Hong Kong Storm: The King of Jobs

Chapter 434, Part 15: The Holiday Ends

(Thanks to Wardrobe Guest, Bald Song, for his support! Thank you, Wardrobe King, truly extraordinary!)
Making empty promises is never a simple task; it requires understanding and anticipating the client's needs.

Like Hong Kong, Macau has embarrassingly discovered that its very foundation is crumbling.

The American ban caused Hong Kong's manufacturing industry to collapse and spiral out of control. Due to the slump in manufacturing and the oil crisis, Hong Kong began to transform.

Haojiang, having made a quick profit from the Korean War, mistakenly believed that World War III would begin immediately, leading to the establishment of nearly 3,000 factories and an explosion in production capacity.

The two brothers from Macau and Hong Kong have both suffered huge losses in the manufacturing industry, and now even if they sell at a loss, they still can't find buyers.

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce is now expanding into the African market, and countless others are following suit. After all, with Xun Zong in power, the various small African countries have countless US dollars in their hands.

However, Chi Mengli, the transmigrator, knew that the president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce would jump off a building next year, and that the African market indeed had great potential, with a large population and abundant resources.

But Africans have a bad habit: they don't like to pay their bills.

The British and French suffered countless injustices at the hands of these distant relatives who evolved directly from the Stone Age to modern civilization, and in the end, they were so angry that they used their swords, guns, and clubs to seek justice.

Hong Kong has neither soldiers nor artillery, so of course it can't get the payment back.

Because the hole was too big, the president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce directly apologized by bungee jumping without a rope, and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce officially bid farewell to the era of Xiangshan compradors.

Li Ka-shing, Bao Shuai, Zhao Shuai, Mr. Dong, Xu Daheng, and Shark-Brother Tong have officially become prominent figures in the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Hong Kong and Macau are now in a spiral of decline, dumping their production capacity across Southeast Asia.

In other words, Japan became wealthy, and South Korea recovered. If it weren't for these two companies, Macau and Hong Kong would have shown you what it means to explode on the spot.

Now, all the political and business tycoons in Macau and Hong Kong are talking about transformation. Hong Kong has decided to start raising the minimum hourly wage in March this year and make every effort to transform into a tourist city.

The situation in Macau is quite special. Ho Yin is the King of Macau, but he can't speak on policy matters. The Governor of Macau is now just a rubber stamp. The philosopher king died of a stroke, and his successor was eliminated by the Carnation Rebellion.

Portugal is now in a transitional democratic era. If the Portuguese governor returns, he will face court. That's why he has been hiding in Macau, hoping to stall until a settlement is reached.

The person in charge in Macau now is Dr. Paul Jr., who is forming a provisional committee. It will take at least three months for Ho Yin to join the provisional committee, and these three months will be a period of turmoil in Macau.

This is one of the advantages of being a time traveler: knowing where people like Lan Lai want to allocate funds.

This pie was specially made by Chi Mengli for Lan Lai. If it's made, everyone can make a lot of money, but to make it happen, a minimum of 600 million is needed.

Chi Mengli couldn't come up with the money, but Shui Fang could. However, once Shui Fang took the money, he would become the dealer, and Shui Fang would become a lackey.

Managing such a large business while only being a henchman would make anyone unhappy.

Being a gangster is actually just like being a businessman: if you can win a fight, fight; if you can't, negotiate.

"But Brother Lai, the Boxer Bar business can't be rushed. I do have a good business opportunity, would you like to make some money?"

Although it was almost time, Chi Mengli had a sudden inspiration and thought of the videotape business. She had already invested several million in videotape factories and film and television copyright companies.

He's invested all his working capital; it's time to cash out and make money.

"Make a fortune? That would be great!"

"Everyone in the underworld knows that Brother Sheng has many ways to make money. He has a golden touch and can turn stones into gold. Of the twenty-two branches in the water room, your Yau Ma Tei branch is the most prosperous."

Of course, the more ways to make money, the better. Lan Lai owns three mud docks and two water houses on the high seas cruise ships. He personally earns millions of yuan a year from these ships, but it's not really his own business, so he's not happy making money from it.

"I recently acquired the copyrights to several hundred movies, and I recorded them all on videotapes. This is the latest technology from Japan. The VCR costs two hundred dollars each, and there's a special converter that you can use by just plugging it into a TV."

“Videos are also very cheap. My selling price is ten yuan, including shipping, which is eleven yuan per tape. You can sell them for twenty yuan each.”

"It's completely legal and legitimate. I'll grant you sales authorization, ensure you pay taxes properly, and there are no copyright issues."

"They don't have many other things, but they have a lot of henchmen. They just set up a stall at the night market, buy a TV, put on a VCR, play movies, and attract customers."

"I guarantee you'll earn more than selling prostitutes!"

"This is a commercial society. Do you still think it's an era where you can find syringes everywhere under a bright light? Are you kidding me!"

Chi Mengli picked out another cigarette from the cigarette box, tapped it a few times on the gold-plated cigarette box to make the tobacco more compact, then lit it with the blowtorch on the table and lit another one.

Lan Lai was very interested in the videotape business. It was an emerging industry. Now, watching a movie only cost a few dollars, but to go to the cinema, you had to go out, buy a VCR and a few videotapes, turn off the lights, and you could spend a romantic night.

But these were nothing compared to what he was looking for. He immediately thought of a more lucrative line of work: erotic films and Japanese pink films.

Currently, Japan hasn't developed adult films yet; instead, they're called "pink films," which don't show much nudity, but still have a large audience.

A young mind works so well! Sharp!
"Brother Sheng, if I'm not mistaken, you've also been involved in quite a few erotic films and low-budget adult films."

"I'm completely convinced this time, Brother Sheng! You're amazing, you're practically a god among us!"

"Seeing is not necessarily believing, and hearing is not necessarily true. They gave me a few videotapes and a VCR to let me experience high-tech stuff!"

Lan Lai is very interested in the videotape business. He is now in charge of the Shui Fang branch. The 49-yuan treasury, which costs a couple hundred dollars, cannot be sustained by relying solely on junkets, nightclubs, cruise ships, loan sharks, and underground banks.

In this godforsaken place called Macao, even a parking spot can spark a passionate interaction between brothel owners, number swindlers, and money launderers.

If they acquire the exclusive rights to videotapes, the members of the Shui Fong Ho Kong branch will be able to expand their operations further.

With more henchmen, one has more say, and Lan Lai is more likely to secure his position as the second-in-command.

"Haha, I have two ounces of top-grade Da Hong Pao tea, which I heard is from the mother tree. I'll send it over to Brother Lai along with it."

"Brother, you've just become a patrolman and still need the support of your fellow brothers. Brother Lai, if you're interested, I'll give you the exclusive rights to sell videotapes in Macau directly."

“I heard that erotic films are not banned in Macau. You can have someone film them, my factory will process them, and they will be sold to Southeast Asia and Taiwan.”

After finalizing the business deal with Lan Lai, Chi Mengli chatted briefly before heading to the underground parking lot to get her car and drive towards the pier.

On his way back, he found a self-service phone booth by the roadside and called the paging service.

In his message, Guo Guohao did not say what it was about, but told him to call the safe house after hearing the message.

Chi Mengli hung up the phone and quickly dialed the safe house's number. After three rings, Guo Guohao finally answered.

"Shengzai, where are you?"

Chi Mengli was taken aback. This was practically a direct address. He tentatively said, "Boss, I'm working. Do you think I'm as idle as you?"

“I need to get to work, unlike you, who can slack off and chat in the nursing home.”

The nursing home's security system allows residents to slack off and chat. As long as Guo Guohao replies with the safety phrase "I'm on night shift today," the nursing home can hang up and disappear.

“I specifically took leave, saying I was accompanying Shapison to play football, so I had the chance to talk to you.”

"Don't worry, the journey will be smooth!"

Guo Guohao spoke directly, reassuring Chi Mengli.

“I’m calling you because the Criminal Intelligence Bureau has heard rumors that you’re collaborating with Biao Jin to transport Miss Bai to Hong Kong. The Criminal Intelligence Bureau can only investigate, not enforce the law.”

"The Eight-Faced Buddha has been exposed by the Zu family. He has already confessed to three 'demolition companies' who worked for him. The Narcotics Bureau is closing in and doesn't have time to deal with you."

"So your case with Biao Jin has been transferred to the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB)."

"Did Shenxianjin send you to make contact with Biaojin?"

Guo Guohao was straightforward, revealing all the information he possessed. He didn't believe Chi Mengli would betray him. His subordinate, Zhen, was usually lazy and unambitious, but he harbored a deep sense of righteous indignation; otherwise, he wouldn't have been chosen. Last year, with Chi Mengli's help, he was promoted two ranks, becoming Hong Kong's youngest senior superintendent.

"I went to Macau for business. Shenxianjin asked me to talk to Lan Lai about the boxing bar project in Macau."

“I know Biao Jin. He’s the king of waterways! All the white ladies in Asia are transported by his ships. Rumor has it that he sold more than 100 tons last year alone.”

"Khun Sa, who is behind Biao Jin, has been making quite a splash lately. Neither Luo Xinghan nor the Lao government army can do anything about him. I heard from Bai Gusheng that Khun Sa's Sai Mudantian tea plantations have already exceeded 300 tons per year!"

"After all, the Golden Triangle has a moderate temperature, and if managed properly, two crops can be grown in a year."

"I can confirm that the Divine Brocade has absolutely nothing to do with the Biaojin, and I have absolutely nothing to do with the Biaojin either."

Chi Mengli instantly understood why Jasmine was targeting her. It turned out that Biao Jin was also in Haojiang, and might even be hospitalized at the Holy Temple Hospital. Haojiang is such a small place; even such a farcical incident could happen.

"However, I did find something out. Ruan Wen, the old friend you mentioned last time, has been killed. The person who did it is called Judge. He was the mastermind behind the recent cases of short-lived murderers."

"The guys in the Criminal Intelligence Division already know one of the recruitment channels for judges, and they'll tell you the specifics."

"The Interpol investigator in charge of human trafficking was killed by Judge. I suspect Mr. Song also purchased his services."

"Also, I've found out where Professor A and Song Sheng's daughter, Song Ci, are, but there's a mole in the police station, so I don't dare hand it over to you, Guo Sir. We need to find a way to satisfy both sides."

Chi Mengli's mouth was dry from talking. He looked around and, finding no one paying attention to him, he felt relieved.

"The Ministry of the Interior and the Independent Commission Against Corruption are working overtime to investigate. Have confidence in our team."

"I've also noticed a pattern: the bastards that Song Sheng dragged down were all employees whose finances were in trouble. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has already issued an order requiring the employees to register their assets and proactively report their financial situation."

"It's not very useful, but you can always gain something from it!"

Guo Guohao also knew that the Ministry of the Interior's actions were only a temporary solution, but the people of Hong Kong had long since become disloyal and only cared about money. As long as the money was right, they would do anything, even murder and arson.

"The top dog of the Biaojin gang in Hong Kong has been caught by the Criminal Intelligence Bureau. The Organized Crime and Triad Bureau's target this time is Biaojin. The case involving the illegal gambling of Biaojin has been closed."

"We took down over a hundred gangsters in one go, and also shut down two money laundering operations in Shui Fong. The Commercial Crime Bureau is working overtime to decipher Boxing King Sheng's ledgers."

"The mathematical genius you discovered has also been very cooperative, helping to decipher at least three sets of accounts. Based on the evidence we have now, we have frozen more than 80 million in illegal funds from six organizations."

“Your henchman, Drunkard, who became a witness for the prosecution, didn’t reveal much about you. He’s already taken his identity to Gibraltar and will never come back.”

"Ma Biao and Greyhound Seven, having already broken the family rules and with Boxing King Sheng already dead, confessed everything. Boxing King Sheng's entire gang was wiped out by the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau."

"However, Shenxianjin acted quickly, and we didn't catch many people. We only caught a dozen or so '49 zai' who didn't have time to escape, as well as a few managers of loan companies."

Taking down a branch and uncovering its accounting records is a huge victory for the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB).

If Guo Guohao hadn't stopped him, Shapison would have held a celebration party for the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau. The boxing champion's ledger is extremely useful; as long as the search continues, there will definitely be unexpected gains.

Now, just like the Narcotics Bureau, the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) needs to quickly take down the bookmakers hiding in Hong Kong.

Yau Ma Tei is the most crucial link in the Yau Tsim Mong District, and Chi Meng-lai is the most important pawn that the police have infiltrated into the triads. As long as he doesn't cause any problems, intelligence will continue to flow into the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB).

“Shengzai, you’re already a fourth-grader. Spend more time reading English; it will do you good.”

Although the boxing champion Sheng is dead and cannot be judged by the authorities, the credit is still attributed to those involved.

Chi Mengli has already been promoted to Senior Sergeant. The next step up is Probationary Inspector. Once Shapison takes office, he can be promoted without taking an exam or going through an interview.

You can't be an undercover agent forever.

With multiple layers of skin, as long as Shui Fang isn't a terrorist and wants to survive in Hong Kong, Shenxian Jin wouldn't dare touch Chi Mengli.

Guo Guohao rarely has moments of conscience, but he will naturally give the green light to good partners who can help him get promoted.

"Thank you, Officer Guo. I have things to do tonight, let's chat sometime!"

Seeing that Guo Guohao had nothing urgent to say, Chi Mengli immediately said goodbye, hung up the phone, quickly got into her Bentley sports car, and sped off towards the dock.

Spinach Dong and others waited in front of the ship's berth; the sampan had already been set up, and they were just waiting for Sheng Ge's Bentley to arrive.

Xizai, holding two egg tarts, walked up to Spinach Dong and said loudly, "Brother Dong, don't be afraid, Brother Sheng is just having fun."

"Men! They completely lose themselves the moment they see a couple of ounces of breasts! I know all about it!"

"Brother Dong, have some egg tarts! I have to say, the egg tarts in Macau are absolutely amazing!"

Hearing Xizai's nonsensical words, Spinach Dong was helpless. He took the still steaming egg tart, took a bite, and found that it tasted really good.

"The original appointment with the big boss was at 8 pm. It would take at least three hours to sail back, and it's almost 3 am now. We don't have much time left."

"If Fellow Daoist Sheng is the middleman, and we are late, he will also stand up and cause trouble for us."

In order to avenge Wen Laogui's scoundrels, some of the brothers died and some were injured, and the resettlement and medical expenses alone cost two or three hundred thousand.

This is how it is now when people show off their power and make big moves. If the settlement allowance isn't paid in advance, the 49ers won't take action, and even if they do, it'll be a perfunctory effort.

In this world, there are three things that matter: money! Money! And ultimately, it's all about money!
If your gang has enough money, you'll have fearless thugs who can show off their skills three times a day. If you don't have money, nobody will pay attention to you.

You don't know the cost of firewood and rice until you're in charge of the household. Spinach Dong has always been in charge of all the work of opening up the business in the gang. Every time Jimi fights with the big boss Yuan Dou, even if they don't end up fighting, it still costs tens of thousands of dollars for travel expenses.

"Brother Sheng is here!"

Just as Spinach Dong was feeling troubled, Xi Zai, who had already finished eating his egg tarts, pointed straight ahead. He looked ahead and saw that Chi Mengli had driven up to them.

"Notify the captain that the ship can set sail."

Spinach Dong gave Xizai a word, then walked three or five meters forward to greet Sheng Ge's return.

"The time is just right!"

Chi Mengli jumped out of the car and asked Bo Cai Dong to drive the car onto the yacht. The holiday was over, and they could return to Hong Kong.

Having worked as a parking attendant for two or three years, Spinach Dong's driving skills were superb. He only needed to turn the rudder once to drive the Bentley onto the yacht and into the garage.

After parking his car, Spinach Dong looked at the three-story-high yacht in front of him, smacked his lips, and said enviously, "Brother Sheng, when can we buy a yacht this big?"

"Have a drink, and you'll have all sorts of dreams."

Yachts are different from luxury sports cars. After all, if you're really lucky and win the lottery, you can afford a luxury sports car.

But yachts are different. If you're not born with one, you'll never have one, especially the yacht right here at your feet.

This yacht was a birthday gift from Wang Dashao's father when he was twelve years old. It was custom-made in Tuscany, Italy, two years in advance, and the total cost was £700,000, which is nearly HK$10 million.

Eighteen years ago, ten million Hong Kong dollars was enough to buy a 10,000-ton ocean-going oil tanker. Once the ship was at sea, there would be a steady stream of orders.

To please his son, Wang Dashao's father bought a yacht.

Even if Chi Mengli earned money for another ten years, he wouldn't be willing to buy such an expensive yacht.

Spinach Dong also sighed. He was having such a blast that he was actually starting to think about the yacht.

The yacht's crew pulled up the mooring lines, the yacht's horn sounded, the propeller slowly started, and it began to head towards Hong Kong.

The 48-hour holiday ended quietly just like that!

(End of this chapter)