Chapter 485: Just Stop Right There

News about Wanda Group erupted across all newspapers and broadcasts owned by Murdoch’s News Corporation.

The simultaneous barrage of news shook public opinion.

Articles poured out not just from reputable papers but even from tabloids little better than gossip rags.

“What’s going on here? What is all this? Did you know nothing about this?”

China was a country that placed great importance on saving face.

Jiang Zemin’s expression had hardened into stone at these scandalous reports spreading in foreign media.

Zhou Yongkang bowed his head before Jiang Zemin.

“I only found out yesterday. We urgently discussed countermeasures but there was no way to stop it.”

“What are we going to do about this? Right now operations in Shanghai are completely paralyzed. Will you take responsibility? Have you forgotten why I put you in that position?”

“N-no, not at all.”

Though Zhou Yongkang kept bowing repeatedly, Jiang Zemin’s sharp voice wouldn’t easily calm down.

“I put you in that position despite everyone’s opposition. I strengthened your authority despite criticism about giving too much power to the Minister of Public Security. And this is the result? Why! Why did you let foreign media publish these articles!”

Jiang Zemin hurled the newspaper he was holding.

Zhou Yongkang carefully picked up the newspaper that had fallen at his feet and spoke cautiously.

“…I’ve heard they’re also preparing something related to Bo Xilai.”

“What? Bo Xilai? These bastards, really!”

Unable to contain his anger Jiang Zemin threw his teacup.

Though the teacup shattered against the wall after whizzing past his ear Zhou Yongkang remained perfectly still.

He knew better than to dodge or move which would only provoke Jiang’s volatile temper.

“They’re going after Bo Xilai too? Who is it! Which bastard is behind this!”

“Mr. Chairman please calm down first…”

“You bastard! Calm down? Calm down?! You dare call that a proper response! This isn’t about factions anymore! This is an attack! It’s a Western attack on our Communist Party! Do you still not understand how serious this is? This isn’t just about Wanda Group!”

“…”

Jiang Zemin’s reaction was far more intense than Zhou Yongkang had anticipated.

Jiang Zemin noticed Zhou Yongkang struggling with what to say next. He clicked his tongue and asked:

“What else is there! What’s making you keep your mouth shut?”

“…I think we need to investigate Wang Jianlin.”

“What? You think the Princelings will sit quietly by? You think they’ll just accept it if you investigate Wang Jianlin now? What if they join hands with Hu Jintao? Can you handle the aftermath?”

Jiang Zemin shot back coldly.

“We can’t show any weakness to Hu Jintao right now. For our Shanghai faction to survive. Understand?”

The Shanghai faction lacked legitimacy. Despite legitimacy being most important in the Communist Party.

The Princelings, Communist Youth League and Shanghai faction held power in that order in central politics but Jiang Zemin was always uneasy.

Having entered mainstream politics through massive capital it wouldn’t be strange if their influence faded at any time.

“If the elders join hands with Hu Jintao it’s over. We’ll just be pushed aside as old men in the back room!”

“Mr. Chairman I’ve already finished talking with Bo Xilai.”

“What? When?”

“I went to his home late last night to strike a deal. The Princelings agreed to turn a blind eye.”

At Zhou Yongkang’s measured words Jiang Zemin’s attitude softened slightly.

“Hmm…”

“Wang Jianlin isn’t core to the Princelings is he? He’s received far too many privileges just for being close to Bo Xilai.”

Letting out a small sigh Jiang Zemin sank into his chair.

Then he started tapping the armrest with his index finger. Knowing this was Jiang Zemin’s habit when deep in thought Zhou Yongkang began his persuasion.

“It would be better for you Mr. Chairman to take the lead in denouncing Wang Jianlin. Now is the perfect time while Hu Jintao doesn’t know about our agreement with the Princelings. This is a good opportunity to show what happens even to high-ranking officials when they break the law.”

“And what do I get out of this? Even with the Princelings turning a blind eye won’t this still be uncomfortable for them?”

“How about taking Wanda Group for yourself Mr. Chairman?”

A glint appeared in Jiang Zemin’s eyes. He gestured for Zhou Yongkang to continue.

“We’re currently organizing all the materials from Public Security and State Security. We’ve uncovered evidence of tax evasion foreign currency smuggling and illegal gambling by Wang Jianlin and Wanda Group. Beyond that we found indications they colluded with the Triads to threaten and extort people in various real estate projects and even murder.”

Jiang Zemin’s voice rose.

“What! Extorting and killing the people?”

“He didn’t kill them directly but it seems the Triads carried out the work for real estate development. Whether Wang Jianlin ordered it or not doesn’t matter. I’ll make it look that way.”

Zhou Yongkang spoke with confidence.

Once an investigation was approved from above they could even fabricate crimes that didn’t exist.

As long as there were no political issues they could squeeze everything out of him.

Of course any scraps that fell during the process would end up in his own pocket.

“I’ll clean this up neatly and deliver Wanda Group into your arms Mr. Chairman. Though to the public it will appear someone else has become the new owner everything will actually belong to you.”

Jiang Zemin nodded without hesitation.

He had already made up his mind as soon as Zhou Yongkang mentioned Wanda Group.

“Very well what do you need?”

“Just help me negotiate with Chairman Hu Jintao to allow the investigation. I don’t think Chairman Hu Jintao will oppose this matter either.”

“How can you be so sure about that?”

“…This is all part of CEO Kim Mu-hyeok’s script.”

“What? What do you mean by that?”

Zhou Yongkang revealed everything except for his own corruption.

“Ha! This is insane. So you’re saying he targeted Wanda Group because they tried to kidnap his family? This guy is completely crazy.”

Jiang Zemin snorted and clenched his fist.

Seeing this Zhou Yongkang hastily added:

“He says he has no interest in Wanda Group. He just wants to watch Chairman Wang Jianlin’s downfall.”

“This is driving me crazy. Are you telling me we’re dancing in Kim Mu-hyeok’s palm right now?”

“That’s not it. This isn’t bad for you Mr. Chairman. You can take Wanda Group without any backlash…”

“Zhou Yongkang.”

Jiang Zemin called Zhou Yongkang in a low voice. Zhou Yongkang quickly bowed his head.

“Yes Mr. Chairman.”

“Do you think you can compare mere Wanda Group to the Communist Party?”

At the chilling voice Zhou Yongkang drew in a sharp breath.

“This is a matter of face! The country is in turmoil because of one Korean businessman? Arrest him immediately! Show them China’s power!”

Zhou Yongkang was taken aback.

“But he’s under Chairman Hu Jintao’s protection. This could also cause diplomatic issues with Korea.”

“That’s a problem for later. I’ll negotiate with Hu Jintao. Ignore Korea. What can a small country do against us?”

Jiang Zemin spoke firmly. He showed no intention of withdrawing his opinion.

If things went this way not only would Zhou Yongkang’s corruption be exposed but he might have to fight an unwinnable war.

Zhou Yongkang spoke more urgently:

“Mr. Chairman the moment we arrest Kim Mu-hyeok all foreign capital in China will withdraw at once.”

“What? What nonsense is this? Even if it’s Dream High Investment their investment in China is a drop in the bucket compared to the whole. You think China will stumble just because that much money leaves?”

“Dream High’s influence is greater than you think Mr. Chairman. They were the first to invest in China and their investment triggered a flood of foreign capital into China. If Dream High withdraws other companies will follow like dominoes.”

As Jiang Zemin listened quietly Zhou Yongkang continued with confidence:

“Then China will fall into chaos. If foreign capital suddenly withdraws while our economy is recording explosive growth unimaginable chaos could break out.”

“…Is it that serious?”

“Yes. Why else would I come to you with this Mr. Chairman?”

Jiang Zemin seemed to be softening. As he sighed Zhou Yongkang handed him a memo.

“And perhaps feeling sorry for us Kim Mu-hyeok passed me an investment opportunity for quick substantial profits.”

“He passed you an investment opportunity?”

Jiang Zemin looked back and forth between the memo and Zhou Yongkang.

“Yes. Kim Mu-hyeok gave this to me.”

After examining the memo’s contents Jiang Zemin raised an eyebrow.

Soon a satisfied smile appeared.

“He said it was a gift for you Mr. Chairman.”

“He considered my face.”

“That’s right. He knows how much weight your direct involvement carries.”

“Contact Naspers and tell them to invest in this.”

Zhou Yongkang didn’t miss this opportunity. No one knew what would happen if they kicked away the table Kim Mu-hyeok had set.

“Mr. Chairman we’ll need to divert the funds that were meant for Tencent.”

“Do it. The company Kim Mu-hyeok picked will be more profitable won’t it?”

Jiang Zemin was also well aware of Dream High’s track record.

“That’s right. If nothing else Dream High’s investment skills are famous even on Wall Street.”

“Tell them to withdraw the Tencent investment and spread it into this instead. Handle all the work yourself.”

“Yes I’ll take care of it.”

A gift should be reciprocated. Jiang Zemin who had been tapping the armrest spoke again:

“Make sure Wang Jianlin never sees the light of day again. But stop right there. The investigation shouldn’t spread further.”

“Yes I think going further would be too much too. We don’t know who might be exposed if we go higher. I’ll limit the investigation to Wanda Group and Wang Jianlin.”

Jiang Zemin nodded.

“I’ll handle what I can. For the political issues… I leave it in your hands Mr. Chairman.”

“Alright. I’ll negotiate with the Princelings and Communist Youth League. You just handle things cleanly like you always do.”

“Understood.”

Zhou Yongkang stood up and bowed.

Watching him back out of the office Jiang Zemin made a phone call.

– Chairman Jiang Zemin.

“Chairman Hu Jintao. This is Jiang Zemin. Something urgent has come up. Do you have time now?”

– Right now?

“It’s urgent. So make time even if you don’t have any. I’ll come over right now. That’s all then.”

Jiang Zemin smiled after hanging up without waiting for a response.

His eyes didn’t leave the memo Kim Mu-hyeok had passed on.

* * *

The car carrying me and Cheon Ji-young arrived at Nansha Port.

People who had received advance notice guided us to the warehouse as soon as they spotted us.

When the warehouse doors opened we saw several trailer vans parked in neat rows.

“What do you think? Pretty nice right?”

“Wow…”

Cheon Ji-young let out a small exclamation. She rushed toward the trailer vans with quick steps.

I followed behind her slowly.

After going inside first Ji-young came out after quite a while.

“Where did you get these? They’re hard to get right? It’s not a brand you can just buy even with money.”

“If money can’t solve it you need to think if you don’t have enough money. I took these from someone else’s contract midway. I wanted to custom order them with your preferences but they said it would take too long. Sorry about that.”

Ji-young shook her head vigorously.

“No way. I love them! Thank you Oppa Mu-hyeok.”

She seemed genuinely happy. With a bright smile she examined the van again.

“Plus I didn’t expect you to get multiple vans not just one. Really thank you.”

“Still it’ll be less comfortable than staying at a hotel or home. Will you be okay?”

Despite my warning Ji-young answered cheerfully:

“This is practically a hotel anyway. People are going to be so jealous.”

“Use one just for yourself and let your staff and managers use the others. That’s why I prepared several.”

Other managers and security guards from Korea were set to enter the country to replace the injured ones.

“I heard filming starts again in a month. You heard right?”

“Yeah. I heard all the directors and staff are being replaced. The schedule’s all changed too. So I was thinking of heading back to Korea briefly.”

Ji-young glanced at me carefully wondering if I knew she was aware I had changed the director and film crew.

“Good thinking. Let’s go back together.”

“When are you going?”

“Well… Probably this week?”

“Really? Then let’s go together. I’m going to look around a bit more.”

After briefly checking my reaction she went back to examining the trailer van. I let her be.

I was satisfied seeing how happy she was. This should make up for the dress.

Just then Manager Ma who had been on the phone at the entrance approached with a grim expression.

Wiping the smile from my face I asked:

“What’s wrong? Your face didn’t look good while you were on the phone.”

“…Boss Vice Chairman Seo Jae-hoon attempted suicide.”

“What did you say? Who attempted suicide?”

Seo Jae-hoon attempting suicide? But I soon shook my head.

A human scum like Seo Jae-hoon would never take his own life.

He valued his life more than anyone else.

After my momentary surprise I calmed myself. Then I quickly organized my thoughts.

* * *

* * *