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

Chapter 656 Ending Three: The Return Banquet (The End)

July 30, 1996.

Taipingshan, the Yin Family Manor.

This super mansion, built on The Peak Road, cost HK$70 million and covers an area of ​​100,000 square feet. It has a garden, villa, pavilion, attic, swimming pool, cinema and other amenities.

Designed by Mr. Gordon Wu, a major tycoon in Hong Kong's construction industry, and with the assistance of several Suzhou-style garden masters as consultants, this ultra-luxury mansion blends postmodernism, structuralism, and traditional garden aesthetics.

When architectural aesthetics shifted from imitating Europe to exploring tradition and applying ancient beauty to modern times, a new architectural term, "New Chinese Style," unexpectedly took off in Hong Kong Island.

Cultural confidence is really simple.

Politicians, big bosses, and wealthy celebrities set an example, gaining confidence and influencing others, naturally fostering a positive atmosphere where everyone is proud of tradition.

Good is good. Foreign things are good, but Chinese culture has even more treasures!

More than 20 million yuan was spent on design and renovation alone.
Construction began in 92 and was completed in 95, a period of nearly four years. There were still many corners and edges that needed to be "nurtured" and "cultivated." The former is the saying of feng shui masters, and the latter is the saying of landscape masters.

Ironically, a Suzhou native and a Hong Kong resident found themselves sharing similar aspirations while decorating their home, even combining feng shui with garden design. It seems that Chinese culture truly has a long history and is interconnected and harmonious.

After moving up to the Mid-Levels two years ago, Yin Zhaotang became neighbors with the Duye. After the garrison was disbanded, the sentry posts on Tai Ping Shan were cancelled, and the patrol work was taken over by the Tai Ping Shan Police Station.

The gates of luxury homes and official residences are often filled with bodyguards of the owners, especially the Yin family manor, which is known as the "Half-Mountain Garden," where the number of bodyguards is the largest, with even the smallest shift having twenty people.

After its completion, the mansion won numerous architectural awards. With its mountain views and sea vistas, it boasts excellent feng shui and is hailed as the wealthiest mansion in Asia.

If the housing market hadn't seen such a low rate of increase in the past, prices would have easily reached over 100 million before 1997.

At this time, Zhou Huimin, Qiu Shuzhen, and Liang Xinying, the three wives, had all moved into the villa, while the elderly mother, Aunt Mei, lived in the Yuen Long villa.

In the dressing room, Yin Zhaotang changed into a suit, put on a low-key Rolex, and looked at Qiu Shuzhen who had returned, asking, "Rongzai went to school?"

"Yeah, before we went, they were still clamoring to go to the capital."

Yin Zhaotang took the tie his girlfriend handed him, held it up in front of the mirror, and shook his head: "I can't wear LV when I go to Beijing for a meeting. Let's wear that custom blue one instead."

"Okay." Chingmy Yau wore a long dress with a pearl necklace at her waist. Her figure was still amazing, but she had long since developed the elegance of a wealthy wife. Her style was not sexy, but rather focused on temperament.

She tied the man's tie, her sexy red lips parted, and she asked, "Will you be back in a few days?"

“It’s been a little over a week, and we need to discuss some things,” Yin Zhaotang said.

Chingmy Yau chuckled: "Then remember to miss me."

She slowly squatted down in front of the mirror, her dress clinging to her body and revealing her perfect curves.

"pick!"

Yin Zhaotang cursed under his breath, stood with his legs apart, and straightened his tie.

At noon, at Kowloon International Airport, a special plane carrying several Hong Kong Island committee members headed straight north.

After arriving in the capital, the group checked into a hotel. The entire two-story building was occupied by members of the preparatory committee. The original list of 100 people had been expanded to 150 last year, forming the final decision-making body.

Liao Zhihong took a sip of tea, sat down at the coffee table, and said, "Mr. Yin, everyone outside is saying that a nomination committee is being established today?"

“Where there's smoke, there's fire.” Yin Zhaotang crossed his legs, his expression mysterious. Liao Zhihong pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice, “All 150 people in?”

"It should be." Yin Zhaotang flicked away the lighter, lit a cigar, and nodded slightly.

According to his information, the Nomination Committee is a subordinate body of the Preparatory Committee. All members of the Preparatory Committee do not need to be re-elected and will automatically become members of the Nomination Committee. Only members of the Nomination Committee are eligible to run for the new era's leader of Hong Kong!

After receiving Yin Sheng's affirmation, Liao Zhihong became somewhat excited and asked, "Do I have a chance?"

Now that Liao Zhihong has been promoted to the head of the New Territories Rural Committee, he is a leader among the rural gentry, so it is not surprising that he has developed some ambition.

Of the 150 people on the list, nearly 80 votes belonged to the reformists. In short, a single sentence from Yin Sheng could tip the scales of victory.

But so far, Yin Sheng has not revealed a single word.

The greater the power one holds, the more cautious one must be.

The fact that Liao Zhihong was able to find Yin Zhaotang to sound him out before the nomination committee was established is enough to prove that Liao Zhihong is a member of the inner circle.

Therefore, after a moment's thought, Yin Sheng was not gloomy. Holding a cigar, he said, "The political forces in the New Territories are biased towards independence. They can be local tyrants, but as people who want to make decisions, they lack influence in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon."

"You know, the first person to make a decision has a big title and heavy responsibilities. If they don't do a good job, they can easily be in trouble. Brother Hong, it will be better for you to wait a few more years."

A hint of disappointment flashed across Liao Zhihong's face, but he immediately said solemnly, "I understand. In short, whoever Yin Sheng supports, I will support!"

Conventionally, those who should receive support have already been instructed; not receiving a message means they are not within the scope of consideration.

Although Liao Zhihong had some ideas, he knew the chances were slim and he just wanted an answer.

It is worth noting that last year, Mr. Wong of the Zhi Gong Association privately met with Mr. Yin, intending to groom him as the next leader, and a "dual leader" of both the Zhi Gong Association and Hong Kong. The incident was exposed by foreign media, causing a huge uproar. Later, when everyone learned of the outcome, Mr. Yin voluntarily gave up, claiming that he only wanted to focus on improving the economy.

Some praised Yin Zhaotang for knowing when to advance and retreat, calling him a qualified businessman; others felt sorry for Yin Zhaotang for missing opportunities, but no one questioned Yin's influence anymore.

That evening, all the committee members arrived one after another, and the hotel became very lively. Many people visited each other to gather information, and gradually, several names emerged and became the focus of everyone's attention.

The next morning, the first item on the agenda at the preparatory group meeting was, as expected, the establishment of the selection committee, and after a day of discussion, three candidates were officially selected.

They are Mr. Ng Kwong-Chun, son-in-law of the conservative tycoon Y.K. Pao and chairman of the Lung Fung Group; Sir Leung Tit-Yang, the first Chinese to serve as Chief Justice of Hong Kong; and Mr. Tung, chairman of Orient Overseas.

After the meeting, a leader came to visit, and among all the committee members, he only shook hands with Mr. Yin and Mr. Dong. The photos were published by the media, releasing important news.

Some say, "I searched for him a thousand times in the crowd," while others say, "One is the king, and the other is the prime minister." In short, there are many different opinions, and they are all quite exaggerated.

However, with the launch of the third phase of "Electronic Harbor", the output value of the entire industry chain has exceeded that of TSMC, and it continues to grow in conjunction with the mainland market.

Some exaggerated statements can find a footnote in the situation.

The day after returning to Hong Kong.

Yin Zhaotang was surprised to receive the message: "Chief Justice Liang wants to see me?"

"Yes, they're already in the garage." The man on the left looked helpless. "They're definitely here for the person in charge, boss. Should we see them or not?"

"Let's meet."

Yin Zhaotang pondered for a moment before speaking, "Many times, I have received much help from Justice Liang." Of the three candidates, Wu Sheng was nominated by the conservatives, Dong Sheng by the reformists, and Justice Liang was secretly supported by the foreigners behind the scenes.

A backdoor listing has always been a foreign idea, and they have persisted in it without giving up.

Of course, the further you go, the slimmer the chances become.

Even Chief Justice Liang himself lacked confidence and hoped that by swaying between the two sides, he could become the common choice of all three. When all hope seemed lost, the Chief Justice had no choice but to turn to Mr. Yin for help.

After entering the office, Liang Sheng did not sit down, but leaned slightly forward and said, "Mr. Yin, please forgive me for disturbing you."

Yin Zhaotang smiled and said, "The Grand Justice is very busy. You didn't come here just to chat, did you?"

“Since Mr. Yin is a straightforward person, I won’t hold back. I hope Mr. Yin can help me campaign for votes.” Judge Liang took a deep breath, prepared himself mentally, and continued, “What Mr. Dong can do, I can do as well. Moreover, as the Chief Justice for many years, I have greater influence and can do it better.”

"I believe in Judge Liang's abilities, but I doubt his resolve." Yin Zhaotang opened a drawer, took out a document, and said with a smile, "How about this, if you dare to be the first to pass this plan after you take office, I'll support you?"

Judge Liang took the document and, upon seeing the cover, realized it was a "Safety Law." Opening it up, the detailed rules inside were even more shocking, and he broke out in a sweat.

"Do you dare?"

Yin Zhaotang smiled.

"So this is what Mr. Dong dared to do?" Judge Liang sighed, put down the documents, and said with admiration, "I admire you. I have no power to do it, much less agree to it."

"I will announce my withdrawal from the election."

Those in the legal profession understand the power of this bill; it's a bombshell that, once released, will shake the entire island.

Regardless of who's backing them up, they'll definitely face unprecedented pressure.

Historically, the bills promoted by Dong Sheng were all very moderate, and he only served for four years before daring not to continue. Now, even with a powerful force backing him up, daring to promote this bill would be fraught with danger, and he wouldn't even be alarmed by assassination attempts.

In Judge Liang's eyes, the man surnamed Dong was someone who helped the reformists scout out potential pitfalls.

After Judge Liang left in a hurry, a look of disappointment flashed in Yin Zhaotang's eyes. He smoked his cigar and sighed, "Cowardly and incompetent, yet he wants to be the boss. He should just keep banging the gavel, you bastard."

In 1997, after a vote by the nomination committee, Dong Sheng's status was officially confirmed.

At 6 p.m. on June 30, the last governor, "Fat Peng," finished signing the last document and began ordering his family and security to pack their belongings.

At 4:30 p.m., a flag-lowering ceremony was held at the Governor's residence. Afterwards, the Governor rode in a Rolls-Royce Phantom, escorted by the police, and circled the front garden once. The Governor's wife and children rode in Daimler cars and each circled the garden once.

Hong Kong media captured footage showing that he deliberately circled the building three times, a British tradition symbolizing his future return to Hong Kong. At 4:39 PM, the car carrying Governor Chris Patten, escorted by police motorcycles, officially departed from Government House and headed to Tamar.

On the deck of Tamar, the entire British royal family and officials were present to hold a "farewell ceremony" for the media, during which representatives resigned, bringing tears to the eyes of many.

At 6 p.m., a sudden downpour hit Hong Kong, soaking the dance troupe and its representatives, who were performing their farewell show, to the bone and leaving them in a very sorry state.

It was past eleven o'clock at night.

Representatives from China, Hong Kong, and the UK gathered in the auditorium of the new wing of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for the handover ceremony. As the rain subsided in the night sky, numerous soldiers in raincoats, armed to the teeth, stood just a step away from the border crossing.

"Ding dong."

As the clock struck midnight, marking the first second of July 1st, the melodious national anthem slowly resounded throughout the venue.

"All rise!"

A flag is slowly rising.

Those who received the invitation, including Yin Zhaotang, Huo Zhengting, Liang Chaoying, and Liao Zhihong, all stood up and paid their respects.
"Arrival in port!!!"

"Arrival in port!!!"

Meanwhile, outside the checkpoint, camouflage trucks slowly started up and crossed the border that had been separated for a century, under the watchful eyes of cameras.

"call out."

A firework rose into the sky above Victoria Harbour, bursting into a dazzling display of light.

Some left quietly, some returned, some looked disappointed, and some were immersed in the celebration.

Inside the banquet hall of the Peninsula Hotel.

Ge Zhixiong, Hu Bochao, Tai Po Niu, Gao Laosen, and other figures who were not qualified to attend the event to witness history gathered together to enjoy the fireworks over Victoria Harbour.

Everyone was overjoyed and secretly rejoiced that they had found their place in the tide of history.

The future belongs to them.
A convoy of cars slowly drove into the hotel's underground parking garage. Yin Zhaotang, Dong Sheng, Liang Manping, and others took the elevator to the banquet hall, where everyone quickly rushed up and raised their glasses.

"Congratulations, Mr. Dong."

"cheers."

"Yin Sheng, return to happiness."

Yin Zhaotang picked up a glass of red wine and toasted with Ge Zhixiong, a smile on his face: "Back to happiness."

Without a doubt, Mr. Dong was the center of attention. After all, today was Mr. Dong's big day, and no one was more important than him. Amidst laughter and cheers, Mr. Dong went on stage, said a few words, and then proposed: "Gentlemen, the reform has not yet succeeded, and we still need to work hard in the future. The future of Hong Kong still depends on everyone working together and making progress."

"I raise a glass to everyone, and also to the future of Hong Kong!"

Those present all looked more solemn, but a faint smile remained on their lips. As Mr. Dong raised his glass, everyone else raised their glasses above their heads and said loudly, "With this glass we toast Mr. Dong, and we toast Hong Kong!"

Dong Sheng downed his drink in one gulp, and the others, naturally, didn't leave any behind, drinking their fill as well, instantly pushing the atmosphere to a climax. Suddenly, Da Pu Niu shouted, "Photographer, where's the photographer?"

"Let's take a picture, hurry up."

The photographer, having been called upon, jogged up with his camera. On this joyous occasion, no one refused to have their picture taken, and they quickly gathered together, forming several lines in front of the stage. They naturally pushed Yin Zhaotang and Dong Sheng to the center, and as the image froze, they became a colorful signboard, as if everyone was labeled with a title.

The first person in charge: Mr. Dong.

Second person in charge: Zeng Sheng.

The third person in charge: Mr. Liang.

First Secretary for Security: Yam Tat-jung; First Secretary for National Security: Chuang Cheuk-yin; First Financial Secretary: Woo Po-chiu; First Secretary for Home Affairs: Liao Chi-hung
Patriotic overseas Chinese: Yin Zhaotang.

Life is a journey through decades of ups and downs; only those who stand firm against the currents truly reveal their heroic nature!
(End of this chapter)