How a Salaryman Became an Underworld Boss

About thirty minutes later, Chief Secretary Kang Inhan and Chairman Zhen Weiliang’s secretary finally finished drafting the contract and returned to the living room.

Chairman Zhen Weiliang and I carefully scrutinized every word of the contract Kang Inhan handed us.

Fortunately, there were no hidden traps or dangerous clauses that could cause problems.

Chairman Zhen Weiliang seemed to have reached the same conclusion. He pulled a pen from the inside pocket of his jacket and decisively signed his name.

I signed the copy he handed me, while Vice Chairman Wei Chen added his signature as a witness.

As soon as the signing procedure was complete, Chairman Zhen Weiliang’s secretary called someone and instructed them to transfer 7 billion dollars to the account I had specified.

The moment his secretary hung up, Chairman Zhen Weiliang turned to me.

“Director Cha, as you understand, transferring seven billion dollars will take some time.”

“Of course. As soon as you show me confirmation that the seven billion dollars has been transferred, I’ll hand over the diamonds immediately.”

“You really will?”

Chairman Zhen Weiliang was supposed to transfer the full transaction amount of 7 billion dollars into my account first. Only after the money arrived could he take possession of the jewels.

So when I said I would hand over the diamonds merely upon seeing the transfer receipt, he asked again in surprise.

“I trust Chairman Zhen’s honor and reputation.”

“Hahaha! Thank you very much for your trust.”

While a warm atmosphere prevailed between us, Vice Chairman Wei Chen, who apparently had a question of his own, joined the conversation.

“Director Cha, does that mean I get nothing?”

“Why would that be?”

Vice Chairman Wei Chen tilted his head in confusion.

Chairman Zhen Weiliang had bought the diamonds, so there was absolutely nothing in it for Wei Chen himself. Yet Cha Jiham spoke as though he intended to put something into his hands as well.

He cautiously asked what exactly he meant.

“For Chairman Zhen to sell the diamonds to Politburo member Liu Peiqi, he’ll definitely need your help, Vice Chairman Wei.”

“But Chairman Zhen and that man have known each other for some time, haven’t they?”

“And their relationship is terrible, to put it mildly.”

“So you want me to act as the lubricant that helps the deal between Chairman Zhen and that man go smoothly?”

“Exactly. If Chairman Zhen manages to sell him the diamonds, I’m sure he won’t leave your efforts unrewarded.”

Vice Chairman Wei Chen immediately turned toward Chairman Zhen Weiliang.

As though reading his thoughts, Chairman Zhen spoke without hesitation.

“Vice Chairman Wei, just tell me how much you want for your efforts.”

“I’ll accept whatever Chairman Zhen considers appropriate.”

“Very well. And you, Director Cha? How much would you like for your assistance?”

I had sold the diamonds to Chairman Zhen Weiliang for 1 billion dollars more than the amount we had originally agreed upon verbally. The deal had already been more than successful enough, so I had absolutely no intention of charging any additional fee for my services.

However, he was the one insisting on rewarding me. And when someone insists on giving me money, I have no intention of refusing.

“I’ll also leave it to Chairman Zhen’s discretion.”

“Hmm...”

Chairman Zhen Weiliang drew out the sound thoughtfully as he rubbed his chin.

I knew perfectly well what he was considering, so I simply sat there in silence and waited.

After quite some time, he finally spoke as though he had reached a decision.

“I’ll pay Director Cha 1 billion dollars and Vice Chairman Wei Chen 500 million dollars.”

“What?!”

Vice Chairman Wei Chen expressed his astonishment before I could.

“Vice Chairman Wei, why are you so worked up?”

“All I did was make one phone call to Director Liu Haoran at Director Cha’s request.”

“If that were all, then yes, the payment would be excessive. But I’ll need your help to sell the diamonds to Politburo member Liu. Taking that into account, I’ve set your compensation at 500 million dollars.”

“I understand your reasoning, but the amount is still too large.”

Chairman Zhen Weiliang shook his head and continued trying to persuade Vice Chairman Wei Chen.