genesis the most; it was essentially the “Bentley” of their Korean enterprises.
That was a stance.
It was also an attitude.
But to someone who truly understood cars, that kind of stance and attitude was not worth mentioning.
Instead, Baek Jeong-hun spoke calmly.
“My favorite car manufacturer is Volvo.”
Gao Hongzhi’s eyebrow twitched imperceptibly.
“You like Volvo?”
“Yes.”
There was no explanation, no supplement.
It was just a calm confirmation.
Volvo did not represent showing off.
It was not aggressive.
Instead, it represented safety, responsibility, and an obsession with the family structure.
It was low-profile yet extremely stable.
It was a value system that placed “protection” above speed and status.
Gao Hongzhi suddenly laughed.
“Well, it seems we will get along very well.”
The atmosphere seemed to loosen slightly at that moment.
This was truly a fascinating man.
He did not rely on brands to build his aura.
Instead, he used his choices to complete his self-definition.
“Volvo is also a car company I like very much. Now, let’s talk about the purpose of your visit.”
Gao Hongzhi made an inviting gesture.
At the same time, his wife, Ya Xinyao, and the assistant quietly left in silence, no longer disturbing his work.
“I will soon be reassigned to the Donghai headquarters,” Baek Jeong-hun said in a steady tone.
He walked beside Gao Hongzhi, his posture restrained and his manner appropriate.
The two of them soon arrived at a street-side cafe in the CBD.
There were no assistants and no accompanying team.
The conversation unfolded in an informal manner.
“CEO Gao, we are currently re-evaluating our manufacturing layout in Asia. In the current international environment, there is uncertainty regarding the new supply of high-end equipment. Particularly regarding the expansion of EUV-related production lines; the approval and delivery cycles are lengthening,” he said calmly.
There was no complaining; he was simply stating the facts.
“Therefore, we plan to establish an advanced packaging and testing center around Donghai. We will shift part of our focus from front-end processes toward back-end integration and high-density packaging. 2.5D packaging, 3D packaging, and high-bandwidth interconnects are the key directions for the next few years.”
He looked at Gao Hongzhi.
“In this field, we need higher-precision automated handling systems, higher-grade intelligent cleanroom logistics solutions, and a full-process digital production line management system. We have already evaluated the capabilities of Horizon Core Technology Group in these areas. If conditions are ripe, we could establish a joint venture in the Nation of Huaxia.”
“In the first stage, we would issue a special tender to your group. In the second stage, we would establish a joint research and development mechanism and open partial permissions at the interface protocol and system levels.”
He paused slightly.
“If the project is implemented… it will be an important milestone for Samsung’s manufacturing strategy and your group’s global layout.”
Gao Hongzhi did not respond immediately.
“Advanced packaging is indeed the trend. But a trend does not equate to profit.”
His tone was steady.
Once the conversation turned to work, even if the other person was a friend with shared interests in cars, it would not affect Gao Hongzhi’s thinking.
“EUV restrictions are a variable. The international situation is a variable. A joint venture is an even greater variable.”
He looked up at Baek Jeong-hun.
“Horizon never participates in cooperation where we lack control, nor do we make emotional investments. However, Donghai is indeed a good place to settle. Over the years, I have heard some rumors about you, Mr. Baek Jeong-hun. You are a fierce general when it comes to breaking new ground.”
“If you are willing, I can arrange for a team to conduct a closed-door assessment with your technical department. We will look at the data first, then talk about the structure. As for whether a joint venture can be established in the future, we will have to see each other’s hidden cards before making a decision.”
“Understood!”
With a face full of smiles, Baek Jeong-hun stood up and shook hands with Gao Hongzhi.