Chapter 375: Marriage, are you worthy?
Chapter 375: Marriage, are you worthy?
“Well, two hundred thousand dollars, just opening your mouth shouldn’t be a problem.
"What does Hong Zhi count for?
"Isn't he just a dog that got some money by flattering MacArthur and wagged its tail behind him?
"I just don't believe that a country bumpkin like him from Xiaoshan can turn the tables!"
Mrs. Kong curled her lips, looking down on everything in her daily life.
"Mom, you can't say that.
“My eldest brother still has some strength.
"Of course.
"He is indeed a high-level wage earner, and he has to listen to whoever he works for.
"You, just relax and wait for your precious son to come back."
Kong Lingwei ate dessert and made jokes on the side.
“Brother, brother.
"I don't see them doing anything to give you face." Mrs. Kong glared at her daughter unhappily.
"That's not the time for me to take action yet." Kong Lingwei curled her lips.
She knew Hong Zhiyou too well.
Hong Zhiyoucai would not take a fool like Ling Kan seriously, except for Jianfeng, who would treat him as a dish and shout for his death.
Hong Zhiyou joins the game and stirs up trouble with his current identity.
It all comes down to wanting money.
She wasn't going to go forward to save that bastard from bleeding.
"Why.
“My concern is Jianfeng.
"He's now fully grown and is a big problem.
"Mao Renfeng is a hopeless case.
"I have been having fever or pain every other day, and I haven't returned to work yet.
"If only he were in the bureau this time, he could be taken care of."
The lady frowned and complained.
"Given Mao Renfeng's petty mind, he will not give up and hand over the Bureau of Secrets obediently.
"I have a feeling he is planning something," said Mrs. Kong.
"I heard that he has been in frequent contact with Du Changcheng recently." Kong Lingwei added.
"Du Changcheng?
"Is it the technician from the Security Bureau who researched booby traps and was commended by the chairman?" the lady asked.
"Yes.
“This guy used to specialize in bombings and assassinations in the mainland.
"Mao Renfeng saved his life."
Kong Lingwei replied.
"Little sister, do you want to contact Mao Renfeng and let this Du Changcheng..." Mrs. Kong's eyes flashed with a ruthless light, but she didn't say anything else in front of her daughter.
The lady gave a look.
The two avoided Kong Lingwei and went to the garden:
"Sister, you want to..."
"Ever since your brother-in-law resigned, anyone dares to shit and piss on the Kong family. I can't stand this anymore.
“Wait until Ling Kan is rescued, and then have Mao Renfeng and this Du Changcheng kill Hong Zhiyou.
“And…Jianfeng!
"How much does it cost? One hundred thousand, two hundred thousand... one million dollars. I'll pay you whatever you want."
Mrs. Kong said coldly.
“Shh!
"Sister, you are crazy.
"If the chairman knows about this, he will lose his head."
The lady was horrified and kept silent with her finger raised.
Although my elder sister is a woman, she is not an ordinary person.
Back then, during the Yuezhou Revolutionary Government, Chiang was only the principal of the Whampoa Military Academy and was not outstanding in the Kuomintang, which was full of giants. However, my eldest sister was certain that Chiang would become the leader of the Kuomintang government in the future.
He overcame opposition from his family and tried his best to arrange his marriage with Chiang.
In addition to her experienced vision and keen political sense, she also has strong business acumen.
In just a few years, relying on the inside information of the national government and manipulating the stock market, gold, foreign exchange, etc., the Kong and Song families became truly top-notch wealthy families.
Not only that, in 46, when the Qing and Hong armies were facing each other and Chiang Kai-shek was announcing that the war to suppress the bandits would be ended within a year, the eldest sister concluded that the National Army had little hope and began to work on transferring Kong and Song's property to North America.
It turns out that every move made by the eldest sister is incredibly accurate.
Because of his vision and high means, even his second sister Lin Tai was deeply afraid of him and even commented with emotion:
"If my eldest sister were a man, she would have replaced the chairman and ruled this land long ago."
Buy murder.
My elder sister is capable of doing this.
"Losing your head?
"Now someone is holding a knife to our necks. Are we going to die if we don't resist?" Mrs. Kong said coldly to her younger sister.
The lady lowered her head unconsciously.
Although she was the first lady, she had lived under the strong shadow of her elder sister since she was a child and was used to her orders.
Seeing that his elder sister was really angry at this moment, he couldn't help but feel a little bit of fear suppressed by his blood.
"Sister, calm down.
"Killing is the worst option. I have a better option. Please listen to it." The lady advised softly.
"Tell me about it." said the eldest sister.
"The Kong and Song families are where they are today largely due to marriage.
"Sister, we have to accept a reality.
“We’re old.
“Now it’s time for young people to take the stage.
"Ling Kan failed this time. If he had succeeded, he would have been the next brother-in-law, the future premier.
"One of the big reasons for his failure was the lack of strong political allies."
Madam said in a deep voice.
"What do you mean?" The eldest sister narrowed her eyes and vaguely guessed what he meant.
"Let's arrange for the younger generation of our family to marry Hong Zhi!" said the lady.
"Marry him?" The eldest sister frowned.
“Remember the last time in Jingling, Hong Zhiyou came to visit me and you met him.
“At that time, I thought this boy was a promising talent.
"You despise him for his humble origins, low military rank, and lack of prospects. He is nothing more than a minor figure in Jinhai and is not presentable.
“But now?
"We all misjudged him. He possesses wealth that is difficult for the intelligence system to quantify. He owns shipyards, wineries, and cultural relics from half of North China.
“Not only that, he is the youngest officer in the government.
“He was the first Chinese comprador in the Allied Command.
"Now he is on equal footing with the chairman. I met him today, and he was full of noble aura, as if he was no longer an ordinary person."
The lady sighed from the bottom of her heart.
The eldest sister suddenly felt enlightened, and her eyes changed from cold to hot:
“Yes, the Allied Property Management Committee is a huge lucrative position.
“If Hong Zhi can become one of our family members, even if we get a piece of the pie, it will be very rewarding.
“Moreover, he was close to MacArthur and could act as an agent in the negotiations for U.S. aid.
"In this way, with your connections, Ling Kan will have the opportunity to become the organizer of Wandao, and Jianfeng will not be able to stop him, unless he wants Wandao to be destroyed.
"One ring is solved, all the rings are solved!
"Little sister, this is a very good idea."
She excitedly held her little sister's hand, already seeing the wealth that was about to burst into thin air.
Ever since the Kong family was excluded and moved to North America, they can hardly eat meat or even drink soup in the government and Taiwan Island. As the head of a family, the eldest sister has been looking for a solution.
I was enlightened at this moment and realized that the opportunity was right in front of me, and I was naturally very excited.
"Don't you think I'm a country bumpkin from Xiaoshan now?" the lady asked with a smile.
“What’s a bumpkin?
"Some of them are still small-time hooligans in the foreign land."
The eldest sister glanced at the lady and laughed jokingly.
"Hate.
"Be careful he hears you and scolds you in his diary."
The lady smiled and continued:
"Sister, the only person in our family who can be married is Ling Wei. I think she has a good impression of Hong Zhi and they are very close. Why don't you go and help them get together?"
"no.
“Tell her that she will immediately go to Hong Zhiyou to push the matter off.
“As long as Hong Zhi agrees, it will be much easier for us to talk to her.
"There is a shadow, and I am afraid of setbacks in this regard. It's all because of that damn Hu Zongnan."
The eldest sister glanced at the person in the room and whispered.
"However, I heard that Hong Zhiyou is Wu Jingzhong's son-in-law. Will he agree?" She suddenly seemed to remember something and asked nervously.
“I think his son-in-law is not very reliable.
"You think about it.
“There is a poor rural man in Hongzhi. He has managed to get to where he is today. Isn’t it because of speculation?
"I have inquired and found out that although he and Wu Jingzhong's daughter are married, they have not registered their relationship yet.
“Besides, he has many beautiful women around him.
"What does this mean?"
The lady asked with a smile.
"It means he has his own plans. He wants to wait for a good price and climb to a higher position, so he has been reluctant to register," said the eldest sister.
"That's right.
"Looking across China, the most distinguished unmarried woman right now is only Ling Wei.
"Let's put it another way. With Hong Zhi's business landscape and brains, plus Ling Wei's abilities, I can't say anything about their combination in terms of politics, but they can definitely create a financial empire that will last for ten generations."
The lady said optimistically.
"Yes, these days all rights are empty.
"Your brother-in-law and the chairman are already old.
“Jianfeng will get old sooner or later.
“Wandao might be taken over by Hongpiao someday, and by then these people will either be buried in a grave or imprisoned.
“Only money can be passed down from generation to generation.
"It's settled. I'll call your brother-in-law later. Please ask Hong Zhiyou to come to my house as soon as possible. I'll talk to him in person."
The eldest sister nodded shrewdly.
"Okay, then I will put Du Changcheng's kidnapping and assassination plan on hold for now." said the lady.
"Leave it to Jianfeng." The eldest sister sneered.
The lady forced a smile and said nothing.
……
"Zhiyou, you are still so efficient.
"How is Kong Lingkan doing?"
Jianfeng caught up with Hong Zhiyou and walked out along the corridor with his hands behind his back.
“Director Jiang, since this matter has been handed over to me, don’t worry about it.
"Just tell me, how much do you want?"
Hong Zhiyou didn't buy his nonsense and asked in a businesslike manner.
“He embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from this lobbying.
"Besides, the US aid has been cut off, and the national government has suffered huge economic losses. We have to take at least... three million US dollars from him." Jianfeng said.
"Three million?" Hong Zhiyou raised his eyebrows, quite surprised.
Jianfeng's knife is not sharp enough.
In other words, he was afraid of blackmailing the Kong family.
Still a coward!
"Three million... is indeed a bit too much. How about this, two million US dollars, no less." Jianfeng thought that Hong Zhi thought his offer was too high, so he couldn't help but relax.
"I'll try my best." Hong Zhiyou said lightly.
"Zhiyou, you see, when we work together, we still have the same tacit understanding as before. A mere Kong Lingkan can be easily captured." Jianfeng played the family card again.
“Since we have a tacit understanding.
"This is the list I made. The director will take a look and approve it if it's feasible."
Hong Zhiyou opened his briefcase and handed over information about the project, the site for the factory to be built, and the various types of talent needed.
The Allied forces are urging us to do this, and this matter can no longer wait.
"Very good.
“I knew you were a sentimental person.
“I approved this.
"If you have any other requirements, just mention them. I will satisfy you within my ability."
Jianfeng was just wondering how to talk to Hong Zhiyou about building a factory, so he couldn't help but say happily, "I have only one condition.
"Leave Kong Lingkan's matter to me." Hong Zhiyou said.
If I can successfully get 20 million US dollars.
After deducting Jianfeng's 3 million, he can still get 17 million US dollars, which is a huge sum of money.
"Can.
“But you can’t kill him or maim him.
“My father and I will cooperate with you to secretly put pressure on the Kong family.
"Three million dollars, get it as soon as possible."
Jianfeng thought about it and agreed.
"it is good.
"No need to send it."
Hong Zhiyou stopped talking nonsense, walked quickly out of the door and got into the car.
……
eight pm.
Yangmingshan Hotel is decorated with lights and colors.
MacArthur and Randall and his party came to the hall.
The chairman, his son and his wife received him personally.
After a grand inauguration ceremony, everyone held a dinner at the long marble table.
The atmosphere was naturally very warm.
Mrs. Kong secretly gave the lady a look and went upstairs first.
The lady understood and whispered to Hong Zhiyou:
"Zhiyou, I heard that you are very good at antique appraisal. Mrs. Kong has a treasure and would like you to take a look at it. It is in room 208 upstairs."
"it is good."
Hong Zhiyou greeted everyone and went straight to Room 208.
"Zhiyou, sit down." Mrs. Kong gestured.
"Madam, you didn't ask me to talk about antiques, right?" Hong Zhiyou said straight to the point.
Compared to the last time when Hong Zhiyou was flattering and well-behaved, Mrs. Kong simply loves the arrogant and noble Hong Zhiyou now.
This is what a top celebrity looks like.
“I know you and Jianfeng broke up.
"Now Jianfeng wants to use the Kong family as a target to establish his prestige.
“As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
"You are Ling Wei's sworn brother, so I think we should be friends."
Mrs. Kong said.
"Kong Lingkan is a red ticket, the evidence is solid." Hong Zhiyou just reminded lightly.
“I know you come from a poor family.
“I have achieved my current position by relying on my brain.
“The most important thing for a man is his career and reputation. Having reached your current position, it is difficult to move up further.
"I think this is also the reason why you have been reluctant to marry Miss Wu."
Mrs. Kong asked with a slightly arrogant smile.
"What do you mean, madam?" Hong Zhiyou frowned.
"My Kong family is the largest family on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. We have deep connections and financial resources, and our business is spread all over the world. We are also very influential in North America.
"If you can join forces with my Kong family and complement each other's resources, you will be like a tiger with wings, and you will be invincible.
“This way, great undertakings can be accomplished and the source of income will never end.
"It will surely be a good story."
Mrs. Kong said confidently and proudly.
"How to join forces?" Hong Zhi asked with interest.
"I want to arrange a marriage between you and Ling Wei.
“She had a very good impression of you.
“Again, Madam, the apple of our Kong family’s eye. Your marriage is a match made in heaven.
“Your ability and the reputation of my Kong family.
“This will be the most perfect combination of the new generation, even better than the marriage between the lady and the chairman in the past.
"You know, I'm always very accurate in judging people and things, and I've never made a mistake.
"Zhiyou, do you think it's okay?"
She deliberately concealed her edge and appeared as gentle as a mother.
The reputation of the Kong family... Hong Zhi couldn't help but laugh.
"Yeah, you think so too, right?" Mrs. Kong thought he was too excited.
"Ha ha!"
Hong Zhiyou couldn't help but burst into laughter.
He really hadn't heard such a joke in a long time.
Not to mention that the Kong family is already on the decline and is despised by everyone.
Kong Lingwei's appearance, figure, and personality are not my type.
"Mr. Hong, what do you mean?"
Mrs. Kong noticed something was wrong and frowned, feeling offended and angry.
"Means nothing.
"I am very interested in the powerful alliance that Madam mentioned." Hong Zhiyou touched his face and regained his composure.
"A man who knows the times is a hero. You are very smart." Mrs. Kong nodded with a little satisfaction.
“However, the way of joining forces may be a little special.
"Madam, have you heard of blood bags?" Hong Zhiyou asked.
"What blood bag?" Mrs. Kong didn't understand.
“Then let me put it more clearly.
"You know very well that the fastest way to acquire resources is always through extensive plunder and robbery!" said Hong Zhiyou.
“You, the Kong family, rely on exploiting the people to gain money and selling out national resources and minerals for your own benefit.
“I have read the Treasury Department’s materials.
"In 47, the total foreign exchange reserves of the entire National Government were US$5.7 million, of which the National Government had only US$1.6 million available to purchase aircraft and warships.
"There is still 4 million in foreign exchange in your hands.
“Nominally, the money was invested in oil or other industries, but in reality, it was diverted to your personal accounts.
"So, we all know that cheating, robbing, and squeezing are the fastest ways to make money, right?"
Hong Zhiyou leaned back and raised his hand.
“Although I don’t like the tone of your voice, I have to admit that you are right.
"Why don't we be frank then?
“You are joining forces with my Kong family. With your current status, you must be short of manpower, etc. Why not join forces?
“You know, we can grab more if we join forces.
"You are the second 'Kong God of Wealth' in the government!"
Madam Kong said in a cold tone.
"In fact, there is a way to rob that is faster and more profitable." Hong Zhiyou said.
"Oh, tell me about it." said Mrs. Kong.
“Rob the big guys.
“It is said that the necklace you wore back then was enough to feed 100,000 starving people for a year.
"Jianfeng once told me that when Mrs. Chiang was lobbying in the United States, she changed seven sets of silk bedding a day in the hotel where she stayed, and her food and clothing were luxurious.
“The expense of purchasing luxury items was as high as one million US dollars.
“It seems you are really rich.
"If that's the case, why should I be so wicked and evil-minded as to rob ordinary people? Wouldn't it be faster and more lucrative to rob you directly?"
Hong Zhiyou spread his hands and smiled frankly.
"what?"
Mrs. Kong stared at him as if he were a madman.
"Do you know who you are talking to? I have never seen a lunatic as bold as you!" Mrs. Kong shouted angrily.
"I'm sorry I let you see it today."
"lady.
“In my eyes, the Kong family is a fat lamb.
"Next, I will show you how wolves hunt. I promise you will have a wonderful and unforgettable time in Bay Island."
Hong Zhi has the Tao.
"are you crazy.
“If you don’t eat the toast, you’ll be fined with alcohol!
"Hong Zhiyou, you are just a Xiaoshan..." Mrs. Kong was furious and was about to scold, but Hong Zhiyou interrupted her directly:
“I’m a country bumpkin from Xiaoshan.
“Your Kong family is so high and mighty!
“The world is different, the mountains and rivers are different.
"You choose, madam!"
Hong Zhi lit a cigarette, bit it, stood up and walked towards the door.
When he reached the door, he turned his head, blinked, and smiled grimly:
"Don't just think about getting rich by marrying a woman. Use your brain to save your son!"
"You bastard!
"Shame on you, Hong Zhiyou, I want you dead!"
Mrs. Kong's face was distorted and she threw the teacup in her hand to the ground.
……
On the dining table in the hall.
The chairman and Jianfeng responded with a smile, but they felt extremely uneasy in their hearts.
They knew the methods of the eldest sister of the Song family.
At this time, if he had a conversation with Hong Zhi in front of them, it would be very likely that Jianfeng would be left aside.
“Father, Hong Zhiyou promised to give me at least three million US dollars.
"He always keeps his word. You don't have to worry."
Jianfeng leaned in and whispered.
The chairman nodded slightly, feeling a little relieved.
At this time, a guard came over and whispered something quickly in the ear of the chairman.
Hong Zhiyou started arguing with the eldest sister of the Song family.
Good thing!
The chairman smiled happily and raised his glass, saying, "Come on, everyone, please drink."
Hong Zhiyou returned to the dining table, sat down and continued chatting and laughing.
Mrs. Kong followed him with a smile, as if nothing had happened. She walked gracefully in her high heels.
"Commander, may I have a word with you?"
She spoke in a foreign language and raised her hand to invite him.
"Of course." MacArthur loved dealing with these ladies.
Either it's giving gifts to people or it's giving gifts of money.
The person in front of me is naturally not the former, so he must be giving money.
"Cough cough."
Jianfeng knew that Mrs. Kong would use this trick, and looked at Hong Zhiyou to give her a secret reminder.
Hong Zhiyou seemed not to see it and continued talking to Randall.
Since he had Kong Lingkan in his hands, he had absolute initiative.
More importantly, this woman is not very smart.
Did she really think MacArthur could control her?
To be able to influence.
Truman would not announce his refusal to allow the National Army to join the war.
MacArthur didn't need to come in person to the appointment ceremony of the Secretary-General of the Allied Property Management Board.
madness!
Clumsy!
MacArthur took the money but never spent it.
Mrs. Kong was destined to follow in Kong Lingkan's footsteps and waste her money.
……
(End of this chapter)