Reality was starting to set in, and like all economic bubbles before it, China’s delusion was now imploding in on itself. Bursting, and set to leave a wave of destruction in its wake. It was little comfort for Xinzhen knowing his country was not alone. Japan, Europe, Britain, and even the U.S., were all on their own precipice. They had each lost touch with economic reality, but none had matched the sheer insanity of mainland China. Massive amounts of mal-investment had created not just “bridges to nowhere,” but entire ghost cities able to house more than a hundred thousand residents each. Cities which still remained completely empty as though life had simply vanished from within. Built out of a construction mania and funded by government money printing, the looming destruction brought on by China’s frenzy would be epic in every sense of the word.
As Xinzhen studied the city from his pavilion, he tried to imagine what it would look like when the money, and more importantly the confidence, was gone. When all of its citizens rushed for the proverbial “exit” at once.
The collapses of other nations like Argentina and Brazil were already underway and serving as examples of what was to come. Mass shortages of food, energy, and basic staples were already rampant with citizens bartering for any amounts they could find. Pianos traded for crates of toilet paper and televisions traded for personal hygiene products were already common. The shortages in China were going to be just as bad, if not worse.
Xinzhen took a deep breath. As bad as things were about to become, he cared surprisingly little. As part of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, he and the other six members had long been protected by secret plans for their evacuation and survival. They would be whisked out of the city centers to the majestic mountains of Sihanba far to the north, where vast bunkers had been constructed and stockpiled. This would allow China’s elite to survive safely for decades… if only they could live that long.
If the impossible were to be achieved, it had to be done now. Before the technical capability was lost forever. And to do it, Xinzhen was prepared to move Heaven and Earth.
He heard the door open behind him and turned to find his secretary ushering in the man he had been waiting for. Xinzhen watched the man approach through the suite’s grand entryway and stop in the middle of the expansive room. He stood erect as Xinzhen stepped away from the window and crossed the room to meet him, hands still behind his back.
“Agent Qin.”
Li Qin bowed slightly. “Your Eminence. I am honored in your presence.”
Normally Xinzhen would have left him standing, but instead motioned for the man to join him. He then lowered himself onto the wide circular couch.
He watched Qin sit and stared at him. They had never met before, but Xinzhen was well aware of the man’s reputation. As part of the Ministry of State Security agency, Qin was one of the very best the Counterintelligence Bureau had ever seen. He had a keen intellect and an even keener talent for finding those who did not want to be found. And in some cases, those who couldn’t be found by anyone else. Qin’s latest success had been the attainment of details behind China’s recent presidential scandal — one that allowed the committee to oust the one man who dared challenge them, and with little resistance. A solution much preferred over normal methods, which would only attract more attention for the committee. The last thing any of them needed before a revolution.
“Your patriotic work behind Bo Xilai’s treachery has been noticed. And appreciated.”
Qin bowed again. “Thank you. You are very kind.” He was not surprised by the invitation. He’d found more than what he was looking for with Bo Xilai, a man who had risen through the ranks of the Communist Party and been considered a candidate for the next seat in the Standing Committee. But Bo’s corruption ran deep, much deeper than any of them knew. So deep were his indiscretions that Bo had found himself stripped of his titles, assets, and freedom in less than a month.
Xinzhen leaned back gently into the plush couch. “Does it surprise you that I am alone?”
Qin grinned respectfully. “Nothing surprises me, Your Eminence.”
Xinzhen smiled in return. “Of course. Do you know why you’re here?”
“I have only guesses.”
“Humor me.”
Qin briefly scanned the room without moving his head. “The relaxation of security suggests this is not disciplinary related. But the fact that you are alone makes it unlikely to be a congratulatory acknowledgment either. Nor are we meeting in a People’s sanctioned location. I suspect Your Eminence is preparing to assign me a private task of some kind.”
Xinzhen continued observing the man. Qin was purposely meeting his eyes across the table, barely blinking. Something that few would do with the head of the Committee and arguably the most powerful person in China. The man was unafraid, something for which he was known. He was also willing to do whatever it took to succeed. A trait not uncommon within the higher levels of China’s government, but eventually most men had their boundaries. According to his sources, Qin had none.
“What do you know about General Wei?”
If Qin was surprised, he showed no indication.
“General Wei. Highly decorated. Perfect service record over a thirty-year career. A model leader. And a dead one. By suicide two weeks ago.”
“Why did he commit suicide?”
Qin replied carefully. “I’m sure I do not know.”
A trace of Xinzhen’s grin returned. “Of course.” He paused a moment. “Why do you think he killed himself?”
“It is rumored that he was given an important task by the Committee and failed.”
Failed was an understatement. “What do you know of his task?”
“Only that it was in South America. I do not know of what or why. No one does,” he added.
“The truth is, General Wei failed his people worse than any soldier in the history of our great country. A man who will be known as China’s greatest traitor.”
Qin tilted his head slightly but said nothing.
“Wei is the epitome of everything that is wrong with the country and why its demise is assured. In our darkest hour, he was given the highest honor and the most critical mission in China’s history. Yet, instead of honor, he chose secrecy and betrayal of his people and his country. He acted like a capitalist. His treachery has cost our country dearly. He murdered his own men and destroyed our ships. He deceived us from the beginning, then took his own life to keep the truth from his superiors. And still we do not know why.”
Xinzhen took a breath before continuing. “Your talents and your service to China have been exceptionally faithful. You are highly trusted as a man who knows what it takes to maintain that trust. For these reasons, I have chosen you.”
Qin dropped his head. “Thank you, Your Eminence. I am deeply grateful for your words. It would be my honor to serve you in whatever manner I can.”
“Excellent.” Xinzhen stared across the small space with his powerful dark eyes. “You are to find out why. Why Wei chose to desert his country, and most importantly, what he was hiding. What he hides still in death.”
“It will be done, My Eminence. With all of my ability.”
Xinzhen nodded approvingly. “And your communication is to be with me, and me alone.”