vncnus Chapter 82: When virtue is not commensurate with position, disaster will surely follow; when wealth
Chapter 82: When virtue is not commensurate with position, disaster will surely follow; when wealth
With this "big money," not only could he not just "run a small newspaper" or acquire a "small coachmen's association," he could even buy several "air squadrons" for the National Army every year!
Even a donation of an airplane by the great artist Xiangyu can be talked about by later generations, so one could donate large numbers of people!
Money gives men courage; with money, we dare to be "reckless," and then we're all "arrogant," just like Wang Shuo said, "I'm a rogue, who am I afraid of?"
This unexpected "gold mine" made Han Zhenhua's heart pound wildly in his chest, and his blood almost boil.
In an instant, he seemed to see mountains of gold and silver beckoning to him, and a huge amount of money, enough to support a vast intelligence empire, was within reach.
However, after the initial excitement, a classic line from the famous artist Fan Wei, spoken in a Northeastern accent, suddenly appeared on his phone's AI screen, like a bucket of ice water poured over his head, instantly waking him up:
"Important Reminder: A classic quote from Teacher Fan Wei: 'If one's virtue is not commensurate with one's position, disaster will surely follow; if one's wealth is not commensurate with one's position, the same applies to everything...'"
According to historical records!
The United States, that land that calls itself "free," in 1938, an era of rampant capitalist growth, was no less brutal in its law of the jungle than the war-torn Republic of China.
Which of those capitalists who wear respectable suits and frequent luxury clubs isn't a "suit-wearing thug with blood on his hands"?
Their methods of cunning and ruthless seizure, annexation and infighting are far more dangerous than open warfare.
For example, there's that widely circulated anecdote about how Rockefeller made his fortune: "How did he buy thousands of acres of land for just one dollar?"
Draft the contract, then shoot the other party dead, chop off their finger, and use the blood from the severed finger to press their fingerprint onto the document.
The AI notification on his phone jolted Han Zhenhua awake. He, an 18-year-old British citizen of Chinese descent, with just over 200,000 pounds in his pocket, was thinking of going to the United States to snatch food from the mouths of those established oil giants and seize what would become North America's largest oil field?
This is nothing short of wishful thinking! The money might just be invested, and then people could disappear in the icy wilderness of Alaska due to various "accidents," perhaps "dying without a burial place" is an exaggeration.
At least there's a place to be buried. Most likely, they'll be buried under the ice and snow of Alaska, forever keeping company with the "ancient mammoths" for generations, until they can't even make a splash.
"A powerful figure! We need to find a powerful figure! An American elite who can keep things under control and prevent those hungry wolves from easily making their move!" Han Zhenhua immediately realized the crux of the problem.
Having money alone is not enough; you also need power and the hard power to protect that wealth.
He frantically searched his limited network of contacts. Captain Wayne? Not high enough rank; his influence was limited to the British Navy in the Yangtze River waters around Shanghai.
Professor Albert Cole? People in academia have too little say in the face of capital.
After much thought, the only person who could possibly have access to the top echelons of the United States is Lu Yunsheng, who is currently in Hong Kong—one of the three tycoons of Shanghai in the past, with extensive connections and influence!
Having lived in Shanghai for decades, and with the city being the largest city in the Far East and closely connected with various sectors of American society, Lu Yunsheng must have known some influential figures in the United States.
Moreover, according to Feng Chengcheng's smiling remark, Uncle Lu not only listens to the "musical gift" she had given him earlier, but his favorite concubine, Aunt Lu Lanchun, also loves it dearly.
After hearing this, some bigwigs in Hong Kong also requested a "recording," which greatly boosted Lu Yunsheng's reputation. The effect was unexpectedly good, and this was a good opportunity for him to speak.
With that thought in mind, Han Zhenhua no longer hesitated, immediately straightened his clothes, and asked to see Lu Yunsheng again.
Inside the study of the Lu Mansion, Lu Yunsheng was listening with his eyes closed to the third song playing from the record player. It was a song later known as "Scarborough Fair," sung by an ethereal female voice. The melody was beautiful and poignant, as if it possessed some kind of mysterious magic, bringing peace to the listener's mind.
The fourth song, "He's a Pirate," the theme song from the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean," is grand and majestic, suitable for the taste of a tycoon like Lu Yunsheng who has experienced many storms.
Seeing Han Zhenhua return, Lu Yunsheng smiled gently: "Nephew Zhenhua, you've come to see this old man again so soon? Is there anything else?"
Han Zhenhua bowed and got straight to the point: "Uncle Lu, I do have a request to make. Please forgive my intrusion."
"Oh? Please speak freely." Lu Yunsheng gestured for him to sit down.
"Recently, due to the needs of my physics research, I need to travel to Alaska, USA, to conduct a data collection project on 'The Impact of Geophysics on Petroleum under Celestial Motion'." Han Zhenhua had already prepared an excuse, packaging oil exploration as physics research!
"But as you know, Alaska is a remote and complex place. As a foreigner, I would be unfamiliar with the area and would likely encounter many inconveniences, and even... safety risks."
He paused, observed Lu Yunsheng's expression, and continued, "I've heard that Uncle Lu has a wide circle of friends, both in the political and business circles in the United States."
I would like to ask you to introduce me to a gentleman who is quite powerful and influential in the United States and can offer some assistance.
The younger generation doesn't need anything else from the other party, only that they leverage their reputation to ensure the project proceeds smoothly and their personal safety is guaranteed.
After listening, a look of understanding flashed in Lu Yunsheng's eyes.
He was so shrewd that he immediately guessed that this "geomagnetic field data collection" was not as simple as it seemed on the surface, and that it was likely to involve huge interests. Otherwise, why would it need to be a high-ranking American to protect it?
However, Han Zhenhua's unique "musical gift" had indeed pleased him greatly, and he subconsciously felt that he owed Han Zhenhua a considerable favor.
Now that Han Zhenhua has something to ask of him, and it seems he's just using the "title" to ensure his safety rather than asking for any real resources, this favor is perfect to do.
Lu Yunsheng pondered for a moment, stroked his beard and smiled, "Nephew Zhenhua, you are too kind."
Your business is my business.
In America... I'm actually thinking of an old friend.
Mr. William Huntington Rawls, who served as the commercial counselor at the Shanghai consulate in his youth, had many interactions with me and was known for his generosity and loyalty.
After returning to China and entering politics, he enjoyed a smooth career and is now serving as the Director of the Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., where he wields considerable influence over Far Eastern and Pacific affairs.
With him putting in a good word for you, things will go much more smoothly for you in Alaska.
Han Zhenhua was overjoyed. A high-ranking official from the Ministry of Commerce! This was exactly the "protective shield" he needed!
"That's great! Thank you so much, Uncle Lu!" Han Zhenhua quickly expressed his gratitude.
Lu Yunsheng waved his hand: "I will personally send a telegram to Mr. Rawls to explain the situation."
He'll give me that kind of face.
"Ah Lai, go and arrange all the formalities for Young Master Han's trip to America, including having several bodyguards accompany him. Get the fastest possible ship tickets!"
Things progressed more smoothly than expected.
Shortly after Lu Yunsheng sent his telegram, he received an affirmative reply from William Rawls, who expressed his willingness to help "his old friend Lu Yunsheng, a young scientist who is willing to host high-end physics talent, the 'Copley Prize winner'."
Han Zhenhua dared not delay and immediately arranged for Feng Chengcheng to return to Shanghai under the escort of A-Qiang and others. He repeatedly assured that he would return in a few months at most after he finished dealing with his "academic affairs".
Although Feng Chengcheng was somewhat reluctant, she kindly agreed. Like a young wife seeing her husband off on a long journey, she not only repeatedly told him to be careful on the road, but also told her bodyguard A-Qiang to take three bodyguards with him, saying that Uncle Lu could arrange for someone to escort her back to Shanghai.
Hearing this, Han Zhenhua was deeply moved and immediately picked him up... Amidst gasps of surprise (3500 words omitted here)
The next day, feeling refreshed, Han Zhenhua, along with four elite bodyguards including A-Qiang (each of whom had been paid £1000 in advance as "life-saving money," an income they could never earn in their entire lives, and the four immediately swore to serve him to the death), and a letter of introduction and itinerary provided by Lu Yunsheng, boarded an ocean liner bound for San Francisco, USA.