——That night, Chaozhou Hotel Chaozhou Hotel is a Cantonese restaurant. The architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties complements this Chinatown.
Jiang Cheng waited in the box for a while and then saw Situ Jin walking in with an old man. The old man had sharp eyes, fair hair and a boyish face. He looked like a practicing martial artist at first glance.
Jiang Cheng quickly raised his hand and said hello. Situ Meitang was a little surprised when he saw Jiang Cheng. Although he knew Jiang Cheng was a young man, he didn't expect him to be so young.
After five tastes of food, three rounds of wine.
After the two talked about strange things in China and the United States, Jiang Cheng first spoke about the topic, "I heard rumors that the current President Roosevelt has some friendship with the old man. I don't know if it is true or not?"
Only then did Situ Meitang know what the reason for asking him was, and he said, "It is true. President Roosevelt did not leave us until he became governor. This is also a well-known thing, what? Your Weihua Company has something to do."
Want to see President Roosevelt?"
Jiang Cheng shook his head and said, "If it were my personal matter, why would I trouble the old man? Actually, I came to the United States this time, firstly for the establishment of our Weihua branch, and also for the purpose of hoping that the American government can support China against Japan.
It would be best to use loans to support China with a batch of weapons that China urgently needs."
Situ Meitang asked strangely, "Why are you, Jiang Cheng, from the government?"
Jiang Cheng nodded and shook his head and said, "I can't say completely, but I did hold a military rank and now serve the National Government. After all, there are some things that it is easier for businessmen to talk about..."
Situ Meitang nodded and said, "Then can I ask first, what are you going to talk about with President Roosevelt?"
Jiang Cheng thought for a while and said, "Three requirements. First, we hope that the U.S. government will give us a loan, which requires at least 30 million U.S. dollars. We will use all the money from the loan to buy American products in the United States; second, we want to buy some American products."
Military equipment, especially weapons. Of course, it would be better if it is industrial equipment; thirdly, we hope to hire some American skilled workers and even engineers to work in China. After all, our industry in China is too weak and technology
There is too much shortage of workers. Although we have introduced a large number of workers in Germany, American industry also has advantages. It is best that in the end, our Chinese industry can combine the strengths of all countries."
Situ Meitang listened to the applause and said, "I have been in contact with many White Party members. Most of them hold the idea that it is better to buy than to build, and to rent is worse than buying. I didn't expect that you, a young man, would actually have the idea of developing our own national industry. Yes, yes, well, I will help you with this. However, let me say it beforehand. Roosevelt is no longer the young man he was back then. He is now the President of the United States. Although he still remembers his friendship with me, this This kind of international affairs cannot be decided by feelings. Whether it succeeds or fails depends on you."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Cheng stood up, drank all the wine and said, "Thank you very much, Mr. Situ. If everything comes true, I will thank you very much."
Situ Meitang listened to the cane hitting the ground and said, "Do you want me to give you a gift? If you have the money, you might as well buy me some guns and give me a good entertainment for the Japanese. I heard that the Japanese have started to attack in Shanghai recently."
It’s a military exercise.”
Jiang Cheng had never heard the news before, so he turned around and opened his eyes and said, "What? Huang Biao, come here."
Huang Biao twitched the corner of his mouth, moved over step by step, and said angrily, "Master, is something wrong?"
Jiang Cheng stared at Huang Biao fiercely and said, "What is going on? Why didn't I receive the news? What is the situation in Shanghai now?"
Huang Biao was so stared at that he almost knelt down and said aggrievedly, "It's Master Yu and Boss Du who said, don't let me tell you, my boss, you are working for the country now, you can't be distracted, and there are people in Shanghai."
They'll take care of it and nothing big will happen."
Jiang Cheng was so angry that he didn't know what to say. Indeed, in this era, military exercises by foreign troops on Chinese soil had become commonplace in the Republic of China. Even the National Government was too lazy to say a word. It would be of no use anyway, but Jiang Cheng knew that,
This is 1937, and a full-scale war between China and Japan may break out at any time, especially in history. The July 7th Incident broke out under the guise of missing soldiers during military exercises. Although Jiang Cheng did not believe that history would change so easily, he still had
One.
Jiang Cheng said sternly, "Get up first. How old is this? Immediately send a message to Mr. Du and ask them to closely monitor every move of the Japanese army, especially in the transportation of ammunition. If any abnormality is found, immediately ask Mr. Du to send a message to Nanjing."
——No, you'd better send me a message first, it shouldn't be so fast, it shouldn't be." Jiang Cheng calmed down and remembered that Japan is still in the midst of Sato diplomacy. As long as the skin of Sato diplomacy is not torn off for a day, the Japanese army will
Probably not so soon.
Situ Meitang guessed a little after listening to Jiang Cheng's words and asked, "Do you think those little devils are going to harm China again?"
Jiang Cheng shook his head and nodded and said, "Probably not yet, but soon. Mr. Situ, please contact President Roosevelt as soon as possible. We must convince President Roosevelt before the delegation comes to buy time. Time is more precious than gold now. We
China is not ready for anything yet.”
Situ Meitang nodded and said, "Okay, I will contact President Roosevelt immediately."
At this moment, on the other side of the United States, a naughty young lady disguised as a man was furious. This person was none other than Kong Xiangxi’s second daughter, the famous Second Miss Kong—Kong Lingwei. Kong Lingwei smoked a cigar and faced the two Americans opposite.
The businessman shouted, "I don't care. If you want me to buy your product, you must lower the price from 100,000 to 80,000. You should know that this is an order from a country, and it is a country like China that basically imports all weapons.
And this time we want to buy 50 aircraft at once. You all know the current economic situation. If you think about it again, your profits will be unbelievable."
The two Americans opposite looked at each other, and one of them said, "Kong - Mr. Kong, 100,000 yuan for our aircraft is already the lowest price, and it cannot be lowered. We understand that China wants to get high-quality and low-cost weapons.
We also cherish our friendship with China. But business still has to be about profit."
Kong Lingjun chuckled and said, "Then you have to use your ingenuity. I just want a cheap plane."
The American also wanted to persuade Kong Lingjun not to be crazy. The price of Hawker 3 was there, and it couldn't be one-third cheaper. Suddenly he was stopped by another American. The American smiled and said, "We understand what Mr. Kong means."
, please rest assured that the 50 Hawker 3s you want will be sold to your country at a price of 80,000, and the price of 100,000 will be written on the invoice. By doing this, can we gain Mr. Kong's friendship?"
Kong Lingjun's face turned red with excitement, and he smiled and said, "You're not bad, you're very smart, eh. If we in the Republic of China still need airplanes in the future, we will continue to consider your company." After saying that, he smoked a cigar and shook his body and walked out.
.
The American who was initially stopped said excitedly, "Jim, are you crazy? How can we make any money with a price of 20,000? Let me see how you explain it to the boss."
The American laughed loudly and said, "Lao Bo, do you know why you haven't climbed to a high position in more than 20 years? You are just too dull. Haven't you seen it yet? That guy who doesn't know whether he is a boy or a girl just
If he wants a rebate, he doesn't care about the quality of the aircraft. The most valuable thing about the aircraft is the engine. We can just replace the original 1,000-horsepower latest engine with an 800-horsepower second-hand engine for him. Not only does he make a fortune,
We also disposed of used goods, and the boss praised us for not being able to do it in time."
Lao Bo was dumbfounded and said, "Is this appropriate?"
Jim shook his head and said, "That yellow-skinned monkey doesn't care about himself, so what do we care about? That's it, let's go, let's go back and report to the boss."
The relationship between Situ Meitang and Roosevelt was indeed very good. After being invited by Situ Meitang, Roosevelt agreed to attend the banquet that night the next day.
That night at the Chaozhou Hotel, Jiang Cheng and Situ Meitang were waiting at the door early. After a while, a black car was sandwiched by several cars of the same model and came to the door of the hotel. The bodyguard opened the door for Roosevelt. This was Jiang
Cheng once again saw the great man of this era. Roosevelt's legs and feet could no longer walk at this time. He was pushed out of the car by a woman in a wheelchair. The word "disabled but strong" could not be more suitable for Roosevelt.
When Roosevelt saw Situ Meitang, he shouted happily, "Oh, Mr. Situ, your body is still so strong. I seem to have seen a mighty lion."
Situ Meitang laughed loudly and said, "This sentence seems to be what you said when we first met more than ten years ago when you saw me practicing martial arts. After so many years, I have already become old. Come on, please come in."
In order to take care of Roosevelt, this banquet was placed in a box on the first floor. The woman accompanying Roosevelt sat down next to Roosevelt. Roosevelt looked at Jiang Cheng and said, "Mr. Situ, won't you introduce me to this young man?"
people?"
Situ Meitang blinked and asked, "Roosevelt, do you still remember penicillin?"
Upon hearing this, Roosevelt raised his thumbs up seriously and said, "This is the greatest contribution you Chinese have made to the world in modern times. Of course I know it."
Situ Meitang nodded and pointed at Jiang Cheng and said, "This is Jiang Cheng, the representative sent by Weihua Company to open a branch. Jiang Cheng, this is President Roosevelt, and this is Mrs. Anna."
Jiang Cheng stood up and shook hands with Roosevelt and his wife."
Roosevelt said happily, "Your Weihua Company is willing to open a branch in the United States? Where are you going to build the factory?"
Jiang Cheng shook his head and said, "Our factory is not moving here, we are just transporting the products for sale." Situ Jin was translating in real time.
Roosevelt was a little disappointed, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he changed the subject and said, "Well, it seems that Mr. Situ came to me this time not only to reminisce about old times, but because of you. I wonder if Weihua Company needs any help in the United States?"
"
Jiang Cheng smiled and said, "Mr. President, you're welcome. We haven't encountered any difficulties for the time being. We came to you because we have other important matters. However, the chefs in the backyard have been working hard all day. Let's taste the fruits of their labor first."
Let’s talk about those annoying things later.”
Situ Meitang also smiled and said, "That's right, after we finish chatting and the dishes are cold, come and serve them."
Chaozhou cuisine, referred to as Chaozhou cuisine, is called "Daleng" in Hong Kong. It is an important part of the traditional food culture of the Han nationality. Chaozhou cuisine can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. After the prosperous Tang Dynasty, it developed rapidly due to the influence of Central Plains cooking techniques. To this day, Chaozhou cuisine Cantonese cuisine has developed into one of my country's famous dishes with unique trendy cultural characteristics and is well-known at home and abroad. It belongs to Cantonese cuisine among the eight major cuisines in China.
Watching the colorful dishes coming one after another, Roosevelt smiled and said to Anna while eating, "This kind of dishes reminds me of my lawyer days. Now it is not as interesting to speak for the weak as it was before. At that time, I was
Several lawyers were so angry that they could not speak."
Situ Meitang also laughed and pulled Jiang Cheng and said, "President Roosevelt did a lot for us Chinese back then. Many people in Anliangtang were saved by the president."
While talking about the past and interesting things from all over the world, the guests enjoyed themselves for a while.
When they were almost done eating, Jiang Cheng felt it was time to get down to business and said, "President Roosevelt, I have three unkind requests for this visit. I hope President Roosevelt can consider them."
Roosevelt put down a piece of unicorn abalone slices, made a face at Anna and said, "I knew this meal would not be that easy to eat, young man, just tell me."
Jiang Cheng said, "Our National Government hopes that the United States will consider giving us interest-free or low-interest loans. All the proceeds will be used to purchase American products. Secondly, we hope to purchase some weapons and equipment from your country. Finally, our factories lack skilled workers.
, we hope to recruit some American workers to work in China."
Roosevelt nodded and said, "There is no problem with this. As long as you can convince some banks and workers, our government will not stand in your way."
Jiang Cheng shook his head and said, "Our government went to seek help from banks, but no bank was willing to lend us money, so we hope the U.S. government can give us some help."
Roosevelt thought for a moment and smiled and said, "Do you want our government to put pressure on the banks?"
Jiang Cheng also smiled and said, "What the heck, ours is a national loan, so our credit should be relatively strong, right? In fact, it is also profitable for the bank."
Roosevelt asked, "Is there any reason you can convince me?"
Jiang Cheng nodded and said, "Of course, because China and the United States have a common enemy, don't we?"
Roosevelt looked at Jiang Cheng and smiled and said, "Do you know what the trade volume between the United States and Japan is? What is the industrial gap between the United States and Japan? How can Japan deal with the United States? I don't think I have enough reasons to persuade Congress to support China.
.”
Jiang Cheng smiled and said, "But it is because the economic relationship between the United States and Japan is too close. Japan is an island country, but it is very ambitious. Japan itself does not have many strategic materials, so it continues to invade and expand abroad. How can such a country be willing to put its own throat to the sword?"
How about handing over the rope to the United States? When Japan succeeds in its aggression against China, it will definitely turn its fangs towards the United States."
Roosevelt lowered his head and thought for a while and said, "Do you know the Pittman Resolution? This resolution prohibits the United States from exporting weapons, equipment and credit during war, and the "cash and carry" clause, which is valid for two years, authorizes me, the president, to request
The belligerent countries where the United States purchases non-military supplies pay cash and ship them on their own ships. I would like to know if China has the transportation capabilities?"
Jiang Cheng said seriously, "This bill will become the last bill that should not exist and will be remembered forever. This bill is completely connivance to the invaders."
Roosevelt shook his head and said, "It's a pity that this resolution already exists. I can help China obtain loans, but I can't do anything about whether the things you buy can be shipped to China." Jiang Cheng thought for a while, if it is a large amount of weapons and equipment,
He couldn't bring much with him at all. When the war started, I'm afraid he only had a space with a radius of more than 6 meters. These tanks would be gone. He would definitely not be able to transport heavy weapons and the like by himself. Jiang Cheng looked at Situ Meitang in embarrassment.
, Situ Meitang sighed and said, "Roosevelt, can you think of other ways? My country is being invaded. As a big country, the United States should shoulder its due responsibilities."
Roosevelt thought to himself, why doesn't he want to participate more in international affairs? The United States is now the world's largest industrial country, but internationally, not only is it comparable to Britain, the empire on which the sun never sets, it is even inferior to France. When will international affairs happen?
Disputes, those people are running to the UK and France to lead the United States out of the economic crisis. Of course they are not satisfied with this situation, but the current national political atmosphere really does not allow them to do anything, even if they
Not even Roosevelt. What's more, the country's economy is also a big problem now, and it's really hard to do all the work.
Roosevelt said, "I'm sorry, although I am the president, I can't go against the decision of Congress. I can only help you convince the bankers. But bank loans require your mortgage. I wonder what you have to mortgage? Do you want it?"
The loan is not a small amount, right?"
Jiang Cheng said awkwardly, "We need a loan of at least 30 million US dollars, and we hope it is a credit loan."
Roosevelt looked at Jiang Cheng and asked, "You mean you don't have anything as collateral?"
Jiang Cheng smiled bitterly and said, "President Roosevelt, you also know that the only thing China can offer is minerals and agricultural products. You in the United States have so much of these things that they are dumped into the river. Bankers don't like other things either.
"
Roosevelt thought for a moment and said, "I'll try my best to help you, but don't have high hopes."
Jiang Cheng nodded and said, "Please, Mr. President. In addition, I want to talk about my personal matters."
Roosevelt blinked and said, "It must be Weihua Company's business. Don't worry, I will take care of you."
Jiang Cheng nodded and said, "It's mainly a matter of tariffs. Our things cannot go through customs due to some special reasons, but we will declare customs and pay taxes in time. I hope Mr. President can help."
Roosevelt thought to himself, is the penicillin factory of Weihua Company located in the United States? However, the price of penicillin is so high, it is a source of tax, and he needs to investigate secretly. But he promised, "As long as you declare customs and pay tax on time,
This is not a big problem, but I will have people check it from time to time. I hope your company will never betray my trust."
Jiang Cheng quickly thanked him. Roosevelt was indeed a lawyer, and his witty conversation made everyone laugh from time to time. Soon the pleasant banquet was over.
After the banquet, Jiang Cheng found Wang Zhengting. Wang Zhengting was looking at the stars in the sky. When he saw Jiang Cheng, he smiled and said, "Well, it's like what I said. The United States is a place that only cares about interests. We in China can't do anything about it."
Give them benefits, and the Japanese can. The Japanese import a large amount of American supplies every year, and the United States will not help us so easily."
Jiang Cheng sighed and said, "Although Roosevelt said it more euphemistically, I heard that according to what he meant, it would not be easy for us to get a loan."
Wang Zhengting looked at the starry sky and said, "Weak countries have no diplomacy. Our country is too weak. We are so weak that even powerful countries are not willing to take a look at us. Golden ten years? Lost the golden ten years of Northeast and North China? I don't know whether it is an achievement or a ridicule."
"
As a person from the future, Jiang Cheng actually despises this golden decade in which the final steel output could not even match that of the late Qing Dynasty. However, in this era, many people are complacent about the achievements of these ten years, but Wang Zhengting, as a Republican
It is really surprising that a diplomat said such a thing.
Jiang Cheng said, "Does the prince think that the golden ten years are not worthy of the name?"
Wang Zhengting looked at Jiang Cheng and asked, "Do you think China has really stood up in these precious ten years?"
Jiang Cheng didn't want to talk about these things too deeply. After all, Wang Zhengting was a government diplomat. He shook his head and said, "Those are things in the past. Let's do our things first. Your Majesty, Roosevelt has already said that he will try his best to help."
, now it’s up to you to take action and talk to the bankers one by one to see if any bank is willing to provide us with some loans.”
Wang Zhengting nodded and said, "Okay, I, a traitor, will do something for the country. I hope everything goes well."
Jiang Cheng looked at the gray-haired Wang Zhengting and said, "My lord, the world will give you a fair evaluation."
Wang Zhengting smiled and shook his hand, "It doesn't matter. As long as we in China can really stand up one day and diplomats like me can speak louder one day, it doesn't matter what happens."
Jiang Cheng looked at Wang Zhengting, looking at the starry sky and wondering what he was thinking——
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