Red Roulette

Red Roulette by Desmond Shum is an explosive memoir that unveils the secretive and high-stakes world of China's business elite. This riveting narrative offers a rare glimpse into the ambitious rise of Shum and his wife within a system rife with corruption and intrigue, culminating in her mysterious disappearance, which haunts every page.

As a young boy growing up in poverty in China, Desmond Shum dreamed of a different life. Through sheer determination, he managed to obtain a degree from an American university and then returned to his homeland, eager to forge a new path. In China, he met Whitney Duan, a woman of immense intelligence and ambition who shared his drive to succeed in a male-dominated society. With a shared vision and tenacious spirit, the couple began to shape their destiny and climb the social ladder.

Forming strategic alliances with top members of China’s Communist Party, the influential 'Red Aristocracy', Desmond and Whitney skyrocketed into the billionaire class. They were instrumental in developing the spectacular air cargo facility at Beijing International Airport, followed by the creation of one of Beijing’s premier luxury hotels. Their success was unparalleled, and their lifestyle matched it: private jets, multi-million-dollar investments, expensive homes, luxury vehicles, and an enviable collection of art.

However, in 2017, their story took a dark turn. Desmond, living abroad with their young son, was devastated to learn that Whitney, now his ex-wife, had vanished along with three of her colleagues. Her disappearance was shrouded in mystery and intrigue, leaving Desmond to piece together the fragments of their shared history.

In this updated edition of Red Roulette, Desmond Shum exposes the truth about China's ruling elite and the country's wealth-making machine. His narrative is not only a personal account of his ascent in the business world but also a compelling exposé of the systemic corruption within China's political and economic systems. Through his eyes, readers witness the relentless ambition that propels individuals to power and the perilous risks that accompany such a journey.

This memoir is as thrilling as it is illuminating, offering an insider’s perspective on the intricate and often perilous dance between power and money in contemporary China. Desmond’s courage in telling his story and that of Whitney’s—since she cannot tell it herself—makes this a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of modern China and the hidden mechanisms that drive its wealth and power.