Chapter 468: Trust Me

The best outcome would be if Hu Jintao or high-ranking Communist Party officials invested in my companies.

Then regulations would naturally dissolve and we'd gain all sorts of benefits.

Of course Hu Jintao and the top officials couldn't invest directly under their own names.

They'd obviously use proxies but knowing which companies they planned to invest in was valuable enough.

Call him a puppet or whatever but the next decade belonged to Hu Jintao.

"Are you suggesting I invest in Chinese companies? Aren't they still unstable?"

The supreme leader of China doubting his own country's companies…

I held back a bitter laugh as I replied.

"Not at all. The growth of Chinese IT companies is frighteningly fast."

"But there are still limitations. Isn't it a fragile structure that could collapse anytime based on the Party's power dynamics?"

"I'm aware of that. But the next decade will be different. It's your era Mr. Chairman. If you just ease regulations and implement policies letting companies flourish China's economy will see remarkable growth."

In my past life China's economy had experienced exponential growth during Hu Jintao's era.

China becoming a G2 power alongside America was possible because of Hu Jintao.

Though it wasn't so much his competence as it was simply the right time for growth.

But there was no need to mention that now. I just needed to persuade Hu Jintao and guide things in my favor.

"I've invested heavily in many Chinese companies myself. The only reason I haven't invested more is the law preventing foreigners from owning more than 49% of shares. Otherwise I would have invested in many more."

Hu Jintao lifted the steaming teacup to his lips.

He raised an eyebrow as if telling me to continue.

"I believe in the growth potential of the companies I've invested in. So please invest in them too. I'll handle everything while keeping your involvement hidden."

"Hmm…"

Hu Jintao swallowed and set down his teacup.

Something seemed to be troubling him as he didn't answer right away. I pressed on.

"Trust me. Isn't that why you're asking me about investment opportunities? To generate massive returns we should invest in companies that haven't grown yet. If they develop properly and list in America the returns could be hundreds or even thousands of times over."

This was why countless investors sought out unlisted venture companies.

Even if only one out of ten or a hundred succeeded the returns would far exceed the investment.

In America's Silicon Valley dozens or hundreds of venture companies emerged daily.

Some found investors and grew while others failed without funding.

Even the best ideas couldn't flourish without capital.

Companies lucky enough to receive investment and grow provided enormous returns to their investors.

This was the essence of capitalism. China having opened its markets had no choice but to follow a similar path.

"Besides Mr. Chairman you can create the perfect environment for these companies to grow. For you it's easier than crawling on solid ground."

"I've reviewed several policies Wen Jiabao pushed through. They all involved deregulation favoring companies you invested in. I looked into those companies carefully but didn't see much merit."

"That's not true. Why would I have invested in those barely profitable companies years ago? Because I believe they'll bring me massive returns even if it takes time."

"By using Wen Jiabao and me you mean?"

What a frustrating man. Holding back a sigh I spoke.

"Mr. Chairman the future will be dominated by the internet. No one can catch up to companies that secure their position early. Could you handle it if American companies completely dominated China's internet market?"

I stated the reality without wounding his pride.

"Eventually you'll have to remove regulations to promote domestic companies anyway Mr. Chairman even without my request. Since it's inevitable I suggested you profit from it too. If you're still unsure I can recommend American companies instead though I wonder why we'd look so far when opportunities are right here."

I continued explaining what would happen if American IT companies dominated the Chinese market.

After hearing everything Hu Jintao fell into deep thought.

While he pondered I picked up my teacup sipping the cold tea waiting for his decision.

"Very well. I'll trust you with this."

Making up his mind only after such lengthy explanations truly showed his indecisive nature.

Hiding my thoughts I set down my teacup with a smile.

"Then please send your proxy to me."

"Alright. It's someone you know so communication should be easy."

Don't tell me he plans to use the Black Dragon Society even for this?

"Are you referring to Hao Xun?"

Hu Jintao nodded. His expression suggested he saw no issue with this.

"Mr. Chairman involving such people in these matters won't end well."

Even if they were expendable pawns using them here…

This wouldn't look good from any outside perspective.

"Don't worry. Hao and I will handle that part."

"That won't work. Having Hao Xun's name involved would cause problems for me. I can't allow his name on any companies I've invested in."

Hu Jintao's face hardened as if feeling insulted.

"Listen here Mr. Kim."

"I don't know what position the Black Society holds in China but to other countries they're just gangsters equivalent to the Mafia or Yakuza. Even with your backing Mr. Chairman this won't work."

Nothing good could come from entangling with Chinese Black Society in business.

It could even become an obstacle during IPOs.

But Hu Jintao spoke with uncharacteristic firmness.

"I said don't worry. Hao Xun will find a clean proxy himself."

"…I understand."

I couldn't refuse further. Besides if he's promising a clean proxy Hao Xun wouldn't put his name directly.

I had to accept his strong determination to hide his investment through multiple layers.

"How long will you be in China?"

"Probably leaving in three days. I haven't visited all my invested companies yet and still have work to do with CEO Han Gyeong-yeong."

"Hmm… Then I'll tell Hao to contact you within two days. Meet him to discuss details."

"Understood."

After finishing Hu Jintao pressed a nearby bell to summon someone.

"Clear these away and bring out drinks."

"Mr. Chairman you need to rest for tomorrow's schedule…"

A man who seemed to be his secretary spoke up but Hu Jintao ignored him.

His attitude toward subordinates was quite forceful. Well if he wouldn't yield to me how much worse must it be for others.

"I'll handle it myself just bring the drinks."

"Ah yes sir."

"The liquor that recently…"

Stopping mid-sentence Hu Jintao asked me.

"Mr. Kim are you okay with traditional Chinese liquor?"

"I can drink anything."

Though I didn't particularly like Chinese liquor I said it was fine.

Sometimes in business you needed to tell white lies.

Hu Jintao nodded with satisfaction and told his secretary.

"Let's have the Maotai that came as a gift recently."

The secretary bowed and left with the tea set.

Shortly after several people entered setting up the table with appetizers and liquor.

Moving with practiced precision they disappeared as silently as they'd come.

"Have you tried Maotai before?"

"Yes I have."

"Oh? How was it? China has many traditional liquors but this is my favorite. I've been drinking it since my youth."

"It has quite a refined flavor."

I'd heard Chinese people took pride in Maotai and it seemed true.

Pleased with the praise Hu Jintao smiled warmly and reached for the bottle.

"Mr. Kim let me pour you one."

I held out my glass with both hands and he filled it generously.

After filling his own glass Hu Jintao raised it.

Then he recited elegantly.

"Knowledge is no match for interest and interest no match for joy."

"That's from the Analects."

"Oh you know it?"

"Yes somewhat."

"I thought you would. You speak Chinese well and understand our culture."

Clearly pleased that I recognized his quote Hu Jintao showed his good mood.

"Come let's drink. Have as much as you can handle."

Hu Jintao raised his glass first and I followed suit.

"Excellent! Wonderful!"

After finishing his glass Hu Jintao kept exclaiming with exaggerated enthusiasm.

"Good friends and good wine what more does life need?"

"Am I truly your friend Mr. Chairman?"

"That's how I see it but do you not? We're in the same boat after all."

"If that's how you view it then yes we're friends."

Hu Jintao laughed heartily at my response.

Think whatever you like.

We were just using each other. Maintaining surface-level friendship wouldn't hurt though.

I picked up the bottle and said.

"Let me pour you one this time."

Hu Jintao held out his glass and I filled it completely.

After filling my own glass I raised it.

Having received a verse it was only polite to respond. I quoted a Chinese proverb I knew.

"If wine is present now get drunk now. Tomorrow's worries can wait for tomorrow."

"Oh excellent! That's our Mr. Kim!"

We clinked glasses again and continued drinking in earnest.

After several rounds Hu Jintao finally began revealing his true thoughts.

"Mr. Kim I'm only half a leader."

That's true but… I stayed quiet and listened.

"Last year I became General Secretary of the Party and today State Chairman. I've reached the highest positions in both party and state but still haven't received military command. There's no promise of when I'll get it either."

While China's Central Military Commission was technically under the Central Committee the real military power lay with the Commission's Chairman.

Though protocol-wise it came after General Secretary and State Chairman whoever held this position was effectively China's supreme leader.

No wonder Mao Zedong said all power grows from the barrel of a gun.

"The Standing Committee expanded from seven to nine members when Jiang Zemin stepped down and he filled those spots with his people. Six out of nine members are under Shanghai faction's influence."

I understood why Hu Jintao was lamenting.

In their collective leadership system he hadn't received military power and the Standing Committee was dominated by the Shanghai faction.

Plus both Vice Chairmen of the Central Military Commission were Shanghai faction members.

Eventually Jiang Zemin would have to hand over his Military Commission Chairmanship to Hu Jintao.

This was a show of force suggesting he wouldn't relinquish his influence even after giving up the position.

"Be patient for now."

"How long must I wait? This way I'll be led around by the Shanghai faction my entire term."

"Opportunity will come eventually. Fortunately you've protected Premier Wen Jiabao. Time will ultimately be on your side."

Actually the Shanghai faction's influence wouldn't diminish with time.

But this time I won't let Xi Jinping take power.

We needed to strengthen Hu Jintao's authority and establish a different successor.

However now wasn't the time.

The Shanghai faction was too powerful. Moving now could get me burned too.

"Take control gradually. If the Shanghai faction expands influence with money you should do the same."

"But we lack funding."

"I'll provide financial support. Leave the Standing Committee alone for now focus on winning over the military and party elders first."

Hu Jintao's face brightened immediately at the mention of financial support.

I laughed inwardly at his reaction.

You crafty snake. You were waiting for me to say this.

Laugh while you can. Someday the money I give you will be the noose around your neck.

Hiding my thoughts I smiled softly and refilled his glass.