novelhk Chapter 150 Buying People for the Mine
Chapter 150 Buying People for the Mine
"In Shanghai, nothing can be hidden from me," Li Qun said with a certainty. His tone wasn't deliberately gentle, but it conveyed sincerity.
"That kid Ji Chuan is hot-tempered, and his subordinates don't know any rules, so you've suffered. That idiot Wang Zhe deserves to die, so you're perfectly justified in taking action."
He paused, his tone still crisp, carrying a hint of reminder, but certainly not an order.
"However, Liu Jie, these are turbulent times. You still have to manage the mine and look after the business. There's no need to waste too much energy on these trivial matters, and there's no need to have things get too tense with Ji Chuan."
"To avoid affecting our cooperation and delaying your business, I'm aware of the conditions Ji Chuan offered you, and they seem quite sincere."
"You agree to him, end it here, and focus on your own affairs."
Yan Shuo was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Director Li, I understand what you mean. Don't worry, I won't let this small matter affect the overall situation, nor will I delay the mine or business."
"I have agreed to Ji Chuan's conditions. This matter is now settled."
"Okay, good to know. I didn't remind you for nothing." Li Qun's tone on the other end of the phone revealed approval. It was still straightforward, but even more friendly.
"Liu Jie, in recognition of your understanding and our long-standing working relationship, I've prepared a compensation for you."
"There's a three-story shop on 76th Street, on Jesfield Road. It's in a great location with lots of foot traffic, and business is always booming. I've already had the paperwork done, and I'll have it delivered to you tomorrow."
Consider this my way of giving you peace of mind, so you can settle things quietly and focus on your own affairs.
Yan Shuo's heart skipped a beat. The shop on 76th Street, the shop that Li Qun could give away, must be in an excellent location. It would be very suitable as a base, or as a place to manage business and circulate supplies.
He quickly said, "Thank you, Director Li. I appreciate your kind gesture."
"Don't be so polite with me." Li Qun's tone softened slightly, still unpretentious but more intimate. "We need to look after each other to make this last."
"Let's put the Wang family and Ji Chuan's matter behind us and move on. I have other things to do, so I'll hang up now."
"Okay, I understand. Thank you, Director Li." After saying that, Yan Shuo hung up the receiver and handed the phone back to the bartender, signaling him to return to his seat.
Li Qun gave Yan Shuo shops? Fine, he gave them away. Anyway, the 76th Bureau had acquired hundreds, if not thousands, of shops. They didn't cost much money. Most of them belonged to the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong), the Military Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Juntong), the Communist Party, and wealthy merchants who were hostile to or wronged by the Japanese. They didn't cost him any money.
The entire street of Jessfield Road, with hundreds of shops and adjacent properties, is all numbered 76. Isn't that amazing? One shop is nothing!
The 76th Army later grew to tens of thousands, even over 10 people, all thanks to funding from Japanese special agents? Or from the Wang Jingwei regime? That's ridiculous.
What about the operational expenses? What about travel expenses? What about subsidies for injuries, deaths, etc.? Without money, what's the point?
Like other intelligence agencies, No. 76 was always on the run, either making money or on the road to making money.
Anyone who can get money for 76th Division or similar intelligence agencies, a lot of money, can point their finger at them and spit on them, believe it or not.
Money can't solve everything, but it can make any god or spirit submit.
If you insist that certain people are particularly stubborn, have strong beliefs, and adhere to principles, then disregard what I said; you're absolutely right!
Yan Shuo leaned back against the bar, the indifference on his face fading somewhat.
Upon seeing this, Ji Chuan quickly asked, "Mr. Liu, is this news from Director Li?"
"Hmm." Yan Shuo nodded, his tone indifferent. "Director Li already knows about our situation and told me to let it go, stop causing trouble, and focus on my own affairs."
Ji Chuan felt relieved and a smile appeared on his face. "Director Li is indeed reasonable. Mr. Liu, since Director Li has spoken, let's put this matter behind us completely. I will arrange the warehouse matter first thing tomorrow morning, and I will also handle the Wang family's matter as soon as possible. I will not delay your business at all."
"Okay." Yan Shuo nodded. "I have something to do, so I won't drink with Captain Ji anymore. I'll take my leave now."
"Alright, alright! Take care, Mr. Liu. I won't see you off." Ji Chuan quickly stood up and said respectfully.
He watched Yan Shuo and Zhou Hu disappear into the bar before letting out a long sigh of relief. His back was already drenched in cold sweat.
Not long after Yan Shuo returned to the Begonia Tavern, there was a knock on the door.
Zhou Hu went to open the door and saw two men in Japanese military uniforms standing there. The one in the lead was a middle-aged man wearing glasses, with a sinister yet somewhat familiar air about him.
His Japanese army lieutenant colonel uniform made him look particularly dignified; he was none other than Miyamoto Ichiro, the head of the 1st Section of the Special Higher Police Operations Division.
Zhou Hu stepped aside and bowed, saying in a low voice, "Section Chief Miyamoto, please come in. The gentleman is inside." Throughout, he maintained his bodyguard persona, his tone respectful yet respectful.
"Liu-san, how have you been?" Miyamoto Ichiro entered the house, his face no longer showing the gloom of a stranger, but rather a more familiar expression.
He took the initiative to raise his hand to greet us, his tone warm and friendly.
He had a good personal relationship with Yan Shuo, and more importantly, he had a stake in several of the mines that Yan Shuo managed.
The two were partners with intertwined interests; Yan Shuo's booming business meant he could get a larger share of the profits.
Yan Shuo stood up, a faint smile on his face, his tone more familiar, no longer the indifference of a stranger. "Mr. Miyamoto, a rare guest, please have a seat. Zhou Hu, pour some tea."
"Yes, sir," Zhou Hu replied, quickly going to pour tea.
Miyamoto Ichiro walked to the table and sat down, his gaze sweeping across the room, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
"Brother, I'm here today for no big reason. I just heard that you and Ji Chuan had some unpleasantness recently because of Wang Zhe, so I came to see you and have a chat."
Yan Shuo waved his hand, his tone indifferent. "They were all minor matters, already resolved. Thank you for your trouble, Lord Miyamoto."
"It's resolved, it's resolved." Miyamoto Ichiro smiled, took the tea Zhou Hu handed him, and took a sip.
"Mr. Liu, you are a tycoon in Shanghai's business world, with so many businesses under your control. You are also a friend of the Imperial Army. That kid Ji Chuan dares to make you uncomfortable. He really doesn't know his own limitations. Fortunately, he knows what's good for him. Otherwise, not only him, but even the 76th Division would be in trouble."
He paused, then changed the subject, his tone becoming serious.
There was no concealment; on the contrary, they spoke frankly. After all, they were partners in mutual benefit, so there was no need to beat around the bush.
"Besides that, I have something important to tell you. Our Special Higher Police prison has a new batch of prisoners who are ready for release, and these prisoners are all for you. It just so happens that your mines are in dire need of manpower, and we can't let the mines' operations be delayed. Otherwise, our profits will be affected."
A knowing glint flashed in Yan Shuo's eyes, and he nodded.
He had an agreement with Ichiro Miyamoto and the military police that the prisoners in the prison would be handled by him every month, and the profits would be split among the three parties.
Of course, this applies to prisoners they deem worthy of release; serious offenders would not receive this treatment.