Chapter 275: Moths Flying into a Spiderweb

About thirty minutes later, Chief Secretary Kang Inhan and Chairman Zhen Weiliang's secretary finally finished drafting the contract and returned to the living room.

Chairman Zhen Weiliang and I carefully scrutinized every word of the contract Kang Inhan handed us.

Fortunately, there were no hidden traps or dangerous clauses that could cause problems.

Chairman Zhen Weiliang seemed to have reached the same conclusion. He pulled a pen from the inside pocket of his jacket and decisively signed his name.

I signed the copy he handed me, while Vice Chairman Wei Chen added his signature as a witness.

As soon as the signing procedure was complete, Chairman Zhen Weiliang's secretary called someone and instructed them to transfer 7 billion dollars to the account I had specified.

The moment his secretary hung up, Chairman Zhen Weiliang turned to me.

“Director Cha, as you understand, transferring seven billion dollars will take some time.”

“Of course. As soon as you show me confirmation that the seven billion dollars has been transferred, I'll hand over the diamonds immediately.”

“You really will?”

Chairman Zhen Weiliang was supposed to transfer the full transaction amount of 7 billion dollars into my account first. Only after the money arrived could he take possession of the jewels.

So when I said I would hand over the diamonds merely upon seeing the transfer receipt, he asked again in surprise.

“I trust Chairman Zhen's honor and reputation.”

“Hahaha! Thank you very much for your trust.”

While a warm atmosphere prevailed between us, Vice Chairman Wei Chen, who apparently had a question of his own, joined the conversation.

“Director Cha, does that mean I get nothing?”

“Why would that be?”

Vice Chairman Wei Chen tilted his head in confusion.

Chairman Zhen Weiliang had bought the diamonds, so there was absolutely nothing in it for Wei Chen himself. Yet Cha Jiham spoke as though he intended to put something into his hands as well.

He cautiously asked what exactly he meant.

“For Chairman Zhen to sell the diamonds to Politburo member Liu Peiqi, he'll definitely need your help, Vice Chairman Wei.”

“But Chairman Zhen and that man have known each other for some time, haven't they?”

“And their relationship is terrible, to put it mildly.”

“So you want me to act as the lubricant that helps the deal between Chairman Zhen and that man go smoothly?”

“Exactly. If Chairman Zhen manages to sell him the diamonds, I'm sure he won't leave your efforts unrewarded.”

Vice Chairman Wei Chen immediately turned toward Chairman Zhen Weiliang.

As though reading his thoughts, Chairman Zhen spoke without hesitation.

“Vice Chairman Wei, just tell me how much you want for your efforts.”

“I'll accept whatever Chairman Zhen considers appropriate.”

“Very well. And you, Director Cha? How much would you like for your assistance?”

I had sold the diamonds to Chairman Zhen Weiliang for 1 billion dollars more than the amount we had originally agreed upon verbally. The deal had already been more than successful enough, so I had absolutely no intention of charging any additional fee for my services.

However, he was the one insisting on rewarding me. And when someone insists on giving me money, I have no intention of refusing.

“I'll also leave it to Chairman Zhen's discretion.”

“Hmm...”

Chairman Zhen Weiliang drew out the sound thoughtfully as he rubbed his chin.

I knew perfectly well what he was considering, so I simply sat there in silence and waited.

After quite some time, he finally spoke as though he had reached a decision.

“I'll pay Director Cha 1 billion dollars and Vice Chairman Wei Chen 500 million dollars.”

“What?!”

Vice Chairman Wei Chen expressed his astonishment before I could.

“Vice Chairman Wei, why are you so worked up?”

“All I did was make one phone call to Director Liu Haoran at Director Cha's request.”

“If that were all, then yes, the payment would be excessive. But I'll need your help to sell the diamonds to Politburo member Liu. Taking that into account, I've set your compensation at 500 million dollars.”

“I understand your reasoning, but the amount is still too large.”

Chairman Zhen Weiliang shook his head and continued trying to persuade Vice Chairman Wei Chen.

“Let's assume I sell these diamonds to Politburo member Liu for 11 billion dollars. In that case, the net profit will be 4 billion dollars. If I pay the two of you 1.5 billion in commissions and subtract the roughly 1.5 billion he previously failed to pay me, I'll still have exactly 1 billion dollars left. That's more than enough for me.”

“But that's assuming you manage to sell them to that bastard for 11 billion dollars, isn't it?”

“That's where you and Director Cha will help me sell them for that price.”

“I'll do everything I can to help you, Chairman Zhen.”

Chairman Zhen Weiliang turned toward me with a satisfied expression.

“Director Cha will help me too, won't you?”

“Of course. However, please keep in mind that I can't personally meet Politburo member Liu.”

“You don't even know him, do you?”

I had already dealt Politburo member Liu Peiqi several painful blows.

There was no reason for me to show my face in front of him.

Explaining our history right now would only drag things out and risk derailing the negotiations. I had no choice but to come up with another reason.

“Of course not. But there's a possibility that Liu Shen, Director Liu Haoran's son, will participate in the negotiations.”

“You make it sound like you know him. Am I right?”

“You're absolutely right, Chairman Zhen. I crossed paths with him during my previous business trip to Macau.”

I briefly explained to Chairman Zhen Weiliang how the hostility between Vice President Liu Shen and me had begun.

“...After losing a large sum of money to me, he stormed outside in a rage, caught his foot on the threshold, and went crashing down. As a result of that unfortunate accident, he was seriously injured and knocked out every single one of his teeth.”

“That's strange. Casino floors are carpeted. How could he possibly knock out every single tooth?”

“Exactly.”

“How would someone even have to fall to injure himself that badly?”

In reality, Vice President Liu Shen had lost all his teeth because of the curse I had placed on him.

Unfortunately, I couldn't tell Chairman Zhen the truth.

“That's what I'm wondering too. Anyway, if Vice President Liu doesn't show up at the negotiations, I'll join you.”

“Agreed.”

“And just in case, install an ultra-miniature camera in the negotiation room.”

At that moment, President Lee Menghong, who clearly had something to say, spoke up.

“Chairman Zhen, we'll install the ultra-miniature camera ourselves.”

“You, President Lee?”

Chairman Zhen Weiliang believed that President Lee Menghong merely ran a travel agency in Dalian.

That was why he raised an eyebrow in confusion and asked the question.

Sensing the need to rescue him from an awkward situation, I joined the conversation.

“Chairman Zhen, President Lee has another, true identity.”

“Could it be...”

Chairman Zhen Weiliang trailed off as though he had realized something.

Naturally, I understood perfectly well the reason for his hesitation.

“You're thinking along the right lines, Chairman Zhen.”

“I knew it! Very well, President Lee. I'm counting on you.”

Bzzzt...

At that exact moment, Vice Chairman Wei Chen's phone vibrated on the table.

After checking the caller's name, he quietly told Chairman Zhen Weiliang that it was Director Liu Haoran and answered the call.

Since the conversation was in Chinese, I couldn't understand a single word.

However, Team Leader Seo Donghun quietly translated their exchange for me, so I could easily follow what was happening.

In the middle of the conversation, Wei Chen covered the phone's speaker with his hand and turned to Chairman Zhen Weiliang.

“Chairman Zhen, they're proposing a meeting at three this afternoon. Can you make time?”

“Of course. Any time is fine.”

Then an unexpected problem arose.

Team Leader Seo Donghun abruptly interrupted the conversation.

“Vice Chairman Wei, Chairman Zhen won't be able to meet them at three this afternoon.”

“Is there a good reason?”

“Of course. I'll explain the details later.”

“Fine, understood. Then when would be the best time for Chairman Zhen to meet Politburo member Liu?”

“It would be best to schedule the meeting for sometime after eight this evening.”

Vice Chairman Wei Chen nodded in agreement and resumed his conversation with Director Liu Haoran.

After exchanging a few more words, he ended the call.

Chairman Zhen Weiliang immediately bombarded Team Leader Seo Donghun with questions.

“Team Leader Seo, explain why we need to postpone the meeting.”

“If you want to jack up the price as high as possible for Politburo member Liu, we'll need Chairman Bongard's help. There's a thirteen-hour time difference between Hong Kong and the United States.”

In other words, three in the afternoon in Hong Kong was two in the morning in the United States.

“So you postponed the meeting to accommodate Chairman Bongard?”

“Exactly, Chairman Zhen.”

“Ah, if I manage to skin that bastard alive, I'll reward you separately.”

“If that's the case, I won't refuse.”

“Hahaha! I like straightforward people.”

Chairman Zhen Weiliang burst into delighted laughter.

***

That evening.

Director Liu Haoran and his son were at the airport to meet Politburo member Liu Peiqi.

“Why did you tag along?”

“Come now, Father. If you want to shoot the general, you first have to kill his horse.”

“Are you saying Vice Chairman Wei is the horse? And do you really like Wei Fei that much?”

“I like money far more than I like her.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“She's Vice Chairman Wei Chen's only daughter and sole heir. Do I need to say more?” 𝑓𝑟ℯℴ𝓂

“Hehehe...”

As though seeing straight through his son's greedy scheme, Director Liu Haoran gave a predatory grin and added,

“I'll do everything I can to help you marry Wei Fei.”

Just then, Politburo member Liu Peiqi appeared in the arrivals area.

Liu Haoran and his son quickly walked over and greeted him.

“Brother, welcome!”

“Why did you bring Liu Shen along?”

“I'll explain later. There are too many eyes around here. Let's go.”

They ushered Liu Peiqi along and hurried toward the airport exit.

A luxury sedan was already waiting at the curb with its engine running.

The Liu brothers settled into the back seat, while Vice President Liu Shen took the front passenger seat.

The car immediately pulled away.

Politburo member Liu Peiqi turned toward Liu Haoran.

“Tell me about this Vice Chairman Wei Chen.”

“He's a major businessman who owns hotels in Macau and other major cities throughout China. His fortune is astronomical.”

“Can he be trusted?”

“Of course.”

“Now explain why you brought Liu Shen with you.”

“My son's girlfriend is Vice Chairman Wei Chen's only daughter. I brought him along so he could earn some points with his future father-in-law.”

“Hmm, I see. Fine, let's get to the point. Is what Vice Chairman Wei Chen said true?”

Liu Peiqi was referring to the diamonds in Chairman Zhen Weiliang's possession.

“Vice Chairman Wei wouldn't lie.”

“So it's true... But there's something that bothers me. Vice Chairman Wei Chen could buy the diamonds from Chairman Zhen himself and make a fortune. Why would he hand an opportunity like that over to me?”

“That bothered me too, so I asked him directly. He said the problem was the enormous number of rough diamonds.”

“What do you mean?”

“Chairman Zhen has 615 rough diamonds. Cutting that many would take far too much time.”

“Hmm, I see...”

Politburo member Liu Peiqi thoughtfully stroked his chin before continuing.

“Chairman Zhen holds a grudge against me. I doubt he'll want to sell me the diamonds.”

“You can formally apologize to him and pay the old outstanding balance.”

“Is it really worth going that far just to buy these jewels?”

“Once the diamonds are cut, their value will increase by at least three or four times. If you present such a gift to Chairman Xi and mention that fact, he'll be delighted.”

“Well, naturally.”

At that moment, Vice President Liu Shen, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, turned around and joined the conversation.

“Uncle, I've heard some rumors about Deputy Secretary Zhang Jinan.”

“What rumors? Tell me.”

“They say he's desperately scraping together money from every source he can find so he can seize a seat on the Standing Committee.”

“That bastard won't get a seat on the Standing Committee even if he dies and comes back to life.”

“May I ask why you're so certain?”

“His brother-in-law is the Vice Chairman of the Triad. Do you really think Chairman Xi would put someone like that on the Standing Committee?”

“Ah...”

Vice President Liu Shen nodded in understanding as the full picture finally dawned on him.