"Brother Lei, this batch of gold isn't in China. Nor was it stolen from China by the Japanese. It's not fair that I get none of it."
Zhuang Rui smiled slyly and began to bargain with Ouyang Lei. Zhuang Rui had almost risked his life for this batch of gold, and the country would never take it for free. Although he had told Ouyang Lei what had happened, only Zhuang Rui and Peng Fei knew the exact location of the treasure.
"You little rascal, stop talking nonsense, it's like the country is trying to take advantage of you. Let me tell you the truth, 10 tons of gold, the country really doesn't care about it..."
Ouyang Lei was amused by Zhuang Rui's shameless behavior. The reason he said those words was actually because he was considering Zhuang Rui's interests.
Ouyang Lei was indeed a Chinese general, but he was also Zhuang Rui's cousin, so this gold did not originally belong to the state.
Moreover, as Ouyang Lei said, China's current gold reserves are measured in thousands of tons. While 10 tons of gold is a considerable amount, the country wouldn't stoop to taking advantage of Zhuang Rui for that.
"Brother Lei, what do you think we should do about this? I urgently need the money and want to retrieve the gold to invest in some projects..."
Zhuang Rui also told the truth.
He had also inquired about the international gold exchange rate in the past few days. 24K gold is now worth 125 RMB per gram, which is about double what it was 10 years ago. Zhuang Rui's intention in contacting Ouyang Lei was indeed to use this gold to invest in a jade mine in Myanmar.
Ouyang Lei lowered his head and pondered for a moment. If this matter were handed over to the state, his little cousin probably wouldn't even get a certificate of merit, because stealing gold from abroad was something that couldn't be publicized.
After thinking for a while, Ouyang Lei raised his head and said, "How about this, Xiao Rui, I'll provide you with a transport helicopter. You can find all the relevant personnel yourself. After the gold is transported back to China, you can contribute 30% as transportation costs. What do you think?"
Ouyang Lei knew that Zhuang Rui had found someone from a special forces unit who could easily operate a helicopter. Not to mention that person, even Hao Long could skillfully operate a helicopter.
Ouyang Lei's actions were actually a violation of discipline. However, he faced almost no risk in doing so, because given his status and position, it would be easy for him to move a helicopter without anyone noticing.
The military is not as complicated as civilian life. They execute orders from superiors thoroughly and without much questioning. As a result, in the last century, many smuggling gangs even rented military transport convoys.
"Brother Lei, you're even more ruthless than Grandpa! He only asked me for tens of millions by using a transport plane once, but you just ask for over three hundred million..."
Zhuang Rui exclaimed dramatically upon hearing this, but in his heart he was absolutely willing. He had previously considered using a helicopter to smuggle himself to Myanmar and retrieve the gold, but ordinary helicopters simply couldn't transport 10 tons of gold, and there were also dangers involved in crossing the border illegally.
If Ouyang Lei were willing to help, none of this would be a problem. Even if it were just half, let alone 30%, Zhuang Rui would agree.
Just imagining his basement filled with gold made Zhuang Rui's mouth water. Jade and gold placed together, that's what you call a house full of gold and jade.
"You brat, don't try to act innocent after getting a good deal. I've already put my personal feelings above national interests by doing this. This is a one-time thing, and there won't be a next time. If you don't agree, get the hell out of here..."
The 30% of gold that Ouyang Lei wanted was intended to be invested in a military research project he was currently in charge of. It wasn't that the country was short of money, but rather that he didn't want Zhuang Rui to benefit from it for nothing. If you use something from the country, you have to give something in return.
"Agreed, agreed..."
When Zhuang Rui saw that Ouyang Lei was about to turn hostile, he quickly put on a smiling face, and the miserly expression from before had completely disappeared.
"Okay, let's leave it at that then. We'll deal with this after the New Year. Your arm is injured, so don't go running around..."
Once the matter was settled, Ouyang Lei dismissed him. He was initially shocked by the matter, but upon reflection, it was not a big deal. For Ouyang Lei, more than a billion yuan was just a research project funding awaiting approval.
Ouyang Lei remarked on Zhuang Rui's good fortune; on his one trip abroad, he actually managed to find Japanese war spoils from Burma during World War II. Of course, Ouyang Lei, being a young and promising soldier, naturally didn't think of returning the gold to Burma.
China has often made foolish mistakes in the past. Its own people tightened their belts, consuming only 20 kilograms of food per month, while sending rice and flour to support Africa and Vietnam. In the end, the Vietnamese devils, ungrateful for China's kindness, used the guns and ammunition provided by China to fight against China.
And those so-called African brother countries are even more outrageous. As soon as China reduced its support, they immediately switched sides and started supporting Taiwan. This is exactly what the old saying means: whoever feeds you is your mother. They are all ungrateful wretches.
"No, Brother Lei, don't wait until after the New Year. I urgently need the money right now. Otherwise, would I be in such a hurry to come to you?"
Upon hearing Ouyang Lei's words, Zhuang Rui became anxious. These two brothers were exactly the same! They shouldn't be surnamed Ouyang anymore; they should be surnamed "Procrastination" instead—they were always so slow in getting things done.
"So urgent?"
Ouyang Lei frowned, took out a military map from the bookshelf and looked at it. After a while, he said, "Here's what we'll do. The day after tomorrow, you'll arrange for someone to go to a location 60 kilometers southwest of Ruili. I'll give you the coordinates then. The helicopter will be parked there. It must be returned within 24 hours. Can you do that?"
When Ouyang Lei spoke to Zhuang Rui, he unconsciously adopted a military tone.
"Reporting to the commander, no problem!"
Zhuang Rui obligingly gave an awkward military salute, only to be jokingly shooed out of the study by Ouyang Lei. ...
"So, is there a problem?"
After returning to the courtyard, Zhuang Rui and Peng Fei went to the backyard and told him everything.
"No problem, Brother Zhuang, I can operate anything except submarines..."
Peng Fei answered confidently, but then he frowned and said, "Brother Zhuang, even if I could move that batch of gold onto the helicopter by myself, where would I put it back in China?"
“It’s not just you going; I’ll be going too. Also, I’ll call Zhou Rui later and have him come over tomorrow. Apart from the gold handed over to the country, the rest won’t be transported to China at all; it’ll be disposed of directly in Myanmar…”
After Ouyang Lei agreed to lend him a helicopter, Zhuang Rui started to make calculations. According to Chinese law, carrying more than 50 grams of unfinished gold into the country constitutes smuggling. Even if the 30% gold given to Ouyang Lei is deducted, there are still seven tons left, enough to warrant dozens of executions.
Okay, even without considering that factor, Zhuang Rui still can't exchange the remaining seven tons of gold for cash in China. Although some gold shops do buy back gold, which gold shop in China can handle a whole seven tons of gold? He'd probably only be able to produce a hundred or so kilograms before the relevant authorities came knocking on his door.
Sell them piecemeal? That would take forever! Zhuang Rui desperately needs the money.
Zhuang Rui's idea was to trade the gold directly to Hu Rong in Myanmar. It's important to understand that the Burmese people traditionally don't recognize the Burmese kyat. They value gold first, then the US dollar, and then the euro.
In Myanmar, many transactions between jade companies are even conducted using gold. People with even a little wealth in Myanmar often have several pieces of gold hidden under their beds. Therefore, gold worth over 1 billion RMB can be easily absorbed in Myanmar.
Two tons of gold would be enough for Zhuang Rui to use for his investment in the mine. He planned to have Hu Rong help him sell three tons in Myanmar, and he intended to transport the remaining two tons of gold back to China through normal channels, which would only require paying some money. In fact, Zhuang Rui had never given up on the vulgar idea of filling his basement with gold.
As for the three tons of gold promised to Ouyang Lei, Zhuang Rui will simply leave it on the helicopter. How to handle it is Ouyang Lei's business. He believes that these matters will not be difficult for Ouyang Lei. He can simply make up a reason such as chasing overseas drug traffickers and seizing gold.
"Brother Zhuang, your arm is injured, so don't go. The old squad leader and I can handle it..."
Peng Fei still felt a lingering fear when he recalled what had happened in the jungles of Myanmar. If that leopard had pounced on Zhuang Rui's head, the consequences would probably have been more than just a broken bone.
Zhuang Rui shook his head and said, "No, I have to go. You wouldn't understand about this kind of deal. Alright, go be with your girlfriend. It'll be another two days of travel..."
Zhang Qian is a teacher, and it's currently winter vacation. After reconciling with Peng Fei, she comes here to see him almost every day. Zhuang Rui arranged a three-room suite with a central hall, bathroom, kitchen, and toilet for them in the central courtyard, so they can finally live a comfortable life.
After Peng Fei left, Zhuang Rui first called Zhou Rui and asked him to come to Beijing overnight. Zhou Rui didn't ask what it was about, just agreed and hung up.
“Brother Hu, this is Zhuang Rui…”
Zhuang Rui then called Hu Rong, and only through communication with Hu Rong could he determine whether his idea could be realized.
"Brother Zhuang, are you alright? I'll be going to China after the New Year, so I can attend your engagement ceremony..."
Hu Rong's voice came from the other end of the phone. Although he wanted to ask Zhuang Rui about the fundraising, he didn't say it on the phone.
"Brother Hu, there's no need to wait until after the New Year. I'll be going to Myanmar the day after tomorrow. By the way, is it alright to pay you for your mine shares with gold?"
"Pay with gold? Of course, but brother, how do you transport the gold to Myanmar?"
Hu Rong was taken aback by Zhuang Rui's words. Gold was a hard currency in Myanmar, more valuable than the US dollar or the euro.
Chapter 513 Unveiling the Treasure (Part 1)
"Brother Hu, how to transport the goods over there is my responsibility. The day after tomorrow afternoon, you can find some reliable people to wait at the mine, and I'll deliver the gold. Also, I have some gold that's difficult to sell in China, and I'd like to trouble you to help me launder it in Myanmar..."
Zhuang Rui's words sent shockwaves through Hu Rong's mind. You see, gold is an extremely important strategic reserve for every country. Others are scrambling to buy it, but Zhuang Rui is sending it abroad.
Moreover, judging from Zhuang Rui's words, the amount of gold he owns should be far more than what he bought for his own mining shares.
"Could it be that Zhuang Rui invested in the mine in order to launder money?"
Hu Rong had this thought in his mind. It's no wonder he thought this way. In today's society, there are all sorts of ways to launder money internationally. Some huge sums of money that can't be seen in the light of day may shrink significantly after going abroad, but when they return to China, they are clean money.
In the modern sense, money laundering refers to the act of concealing or disguising the source and nature of proceeds from drug trafficking, organized crime, terrorist activities, smuggling, or other crimes through financial institutions and other means, thereby making them appear legitimate.
If this gold belongs to the Ouyang family, it naturally couldn't have come from organized crime or gambling smuggling. Instead, it must have been used for other illegal gains. Hu Rong wasn't surprised by this, because all the generals in Myanmar had huge sums of money deposited abroad.
In addition, there are many other ways to launder money, such as purchasing real estate, jewelry, antiques, etc., and then converting them into cash or other financial assets.
"Brother Zhuang, there are actually many other ways to launder this gold..."
Hu Rong immediately realized that the gold definitely didn't belong to Zhuang Rui, but rather to the Ouyang family behind him. So he subtly reminded Zhuang Rui that he didn't need to launder money by investing in a mine; if it really was a dead mine, the price they would pay would be too high.
Although Hu Rong is now a Burmese citizen, he knows that he cannot afford to offend the Ouyang family. If China puts pressure on Myanmar, it can easily find some excuse to make him unable to stay in Myanmar. Haven't you seen those corrupt officials who fled China? None of them have fled to Myanmar.
Moreover, the politics here are far too complex. The Ouyang family may be in power today, but they could fall from grace tomorrow. Helping them launder money also carries risks. Therefore, Hu Rong was not keen on getting involved in this mess.
However, Hu Rong had no idea that this was entirely Zhuang Rui's own business and had nothing to do with the Ouyang family. Moreover, investing in his jade mine was like raising a flock of golden hens—a sure-fire way to make money.
Zhuang Rui sensed that Hu Rong was being somewhat reluctant and said, "Brother Hu, if it's cash or bank deposits, I can still find a way, but it would be better to have the gold shipped through Myanmar. If that's difficult for you, then I'll think of another way..."
Zhuang Rui was originally a finance major, so he was familiar with all sorts of money laundering methods. If it weren't for the gold, he would have dozens of ways to legalize the money.
For Zhuang Rui, the simplest way to launder money was to find any auction house, bring out three or five antiques, hire someone to act as a shill, and have them bid up the price. The money would then become legitimate income. At most, he would only have to pay the auction house some commission.
"No...no, Brother Zhuang, that's not what I meant. If you've decided, then bring them over. I'll bring all the miners back for the New Year tomorrow to make some arrangements in advance..."
After hearing Zhuang Rui's words, Hu Rong hesitated for a moment before readily agreeing. He knew that some changes had occurred in the domestic political arena, with the Ouyang family rising to prominence and having successors. He felt that the risk was worth taking.
"Alright, Brother Hu, thank you very much. See you in a couple of days..."
Hearing Hu Rong's words, Zhuang Rui knew the matter was resolved and was in high spirits. What he didn't know was that Hu Rong's misunderstanding had actually given him a significant advantage; in subsequent gold trading transactions, Hu Rong didn't receive a single penny of commission. ...
"Liu Chuan, what brings you here?"
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking and Zhuang Rui was still in bed, the covers were pulled off, and a pair of icy hands reached inside, making Zhuang Rui shiver. Opening his eyes, he found Liu Chuan looking at him with a mischievous grin.
"I've come to see my godmother. Well, Sister Min and Brother Guodong are here too. You little rascal, if you don't come back to Pengcheng to wish my dad a Happy New Year, you'd better watch out. Hey, I have to say, your house really looks great after the renovation. I'll buy some land in Pengcheng and build one like that too..."
Liu Chuan wandered around Zhuang Rui's house, praising it. He had been to this courtyard when it was abandoned, but it had changed drastically this time. When he arrived at the gate, he almost didn't recognize the two large stone lions.
As Zhuang Rui got up and put on his clothes, he said to Liu Chuan, "I'm going back to Pengcheng after the New Year. Since you're here, why don't you stay for a few days? I need to talk to Brother Zhou about something and will be out for a couple of days..."
"No way, I'll go even if something comes up. Leilei is going back to Hong Kong for Chinese New Year this year. I'm really bored..."
When Liu Chuan heard Zhuang Rui say he had something to do, his eyes immediately lit up. He had heard about Zhuang Rui's splendid gambling on Hong Kong gambling ships and his splendid experience at the Myanmar jade auction. He himself had missed it all, which made Liu Chuan complain to Lei Lei several times.
"You're going too?"
Zhuang Rui hesitated for a moment. If he had to say who he trusted most, Liu Chuan would definitely be number one. After all, the two of them had grown up together, playing in the mud together, and knew each other too well.
However, Liu Chuan is a big talker, and he's afraid that Liu Chuan might get drunk and brag about it to others.
"You're coming with me to do some work..."
"Go do the work too? You little thing, you think you're any better than me? Let me tell you, your brother's in bed..."
"Okay, okay, let's go, stop talking nonsense, I'll take you, alright..."
Zhuang Rui was truly afraid of Liu Chuan. Ever since this guy found out he wasn't a virgin, he'd always try to outlast him, acting like he was some kind of reincarnation of Ximen Qing.
"You rascal, I'm getting serious. This trip is very important, and it absolutely has to be kept secret. If you agree, you can come with me; otherwise, forget it..."
Zhuang Rui straightened his expression and said to Liu Chuan in a very serious tone. In fact, he knew in his heart that it was really unreliable to expect Liu Chuan, with his big mouth, to keep a secret.
"Can't even my wife tell? Can't you just let my wife tell me?" Liu Chuan hesitated for a moment. He knew his own problem; he couldn't keep things to himself.
"Whatever... whatever you want, anyway, nobody really believes what you say..."
Zhuang Rui glared at Liu Chuan, both amused and exasperated. His brother was always boasting, and few people in his circle took him seriously. Besides, no one would believe what he was about to do.