Chapter 252: Second Talk
“Little brother, once it reaches this price, you can rest assured; your funds won’t suffer any loss. The most troublesome phase has already passed.”
Fu Xiao’an comforted Gu Yansheng. This investment of over 20 million was indeed a considerable sum for a young man, and he feared Gu Yansheng might feel pressure.
“Of course I’m at ease with this.” Gu Yansheng smiled.
Fu Xiao’an dared to risk the future Central Bank’s money. If something went wrong, he would have to cover it with his own family fortune; this was no joking matter.
The nation’s money could not afford to lose even a single cent.
Of course, the merit from the profits would belong to Gu Yansheng himself.
This was called mutual benefit, each getting what they needed.
The market trend rose hesitantly, and the concession’s funds were the most uncomfortable.
Now they suspected Fu Xiao’an was rigging the market to rally, trying to trick them into taking over, believing the price would definitely come down, very likely with a plummet tomorrow.
But what they thought was what they thought; now the price was slowly but steadily rising. In seven days, from 150 bucks, it had climbed to 180 bucks just like that.
180 bucks!
Their short positions’ opening price averaged at 135 bucks, meaning each position was now losing 45 bucks.
With the positions in their hands, the losses at this price had already reached millions!
Believe this is a rally, or believe this is a washout?
In Sassoon House, the concession’s capital holders erupted into fierce arguments.
Admitting defeat now meant millions in losses.
But if they didn’t close positions now, for every buck the price rose, each person’s loss would be at least 50,000 silver dollars at minimum.
Leverage amplifies revenue as well as losses; now without the initiative, it was extremely uncomfortable.
“Do the Japanese really have a forced requisition plan?”
“What I’ve probed is no, I’ve contacted several Japanese and they all said no.”
“Shanghai’s or Nanjing’s? The Japanese have now formed the China Expeditionary Army, with headquarters in Nanjing; you need to ask the Japanese in Nanjing.”
“I’ve also sent people to ask in Nanjing, and the information received is still no.”
“Fuck! Then we can only close positions!”
Now it was impossible to predict where Fu Xiao’an would rally the price; waiting any longer meant they couldn’t even eat, better to accept the losses.
“I’m not closing! If I close now, I’ll lose 500,000 US Dollars!
Fu Xiao’an can’t possibly hold onto the cotton yarn forever without selling! Once cotton yarn goes on sale, merchants absolutely cannot accept this price, so the price will inevitably fall then; this is the law of economics. Even if Fu Xiao’an wants to operate the market, he can’t!”
Opinions couldn’t be unified; they could issue short essays saying the cotton yarn price was too high, reminding stockholders to stay vigilant.
But stockholders didn’t care about that.
In the exchange, profitable stockholders were debating in defense of this wave of cotton yarn price increase.
“Winter hasn’t even started yet, and the cotton yarn price has already risen.
The market maker did major wash trading between 120 bucks and 150 bucks, suddenly breaking through the major 150 buck level, kicking everyone off the ride.
Combined with the city government’s recent propaganda on cotton yarn price increase, this is absolutely not baseless; there must be major funds that received accurate information, now joining forces to rally the stock price. So, we must believe it, and firmly believe that as long as we stick close to the main force, we can definitely make big money.”
Tea House.
Gu Yansheng was working when Ding Mocun’s telephone call came in.
“A telegram from Hong Kong is looking for you, saying that Song Ziliang sent a telegram; he will arrive in Hong Kong two days later.”
“Good, I got it, thanks.”
Gu Yansheng hung up the telephone and went out to Zhou Mansion.
Upon arrival, he first reported on the matter of using funds for stock trading.
“Expected to earn millions of silver dollars for sure; I think the money just sitting there is sitting there, and if it can generate some income, that would be even better.”
“Is it safe?” Minister Zhou was quite concerned about this matter.
Gu Yansheng didn’t issue guarantees, “Fu Xiao’an is an expert in the stock market; he himself also found his favored businessmen and raised 30 million.
My idea is to use his 30 million first; if the situation looks good, we invest our money; if the situation is bad, we don’t invest.
I’ve followed his operations these past few days and done some investigation; the current situation is indeed under Fu Xiao’an’s control, and the probability of making money is now already seventy to eighty percent.”
Minister Zhou listened and thought for a moment, then smiled, “Then boldly go ahead. The Central Bank is short on funds in its preparations; earning more money for the nation will make the nation’s future better.”
Minister Zhou had looked into Fu Xiao’an; known as the undefeated one, if he was willing to put out tens of millions to operate the market, the probability of making money should be no issue.
“That’s what I think too; the risk on this matter is controllable, and millions isn’t a small amount; don’t miss the opportunity.”
“You handle it.”
“Okay, one more thing to report.”
Gu Yansheng mentioned the Hong Kong matter.
Minister Zhou replied, “Then you go through the trouble of making another trip; I only feel at ease with you keeping an eye on Hong Kong. At any time, prioritize interests; I think you understand.”
Gu Yansheng nodded, “Minister, rest assured; I definitely understand the reason.”
“Does Shanghai side need someone else to keep an eye on it?”
“Not for now; I’ve found third-party brokers here to monitor and analyze for me. With no interest entanglements, their vision is more neutral. Daily stock market data and details will be analyzed by specialists and telegraphed to me; I’ve already arranged it.”
“That’s good then. Come, have a casual meal together; the family chef has already prepared the dishes, just eat something.”
Two days later, Hong Kong.
This negotiation took place inside Song Ziliang’s own Changlong Trading Company.
In the meeting room, Suzuki Takuo asked with a warm smile, “Mr. Song, I wonder if President Jiang in Chongqing has personally reviewed the terms we proposed?”
Song Ziliang said faintly with a smile: “On this trip back, I also visited my elder sister and had a meeting with President Jiang. President Jiang told me to convey goodwill for in-depth peace talks, but to deliberate on the terms.”
Suzuki Takuo was overjoyed upon hearing this. As long as Old Jiang was willing to engage in peace talks, that was major progress, much better than last time when he just said to first kill the Wang Faction personnel.
He eagerly asked: “I wonder which terms President Jiang feels need negotiation?”
Song Ziliang took out a document and placed it on the table, “This is a record of the terms you proposed last time.
First article: Admit Manchukuo.
In principle, Chongqing will not and will never admit Manchukuo’s independence; on this point, hope you recognize reality.”
Suzuki Takuo frowned upon hearing this, displeased: “Manchukuo’s independence must be achieved; I don’t see any sincerity for peace talks from President Jiang.”
Song Ziliang let out an “ai” and raised his hand to interrupt, “Suzuki, don’t be hasty. Have you stayed in China? Do you understand how complex the situation in China is?
Chongqing has so many Northeastern Army generals; asking Chongqing to admit Manchukuo’s independence is tantamount to ceding the Northeast. Would those Northeastern Army generals in Chongqing agree?
When you provide a plan, shouldn’t you also consider how President Jiang needs to handle this?
Would you have him say at Chongqing’s highest National Defense Conference, facing the Northeastern generals, that he’s ceding the Northeast? Isn’t that unrealistic?
But since President Jiang says it can be negotiated, he can certainly provide you a plan.”
“What plan?”
“That is, we just don’t talk about the matter of Manchukuo’s independence.”
“What kind of solution is that?”
“Of course it’s a solution. Manchukuo is factually in your hands now; whether we admit it or not, it’s in your hands. So we shelve this matter; President Jiang tacitly accepts the Northeast as yours, we won’t send agents, and no more military actions targeting Manchukuo. Wouldn’t that be fine?”
Suzuki Takuo tapped the table with his fingers to express dissatisfaction, “This is worlds apart from our expectations. Facts are facts, admission is admission; if not in the contract, who can guarantee the agreement’s validity? Could you have President Jiang write a personal letter saying no agents to Manchukuo, sign it, and give it to us?”
“That’s of course impossible.” Song Ziliang sneered, “Don’t even think about it, but Mr. Suzuki, if you want to negotiate, you have to consider if it can continue. Chongqing has sincerity for peace, but absolutely cannot let President Jiang’s reputation suffer.”
Suzuki Takuo thought for a moment and said, “I need to report this; you continue with the next ones.”
“Good.” Song Ziliang glanced at the second article, “Chongqing immediately abandons the anti-Japanese unite-with-Communists policy and joins the Japanese side to strike the Red Party. Oh, this is what President Jiang said.
‘If the Japanese insist on writing this into the contract, I think it’s entirely unnecessary. Once our peace talks with the Japanese succeed, even if the Japanese don’t mention it, I will strike the Red Bandits.’
The meaning is very clear, right?”
Suzuki Takuo nodded with a smile, “Since there’s no controversy on this point, that’s even better. It still needs to be written into the contract; it’s not that we don’t trust President Jiang’s sincerity in striking the Red Bandits, but everything according to agreement, so everyone can feel more at ease. After all, you’re still openly propagating Kuomintang-Communist cooperation.”
Song Ziliang smiled faintly: “Then you need to withdraw troops first; otherwise, this article can’t be written.”
Suzuki Takuo was annoyed, “Is Chongqing really lacking sincerity?”
Song Ziliang said helplessly: “I’m just a messenger; I can tell you President Jiang’s meaning. The decision isn’t mine. As for why President Jiang said this, the reason is simple: once the contract is signed, it must be announced. If announced, we start anti-Communism, but you don’t withdraw troops and tear up the contract, what then?
Conversely, President Jiang’s attitude toward the Red Bandits—your intelligence agency is so sharp, you should have heard something.
Even without this article, as long as you’re willing to sincerely withdraw troops, we’ll strike the Red Bandits anyway.
Unreasonable?”
Suzuki Takuo frowned tightly, “Next article.”
“Next article.” Song Ziliang looked at the document’s record and said, raising his head, “Oh, third article: immediate ceasefire after contract signing. President Jiang has no objection and even suggests it could be earlier, like a de facto ceasefire starting now.
We ignore small-scale friction, but major campaigns, like the Changsha Campaign, should stop now to demonstrate sincerity for peace talks.
Both sides negotiating while one side fights, if tempers flare up, how can the President raise peace talks in meetings later? Right?”
“I’ll report this article; next one.”
“Fourth article’s anti-Communism garrisoning.
He explicitly stated no need for Japanese troops for anti-Communism; he will send troops to exterminate the Red Bandits, so Japan must have a troop withdrawal plan. Apart from de facto garrisoning in Manchukuo, Japanese troops in all other places must orderly withdraw from China, and provide complete timelines.”
“Impossible.” Suzuki Takuo decisively refused, “Japan must clearly see all Red Bandits exterminated before withdrawing from China.”
Song Ziliang let out a laugh, “Really no need; does Lieutenant Colonel Suzuki think we’ll let the Red Bandits go? Absolutely impossible, and with the war between us ended, surely we can handle a Red Bandit?”
“Expectations are expectations, facts are facts; we need to clearly see all Red Party exterminated before withdrawing troops.”
“I’m just passing messages; you still need to discuss this with your headquarters. For a result that’s certain to happen, letting the intermediate process affect the negotiation—Mr. Suzuki, this is making us suspect your sincerity for peace talks.”
Suzuki Takuo was furious listening; Song Ziliang couldn’t decide anything! It was like playing the lute to a cow!
“Next article!”
“Next article: cooperation with Wang Ni, heh.” Song Ziliang smiled, “On this point, the President’s meaning is, since we’re in peace talks, what is Wang Ni doing in the middle? The Japanese should kill them to show sincerity.”
“Absolutely impossible!” Suzuki Takuo was resolute, “Regarding Wang Faction personnel, General Headquarters already has clear instructions: during peace talks, we won’t support Wang Faction personnel establishing a new regime, in preparation for merging both sides’ personnel into one government after successful talks.
This is already our maximum concession.
Mr. Song, we can’t kill the Chinese who came to rely on us; you don’t need to think about this article.”
“We can handle killing the people, and the timing after the peace talks.” Song Ziliang glanced at the several Wang Faction people present, including Gu Yansheng, and smiled faintly: “Of course, per the President’s instructions, you gentlemen need not be included; we know you were coerced. We only punish the principal offenders, won’t touch you.”
Gao Zhongwu and Mei Siping listened without any sense of relief, faces tense, silent.
“Impossible! We won’t kill them today, nor ever; this article is off the table!” Suzuki Takuo was extremely firm, giving them confidence.
“Suzuki, by protecting Wang Ni like this, what do you mean? You won’t kill him; do you want him to seize power from President Jiang? Do you think that’s appropriate?”
“Next article!”
The next few articles were about economic and military cooperation for building Greater East Asia, including protecting Japanese expatriates’ interests in China, and how to beautify this war postwar to reduce ordinary people’s resentment toward Japan’s war this time.
These were harmless to the upper echelons; both sides had minor differences but generally agreed.
“I’ll report Chongqing’s attitude to General Headquarters as soon as possible, and I also hope Mr. Song can communicate quickly with Chongqing; your sincerity offered is really too little.”
Though the later articles went smoothly, there were differences on the most critical ones, and since Song Ziliang had no decision-making power, Suzuki Takuo still expressed dissatisfaction.
“I’ll convey it, but you know, telegrams aren’t suitable for these contents.” Song Ziliang maintained his attitude.
“Mr. Song, I think you should contact Chongqing and send more authoritative negotiation personnel.”
“Does Mr. Suzuki think I’m not professional?”
This was asking despite knowing the answer.
“I think Mr. Song going to Chongqing to report after each talk, the round trip time is dragged out too long; this isn’t conducive to peace.”
Suzuki Takuo’s mission in Hong Kong was negotiation, but if talks took one day and reporting a month, he really couldn’t endure it; too dawdling!
“I’ll feedback.” Song Ziliang saw the guests off.
Mei Siping felt somewhat uneasy and said softly to Gu Yansheng, “Minister Gu, do you think the Japanese won’t really agree to kill us? From Chongqing’s feedback, the differences between them and the Japanese don’t seem that big; if peace talks really happen, we won’t be discarded as gifts, right?”
“Don’t know.” Gu Yansheng let out a sigh to intimidate them.
This negotiation actually showed no sincerity for peace talks at all; it seemed like differences weren’t big.
For example, anti-Communism was negotiable, Manchukuo was negotiable, ceasefire was negotiable, even garrisoning was negotiable.
But even if Gu Yansheng turned off God’s perspective, it still seemed like huge differences.
The main problem was sequence.
Withdraw troops first or anti-Communism first; neither side trusted the other.
For Old Jiang, kill the Red Party first then Japanese withdraw; what if Japanese don’t withdraw?
Not considering the Red Party’s opinion, but the party’s opinion of him would definitely be enormous; foolishly trusting Japan might make his position unstable.
For the Japanese, pick what Old Jiang is willing to do: kill Red Party—they knew Old Jiang wouldn’t object. Kill Red Party first, weakening anti-Japanese forces, absolutely good for them.
As for later, whether to withdraw troops or not, that could be discussed then.
By then if not withdrawing, what can your Chongqing do?
Anyway, the benefits are already obtained.
And the most important problem is.
Who can be sure the other side truly wants to negotiate?
Chongqing might be saying all lies, Japanese might be saying all lies.
Old Jiang wants to trick Japanese into withdrawing troops, freeing hands for pacify interior before resisting foreign aggression.
Japanese want to trick Chongqing into slaughtering Red Party first, then turn around and hit Chongqing.
With such huge differences, how to negotiate?
Hmm, Old Jiang might not have thought that far; maybe just wants to trick Japanese into killing Wang Ni, at least some gain.
If so, then in upcoming negotiations, Old Jiang might make concessions to Japanese to exchange for this condition.
Gu Yansheng thought for a moment and looked toward the other two.
Mei Siping and Gao Zhongwu indeed had furrowed brows.
Suzuki Takuo came over and said: “I need to return to Nanjing once; please keep an eye on things here, thank you.”
Mei Siping and Gao Zhongwu nodded, clearly in poor spirits.
Gu Yansheng suggested, “I also need to go back once to report this meeting’s content to Minister Zhou; Mr. Suzuki, if you don’t mind, shall we go together?”
There was really nothing to stay for in Hong Kong; Gu Yansheng might as well return to Shanghai.
“Of course I don’t mind.”
The next day, airplane back to Shanghai.
Gu Yansheng got off the airplane and went straight to Zhou Mansion to report the peace talks to Minister Zhou.
“Old Jiang wants to borrow the Japanese’s hand to get rid of us; no good, the Japanese might be foolish. Come with me to Nanjing; we must make the Japanese drop this idea.”
