Chapter 821: The Inauguration of Bo Xilai

Finally, artists from the cultural world graced the stage, their beautiful performances of music and dance adding a final flourish to the already splendid atmosphere.

With the pre-ceremony festivities concluded, Bo Xilai finally stepped up to the podium and grasped the microphone.

“Respected and beloved fellow citizens, and to all those who have joined us here today, I extend my greetings. It is with deep gratitude that I assume the new responsibility of Shanghai Party Secretary. I am fully aware of the weighty duty entrusted to me by the people and I will devote my utmost effort to fulfill this charge.”

Bo Xilai spoke with a firm voice, pausing briefly to collect himself.

“We are currently facing many changes and challenges. We are experiencing significant shifts in the economy, technology, environment and society. I believe in the power and unity of our people. Throughout history China has always overcome crises and continued to develop…”

Bo Xilai delivered a rather lengthy address. He even drew on past events to explain the current situation.

“Shanghai has recently been through a major ordeal due to the corruption allegations against the former Party Secretary. As a result, Shanghai’s credibility and international standing have suffered. Shanghai is the heart of China’s economy. If Shanghai collapses, China collapses. We must strive for a better future. Therefore, I believe fundamental change and reform are necessary.”

By bringing up Tian Liangyu’s corruption allegations, he indicated the need for change and reform, and also foreshadowed a major investigation.

“We must strengthen our economic cooperation with our friendly neighbor, North Korea, and promote regional stability and prosperity. North Korea seeks peace and is implementing policies for its people through economic cooperation with South Korea. As a friendly nation, we in China must support North Korea. Accordingly, I plan to visit North Korea after my inauguration.”

He continued to read his inauguration speech, also discussing economic cooperation with North Korea.

‘Anyone would think this was a presidential inauguration,’ I thought.

I chuckled inwardly at his grand pronouncements.

“I will ensure that investors from around the world can confidently invest in Shanghai. To that end, I will maintain a strong relationship with a businessman in Korea. Leveraging his capabilities and experience I will further strengthen economic cooperation between Shanghai and Korea.”

This part took me by surprise.

Although he didn’t mention my name directly, it was clear he was talking about me.

I never expected him to speak about our cooperation in such a public setting.

I noticed Jiang Zemin’s face stiffening as he understood whom Bo Xilai was referring to.

It seemed that he also hadn’t anticipated Bo Xilai openly declaring his intention to join hands with me.

No, it seemed like he hadn’t even considered it.

Perhaps Jiang Zemin had presumed that Bo Xilai disliked me, given I had given him a severe lesson before.

This would also explain why Jiang Zemin didn’t strongly oppose when it was decided to entrust Shanghai to Bo Xilai.

The moment I turned my head towards Jiang Zemin, he also turned his head and looked at me.

His rigid face held a victorious smile that was strangely satisfying.

Then, Jiang Zemin did something unexpected.

“Oh, where are you going, Chairman?”

Han Jung, who was sitting next to Jiang Zemin, tried to grab him in panic, but he ignored Han Jung and simply disappeared.

The celebratory atmosphere of the inauguration was instantly disrupted, replaced by confusion.

Those who had been sitting behind Bo Xilai from various sectors, as well as the people who had come to congratulate him from below the platform, all failed to grasp the situation.

But Bo Xilai was different.

As if he had anticipated Jiang Zemin’s actions, he didn’t panic and continued reading his inauguration speech until he finished it.

“We must now unite to further prosper Shanghai through economic development, improvement of livelihoods, political stability, and international cooperation. We will unite to make China a stronger and more prosperous nation. Thank you.”

After finishing his speech, Bo Xilai stepped aside and bowed deeply to the people who had come to attend.

At the same time, magnificent fireworks lit up the sky.

The inauguration continued afterwards. It was a festival for the citizens of Shanghai.

Bo Xilai invested a huge amount of money to prepare food and invite singers.

The citizens enjoyed the extravagant inauguration in their own way.

Separately, a truly important party was held elsewhere.

After the inauguration, Bo Xilai led high-ranking officials of the Communist Party and people from all walks of life to the Grand Hotel nearby.

The Grand Hotel, located in the center of Shanghai, was one of the most prestigious hotels in the city and was well known as a place where foreign businessmen and politicians stayed when they visited Shanghai.

The inauguration party was attended not only by politicians, businessmen, artists, and social leaders based in Shanghai, but also by high-ranking officials from the central government.

However, neither Jiang Zemin nor anyone from the Shanghai faction were anywhere to be seen.

Even the ambassadors from various countries attended the party, but none of them were there.

Throughout the party hall, leaders of China were exchanging opinions and discussing the future of China.

“Congratulations. Should I call you Party Secretary now?”

I approached Bo Xilai, offered a glass of wine, and smiled.

“Ah, Boss Kim Mu-hyeok! It is good to finally greet you. I have been so busy.”

Bo Xilai who had been talking with the Russian ambassador greeted me warmly.

“It’s been a while Ambassador Sergei.”

I nodded and greeted the Russian ambassador beside him.

“Yes, Boss Kim. It’s been a long time.”

The Russian ambassador greeted me with great respect. He seemed uncomfortable, being well aware of my relationship with the owner of the Kremlin.

Bo Xilai turned to the Russian ambassador and said.

“Let us set aside some time to discuss economic cooperation between Russia and Shanghai City, Ambassador Sergei.”

“Yes. I will do so. Then, I’ll take my leave…”

The Russian ambassador readily agreed and stepped aside, leaving me alone with Bo Xilai.

I looked around. I could see people hesitating whether to approach Bo Xilai or not.

“There seem to be many people who want to meet you.”

“Haha, the Shanghai Party Secretary is considered the closest to the next Chairman. There is a reason why Tian Liangyu was so arrogant.”

As Bo Xilai said, Shanghai was the most important city in China after Beijing.

Of course, the Party Secretary of Beijing had higher authority in the power hierarchy because the central government was located in Beijing.

However, because they lacked real power, the influence of the Shanghai Party Secretary was considered higher, despite the difference in the power hierarchy.

Therefore, it was generally assumed that the Shanghai Party Secretary would become the next Chairman.

“If you manage Shanghai well, then becoming the next Party Chairman won’t be just a dream. And it’s all thanks to Boss Kim Mu-hyeok. Thank you again.”

I accepted his thanks, offered a wine glass and smiled.

“Forget the thanks. Let’s have a drink.”

Bo Xilai picked up his own glass from the table and tapped it against mine.

We took a sip of wine before continuing our conversation.

“Jiang Zemin left without a word, are you alright? After all, this is the main base of the Shanghai faction.”

I asked with some concern, but Bo Xilai nodded as if it were no big deal.

“I expected it. But the moment I am dragged around by Chairman Jiang Zemin, I will be branded as a member of the Shanghai faction. I can’t allow that. If that happens, I’ll have no future. Boss Kim has gone through all this trouble to help me, I can’t throw away such a good opportunity.”

“Hmm…”

“I don’t know how long Chairman Hu Jintao will hold onto power but I think he will maintain his influence until at least the next leadership is formed. And it is customary to appoint the next Chairman at that time.”

As Bo Xilai said, the next Chairman would be appointed when Hu Jintao’s second term began in the next congress.

In my past life, Xi Jinping was chosen and made a flamboyant entrance into central politics.

But this time, Bo Xilai would fill that role.

I smiled as I recalled Bo Xilai’s downfall in my past life, as he was pushed aside by Xi Jinping.

“I believe it’s more than possible. But you must not let your guard down. Once you are part of the second leadership, you must be careful of even fallen leaves.”

Being appointed as the next Chairman is not the end.

Maintaining that position until the end was entirely up to Bo Xilai’s abilities.

“Haha. I know that better than anyone. I will always have to be careful of my behavior.”

“What about those around you? Have you taken care of them?”

“….I demanded a divorce, but she refused. So, I’m going to file a lawsuit.”

I suppose, if I were her I wouldn’t want to leave Bo Xilai either.

“Wasn’t your current wife someone you married after a divorce lawsuit? This could be quite a political wound.”

“But it’s something I have to do, isn’t it?”

If Bo Xilai were to find out what Gu Kailai is up to he would be grateful for my advice to divorce.

“That’s right. I wouldn’t advise anything harmful to you. I advise divorce because it would be beneficial for you. Do you still love your wife?”

“….No. It’s been a long time since those feelings faded. Now she’s just a political partner.”

“Then keep a close eye on Wang Lijun. There’s a high chance that the two of them are having an affair.”

Bo Xilai was shocked, as if he had never heard such a thing before, and asked again.

“Are you saying that Wang Lijun and my wife are having an affair?”

“Maybe. According to our information it seems so. Well, I can’t guarantee it because it’s not a definite source so I’m just advising you to find out yourself.”

“….I wish that were true.”

He wants his wife’s infidelity to be true. It seemed he had hardened his heart.

I chuckled at Bo Xilai’s words and nodded.

“You must deal with both of them. Who are you planning on appointing as the new head of the Public Security Bureau?”

Originally, Wang Lijun was supposed to have followed him to Shanghai.

But this time he hadn’t brought him along.

“I am still considering it. I plan to replace him after some more time.”

“You absolutely must replace both the Public Security Bureau and the Armed Police with your people. Ignore everything even if Chairman Hu Jintao or Chairman Jiang Zemin ask otherwise. You must not allow yourself to be dragged around by anyone.”

“I know what you mean. Of course I must.”

Bo Xilai nodded decisively and then lowered his voice as he slightly looked around.

“….And as for Chairman Yoo, I am thinking of releasing him on bail immediately.”

“Would you really do that?”

“Since it’s already a case in court, I can’t simply declare him innocent. But I’ve already made an agreement with the court to declare him innocent. And….”

Bo Xilai went on and on to me for quite some time.

I was quite pleased to see him working hard to save Yoo Sung-jin even before he took office.

Since he is working this hard, I should help him out.

“Very well. I’ll tell the CEO of Dream High. I’ll get him to officially visit Shanghai. And I will also have him write a letter of intent, stating he will make a huge investment.”

“Is that true? Thank you! I’ll never forget this favor.”

The first and foremost reason for Shanghai’s existence was its economy.

Large-scale investment of overseas capital would be his greatest weapon, more powerful than any achievement.

This was why Bo Xilai was so delighted.

After that, I didn’t hesitate to give Bo Xilai advice on various matters.

I gave him the best possible advice I could by combining my memories from my past life and the current situation.

Just then, Jack Ma walked over to us hesitantly.

“Congratulations, Party Secretary.”

Bo Xilai didn’t recognize Jack Ma and received his greeting in a perfunctory manner.

“Ah, thank you.”

I grabbed the hesitant Jack Ma, who couldn’t say anything more, and introduced him to Bo Xilai.

“Party Secretary, this person is the CEO of a company called Alibaba, in which I have invested personally.”

“Is that so? You’re an important person then. Excuse my rudeness, I am Bo Xilai.”

Only then did Bo Xilai offer his hand to Jack Ma.

Even with me standing beside him, Jack Ma was clearly nervous.

He held Bo Xilai’s hand with both of his, showing him the utmost respect.

“Haha. The more excellent businessmen like you we have the more China will develop. Welcome to Shanghai.”

Jack Ma just nodded blankly at Bo Xilai’s warm welcome.

“Party Secretary, I would like to have a word with Chairman Ma separately. Let’s talk again later.”

Bo Xilai nodded right away at my suggestion that I’d like to talk with Jack Ma.

“Sure, I have to greet some other people who are waiting as well. Chairman Ma, let’s have a meal together sometime.”

“Yes? Yes! I understand.”

Bo Xilai patted Jack Ma on the shoulder a few times before moving away.

I gave Jack Ma a deep smile.

“Why are you so nervous? It’s not like you’re here to die.”

“Huh….Isn’t he the most likely candidate for the next Chairman? If you are targeted by him that would mean the end.”

“Haha. As long as you are working with me, that won’t happen. I will ensure that you will never regret not letting go of my hand, even under any pressure.”

The Chinese government had used various methods to shake Alibaba, but Jack Ma had not betrayed his loyalty to me.

It was my turn to reward him.