Chapter 369 Who is the mule and who is the horse?
Chapter 369 Who is the mule and who is the horse?
To the end.
on the beach.
Xie Ruolin and Anderson were blindfolded and chasing and playing with a few foreign girls.
I don't know if this guy is out of revenge or something, but he has a thing for blondes and blue-eyed girls lately.
"Mr. Xie seems very satisfied with his life in Keelung." Wales, wearing sunglasses, coolly holding a cigar, leaned back in a recliner and smiled.
"Mr. Hong, are you sure you don't want to go over and play?" He turned and looked at Hong Zhiyou.
“Chinese Kung Fu!
"Health preservation."
Hong Zhiyou clenched his fists and gestured twice.
"Everything in this world is fake, only the body and money are real." He took a sip of coconut juice and smiled.
“Sometimes I think maybe you are the real God.
“You always tell the world the truth.
“What we need.
"What kind of people should we make friends with?"
Wales was very impressed by this and shook hands with Hong Zhiyou through his hand to show his respect.
"What about my proposal, what has the Allied Command discussed?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.
“I have reported this to General Randall of the Allied Command.
“Commander MacArthur held a meeting overnight to discuss the issue.
“They agreed to your proposal.
“Military industry is provided by Ghost Island and North American arms dealers.
"For logistics, North America provides one-third of the materials, and the rest are all processed from Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and other countries in order to save oil and transportation costs.
"It mainly involves the soldiers' clothes, shoes, food, canned food, etc.
“The commander and General Phil of the United Kingdom agreed to use Hong Kong Island as a transit point for raising funds.
"Your company is responsible for the raw materials purchased in Southeast Asia and the finished clothing products, including unified packaging and transportation.
"In a word, the Allied Material Management Committee will pay for it, and you will cooperate with General Randall and my three-member team to take care of the logistics.
“Hong, this will be a deal worth tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars.
"To facilitate your procurement and ensure absolute victory in this war.
“The Allied Command has decided to grant you the position of Secretary General of the Allied Material Management Committee.
"Including but not limited to Singapore Garrison Commander McConaughey, Hong Kong Island Governor Grantham and others who have full authority to cooperate with your actions.
“From now on, you are the biggest businessman in the entire East Asian circle.
"Hong, congratulations!"
Wales said with an expectant and flattering look on his face.
"Thanks!
"Let's share the joys and sorrows and make fortunes together!" Hong Zhiyou shook the wine glass very gentlemanly and drank it in one gulp.
"By the way, where do you plan to hold the inauguration meeting?" Wales asked.
"Since you are the Secretary General of the Allied Supplies Committee, you naturally have to be a bit dignified.
"Yangmingshan Hotel."
Hong Zhiyou raised his eyebrows and suggested.
That was the hotel where the Chairman had stayed and was also used to receive foreign envoys.
Announce your appointment there.
Hong Zhiyou just wanted to tell Jianfeng that he was going to reveal his true colors and stop pretending.
He is not a soft persimmon that can be easily bullied.
“Hong, I know you are very worried about Mr. Wu’s condition.
"We can arrange for him to go to Tokyo, North America or Hong Kong. He can leave at any time."
Welsh Road.
"Okay, I'll go back and discuss it with the teacher." Hong Zhi nodded.
Reality far exceeds plan.
Hong Zhiyou knew that the US military was greedy, but he didn't expect that MacArthur and his gang were even greedier than he imagined.
In order to make money, they actually contracted the entire logistics supply line to a Chinese.
What he didn't expect was that Welsh and Anderson's three-point team would be transferred to Keelung.
It was difficult for Jianfeng to block him before.
But it is still easy to block Wu Jingzhong, an incumbent official.
The situation is completely different now.
The U.S. military re-stationed its troops.
Familiar old friend.
He also became the Secretary-General of the Materials Committee.
He is definitely a heavyweight in the Asia-Pacific region.
Not to mention Jianfeng, they are now qualified to talk to the Chairman on an equal footing, and can even hold them back at any time in certain aspects.
It only takes a word to move Old Wu away.
Can Jianfeng’s entry point still hold back warships?
All I can say is that plans cannot keep up with changes, and man proposes, God disposes.
The teacher's leg is a bit lame.
"Okay, I'll have someone notify them and make the arrangements," Wales said.
Hong Zhiyou returned to the barracks.
Wu Jingzhong was lying in a chair listening to the radio.
"Teacher, I have talked to Wales, and I can send you to Hong Kong, Tokyo, or New York at any time." Hong Zhiyou said.
"Hey, why go there?
"At my age, it's not enough to toss and turn.
"It's okay to be lame.
“Anyway, I sit in the office all day, even in a wheelchair.
"Go back to Xiangdao, go home."
Wu Jingzhong is very open-minded.
"All right.
"Teacher, it's all my fault. I didn't think it through carefully and caused you to suffer." Hong Zhiyou said apologetically.
“As a human being, there is no such thing as a smooth life.
“You are where you are today because of your reputation in business and your ability to spend money wisely.
“Foreigners love money more than we think.
"Money makes the world go round. Foreigners just work harder."
Wu Jingzhong laughed.
"So when do you want to leave?" Hong Zhiyou asked.
“I’m not moving.
“It’s meaningless for you and the foreign devils to send me off.
“I want Jianfeng to deliver it personally.
"We are old classmates after all. Even though I am lame, he still wants to use me as an excuse to fight with me.
"This is intolerable.
“Thinking back on my life, from following Mr. Zhongfu to joining Mr. Dai, I have lived in fear and trepidation.
"I have endured all my life, and have sought perfection all my life.
"It's time to straighten your back and vent your anger."
Wu Jingzhong's face became serious and he said seriously.
"it is good.
"Students will accompany teachers and vent their anger together." Hong Zhi nodded and smiled.
"correct.
"The Chairman sent Kong Lingkan to the Allied Forces Headquarters as a lobbyist.
"Once he succeeds in the deal, it will damage your value and prestige."
Wu Jingzhong said with some concern.
Hong Zhiyou handed him some tea and said calmly:
"teacher.
“Why didn’t I even answer the phone calls from Jianfeng and the Chairman’s attendant office? I was openly breaking up with them.
“A big reason is that this matter cannot be discussed at all.
"The conclusion is this: If Chiang Kai-shek was really good at fighting, why would he need the U.S. military to escort and guard the island? Couldn't he just attack directly through the Taiwan Strait?
“If Chiang wants to send 30,000 people, the mainland will most likely send 300,000 people.
“Thirty thousand sheep attract three hundred thousand tigers.
“Anyone with a bit of common sense can see that this is not worth it.
"U.S. Secretary of State Acheson understands.
“Everyone understands.
"Only the arrogant MacArthur and the Chiang father and son, who were 'getting well again', were intoxicated with fantasy.
“Of course, I couldn’t possibly lobby the Allies to let Chiang send troops to the island.
"So, even if Jianfeng didn't break up with me, I would take the initiative to break up with him, just to avoid these messes."
He explained patiently.
"I think you and Yu Zecheng are the same."
Wu Jingzhong crossed his arms and laughed tactfully.
He never mentioned Yu Zecheng's identity, and even if Yu was not there, he would never break the last layer of window paper.
Some things are just like that.
Without saying it out loud, we will always be teacher and student, friends, and family.
It's revealed.
Like a broken mirror, it can never be repaired.
Always leave a way out for everything, which is one of the secrets that enabled Wu Jingzhong to be successful in the officialdom.
"So be it.
"The difference is that he only cares about faith, while I also care about money." Hong Zhiyou smiled and said more bluntly.
……
6 month 28 day.
Shilin official residence.
Kong Lingkan, dressed in a suit and tie, holding a glass of wine, walked among the high-ranking officials and dignitaries of the National Government, enjoying the sweet flattery.
Since receiving the order from the Chairman.
He led a lobbying team all the way from Washington to Tokyo, from US senators to MacArthur and Yoshida Shigeru, spending huge amounts of money.
MacArthur called Truman in person to make the proposal, and the discussion lasted for more than an hour.
Truman expressed his full agreement with MacArthur's suggestion and said that Chiang's proposal to send troops to join the Allied Forces would be discussed and approved at the meeting.
This news is undoubtedly exciting.
Kong Lingkan and special envoy Zhang Qun sent a telegram to the Shilin official residence overnight to claim credit.
At the suggestion of his wife, the chairman agreed to let Kong Lingkan return to the island, and personally sent Yu Jishi to Tokyo to welcome him back.
“Ladies and gentlemen, after my repeated lobbying, MacArthur and President Truman have personally agreed that the Party-State Army will join the coalition.
“This will be the most elite and destructive force in the world.
"Any enemy can only tremble in fear before it.
"The victory of the party-state's counterattack is just around the corner."
Kong Lingkan held his chin high and boasted about his achievements in high spirits among the important officials.
"Master Kong's lobbying this time has contributed as much as Zhang Yi and Su Qin. The chairman and I are all very pleased. If the day of the counterattack is victorious, Master Kong will be the first to be credited."
Hu Lian, who had "picked up" great credit in the Battle of Kinmen, immediately began to flatter him.
"Ha ha!
"It's just my duty to share the chairman's worries." Kong Lingkan said with a proud smile.
"Mr. Kong!
“I’m a reporter for JoongAng Ilbo.
“I heard that this matter was originally assigned to Major General Hong Zhi of the Security Bureau.
"Now it seems that your talent is far superior to Hong Zhiyou's. Do you have anything to say?"
A reporter asked below.
“Hong Zhi has?
“What talents does he have?
"It's nothing more than throwing money around and making some small profits."
Kong Lingkan made a sarcastic remark and pointed at the reporter in a humorous way:
"If I give you money, you can do it." But when it comes to military and national affairs, the survival of the Taiwan Islands, some people's true colors are exposed and they become cowards.
“As the saying goes, you can only tell whether it’s a mule or a horse by taking it for a walk.
"Hong Zhiyou is just a mule!"
"Then Mr. Kong, you are a thousand-mile horse." The reporter complimented him again.
For a moment, the whole room burst into laughter.
"Mr. Kong, regarding the news that the United States agreed to send troops to the Taiwan Islands, has it been implemented? Can it be reported in the newspaper?" The reporter continued to ask.
"certainly.
“According to the North American regular meeting schedule.
"This news will be on the front page tomorrow, and all the soldiers and civilians on the island will be able to see it."
Kong Lingkan put one hand in his pocket and announced confidently.
……
Inner room.
Jianfeng's face was gloomy: "Father, did you hear that? That lunatic said that Hong Zhi's plans were all for petty gains.
"He is making a veiled attack on us, insinuating that we promoted Major General Hong Zhiyouwei."
"No one talks behind his back. He has made a contribution. Let people talk about him as much as they want." The chairman waved his hand in annoyance.
"Father, Kong Lingkan reported millions of dollars in lobbying expenses this time. According to my people's report, the actual cost was only over 400,000.
"With just one word, he took 60% more funding from the government.
"This person is so greedy, it's outrageous."
Jianfeng was still dissatisfied.
When he saw that Kong Lingkan was successful, he felt like vomiting, as if he had eaten a fly.
“You’ll know now?
"Didn't you fire Hong Zhiyou?
"If you want to use Kong and Song, this is the price you have to pay!"
The chairman said coldly.
"Anyway, he did talk it over.
“My wife has been secretly putting pressure on me.
"Now that Kong Lingkan has talked about joining the war, it has become a national priority, and we can no longer fool around.
"I have decided that once the army enters the peninsula to fight, Kong Lingkan will be appointed as the director of the Economic Committee. He will be responsible for contacting the US side and providing logistical supplies for the army after the war." The chairman said in a deep voice.
"Father, if you let him be in charge of logistics, I'm afraid our soldiers won't even be able to eat rice with chili oil." Jianfeng was anxious.
“If he wants to be greedy, you can’t prevent him, he will always find a way.
“Just keep an eye on it.
"In extraordinary times, act in extraordinary ways.
"When we return to the mainland for the counterattack and have time to spare, these will be evidence that they have brought this upon themselves."
The chairman signaled Jianfeng to remain stable.
"By the way, Kong Lingkan asked Zhang Qun to contact several newspapers including the Central Daily News, and explicitly asked them to publish the news on the front page that North America agreed to our sending troops.
"Zhang Qun didn't dare to make a decision because he hadn't yet obtained a confirmed source of information.
"I want to ask for your opinion, father."
Jianfeng took a deep breath and suppressed his unhappiness.
“Send it.
"Since the defeat on the mainland, the morale of the army has been low, so a shot in the arm is always good.
"Besides, Truman and MacArthur have both made the decision, and it cannot be changed.
"Notify Zhang Qun and send!"
The chairman said in a firm tone.
"Yes.
"Father, there is one more thing.
"The commander of the Keelung garrison, Wales, said that a commission would be issued at the Yangmingshan Hotel. Although they did not say it explicitly, it is very likely that a new position will be assigned to Hong Zhiyou.
"I think Hong Zhiyou is trying to raise his own status to avenge me for firing him."
Jianfeng smiled.
"What can Hong Zhiyou do now?" asked the chairman.
"His connections were overshadowed by Kong Lingkan this time. Now that we have clearly supported Kong Lingkan, Hong Zhiyou's value to us has greatly shrunk.
“The U.S. military may want to requisition his shipyard in Hong Kong to transport supplies.
“It’s just some minor fights anyway.
"Maybe Wales asked him to be a consultant or something."
Jianfeng said with some disdain.
"Ok.
“Yan Jiagan came back from a field trip to Wannan some time ago.
“He said the island’s economy is not very optimistic right now and the industry lacks endogenous momentum.
"Nowadays, the food, drink, and defecation of the Allied forces are all very expensive, and the local industry of Onigashima alone cannot support them.
“What he meant was to see if he could take on some of the Allied forces’ material production needs, etc.
“For example, we put the factory buildings left behind by the Japanese to new use.
"By producing some clothes, military boots, and canned rations for officers, we can not only find jobs for some of the families of idle officers, but also earn a lot of US dollars.
“I think it can be adopted.
"Tell me something."
The chairman put down the teacup and said to the guard standing beside him:
"Tell Zhang Qun that the reception can be over and let them all go back."
He has always been quiet.
The reason for holding the cocktail party in the official residence was purely to give Kong Lingkan face and show respect.
"Yes." The guard walked out.
soon.
The noise outside disappeared.
“Father, that’s good advice.
“But I asked Kong Lingkan.
"He said that the specific person in charge of Asia-Pacific affairs at the Allied Command's Logistics Committee has not yet been determined.
“Once the position is confirmed, he will go and discuss it.
"The relationship between Kong Lingkan and MacArthur is currently in its honeymoon period, and our island is close to the Japanese invaders, so we have the best of both worlds.
"I don't think it will be a big problem. Once the war starts, the project will be implemented immediately."
Jianfeng answered optimistically.
“Yes, borrowing alone is not a solution.
"You have to keep a close eye on Kong Lingkan and implement it as soon as possible."
The chairman ordered.
"Yes.
"Father, then you should go to bed early." Jianfeng bowed and left.
……
Keelung U.S. military base.
A military plane landed steadily.
General Randall changed to a car and drove into the military camp.
"Wales, is Mr. Hong asleep?" Randall asked.
"General, it's two o'clock in the morning. He must be asleep," said Wales.
“Wake him up.
"I'll just say a few words and then I have to hurry back to Tokyo," Randall ordered.
"Yes, sir." Wales accepted the order.
……
"Hong, the commander asked me to convey something to you." In the room, Randall looked at Hong Zhiyou and shrugged, unable to speak.
"It's Kong Lingkan's business.
"Have you agreed to send troops to Wan Island?" Hong Zhiyou poured him a glass of wine.
"yes.
"You know that General MacArthur is committed to the war and naturally hopes to get as much assistance as possible.
“Besides, Kong Lingkan really gave a lot this time.
“The commander took $200,000, and I took $50,000.
“Of course that’s not why I came.
“Tomorrow morning, you should receive the official results of the troop dispatch.
“The Commandant and I both know this is a severe blow to your prestige.
“But don’t worry, we know who our true friends are.
"You are still the Secretary General of the Allied Material Management Committee, responsible for all matters related to logistics and procurement..."
Randall spread his hands, not knowing how to explain.
"I understand. You are here to comfort me." Hong Zhiyou laughed.
These bastards are eating from both ends.
He wanted to take advantage of Kong Lingkan's share, but he didn't want to lose his own piece of fat meat.
Typical American character.
"How can you be sure that North America will decide to send troops to the Gulf Islands tomorrow morning?" Hong Zhiyou asked.
"certainly.
“The commander and the president spoke on the phone and they both agreed.
"Tonight's regular meeting is just a formality.
"You should receive the news tomorrow morning," Randall said.
"How about we make a bet?" Hong Zhiyou said.
"What's the bet?"
“I bet President Truman would not agree to send troops to the Gulf Islands.
"Fifty thousand dollars," he said.
“Hong, although you have been very forward-looking in many things in the past.
“But you’re definitely going to lose this time.
"For fifty thousand dollars, I'll bet you this.
“I have to get back to Tokyo.
"Get your money ready."
Randall readily agreed.
It's a free gift of $50,000, so why not take it?
After leaving the barracks, Randall sighed slightly and said to Wales:
“Hong doesn’t seem to be very lucky lately.
“His father-in-law was injured.
“He was fired by Jianfeng.
“He is surrounded by bad luck and has lost his judgment.
"I really doubt whether he can be our truly reliable friend as before."
Wales also nodded: "Yes.
"Now that the Jiang family father and son are supporting Kong Lingkan, Hong has obviously been caught off guard and is somewhat confused.
"I am also concerned about whether he can handle this huge business."
"Let's take a look first.
“There’s an old Chinese saying: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
"If Hong can't handle the work, we can always replace him.
"Again.
“Money always comes first.”
Randall ordered solemnly.
……
(End of this chapter)