Spy Wars: Red Shopkeeper

Chapter 252, Second Discussion
"Brother, once you reach this price, you can rest assured. You won't lose money. The most troublesome stage is over."

Fu Xiao'an comforted Gu Yansheng, saying that the investment of more than 2000 million yuan was indeed a considerable amount for a young person, and he was afraid that Gu Yansheng would feel pressured.

"Of course I'm at ease," Gu Yansheng said with a smile.

Fu Xiao'an dared to embezzle funds meant for the future central bank. If something goes wrong, he'll have to use his own assets to cover it up, and that's no joke.

The country's money cannot be wasted, not a single penny can be lost.

Of course, the credit for making money should belong to Gu Yansheng himself.

This is called cooperation that benefits both parties and allows each to get what they need.

The market is rising hesitantly, and the funds in the concessions are suffering the most.

The current suspicion is that Fu Xiao'an is manipulating the market to drive up prices and trick people into buying in. Prices will definitely come down, and there could be a sharp drop tomorrow.

But that's just my opinion. The price is slowly rising, climbing from 150 yuan to 180 yuan in just seven days.

180 yuan!
Their average opening price for short positions is 135 yuan, meaning that each position is currently losing 45 yuan.

With the orders they have, the losses at this price have already reached several million!

Should we believe this is a price surge, or a trap for buyers?
Inside the Sassoon House, a fierce argument erupted among the capital holders of the concession.

Admitting defeat now would mean a loss of millions.

But if they don't close their positions now, for every dollar the price rises, each of them will lose at least 5 dollars.

Leverage amplifies both gains and losses, and now that I've lost control, it's quite painful.

Did the Japanese actually have plans for forced conscription?

"I found out that there isn't any. I contacted several Japanese people and they all said there isn't any."

"Shanghai or Nanjing? The Japanese have now formed the China Expeditionary Army, with its headquarters in Nanjing. You'll have to ask the Japanese in Nanjing."

"I also sent people to inquire in Nanjing, but I still haven't received any information."

"Fuck! Then we'll have to close the position!"

There's no way of knowing where Fu Xiao'an will push the price down. If we keep waiting like this, we won't even be able to eat. It's better to accept the loss.

"I won't close the position! If I close it, I'll lose $50!"
Fu Xiao'an can't keep hoarding the cotton yarn indefinitely! Once the cotton yarn is released to the market, those merchants absolutely won't accept this price, and the price will inevitably fall. This is a law of economics; even if Fu Xiao'an wanted to manipulate the market, he couldn't!

Since opinions cannot be unified, it's acceptable to write a short essay, saying that cotton yarn prices are too high, and reminding stock market investors to be wary.

But stock market investors don't care about any of that.

Inside the stock exchange, some investors who had made money were debating the reasons behind the recent surge in cotton yarn prices.

"Winter hasn't even started yet, and the price of cotton yarn has already gone up."

The market maker manipulated the market by buying heavily between 120 and 150 yuan, then suddenly broke through the 150 yuan mark, kicking everyone off the train.

"Considering the recent announcement by the municipal government about rising cotton yarn prices, this is definitely not unfounded. Large funds must have received accurate information and are now working together to drive up stock prices. Therefore, we must believe, and firmly believe, that as long as we follow the main players closely, we will definitely make a lot of money."

Teahouse.

Gu Yansheng was working when Ding Mocun called.

“A telegram has arrived from Hong Kong looking for you. It says that Song Ziliang has sent a telegram and will arrive in Hong Kong in two days.”

"Okay, I understand, thanks."

Gu Yansheng put down the phone and went out to Zhou Mansion.

Once you arrive, first report about the funds you used for stock trading.

"I expect to earn several million dollars. I figured the money was just sitting there anyway, so it would be great if I could increase my income a bit."

"Is it safe?" Minister Zhou was quite concerned about this.

Gu Yansheng guaranteed that Fu Xiao'an was an expert in the stock market, and he had also found his own business associates to raise 30 million.

My idea is to use his 30 million first, and if the situation is good, we can invest the rest of the money. If the situation is bad, we won't invest the rest.

I've been following his moves and doing some research these past few days, and it seems Fu Xiao'an has definitely got the situation under control. The chances of making money are probably already 70-80% there.

Minister Zhou listened, thought for a moment, and smiled. “Then let’s go for it. The central bank is also short of funds. The more money we make for the country, the better the future of the country will be.”

Minister Zhou has heard of Fu Xiao'an; he's known as the "tumbler doll." If he's willing to invest tens of millions to manage the business, the probability of making money shouldn't be a problem.

"That's what I think too. The risks are manageable, and a few million is a lot of money. We shouldn't miss this opportunity."

"It's up to you."

"Okay, there's one more thing to report."

Gu Yansheng talked about the situation in Hong Kong.

Minister Zhou replied, "Then you'll have to make another trip. I'll only feel at ease if you keep an eye on Hong Kong. I think you understand what interests come first at all times."

Gu Yansheng nodded, "Minister, rest assured, I certainly understand the reasoning."

"Should we find someone else to keep an eye on things in Shanghai?"

"Not for now. I've found a third-party broker to help me monitor and analyze the market. They have no vested interests, so their perspective is more neutral. Every day, a specialist will analyze the stock market data and details and send them to me. I've already arranged it."

"That's good. Come on, let's have a simple meal together. The chef at home has already prepared the dishes, so please just eat whatever you like."

Two days later, in Hong Kong.

The negotiations took place within Song Ziliang's own Changlong Trading Company.

Inside the meeting room, Suzuki Takuya asked with a warm smile, "Mr. Song, I wonder if President Jiang from Chongqing has personally reviewed the terms we proposed?"

Song Ziliang said with a faint smile, "When I went back to visit my elder sister this time, I also had a face-to-face meeting with President Jiang. President Jiang told me to show you goodwill that we can have in-depth negotiations, but the terms need to be carefully considered."

Suzuki Takuya was overjoyed to hear this. The fact that Chiang Kai-shek was willing to negotiate was a great step forward, much better than the last time when he simply said to kill Wang Jingwei's men first.

He asked impatiently, "I wonder which terms President Jiang thinks need to be discussed?"

Song Ziliang took out a document and placed it on the table. "This is a record of the terms you raised last time."

Article 1: Recognition of Manchukuo.

In principle, Chongqing will not and will never recognize the independence of Manchukuo. We hope you will recognize this reality.

Suzuki Takuya frowned upon hearing this and said with displeasure, "The independence of Manchukuo must be maintained. I don't see any sincerity from President Chiang in negotiating."

Song Ziliang interrupted with a sigh, "Suzuki, don't be in such a hurry. Have you ever been to China? Do you understand how complicated the situation is in China?"

With so many Northeast Army generals in Chongqing, asking Chongqing to recognize Manchukuo's independence would be tantamount to ceding the Northeast. Would those Northeast Army generals in Chongqing agree to that?

When you provide a solution, shouldn't you also consider how President Jiang needs to handle this matter?
Is it realistic to expect him to say to the Northeast generals at the highest national defense conference in Chongqing, "I have ceded the Northeast"?

However, since President Jiang said we can discuss it, he can definitely offer you a solution.

"What plan?"

"Then let's not talk about the independence of Manchuria."

"What kind of solution is this?"

"Of course, that's the solution. Manchuria is effectively in your hands now. Whether we acknowledge it or not, it's still in your hands. So let's put this matter aside, and President Chiang will tacitly acknowledge that the Northeast is yours. We won't send any more agents or launch any more military operations against Manchuria. Wouldn't that be better?"

Suzuki Takuya tapped his finger on the table to express his dissatisfaction. "This is completely different from what we expected. Facts are facts, and acknowledgments are acknowledgments. If it's not reflected in the treaty, who can guarantee the validity of the agreement? Can you expect President Chiang to write a personal letter stating that he will not send any agents into Manchuria and sign it to us?"

“That’s impossible, of course.” Song Ziliang sneered. “Don’t even think about it. But Mr. Suzuki, if you want to talk, you have to consider whether you can actually talk. Chongqing is sincere about peace, but we absolutely cannot let President Chiang’s reputation be damaged.”

Suzuki Takuya thought for a moment and said, "I need to report on this matter. You can continue with the next point." "Okay." Song Ziliang looked at the second point, "Chongqing should immediately abandon the policy of resisting Japan and accommodating the Communists, and work with the Japanese to fight the Red Party. Oh, this is what President Chiang said."

"The Japanese want to include this in the contract, but I think it's unnecessary. Even if they don't bring it up again after we successfully negotiate with them, I will still crack down on the Red bandits."

Is the meaning quite clear?

Suzuki Takuya nodded and smiled, "Since there is no dispute about this point, that's perfect. It should still be written in the contract. It's not that we don't believe in President Chiang's sincerity in cracking down on the Red bandits, but if everything is done according to the agreement, everyone will feel more at ease. After all, you are still publicly promoting the cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party."

Song Ziliang smiled and said, "Then you have to withdraw your troops first, otherwise this clause cannot be written."

Suzuki Takuya said angrily, "Isn't Chongqing being a bit insincere?"

Song Ziliang said helplessly, "I'm just a messenger. I can tell you President Chiang's meaning. The decision wasn't made by me. As for President Chiang's reason for saying this, it's very simple. Once the contract is signed, it has to be made public. If it's made public, we'll start opposing the Communists. What if you don't withdraw your troops and break the contract?"
Conversely, your intelligence agencies, being so astute, should have heard about President Chiang's attitude towards the Red Army.

Even without this clause, as long as you are willing to sincerely withdraw your troops, we will still strike the Red bandits.

Is that unreasonable?

Suzuki Takuya frowned. "Next."

“Next.” Song Ziliang glanced at the document and looked up. “Oh, the third point: President Jiang has no objection to an immediate ceasefire after the contract is signed. He even suggested that it could be earlier, for example, a de facto ceasefire starting now.”

We don't care about small-scale skirmishes, but major battles, such as the Battle of Changsha, should be stopped now to demonstrate our sincerity in seeking peace.

The two sides are negotiating, while a fight is escalating. How can the CEO bring up peace talks in meetings afterwards? Is that right?

"I will report on this one, next one."

"Article 4: Anti-communist garrison."

He stated explicitly that Japan did not need to send troops to defend against the Communists; he would send troops to suppress the Red bandits. Therefore, Japan needed a withdrawal plan. Apart from the de facto troops stationed in Manchukuo, Japanese troops in other areas must withdraw from China in an orderly manner, and a complete timeline needed to be provided.

“That’s impossible.” Suzuki Takuya resolutely refused. “Japan will only withdraw from China if it is certain that all the Red bandits have been wiped out.”

Song Ziliang chuckled, "There's really no need for that. Does Lieutenant Colonel Suzuki think we'd let the Red Bandits go? Absolutely not. And once our war is over, surely we can handle a Red Bandit?"

"Expectations are expectations, and facts are facts. We will only withdraw our troops when we clearly see that all the Red Party members have been wiped out."

"I'm just a messenger. You should discuss this with your headquarters again. To let the process affect the negotiations just for the sake of a clear outcome, Mr. Suzuki, is making us doubt your sincerity in the peace talks."

Suzuki Takuya was furious; Song Ziliang couldn't make any decisions! It was like talking to a brick wall!
"Next!"

"Next. Cooperate with Wang Ni, hehe." Song Ziliang smiled. "The president's point is that we're already in negotiations, so why do we need Wang Ni involved? The Japanese should kill them to show their sincerity."

"That's absolutely impossible!" Suzuki Takuya said firmly. "The headquarters has already given clear instructions regarding the Wang Jingwei faction: during the peace talks, we can not support the Wang Jingwei faction in establishing a new regime, in preparation for the merger of the two factions after the peace talks are successful, and it will still be one government."

This is the biggest concession we have made.

Mr. Song, we would never kill Chinese people who come to us for refuge; you shouldn't even consider that.

“We can take responsibility for killing the people, and the timing will be after the peace talks.” Song Ziliang glanced at the few members of Wang’s faction present, including Gu Yansheng, and smiled. “Of course, the president instructed that none of you are included. Knowing that you were coerced, we will only punish the ringleaders and will not touch you.”

Gao Zhongwu and Mei Siping did not feel relieved upon hearing this; their faces remained tense, and they did not utter a word.

"Impossible! We won't kill them today, and we never will. This is not up for discussion!" Suzuki Takuya was quite resolute, giving them confidence.

"Suzuki, what do you mean by protecting Wang Ni like this? If you don't kill him, are you trying to let him seize power from President Jiang? Do you think that's appropriate?"

"Next!"

The next few points are about economic and military cooperation in building the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, including protecting the interests of Japanese nationals in China, and how to glorify the war after the war and eliminate the negative feelings of ordinary people towards Japan's war.

These things were not a big deal to the higher-ups; the two sides had only minor disagreements, but could generally agree on the matter.

"I will report Chongqing's attitude to headquarters as soon as possible. I also hope that Mr. Song can communicate with Chongqing as soon as possible. You have shown far too little sincerity."

Although the later points went smoothly, there were disagreements on the most crucial ones, and since Song Ziliang did not have the power to make a decision, Suzuki Takuer still expressed his dissatisfaction.

“I will tell you, but you know it’s not appropriate to say these things in a telegram.” Song Ziliang maintained his usual attitude.

“Mr. Song, I think it would be better if you contacted Chongqing and sent more capable negotiators.”

"Does Mr. Suzuki think I'm unprofessional?"

You're asking a question you already know the answer to.

"I think that Mr. Song has to go to Chongqing to report every time he talks, which takes too long and is not conducive to peace."

Suzuki Takuya's mission in Hong Kong was to negotiate, but the negotiations only lasted one day while the reporting took a month. It was unbearable; it was too tedious!

"I will give you feedback." Song Ziliang saw the guest off.

Mei Siping was somewhat uneasy and whispered to Gu Yansheng, "Minister Gu, do you think the Japanese would really agree to kill us? Judging from the feedback from Chongqing, the differences between them and the Japanese don't seem to be that big. If they really make peace, won't we be abandoned as a gift?"

"I don't know," Gu Yansheng sighed, trying to scare them.

In fact, this negotiation showed no sincerity whatsoever in seeking peace, and it seemed that the differences were not significant.

For example, there were talks on anti-communism, Manchukuo, ceasefire, and even troop deployment.

Even with Gu Yansheng turning off the God's-eye view, the differences still seem huge.

The most important issue is the order.

The question of whether to withdraw troops first or defend against the Communists first is a dilemma that neither side can trust.

For Chiang Kai-shek, the best course of action was to kill the Japanese Communists first and then withdraw his troops. What if the Japanese refused to withdraw?
It's not about considering the opinions of the Red Party; the key issue is that there will definitely be a lot of dissatisfaction within the party towards him. Blindly trusting Japan's foolish actions could make his position very unstable.

As for the Japanese, they chose to target those Chiang Kai-shek was willing to do, such as killing the Red Army. They knew Chiang Kai-shek wouldn't object, so killing the Red Army would weaken the anti-Japanese forces, which was definitely a good thing for them.

As for whether or not to withdraw troops afterward, that can be discussed further.

If you don't withdraw by then, what can Chongqing do?
Anyway, I got the benefits.

The most important question is...

Who can be sure that the other party genuinely wants to negotiate?
What Chongqing said might all be false, and what the Japanese said might all be false.

Chiang Kai-shek wanted to trick the Japanese into withdrawing their troops so that he could focus on pacifying the country before resisting foreign aggression.

The Japanese wanted to trick Chongqing into massacring the Communist Party members first, and then turn around and attack Chongqing.

With such a huge difference in opinion, how can we negotiate?
Well, Chiang Kai-shek probably didn't think that far ahead. He probably just wanted to trick the Japanese into killing Wang Jingwei, so he could make a profit.

If that's the case, then in the subsequent negotiations, Chiang Kai-shek might make concessions to the Japanese in exchange for this condition.

Gu Yansheng thought for a moment and looked at the other two.

Mei Siping and Gao Zhongwu indeed frowned deeply.

Suzuki Takuya walked over and said, "I need to go back to Nanjing. I'll need you all to keep an eye on things here. Thank you."

Mei Siping and Gao Zhongwu nodded, clearly in low spirits.

Gu Yansheng suggested, "I also need to go back and report the contents of this meeting to Minister Zhou. Mr. Suzuki, would you mind if we went together?"

There's really nothing to do in Hong Kong; Gu Yansheng might as well go back to Shanghai.

"Of course I don't mind."

The next day, the plane returned to Shanghai.

After getting off the plane, Gu Yansheng went directly to Zhou's residence to report on the peace talks to Minister Zhou.

"Chiang Kai-shek wants to use the Japanese to get rid of us. No, the Japanese might make a mistake. You come with me to Nanjing. We must make the Japanese give up this idea."

(End of this chapter)