Hong Kong Movie: At the beginning, Big Boss B asked me to draw the death lottery

Chapter 177 Even among these foreigners, they're obsequious before receiving food, and sneer when they're short of it.
Hong Kong Island, Beacon Hill villa area.

"Brother Iron Head, Mr. He's house is even more impressive than the Japanese consulate."

Old Gui lowered his voice, his eyes constantly scanning the surrounding security and landscape.

Tie Tou didn't answer; his gaze fell on the modern three-story villa in front of him.

Behind the floor-to-ceiling window, a tall figure stood by the window, looking down at them.

Although he couldn't see her face clearly, Tie Tou already felt an invisible pressure.

Xiwei led the two to a stop in front of the door: "Gentlemen, these are Mr. He's rules."

Even if the Governor of Hong Kong were to visit, he would have to undergo a body search. If there are no problems, you may go upstairs to see Mr. Ho on your own.

Tie Tou nodded, and then, along with Lao Gui, he generously spread his arms wide.

After the security guards at the entrance conducted another body search, the two walked upstairs one after the other.

In the reception room, He Yaozong turned around.

Iron Head was astonished to find that Mr. Ho, who was a powerful figure in Hong Kong, was actually so young!
"Please sit down!"

He Yaozong extended his hand, his voice deep and powerful.

After gesturing for the two to sit down, He Yaozong asked someone to pour two cups of tea, and then got down to business.

"Dongguan boy has reported all your affairs in Japan to me."

The Sanhehui affair was handled very cleanly. Forgive my bluntness, but your previous methods of dealing with the Japanese were still too lenient.”

Tie Tou chuckled awkwardly: "Mr. He, your support for the Hualong Society isn't just for business, is it?"

The room suddenly became quiet.

He Yaozong smiled slightly, snapped his fingers, and immediately someone went to the study, took out a document, and handed it to Tie Tou.

"Planning map of Hengyao Real Estate's reclamation project in Yinkuang Bay".

Ho Yiu-chung pointed to an area on the blueprint: "Five thousand public housing units will be built here to house the lowest-paid members of Wo Luen Shing."

Japanese heavy industry equipment was key to the project's timely completion.

Tie Tou flipped through the blueprints, his finger lingering on the dense markings.

He had seen too many homeless Chinese in Tokyo's slums and understood what these public housing units meant.

"Therefore, Mr. He needs Hualonghui to ensure that the equipment transportation is unimpeded."

"Not only that."

Ho Yiu-chung cleared his throat and continued, "The Hong Kong British government would not easily allow a Chinese developer to complete a public works project of this scale."

The pressure I face in Hong Kong is far greater than you can imagine. Japan is just the first step; there are many more tough battles to fight.

Old Ghost, who had also fled from Hong Kong Island, was deeply moved after hearing Ho Yiu-chung's words.

Both he and Aberdeen came from working-class housing estates, so why didn't they have such good fortune back then?
Tie Tou suddenly stood up and placed the wine glass on the coffee table.

"Mr. He, although Hualong Club is not a legitimate company, I, Tie Tou, value loyalty above all else."

I had some misunderstandings about Wo Luen Shing before. I will personally keep a close eye on the business in Japan!

He Yaozong turned around, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes: "Tomorrow I will have the finance department prepare two million Hong Kong dollars as the initial activity expenses for the Hualong Society."

"No need!"

Iron Head shook his head: "There's still money in the account left by Aberdeen. Let's talk about payment after we achieve results!"

The two then chatted for a while in the living room.

The main topic of conversation was the Hualong Society's later plans and layout in Japan. He Yaozong even left him a phone number for Liang Zehao, a barrister from the Sanlian Gang.

Half an hour later, Tie Tou led Lao Gui away from He Yaozong's villa.

On the way down the mountain, Lao Gui couldn't help but ask, "Brother Tie Tou, are we really going to be tied to Mr. He? He has quite a few enemies in Hong Kong!"

Tie Tou sat inside the car, expressionless.

"You're the one who sent me to deal with Wo Luen Shing, and you're also the one who keeps saying Mr. Ho is a good person."

"Old ghost, what do you mean by asking these questions now?"

Old Ghost smiled awkwardly, then spoke.

"Look at your determination! One day, I will lead these brothers from Hong Kong back home in glory."

I'm afraid you'll back out at the last minute, and then all my hard work will have been for nothing.

……

The following day, in the Legislative Council meeting room.

Today marks the day that Ho Yiu-chung officially sits in the Legislative Council as a legislator to participate in a hearing.

David Wilson spearheaded an environmental bill drafted by government legislators, and everyone knows that this bill was specifically designed to target Heng Yiu Properties, which was reclaiming land in Silvermine Bay.

He Yaozong sat in his seat as a newly elected legislator, calmly flipping through the documents in front of him, ignoring the curious or hostile glances that occasionally fell upon him.

"Next, please let Mr. Ho Yiu Chung speak about the environmental impact assessment report for the Silvermine Bay reclamation project."

In his capacity as Speaker, Wei Yixin tapped the gavel.

He Yaozong dropped the materials in his hand and leaned back in his chair.

Just as he was about to speak, Democratic Party member Albert Ho raised his hand and said, "Mr. Speaker, before I speak, I have an urgent motion to submit."

A murmur rippled through the room.

Everyone knows that Albert Ho is a senior member of the Legislative Council and a staunch supporter of British rule in Hong Kong. His collaboration with Wilson Yiu-shun, one after the other, is clearly intended to embarrass Ho Yiu-chung on the day he takes office.

Wei Yixin nodded: "Please speak!"

He Junren pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses and took out a thick stack of documents from the folder.

"This is a report jointly signed by eighteen environmental experts, pointing out that the Silvermine Bay reclamation project will cause irreversible damage to the marine ecosystem."

I propose the establishment of a special investigation committee to suspend project funding until a comprehensive assessment is completed.

The room erupted in uproar.

"Mr. Ho, as the Director of Housing Estate Relief Department, what is your response to this?"

The speaker turned to look at Ho Yiu-chung.

He Yaozong walked slowly toward the podium, his steps steady and powerful.

He turned on the microphone, and his voice echoed clearly throughout the conference room:

"First of all, I would like to thank Ho Chun-yan for his attention to environmental protection."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present: "But I would like to point out that the data cited in this report comes from a study in 1985, while modern land reclamation technology has been revolutionized three generations ago."

Hengyao uses Dutch technology, which has been successfully implemented in Rotterdam and Singapore.

Unlike other organizations, such as the reclamation agency on Lantau Island, while they're still spouting nonsense about ecological protection, our Hengyao construction plan has already reached its third phase!

Ho Chun-yan immediately interrupted: "Is Councilor Ho implying that our experts are not professional enough?"

"What do you mean by 'hint'? Isn't this the truth?!"

Ho Yiu-chung took out a document from his briefcase: "It was the Chief Secretary who asked me to reclaim land from the sea, and it is you, the Chief Secretary and other official members of parliament, who are saying that I am destroying the environment!"
I had already taken care of the preparations. This certification, which I received last week from the Dutch Environmental Assessment Agency, proves that our technology has a negligible impact on the marine ecosystem.

Ho Chun-yan sneered: "Foreign certifications may not be applicable in Hong Kong."

I maintain that the project must receive an additional HK$500 million environmental protection deposit and be subject to monthly on-site inspections by the Legislative Council.

The meeting hall was in turmoil again. Although these government councilors knew that the proposal was aimed at Ho Yiu-chung’s depletion of grain reserves, Ho Chun-yan’s blatant presentation of the plan was simply shameless!
Ho Yiu-chung was silent for a moment, then suddenly gave a meaningful smile: "Congressman Ho's suggestion is very constructive. In fact, I think the 500 million bail is far from enough."

He turned to Wilson: "I propose raising environmental standards to the highest international level, not only for reclamation projects, but for all commercial projects in Hong Kong."

For example, PM2.5 emissions from all construction sites must not exceed 20 micrograms per cubic meter, and wastewater recycling rates must reach over 95%.

As He Yaozong said, he had made thorough preparations beforehand, and he spent a lot of time just memorizing these professional terms.

Wei Yixin liked to have people mess with him, and although he wasn't afraid of spending more money, he was quite unhappy with this kind of bossy attitude.

Since they're going to launch this environmental protection initiative with such fanfare, they might as well drag all the property developers in Hong Kong into it.

Anyway, the bunch of bastards from the Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce are all working against us. We'll share the burden together. Let's see if Governor Wilson can withstand it when these real estate developers' trust in the Government House is completely eroded!
Ho Chun-yan's expression changed; these standards were not even met by the Hong Kong British government's own projects.

However, Ho Yiu-chung's speech was clearly not over yet.

"In addition, I suggest that an oversight committee be established directly, led by the Chief Secretary and with the participation of environmental organizations, to impose a fine of 10% of the annual turnover on all companies that violate the rules."

Since you, He Junren, are so concerned about environmental protection, I propose that you take on the role of head of this oversight committee.

After all, there shouldn't be double standards in environmental protection, wouldn't you agree, Ho Chun-yan?!

The conference hall was completely silent. Fine beads of sweat appeared on He Junren's forehead. He glanced at the audience seats and saw that Wei Yixin's expression had darkened.

He Junren answered with difficulty.

"This proposal requires further study."

Why wait?

Ho Yiu-chung raised his voice: "If Mr. Ho truly cares about Hong Kong's environment, then we should vote now. Who among you opposes raising environmental standards?"

His greatest skill is using someone else's name to intimidate others; he's genuinely afraid that He Junren and his loyal henchmen won't cause trouble!
Compared to the political department, these government-affiliated councilors are utterly pathetic!
After all, the political department dares to carry out assassinations and such, but what can these official councilors do? They're just good at talking!

Not a single hand was raised.

Flashbulbs went off one after another in the press box, and Ho Chun-yan felt extremely uncomfortable in front of the cameras.

Wei Yixin dared not give He Yaozong any chance to cause trouble. Before figuring out where He Yaozong got the confidence to drag all the Hong Kong real estate developers into this mess, he decided to announce a temporary adjournment.

He Yaozong calmly put away the documents and whispered as he passed by He Junren.

"He Junren, how does it feel to have your own problems exposed?"

That afternoon, HSBC Chairman William Patton made an urgent call to the Governor's office.

"Governor, are you insane? If that environmental bill passes, all our joint development projects in the New Territories will have to be halted!"

The voice on the other end of the phone was almost roaring.

The Governor rubbed his temples: "Calm down, the proposal has not yet been approved."

Patton sneered: "Calm down? Right now, all nine major chambers of commerce in Hong Kong are preparing a joint protest. Did you know that Standard Chartered and Swire have already contacted their London headquarters?"

“I have said that, as Speaker, I have not yet authorized the passage of this bill!”

"But the fact is, you were the one who spearheaded this bullshit environmental protection bill, weren't you?"

Mr. Wei Yixin, I beg you, please stop dragging that yellow-skinned kid into any more hearings!
You've really gone too far. I now have a negative opinion about your ability to govern Hong Kong Island!

I will definitely relay my thoughts truthfully to London!

……

After hanging up the phone, Wei Yixin immediately summoned He Junren.

"You've caused this trouble, so you'll have to deal with it yourself."

"I want to see Ho Yiu-chung withdraw that damn proposal by tomorrow."

It's clear that Wei Yixin isn't in a good mood.

The bill was spearheaded by Wei Yixin; I was merely acting as a spokesperson to help him carry out this charade.

In the end, he got himself into trouble and had to take the blame.

But Ho Chun-yan was already used to this kind of behavior of forcibly pinning the blame on himself.

“Governor, I think Ho Yiu-chung is just bluffing.”

After all, he will suffer considerable losses if he agrees with the passage of the bill we proposed!
"What normal person does business with a suicidal mentality?" "That's none of my business, I only care about the results!"

Wei Yixin stared at He Junren, then spoke slowly and deliberately.

"Have him withdraw the proposal, then use your connections with the media to smooth things over, do you understand?"

"I...I understand..."

In the evening, while Ho Yiu-chung was reviewing the equipment list sent by Japan in his office, Sai Wai suddenly announced that Ho Chun-yan was visiting.

"Make him wait!"

He Yaozong greeted them without looking up.

It wasn't until Ho Chun-yan had been feeding mosquitoes at the villa entrance for over an hour, his legs going numb from squatting, that Sai Wai and his men finally invited him to Ho Yiu-chung's study.

At this moment, the arrogance on He Junren's face had completely disappeared.

"Mr. He, there may be some misunderstanding regarding today's events..."

He Junren rubbed his hands together and spoke cautiously.

Ho Yiu-chung, with a forced smile, gestured for him to sit down: "Councilor Ho, there's no need to be so polite. It's all for the good of Hong Kong Island."

"Yes Yes!"

He Junren chuckled twice: "But that environmental standard is indeed a bit... unrealistic."

"Oh?"

He Yaozong raised an eyebrow: "Didn't you bring this up first? I thought you had already reached a consensus with the business community!"

He Junren's forehead began to sweat again: "Mr. He, let's not beat around the bush. What would it take for you to withdraw your proposal?"

"Fuck your mother!"

He Yaozong's face darkened.

"You think I'm joking? I'll accept all the conditions you and Wei Yixin offered!"

But you've made such a big fuss about this project. It can't just be about land reclamation. If you're going to do it, all the businesses on Hong Kong Island should follow suit!

I, He Yaozong, can guarantee right now that I, He Yaozong, will personally lead by example and ensure that each and every one of these standards is implemented thoroughly!

"What good will this do you, Mr. He?"

"Now you know what benefits you get from asking me? He Junren, you're such a loser!"
The contingency plan that Wei Yixin dragged you into back then didn't benefit me either. I've realized now that it just dragged you all down with me!

He Junren's face turned deathly pale instantly. He hadn't expected He Yaozong's attitude to be so firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

He suppressed his anger, his voice trembling slightly: "A fight to the death will only result in even harsher suppression from the Hong Kong business community!"

If you persist in your unilateral actions, I fear even the major banks in Hong Kong will terminate their cooperation with you!

He Yaozong sneered and took a document from the drawer, throwing it on the table.

"Open your dog eyes and take a good look. This is a loan intention letter from HSBC, Standard Chartered and Swire Bank."

The total amount has already reached HK$2 billion. Do you think that just because you're acting as a dog for the foreigners, they'll cooperate as you think?
"How foolish! For these banks, real money is more important than anything else!"

The numbers on the document stung He Junren's eyes.

He stood up abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor with a screeching sound.

"Good! Very good! He Yaozong, we'll see!"

Having said that, He Junren completely lost his patience and was about to leave in anger when he heard He Yaozong's cold voice coming from behind him.

"Are you threatening me?"

At the same time, two security guards on duty outside blocked He Junren's way.

He Junren was stunned. He turned his head and looked at He Yaozong with some fear.

"What do you want to do?"

"What are you doing? You'll find out soon enough!"

He Yaozong frowned and called out to the two security guards.

"Close the door for me, I didn't see anything!"

what--

As the study door closed, He Junren's shrill screams immediately echoed from the second-floor hall.

He never expected that Ho Yiu-chung would actually dare to order his henchmen to beat him up.

About five minutes later, Xiwei poked his head in from outside the door: "Boss, the person has been sent away!"
Should I arrange for someone to visit his home again...?

"Don't worry about him!"

Ho Yiu-chung waved his hand: "Go and inform Big D to have the finance department prepare the funds. I want to publish a temporary statement on the front page of Ming Pao and Oriental Daily News."

That evening, Ho Yiu-chung's statement exploded like a bomb in Hong Kong's business community.

The statement not only pledged that Hengyao Group would be the first to implement the strictest environmental standards, but also criticized the Hong Kong government for "selective enforcement" and called on all Hong Kong businesses to share social responsibility.

The next morning, as soon as Lee Chiu-kei, president of the Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce, drove his Rolls-Royce into No. 8 Finance Street in Central, he was surrounded by reporters.

"Mr. Li, what is your opinion on Ho Yiu-chung's statement?"

Will the Chamber of Commerce respond to the call for environmental protection?

With a gloomy face, Li Zhaoji pushed away the microphone and strode into the Henderson Land Development building.

Half an hour later, the emergency council meeting was filled with a tense atmosphere.

"The Legislative Council has gone mad! A 95% wastewater recycling rate? That would triple our construction site costs!"
Why doesn't Government House just issue a direct order to transfer industrial wastewater directly to the water company?

Li Zhaoji slammed his fist on the table and roared, his displeasure already evident.

"What's even more alarming is that no construction site in Hong Kong can meet the PM2.5 standard!"

The manager of Cheung Kong Holdings looked ashen-faced.

Li Zhaoji tapped on the table, and the meeting room fell silent.

He turned to his secretary and said, "Try to contact the Governor's Office and tell them that the Chamber of Commerce representatives have requested an urgent meeting."

The secretary replied somewhat awkwardly.

“Mr. Li, I have already contacted the Governor’s Office three times today on your behalf.”

But... every time Government House called back, they said the Governor couldn't spare the time..."

The chamber of commerce representatives present were all shrewd individuals who had dealt with the Hong Kong British government for many years.

They were well aware that Wilson had spearheaded this environmental bill, and that this matter concerned the credibility of the Government of Hong Kong.

Regardless of whether Wilson would give face to these businessmen, just to save face for the Governor's Office, this environmental bill could only be rejected by a joint petition from Legislative Council members.

The problem now is that Wei Yixin originally set a trap for He Yaozong, but He Yaozong used a feint to advance, and instead used the name of supporting environmental protection to put him in the trap.

This kind of behavior, which harms others without benefiting oneself, was something that Wei Yixin's think tank considered.

Therefore, Wilson cannot take the lead in terminating the environmental protection bill he spearheaded. He can only hope that Ho Yiu-chung will calm down and resolve the matter within the Legislative Council.

Clearly, He Yaozong did not give Wei Yixin any face at all.

The fact that they bought the headlines of newspapers big and small clearly showed their willingness to fight to the death, which not only gave Wei Yixin a huge headache, but also left the members of the Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce speechless.

"Mr. Li, why don't we go and have a talk with He Yaozong?"

A chamber of commerce representative who was aware of the implications made this suggestion, but Li Zhaoji rejected it outright.

"If there were any things to discuss with He Yaozong, he wouldn't have gone to such lengths to purchase heavy machinery from Japan!"
Now I just hope these powerful beings stop fighting. When the gods fight, we mortals suffer along with them!

Li Zhaoji complained for a while, then slammed his hand on the table.

"Since Wei Yixin doesn't care about our lives, then don't blame us for doing something ugly!"

I have a suggestion that I hope everyone will agree to. It's a bit of a stupid idea, but at least it will give Wei Yixin a way out..."

That afternoon, the largest business protest in a decade erupted on Hong Kong Island.

Dozens of business representatives from the Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce surrounded the main gate of Government House, holding up signs that read "Environmental protection is murder" and "Stop work and you'll go bankrupt."

There was even a British director of Swire Group who publicly burned a copy of the environmental bill.

More than half of the markets in Hong Kong and Kowloon were closed, factories stopped operating, and the situation was once out of control...

Wei Yixin stood by the office window, watching the increasingly intense demonstrations below, his cigar long since extinguished.

Ho Chun-yan stood nervously to the side: "Governor, what do we do now? Even the British Chamber of Commerce has joined the protest..."

"Shut up!"

Wei Yixin turned around abruptly. The stress and turmoil of the past two days had made it impossible for him to pretend to be a composed gentleman.

"You idiot! Go and issue a statement right now saying that the environmental protection bill needs further study!"

"That's probably not enough."

Wei Yixin's secretary rushed in: "I just received news that Hutchison Whampoa's dockworkers have announced a strike to protest the new standards that have led to unemployment."

Even Hutchison Whampoa, which the British heavily supported, participated in the strike!

Merchants are indeed like ungrateful dogs; take the food from their bowls, and they'll turn around and bare their teeth at you.

Wei Yixin's face turned ashen. He walked to his desk, picked up the phone, and then slammed it down.

Finally, with a long sigh, he said, "Let's prepare for the press conference!"

The secretary, however, somewhat obliviously inquired, "Should we invite people from Hengyao Real Estate to attend? After all, they..."

"What do you think?!"

With a face full of anger, Wei Yixin forcibly swallowed back the words his secretary was about to finish speaking.

At 6 p.m., the press conference in front of Government House was packed with people.

Wei Yixin forced a smile as he stepped to the microphone: "After careful consideration, the government believes that economic development should be the priority at present..."

"Governor!"

A South China Morning Post reporter suddenly interrupted: "Does this mean you admit that the environmental bill is a mistake?"

Wei Yixin's smile froze on his face.

He caught a glimpse of He Yaozong leaning against a Mercedes-Benz at the back of the crowd, watching the scene with a half-smile.

Their eyes met in mid-air, and Wei Yixin's fingers unconsciously tightened around his speech notes.

"Government decision-making requires balancing the interests of multiple parties..."

Wei Yixin's voice sounded a little dry: "At this stage, maintaining economic stability is more urgent."

Therefore, the environmental protection bill will be temporarily suspended. The Hong Kong government has always prioritized the economic development of Hong Kong Island, and perhaps at present, the importance of economic development should take precedence over environmental protection...

The scene erupted in uproar, with one reporter shouting, "Does this mean the Hong Kong British government has bowed to commercial interests?"

"It's not about bowing to commercial interests; the Hong Kong government is trying to protect the jobs of hundreds of thousands of workers across the city!"

Wei Yixin's reasons sounded plausible, but his hasty departure made him look particularly disheveled.

No one knew what Wei Yixin was thinking at that moment; only Wei Yixin himself knew.

These past few years have been the last glorious period of British rule on Hong Kong Island.

His repeated setbacks have made people in London very dissatisfied with him.

If he doesn't do something to remedy the situation, his resignation as Governor of Hong Kong will soon be on the agenda.

(End of this chapter)