"Mom, I just heard from the neighbors—Dad got promoted to a higher level?" Zhao Dong asked, surprised.
"Yes," Li Meizhu replied with a chuckle, "he was promoted to deputy minister. But he doesn't have a concurrent post in the ministry, so it's really just a title. Doesn't mean much."
"Nonsense!" The old man snorted. "Last year, he was just a deputy director, and now he's jumped two levels? That's too fast. You want him to fly? If you climb too fast, you fall just as fast."
"You're right, Dad, you're right," Meizhu said quickly, bowing her head in agreement before flashing a playful face at Zhao Dong and Lindsay behind the old man's back, making both of them fight back a laugh.
Then the old man changed the subject.
"Dongdong, your dad might be transferred out of the public security system."
Zhao Dong raised an eyebrow. "But he's been in the army for 20 years. If he's not in public security, what's next? National security?"
The old man chuckled and pointed a finger at Zhao Dong. "You and your wife have built a massive empire in the U.S. The amount of money you're handling—some say it rivals the nation's entire foreign exchange reserves. What do you think the higher-ups want your dad to do?"
"…Manage the purse?" Zhao Dong blurted.
The old man didn't answer directly. "We'll see. He'll talk to you himself when he gets back."
---
A while later, Meilin arrived, having arranged bodyguards. As Lindsay's personal assistant, she naturally moved in with the Zhao family.
More than an hour passed. The sky darkened. Zhao Zhenguo finally returned in the old Santana Zhao Dong had bought for him.
"Dad, you're back!" Zhao Dong and Lindsay stood up to greet him.
"Yeah," Zhao Zhenguo nodded, about to say something when Zhao Dacheng came running in.
"Dad! I've been waiting! The neighbors are all hungry. Food's on the table!"
"Alright, let's go," Zhao Zhenguo waved, helping the old man and old lady stand. They were still strong and spry despite their age.
---
Just a short walk from the alley, the local restaurant was buzzing with energy. With 20 to 30 tables packed full, the evening felt like a community festival.
By the time Zhao Dong and the others returned home, it was already after 8 p.m.
"Zhao Dong, you and Weiwei come over once you've freshened up," Zhao Zhenguo called.
"Got it," Zhao Dong replied.
After a quick wash, Zhao Dong and Lindsay made their way to the left wing of the house—Zhao Zhenguo's personal study.
Inside, the room was simple. Shelves of books lined the wall, and an old desk sat under a dusty lamp. Li Meizhu entered with a tray of fruit tea, set it down, and quietly left.
Zhao Zhenguo sipped tea in silence, clearly debating how to start.
Zhao Dong couldn't wait.
"Dad, Grandpa said you might be moved out of the public security system. Where are they planning to send you?"
Zhao Zhenguo glanced at him, then shook his head. "It's not confirmed yet."
"What do the higher-ups want?" Zhao Dong pressed.
"Let's not talk about me. Let's talk about your business," his father replied, waving him off.
"They want to know?" Zhao Dong asked.
Zhao Zhenguo nodded.
Zhao Dong understood. Storm Capital, the firm he and Lindsay controlled, had their hands on a financial behemoth—money flowing through U.S. markets at scales that dwarfed China's foreign reserves. In a developing country starved for capital, the government couldn't ignore that.
He began explaining the rise of Storm, from its registration to the evacuation plan currently underway, touching on how the Southeast Asian financial crisis had reshaped their approach.
Zhao Zhenguo said nothing, but his eyes betrayed his shock.
His son and daughter-in-law had only been abroad for a few years… and now they were managing capital flows that rivaled national reserves?
It was hard to wrap his head around it.
"Dad," Zhao Dong added at the end, "the money in Storm doesn't all belong to us. We've already redeemed hundreds of billions in assets. In time, the rest will be withdrawn too. The whole fund will be dissolved."
"What?" Zhao Zhenguo sat up. "Why disband? That's hundreds of billions! Why not bring it home and invest it here? The country needs money!"
Zhao Dong shook his head. "That's not how it works. These funds chase short-term returns. If we try to redirect that capital into domestic industries, it would trigger automatic redemption protocols. That collapse would take Storm down instantly."
Zhao Zhenguo sighed heavily, his expression deflated.
"I thought... we all thought you could control those funds."
Lindsay reached over and held Zhao Dong's hand.
"Dad," she said gently, "don't worry. Dongdong and I are planning to launch a major commercial investment bank in Hong Kong. Once it's running, we'll be able to attract long-term capital—real investment money—for China."
Zhao Zhenguo's eyes lit up. "You're opening a bank?"
"You're... opening a bank?"
The words hung in the air. He blinked in disbelief. A private bank?
"Dad, there was CITIC back in 1987. Why are you so surprised?" Zhao Dong smiled.
"That's CITIC! That's state-owned! A commercial bank run by the government!" Zhao Zhenguo snapped. "You're talking about private banking... capitalist banking in the country…"
He stopped, rubbed his forehead, then asked urgently, "You really think people will deposit money into a private bank in Hong Kong?"
Zhao Dong laughed, quickly explaining, "We won't take deposits or give loans. It's not a retail bank. We're just raising investment capital. Same model as Storm, but broader, longer-term focused, and with more global influence."
Zhao Zhenguo leaned in, intense. "How much can you raise? I mean… how much money can you pull in?"
Zhao Dong's answer dropped like a bomb.
"We're aiming to raise over 300 billion U.S. dollars."
"What?!"
Zhao Zhenguo almost choked on his tea.
That number was more than the country's total foreign exchange reserves.
"Can you really raise that much money? Why would anyone believe you?" Zhao Zhenguo asked, clearly puzzled.
Lindsay gave a confident smile. "Dad, our Storm Fund is currently the top-performing investment firm on Wall Street. We've built a strong reputation—people are lining up to invest. We don't take just any client."
"You're still being picky?" Zhao Zhenguo frowned. "Didn't you just say you had redemptions in the tens of billions? That sounds like people are pulling their money out."
Zhao Dong leaned forward, explaining casually, "That's because we're planning to exit the U.S. stock market. Most investors are still bullish on it—they think there's more room to rise. Since we're moving in the opposite direction, it triggered some redemptions. But don't worry about it, Dad. It's complicated—if I explained it all, you wouldn't get it anyway."
Zhao Zhenguo glared, but after a moment of silence, he nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But what if you lose money? Are you supposed to cover it yourself?"
Zhao Dong laughed. "No way. If the fund underperforms, our reputation takes a hit, sure—but the gains and losses are all on the investors."
Zhao Zhenguo finally breathed a little easier. "Alright, that's good."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "Tell me more about this commercial investment bank you're planning to set up. Why in Gangcheng? Why not Beijing? It's not like we don't have commercial banks in China. There are plenty."
Zhao Dong nodded, already prepared for this. "Dad, the current banks here are all state-owned or collectively managed. Ours is going to be a fully private commercial investment bank. The capital comes entirely from overseas. The domestic financial system isn't fully open yet—if we set up in Beijing, how would we get the money in?"
Zhao Zhenguo was stunned again. This was clearly beyond his understanding. "Then can't you at least open a representative office here? I thought you said you were going to invest in China?"
"I'd love to, Dad," Zhao Dong replied quickly. "But the policies don't allow it yet. I've been wanting to open a domestic branch. If you can help talk to someone higher up, maybe we can get it approved?"
"Not allowed?" Zhao Zhenguo muttered, scratching his head. "You'd better speak to Mr. Zhu about this."
"Mr. Zhu?" Zhao Dong blinked. "You mean the one who was officially promoted last year?"
"Of course. Who else?" Zhao Zhenguo said impatiently. "Number Two. Go talk to him."
"Perfect timing," Zhao Dong said. "Our team's already in Hong Kong. A few hundred people. We're about to launch the bank."
"So soon?" Zhao Zhenguo stood up abruptly, his expression serious. "Alright. I'm going to see Mr. Zhu now. You two come with me."
"Tonight?" Zhao Dong was surprised.
"Time waits for no one."
Without waiting for a response, Zhao Zhenguo was already out the door.
Zhao Dong laughed and pulled Lindsay along. "Let's go."
"Where are you going?" Li Meizhu called out from the hallway, stepping out in her slippers.
"It's important, don't worry about it," Zhao Zhenguo replied, already stepping into the car and switching on the headlights, flooding the courtyard with light.
"The kids just got back and haven't even rested yet…" she muttered under her breath.
"Mom, where's Dad taking them?" Zhao Dacheng came out as well, looking curious.
"They've got business to take care of. Why are you asking so many questions?" she snapped.
"Mom, I'm the head of Dongcheng Base. Thousands of national team athletes are training under me. My responsibility is sky-high. The future of China's sports industry depends on me!"
"Get lost!" Li Meizhu glared at him. "Don't think I don't know what you're really doing. You barely show up to Dongcheng. You're always hanging around with that group of freeloaders in the compound. And that ridiculous film company? Hanging out with female celebrities every day—what exactly are you trying to achieve? Look at your brother. He's on his way to see Mr. Zhu!"
"Mom, I'm hanging out with guys like Jiang Wen, Wang Shuo, Cheng Kai, Ma Modu—how are they freeloaders?" Zhao Dacheng tried to defend himself.
"Oh, please. Talented people from our compound—how many of them are in that circle? Ma Modu and Cheng Kai? They're from your father's generation. What are they even doing now? Hanging around with you? That's what elders do now?"
"…Yeah, I guess not," Zhao Dacheng admitted, scratching his head.
"With your family background and your younger brother backing you financially, those guys don't even dare act senior around you."
She wasn't wrong.
"Exactly! So shut down that dumb company of yours and do something real. Stop fooling around."
"Mom, you're looking down on the arts! Jiang Wen and the others are passionate about film!"
"Passionate because they can't do real business," she snorted.
---
Three in the Morning
By the time Zhao Dong and the others got back, it was past 3 a.m.
"Finally home," Zhao Dong yawned.
The lights in the house were still on.
"Mom, you're still up?" he asked.
"You think I could sleep? It's your dad's fault. You just got back and haven't even adjusted to jet lag, and he drags you out all night."
She completely ignored her son and pulled Lindsay into the house. "Come inside, sweetheart. Forget your father."
"I'm fine, Mom," Lindsay smiled warmly. "I slept on the plane."
"Wash up. I'll make dumplings. Water's already boiling."
"You're the best," Zhao Dong said with a grin. "We just drank water at Mr. Zhu's. Not even a snack."
"If you're drinking tea at his place, that's already an honor," Zhao Zhenguo snorted.
"Please, Dad," Zhao Dong said as he kicked off his shoes. "Next year I'm bringing in hundreds of billions in foreign investment. If Mr. Zhu doesn't invite me to a state banquet, I'm never letting it go."
Zhao Zhenguo sat down, still in disbelief. "You bring in tens of billions, and he'll throw you a state banquet every single day."
Zhao Dong smirked. "We've already brought in more than that. At this rate, I'll be tired of attending state banquets!"
"You guys?" Zhao Zhenguo froze.
He had always assumed it was other people's money, that his son was just playing middleman. Tens of billions of dollars? In today's China, that was enough to rival a small nation.
He couldn't even imagine what a pile of money like that would look like—probably as tall as Mount Xiangshan.
"Hehe, Mom, look!"
Lindsay tugged on Li Meizhu's sleeve just as she was about to boil dumplings, and excitedly pulled a card and a document from her handbag.
"Weiwei, is this yours?"
Li Meizhu took the items and glanced at them. Her eyes immediately widened in shock. The name on the ID card read Liu Wei, Han nationality, residence listed as Beijing. The document accompanying it was none other than a Chinese household registration booklet.
"Hmm…"
Lindsay nodded eagerly, her eyes squinting from excitement. She looked at Zhao Dong with a proud smile. "Special approval, Mom! I officially share the same household registration as Dongdong now!"
"You didn't already?"
Li Meizhu was a bit confused. Her daughter-in-law had multiple nationalities—how could the authorities allow that?
"They said it was a special case so I could legally work in China," Lindsay whispered, lowering her voice. "Opening a private investment bank here requires local credentials. How could a foreigner open one in China? But keep it quiet."
Zhao Zhenguo leaned in, gently reminding her.
"Got it."
Li Meizhu nodded quickly, a wide smile on her face.
After enjoying a bowl of dumplings together, the family called it a night and went to rest.
This visit to Mr. Zhu had proven incredibly fruitful for Zhao Dong and Lindsay.
Mr. Zhu had given them the green light to establish the first fully private commercial investment bank in China—a bold and unprecedented move. It would set a major precedent in the country's financial system, something that required both political will and serious economic consideration.
Unlike their original plan, however, the headquarters would be located in Beijing, with branches in Hong Kong. Capital would flow through those branches into the headquarters, and special national-level channels would be opened to accommodate them.
Why had Mr. Zhu agreed to such a bold move?
Simple. The funds Zhao Dong and Lindsay were bringing in were massive—a scale critical to China's current development stage.
Even more importantly, the money they intended to raise wasn't just personal. Their network reached top-tier European consortiums, with even some sovereign funds in the mix. The global connections they would build and the influence they'd carry were vital as China looked toward joining the World Trade Organization (WTO).
That said, everything was still theoretical. The Storm Fund was being dissolved, and the new fund was still a concept on paper.
Mr. Zhu made it clear: Only if Zhao Dong and Lindsay successfully raised at least $10 billion USD would the government fulfill the promised conditions.
Of course, to them, that wasn't a challenge at all. They already had more than $10 billion in liquid cash sitting in Hong Kong.
---
The next morning, Lindsay stayed home to revise their proposal.
Zhao Dong, on the other hand, took Zhao Dacheng with him to visit the Dongcheng Base.
Most of their bodyguards remained behind. In China, they weren't really needed. The main reason Zhao Dong brought so many of them was for their eventual trip to Hong Kong.
The original Dongcheng Base had already been shut down. They were now headed to the New Dongcheng Base, located within Beijing's Third Ring Road, not far from their home. It was the most state-of-the-art, comprehensive sports training and rehabilitation facility in all of China—possibly the most advanced of its kind in the world.
While the entire complex wasn't fully operational yet, the main buildings were already completed. Some were still undergoing renovations, others were getting their equipment installed, but a majority of the base was up and running.
The parking lot was outside the facility. Vehicles weren't allowed to drive directly in.
After parking, the two of them made their way to the entrance.
"Whoa, is that who I think it is? No way—Zhao Dong is back!"
"Ha! Jackpot! We just caught the biggest fish in Chinese basketball!"
A crowd of reporters stationed outside spotted Zhao Dong and immediately swarmed him like bees to honey.
"..."
Liu Yumin, who had been waiting to greet them, was stuck on the other side of the crowd, completely helpless.
"Director Liu!" Zhao Dong waved as he tried to wrap up a few quick answers. After a short round of questions, he politely ended the mini-press conference and walked over to Liu Yumin.
"Zhao Dong, congratulations! Three straight NBA championships—that's a dynasty right there!" Liu Yumin beamed as he shook hands.
"Thank you! You don't have to be so formal, Director Liu. Just wait inside next time," Zhao Dong chuckled.
"I just got here," Liu Yumin laughed back.
The three of them walked into the facility together, as the security staff held off the press.
Liu Yumin turned to Zhao Dacheng and said jokingly, "Boss Zhao, I haven't been here in a few days. Everything's running smoothly, but you've really just handed everything off to me, huh?"
Zhao Dacheng waved it off. "I don't understand sports science, and I don't need this to make money. You've got the experience, and my brother said it too: amateurs shouldn't interfere with professionals. If I got involved and started giving random orders, I'd probably mess everything up."
Liu Yumin then looked at Zhao Dong. "Your brother's a real hands-off investor. But this is a massive project. The General Administration wants me to temporarily take charge of the base's management. What do you think, Zhao Dong?"
Zhao Dong nodded. "Director Liu, how about this? Let's make it official. Treat this base as a joint venture between us and the state. That way it's aboveboard."
Liu Yumin smiled wryly. "But the amount you've invested already—it's in the tens of millions of dollars. The General Administration doesn't have that kind of funding."
Zhao Dong waved it off. "Consider it my contribution to China's sports development. Besides, this base takes up hundreds of acres in central Beijing. That land alone is a massive national investment. This shouldn't be my solo project—it's a shared investment. I'm not trying to profit off the country."
"…Then, I'll report it to my superiors?"
"Go for it."
---
Past the front gate, they entered a lush forested area. Following a stone path through the trees, they reached a massive open field. A plastic running track surrounded the central field, with various new buildings along the sides. The whole area felt wide, modern, and full of potential.
It was just after 9 a.m., and the playground was already buzzing with activity. Athletes of all types were training under the morning sun.
Zhao Dong's gaze drifted to a young man sprinting through hurdle drills in the distance.
"…That's…" he muttered, almost blurting it out.
Liu Xiang?
---
(End of Chapter)
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