Chapter 516: Greed

Nine months ago, after experiencing a military base fire and a military aircraft explosion, Governor He'er of the United States in Ryukyu urgently summoned Deputy Governor Naha and Gedeng to discuss countermeasures.

The atmosphere of the meeting was heavy. Naha reported first: "Your Excellency Governor, after nearly a month of investigation, we have discovered many suspicious points. All the weapons on the destroyed warships were dismantled and hauled away, the supplies on the detained ships have also completely disappeared, and the equipment in two Air Force warehouses has likewise vanished into thin air... If this was not the work of aliens, all of this is almost impossible to explain."

Gedeng then added: "Governor, I tried to contact the President's staff and the assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to tell them about our situation here, but they didn't believe it and even suspected that we had privately sold those things..."

He'er's expression was gloomy. After a moment of silence, he raised his eyes: "We must also attribute this matter to a specific country or organization... The truth is not important; getting money to fill the deficit is most important."

Naha tentatively proposed: "Then, how about we push all of this onto that red country?"

He'er shook his head and rejected it: "The Korean War was lost; we do not have the ability to start a large-scale conflict again now. Furthermore, independence movements are rising across Southeast Asia, and the situation is sensitive. I will say it again, our primary task now is to get money!"

Gedeng leaned forward at this moment: "Governor, I have a way. The three cargo ships detained last time belong to the Eastern Shipping Company, and they are the second-largest shipping company in the world... We can just say that we detained their ships, they were dissatisfied, and therefore, they hired a large number of militants to attack us. Using this as a reason... if we seal off this company, we can make up for our losses this time..."

A sharp light flashed in He'er's eyes, "Good! Gedeng, you will be fully responsible for this matter. You must make the reason sound reasonable. You can contact Taiwan; their own people understand themselves best."

Five months ago, Bureau Chief Zheng Jiemin of the Taiwan Security Bureau arrived in Ryukyu with over a dozen attendants.

Gedeng met with him in his office.

Gedeng got straight to the point and said: "Bureau Chief Zheng, I am looking for you this time because I want you to help me do one thing. Some time ago, our military base was bombed and a lot of supplies were stolen. We already have a suspect, and that is the Eastern Shipping Company in Hong Kong. However, we still lack some solid evidence, and we hope you will conduct an investigation for us."

Upon hearing this, Bureau Chief Zheng fawned and said: "Your Excellency Deputy Governor, even if you didn't order it, we would still investigate this company. We have obtained some clues: this Eastern Shipping Company has three original shareholders. One is named Zhao Ying, who was once a member of our Military Statistics Bureau; another is Liu Rusi, whose father is the Communist Party veteran Shen Shichang. He has been in lawsuits in the United States, claiming that the original capital for this shipping company was given to his daughter, and he wants to take the equity back; there is another shareholder no one knows, and we suspect it is someone from the Communist Party side..."

Upon hearing this, Gedeng immediately laughed out loud and said: "That's great!"

Zheng Jiemin nodded and bowed: "The value of this shipping company is around 150 million US dollars. Seizing them is enough to make up for your military's losses."

Seeing that Zheng Jiemin was so sensible, Gedeng immediately promised: "After we seize their assets, the handling of the cargo ships will be up to you!"

Zheng Jiemin immediately stood up and gave Gedeng a military salute, "Your Excellency Deputy Governor, give me two months, and I will give you a detailed and reasonable investigation report."

Three days ago, Gedeng led 3 destroyers, 1 frigate, 2 amphibious landing ships, 1 supply ship, and three patrol boats to arrive in Hong Kong under the guise of a visit.

Inside the Governor's House in Hong Kong, the atmosphere was heavy.

Governor Ge Lianghong and the visiting Deputy Governor Gedeng of Ryukyu sat opposite each other. After the pleasantries, Gedeng quickly cut to the main topic.

"Your Excellency Governor, the United Kingdom and the United States are the closest allies. My visit this time is, first, to enhance friendship, and second, to demand an explanation from your side. Nine months ago, our side detained three cargo ships belonging to the 'Eastern Shipping Company', which were loaded with strictly prohibited precision machine tools, complete production lines, and equipment that could be used for military purposes. What is shocking is that this company actually dispatched a large-scale mercenary army for this reason, continuously attacking our Air Force base, naval facilities, and ports, blowing up dozens of military aircraft and three warships, and looting a large amount of military supplies... This time we are here to hold them accountable!"

Upon hearing this, Ge Lianghong's heart sank suddenly. He had governed Hong Kong for many years and knew well that this company had a complex background and was by no means an ordinary business. It was backed by the "Brotherhood", which had over 150,000 members, and the company itself possessed over 3,000 well-trained security personnel. Once they were provoked, let alone making arrests, his own position as Governor would likely be difficult to maintain.

He steadied his mind and spoke slowly: "Mr. Gedeng, the Eastern Shipping Company has always been law-abiding in Hong Kong and has a good reputation. If your side wants to handle this matter, you must not use military means. The Brotherhood behind them is powerful; if a civil riot is incited, the entire Hong Kong will never have peace."

Gedeng was unmoved, and a cold smile even appeared on the corner of his mouth: "As for the specific operational matters, there is no need to trouble the Governor. Our side will dispatch the Royal Marines to carry out the mission."

Ge Lianghong's face sank: "Your Excellency Deputy Governor, if you insist on doing this, although I cannot forcibly stop you, I must immediately report this matter to our country's Parliament."

"As you wish." Gedeng stood up, his language firm, "However, I am afraid that before the Governor's telegram reaches London, the people who need to be arrested... will have already been caught."

The meeting ended unpleasantly.

As soon as Gedeng left, Ge Lianghong immediately summoned the Police Department Section Chief and high-level police officers.

"The United States is going to use the Royal Marines to arrest people at the Eastern Shipping Company this time. I am worried that it will detonate the Brotherhood and cause a major riot. You must immediately increase police force and do your best to maintain social order," Ge Lianghong said.

When Chinese Chief Inspector Li Yong heard this, he immediately felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. He knew the methods of that He Yuzhu well, and understood even better that if Zhao Ying were arrested, Hong Kong would surely be plunged into a bloodbath.

"Governor, Section Chief, we must stop the Deputy Governor of Ryukyu! Although they are our allies, they cannot arbitrarily meddle in Hong Kong's affairs. Once Hong Kong is in chaos, with our existing police force, we simply cannot control the situation!"

One day ago, late at night, in an old tenement building in Mong Kok, a rapid knocking on the door suddenly rang out.

Lao Qian jumped up from the bed in shock, his hand already reaching under the pillow to grasp that cold gun.

"Who!" he asked in a low voice, his body pressed against the wall by the door.

"Li Yong!"

Hearing this familiar voice, Lao Qian's tense nerves relaxed slightly, but his vigilance did not fade.

He quickly opened the door a crack.

Li Yong outside the door had no intention of entering the room, his face looking exceptionally grim in the dim light.

"Lao Qian, it's extremely urgent! The US Royal Marines are going to take action to make arrests, and the target is the people of the Eastern Shipping Company! They have their eyes on the entire company this time!"

"Why?" Lao Qian frowned, while quickly letting Li Yong into the room and locking the door behind him.

"They have pinned all those messy things that happened on Ryukyu Island a few months ago onto the Eastern Shipping Company! I feel that they just want to seize the assets of the Eastern Shipping Company to make up for their deficit!" Li Yong said while panting.

Lao Qian's eyes turned completely cold: "Li Yong, you go back quickly, and tell me if there is any new news."

Li Yong then left quickly.

Upon hearing Lao Qian's words, Liu Rusi immediately sensed that the situation was urgent. She knew that only He Yuzhu could handle this matter, so she quickly contacted Secretary Liu—this was the most urgent contact method, which was generally against the rules.

She immediately summoned her subordinates and notified everyone at the Eastern Shipping Company separately.

Unfortunately, they were still too late, and news came one after another: Zhao Ying was arrested, dozens of security guards were beaten to death, and the office building and dozens of warehouses were all sealed off.