Chapter Seventy-Four: Melbourne

In Life’s Tides After Crossing

“In life, we face countless choices. Every day, we are choosing. Who you are today is the sum of your past decisions, but that doesn’t mean your future must follow the same path, does it? Besides, Hiraji Kojiro is already dead, so your partnership with him is at an end, isn’t it? Have you already found a new business partner?” Wei Hua asked, his words carrying an unspoken meaning.

As they spoke, the group arrived at a nightclub and entered a large private room. The bodyguards seated themselves at a big table, leaving most of the space to Wei Hua, Onokura, and Simon. Simon and Onokura both ordered strong liquor, while Wei Hua, conscious of his poor tolerance, asked only for a beer. After all, it was his lack of resistance to alcohol that had led to that fateful night with Celine and the other two women.

“Yes, I have found a new partner. Simon’s family is a prominent Mafia clan in Italy. I came this time to negotiate a collaboration with his family. I’m now in charge of the Yamaguchi-gumi’s business in Hong Kong. Frankly, my ambitions are significant—I hope to one day control the Yamaguchi-gumi myself. Right now, my boss, Yamamoto Asano, is suppressing my influence within the group. I must gather more strength to challenge him. To do that, I need more money. That’s why I thought of working with Simon’s family. We’re planning to smuggle luxury cars into Hong Kong. Mr. Wei, you’re a business genius—can you advise me? What business could I run now to amass a fortune quickly?” Onokura asked.

“Let’s set aside making money for a moment. Onokura, are you aware that violent organizations like yours will find it increasingly hard to survive? As citizens become more aware and the law is continually perfected, your illegal operations will be defined as organized crime and come under worldwide attack. You’d better think about how to escape this predicament in the future,” Wei Hua replied, sharing some of his historical foresight with Onokura.

“In your opinion, what should I do?” Onokura asked.

“If you ask me, you should give up on aiming for the Yamaguchi-gumi’s top seat. In my view, it’s not a position worth having. Your organization should shift toward corporatization—use legitimate businesses to cover your less lawful dealings, then launder your dirty money into clean assets. Build up some legal ventures, wash off the stains, and turn yourselves white. After all, we all live for money. Once you have wealth, do you still need to be the boss of the Yamaguchi-gumi? Your brothers only follow you to make a living. Earning money steadily and living peacefully is far better than fighting and running from the police every day.”

Onokura fell into contemplation at Wei Hua’s words, and Simon too was lost in thought. After a while, Onokura asked, “What kind of business suits people like us best?”

“A security company,” Wei Hua replied. “You can legally gather a large number of your members, openly train them, and even apply for firearms licenses. Of course, those weapons can’t be used for crime, or you’ll risk losing your license. Another idea is a transportation company—it would facilitate your smuggling operations. Since you want to smuggle cars, why not start a shipping business? Smuggling whole vehicles is risky, so just smuggle luxury car parts, and assemble them into finished cars at your destination. That way, your risks are much lower and you’ll avoid drawing attention.”

“Exactly! Mr. Wei, you truly are remarkable! Why didn’t we think of this? Smuggling whole cars is so troublesome. If we smuggle luxury car parts and assemble them in Hong Kong, they become luxury cars, and the risk is much lower—no one will notice us.” Simon exclaimed, impressed by Wei Hua’s suggestion.

The three of them talked long into the night, until after two in the morning, when Wei Hua was finally sent back to his hotel. Onokura was elated; he had achieved his main goal and no longer needed to worry about Wei Hua seeking revenge. As long as he left Wei Hua alone in the future, there would be no conflict—after all, they walked different paths. Moreover, Wei Hua’s advice had proven invaluable; he truly was a business genius.

Wei Hua and the three women stayed in Monaco for three days before returning to Paris, and from there took a flight to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city—a place Mary had chosen for their wedding. Melbourne, a vibrant city brimming with joy and rich in culture, became the backdrop for their union. On May 20, 1979, Wei Hua and Mary registered their marriage at the local registry, and then the couple, together with their close friends, embarked on an extended honeymoon across Australia. During their journey, they saw many unique Australian animals, such as kangaroos and koalas, and visited the Great Barrier Reef to marvel at its coral wonders. It was there that Wei Hua learned to dive.

On June 6, 1979, Wei Hua returned with Celine and the other two women to New York. Upon arriving home, he was confronted by the last person he wished to see: Kinoshita Heiji.

Kinoshita’s face was dark as he said to Wei Hua, “Sakurako is ill—she’s bedridden now. The investment company is now entirely in the hands of Tanigawa Kamishi. What are you planning to do about Sakurako?” He spoke in fluent Chinese, a hallmark of the Kinoshita family. Though he couldn’t speak English, he knew that Celine and the other two women understood Chinese, and his words were intended for their ears as well.

Celine, now Wei Hua’s wife, no longer harbored much hostility toward Sakurako. In truth, the three women had deep bonds with her, and now, having triumphed, they felt magnanimous. Celine said to Wei Hua, “Darling, you should go to Japan and visit our Miss Sakurako. We’ll rest a couple of days, then return to Japan. The company’s affairs must not fall into chaos. Tanigawa Kamishi is capable—let him remain in charge for now. Once we’re there, we can decide what to do next!”

Dear readers, please remember to click, recommend, and add to your favorites!