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

Chapter 631 Whose Saint is Guan Sheng?

Yin Zhaotang deliberately suppressed the media, asking TVB and 91 Magazine to release news about the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) being suspected of fabricating cases a week before the election.

It shouldn't be too early, lest it waste public enthusiasm; nor should it be too late, lest it allow time for the issue to develop.

The timing was perfect. Citizens were shocked and angered by the news of the ICAC's alleged crimes. Driven by a rebellious mentality, public opinion began to condemn the ICAC.

Although the ICAC has always been a powerful tool for the Hong Kong government to control officials and suppress dissent, it has gained a unique reputation for integrity and public service and holds a special place in the hearts of Hong Kong people.

When its special status is broken, it not only damages the image of ICAC on the surface, but also affects the Hong Kong government's ability to implement policies.

The public is far more interested in the smoke and mirrors of fabricated cases than in bribery and embezzlement.

Bribery, embezzlement, and collusion between officials and businessmen are not games for ordinary citizens. But fabricating cases can easily implicate ordinary people, making everyone feel insecure and fearful.

Demonstrations and protests continue unabated in front of the ICAC building, with calls even emerging for the ICAC Commissioner to resign.

When the public sphere becomes a machine for political propaganda, various revelations, reversals, and framing become the norm, manipulating people's hearts and minds.

No. 1 Connaught Road.

Dressed in a suit and looking energetic, Chong Cheuk-yin came to bid farewell to the big boss. Wan Chiu-tong opened a bottle of Rémy Martin for him, raised his glass and said, "Congratulations, Inspector Chong, on your return to the ICAC to speak up for the people."

Zhuang Zhuoyan, beaming with joy, took a sip of wine and remarked, "I originally wanted to work with the big boss and, in a few years, run for councilor like Hu Sheng."

"I started from the bottom, but I never thought I'd have to go back to doing a job that offends people."

Yin Zhaotang put down his wine glass, spread his arms, and said magnanimously, "Zhongyi Group welcomes you back anytime, Sir Zhuang. The group has integrated dozens of companies. With such a large company, there's bound to be a lot of corruption among officials."

“Even if Inspector Chong works until retirement, I would like to rehire him from the position of Lao Zhong, specifically to be in charge of integrity work.”

Zhuang Zhuoyan raised his glass: "Extremely happy."

Running for legislator is merely a fallback plan for Inspector Chong after his dismissal; it doesn't mean he'll return to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), and there are no other benefits. If he could serve as the Commissioner of the ICAC and achieve results, he could enter politics with greater resources and a brighter future.

Yin Zhaotang sat down, crossed his legs, and said, "The rising star of the anti-corruption campaign, the chief of the ICAC, from now on, those who are to become commissioners don't need to call me the big boss anymore."

"You will be my brother."

Zhuang Zhuoyan shook his head: "Whether it's the chief or the commissioner, working for the ICAC is only temporary. The big boss is for life. Once you've called him that, it's not easy to change your mind."

These words were full of flattery; he would never have said them two months ago. But after participating in the aid work in Shanghai, he gained a deeper understanding of the mainland and saw the true nature of the relationship between China and Hong Kong, aiming for unity.

The future of Hong Kong Island is not determined by the people of Hong Kong; only by closely aligning with the mainland can its prospects be bright. With the right stance and genuine agreement, some eloquent words will flow naturally and be easy to say.

Yin Zhaotang was very pleased and laughed, saying loudly, "Zhuang Sir is a man of honor and loyalty, just like me. Don't hesitate to speak up if you need anything."

"I will do my best."

Zhuang Zhuoyan looked at the wall clock and smiled, "Thank you, Mr. Yin. The ICAC has some matters to attend to, so I won't disturb your work. I wish Mr. Yin's bill will pass and Mr. Hu will win the election."

Yin Zhaotang nodded: "Zhengting, see Zhuang Sir out." Huo Zhengting readily agreed and got up to see Zhuang Zhuoyan out. But after Zhuang Zhuoyan left, the smile on Yin Zhaotang's face gradually faded.

The election situation did indeed turn around, giving them an advantage. However, Li Jiacheng's withdrawal did not signify the end of the matter. Guo Desheng continued campaigning, even opening champagne at halftime, which only made his defeat a laughing stock.

Shortly after, Vivian Chow arrived at the company by car. He took the elevator downstairs and accompanied his girlfriend to the Love Home in Mong Kok. Today, one of Bishop Edward's itinerary was to visit the Love Home to see the orphans.

As a well-known philanthropist and a major donor to the charity, Edward could easily be met with a little arrangement.

After visiting the children and signing a donation form for one million Hong Kong dollars, the three went to a teahouse.

Edward said, "Mr. Guo has offered HK$500 per ballot and promised to donate the proceeds to the Home of Love."

The Anglican Church's accounts are overseas, even involving the Royal Family, so absolutely no one dares to investigate them. Charitable donations are perfectly legal and legitimate, leaving no room for complaint.

In the Kowloon constituency, the Anglican Church can garner at least 100,000 votes, equivalent to HK$50 million. If a deal can be reached in one go, the vote can be sold every four years.

Who wouldn't be tempted?
Edward hesitated to agree, valuing his friendship with Yin Sheng; for the same price, he preferred to sell to his friend.

Yin Zhaotang asked, "Mr. Edward, is a believer only worth five hundred Hong Kong dollars?"

Edward vehemently denied it: "Of course not, so I did not agree to Mr. Guo's request. Anglicans vote only for their faith."

“I don’t need money. I can raise more than 50 million by hosting a charity dinner. But I need to spread the faith for the Lord. In addition to promising to donate money, Mr. Guo also promised to have his children baptized and converted to Christianity.”

“If Mr. Yin is willing to convert to the church, or if your son is baptized, I am willing to be your son’s godfather, and I promise that all the votes of the believers in Hong Kong Island will go to Mr. Yin.”

The more powerful local figures were converted, the stronger the church became—a significant achievement for the regional bishop. These powerful figures were further categorized, with the Fok family of Hong Kong Island, the Ho family of Macau, the shipping magnate Bao family, and the Li family of Cheung Kong Holdings forming the first tier. Those like Kwok Tak-seng and Lee Shau-kee were in a slightly weaker tier.

Yin Zhaotang's hard skills are already on par with the second tier, and his potential is even more top-tier. If he can recruit loyal followers, Edward could potentially become a regional archbishop before 97!

Edward's offer was actually quite generous. But Yin Zhaotang didn't want to be manipulated. He raised his teacup and said coldly, "Five hundred coins a ticket, no problem. Considering our past relationship, adding another fifty or one hundred would be reasonable. But selling tickets is one thing, it's your business. If you want to use tickets to sell faith, that's politics."

“Friend, you should think carefully about whether you want to get involved in politics on Hong Kong Island. I can make you a bishop, but I can’t necessarily make you an archbishop, but I can definitely remove you from the position of bishop.”

"Don't you know I believe in Guan Gong!"

Edward felt a chill run down his spine and stood up to explain, "Mr. Yin, I have no intention of getting involved in politics. I just want to ensure the development of the Anglican Church after 97."

"Faith is something we can talk about."

Yin Zhaotang raised his eyebrows, his tone leaving no room for argument: "It's negotiable, let's call it faith."

Edward revealed his true intentions and said, "You don't need to change your belief in Guan Yu. As long as we allow Guan Yu to be portrayed as one of God's agents and become a 'saint' of the Anglican Church, then regardless of whether you believe in God or not, if you believe in Guan Yu, our Anglican Church can vote for you."

"Guan Sheng, Guan Sheng, both can be the 'Saint' of the 'Anglican Church'."

Yin Zhaotang was stunned. He hadn’t expected Edward to have such ambitions, wanting to worship Guan Yu as a “saint” and localize the church’s faith, binding it firmly to Hong Kong Island.

(End of this chapter)