Tiny Holes: The Eighty-Five Million Dollar Deal

By Young Park

It was the deal that comes once in a lifetime. He is asked to go to China to find the contact who could make it all happen. Millions of dollars are at stake and there are Arab Princes, big investors from Canada and the US, American spies, and Chinese power brokers involved. Finding the right contact involves calling in personal debts and favors.

His return to China revives old issues and creates new ones. He must deal with a moneylender and buy a woman to free her from bondage. He takes a detour on his way to Beijing to visit BJ in Harbin. At the Canton Fair he meets again with Megan and he promises to take Yasha to Vietnam.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Feb 9, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450204873

Young Park

Young Park has spent over fifty years in education and as an international business consultant in countries through the world. Based on his experiences, Park has written seven books, Korea and the Imperialists, The Life and Times of a Hyphenated American, Shootout at Grove Street, The Korean from America, Tiny Holes, and Choices. This is his seventh book.

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Copyright © 2010 Young Park

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-4502-0488-0 (pbk)

ISBN: 978-1-4502-0487-3 (ebook)

Universe rev. date: 02/03/2010

CONTENTS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

FOR

Carolyn

Acknowledgement: Henri and his story

1

It was warming up when I left Harbin. The temperature had risen to five below freezing. Snow and ice covered the landscape but the sun was out and the sky was clear. Soon, when we fly over central China, the weather and everything else will change. It’ll be eighty degrees in south China. I’ll be back in Guangzhou where it all started eight months ago. December is a nice month to be in Guangzhou and even better to be in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a unique Asian culture with lots of colored lights that form Yule designs on all the buildings. Christmas is coming.

The year is coming to an end. It’s been an unusual year and a lot of water passed under the bridge. Nothing really was accomplished, at least for me. The business deals that took up most of the year are all dead. I’m tired, but getting restless. Time to move on. Again.

2

Why, Kam Wah asked, was he in Harbin?

I don’t know. No one was more surprised to see him than I was. It’s been almost eight months since I saw him in Guangzhou. You remember the incident at the White Swan Hotel?

Yes, I do. You think he followed you to Harbin?

Well, I didn’t see him after that time at the White Swan. I don’t know. It was no secret I was involved with business in Harbin. Or maybe it was just chance. But, I don’t think it was. I think he knew I was in Harbin.

Do the Harbin police know who killed him?

No.

They think you had something to do with it?

I guess so. I knew they did. I had a confrontation with Choi at a Korean restaurant in Harbin the night he was killed.

A confrontation? Why do you keep meeting this person?

I really have no idea. I think he wants to confront me about the North Korean, Bak, and his sister. He doesn’t want me to forget he arrested them.

Did the Harbin police arrest you?

It wasn’t actually an arrest. They took me into the police station and questioned me.

But, they let you go.

A woman testified she was with me when Choi was killed and, remember, I’m an American citizen. So it was in their best interest to release me.

Do they really believe the woman?

I don’t know. They let me go. Maybe that means something.

This all has to do with the North Korean in Beijing, what’s his name?

Bak.

Yes, Bak. And his sister who was here in Guangzhou, correct?

In part, yes.

What happened to Bak and his sister after they were arrested? Do you know?

I was told that the sister killed herself in prison. I don’t know about her brother. Maybe he’s dead too.

Kam Wah lit another cigarette and smoked for a moment, shaking his head. Then, it is time to forget this matter.

Well, it isn’t that simple.

Oh? What else?

I was told to report to the police chief in Guangzhou.

Why? And who told you? Kam Wah asked.

The police in Harbin told me. I guess they want to keep track of me. Reporting is not a problem, but I’m concerned this might be a problem when I apply for another visa.

Yes. Kam Wah looked down at this cigarette. That could be a problem. But, we have friends who can help. When are you going to see the police chief?

I don’t know. Tomorrow, if I can get an appointment. What’s his name?

Wu Hon Chu.

I’ll call his office for an appointment.

No. Wait until I talk to some people.

You going to talk to Wu? I asked.

No. He puffed some more on his cigarette. Better to have someone else mention they know you first. Maybe Judge Yang and Governor Wei. I will speak to them and after they have talked to the police chief, we will go see him.

Maybe you shouldn’t get involved, Kam Wah. This was a serious problem in Harbin and the North Koreans know who I am. Maybe there will be more trouble I don’t know about.

We must fix this problem and you cannot do it alone.

Well, the problem is because of me, so I can’t expect you or others to become involved.

If you are involved, it is a family matter, so we will attend to it as a family matter.

Thank you, Kam Wah. I appreciate it.

Now, who said they were with you when this person was killed?

It was a woman.

What kind of woman? Is she for hire? Is she like Number 24?

No. Nothing like that. She’s a school teacher. I’ve met her parents and have visited with her family at their home.

So, she is that kind of woman.

Well, I don’t know what you mean by that kind of woman, but she is a very good person.

Was she really with you that night?

I hesitated. She told the police she was.

Kam Wah smoked his cigarette and looked at me for a long moment. He put the cigarette out in the ashtray and rubbed his chin. He asked me directly and I avoided his question. He wasn’t going to force me to answer.

You have strong feelings for this woman?

Yes.

And she feels the same for you?

Yes, I believe she does.

Will you take her for a wife?

No.

Then, will she continue to say you were with her when the North Korean policeman was killed?

I believe she will. I trust her.

You trust too many people. I have advised you on this matter several times. You never listen to me.

This person is different, Kam Wah. I trust her.

I see. But you will not take her for a wife.

It’s all very complicated.

Everything with you is complicated. As I have advised you, you should live a more simple life. I have also suggested you take a wife. It would be best if she was a Chinese. Is this woman Chinese?

Yes, she is Chinese. Well, actually, she’s a Manchu.

Manchu? He lit another cigarette. Well, we consider them to be Chinese. The same as you. You are a Korean born in America, but when you come here, you are Chinese. This is your home and your family.

Yes, I know.

So what is the problem? If she is Chinese and a good woman and you have feelings for her and she has feelings for you, take her for a wife. I will welcome her and make her a part of the family.

I appreciate that. But, it’s not possible at this time.

How old is she?

About thirty-eight.

Has she had a husband before?

Yes. And she has a young son.

I see. Kam Wah thought a moment. But, it is not a concern. She and her son are still welcome to become part of the family.

Kam Wah. Let’s not discuss this now. I have other problems right now and it may have an effect on my being able to come back to China.

Getting married is something you should think about.

He lit another cigarette and pointed it at me.

But, for now, we will attend to this other problem. I will call the Judge and the Governor now. Maybe we can meet with them for dinner at the Chiu Chow restaurant.

You have to excuse me tonight. I must meet with the people from Singapore. They will leave tomorrow and this is the last chance for me to see them.

Maybe that is better. I will have dinner with the Judge and the Governor tonight and explain the situation to them.

That’s good.

The Governor’s daughter received a good response from an American university. She may want to talk to you about that.

Fine. Be happy to talk to her.

The Governor will be pleased if you do that.

My pleasure.

You should consider taking that Chinese woman as your wife.

Kam Wah. Enough.

You never listen to me.

I always listen to you.

But, you do not always do what I say.

I’m too old to change.

Chinese are never too old to change.

I’m Korean.

Only in name. Your mind and soul are Chinese.

I sighed. If you say so.

I say so.

How well do you know the police chief, Kam Wah?

I only met him once. My police friends have mentioned me to him so he knows who I am. After he meets with the Judge and the Governor, he will also know who you are. So our meeting will be prepared.

Do we need a red envelope?

Yes, but it will not be the usual way. However, it will still cost.

Do we know anything about the police chief? Is there something we can use?

He is married, has two children. Two daughters. One daughter is in America, going to college. The other daughter wants to go to America also. If they have some personal problem, it is not known by others. It is said that he is an honest policeman. I think he is.

Two children? I thought the law allowed only one.

Usually the case. But in certain situations and with special people more than one is allowed.

Oh? He has privileges?

Yes.

Kam Wah, the Governor has only one daughter. Doesn’t he have special privileges?

Yes, he does. It is very complicated. The Governor could have two children, like the Police Chief, but he will do according to the law. No special privileges. That is the way he is. He shook his head. But it would have been better if his first born was a son. I know he would like to have a son.

Well, his daughter is very bright and he can be proud of her.

I know.

Just how badly do I need the Police Chief? Can he really make things different for me?

You will have the Judge and the Governor speaking on your behalf. That is usually enough, but that problem in Harbin is a police matter. Even with political help, sometimes the police are more powerful. It will be important to have him on your side. To come back to China you need a visa and when they check, they check police records. It is important.

Okay. What do I have to do?

I will meet with his deputy and maybe he can tell us what we need. If it takes money, he is the one to deal with. Never directly with the Police Chief.

Do you know the deputy?

Yes.

What will it cost?

I don’t know. The Chief may ask for some favor.

Favor? What kind of favor?

You are from America. So maybe Wu has need for your help. His daughter is in school there.

You know what school?

It is in Oakland. Close to where you are.

Oakland? It is a community college?

I don’t think so. It is a woman’s college.

Oh. That must be Mills College. It’s an all girl school.

I do not know the name.

Sounds like it would be Mills.

If he wants help with his daughter, he will tell you. But, for now, I will meet with the deputy. Will know more later.

Well, I’m going to meet with the people from Singapore. I’ll talk to you tomorrow morning.

Yes. He pointed his cigarette at me again. Remember what I tell you. I will.

Also, do what I tell you. Don’t I always?

No. That is one of your problems. I’m trying, Kam Wah. I laughed and put up my hands.

You must try harder. I will. So you say.

3

Meiling and Roger left Harbin two days before I did. We agreed to meet in Guangzhou before they went back to Singapore. They were in Shanghai with Pak Dahlan for several days before he went back to Indonesia. They came to Guangzhou the day before I did.

Roger and Meiling were with me during the Choi affair in Harbin and Meiling was especially helpful when the police arrested me. She knew the mayor of Harbin and brought him to the police station to speak on my behalf. That was when BJ said she was with me that night. A lot happened in Harbin and I guess the fall out will continue.

I met them for dinner the night before they left for Singapore. They’re two of the best friends I have in Asia. Kam Wah is the only Chinese I have known longer.

Why can’t you come to Singapore with us? You can stay as long as you want. I want you to come.

Meiling, I would love to come and stay for a long visit, but I have to take care of this business here.

Are you going to meet with the police chief? Roger asked.

Yes. My friend, Kam Wah, is talking to a couple of people before we meet. They have some political muscle and maybe things can be smoothed over so I don’t have a police record that will affect my requests for visas.

If that Captain Hong didn’t put you in his reports you wouldn’t have this problem.

He was only doing his job, Roger. He put a lot of people’s names in his report. Maybe even you and Meiling. Thing is, that report will go to Beijing. I would guess it was also sent to Pyongyang. So everybody will have my name.

Just stay away from those North Koreans.

You can come to Singapore after this thing is settled, Meiling insisted.

We shall see. I have to get home sometime before Christmas. You know I have four children who expect me to be home for the holidays.

That’s true, she said. But, then I won’t see you until after New Year.

When is New Year? Is it the end of January or first of February?

It’s the first week in February. Roger said.

Is it Dog or Pig?

It’s Dog.

Can you come to Singapore for New Year? Meiling asked.

Maybe.

Well, I have to get to my meeting. Roger closed his computer notebook and got up. I told them I would be there before ten and it’s ten already. So, my friend, it was an interesting trip. Had a lot of excitement on this one. If you stay here or in Hong Kong, let me know. Maybe I’ll come back and we can go to Macao.

I got up and gave him a hug. Give Dorothy my love and I will try to get to Singapore soon.

I will. Take care. And Meiling, I’ll see you at the airport tomorrow morning. Roger waved and left.

Well, Meiling, it was a good trip. Not everything, but some parts were good. I smiled. She knew what I meant.

For you, it was very different, she said with a sigh.

Yes.

I talked to her last night. We talked for a very long time. She told me everything.

Everything?

She told me how she feels about you.

She’s a very special person.

What do you plan to do?

That’s a very difficult question.

She understands that. She knows it may never happen, but she is happy that she met you. She is very pleased-even if you are gone.

As I said, she’s a very special person.

Will you go back? she asked.

Yes. I will try.

When?

I don’t know.

If you go back, what will you do? Do you think you can stay there?

No.

Then, why will you go back?

To see her again.

Just to see her and not stay.

Yes.

I have known her most of my life and I know her well. She loves you very much.

She has said so.

Do you love her?

I think I do.

But, you cannot be with her.

No.

I did not think you could. It’s the way you are. I think it will be more difficult for you than for her.

She is much stronger than I.

"She understands karma. She wants you, but she knows who you are. It was all very sudden. You are not from there and you and she did not know each other before. You were there for only a few days. She sighed. Yes, it was very sudden. Her karma was to fall in love with a stranger. It is very sad for her, but at the same time, it is a thing she would not have if you did not come to her. It is her karma."

It’s just what happened. And she knows herself better than I know myself. I shrugged.

"Yes. That is how it is. We all have our own karma and we follow that road. I love you, but not as she does. I could not be like her. So, I am glad my karma is to love you as I do, not as she does."

Some people think different.

What?

You and I.

You have never said.

Neither have you.

Maybe, it’s because it was never meant to be.

"Yes. That’s our karma"

Meiling is very special. Could it have been different? I doubt it. Anyway, it has been very good the way it is. But, soon, she will find a very rich and successful business executive and get married. She’ll have a family and become a modern Chinese wife-attending to family affairs but continue carrying on with her business. I wonder if our relationship will change. Probably will. She’ll have another life. Not like the one she has been living these past years. I know the time of change is coming. I want to hold it back, but time and people move on. Maybe I’m the only one who’s standing still.

4

We’ve eaten here before. I remember the shark fin soup.

The chef is well known. He makes more money in a week than most people do in a month. Kam Wah shook his head and lit another cigarette. But, he can cook. He’s worth the money.

This is a big private room for only just us. Are there others coming?

No. Only you, the police chief, and me. It will be quiet and we can talk. Also, service will be better.

Well, I like it. Quiet is better. Oh, thanks for coming up with the money for the deputy, Kam Wah. I’ll send it to you as soon as I get back home. I appreciate it.

Not a problem. The payment will buy you good will and maybe soon, the police will forget the problem in Harbin. But, remember, the North Koreans will not forget.

I know. Why is the deputy not coming to dinner?

No need to have others involved. Your business is only with Wu. And he may want to talk about things he does not want others to know.

You paid his deputy so he knows about the money.

That is different. Maybe Wu may have some private issues.

Why did you pick this restaurant?

I did because I know the chef. Also, good to be on familiar ground. But, Wu knows this. He is not worried and I think he is satisfied with the money.

Well, he doesn’t sound too greedy. I thought maybe the red envelope would be much thicker.

That is what makes me believe he wants something else. It is a matter of trust. If he agrees to side with you, there will not be any problems. Question is how long will he support you. But, this visa matter is not really that serious with him. It is a greater problem with the police in Harbin and of course with the North Koreans, but not so much with him. Especially, since you have the Judge and the Governor on your side.

Still, he takes the money.

Do not let the money paid to the deputy fool you. The Chief is honest. The money paid is appreciated. He will not use the money himself, but will pass it out to his subordinates. As you know, they are not paid well. They need the extra money.

So the money is more a matter of face with him and not a bribe.

Yes. Kam Wah looked toward the door. Ah, here he is.

Wu was about fifty-five and in good physical condition. He was not tall, about five feet seven, and weighed some 175 pounds. He wore glasses and a hearing aid in his left ear. Grey strands of hair were noticeable on the sides of his head. He was dressed in a dark grey suit. No tie. He smiled readily and made people around him feel at ease. An amiable man. But, I knew he would do whatever he had to do in performing his job.

Ah. Good evening.

Good evening, Mr. Cheung.

Thank you for coming, Chief Wu.

And you are the Korean from America. How do you do?

Fine. It’s a pleasure meeting you. I thank you for taking the time.

We shook hands and sat across from each other. Tea was served and the three waiters brought in the eight dishes Kam Wah had ordered, one at a time. Kam Wah and Wu chatted about events of the day and the construction of the apartment complex in Huangpo.

Wu was not in a hurry to get to my problem and did not mention it during the first hour of the meal. After the noodle dish was served and fruit dessert was brought out, he came directly to the point.

And now, your situation, he pointed at me. The Harbin police sent a report about the incident involving the North Korean policeman. But, your involvement was never made clear. I’ll be very frank. They have concerns.

I realize that. But, there is nothing much I can do about their concerns.

According to Captain Hong’s report, a woman says she was with you the night of the assassination. He checked with her family and they affirm her story. So, you have an alibi.

I noticed he said alibi. This means I’m still under suspicion. At least according to Captain Hong.

Captain Hong told me this before I left Harbin.

"We know about this man, Choi. He was a part of the security force that the North Korean government has in

China. Technically, he was a diplomat and had special diplomatic status."

I understand.

The Koreans in that part of the country are a special problem. Many are illegal immigrants and this creates some problems between our government and the North Koreans. It was Choi’s job to help the Chinese government with the illegal immigrants. Of course, how he did his job was not our concern, as long as he did not break any of our laws.

He was not welcomed by the Koreans there. Legal or illegal.

Yes, so it seems. Why were you involved with him?

"I wasn’t really involved with him. He confronted me when I met a North Korean government employee in Beijing. I was introduced to the government employee by a business official in Department 6, who had invited me to Beijing to consider buying industrial diamonds. I never had any dealings with Choi. He sought me out,