Shen Dong asked, puzzled, "Since Raul is Wilson's superior, why not transfer him or get rid of him?"
Zhuang Wenfa explained, "The Wilson family wields considerable power in the United States."
Shen Dong smiled and said, "If I were Mr. Raul, I would probably feel very aggrieved."
Zhuang Wenfa said, "Raul will return to the United States in about half a month to take up an important position in the General Administration of Customs and Taxation."
Shen Dong nodded and said, "I know what to do. Director Zhuang, thank you very much. I'd like to propose a toast to you."
Zhuang Wenfa raised his glass, clinked it against Shen Dong's, and reminded him, "We need to be quick. Raul can approve it directly without going through any procedures."
Shen Dong said, "Understood."
After a satisfying meal, Shen Dong and Zhuang Wenfa exchanged contact information.
After Zhuang Wenfa left, Jian Aowei said, "I didn't expect this kid to be from the north."
Shen Dong poured Jian Aowei a cup of tea and asked, "Uncle Jian, which faction do you belong to?"
Jian Aowei gave a mysterious smile and said, "I won't tell you."
Shen Dong said seriously, "Uncle Jian, those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts. We can't rely on the US; the people in the north are our own people."
Jian Aowei said, "You'd better not say such things in front of outsiders. If Zhuang Wenfa weren't from the northern faction, he wouldn't only not help you this time, but he might even ruin your plans."
Shen Dong nodded and said, "I dared to tell Zhuang Wenfa my inclination because I saw his longing for the inland in his eyes."
After saying goodbye to Jane Austen, Shen Dong went to Citibank to exchange a three million pound bank draft, and then drove directly to the Finance Department.
It was already four o'clock in the afternoon.
Because Shen Dong did not make an appointment in advance, the staff turned him away at the door.
This made Shen Dong realize that his identity and status were indeed vastly different from those of the wealthy tycoons.
If it were Li Ka-shing, these staff members would have no courage to refuse him.
After waiting outside for more than an hour, Shen Dong finally saw Raul getting off work.
"Mr. Raul, I am Shen Dong, the president of Tengfei Group. May I have five minutes?" Shen Dong greeted him with a smile.
Raul looked Chen Dong up and down and said in fluent Cantonese, "I've heard of you, but I didn't expect you to be so much younger than I thought. There's a coffee shop across the street; we can talk there."
Shen Dong said, "That's great, please."
The two arrived at the coffee shop, and Shen Dong chose a private room and ordered two of the best coffees.
Raul said, "I have a private dinner party, and I can only give you the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee, so you'd better get straight to the point and not beat around the bush."
Shen Dong glanced around to make sure there were no cameras, then took out a three-million-pound Citibank draft from his bag, placed it in front of Raul, and said, "Mr. Raul, this is a small token of my appreciation."
Seeing the price on the check, Raul's eyes lit up. He said, "I'm about to leave Hong Kong Island, and you're giving me such a generous gift. I'm quite surprised. Tell me, how can I help you?"
Shen Dong said, "Mr. Raul, our Tengfei Real Estate Company has bought a lot of land, wanting to make a big splash in Hong Kong Island, but we have been restricted by Li Ka-shing in terms of building materials. After investigation, I discovered that the building materials for Hong Kong Island real estate are actually controlled by real estate tycoons like Li Ka-shing."
Raul sneered, "It's not just these real estate tycoons; many government officials also benefit from it."
Seeing Raul's attitude, Shen Dong felt there was potential and chimed in, "That's right. I heard the most impressive one is Mr. Wilson, the Director of the Foreign Trade Department. His brother made a fortune through the cement and sand business in Malaysia."
Raul said seriously, "You want to break their monopoly, don't you?"
Shen Dong nodded and said, "That's right. My real estate company has formed a complete industrial chain from design to construction to delivery. The only problem is raw materials. I know you have the authority to issue me a license to import building materials from inland China, which is why I've taken the liberty of coming here to ask for your help. Don't worry, as long as this matter is resolved, I guarantee I'll give you a big surprise."
Raul glanced at the checks on the table and said, "To accomplish this, we'll need to overcome many hurdles; this amount probably won't be enough."
Shen Dong smiled and said, "I understand the rules. Please tell me how much you need."
Raul held up five fingers and said, "Give me this amount, and I guarantee I'll get the import license sorted out for you within three days."
Shen Dong said, “No problem. Mr. Raul, if it’s the only permit that can be used to purchase building materials from the interior, I can add another three million pounds.”
A glint of light flashed in Raul's eyes as he said, "Chen, you have a big appetite and high demands. However, for the sake of the pounds, I can give it a try, but the maximum term is five years."
Shen Dong said, "Five years is enough. Mr. Raul, one last question: Aren't you afraid of offending the wealthy tycoons of Hong Kong by helping me like this?"
Raul smiled and said, "I'm going back to my country right away. I might never see them again in this lifetime, so why should I be afraid of them?"
Shen Dong said, "Then I look forward to your good news."
Raul deftly picked up the check, put it in his pocket, and said, "Don't forget to have someone submit an application tomorrow morning."
......
News of Li Ka-shing's plan to take down Chen Dong quickly spread throughout Hong Kong's business circles.
Over the years, nearly twenty businessmen have been suppressed by real estate tycoons such as Li Ka-shing and Li Zhaoshan.
Without exception, they all bowed their heads and admitted defeat.
Everyone wanted to see if Shen Dong, who came from a hoodlum background, could become the exception.
Upon learning of this, Cheng Qingquan went to Tengfei Real Estate Company and met Shen Dong.
“Mr. Shen, I have some connections with Li Ka-shing. Should I go and put in a good word for him?”
Shen Dong smiled and said, "No need. Mr. Cheng, rest assured, the project will be completed on schedule, and I guarantee that your investment will bring you a rich return."
Seeing Shen Dong's confidence, Cheng Qingquan couldn't help but ask, "Have you found a company to supply you with building materials?"
Shen Dong said, "It will be soon, probably in the next few days."
Cheng Qingquan said bitterly, "That Li Ka-shing is really hateful. Back then, I was forced to sell the project to them at a low price because they blocked the supply of building materials. Now, they're doing this again. It's simply outrageous."
Shen Dong frowned and said, "Grandpa Cheng, why didn't you tell me about this before?"
Cheng Qingquan said, "This was my oversight. Before entering the real estate industry, our Cheng family was a successful business family. It's normal for them to be wary of us and try every means to suppress us. But I never expected that Li Ka-shing would actually target a young person like you. He has no shame at all."
Shen Dong laughed and said, "I'm quite happy, it means he considers me a rival."
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