Red Roulette: An Insider's Story of Wealth, Power, Corruption, and Vengeance in Today's China
A riveting insider's story of how the Party and big money work in China today, by a man who, with his wife, Whitney Duan, rose to the zenith of power and wealth—and then fell out of favor. She was disappeared four years ago. News of this book led to a phone call from Whitney, proof that she's alive.
As Desmond Shum was growing up impoverished in China, he vowed his life would be different.
Through hard work and sheer tenacity he earned an American college degree and returned to his native country to establish himself in business. There, he met his future wife, the highly intelligent and equally ambitious Whitney Duan who was determined to make her mark within China’s male-dominated society. Whitney and Desmond formed an effective team and, aided by relationships they formed with top members of China’s Communist Party, the so-called red aristocracy, he vaulted into China’s billionaire class. Soon they were developing the massive air cargo facility at Beijing International Airport, and they followed that feat with the creation of one of Beijing’s premier hotels. They were dazzlingly successful, traveling in private jets, funding multi-million-dollar buildings and endowments, and purchasing expensive homes, vehicles, and art.
But in 2017, their fates diverged irrevocably when Desmond, while residing overseas with his son, learned that his now ex-wife Whitney had vanished along with three coworkers.
This is both Desmond’s story and Whitney’s, because she has not been able to tell it herself.
Red Roulette: An Insider's Story of Wealth, Power, Corruption, and Vengeance in Today's China is a gripping tell-all memoir by Desmond Shum, a former high-flying Chinese financier who found himself at the center of a complex web of corruption and intrigue. The book offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of China's elite and the ruthless tactics they employ to maintain their power and wealth.
Shum's journey takes him from his early days as a struggling entrepreneur to his rise to prominence as a successful investment banker. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, including corrupt officials, ruthless tycoons, and ambitious politicians. He also becomes embroiled in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with the Chinese government, which is determined to silence him and prevent him from exposing their secrets.
Written with great detail and insight, Red Roulette is a compelling story of survival, resilience, and the human cost of speaking out against injustice. It is a must-read for anyone interested in modern China, corruption, or the power of one person to make a difference.
Key themes explored in Red Roulette include:
- The corrosive effects of corruption on society
- The dangers of speaking out against injustice in China
- The importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity
- The power of one person to make a difference
- The complex relationship between China and the West
Red Roulette is a timely and important book that sheds light on a hidden world of corruption and intrigue. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing China today.
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