Chapter Fifty-Six: The Deal

In the guest lounge of the Japanese branch of Excellence Private Investment Company, Wu Zhengming, the Chinese Ambassador to Japan, clasped Wei Hua's hand warmly and said, "Mr. Wei Hua! Thank you for all you have done for our nation. We will never forget it. Here is a letter of thanks written personally by our country's top leader. He also asked me to tell you that you are welcome to return home for a visit; the people of the motherland will greet you with enthusiasm!" With that, he drew a letter from his pocket and handed it to Wei Hua. The envelope, made of fine leather, bore powerful brushstrokes: 'To Mr. Wei Hua, personally.' Wei Hua had visited the Museum of Revolutionary History before and had seen many authentic works by the nation's highest leaders; at a glance, he recognized the letter as truly handwritten by the leader himself.

Wei Hua respectfully received the letter with both hands, then opened it in front of everyone. Inside were two or three sheets filled with brush-written words. The gist of the letter was gratitude to Wei Hua for his contributions to the Chinese nation and the new China, noting that his intelligence had saved the lives of hundreds of thousands, earning merit for the people. As the nation's highest leader, he owed Wei Hua thanks and hoped he would return to the country for a visit, to experience the spirit of the new China, so he could personally express his appreciation. After reading, Wei Hua carefully folded the letter and placed it in his inner pocket, then said to Ambassador Wu Zhengming:

"You're too kind! As a descendant of the Yellow Emperor, I never dare forget my ancestors and my homeland. When the lives of hundreds of thousands are at stake, how could I stand by and do nothing? This is all simply what I ought to do! But as for returning home, I fear it is impossible at the moment. My laboratory is about to collaborate with the US Geological Survey to further research earthquake prediction technology, and I cannot leave. Moreover, my investment plans in Japan are at a crucial stage, so I cannot return to China in the near future."

"No matter! We welcome you to visit at any time, Mr. Wei Hua. We are all descendants of the Yellow Emperor, and we should respect, love, and support each other! In this, we should all learn from you, Mr. Wei Hua. We hope to maintain friendly relations with you in the future! Now, I won't keep you further; Mr. Yoshio Kato from the Ministry of Finance has probably grown impatient! Farewell!" Ambassador Wu spoke with courtesy.

"Ambassador Wu, please wait!" Wei Hua called out to the departing ambassador, who paused and looked at him in confusion. Steeling himself, Wei Hua said, "Ambassador Wu, the citizens of Tangshan are currently suffering. As a descendant of the Yellow Emperor, I wish to help my compatriots in distress. May I ask if I am permitted to donate some supplies to those in need?"

"Mr. Wei, your goodwill is more than enough, but our highest leader has already issued instructions: we do not accept donations from any country, region, or individual. Our principle has always been 'self-reliance and hard struggle.' Now is the time to test our new China!" Hearing this, Wei Hua shook his head in disappointment. He knew from historical records about this directive from the top leader, but had thought his arrival might have changed the course of history regarding the earthquake, and that perhaps the leader's instructions would change as well. But he hadn't expected the directive would remain unchanged. He had no way to judge it, as he was not the top leader, nor in that position, and could not understand the leader's perspective.

"That is truly regrettable! I very much want to help our compatriots in distress, but it seems I can do nothing for them now. If there is anything I can do, please let me know, Ambassador Wu!" Wei Hua said with regret. Ambassador Wu then left Wei Hua's company, and Wei Hua went to meet Yoshio Kato, an official of Japan's Ministry of Finance.

In another lounge, Yoshio Kato, sitting quietly, quickly stood up as Wei Hua entered, bowed, and introduced himself: "Mr. Wei Hua, I am Yoshio Kato from the Ministry of Finance. I am here today to discuss a transaction regarding the earthquake prediction technology you possess. I wonder if you have time to talk?"

"Mr. Kato, you're too polite! I am a businessman and my purpose is to make money; I have no reason to turn down profit. However, regarding your wish to purchase this technology, I cannot give you a definite answer yet. You should know that the US Geological Survey has agreed to collaborate with our Changbai Technology Laboratory to further research earthquake prediction technology. As far as our current knowledge goes, the technology is still immature and cannot be considered practical. The prediction of the Tangshan earthquake was purely coincidental; our accuracy rate at present is very low. Is this the kind of technology you want? Also, our results from cooperation with the US Geological Survey will be shared by both parties—neither side can transfer the technology without the other's consent. If you want it then, you'll need to negotiate with the US government. My terms are simple: as long as the price is right, it's yours. It all depends on your intentions."

"Mr. Wei, you've said so much, but I still don't quite understand. Could you speak more plainly?" Yoshio Kato was confused by Wei Hua's words and couldn't grasp his intentions.

"Very well, let me be clearer. What I'm saying is, if your government wants to buy the earthquake prediction technology we currently possess, we can sell it to you. But I must tell you, the technology is not mature, its accuracy is low, and you should think carefully before purchasing. Don't say I deceived you. If you don't intend to buy it now, then any future technology will require negotiations with the US government, since after we begin collaborating with the US Geological Survey, the technology will belong to both sides."

"So that's what you mean! Mr. Wei Hua, thank you for your honesty. I do not have the authority to make this decision; I must report to my superiors. So, Mr. Wei Hua, I will take my leave. I believe we will meet again soon!" With that, Yoshio Kato departed.

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