Chapter 22: Hooking a Big Fish

Like any businessman, Li Yi'an was well aware of the importance of information in commercial operations. This is precisely why every major conglomerate maintains its own intelligence agency; in the marketplace, information is money, and intelligence is wealth.

Sugar, a seemingly inconspicuous bulk consumer commodity, was currently the most sought-after item in the American market.

"Fifty-five cents per pound."

Sitting in his chair, Li Yi'an stared at the price on the report. Since the attack on Pearl Harbor, the market price of sugar had entered a period of frantic inflation, rising more than fourfold from its initial twelve cents per pound, hovering around fifty-five cents—and that was merely the official government-mandated price.

"The black market price is one dollar; the profit margins don't seem that high..."

Although the profit margin wasn't massive, the sheer volume was staggering. After all, the public's craving for sweets was constant and intense.

"Because the government has prioritized transport capacity for other urgent supplies, sugar is in short supply. Candy manufacturers cannot obtain sufficient raw materials, sugar has vanished from many family kitchens, and candy store owners are hoarding the best sweets for those willing to pay the maximum price. There is even a black market for chewing gum! ... The current shortfall in the sugar market is five million tons..."

Five million tons!

Li Yi'an did the math on his notepad. Even at the official price, a single ton of sugar could sell for around $1,200.

Five million tons meant a $6 billion market!

Six billion! Six billion! That was more money than he could spend in a lifetime!

Just then, a cry of surprise interrupted Li Yi'an's daydream.

"My God!"

Who else could it be but Zhu Yihai? Upon opening the warehouse doors, Zhu Yihai was stunned by the sight of cars packed inside.

Brand-new BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, Audis, and other luxury vehicles were parked neatly across the warehouse floor, making him almost believe he was hallucinating.

"Boss, Boss..."

Seeing his boss walk out of the office and stand behind the second-floor railing, Zhu Yihai said excitedly, "Did you bring these over from Britain?"

"Are they all new cars?"

"More or less. There are a few used ones, too."

"Boss, there's no such thing as a used car here. I guarantee that as soon as these hit the market, people will scramble for them!"

Scramble for them?

No, others wouldn't even get the chance!

...

"Thank you for the tea."

The voice was soft and gentle, the smile on his face sincere, almost giving the illusion of a refreshing breeze.

"You're welcome."

Studying Carlo Gambino, Li Yi'an also wore a smile.

In truth, he had been prepared for this moment. When doing business with the Mafia, one eventually meets the Godfather.

Now, this Mafia Godfather had finally arrived.

Dozens of cars had flushed out a big fish—the elusive Godfather had finally shown his face.

The appearance of the Godfather was a prerequisite for expanding business with the Mafia.

What was the greatest advantage of doing business with the Mafia?

They didn't talk much, they didn't ask about the origin of the goods, and they paid quickly and decisively—provided, of course, that one dispelled any notions of a "double-cross."

The information implied by these luxury cars was enough to dispel such thoughts.

Most importantly, he needed to utilize the Mafia's distribution channels to sell his goods. And for that, the Godfather had to step forward personally.

"I rarely involve myself in business matters," Carlo Gambino said, looking at the young man before him.

Maintaining a low profile was his hallmark; he had always operated through lieutenants and trusted subordinates, never appearing in public himself.

Yet, the reason he had come here today wasn't just for the dozens of cars, but for the capability required to transport them.

"I came today because I hope we can engage in long-term cooperation, should you have more cars or other merchandise," the smiling Carlo Gambino said directly. "Just like today, I will give you the best prices, and all transactions will be in cash."

"That is exactly why I chose to work with you," Li Yi'an said with a smile. "I believe we will have many more opportunities for cooperation."

He then added without reservation, "I have connections within the official transport fleet and can bring in a large amount of supplies from Britain, or, of course, from other places."

Li Yi'an said this because one had to be cautious when dealing with the Mafia—the kind of men who, in this era, carried Thompson submachine guns. By mixing truth and fabrication, he aimed to make them hesitant, leading them to believe he had powerful backers. Only then would they tread carefully and avoid any thoughts of treachery.

Carlo Gambino paused slightly, his mind suddenly filling in the gaps. "So, the last transaction was just a test?"

In an instant, he seemed to grasp the other man's identity. This Chinese man was likely a proxy for someone else—perhaps even a representative pushed forward by certain officials in Washington. After all, every ship capable of ocean travel had been requisitioned by the government; only those with official ties could load large cargo like automobiles onto ships. And with only a few days between the two transactions, how could it be anything but a test?

"Mr. Gambino, often we must engage in long-term cooperation to establish true trust."

Li Yi'an's half-truthful answer made Carlo Gambino nod in deep agreement. "Yes, true trust takes time to build, but I believe your choice was certainly correct."

Now that Carlo Gambino had his answer and his internal assumptions were confirmed, he continued, "Of course. Seeing you today, Mr. Gambino, I know my choice was correct. I believe we will have more room for cooperation. We will continue to ship goods to New York, so as long as you have sufficient funds, we will arrange for naval transport ships to bring them here in batches."

Li Yi'an's posturing made Carlo Gambino and Anastasia exchange a glance. He then spoke slowly: "Li, in the future, if you have cars or other supplies, just call ahead. I will have the payment ready. Even if the transaction is ten times larger than today's, it will be no problem for me."

Soon, the transaction was complete. As Gambino ordered his men to drive the cars away, he glanced at the warehouse Li Yi'an had rented and said to Anastasia, "Anastasia, tell the hoodlums in Brooklyn to stay away from here. This is Mr. Li's place, and he is our friend."

Friend?

A Mafia friend is about as reliable as a pig climbing a tree!

That was just lip service.

However, Mafia money was money all the same.

The profit from this transaction was a full $510,000!

But what truly surprised Li Yi'an was not the massive 500% profit, but the fact that the transaction had earned him over 120,000 experience points, and the system had unlocked a new feature.

[System trading function available. Enable?]

"System trading? Does that mean I can trade within the system?"

Could this be the real "big gift package" of the system?

With a heart full of excitement, Li Yi'an chose "Enable." Then, text appeared on the screen:

"Temporary storage capacity expansion can be enabled. Maximum increase of 50%, duration not to exceed 24 hours."

Facing the system prompt, Li Yi'an raised an eyebrow.

Just that...

This was the long-awaited big gift?

Was this package big?

Temporarily expanding the space... actually required 10,000 experience points.

"Damn, that's way too expensive..."

Though he complained, his actions were honest. While he felt the temporary expansion was a bit pricey, the potential returns were considerable.

"Actually, I could consider Cuba..."

Once again, Li Yi'an set his sights on Cuba.

Firstly, Cuba was close to the United States. Secondly, Cuba was the most important source of goods for families like the Gambinos.

"Perhaps I should go to Cuba to test the waters."

Having made up his mind, Li Yi'an gave a few instructions to Zhu Yihai, telling him to see if he could purchase cigarettes through other channels. Meanwhile, he drove to the consulate in New York. Finding an old colleague of Li Guoren's within the consulate and using US dollars to pave the way, he easily "renewed" a passport. Compared to the previous temporary permit, this passport was a true form of identification and a pass to travel to other countries.