Chapter 670: Helpless

The Great Shanghai Plan was a plan formulated by the Nanjing Nationalist Government to build a new Shanghai city and break the situation where the Shanghai International Settlement and the Shanghai French Concession monopolized the city center.

And in this Great Shanghai Plan, naturally, a new municipal government building was built. It was exactly at the center of this Great Shanghai Plan, at the center where the four main roads of "Three People," "Five Powers," "World," and "Great Harmony" intersected, that the building was located.

After the Battle of Shanghai, the Nationalist Army retreated and was defeated, and Japan occupied this place, which became the office of the puppet government. Now that the Wang Zhaoming group had agreed to establish a puppet Nationalist government, this municipal building was naturally handed over to the Wang puppet government.

As the Director of the Economic Division, Ming Lou's office was exactly here. Today, the Economic Division invited the industrial and commercial figures of the Shanghai Bund to discuss the future of Shanghai's economy, which was arranged in a venue not far from the municipal building.

This kind of thing, the merchants of the Shanghai Bund basically all came; they couldn't not come. Because they wanted to do business, and they were doing business in the Japanese-occupied areas. Before, it was managed by the loose local puppet government, and later it would be managed by the unified puppet Nationalist government, so they had to obey the orders of the puppet Nationalist government, follow their rules, and pay the prescribed taxes.

However, the puppet government was also busy in vain. The money and wealth obtained from all walks of life and from plundering the poor Chinese people basically fell into the hands of Japanese financial cliques and the government in the end.

However, thinking from another angle, Wang Zhaoming, Chen Gongbo, Zhou Fuhai, and others as high-level officials lived not bad at all; they were rich if they were rich. And those low-to-middle-level people working for the puppet government didn't have bad days either. After all, the money passed through their hands first before being handed over. From top to bottom, they ate until their mouths were full of oil.

But then again, how could Wang Zhaoming and others not want financial autonomy? They wanted to get money to manage their forces well and develop and grow to plan for the world. Before finding the Japanese, they must have all thought that way. But as they talked more deeply, they found that the facts were far from what the Japanese had said before. But at this time, they had no way back either.

Zhou Fuhai could fence-sit and turn back to defect to the Nationalist Party, but Wang Zhaoming and Chen Gongbo couldn't. Especially Wang Zhaoming, who was bound to die. His situation was different from Puyi's; after all, Wang Zhaoming was once the second-in-command of the Nationalist Party, and he had been given opportunities before. Furthermore, because of the public opinion caused by the treason incident, it was absolutely not allowed for him to have a good ending...

In the venue, hundreds of people sat in a dense crowd; they were all human spirits. No one needed to greet them, and there was no need to put up a sign to write the location; they compared themselves and knew where they should sit.

Wang Yan crossed his legs, a faint, gentle smile on his face, sitting in the very center of the front row; this was the status brought by his identity as the richest man in the Shanghai Bund and other identity bonuses. Of course, the bonuses of other identities were the main ones; after all, having profit without power was a lamb waiting to be slaughtered. Even if he wasn't the richest man, he would be in the center here. Because everyone sitting here was a merchant; who they were behind didn't matter. Here, no one would be more imposing than him, this gangster head. Moreover, the people behind these merchants really didn't have more energy than Wang Mou.

On the rostrum in front, sitting were Zhou Fuhai, Ming Lou, and other officials of the Economic Division. Zhou Fuhai was here to stand for Ming Lou; he gave the opening speech, from international to domestic, and then fell to the economic affairs of the Wang puppet government, calling on everyone to work together to maintain the economic prosperity of the Wang puppet government's occupied areas.

Of course, no one believed it. Because when these people came over, they had already seen the No. 76 action personnel led by Li Shiqun personally outside, each one with live ammunition and fierce looks.

But if one had to be hypocritical, one had to be hypocritical. Zhou Fuhai's speech received enthusiastic applause from hundreds of merchants from the bottom of their hearts.

Zhou Fuhai left after speaking, using the excuse of being busy with official business; he was indeed busy, with all sorts of messy things. After Zhou Fuhai left, Ming Lou, who combed his hair back and wore silver-rimmed glasses, cleared his throat and started talking about serious matters.

He first did a self-introduction, and then started talking about some regulations for the future. Mainly, it was to tell the merchants present about the new rules of the Wang puppet government. It wasn't clear about others, but Wang Yan was already very clear. Just a few days ago, Zhou Fuhai had already invited him to dinner, and sitting at the same table were high-level officials of the Wang puppet government such as Wang Zhaoming and Chen Gongbo. At that time, Zhou Fuhai told him about these things; coming over today was just going through the motions.

After all, he couldn't be the richest man in the Shanghai Bund for nothing, and he was doing business with the two parties, foreigners, and the Japanese; his influence was too great. These things could be done without his support, but they were hard to do. Because there would always be people who disagreed and gathered around Wang Yan to oppose their rule; at that time, they would have to take his life.

Of course, it was impossible for Wang Yan not to agree; the Japanese wouldn't let him go, so how could he stay if he didn't cooperate with the work? So to speak, Wang Zhaoming and Zhou Fuhai didn't dare to take his money.

However, Wang Yan agreed, but he definitely executed double standards. Otherwise, if he really let him lose money, and the consulate, Army, and Navy stationed in Shanghai all earned less, they wouldn't be happy either. Support was support, but he couldn't be made to pay; his money composition was complex and involved too many aspects, so Wang Zhaoming and Zhou Fuhai didn't dare to take it.

However, in terms of individuals, he still sent protection money to Wang Zhaoming, Chen Gongbo, Zhou Fuhai, and others. This was the rule; if it should be given, it had to be given, to maintain the relationship...

Such a situation of his was definitely not an isolated case, only it wasn't Zhou Fuhai who came out personally. Like this kind of thing, the most enthusiastic was Wang Fuqu, who was sitting next to him; this old kid was the president of the Chamber of Commerce, and also served in the Maintenance Association, and now he was seeking a higher official position in the Wang puppet government, jumping up and down fiercely.

Undoubtedly, Ming Lou, this economic expert who returned from abroad, formulated new policies and regulations under the organization of the Wang puppet government, none of which were really for the so-called prosperity of the Shanghai Bund's economy, but to exploit these exploited capitalists; this thing made more money and made money fast.

"...... The above are some policies that our Economic Division intends to implement. Of course, the purpose of our government is to make everyone's business easier to do, make the economy of the new Nationalist government more prosperous, and let everyone present earn more money. I wonder what you think about the new economic policies that the new government is about to implement?"

After spraying a pile of saliva, Ming Lou entered the main topic, his gaze stayed on Wang Yan's face for a moment, then swept over Wang Fuqu and the many rich people in the Shanghai Bund behind him.

Being talkative was one of the base human sicknesses. Harboring lucky chances was also a base human sickness. So when Ming Lou's voice fell, there started to be small exchanges in the venue. One person whispered, two people whispered, and the whispering of more than a hundred people was buzzing.

After three or five minutes, the venue finally became quiet again. After another minute of silence, no one spoke, and everyone's gaze subconsciously fell on the back of Wang Yan, who was sitting in the center of the front row, crossing his legs, leaning his body, and tilting his head to pick his ears.

But it was a pity, although Wang Yan had already felt the gaze from behind, he didn't speak. And Ming Lou on the stage didn't care, idly closing the pen cap, spinning it on his fingertips, while flipping through the documents in his hand.

Those merchants buzzed again; they were a bit panicked because they didn't know more news. They looked at the people in the first two rows sitting steadily on the fishing platform, and even those who were familiar with each other whispered and chatted.

Some of them were impatient and wanted to stand up several times to express their opinions, but they were all pulled back by the people next to them.

Wang Yan heard very clearly in the front.

"Are you stupid? Didn't you see the special agents outside? If you stand up at this time, you won't be able to go back today."

"But what kind of bullshit policy is that? They don't speak; one look and you know they've already colluded; it's aimed at us."

"What can you do? You have to know that as long as the green hills remain, there's no need to worry about firewood. It's better to earn less and have a harder life than to lose your life."

"......"

They were all dialogues like this, which showed they were all sensible of current affairs.

After buzzing for another three or five minutes, the venue became quiet again. This time, Wang Yan spoke.

"Wang Mou thinks that the new government's new policies are not bad; for this, Wang Mou supports them. President Wang, what do you think?"

Wang Fuqu nodded repeatedly and stood up with a smile: "I think that the new government's policies are beneficial to all of us. Since Mr. Wang agrees, then as the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Wang Mou also expresses his stance. I fully support the new government's new policies. I know everyone has concerns, but everyone must believe in Mr. Wang; Mr. Wang has the future of China and the peace of East Asia in his heart; in these small matters, he will definitely not treat everyone unfairly."

As his voice fell, others in the first two rows also spoke up one after another to express support. These people already represented half of the power of the merchants in the Shanghai Bund. With special agents surrounding them outside and traitors colluding inside, the remaining merchants, even if they were unwilling, could only nod and agree with a smile...

Previously, the reason Wang Yan didn't speak was to give Ming Lou a chance to kill and establish authority. This was naturally not his original intention, but it had already been communicated before. This was plunder by force; it wouldn't work without shedding blood; it just depended on who was the one who couldn't hold their breath.

Ming Lou only needed to mock lightly just now, and given the situation, someone from above would definitely stand up and curse "dog traitor." Then within thirty seconds, Li Shiqun outside would bring people in to beat the person half to death and take them away.

Perhaps Ming Lou didn't want to kill too many innocent people, so he didn't speak. If it were Wang Yan going up, he wouldn't speak either. Of course, this mainly depended on Zhou Fuhai's meaning; the pressure from that side was great, and they had to pay a "certificate of merit," so people had to die.

In today's China, many innocent people die on the ground every day, rotting in the mud. Perhaps when they die, they will have realization, resenting the Japanese, and also resenting their own people...

Ming Lou nodded with satisfaction and stood up, heroic and spirited, with quite a bit of spirit: "Alright, since that's the case, let's stop here today. Someone will contact you later; at that time, I hope you will cooperate and don't make any jokes, otherwise it won't be good."

As soon as his voice fell, a group of people bit their cheeks and stood up, walking out in a dense crowd. Li Shiqun left with a look of regret.

Ming Lou didn't care about those people; he walked a few steps quickly and came to Wang Yan, who had already stood up, was turning his neck and yawning because of sitting for a long time, and was stretching his arms to exercise his bones.

"Mr. Wang, thank you very much for your support today."

"Sigh, it was all promised to Mr. Zhou Fuhai long ago; where can it be called support? This kind of lie, don't say it." Wang Yan shook hands with Ming Lou, considered it an introduction, and turned to look at those backs who were in a hurry to leave: "You say, what difference is there between me and them? All are under the eaves, have to bow their heads, helpless..."

"Mr. Wang, be careful with your words; it's better to be cautious." Ming Lou couldn't help but widen his eyes; could this kind of words be said casually? Especially since it wasn't just the two of them; standing next to them was Wang Fuqu, and there were other merchants there.

Wang Fuqu also interjected from the side: "Yes, these words can't be said randomly."

Wang Yan shook his head and smiled: "What words can be said, what words cannot be said, I have my own sense of proportion. These words, I told Mr. Wang three days ago, and I also told Mr. Iwai Eiichi. Everyone is a smart person; sometimes you have to pretend to be confused and pretend to be stupid, and sometimes it's not necessary. Some words, some complaints, are also normal; whether it's Mr. Wang or Mr. Iwai Eiichi, they all understand."

"Then Ming Lou has spoken too much. Don't know if you have time? If it's convenient, Ming Lou wants to invite you to lunch; there are some things that need to be further discussed with you. I'm afraid the people below won't convey it accurately and cause some misunderstandings, then it won't be beautiful."

Ming Lou very naturally changed the subject, stating his intention, and didn't say much on the topic of "helpless."

"Wang Mou lacks everything, but doesn't lack time. Let's go; it's indeed lunch time, I'll listen to your arrangements."

After saying that, Wang Yan nodded to Wang Fuqu and other big merchants, without extra words, and turned to leave. Ming Lou also greeted everyone behind him, ran two steps to catch up with Wang Yan, and after saying an address, sat in the car driven by Ming Cheng to lead the way, while Wang Yan and Qi Si followed behind.

Ming Lou was very respectful to Wang Yan, because even as the Director of the Economic Division, according to rank, he could be ranked in the Wang puppet government, and he even held the concurrent post of Deputy Director of the Special Service Committee, which was the same level as Li Shiqun, and could intervene in No. 76. His status and position were enough in the Wang puppet group. Of course, although this position configuration wasn't very reasonable, the plot was there; it was no problem for someone doing economics to intervene in the affairs of a special service organization.

However, his status and position weren't enough to look at for Wang Yan, which couldn't be helped; Wang Yan's identity was too complex, and the energy superimposed by numerous identities was too great, involving too much; he couldn't help but respect Wang Yan even if he didn't want to.

Following the car to a nearby Huaiyang restaurant, without Wang Yan saying anything, Ming Lou gave instructions first: just serve the signature dishes, and fill the table.

Only then did they go to a quiet corner to talk about business, which was very important, but just so-so for Wang Yan. In the general direction, he had already negotiated with Zhou Fuhai; it was just that Ming Lou's side now needed to clarify the privileges of his industries item by item, and there had to be rules to frame it, so everyone could do things within the rules.

These things were very boring, but the Qi Si and Ming Cheng sitting at another table eating together were a bit interesting.

"Hey, I heard you grew up in the Ming family?" Qi Si spoke first, like a rude kid.

Ming Cheng played with the steaming teacup in his hand and looked at the kid in front of him with a smile: "I heard you were a little beggar, and because you discovered the Japanese installing eavesdropping equipment in Mr. Wang's house, you were taken by Mr. Wang, and he even arranged the status of a police officer for you?"

"So what if I was a little beggar?"

"So what if I was adopted by the Ming family since I was a child?"

The two simple sentences of dialogue clearly showed that Qi Si was not Ming Cheng's opponent. He turned to say: "I didn't mean anything else; I just heard about your affairs and asked out of curiosity. You still had someone to adopt you; if I weren't tough-lived, I would have died in the gutter long ago."

"It's not easy for anyone." Ming Cheng sighed and didn't follow the tragic past. He asked unintentionally: "I heard you know martial arts?"

"Look at what you're saying; eating this bowl of rice, if you didn't know two hands, you would have been killed eight hundred times long ago. On the road of fleeing, I was taken in by a kind person for a period of time and taught me internal Xingyi, but unfortunately, I can't find him now; eight out of ten he's dead. I see your spirit is not bad; aren't you also a practitioner?"

"I didn't have your opportunity; I only learned a few scattered moves when I was your age. Over these years, following Mr. Ming abroad, I learned some Western boxing. Now, relying on being tall and big, maybe you are not my opponent, but wait two more years for your body to develop well, and I won't be able to beat you."

Ming Cheng followed the words and asked naturally: "Mr. Wang is in a high position and holds heavy power, and also holds massive wealth, yet he only takes you alone to walk everywhere; isn't he afraid of danger?"

"You know about my affairs, can't you know about Brother Yan's affairs? Brother Yan started slashing people and grabbing territory on the street when he was twelve or thirteen; he has practiced diligently for so many years, and his skills are high beyond measure. But Brother Yan said, no matter how good you are at fighting or how many people you have, what's the use? Now everyone uses guns; no one uses knives. If someone really wants to kill him, ten or eight gunmen holding submachine guns and firing, how many people would die? Can't bring a company of people to swagger everywhere when going out. So he just let me be his driver."

"Oh, so that's how it is; Mr. Wang still sees clearly and thinks clearly. On this point, Mr. Ming also says the same; of course, Mr. Ming can't compare to Mr. Wang, but the ideas are the same, they are all the same kind of people. I feel that although you are not old, you are quite compatible with me, and there is a natural kind of closeness; maybe it's because we weren't lucky when we were young..."

Back to the beginning again... Qi Si secretly sighed and asked: "I heard you and Mr. Ming were in England before; what is it like there? Is it better than Shanghai?"

"England, ah, it's not very good either; it's always raining..." ===== CHAPTER 671 =====