What do you mean by quitting the business? I'm not a big shot.

Chapter 625 Preventing Waste
The following day, on TVB's morning news, after the host finished discussing the Shanghai epidemic, he called on social organizations to donate supplies and also broadcasted the good deeds of Chen Xianzong, Liang Bojun and others.

Besides the four councilors sponsored by Yin Zhaotang, many other candidates saw the opportunity and generously donated money in an attempt to ride the wave of popularity.

Artists such as Cheung Kwok-wing, Mui Yan-fong, and Lee Lin-kit spoke to newspapers praising the four legislators. Jackie Chan, Stephen Chow, Maggie Cheung, and other artists also appeared to purchase supplies and organize donations.

Many hands make light work; with the support of numerous influential figures in society, the Shanghai hepatitis outbreak made headlines.

Hong Kong people in the 1980s were mainly first-generation and second-generation immigrants who grew up on the mainland and had a deep affection for their hometown.

Encouraged by public opinion, they showed great enthusiasm and raised HK$30 million in donations and over HK$10 million in medical supplies in just one week.

Shipping was organized by Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) to deliver goods to Shanghai.

At this time, the number of hepatitis cases in Shanghai had climbed to over 200,000, paralyzing the city's operations and causing shortages of daily necessities. Various supplies sent from Hong Kong not only effectively controlled the epidemic but also alleviated the livelihood problems of Shanghai residents.

In an instant, the hearts of people in Shanghai and Hong Kong were united, and many prominent figures in Shanghai's social circles stepped forward to express their gratitude to the citizens of Hong Kong. Chen Xianzong, Zhang Zhouren, and others who took the lead in contributing their efforts gained considerable attention in Hong Kong and were also remembered by the mainland.

The previous scandal was completely overshadowed by the overwhelming publicity. Those who remember it don't seem to care; after all, private morality and public morality cannot be equated.

Councilor Chen is generous at casinos, does good deeds, and helps the country with disaster relief. He is just as generous, leaving the villagers speechless.

Li Jiacheng, dressed in a suit, sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, watching the protest news on TV, his face showing displeasure: "They've abandoned all shame in order to win votes."

"They're sending the money of Hong Kong Island residents to the mainland. They're handing over Hong Kong Island's development to them, and they're practically draining it dry!"

He always made money by bringing funds out of Hong Kong when doing business there, and he was strongly opposed to sending money back to the mainland. The reasoning was simple: every penny less in the pool of money in Hong Kong meant a penny less in the valuation of Hong Kong real estate and foreign firms. Only when there was no way to avoid it would he reluctantly send some money to the mainland.

For example now.

“Juzai, send two million Hong Kong dollars worth of instant noodles to the Yan Oi Foundation.”

Li Zeju said in surprise, "Dad, wouldn't it be more prestigious to donate through our own foundation?"

Li Jiacheng glanced at him and admonished, "So many eyes are on the Li family. If you only donate two million through Cheung Kong's foundation, be careful not to give others cause for gossip."

"Donating a lot or a little through Shenxiantang's charity fund is all out of respect for Shenxiantang. Who would dare to say anything out of line?"

Li Zeju was shocked by his father's shrewdness, but still had some questions: "Why donate instant noodles?"

Li Jiacheng, shaking his leather boots and smoking a cigar, spread his hands and said, "There are still more than ten tons of cup noodles that are about to expire in Watson's warehouse. Let's donate them to them."

It's almost expired, not actually expired. Giving a bunch of poor people instant noodles is kind enough. But if you offered them abalone and shark fin, would they even understand what they were eating?!
Be careful not to get food poisoning.

Li Zeju nodded slightly, took out his phone, and gave instructions. Seeing his father get up and turn off the television, he followed and said, "Lin Sheng and the others' election."

"It's troublesome."

Li Jiacheng let out a long sigh of smoke and said, "If we were to rely solely on the votes of the underworld, there would be plenty of ways to compete with Shen Xiantang. After all, gangsters are like stray dogs on the street." "Whoever feeds them, they will help them. But Shen Xiantang's methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Instead of fighting me through Shenghe, he has taken a different approach, manipulating public opinion, and the results are surprisingly good."

"I really don't understand, I really can't figure it out."

Currently, the enthusiasm for saving Shanghai from the epidemic is far beyond expectations, and it is not just a herd mentality to create hype. There is a genuine atmosphere and a strong sense of passion.

But this is precisely what makes Li Ka-shing even more alarmed. Before the handover has even taken place, public opinion has already changed. If the handover takes place for decades, the entire city will have to be integrated into the Greater Bay Area.

Can capital, finance, and real estate still find a foothold?
Li Zeju's face showed worry: "Dad, if you think this is troublesome, it's really a big problem. Are you going to watch Lin Sheng and the others fail to be selected?"

Li Jiacheng, holding his cigarette butt, shook his head confidently: "No, the reform plan must not be passed. If it is, the Li family's prosperity will be on its last legs."

"Shenxian Tang likes to play with public opinion. I'll just play along and see if he can withstand the backlash!"

Public opinion isn't just about rhetoric; it's about seizing opportunities. Simply throwing money at the problem won't work against Chen Xianzong, who came out early. Money is effective, and he's willing to spend it without appearing stingy.

Li Zeju fell into thought: "Is the backlash from the people really that simple?"

Li Jiacheng sneered: "People's hearts are fickle, and the hearts of millions are like a storm. If they are in harmony, they will soar to the sky; if they are against them, they will sweep across the land. Right now, the people's hearts are with Shen Xiantang, and we have to follow him. But if the people's hearts change, Shen Xiantang will be the first to be swept away! I don't believe that a single penny of the supplies and Hong Kong dollars sent from Hong Kong Island to fight the epidemic will be spent on the citizens, let alone that not a single drop will be wasted."

"Hong Kong people are materialistic. They finally opened their hearts and showed their sincerity, only to find they'd been scammed. Will the person who led the scam have a good ending?"

Li Zeju immediately realized his father's actions and was alarmed. Based on his understanding of the mainland, he knew that as long as he put in the effort, he would definitely be able to pull out the radish.

"You're in charge of this matter. Set up a credit investigation organization and, along with the Renxin Foundation, quietly go to Shanghai to investigate." Li Jiacheng looked at the calendar and said coldly, "There are still more than two months until the election day. It will be easy to find something."

"Ms. Xie, the goods on this cargo ship are worth up to HK$20 million. In addition to medicines, medical equipment, folding beds, there are also daily necessities such as bottled water and instant noodles."

Shanghai Wharf.

Yin Zhaotang led a large rescue team to Shanghai, consisting of more than 20 staff members from the Renxin Foundation and more than 50 medical staff.

Health director Xie Meijuan, leaders of overseas Chinese organizations and the China Zhi Gong Association, and Young Pioneers organized a simple welcoming ceremony at the pier.

When Xie Meijuan saw the medical team carrying medical kits and wearing identification badges, she was moved and shook hands with them, saying, "On behalf of the citizens of Shanghai and the Shanghai leadership, I would like to thank Mr. Yin for his help."

This wave of hepatitis epidemic has already taken away 500 million US dollars of foreign exchange from Shanghai. In order to appease the public, the top leaders stayed in Shanghai until after the New Year before leaving.

“It’s all as it should be, but before the supplies are unloaded, I’d like to introduce a friend to Ms. Xie.” Yin Zhaotang pointed to the capable young man beside him: “Mr. Zhuang Zhuoyan, former Chief Investigation Officer of the ICAC.”

Xie Meijuan was very accommodating and stepped forward to shake hands: "Mr. Zhuang, hello."

"As the saying goes, we should be upfront about the unpleasant aspects. During our rescue efforts, we would like to request the establishment of an investigation team to prevent waste. Would your city consider this?"

(End of this chapter)