So he angered Peng Fei. If he really dared to kill this man, he could simply flee from South Africa to another African country and then find a way to return to China.
Chapter 812 Diamond Deal (Part 1)
"Peng Fei, forget it, don't bother with this kind of person..."
Zhuang Rui pulled Peng Fei back. He knew that the kid was a little unstable and might actually dare to take the black waiter's life.
Johannesburg may be chaotic, but it is still one of the most important cities in South Africa. Such blatant murders are unlikely to be resolved peacefully. If this happened in another African country, killing someone would be no big deal; a gold bar would be enough to settle the matter.
However, Zhuang Rui came to attend the diamond trade fair, not to assess the fairness of African laws, which is why he grabbed Peng Fei.
"Old He, contact Qin's Jewelry in Hong Kong and file a complaint with the hotel's headquarters," Zhuang Rui said, turning to He Shuang. This hotel is a world-renowned chain of five-star hotels; if you complain to their headquarters, they will at least give you an explanation.
"Yes, Mr. Zhuang..."
He Shuang and the others had witnessed firsthand what a sinful city was like. They hadn't even settled in yet, and one incident after another had already occurred. Judging from the indignant look in the black waiter's eyes as he left, he seemed unwilling to let the matter rest.
After giving his instructions, Zhuang Rui did not go to the front desk to check in. Instead, he pulled Peng Fei to sit down on the sofa in the hotel lobby.
Zhuang Rui was waiting for the hotel manager to step in; otherwise, offending the black people in South Africa could lead to countless troubles in the future.
"Excuse me, are you guests from Hong Kong?"
Qin's Jewelry was very efficient. About twenty minutes later, a white man in his forties hurriedly came to Zhuang Rui.
Zhuang Rui glanced at the middle-aged man, frowned, and said, "Yes, it was I who filed the complaint against your hotel. Your employees extorted money from us, and I need an explanation..."
"I am John, the executive director of this hotel. This was our mistake, and I will give you a satisfactory answer..."
As the manager of this hotel, John naturally knew the temperament of those black employees. He was also a little helpless. This international hotel chain had thousands of branches all over the world. Why was he so unlucky to be thrown into this godforsaken place in Africa to work?
"I have serious doubts about whether your hotel can guarantee the safety of its guests, and I am considering whether to switch to another hotel..."
Zhuang Rui wasn't threatening John; he genuinely felt very unsafe here. Not only was he robbed at the door and no one paid any attention, but once inside, he wasn't even extorted. This was simply unheard of.
Even though Zhuang Rui knew that Johannesburg was not safe before he came, he did not expect it to be this bad.
"Sir, those damned black devils aren't allowed on the hotel guest room floors. Please rest assured about your safety; there will be absolutely no problems..."
John explained to Zhuang Rui in a humble voice that it wasn't just their hotel; all the hotels in Johannesburg had this problem.
If Black people weren't allowed to work at the hotel, the hotel would definitely run into trouble. So the management had no choice but to assign driving or security guard jobs to Black people, while strictly prohibiting them from entering the hotel's interior.
However, there are good and bad among these black people. The hotel will assign different jobs to them based on their performance. For example, the driver who picked up Zhuang Rui and the others was quite good. If the doorman had been sent to pick them up, he probably would have led a few people into a den of thieves.
"Okay, but the original three rooms need to be changed. We'll cancel one of them and convert the remaining two into suites..."
Zhuang Rui thought for a moment and figured that other hotels in Johannesburg probably weren't much better. However, after what had happened, he didn't dare let Liuli and Tianya stay alone, so he simply changed them to a suite and let He Shuang and Ding Hao stay there as well.
"Okay, sir, I'll process it for you right away..."
Knowing he was in the wrong, John personally helped Zhuang Rui with the formalities and escorted them into the elevator.
"Old He, be careful. You don't need to go out for the next few days. I'll take you shopping after I finish my business..."
The two suites were not far apart. Before entering the room, Zhuang Rui reminded the others that it was best to be careful in a place like this.
"I understand, Mr. Zhuang, don't worry..."
He Shuang agreed. He had also witnessed what had just happened. Even if they were asked to go out for a stroll now, they probably wouldn't have the courage.
"Brother Zhuang, it's a call from Hong Kong..."
As soon as he entered his room, the brick-like satellite phone in Peng Fei's hand rang. Zhuang Rui always took two with him when he went out, one for the crew and the other for Peng Fei.
In places like Africa, there are many areas where mobile phones cannot be used. Zhuang Rui brought a satellite phone so that he could easily contact his family.
"Xiao Rui, has the matter been resolved?"
Qin Haoran's voice came through the phone, tinged with a slight apology.
"Dad, it's alright. I'll go to the trading market tomorrow and try to return to Beijing after the bidding opens on Friday..."
If it weren't for his father-in-law personally coming to Beijing to plead for him, Zhuang Rui really wouldn't want to stay here for even a day longer.
"Yes, the company has some connections in Johannesburg. I've made the arrangements for you. A diamond supplier will pick you up tomorrow. You can leave your itinerary for the next few days to them, and they'll also handle your security..."
What just happened really scared Qin Haoran. If his son-in-law had gotten into trouble in South Africa, not only would his wife and daughter not forgive him, but Qin's Jewelry's business in mainland China would probably be ruined.
To be honest, Qin Haoran regretted letting Zhuang Rui come. Although 200 million euros was a lot, Zhuang Rui's life was worth far more than 200 million euros. After breaking out in a cold sweat, Qin Haoran quickly contacted a very powerful diamond company in South Africa. Qin's Jewelry paid for two cars and several security personnel from the company.
"Dad, I'll be careful, don't worry..."
Zhuang Rui sensed the worry in his father-in-law's voice, offered a few words of comfort, and then hung up the phone.
The next morning, Zhuang Rui received a call from the security personnel sent by the diamond company. They were already waiting at the hotel entrance, and from today onwards, they would be responsible for all of Zhuang Rui's itinerary after he left the hotel.
“Mr. Zhuang, hello, my name is George. I will be in charge of your security before you leave Johannesburg…”
After Zhuang Rui led Peng Fei out of the hotel, a white man in his mid-thirties immediately came up to them. Although the man was dressed in a suit and tie, Zhuang Rui could feel the explosive power in his bulging chest muscles. This guy was definitely not a writer.
Peng Fei's gaze fell on the man's waist, on the slightly protruding part. He narrowed his eyes. With Peng Fei's experience, he could tell at a glance that it was a pistol, and from the size of the gun, he could tell that it was a powerful Desert Eagle.
After George introduced himself, the three men behind him immediately formed a triangle around Zhuang Rui and Peng Fei. Clearly, these men were well-trained professional bodyguards.
"Thank you, Mr. George..."
Zhuang Rui shook hands with George and got into the car behind. George and a bodyguard followed, while the other two bodyguards got into the first car.
It must be said that Qin Haoran really valued his son-in-law's safety. A Volvo armored sedan led the way, while Zhuang Rui and the others rode in a Hummer.
After getting into the car, George gave Zhuang Rui and Peng Fei a brief introduction. Both vehicles were bulletproof and modified so that, unless weapons like rocket launchers were used, ordinary submachine guns would not be able to break through their defenses in a short time.
On the way to the diamond exchange, Zhuang Rui and George talked about the situation in South Africa, which gave Zhuang Rui a better understanding of where he was.
Due to the lack of gun control in South Africa, many criminal gangs have more firepower than the police. A submachine gun can be bought for only $100 here, and it even comes with two 30-round magazines. Hiring a hitman only costs $500.
Just like in the movies, you can only hear the police sirens after the gunfight is over. If the police sirens are going to arrive too early, they'll definitely pull over to the side of the road to smoke a cigarette and wait a while.
Because diamond and gold transactions involve huge sums of money, they are a primary target for criminal gangs in South Africa. Many foreigners, especially Asians, who come to Johannesburg need to be especially careful when participating in diamond transactions.
In 2002, a malicious incident occurred here. Five Japanese businessmen successfully bid for a batch of diamonds worth $60 million. Ten minutes after leaving the diamond exchange, their car was stopped by a group of robbers.
All five Japanese businessmen in the car were shot dead, and the diamonds disappeared without a trace. The case remains unsolved to this day.
After this incident, the number of jewelry merchants from Asia decreased sharply, while the bodyguard business became popular in South Africa. People like George were retired U.S. special forces soldiers who voluntarily came to South Africa to work as bodyguards.
Although George didn't mention their exact price, Zhuang Rui could guess that his father-in-law must have paid a hefty sum to hire them.
After leaving the city, the car headed southeast of the city. There were very few cars on the South African roads, so the driver drove very fast. After about half an hour, the car stopped in the courtyard of a building complex.
As soon as Zhuang Rui stepped out of the car, he felt several menacing gazes fixed on him.
Chapter 813 Diamond Deal (Part 2)
When George saw Zhuang Rui stop and make eye contact with the people in the courtyard, he quickly nudged Zhuang Rui from behind and whispered in his ear, "Don't look at those people, go inside the trading hall..."
The other three bodyguards also got out of the car and escorted Zhuang Rui towards a high-walled compound. This compound was just the exchange's parking lot and was not protected by the diamond exchange.
The exchange in front was a large red-roofed building with high electric fences on all four sides. The main gate was a double electric iron gate, and four security guards armed with AK47s stood at the entrance.
"Mr. Zhuang, we're waiting for you here. Please remember, don't cause any trouble inside..."
Upon arriving at the gate, Zhuang Rui and his group were stopped by several security guards.
Due to the high risks involved in rough diamond trading, South Africa has implemented a licensing system for rough diamond traders. People without licenses are not allowed to enter the trading market to buy or sell rough diamonds.
Of Zhuang Rui's group, only Zhuang Rui had obtained a trading license, so even Peng Fei had to wait outside.
"Brother Zhuang, this..."
Peng Fei was somewhat uneasy.
"It's alright, the exchange will guarantee the safety of its clients, you don't need to worry..."
George seemed quite interested in Peng Fei. Along the way, while chatting with Zhuang Rui, he would occasionally exchange a few words with Peng Fei. However, Peng Fei didn't seem to care much for him. Often, it would be George gesturing and talking for a long time before Peng Fei would finally utter a single word.
"Peng Fei, it's alright..."
Zhuang Rui waved to Peng Fei, saying that diamonds and gold are South Africa's main exports, and if even the security of the exchange cannot be guaranteed, then this government has no reason to exist.
"Sir, is there anything I can do for you?"
After issuing the transaction license, Zhuang Rui walked into the red house, where a white man greeted him.
"I need this week's diamond auction list, and also a room to view the goods..."
Before coming, Qin Haoran explained the diamond auction process to Zhuang Rui. Unlike jade auctions, diamond auctions are extremely private. Within the trading market, each trader does not meet with each other, and they do not know who won the diamond they have their eye on.
Normally, during the trade fair, the exchange provides each licensed buyer with a list of rough stones to be auctioned before Tuesday of each week.
Customers who receive these lists enter the market at different times and in different ways, and are then arranged to their own independent trading rooms to view the goods and make purchases. After submitting their prices, each buyer can leave and wait for further information.
Every Friday afternoon during the trading period... is the bidding time, and the auction results for the diamonds will be announced. The winning bidders settle accounts with the exchange based on their results.
Diamonds are different from jadeite rough stones, which can weigh tens or even hundreds of kilograms. A small bag of these stones can be worth hundreds of millions. Therefore, it is always cash on delivery. The exchange issues a certificate to the buyer so that the diamond can be taken out of South Africa through customs.
While this method lacks the thrill of gambling on rough stones, it ensures the privacy and security of the traders. This trading method has been maintained since the establishment of the South African Diamond Exchange.
Even so, a considerable number of diamond buyers were still targeted by local or international criminal groups. Some Japanese people somehow leaked the news and ended up losing their lives and their money.
There are special cases for this type of transaction. If a buyer misses Tuesday's auction and doesn't want to wait until next week, they can provide proof of funds to the exchange and join the auction this week as long as it's not Friday's opening date.
When Zhuang Rui arrived in Johannesburg yesterday, it was already Wednesday, so he naturally didn't receive the auction list from the exchange. However, Zhuang Rui really didn't want to wait until next Tuesday, so he rushed to the exchange early.
Of course, there is a limitation: the licensed trader who submits the application must have a purchasing power of at least 100 million euros.
"Sir, please follow me..."
The staff member sized Zhuang Rui up and down, then led him into an office, poured him a cup of coffee, and said, "Sir, please show me your proof of funds..."
Zhuang Rui heard about the procedure from Qin Haoran, and immediately opened his handbag, took out two bearer bank drafts issued by Swiss banks, and placed them in front of the staff member.
"David, come here for a moment..."
The white man picked up the phone on the table and called someone in.
“William, that’s right, two hundred million euros, available at any time…”
David, who answered the phone, was probably an accountant. After examining Zhuang Rui's bank draft, he nodded to the staff member named William.