Chương 483: Chapter 483: We Must Do This Properly
Using barbarians to catch barbarians – that's the strategy.
This is the plan I've devised.
Getting the Princelings and Shanghai faction to keep each other in check.
That alone will reduce the pressure on Hu Jintao.
The last binder I gave contained tomorrow's front-page stories set to run in Murdoch's newspapers.
[Wanda Group's Suspicious Money]
[The Dark Origins of Chairman Wang Jianlin's Wealth]
[Wanda Group's Shadowy Ties to Chinese Mafia]
They planned to run feature stories exposing various allegations about Chairman Wang Jianlin and suspicious money flows.
"…These will run in American and British papers tomorrow?"
Zhou Yongkang's button-like eyes widened dramatically.
He couldn't tear his gaze away from the document listing tomorrow's headlines.
"Well? Can you move Chairman Jiang Zemin now?"
"Even so…"
I frowned at Zhou Yongkang's lingering hesitation.
"Look at the last page then. There you'll find why you need to stake your life on this."
At my words Zhou Yongkang opened the final page.
His face twisted with both shock and rage.
"If you reject this proposal those headlines will run on tomorrow's front page instead."
The final document was filled with headlines detailing allegations against Zhou Yongkang.
"What are you trying to do?"
"I sought you out hoping for dialogue and I'm giving you an opportunity. If you refuse I'll have no choice. I can't take on both you and Wang Jianlin at once."
"…Why go to such lengths? Surely this isn't necessary?"
Zhou Yongkang set down the binder with trembling hands his voice hollow.
"I consider anyone who covets what's mine an enemy. But there's one thing I despise even more – those who threaten my family my friends or anyone close to me I crush completely. This time someone appeared who both wants what's mine and threatens my family. I've decided to deal with whichever is easier to handle first."
I lifted the bottle and held it out to Zhou Yongkang.
Zhou Yongkang extended his glass uncertainly and I poured while speaking.
"Don't think I'm talking to you because I fear you or dread fighting you. I'm barely restraining myself from tearing you apart right now. I'm not a patient person. Don't test me further."
The liquor overflowed from the glass. Despite the fragrant alcohol dripping to the floor I didn't stop pouring.
"Liu Han of Han Long Group is also involved in this matter. I already know about your relationship with Liu Han."
"…"
"I prefer dialogue but dialogue is for people. Beasts that won't listen can only be beaten to death. What will you choose?"
A bottle of Maotai was quickly emptied.
I set down the empty bottle and fixed Zhou Yongkang with a cold stare.
"Will you take my extended hand? Or become my enemy and fight me?"
Having his weaknesses exposed Zhou Yongkang had no choice but to take my hand.
"If you'll take my hand drink that glass. If not pour it out."
I opened a new bottle and poured myself a glass.
I held my glass and stared intently at Zhou Yongkang.
"Choose."
I brought my glass to my lips and drained it in one go.
Even as I set my glass down he still hesitated.
He seemed to be weighing whether to hand me his leash or try pressuring me with his authority.
Further words would be pointless. The decision was his to make.
Well if he can't understand after such a kind explanation I'll have to try other methods.
Zhou Yongkang apparently finished deliberating and downed his glass in one shot.
"This time I'll concede."
I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity. Still trying to preserve his dignity till the end.
Whatever that's not important right now. I can educate him on that later.
"You must do this properly. Hu Jintao's Communist Youth League won't support the Princelings but they'll stay neutral. They won't back the Shanghai faction either but that's enough to let Jiang Zemin act."
"But Chairman Jiang is practically Bo Xilai's patron. How to convince him…"
I cut off Zhou Yongkang's hesitation with a firm response.
"We're not asking to eliminate Bo Xilai. Wanda Group and Wang Jianlin are the targets. If Bo Xilai won't let go of Wang's hand we might see feature stories about their relationship. Then even Jiang Zemin won't be able to protect him."
In truth Jiang Zemin and Bo Xilai's relationship was complicated.
Bo Xilai's father Bo Yibo was one of the Eight Elders of the Chinese Communist Party.
Bo Yibo had supported Jiang Zemin helping him greatly in securing power.
That's why Jiang Zemin in turn helped Bo Xilai build his political strength.
"Take this to Bo Xilai. Tell him American and British media will run these stories tomorrow. Intelligence from the State Security Department indicates they're preparing stories about Bo Xilai too. We need to show decisive action before this escalates."
Bo Xilai would be the first to denounce Wang Jianlin if he thought the flames might reach him.
"I understand. I'll arrange to meet Bo Xilai immediately."
"You can meet at this late hour?"
"For something this serious he'll wake up even if he's sleeping."
Well that's true. I nodded.
"We can't kill Wang Jianlin can we?"
"No one can do that. Seizing his assets and letting him spend life in prison is the most we can do."
I briefly recalled the history I knew.
Even Bo Xilai ultimately received life imprisonment for corruption not death. I guess that really is the limit.
"Very well then. Handle Wang Jianlin that way but hand over Vice Chairman Li Ruifeng to me."
"Hand him over?"
"Don't concern yourself with whether I boil him stew him or whatever else. Just investigate him and hand him over."
Zhou Yongkang hesitated.
"Or would you prefer to hand over Chairman Liu Han?"
"Li Ruifeng isn't part of the Princelings so it shouldn't be a problem. Wang Jianlin will abandon him to save himself anyway."
Zhou Yongkang quickly spoke up at the mention of handing over Liu Han who was connected to him.
I smirked at his reaction.
"Alright then. Keep Liu Han in line too. Tell him to stick to business and stop poking his nose where it doesn't belong. Do you know? That gentleman Liu Han dabbles in blackmail kidnapping and even murder."
"…I know nothing about that."
What nonsense. If he knew he was complicit if he didn't know he was incompetent.
And Zhou Yongkang was definitely not an incompetent man.
Even with Jiang Zemin's protection he couldn't have risen to this position without ability.
"If he catches my attention one more time I won't let it slide."
"…I'll relay the message."
"Shall we have one last drink before parting? You seem like you'll be quite busy from now on."
We filled each other's glasses and drank our final round.
"Then I'll take my leave first."
"Ah and one more thing."
I pulled out a memo and business card from my inner pocket.
"This is…?"
"It would be unfair to only target Wanda Group. Tell Naspers to invest in these companies. They'll see returns of ten times or more within one to two years. These are Chinese companies preparing for IPOs on NASDAQ and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange."
"Thank you. This will make convincing Chairman Jiang much easier."
Zhou Yongkang accepted and opened the memo.
It contained a list of Chinese companies planning to go public soon.
"I'll be going then. I'll contact you as things progress."
"The number on that card connects directly. Use that to contact me."
Zhou Yongkang left first.
I watched the door he exited through with a cold smile.
* * *
Upon leaving the bar Zhou Yongkang immediately contacted Bo Xilai.
– Minister of Public Security what brings you to call at this hour?
"Bo Xilai. Meet me right now."
– Now? The time…
It was nearly midnight but Zhou Yongkang pressed on regardless.
"It's urgent. I'm coming to your house. You're in Beijing right?"
– Yes I'm in Beijing.
"I'll be there in 30 minutes."
– Understood. I'll be ready.
After hanging up Zhou Yongkang spoke to his secretary who was driving.
"Prepare all materials on Wanda Group. Have them on my desk ready to review tomorrow."
"Just Wanda Group?"
"Yes. Wanda Group Chairman Wang Jianlin and Li Ruifeng too. Get everything from both the Ministry of Public Security and State Security Department."
The Ministry of Public Security and State Security Department shared the same building.
It was like having the police and National Intelligence Service in one building in Korea.
The secretary knowing the delicate relationship spoke up.
"I can't handle the State Security Department matter."
"Then I'll call them now. I'll tell them to hand over all materials to you."
Zhou Yongkang opened his phone and called the Minister of State Security.
– Zhou Yongkang. What's the matter at this hour.
"Xu Yongyue. I have a favor to ask."
– A favor? From you to me?
"…"
Unlike Zhou Yongkang of the Shanghai faction Xu Yongyue was close to Hu Jintao.
In simple terms they were in opposing positions.
Zhou Yongkang sighed and said.
"Hand over the State Security Department's files on Wanda Group and Chairman Wang Jianlin."
– What? That's… Don't tell me you?
"Don't ask questions just help me. Then I'll owe you one next time. Can you do it?"
– …Alright for now.
Zhou Yongkang ended the call. Staring at his phone he ground his teeth.
"Damn it. To think I have to beg even this bastard! Damn it! Damn it!"
Unable to contain his rising anger he pounded the passenger seat repeatedly.
* * *
Shortly after.
The door opened and Hao Xun entered.
"Did the talk go well?"
I nodded.
"This place is nice. The security is thorough too. It was a good experience after a long time."
"I apologize. Those are the rules here."
"Haha no need to apologize. The fact that you created such a place and got the Communist Party's top brass to accept it speaks to your ability Vice Chairman."
Hao Xun definitely had skill. It seemed almost wasteful for someone of his caliber to operate only in the shadows.
"First have them bring new food. Zhou Yongkang that man showed terrible manners."
Hao Xun bowed his head and pressed the nearby bell to call staff.
"Bring a fresh round of drinks and food."
"Ah and let's switch to whiskey. Maotai really doesn't suit my taste."
"Understood. I'll have them bring out the new stock."
While waiting for the staff to bring the new drinks we chatted.
"Is everything settled in Guangzhou?"
"Yes. We've taken over all 14K's operations and dealt with everyone directly involved in this incident. Ground them up well and threw them to the pig farms the pigs will eat well."
Making such frightening statements so casually.
Well that's China for you. I smiled and asked.
"There won't be any problems?"
"No. We cleaned up thoroughly."
"The Vice Chairman's work is always impeccably clean."
Soon the drinks arrived and Hao Xun poured me a glass.
"No need to pour for me."
"Still… Then just the first glass."
After drinking the glass Hao Xun poured I held out my glass.
"I hear this isn't proper etiquette in China? But in Korea when you receive a drink it's polite to pour one in return. Have a drink."
I knew passing glasses to others wasn't considered proper in China.
Hao Xun accepted without concern. As I poured his glass he asked.
"Vice Chairman how did you end up joining the Black Society? You don't seem like you were always a gangster."
Hao Xun drank what I poured and passed the glass back.
"It might be a rather long story."
"We have plenty of time today. Let's drink and hear your story."
The drinking session stretched on endlessly.
I tipped my glass while listening to Hao Xun's story.
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