Nanyang 1931: From piglets to giants

Chapter 15 Li Jiqian

Li Xiaoshi returned home.

Seeing a new model Bentley parked at the door, he couldn't help but wonder, "Are there guests at home? Dad's guests?"

His wife, Guan Xiaofang, took Li Xiaoshi's bag and said with a worried look on her face, "We had an unwelcome visitor. We almost got Dad mad."

"Did Dad get mad? What happened?"

"They were two American guests. I don't know what they were doing. They've been chatting with Dad in the study for over two hours. They made him so angry that he almost fainted. He took some musk and calmed down for a while before continuing the conversation."

Li Xiaoshi frowned and said, "If that's the case, why can't we chat about it another time?"

"I won't do it. I have to talk to you today. I said I'll only stay in Nanyang for two days. One more day won't serve you. If we can talk, then forget it. There's nothing I can do about it, Master."

"Isn't this bullying? I'll go and take a look."

Li Jiqian had rarely inquired about business matters in recent years. Most of the time, even Li Xiaoshi had no idea what he was busy with. What kind of things could make him talk about them while taking quick-acting heart pills? Was he trying to save his life?

What kind of nasty guest is this? He still wants to chat even in such a mess?
When he reached the study door, he could hear Li Jiqian yelling from afar, "Our Chinese lives aren't that precious. It's just a little dangerous, isn't it? We'll accept it. The worst that can happen is a few miners will die. I'll fucking accept it, isn't that enough?"

Upon hearing this, Li Xiaoshi hurriedly trotted to the kitchen, picked up a small plate of snacks, knocked on the door and went in, saying, "Dad, there are two distinguished guests. Let's have some snacks. What are you talking about? Why are you so excited?"

Having said that, he sat down calmly.

"Boss, you're back just in time. Your English is good. Tell them, don't tell me all that nonsense. I only want it fast. I don't mind spending money or even killing people. Can you start construction within three months?"

Li Xiaoshi smiled and soothed him, "Dad, what... groundbreaking? You've opened a new mine? How could anyone die? It's just digging for tin, it shouldn't be that serious."

"Hey, there's something I haven't told you. I went back to China a while ago. Actually, I didn't just go back to my hometown in Xinyi. I also went to Guangxi."

"You're investing in industry again?"

"A large mercury mine was discovered in Guangxi. I was invited by General Bai Chongxi to go and investigate. General Bai hoped that I could invest in this project. I have already decided that I will invest in this project.

These two are Dr. Charlie and Manager Jason from Newmont Minerals Corporation in the United States. I want to buy equipment from them. You should tell them quickly that the mercury mine must start construction as soon as possible, no matter what the cost.

At present, the country is in crisis, and the Japanese have evil ambitions. Their goal may not be limited to the Northeast. It is necessary to relocate many factories and enterprises along the coast to the interior.
Mercury is a precious metal, and most of its production is in Asia. If this mine can be developed, it can be exported to Europe and the United States, and exchanged for foreign exchange to purchase the necessary weapons."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiaoshi frowned even more.

This sounds...

You have to pay a lot of compensation.

Li Xiaoshi also had feelings for China, at least he could be called a patriotic overseas Chinese, but relatively speaking, he was a second-generation Chinese after all, and the time he lived in China was not even as long as the time he lived in the UK.

His patriotism came more from Li Jiqian's words and deeds, and he was influenced by what he saw and heard. To be honest, he was already a more authentic Nanyang person, and his feelings for the motherland could not be as deep as Li Jiqian's. What is the investment environment in China? These wealthy Nanyang businessmen all know it.

Mining is a heavy asset investment. Given the domestic business environment, once you invest so much money, it will become someone else's property. You are just a pig waiting to be slaughtered.

It is no exaggeration to say that in Li Xiaoshi's opinion, the National Government is worse than the British Colonial Office in Malaya in many aspects.
The colonial government at least had the appearance of maintaining its dignity.

Although Li Jiqian had been to Guangxi several times and told him many times that China hoped to be in Guangxi, he believed that Guangxi's business environment was very good and General Bai was a good person who would not treat these patriotic overseas Chinese like pigs, and that they could do something.

But Li Xiaoshi didn't really believe this nonsense, and therefore, the father and son had a big disagreement on the issue of investing in Guangxi.

Unfortunately, Li Jiqian had a stubborn temper, and how could Li Xiaoshi control him? As a son, he didn't dare to really disobey his father. Everything had already entered the practical level behind his back, including purchasing equipment and designing the mine construction. What else could he do?
"So, what's the problem now? What's the disagreement between you and my father?"

"Hello, Mr. Li, it's a pleasure to meet you. As you can see, your father is very stubborn. He wants us to help him build the production line and start production in a short period of time, even giving us only three months. That's simply impossible."

"Yes, Mr. Li, as you know, mercury is poisonous. If the design and installation process are not rigorous, it will cause great harm to the health of the workers in the mining area and even the residents nearby."

"But your father, in order to pressure us to start construction quickly, even said that the lives of Chinese miners were of no importance. Honestly, this is truly eye-opening. I'm sorry, but my professional conscience won't allow me to do such a thing."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiaoshi turned to look at Li Jiqian.

Li Jiqian gave a wry smile and explained, "General Bai is pushing us too hard. The Japanese... well, this is a critical time. I admit that I was a little anxious.
But according to them, they need to conduct investigations and conduct detailed research, and build many gas storage tanks to ensure safety. There is no time left!

The lives of the miners are of course their lives, but the soldiers on the front lines are in urgent need of foreign exchange to buy guns, ammunition, and the lives of the soldiers...ah~, at this time, the lives of the soldiers are indeed more important than the lives of the workers...

Besides, as long as we are careful with mercury, it won't really kill anyone. We Chinese have been collecting tribute and cinnabar for more than two thousand years. It's not as exaggerated as they say.

I know this is a safety hazard, but since this is an emergency, I think it's the right thing to do, even if I have to bite the bullet."

Li Xiaoshi frowned but didn't say much. They considered the problem from different angles. Li Jiqian was not even considering the problem from a businessman's perspective. As a son, he couldn't say anything.

He couldn't quite understand the design plan and the brochures of the two Americans' machinery and equipment. After all, although their family also mined, they mainly mined tin and also had a small gold mine.

He really doesn't understand anything about mercury mines.

"Dad, a talented new person has joined our company these past few days. He is very knowledgeable about equipment, and his skills are highly praised by top European companies.

Since this is a technical matter, and I don't quite understand it, I'd like to call him now and ask him to come to my house to discuss it with you two distinguished guests. Is that okay with you?"

"Even top European companies are praising him? Such a talented person would come to Nanyang? To work for you? Boss, don't let anyone fool you."

"Don't worry, Dad. I promise you, everything will be fine. I trust him 100%."

(End of this chapter)