Chapter Sixty-six: Director Sun

The meeting between the second-generation leader and Wei Hua lasted nearly two hours. Only when Secretary Six came to urge them did the leader finally conclude his conversation with Wei Hua. Wei Hua’s mind brimmed with information; even a casual mention of China’s experiences with reform and opening up could spark new insights for the leader. As they parted, the leader said to Wei Hua, “Having someone as talented as you engaged in business here is a real waste. I should take you back, tie you up, and have you work in our Policy Research Office—you could help shape our economic development!” Wei Hua blushed furiously at this.

On February 5th, 1979, the second-generation leader flew back to China, marking the successful conclusion of the first visit of a new China leader to America.

After the meeting, Wei Hua threw himself into his plans. He decided to consolidate his manufacturing businesses into a single group, founding Changbai Electronics Group. Wei Hua aimed to establish his own electronics manufacturing base following the oil crisis, laying the groundwork for future production of high-tech products such as mobile phones, computers, and communication equipment. He summoned the three daughters of Celine back from Japan, handed all Japanese investment matters over to Sakura Kinoshita, and, through Celine, appointed Sakura Kinoshita as the third Executive Vice President of the Excellent Private Investment Company. The three daughters of Celine happily returned to America, while Sakura Kinoshita was both delighted and troubled by her new appointment—happy to have reached parity with the three daughters and become an important partner, but troubled that she alone would remain in Japan while the others accompanied Wei Hua to America.

After discussing with the three women, Wei Hua transferred the cartridge game console factory previously under Blizzard Games to Changbai Electronics Group, along with the videotape recorder production plant. Blizzard Games became a specialist company focused on designing shooting games. Wei Hua wanted to prepare for the era when online games would be all the rage; at the very least, they could now start designing stand-alone computer games. He had already purchased vast tracts of land in Silicon Valley, and initial construction had begun. Wei Hua planned to establish his own wafer production line and large-scale electronic chip manufacturing line—technologies that would be crucial for the future development of China's electronics industry. He wanted to master these himself, and then transfer them to China, so that Chinese electronic manufacturing could leap forward.

One day in mid-February, while Wei Hua was discussing management issues of the newly formed Changbai Electronics Group with the three women, his secretary notified him that someone from the Chinese Embassy in America wanted to see him. After a brief word to the women, Wei Hua followed his secretary to the reception room. There, he was surprised to see a familiar face: Secretary Six Tianhua of the second-generation leader. Wei Hua was startled, for Tianhua had no reason to be at his company at this time.

Six Tianhua greeted him with a smile, “Mr. Wei Hua, here we meet again after only a few days. Clearly, we are destined to cross paths. This time, I’ve come to introduce someone to you—Comrade Sun Zhen, Director of the Hong Kong Merchants Bureau. We’re here for two things. First, to follow up on what you and the leader discussed last time. Second, the leader has asked Director Sun to brief you on the preparations for the Shekou Industrial Zone in Guangdong, hoping that a capitalist like you might show mercy and offer more support.”

Wei Hua was taken aback by Tianhua’s words, then remembered the leader’s earlier joke about hitching a ride; he’d thought it was just a jest, but now it seemed real. He asked incredulously, “Is the leader serious?”

“Of course! I even brought the money. Here, take a look.” Tianhua opened his briefcase and handed Wei Hua a cashier’s check from Citibank, worth ten million US dollars. Before Wei Hua could speak, Tianhua continued, “The leader told me to say: this money was wrested from others with great difficulty, so don’t lose it all!”

“Tell the leader to rest assured—it won’t be lost!” Wei Hua knew there was no room for negotiation. The timing might be a bit tricky, but he could still make a modest profit.

“I’m not going back. I’ll stay here in America and keep an eye on you, so you don’t abscond with the funds!” Wei Hua recognized this as a joke; he was worth billions already, and after this investment plan, his assets would reach tens of billions. Would he really run off with a mere ten million?

“Have you been transferred to work in America?” Wei Hua asked.

“Yes. I’m no longer the leader’s secretary; now I’m secretary at the Chinese Embassy in America, responsible for all secretarial work there. But let’s not dwell on that—let’s have Director Sun brief you on the Shekou Industrial Zone.” Tianhua turned to Sun Zhen, “Director Sun, this young man before you is a real tycoon—worth billions at such a young age. Please introduce your plans thoroughly so he can understand and invest.”

“Certainly! I’ll begin right away.” Director Sun, with his military bearing, immediately opened his briefcase, pulled out a map, and began explaining the plans for the industrial zone in detail. In truth, Wei Hua already knew all about Shekou Industrial Zone; his understanding was more comprehensive and detailed than Director Sun’s presentation. Still, he had to pretend to listen earnestly. After more than an hour, Director Sun finally finished outlining his vision, fixing his gaze on Wei Hua. Wei Hua knew it was time to express his position.

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