Flower Net (Red Princess 1)

Immediately, David felt the atmosphere in the room change. Hulan sat back down, resumed her pose, but looked away, as though she weren’t part of the conversation. Guang Mingyun’s full lips tightened to a slit.

“I have business ventures in the United States, but I don’t know how they could have anything to do with your investigation.”

“I think it’s important to explore all the possibilities,” David said. “Your son was found on a boat allegedly owned by the Rising Phoenix. Are you familiar with that gang?”

“No.”

“You have never heard of the Rising Phoenix?”

“I have heard of them, of course, but I am not familiar with them.”

“Tell me, who runs your business ventures in the United States?”

Guang Mingyun sighed. “The China Land and Economics Corporation is a very large company, what you would call a worldwide conglomerate. I don’t know all of my associates by name. If you wish, I can have my secretary compile a list for you.”

“And your personal connections in the United States?”

Guang Mingyun switched to Chinese and spoke to Hulan. She answered, then looked away again. “I have relatives in Los Angeles who left China before Liberation,” Guang Mingyun answered coolly. “I have never met them, but they offered hospitality to my son during his visits.”

“And their names?”

“They have nothing to do with this.”

“Please answer the question.”

“My secretary will provide you with that list as well.”

“I understand you’re quite involved in the import/export trade.”

“I am,” Guang Mingyun agreed with false modesty. “I bring in a little of this and send out a little of that.”

“Such as…”

“We have brought in luxury cars. Mercedes, Cadillacs, Peugeots, Saabs. We send out shoes, T-shirts, furs, toys, Christmas ornaments. Much of this work is done in the interior.”

“Which province?” Hulan asked.

“Sichuan,” Guang Mingyun answered.

“It is good that you are bringing prosperity—”

David was not about to be sidetracked by more of Hulan’s pleasantries. “How about immigrants? Are they one of your exports?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Are you aware, Mr. Guang, that the Rising Phoenix is reputed to have deposits in the Chinese Overseas Bank in California?”

“I would not have knowledge of that.”

“But you are aware that you own the bank.”

“It is one of my businesses.”

Hulan shifted in her seat. “Mr. Guang, you must forgive our American friend’s ways. I feel I must assure you that the Ministry of Public Security is not aware”—her emphasis of the word underscored her seeming distaste for the American’s methods—“of any wrongdoing on the part of your son or yourself. The ministry has only the highest respect for Guang Mingyun and his family. This is as it should be. But I am thinking about your son. I know you want to know what happened. I know you want to bring the hooligans responsible for his death to justice.”

“This is true, Inspector.”

“And I know, too, that you want to help the ministry in its work.”