One Hundred Thirty-Two: Agreement Reached
"According to our analysis, the Soviets may modify the terms of cooperation you proposed, but the partnership itself should not be an issue. The Soviet economy has been struggling these past few years, and the KGB is facing tight budget constraints. Furthermore, there is a severe shortage of light industrial products within the Soviet Union. This is an excellent opportunity; if the KGB collaborates with you, they will find a way to raise significant operational funds. Most importantly, the Soviet space sector requires your solar cell technology. Since the Soviets are already aware that the Americans are about to obtain these cells from you, I doubt they will be willing to fall behind."
"It doesn't matter if the Soviet KGB suspects our plans targeting them; if they couldn't figure that out, they wouldn't be one of the most capable intelligence agencies in the world. As long as our intelligence officers can maintain contact with the Soviets, we have a chance. As long as they need your technology, we have an opening to continue our infiltration. We don't expect our operatives to achieve immediate, spectacular results; this is a long-term mission. As a powerful neighbor, the Soviet Union will remain for a long time, so we are in no rush," He Kangzhan said, outlining the agency's intentions.
History would prove He Kangzhan's prediction wrong. In eight years, this first and largest socialist state would collapse and cease to exist, replaced by a Russian Federation fully embracing the capitalist path, thereby leaving the United States as the world's sole superpower. Wei Hua knew the course of history, but he kept it to himself; even if he spoke of it, no one would believe him. No one would believe that the greatest socialist state, the nation that had stood against the United States for decades, would vanish in just a few years.
"So, the success of our cooperation depends on the situation in the Soviet Union? If the Soviets agree to my terms, or rather, as long as they agree to trade with me, our cooperation will be established?" Wei Hua asked.
"Yes! As long as your trading company can conduct business with the Soviets, our cooperation will have begun," He Kangzhan confirmed.
"Will the KGB threaten or retaliate against me?" Wei Hua asked again. He did not want his family living under the shadow of KGB threats. While he did not fear the KGB himself, that did not mean his family could be indifferent.
"They shouldn't! The Soviet KGB understands that your trading company operates under the control of your own government, so it is inevitable that intelligence personnel would be among your staff. They shouldn't do anything to you or your family. Besides, we are currently only in the infiltration phase, and the KGB will certainly be on high alert. There won't be any major conflicts between the two sides for now, let alone retaliation," He Kangzhan said, reassuring Wei Hua.
"Very well, then. We shall wait for the Soviet response," Wei Hua said.
In a secret base in Moscow, a group of Soviets was holding a meeting to discuss the terms proposed by Wei Hua. An elderly white man in a general's uniform spoke:
"We must obtain that solar cell technology. We have confirmed intelligence that the Americans are developing the 'Star Wars' program and are preparing to vigorously expand their satellite weaponry. With this solar cell technology of Wei Hua's, the American plan will be completed faster and more effectively! We cannot fall behind. Our intelligence officers in the United States have confirmed that NASA has agreed to purchase solar cells from Wei Hua's company, and his production plant is already under construction. We must accelerate our pace!"
"But what about the conditions Wei Hua proposed? He intends to supply us with solar cells from China. I am concerned that Chinese intelligence will take this opportunity to infiltrate our country," a high-ranking KGB official asked.
"If we want to gain benefits, we must take risks. Hong Kong is British territory; Wei Hua cannot supply us from there. Since he is Chinese, it is inevitable that he will supply us from China. If we want the solar cells and the technology, we must deal with Chinese intelligence. Wei Hua himself cannot control this, and all three parties are well aware of it. We cannot grant his request for free trade rights domestically, but we can establish a trading company specifically to deal with his firm. Wei Hua has his own shipping company, so we can designate a specific area—perhaps a port—for these transactions. Haven't the Chinese already started reforms by creating 'Special Economic Zones'? We can learn from that and establish one of our own. As for the foreign trade company responsible for dealing with Wei Hua, we will leave that to the KGB. In any case, I suspect most of the staff in Wei Hua's company are Chinese intelligence officers. I would like to see which side is more tenacious! If Chinese intelligence can make contact with our people to infiltrate us, can we not do the same and engage in counter-infiltration?" the general continued.
A week later, Basha and her two comrades visited Wei Hua at Qiyuan. Wei Hua received the revised cooperation agreement from the KGB. The Soviet KGB would establish a trading company solely responsible for trade with Wei Hua's firm. A specific pier and warehouse in the port of Vladivostok would be designated for Wei Hua's exclusive use, and his staff would be restricted to activities within the city of Vladivostok. Wei Hua's company would provide solar cells according to the specifications provided by the KGB. The Soviet side placed no restrictions on the scope of business for Wei Hua's company. Wei Hua agreed to the modified terms, and the partnership was officially established.