Chapter 61: Having Money Doesn't Mean Being a Fool

  This chapter has many words, remember to collect and recommend it! Thank you!!

  Uchida Ryōhei's **soup pouring is very skillful, and with his naturally round face and a warm smile, it gives people a sense of trust.**

  Of course, Fang Zida would never be fooled by him. He sat on one side, smiling and listening to his nonsense, occasionally nodding slightly and praising a few words from time to time.

  Naito Ryōhei was delighted by Fang Zidao's reaction, and in his view this Chinese political newcomer was an absolutely obtainable target, so he immediately shifted the topic back to the central bank.

  "China and Japan are like brothers, they are a family, coexisting and prospering together is what Ryōhei has always yearned for. Hōsai is about to become the head of the central bank, if there's anything that needs Ryōhei's help with, please don't hesitate to speak up."

  Fang Zida nodded repeatedly and said, "This is natural. The Republic of China has just been established for a short time, and all industries are waiting to be developed. After the central bank was established, there were many more things to do. It's just that it's so troublesome for seniors, isn't it..."

  "No trouble, no trouble." Uchida Ryōhei chuckled and said: "We're all friends, after all. We should help each other out. For example, I know that your country's economic development requires a lot of capital, especially since the central bank was established. Without large sums of money to support it, many things can't be done. Fang Sang, don't you think so?"

  Fang Zida deliberately hesitated for a moment, furrowed his brow in thought, and sighed: "Senior is right, the funding issue is indeed a big problem. Can you help me solve it?"

  "Hahaha!" Uchida Ryōhei burst out laughing, and Fujita Ichirō next to him was even more delighted. The two of them were like foxes who had stolen a hen, their hearts full of joy.

  Nodding, Uchida Ryōhei said: "Fang Shang is our good friend, and China is also a good friend of Japan. Of course, good friends should help each other. As for the funding issue, I dare not guarantee too much, but at least we can help solve 150 million yen."

  "15 million yen?" Fang Zidao suddenly became spirited, his body leaning forward with an excited expression: "Senior, you're not joking with me, are you? So much money?"

  "Of course, it's not a joke." Uchida Ryōhei smiled and said: "This funding really exists. As a friendly gesture between friends, Great Japan can provide it to Fang unconditionally. All that's needed is for Fang to satisfy one small condition of mine after taking office as the General Manager."

  The fox's tail has finally been exposed, and for Xiao Riben's set of methods, it couldn't be clearer. He had been waiting for Naota Ryōhei to say this sentence all along, and sure enough, Naota Ryōhei finally revealed his purpose.

  He nodded for him to continue, and Fang Zida assumed a listening pose.

  Uchida Ryōhei didn't get angry, and immediately said: "Your country has a vast territory and a large population, but its economic foundation is weak, making development extremely difficult. To help your country develop, my great Japan not only decided to provide 15 million yen in aid free of charge to help establish a central bank and rectify the finances. Furthermore, we can also help your country develop the economy of the Northeast region, such as setting up and developing iron and mining enterprises, etc. Our two countries will work together hand in hand, helping each other - isn't this a win-win situation?"

  "Northeast?" Fang Zidao exclaimed in shock: "Senior, I didn't mishear, did I? Are you suggesting using this 150 million to exchange the Northeast with our country? This... how is this possible? Not to mention that I don't have the authority, even if it were the President himself, he wouldn't be able to make such a decision!"

  "No, no, no, Fang Sang, you misunderstood." Inada Ryōhei smiled and waved his hand: "Our great Japan absolutely has no demand for land from your country. How can good friends exchange land? We just want to borrow the northeastern region of your country to develop the economy of our two countries. You also know that the territory of our great Japan is limited, far less than yours. One northeast, it's a small thing for your country, but it's a big deal for my great Japan. Do you understand, Fang Sang?"

  Seeing Fang Zidao's confusion, Uchida Ryōhei explained: "Our great Japan only wants to borrow a small northeast from your country, such as building factories, opening mines, and building railways in the Northeast. As for the Northeast, it is still your country's territory, but since your country does not have the ability to develop it itself, we will help you develop it on your behalf. If the Northeast develops in the future, won't it bring great benefits to your country? Of course, in order to ensure the safety and stability of Japanese businessmen's investments in the Northeast, sending some security guards to maintain law and order is also appropriate."

  Fang Zida cursed the little devil in his heart, saying nice things on the surface, but actually plotting against the Northeast. Now, he finally understood what was going on - the Japanese had been eyeing the Northeast for a long time, and during the Qing dynasty, they already had plans to annex it. When Sun Yat-sen was leading the revolution in Japan, Inoue Yoshika repeatedly proposed to Sun that he exchange the rights of the Northeast for economic support from the Japanese government during his special period. Unexpectedly, after the Republic of China was established and Yuan Shikai became the president, Sun Yat-sen was unable to fulfill his promises to the Japanese, leaving Inoue Yoshika and others with a deep sense of discontent.

  Afterwards, with the Huang Xing case against Yuan, Sun Yat-sen's proposed "Second Revolution" gave Inukai Tsuyoshi new hope. Overjoyed, he immediately spent a lot of money supporting Sun and his Revolutionary Party, hoping that Sun would succeed in his rebellion and gain huge benefits in the new government. Who would have thought that Sun was still a useless thing? The loud opening didn't last long before it ended in defeat. Witnessing all this, Inukai Tsuyoshi and others completely lost hope for Sun Yat-sen, who fled back to Japan in disarray. In their view, putting their hopes on this guy who only knew how to talk big was a complete mistake.

  For this, Japan internally proposed to find a substitute for Sun Yat-sen. The first candidate was Song Jiaoren, the current Premier and KMT chairman. However, this suggestion was vetoed by Inukai Tsuyoshi, who was familiar with Chinese politics, because he knew too much about Song Jiaoren.

  Years ago, in the dispute over the borders of China and Japan, Song Jiaoren had already shown his vigilance and tough attitude towards Japan. In the eyes of Uchida Ryōhei, a politician like Song Jiaoren who puts national interests above all else would never cooperate with Japan like Sun Yat-sen did.

  As for the other candidates, they were all eliminated one by one due to various reasons. It was at this time that Fang Zidao suddenly appeared out of nowhere and entered the sight of these people with ulterior motives. After observing and reporting in detail by Tōyama Ichirō, and adding the materials collected by Uchida Ryōhei for research, he decided to support this young man who had a good relationship with Song Jiaoren, had military talent, and could also communicate with the high-level officials of Beiyang as a substitute for Sun Wen's role. By utilizing Fang Zidao, supporting and controlling him, they would seize the opportunity to gain Japan's interests in China.

  Chen Qimei's whereabouts were revealed, which was also a plan thrown out by Naito Ryōhei after consideration. On the one hand, he wanted to gain Chen's favor before contacting Fang Zidao and make Fang owe him a personal favor. On the other hand, although Sun Yat-sen had been discarded by Naito, he could still be used as a useless thing. Chen Qimei falling into Fang Zidao's hands would inevitably lead to Sun Yat-sen's hatred towards him. The Japanese have always been cunning and wanted to use this method to form an internal and external constraint, letting the Beiyang, KMT, and Revolutionary Party fight endlessly, so that they could reap the benefits.

  Fang Zida saw through Uchida Ryōhei's intention, but on the surface he didn't reveal his thoughts at all. On the contrary, Fang Zida even deliberately put on an expression of sudden enlightenment, and nodded repeatedly in response to Uchida Ryōhei's suggestion, giving a thumbs up and praising Uchida Ryōhei as an old friend of the Chinese people who had made great contributions to Sino-Japanese friendship.

  "The senior's suggestion has opened the eyes of the junior! In this way, China and Japan will join hands and move forward together. The time for revival is just around the corner! Good! It's really good!" Fang Zida applauded and exclaimed with excitement.

  "So, Fang Sang agrees with Ryōhei's suggestion?"

  "Of course! Why not?" Fang Zida asked back with unusual excitement.

  "Haha! Hahaha!" The three people present burst out laughing at the same time, and the atmosphere was so harmonious. But who knows what each of them is really thinking in their hearts?

  "Elder, regarding the funding issue, can you allocate a few hundred million to me first?" Fang Zidao's eyes rolled around and he suddenly spoke up: "You also know that this Central Bank thing is still uncertain, who knows if it will ultimately fall on my head. Although there are some rumors now... haha, but this has not become reality yet. If I have a sum of money as a backup, the opportunity would be much greater."

  Uchida Ryōhei was taken aback, he had never thought that Fang Zidao would ask for money before doing anything, and for a moment he couldn't answer.

  "Hosang, I'm afraid this won't do," said Toda Ichiro, frowning beside him.

  "Why not? Didn't Inada-senpai just say so earlier? This is a great thing for both our countries, China and Japan! Are you saying that what Inada-senpai said earlier doesn't count? Or are you playing a joke on me?" Fang Zida asked in surprise, with an odd expression on his face.

  "Ah...". Fujita Ichiro's face turned red, just about to make excuses, Uchida Ryōhei interrupted: "How is this possible? Of course, everything I, Uchida Ryōhei, say is true. However, Fang-san, you haven't done anything, and yet you want money, isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

  "Not at all!" Fang Zida spread his hands, feigning innocence: "I'm extremely in favor of your suggestion, I think you're absolutely right. As friends helping each other out, I'm deeply grateful, but you also know that if I don't become the general manager, everything we've discussed is empty talk. What's the point of cooperation or development then?"

  Seeing Uchida Ryōhei hesitating, Fang Zidao added fuel to the fire: "Senior, don't be deceived, President Yuan indeed had the idea of marrying his daughter to me, but this matter has not been settled yet. Moreover, who is the current president of the Bank of Communications? I think you are also aware that it's uncertain whether the president can really permit this. In today's world, with money, one can travel all over the world; without money, every step is difficult to take. Alas..."

  Uchida Ryōhei thought for a moment and finally made up his mind: "Alright, I can take the lead and give Mr. Fang 500,000 yuan first."

  "Five hundred thousand?" Fang Zida shook his head in disappointment: "What can this amount of money be used for? Hmm, it's getting late too, I still have something to do. Uchida-senpai, let's talk again another day..."

  "Wait!" Uchida Ryōhei stopped Fang Zidao, who was about to get up and bid farewell, and asked with a serious expression: "Fang-san, what do you think is suitable?"

  "At least five million!" Fang Zidu opened his mouth wide and stretched out his palm.

  "Five million! Impossible!" Uchida Ryōhei and Fujita Ichirō were shocked, this Fangzi really had a big appetite, opening his mouth to want so much.

  "One million, this is already my maximum limit." Uchida Ryōhei hesitated for a moment before changing his words.

  "No, no, one million is absolutely not enough. How about 45 million? Uchida-san, you said earlier that you would give me 150 million, and now I'm only asking for a fraction of that."

  Fang Zida was like a miserly businessman, constantly haggling with Uchida and others over the price, going back and forth several times, until they finally settled on an amount of 23 million yen. After agreeing on the amount, Fang Zida couldn't wait to ask when he could get his hands on the money, as if he wanted to grab the check and run away with it today.

  Until Uchida informed him that it would take at least seven days to raise the funds, Fang Zidao finally showed a relieved expression and bowed his head in gratitude towards Uchida.

  "Fang Sang, I've given you the money, don't forget the promise between us!" Before leaving, Uchida Ryōhei specially instructed, Fang Ziduo patted his chest with a solemn guarantee.

  "Mr. Uchida, are you really going to give him such a large sum of money? What has he done so far?" Fujita Ichiro cautioned carefully after Fang Zidao left.

  "Heh heh, there's a Chinese saying 'to let go is to gain'. If you don't let go, how can you gain? This Fangzi Da won't give money, so how can he do things for the Empire?"

  "What if he took the money and then regretted it?"

  "Hah!" Uchida Ryōhei's face twisted, a sinister glint in his eyes: "The greedy Shina people, do they dare to go back on their word? Is the Imperial warrior's sword not sharp enough?"

  Recommendation of Hai Tun's new work: "Super Energy Powerhouse", book number: 2455247