Free Web NovelFor Bo Xilai, who would now lead Shanghai—the center of China’s economy—major business figures of the city also delivered congratulatory speeches in his honor.
Finally, artists from the cultural world took the stage, adding brilliance to the atmosphere with elegant music and dance.
After the preliminary ceremony ended, Bo Xilai at last stepped up to the podium and took hold of the prepared microphone.
“Respected and beloved compatriots, and everyone who has joined us here today, I greet you all. I am deeply grateful to have been entrusted, starting today, with the new responsibility of serving as Party Secretary of Shanghai. I understand that this is a heavy responsibility given to me by the people, and I will do my utmost to fulfill it.”
Speaking in a firm voice, Bo Xilai paused briefly to steady his breath.
“We are currently facing many changes and challenges. Across the fields of economy, technology, environment, and society, we are undergoing significant transformation. I believe in the strength and unity of our people. China has, throughout its history, always overcome crises and continued to develop······.”
Bo Xilai read a rather lengthy address. He even brought up past examples to explain the current situation.
“Shanghai has recently endured a major trial due to corruption allegations against the former Party Secretary. As a result, trust in Shanghai and its international standing have suffered. Shanghai is the heart of China’s economy. If Shanghai falls, China falls. We must move toward a better future. Therefore, I believe fundamental change and reform are necessary.”
By invoking Chen Liangyu’s corruption charges, he emphasized the need for change and reform, and went on to foreshadow a large-scale audit.
“We must strengthen economic cooperation with our friendly neighbor, North Korea, and promote regional stability and prosperity. North Korea desires peace and is pursuing policies for its people through economic cooperation with South Korea. As their ally, China must assist North Korea. Accordingly, I intend to visit North Korea after taking office.”
He continued reading his inauguration speech, even touching on economic cooperation with North Korea.
‘Anyone would think this is a presidential inauguration.’
Listening to the grand rhetoric, I let out a quiet, inward chuckle.
“We will ensure that investors from all over the world can trust and invest in Shanghai. To that end, I will maintain a good relationship with a businessman in Korea and utilize his capabilities and experience to further strengthen economic cooperation between Shanghai and Korea.”
At that part, I couldn’t help but be startled.
He didn’t mention my name directly, but it was clearly about me.
I hadn’t expected him to publicly declare cooperation like this in such a setting.
Jiang Zemin’s face stiffened as he realized who was being referred to.
He, too, seemed not to have expected Bo Xilai to openly announce that he would join hands with me in a place like this.
No—he probably hadn’t even considered the possibility.
Perhaps he had assumed, on his own, that Bo Xilai disliked me. After all, I had dealt him a heavy blow once before.
That would also explain why Jiang Zemin hadn’t strongly opposed entrusting Shanghai to Bo Xilai.
The moment I turned my head toward Jiang Zemin, he turned as well and looked at me.
Seeing his rigid expression, I let a victorious smile spread across my face.
At that moment, Jiang Zemin made an unexpected move. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
“W-Where are you going, Chairman?”
Han Zheng, who was sitting beside him, tried to stop him in surprise, but Jiang Zemin ignored him and left.
The festive inauguration was suddenly doused in cold water, and confusion spread in an instant.
People from all walks of life seated behind Bo Xilai, as well as those gathered below the stage to celebrate him, could not understand what was happening.
But Bo Xilai was different.
As if he had already anticipated Jiang Zemin’s behavior, he showed no sign of panic and continued reading his speech until the very end.
“We will now unite as one and, through economic development, improvement of people’s livelihoods, political stability, and international cooperation, make Shanghai even more prosperous. Together, we will make China stronger and more prosperous. Thank you.”
After finishing his speech, Bo Xilai stepped aside and gave a deep bow to the audience.
At the same time, dazzling fireworks filled the sky.
The inauguration continued afterward. It was a festival for the citizens of Shanghai.
Bo Xilai spared no expense, preparing food and inviting singers.
The citizens enjoyed the extravagant inauguration in their own way.
Separate from that, however, the truly important party was held elsewhere.
After the ceremony ended, Bo Xilai led high-ranking Communist Party officials and figures from all sectors to a nearby Grand Hotel.
Located in the center of Shanghai, the Grand Hotel was one of the city’s most prestigious hotels, famous as a place where foreign businessmen and politicians stayed when visiting Shanghai.
The inauguration party was attended not only by politicians, businessmen, artists, and social leaders based in Shanghai, but also by high-ranking officials from the central government.
Yet nowhere could Jiang Zemin or the Shanghai faction be seen.
Even ambassadors from various countries attended, but not a single one of them came here.
Throughout the hall, leaders shaping China exchanged opinions and discussed the country’s future.
“Congratulations. Should I now address you as Party Secretary?”
I approached Bo Xilai with a smile, raising my glass.
“Ah, President Kim Muhyuk! I finally get to greet you. I’ve been so busy.”
Bo Xilai, who had been speaking with the Russian ambassador, welcomed me warmly.
“Ambassador Sergei, it’s been a while.”
I nodded and greeted the Russian ambassador standing beside him as well.
“Yes, President Kim. It’s been a long time.”
The Russian ambassador greeted me with full courtesy. Knowing well my relationship with the master of the Kremlin, he seemed uncomfortable around me.
Bo Xilai turned to the ambassador.
“Let’s set aside some time later to discuss economic cooperation between Russia and Shanghai, Ambassador Sergei.”
“Yes, of course. Then I’ll take my leave······.”
The ambassador withdrew without resistance, leaving only Bo Xilai and me.
I glanced around. People were hesitating, unsure whether to approach him.
“It looks like quite a few people want to meet you.”
“Haha, it’s widely believed that the Party Secretary of Shanghai is the closest position to the next Chairman. It’s no wonder Chen Liangyu acted so arrogantly.”
As Bo Xilai said, Shanghai was the second most important city in China after Beijing.
Of course, the Party Secretary of Beijing ranked higher in formal hierarchy, since the central government was based there.
But without real power, that ranking meant little—so in practice, the influence of the Shanghai Party Secretary was greater.
That was why people generally believed the Shanghai Party Secretary would become the next Chairman.
“If you manage Shanghai well, becoming the next Chairman won’t just be a dream. This is all thanks to you, President Kim Muhyuk. Thank you again.”
I accepted his gratitude with a smile and raised my wine glass.
“That’s enough thanks. Let’s have a drink.”
Bo Xilai picked up his glass and clinked it with mine.
We took a sip and continued talking.
“Jiang Zemin left without a word. Are you sure that’s alright? This is the Shanghai faction’s stronghold, after all.”
I asked with a hint of concern, but Bo Xilai nodded as if it were nothing.
“I expected it. But the moment I let myself be dragged around by Chairman Jiang Zemin, I’ll be branded as part of the Shanghai faction. That must not happen. If it does, I’ll have no future. You’ve gone to great lengths for me, President Kim—I can’t waste this opportunity.”
“Hmm······.”
“I don’t know how long Chairman Hu Jintao will maintain his grip on power, but I believe he’ll retain influence at least until the next leadership lineup is formed. And by convention, the next Chairman is decided at that time.”
As he said, when Hu Jintao’s second term began, the successor would be designated.
In my previous life, Xi Jinping had been chosen and made a dazzling entrance into central politics.
But this time, that role belonged to Bo Xilai.
Recalling how he had once been pushed aside by Xi Jinping, I smiled faintly.
“I think it’s entirely possible. Still, you mustn’t let your guard down. Once you enter the second leadership lineup, you’ll have to watch even the falling leaves.” freёwebnovel.com
Being designated as the next Chairman wasn’t the end.
Holding onto that position until the very end depended entirely on Bo Xilai’s own ability.
“Haha. I know that better than anyone. I’ll have to be careful at all times.”
“What about cleaning up your surroundings? Have you done it?”
“······I asked for a divorce, but she refused. So I plan to proceed with a lawsuit.”
Well, if it were me, I wouldn’t want to leave Bo Xilai either.
“Didn’t your current wife also marry you through a divorce lawsuit? It’ll leave quite a political scar.”
“Even so, it has to be done, doesn’t it?”
Once he learned what Ku Kailai would eventually do, he would be grateful I told him to divorce her.
“That’s right. I wouldn’t advise anything harmful to you. I’m suggesting this because it will benefit you. Do you still love your wife?”
“······No. Those feelings have long since faded. Now she’s just a political partner.”
“Then keep a close eye on Wang Lijun. There’s a high probability the two are having an affair.”
Bo Xilai looked shocked, as if hearing this for the first time.
“You’re saying Wang Lijun and my wife are involved?”
“Most likely. That’s what our intelligence suggests. It’s not an absolute source, so I can’t guarantee it—consider it advice to investigate personally.”
“······If that’s true, that would be good.”
Hoping for his wife’s infidelity to be true. It seemed he had already steeled himself.
I let out a small laugh and nodded.
“Get rid of both of them without exception. Who are you planning to appoint as the new Public Security Bureau chief?”
Originally, Wang Lijun should have followed him to Shanghai.
But this time, he hadn’t brought him along.
“I’m still considering it. For now, I plan to take my time before replacing him.”
“Public security and the armed police—those two groups must be filled entirely with your people. Even if Chairman Hu Jintao or Chairman Jiang Zemin demand otherwise, ignore them all. You must not be dragged around by anyone.”
“I understand. Of course.”
Bo Xilai nodded firmly, then glanced around before lowering his voice.
“······And regarding Chairman Yoo, I plan to release him on bail for now.”
“Will you really do that?”
“It’s already in trial, so I can’t just declare him innocent at will. But I’ve already made an arrangement with the court for an acquittal. And······.”
Bo Xilai went on at length, explaining everything in detail.
Seeing how much effort he was putting in to save Yoo Seongjin even before officially taking office pleased me greatly.
If he was working this hard, I might as well let him benefit a little.
“Good. I’ll inform the head of Dream High. I’ll have him officially visit Shanghai—and submit a proposal promising massive investment.”
“Really? Thank you! I will never forget this favor.”
For Shanghai, everything was about the economy—first and foremost.
Large-scale foreign investment would become his strongest weapon, greater than any achievement.
That was why he reacted with such delight.
After that, I continued giving Bo Xilai advice on various matters.
Combining memories from my previous life with the current situation, I offered the best guidance I could.
At that moment, Ma Yun approached us hesitantly.
“Congratulations, Party Secretary.”
Bo Xilai didn’t recognize him and responded perfunctorily.
“Ah, thank you.”
As Ma Yun hesitated, unable to continue, I caught him and introduced him.
“Party Secretary. This is the CEO of a company called Alibaba, which I personally invested in.”
“I see? Then you’re an important figure. My apologies. I’m Bo Xilai.”
Only then did Bo Xilai extend his hand.
Even with me standing beside him, Ma Yun was visibly tense.
He grasped Bo Xilai’s hand with both of his, showing the utmost respect.
“Haha. With more excellent entrepreneurs like you, China will only grow stronger. Welcome to Shanghai.”
Ma Yun could only nod, still dazed by the warm reception.
“Party Secretary, I’d like to have a separate conversation with ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) Chairman Ma Yun. Let’s speak again later.”
At my request, Bo Xilai nodded immediately.
“Of course. I should greet the others waiting as well. Chairman Ma Yun, let’s have a meal together sometime.”
“Y-Yes! Of course!”
Bo Xilai patted Ma Yun’s stiff shoulder a few times before moving away.
I watched him leave, a faint smile forming on my lips.
“Why so nervous? It’s not like you came here to die.”
“Phew······. He’s a leading candidate for the next Chairman, isn’t he? If I get on his bad side, it’s over for me.”
“Haha. Now that you’ve joined hands with me, that won’t happen. I’ll make sure you never regret not letting go of my hand, no matter what pressure comes.”
The Chinese government had used all kinds of methods to shake Alibaba, yet Ma Yun had never betrayed me.
Now it was time to reward him.
