Chapter 307: This is Not a Waste Product; This is a Treasure

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After dinner, Han Yezhen invited everyone to the table. Li Chunshan was comfortable with the arrangement, given his relationship with Han Yezhen, but Huo Qingdong appeared somewhat reserved.

Throughout the meal, Han Yezhen chatted occasionally with Li Chunshan, while Hardy observed Huo Qingdong, who seemed anxious. Hardy then spoke to Li Chunshan, "I'm very optimistic about this young man. I believe he has potential. I'd like to ask for him."

Li Chunshan was taken aback. "What does Mr. Hardy need him for?"

Huo Qingdong, surprised by Hardy's interest, wondered if it was related to his idea of collecting scrap metal.

"There's a trading company in Macau that needs capable personnel. I think he'd be a good fit for managing the business there," Hardy explained.

As Li Chunshan's newly promoted leader, Huo Qingdong had proven himself with his intelligence and resourcefulness. Li Chunshan found it difficult to refuse Hardy's request. Turning to Huo Qingdong, he said, "Qingdong, Mr. Hardy sees potential in you. This is a great opportunity. From now on, you'll leave the triad and work with Mr. Hardy."

Huo Qingdong was stunned by the sudden change in his life. He took a deep breath, stood up, and bowed deeply to Li Chunshan. "Thank you, Lord Li, for your guidance over the years. I will always remember your kindness."

Li Chunshan waved it off. Since Huo Qingdong's new role wasn't a betrayal, it wouldn't tarnish his reputation.

Straightening up, Huo Qingdong addressed Hardy. "Thank you so much, Mr. Hardy. I will do my best in this new role."

Hardy smiled. "Enjoy your meal. Tomorrow, you'll meet with Victor. You'll manage the trading company in Macau and also oversee the scrap metal business from the islands."

"Understood, Mr. Hardy."

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After dinner, Huo Qingdong and Li Chunshan left. Han Yezhen accompanied them to the door.

On their way back, Li Chunshan patted Huo Qingdong on the shoulder. "Qingdong, you're lucky. Following Mr. Hardy will open many doors for you. The future holds significant opportunities."

"I will never forget Lord Li's kindness," Huo Qingdong replied.

Li Chunshan nodded and did not add more.

The next day, Huo Qingdong met with Victor. Victor, having received a call from Hardy, was aware of Huo Qingdong's new role. He welcomed him with a handshake. "We'll be colleagues from now on."

Huo Qingdong accepted the handshake with both hands. "I'm honored, Mr. Victor. I look forward to working with you."

"I've dispatched two freighters from Global Shipping. You'll be responsible for these ships and managing the staff for the operations," Victor said.

Huo Qingdong pondered. "How should I handle sales?"

Victor shook his head. "You're in charge of this. Sell the scrap metal wherever you find it suitable. Each ship has two sets of documents: American and British. You can use whichever you find appropriate."

Victor handed Huo Qingdong a letter of certification from the U.S. Department of Defense. "This document certifies our logistics business. If questioned by the U.S. Navy, show them this."

Huo Qingdong accepted the document with relief. It was a valuable asset that confirmed the legitimacy of his operations.

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At Victoria Pier in Hong Kong, two freighters docked. The triads had set up makeshift sheds, and a crowd of two to three thousand strong young men gathered.

Huo Qingdong had placed an advertisement the previous night recruiting dismantling workers for the sea voyage, offering a daily wage of 3 yuan, including three meals.

Given the low pay in Hong Kong, this was a tempting offer. Many young men, unable to find jobs, arrived early to the dock.

Although there were many applicants, the triads ensured order at the pier. Registration for the ship proceeded smoothly.

Li Chunshan, valuing the operation, came to oversee the recruitment. Huo Qingdong greeted him. "Lord Li, once the number of workers is confirmed, we will set off."

Li Chunshan gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "It's up to you to make this profitable."

The freighters departed Victoria Harbour. Their first destination was Iwo Jima, about 1,400 nautical miles away from Hong Kong. After two days of travel, they arrived.

Upon sighting the island, Huo Qingdong saw several battleships in the bay and remnants of landing crafts, tanks, and various scattered parts on the beach.

He marveled at the potential value of these materials.

The island had a rudimentary port suitable for docking. Workers disembarked with tools for dismantling—hammers, crowbars, and ropes. Huo Qingdong addressed them:

"Your wages are guaranteed, but everyone must work hard. If anyone is lazy, there won't be another chance. Let's get to work. Carry all the valuable metal onboard."

With enthusiasm, the workers began dismantling the scrap metal. They understood the rarity of such an opportunity and worked diligently.

Huo Qingdong arranged for cooking facilities. The workers had basic meals—white rice, meat soup, and salted fish, which were a luxury for them.

The workers diligently removed and piled the scrap metal, including rifles, machine guns, anti-aircraft guns, and various munitions. The copper shells were particularly valuable, and they were efficiently collected.

Most of the materials were left by the Americans, who had discarded damaged or surplus equipment. To Huo Qingdong, these were treasures, not waste.

The workers' efforts paid off, and within three days, one freighter was full. The ship set sail immediately, while the second freighter continued loading.

Upon arrival in Tianjin, the cargo was eagerly received. Unexpectedly, among the scrap were numerous valuable items—rifles, artillery, and copper shells. The total value of the cargo was around $220,000.

Unable to pay in cash, the northern side compensated with jewels, dried sea cucumbers, abalone, shark fin, scallops, and Chinese herbal medicines. They also included fine tea.

Huo Qingdong was impressed by the quality of the goods. The freighter returned to Hong Kong, where the items were unloaded at Hardy's terminal and stored in the warehouse. The jewels were handed over to Victor.

"Boss, we have goods from the north. Would you like to inspect them?" Victor asked Hardy.

"What's included?"

"There are hundreds of boxes of Chinese medicine, dried sea cucumbers, abalone, shark fin, scallops, and a large amount of tea. The jewels and bank drafts are the main highlights."

Intrigued, Hardy visited the auction company where the gems were being appraised. Several appraisers assessed the value, including a stunning 30-carat ruby worth $30,000 and a 50-carat sapphire estimated at $80,000.

The collection also featured fine jade, including a glass imperial green bead necklace and bracelet, which Hardy decided to give to Han Yezhen.

"These two jade pieces will be re-polished and sent to her," Hardy instructed.

"Understood, boss."

Hardy also planned to bring the rubies and sapphires to the United States to be made into jewelry. With many women in his life, he wanted to ensure he had suitable gifts prepared.