Reborn Bao Guowei, I really didn’t want to be a great writer!

Chapter 458: Ho Tung's Chinese Heart? The war will begin within this year!
Ho Tung looked like a foreigner, but in fact his behavior and speech were no different from those of an ordinary Chinese.

The reason why he was able to achieve such a status in Hong Kong was largely related to his identity as a middleman between the Chinese and foreigners.

In addition, Hong Kong was an intermediary for East-West trade at the time, so it was not surprising that Ho Tung climbed to this position by using his identity and background.

Ho Tung had other treats for other people, so Bao Guowei, Run Run Shaw and he were the only ones who entered the office.

Obviously, Ho Tung's invitation this time was not just to welcome Bao Guowei.

"I have always wanted to see what Mr. Bao Bingwen, who is praised by the British, looks like.

It is indeed extraordinary to see you today. No wonder the British royal family treats you with courtesy. I, Ho Tung, really admire you!"

Bao Guowei said modestly: "It's not as exaggerated as you said. I am just a scholar. Scholars do their work and provide some insignificant theoretical research."

When the other party mentioned the British royal family, Bao Guowei felt a little guilty. After all, Hong Kong is still dominated by the British.

I don’t know whether His Majesty the King has discovered the secret behind Queen Victoria.

Ho Tung smiled and said, "Bingwen, you are too modest. If I hadn't heard that you rejected the invitation of the British authorities, I would have wanted to ask you to be my economic advisor."

He was naturally well-informed and had long known about the British people's evaluation and admiration for Bao Guowei. For Ho Tung, this young man was still young, but he could be a good friend he could make.

Otherwise, he wouldn't call Bao Guowei "brother" at his age as a grandfather.

Ho Tung wanted me to be his economic advisor?

This is a big business man!

However, since he had rejected the British, Bao Guowei naturally would not accept Ho Tung's temptation.

He already has too much trouble, and now every day he is thinking about how to avoid trouble as much as possible and influence politics without getting too involved in politics.

This is a very difficult thing to do, but it is also his helplessness as a writer.

"Mr. Ho Tung is exaggerating. Guowei is just an armchair economist. To be considered a master, you need a business tycoon like you."

Run Run Shaw then joined in the flattery.

“Mr. Bingwen, don’t be modest. Your manuscript of Small Island Economics is a divine book for those of us doing business.

You may not know that many businessmen now have a copy of the broadcast script of "Small Island Economics" in their homes.

Everyone is proud to own a tape.”

Bao Guowei has always been proficient in the art of speaking. As the three of them talked back and forth, the topic began to shift to the international situation.

After several conversations, He Dong obviously admired the young man in front of him more. Originally, perhaps he wanted to exchange interests, but now he really wanted to make a good friend of him.

He Dong lit up a cigar. Although he was nearly seventy years old, he was still energetic and had no taboos about smoking and drinking.

But even so, Ho Tung lived to the age of ninety-four.

The same goes for Zhang Xueliang. When he was young, he spent almost everything he had, including smoking opium and squandering money, but he still lived to be a hundred years old.

Genes, lifestyle habits, money, the secret to longevity is still unknown.

But one thing they have in common is that both seem to be very open-minded.

Exhaling a long puff of smoke, He Dong couldn't help but say with a little worry.

"I have a question that I have always wanted to ask Bingwen, which is whether the Japanese threat theory you wrote in "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" is true?

I have also watched many of your speeches and videos recently and found that you always mention one point.

That is, after the economic depression, a war is inevitable, and it may be fought in Europe and Asia.

The Japanese have the greatest influence on us Chinese.

I have learned about the situation in Northeast China and I am very worried about it.”

Ho Tung spread his hands and said self-deprecatingly: "You may feel that it is a bit hypocritical for a Westerner like me to say such things.

Whether you believe it or not, I identify myself as a Chinese in my heart."

Ho Tung has always claimed to be a Chinese, but many people do not really believe him and instead think that he is only doing this for profit.

After all, only with the identity of a Chinese can one do business better in Hong Kong.

But Bao Guowei didn't think so, he nodded and said: "Mr. He, I don't doubt that you are Chinese.

As for the question you asked about the Japanese, I don’t think it can be explained in a short time.”

In this era, perhaps most people do not believe in Ho Tung, but from a historical perspective, Bao Guowei's evaluation of this gentleman is still good.

Not to mention that he was passionate about charity and founded various schools and welfare associations one after another.

When Japan invaded Hong Kong, Ho Tung sacrificed two of his own ships to prevent them from entering. He also actively provided support to patriots, and sent countless anti-Japanese war supplies to the mainland.

From a Chinese perspective, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Ho Tung's position, and it is even much better than many Chinese who claim to be of pure blood.

In a sense, Bao Guowei wanted to meet Ho Tung in order to communicate with him and persuade him to prepare supplies in advance.

This is to deal with the crisis that will occur in Northeast China in a few months!

Unexpectedly, Ho Tung raised this question first.

As a Nanyang businessman, Run Run Shaw was naturally well-informed, he said worriedly.

"I have learned about the domestic situation in Japan. At first, I thought that Japan was too busy to take care of itself and would not be able to start a war. But after reading Mr. Bingwen's book, I found that I was wrong.

Rationally speaking, the Japanese would not start a war if they were extinct, but they are not a group of rational people."

Businessmen are the most sensitive. Whether it is war or political turmoil, these are major events that can greatly affect business activities.

For the two people in front of us, it is not only because they are worried about business development, but also because they are concerned about the country and the people.

When the country is in crisis, no one can escape.

"You two gentlemen have said almost everything, and I have basically said what I wanted to say." Bao Guowei said seriously. "I would like to make a bold statement here, that is, the Japanese launched the war within this year."

"what?"

"what?"

Both Run Run Shaw and Robert Ho Tung have been through thick and thin. Especially Robert Ho Tung, he usually interacts with bigwigs from certain forces. He even worked with Mr. Sun before. Ordinary things would definitely not make them lose their composure.

However, Bao Guowei's argument is really shocking.

Originally, they thought that the threat from Japan described by Bao Guowei would only last for five or ten years.

After all, in their perception, a war is not so easy to start. It requires long-term material reserves, personnel deployment, etc. How can it be started casually? Moreover, according to their sources, it is not difficult to know that in today's Japan, the political groups headed by the cabinet are mainly focused on solving the economic crisis.

Even if it is as Bao Guowei analyzed, it won't happen within this year?
Are the Japanese really a bunch of lunatics?
He Dong narrowed his eyes and said in disbelief: "Isn't what Bingwen said a little too harsh?"

When watching Bao Guowei's speech manuscripts, videos or recordings, Ho Tung always felt empathy and thought that what he said made sense.

But when he got in front of him, He Dong still couldn't help but feel a little unconvinced. After all, such analysis was a bit beyond his original level of cognition.

Run Run Shaw followed up the conversation and said, "Come to think of it, I did hear that the domestic situation has not stabilized yet, and many abnormal forces are still stirring up trouble. I'm afraid that quelling the civil unrest will be the focus of the government's work in the future."

The Shao family has been deeply rooted in the Shanghai Stock Exchange for many years, so it is understandable that they are able to understand some policy trends within the National Government.

"Yes." Bao Guowei nodded and said, "I didn't mention a specific time because it was too shocking and I was afraid that the news would leak out. The Japanese were already prepared.

But in front of you two gentlemen, I can tell you everything I know."

He sighed and continued, "You two gentlemen may not know that the Japanese have been spying on the Northeast for a long time.

More than 20 years ago, the Japanese, together with the Russians, occupied the territories and waters of Port Arthur, Dalian Bay and surrounding areas, as well as the South Manchuria Railway area.

The Japanese established the Kwantung Governor-General's Office, the Fengtian Consul General, and the South Manchuria Railway Co., Ltd.

On the one hand, they frantically seized mineral resources and profits in the Northeast, and further infiltrated to obtain intelligence, even though such intelligence and conspiracy activities were in a semi-public state.

On the other hand, in recent years, the Japanese have established the Kwantung Army Headquarters, which is the most powerful and best-equipped unit of the Japanese domestic army.

Three years ago, in 1927, the Japanese held the "Eastern Conference" and formulated the "Guidelines for China Policy". If you two gentlemen pay attention to the content, you will know the Japanese's wolfish ambitions.

A year ago, a group of young right-wing military officers from the Kwantung Army, called the "One-Night Meeting", passed a resolution to "solve the Manchuria issue".

The Japanese conducted military reconnaissance of key areas in Northeast China, formulated combat plans, and envisioned colonial rule.
These are enough to show that the Japanese have evil ambitions for the Northeast region. They have to fight this battle!"

Bao Guowei's argument is different from others. It does not just remain at paper analysis. The evidence and examples he cited are even more irrefutable.

Ho Tung and Run Run Shaw looked at each other in surprise. They had not expected that Bao Guowei had made so many preparations on the Japan issue.
Being able to come up with such a detailed analysis of this issue must have taken a lot of effort, right?

Some of the information was something they had never heard of before.

For a moment, the two of them admired Bao Guowei even more.

Everyone says that Bao Guowei does not participate in politics and that he only has his master, Zhang Taiyan.

But now it seems that in order to obtain this information, Bao Guowei must have a mature intelligence network behind him!

And who is behind him? !
Speculations aside, He Dong kept this question in mind and planned to explore it slowly in the future.

His tone became more respectful as he spoke with a questioning tone.

"But, my dear brother, how can we say that Japan will definitely start a war within this year?"

"War is nothing more than the right time, right place, and right people." Bao Guowei said helplessly. "In the previous Central Plains war, both the national government and the local governments suffered heavy casualties, and countless military expenditures and resources were consumed, coupled with the impact of the economic depression.

It can be said that neither the National Government nor the local warlords have the ability to fight another major war.

Now the Fengtian Army from the Northeast has entered the pass, trying to seize the resources and land within the pass. The Northeast's defenses are weak, and the Japanese have been infiltrating the Northeast for many years.

Gentlemen also know that militarism is on the rise in Japan, and this is a great opportunity.

If you were Japanese, how could you give up this great opportunity?

The war is coming!"

Run Run Shaw sighed and said, "Some of the people in power today are too selfish. They only care about the private interests of their own family and forget the interests of the country.

If the warlords had put aside their disputes earlier and built the country peacefully, why would the situation have come to this?"

Ho Tung was a very intelligent man, and he understood what Bao Guowei said almost immediately.

In an instant, his expression became serious and he spoke seriously.

"This is what my dear brother said in "Island Economics": the economic base determines the superstructure, right?
In order to solve the economic crisis, the Japanese must start a war, otherwise they will be overthrown by their own people.

The Japanese have been eyeing the Northeast for a long time. As long as they can control the Northeast, the Japanese will be able to alleviate their crisis to a certain extent.

Even if the Japanese cabinet advocates peace, the Japanese have always had a tradition of the lower ranks rebelling against the upper ranks.

With the youth power and militarism growing, this war has to be fought! "

Ho Tung has been immersed in the business and political circles for many years, and his vision and knowledge are far beyond that of ordinary people.

He immediately combined the content previously proposed by Bao Guowei and made a very logical analysis.

"That's right." Speaking of this topic, Bao Guowei seemed a little depressed.

He also wanted to say that things would get worse later.

Once Japan's occupation of the Northeast becomes more secure, it will be like entering an uninhabited area if they continue to invade other places.

With the national government's military strength and fighting spirit, in the end most of the country collapsed and even the capital had to be relocated. This has happened in history.

However, such things seem too outrageous to say out loud. Bao Guowei can analyze the future, but he cannot truly predict it.

Run Run Shaw was young and hot-tempered. He became furious immediately. He pounded the table with his fist and spoke loudly.

"The wolfish ambitions of these Japanese are obvious, and they are really hateful and abominable! I just hate these warlords who only care about enjoying themselves and seizing power, and completely ignore the interests of the country!"

Run Run Shaw had already been working in Southeast Asia for many years at a young age. He did not feel anything at home, but when faced with major events at home and abroad, he just felt a sense of depression in his heart.

But after arriving in Southeast Asia, he deeply felt the importance of the country behind him.

Without the support of a powerful country, even the hardworking Chinese people would find it difficult to do business in Southeast Asia, and they even needed to please the British in order to survive there.

In contrast, British businessmen enjoy the convenience brought by the country's strength and have more opportunities and more say.

Even for Americans, Germans, and Japanese, doing business is much easier than for the Chinese and overseas Chinese.

He knew very well that without his country and nation, he would be nothing.

Ho Tung took a deep breath. He realized the seriousness of the matter and believed Bao Guowei's analysis.

"If that day really comes, even though I, Ho Tung, am only half Chinese, I am willing to sacrifice my life to destroy the Japanese's evil ambitions."

Then he narrowed his eyes and said with keen insight.

"Brother, you didn't come here just to tell us these, did you? Or do you have any good ideas for prevention and solution?"

(End of this chapter)