A Kuomintang agent's spy career during the War of Resistance against Japan

Chapter 86 Zhenhua. Cole! You are my dearest nephew, William Huntington Rawls!

Just as Rawls' thoughts were about to slide into an irreversible abyss, Han Zhenhua, who had already considered everything before making the call, spoke up. His voice was calm and sincere, as if he was completely unaware of the turbulent emotions churning within Rawls's heart:

"Mr. Rawls," he smiled, his tone carrying just the right amount of respect and a hint of belated apology, "I think we have achieved amazing results that are enough to change the game."

In retrospect, the agreement we signed earlier... well, it was rather hasty and conservative, with its fixed annual profit-sharing clause, completely fails to reflect the enormous support and crucial role you played in this project.

That was more like an immature, stopgap measure.

He paused for a moment before continuing, "I believe that the part of that agreement regarding profit sharing should be voided immediately."

As the company's most important honorary shareholder and advisor, your right to a 20% equity stake is a perfectly reasonable reward that fully reflects your contributions.

This is the arrangement that is most beneficial to our long-term cooperation.

"What?!" Rawls could hardly believe his ears!

At that moment, his thoughts went from hell to heaven in an instant! The huge psychological gap made him feel dizzy for a moment.

The nascent "conspiracy idea" vanished as quickly as sunlight through fog before it could even take shape, replaced by disbelief, ecstasy, and a touch of... shame.

"Mr. Cole...you...are you telling the truth?" Rawls's voice trembled with excitement.

"Of course, Mr. Rawls." Han Zhenhua's smile remained unchanged, his tone resolute. "Integrity is the foundation of cooperation."

Without your strong support, this project would not have gone so smoothly. This 20% equity stake is rightfully yours.

We have already received initial contact information from Standard Oil and Rockefeller, and we believe their inspection teams will arrive in Alaska soon.

At that time, your opinion will be crucial in how we negotiate with these giants, whether to sell the entire company or to develop it in cooperation. As one of only two shareholders in our company, your opinion will be of paramount importance.

What do you suggest we do next?

Upon hearing Han Zhenhua's words, Rawls's expression instantly became incredibly complex, shifting from astonishment to ecstatic joy. In particular, upon hearing that Han Zhenhua was one of the "only two shareholders," Rawls felt an involuntary sense of pride and responsibility!

Yes, this company is also my company. I am one of the only two shareholders. Soon, soon, I, William Huntington Rolls, will also be one of the top billionaires in the Federation!

Cole Zhenhua and his old friend Lao Lu are truly lucky stars for the Rolls family!

"Cole! My dear...nephew!" Rawls's address instantly became incredibly affectionate. "You're a fine one! Old Mr. Lu was right about you!"

You embody both Eastern wisdom and Western contractual spirit! Mr. Lu Yunsheng and I have a life-or-death bond, practically like brothers!

"You're his junior, and you also share my wife's last name, so you're my junior too! Stop calling me Mr. Rawls, it's too formal! From now on, just call me Uncle William!"

He laughed loudly and said, "If it weren't for my good-for-nothing daughter already being married and having three children, I would definitely marry her to you!"

Ha...we're family! Besides, you and my wife share the same last name, Cole—it's practically God's arrangement!

Han Zhenhua chuckled inwardly; such a quick change of expression—truly befitting a seasoned politician. But on the surface, he maintained a humble and polite smile: "Uncle William, you flatter me. So, regarding the upcoming contacts with the oil giants, what are your thoughts, Uncle?"

Upon hearing the words "only two shareholders" and "brilliant insight," Rawls immediately got into character, his expression becoming serious and shrewd.

He sat back on the sofa, tapping his fingers on the armrest, and said thoughtfully, "Cole, my son, you've hit the nail on the head."

The American oil industry has long been dominated by these giants.

Standard Oil (later Exxon) and other companies influenced by the Rockefeller family monopolized the entire supply chain, from extraction and refining to sales.

"Although we have oil fields, it is almost impossible for us to build a system that can compete with them from scratch. It would be extremely costly, time-consuming, and we would face their full-scale suppression."

Rawls's analysis was insightful, demonstrating his deep understanding of the energy industry: "Therefore, the best strategy is not to compete with them, but to cooperate with them."

They would sell most of the oil field's equity to them in exchange for a huge sum of cash, while retaining a portion of dry shares to enjoy stable future dividends.

In this way, we can immediately obtain substantial wealth while avoiding all development risks, and also enjoy the long-term benefits brought by the oil field without lifting a finger.

Han Zhenhua nodded inwardly. Great minds think alike. It was more convincing when it came from Rawls, an "expert" and "local expert." Moreover, he would work even harder to push it forward for his own benefit.

He immediately showed an admiring expression: "Uncle William, your analysis is so insightful! You hadn't mentioned it, and I've been having a headache about what to do next. I'm good at physics research, but you're the real expert when it comes to all this messy stuff!"

"So, what are our next steps? I'll follow your instructions completely!"

Rawls was even more satisfied to see that Han Zhenhua fully agreed with his plan and put him in full charge, and his mind became even more active.

He suddenly thought of a crucial question, and his expression turned serious: "However, Cole, you should know that these oil giants are not exactly benevolent people."

At the negotiating table, they are gentlemen in suits; behind the table, their methods... Hmph. He snorted coldly, not saying it outright, but the meaning was self-evident.

"We must guarantee absolute security, as well as the immediacy and irreversibility of the transaction." A glint flashed in Rawls' eyes. "So, my wife's brother, who is your... uh, cousin, Jackson Cole, runs a security company called 'Umbrella,' whose business includes high-level personal protection and asset protection."

I immediately ordered him to deploy 50 of his most elite mercenaries to protect our negotiation team throughout the entire process, especially your and my safety!

"In addition, the negotiation venue cannot be located on either party's territory."

Citibank's headquarters in New York boasts some of the world's most secure VIP meeting rooms and financial settlement systems.

I am an old friend of their bank president, Robert Stevenson.

We chose that location for the negotiations, hired Citibank as the intermediary guarantor, and also brought along officials from the Department of Commerce and a recorder.

Once a deal is finalized, funds are transferred instantly through the Citibank system, and we pay a substantial intermediary fee.

With Citibank's reputation backing them up, they wouldn't dare to pull any tricks!

After hearing this, Han Zhenhua felt relieved. Indeed, people only care about their own affairs.

A "protective umbrella" security company? That name is truly... fitting. Citibank's role as a neutral guarantor is also a brilliant idea. This combination of measures maximizes security and transaction reliability.

"Excellent! Uncle William, we'll do as you say!" Han Zhenhua said sincerely. "With your strategic planning, I'm confident that this negotiation will achieve the best possible outcome!"