Chapter 351: I Will Trust the Vice Chairman

To restore Wen Jiabao, who has already lost power, we must appease Jiang Zemin’s desires.

Jiang Zemin had to cede the presidency to Hu Jintao, realizing his own ambitions were recognized by Deng Xiaoping.

During Hu Jintao’s decade-long rule, the two of them engaged in an unseen power struggle, constantly keeping each other in check.

As a result, Xi Jinping of the Taizidang rose as a new alternative, instead of the Communist Youth League or the Shanghai faction.

Having made up my mind, I finally spoke.

“Bring Qian Liangyu to the center. Request Wen Jiabao’s reinstatement as a condition.”

“……”

Hu Jintao remained silent, sipping his tea as he absorbed my words.

“If we bring Qian Liangyu in, Jiang Zemin will accept Wen Jiabao’s reinstatement. What he desires is to groom his successor.”

“…Why should I do that? Explain your reasoning.”

“Can you control Jiang Zemin and the Shanghai faction without Wen Jiabao? No one in the Communist Youth League is there to protect you.”

Despite being labeled as one of the three major factions in the Chinese Communist Party, the Communist Youth League was the weakest.

The Taizidang wielded tremendous influence and wealth passed down from previous generations, holding significant power in both politics and business, while the Shanghai faction leveraged Jiang Zemin’s exceptional leadership and the city’s unique status to exert substantial influence in Beijing.

Though the Communist Youth League had the most members, ironically, its power base was the weakest.

“You’re suggesting we salvage Wen Jiabao by nurturing Jiang Zemin’s successor? Do you truly believe that’s reasonable?”

Naturally, Hu Jintao’s tone sharpened.

“In return, I’ll become your partner, Vice Chairman. I promise significant investments in China during your tenure.”

“Hmm…”

To persuade the still hesitant Hu Jintao, I continued to elaborate.

“Later, we could easily entrap Qian Liangyu in some corruption allegations, just as Wen Jiabao experienced.”

“Qian Liangyu isn’t that greedy. He’s cautious, humble, and passionate. If he were as openly greedy as Jiang Zemin, it might be easier. Nurturing such a man would only lead to them succeeding me in the end.”

Hu Jintao glared at me with frosty eyes.

Is Qian Liangyu truly still untainted by power?

Ultimately, he would be purged by Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao, facing numerous allegations.

“How long can the Shanghai faction’s successor remain so cautious? Regardless of how clean he is, relatives and close associates will be overwhelmed by temptations. Eventually, he will become tainted too.”

“As long as Jiang Zemin is backing him, it won’t be easy to remove Qian Liangyu.”

Hu Jintao still retaliated with a negative attitude.

“Then we must make it so he has no choice but to.”

“Is there a way?”

“We will diminish the Shanghai faction’s influence in Shanghai. If Wen Jiabao exerts his strength from the center and I continue investing in Shanghai, we can reduce the Shanghai faction’s power. Don’t think short term; consider the long term. Look towards the distant future.”

Under Hu Jintao’s leadership, China would achieve unprecedented economic growth.

I intended to take advantage of that to expand my influence.

“Can’t you agree to keep investing?”

“Yes. I believe China will become the world’s second-largest economy after the U.S.”

Hu Jintao let out a small sound of admiration.

He seemed to share a strong national pride as a Chinese citizen.

Perhaps feeling better from my words, a broad smile appeared on his face.

“However, if the Chinese Communist Party rejects foreign capital, I’ll have no choice but to leave China.”

Of course, I didn’t forget to add the warning.

I made it clear that if they ever rejected me, I would withdraw my investments in China without a second thought.

“There’s no chance of that. Even if policies change, during my term, I will ensure your investments are protected, Boss Kim.”

“I will trust the Vice Chairman.”

Hu Jintao set down his teacup. His previously sharp gaze had softened.

“What should we do after Wen Jiabao is reinstated?”

“Don’t you already have a plan?”

No matter how indecisive Hu Jintao was, he was an individual who overcame Jiang Zemin’s opposition to eventually rise to the presidential position.

Such a person wouldn’t come to me without any countermeasures.

“I just wanted to hear Boss Kim’s opinion.”

I didn’t appreciate his somewhat testing demeanor, but I responded calmly.

“Keep negotiating until Jiang Zemin completely relinquishes his position as Chair of the Military Commission. During that time, hold onto the Shanghai faction’s weaknesses while you gradually seize control of the party. Once you’ve taken over the position of Chair of the Military Commission, you can slowly push Jiang Zemin out of power.”

“Do you believe I can do that?”

“The key figures in the Shanghai faction did not rise from the bottom. They were involved in businesses like state-owned enterprises. While they are bright in economics, they are also vulnerable to corruption. Grabbing their weaknesses won’t be too hard. That’s precisely why Jiang Zemin won’t relinquish military power.”

Hu Jintao nodded, chuckling softly.

He seemed satisfied with my answer that aligned with his thoughts.

“You’ll be appointed as General Secretary in November, right?”

“Yes. I am scheduled to take office as Chairman next year. There hasn’t been a confirmation regarding when I would transfer the Chair of the Military Commission. ”

It appeared there were still no significant changes. Aside from Wen Jiabao’s purging, everything was proceeding as I understood.

Just then, the door swung open, and hotel staff alongside Hu Jintao’s aides began setting the room service food on the table before leaving.

“Since I called you early in the morning, let’s continue our conversation over breakfast.”

Hu Jintao rose first, and I followed suit to move to the table.

As soon as Hu Jintao sat down, he picked up his chopsticks.

Even during the meal, we spoke on various topics.

After finishing the meal, we returned to the living room to sip tea and converse.

I noticed Hu Jintao checking his watch, indicating it was time for him to head out.

Before concluding our meeting, I brought up one last topic.

“Vice Chairman, what are your thoughts on North Korea?”

“North Korea? Why are you asking me that?”

“Didn’t you abstain from the Security Council resolution regarding the U.S. invasion of Iraq to avoid disrupting the atmosphere between the U.S. and North Korea? I’m curious about China’s reasoning behind such a decision.”

Surprise flickered across Hu Jintao’s face.

“Huh…? How did you know? There aren’t many people in our government who are aware of it.”

“It’s something you can infer with a bit of thought. Would it be alright to ask how you plan to proceed?”

After a long moment of contemplation, Hu Jintao cautiously opened his mouth.

“Our government’s stance is simple. North Korea must remain as a buffer zone. Unification between South Korea and North Korea cannot occur. For that, we will utilize whatever methods necessary.”

He responded far too frankly.

Of course, China absolutely does not desire the unification of Korea and North Korea.

If unification occurs, U.S. troops would be stationed beyond their border, which they certainly would not welcome.

Russia felt the same way. Even being friends with Putin, there was nothing I could do about this matter.

“Hmm…”

“Boss Kim, if you were a politician, you wouldn’t have spoken so bluntly.”

Though he spoke candidly, Hu Jintao added that remark, perhaps fearful of future repercussions.

I completely understood, nodding in agreement.

“Yes. I understand the position. By the way, I heard information that Jang Seong-taek has reemerged in Pyongyang. Are you aware?”

“Your information is faster than that of many nations. Yes, he will likely show himself in politics soon. This is why Wen Jiabao has become even more essential, as he shares a strong friendship with Jang Seong-taek.”

It appeared that Jang Seong-taek’s reemergence was almost confirmed.

If China and Russia tacitly agree, wouldn’t Jang Seong-taek be smoothly recognized if he took power?

Nonetheless, I still couldn’t fully trust Hu Jintao. Wen Jiabao’s reinstatement was my utmost priority.

“Understood. Thank you for your candid message.”

“Ha ha. Now we’re comrades in the same boat, aren’t we?”

I handed Hu Jintao a prepared piece of paper.

After receiving it, he asked,

“What’s this?”

“It’s a Swiss account containing ten million dollars. It’s clean and should pose no issues.”

“Hmm…”

Sighing softly, Hu Jintao gazed at me fixedly.

He seemed eager to ask what it meant.

“There will be many costs associated with Wen Jiabao’s reinstatement. This is an investment for that purpose. I apologize if it seems offensive.”

“No, I wasn’t offended. I was rather surprised by how casually you present such a large amount.”

Perhaps satisfied with my reply, Hu Jintao set the paper down.

“Thank you. I’ll use it wisely.”

With a friendly smile, I stood up from my seat.

“It was a good meeting. I’ll take my leave now.”

Hu Jintao also stood up, extending his hand.

We shook hands warmly.

“Boss Kim, I hope this relationship lasts a long time.”

“I feel the same way. I look forward to our future collaboration.”

“Oh, regarding the companies Boss Kim has invested in, I will take good care of them.”

“Thank you.”

Smiles adorned both mine and Hu Jintao’s faces.

I secured a powerful backing in Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao, who would rule China for the next decade.

For at least ten years, I would have minimal constraints while operating in China, which naturally made me smile.

Hu Jintao, having also gained a proven businessman, would likely think he could strengthen his power base.

As we shook hands repeatedly, our gazes exchanged.

* * *

A week had passed since my meeting with Hu Jintao.

“I have obtained the production rights from JC Entertainment.”

I nodded at Manager Ma’s report.

The movie starring Cheon Ji-young, which had been in production after Lee Song-hee’s arrest, faced severe public backlash.

Filming was completely halted, and JC Entertainment quickly transferred movie production rights to us to distance themselves from the Lee Song-hee scandal.

“Please direct the production company under Heavenly Group to transfer to Ji-young’s agency. Provide ample funding to ensure the production goes smoothly.”

“Got it. I will take care of that.”

“Additionally, let’s completely separate Ji-young’s agency from Heavenly Group. There might be issues later on. Manager Ma, please handle the necessary arrangements.”

“Yes, Boss.”

After confirming that Manager Ma had left, I took out my phone to call Cheon Ji-young.

― “Hello. Oppa…”

Cheon Ji-young’s voice sounded weak.

“Why does your voice sound like that? Are you eating well?”

― “Yes, I’m eating well.”

“Is it because the movie’s production has been halted?”

― “I feel like it’s all my fault that this happened…”

She was certainly too nice, suffering from the fallout from Lee Song-hee and other actors who rode on his coattails.

Shaking my head, I continued the call.

“What do you mean? What did you do wrong? Stop thinking foolishly. We’ll replace Lee Song-hee’s role with someone else, and the film will resume production soon. Just take care of yourself. I’ll check in later.”

― “Huh? Really?”

Cheon Ji-young’s tone brightened over the phone.

“Yeah. I just acquired the rights for the film. We’ll be investing more money than before, so don’t worry. JC Entertainment will also provide personnel support.”

― “That’s a relief… Thank you, Oppa.”

Only then did Cheon Ji-young let out a sigh of relief. It seemed she had been deeply self-blaming over the production being halted.

At that moment, Manager Ma knocked and entered the room.

I cast a puzzled look at Manager Ma, who returned much sooner than I expected.

Seems like it must be urgent. I ended the call, letting Cheon Ji-young know I’d contact her later.

“What is it, Manager?”

“We’ve received a call from Black Bear’s headquarters.”

“From Eric?”

“Yes. He asked if he could visit Korea. What should we do?”

It seemed that he had urgent news to communicate over the phone.

“Invite him over.”

“Understood. I will relay this to arrange a schedule.”

Eric’s visit carried a clear implication: the Iraq War was about to commence.