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

Chapter 178 Li Jiacheng: I didn't expect him to be so rich.

“Father, I don’t understand. Even if we’re trying to force Wei Yixin to stop the environmental bill, why are we following the Chamber of Commerce and making things so serious?”

London is also a key area of ​​investment for the Li family!

At 6:30 p.m., in the Li family villa area of ​​Deep Water Bay, after having dinner with his father, Li Jiacheng, Li Zeju dismissed the Filipino maid who was about to clear the dishes and asked Li Jiacheng the following question.

Li Jiacheng picked up a napkin, wiped his mouth, and waved his hand.

"Now, even in Hong Kong Island, the Governor alone has the final say!"
The environmental bill proposed by Wilson will not only harm us, but also many other groups.

British banks that cooperate with us, as well as foreign companies that profit from us, are protesting the passage of this bill.

Even if Wilson had promised me countless benefits in the past, my stance this time must be firm, because all those promises could only be fulfilled in London!

After finishing his sentence, Li Jiacheng put down his napkin and looked at his second son with much gentler eyes.

"I think you're right. The fact that He Yaozong dared to confront Wei Yixin head-on is enough to show that the financial support behind him has reached an immeasurable level."

"Our Li family can look for opportunities here. When the British and the forces behind Ho Yiu-chung can fight each other to a standstill in Hong Kong, that might be the time for our Li family to reap the benefits."

"Does Father have any good insights?"

Li Jiacheng's gaze began to turn serious.

“Zeju, while we’re discussing our insights, I want to teach you something else.”

"whats the matter?"

"Some people compare me to a Hong Kong businessman with connections to the government, and in fact, I do not deny this comparison."

After decades of planning, while we in the Li family may not have reached the point of being too big to fail, I can say with certainty that the Li family's business empire has been fully established.

Only politics could bring my business empire to a crashing crash!

Li Zeju's eyelids twitched slightly, and he immediately sat up straight, listening attentively.

"You need to understand that we are now taking an extremely risky step."

In fact, how to make this move doesn't require me to worry about the British's attitude; what I'm worried about is the attitude from the mainland..."

“Father, didn’t we agree on fifty years when we held the Sino-British talks back then…”

Who can predict the future? Well, society is constantly progressing.

Our generation has endured hardship, so it's understandable that the older generation, with their families, would be able to accept living in a public housing unit of less than 15 square meters.

But what about their sons and grandsons? Who will these young people blame for their pent-up resentment?

Li Jiacheng sighed slightly as he spoke: "So over the years, I have been expanding the family's business empire."

Focusing solely on housing development will inevitably lead to unrealistic goals and ultimately result in a castle in the air!

Li Zeju became more and more confused as he listened.

"The New Territories is now a key development area on Hong Kong Island, and the situation is very promising."

"Is Father really going to just stand by and watch this cake be handed over to someone else?"

"Before Hengyao Real Estate emerged, I certainly wouldn't just stand by and watch this piece of the pie be handed over to someone else."

But in less than six months, Ho Yiu-chung forced the Hong Kong government to establish the Housing Estate Relief Department, forcing me to re-examine whether development projects in the New Territories were a windfall or a trap.

A qualified businessman needs to have a keen political sense, and Li Jiacheng has undoubtedly done this very well.

This is also why he was able to ride the wave of the times, navigate between the two places with ease, and rapidly expand and strengthen his business.

Li Zeju began to understand his father's meaning.

He nodded: "That's right. Since Ho Yiu-chung introduced the public housing resettlement plan, the pre-sales of mid-term properties by major real estate developers have been greatly impacted."

Many potential homebuyers are eagerly awaiting what new policies Ho Yiu-chung can come up with that will significantly impact the property market.

Although his public housing development hasn't been fully constructed yet, it has already changed the perceptions of many citizens, and it seems that off-plan sales will become increasingly difficult in the future!

Li Zeju gritted his teeth as he spoke: "Those banks that cooperate with us are short-sighted. Shouldn't they stand up together and suppress the Housing Estate Relief Department at a time like this?!"

"How can we suppress them? They all wish He Yaozong could borrow more money from their banks!"

In their eyes, this was an unprecedented and excellent plan to reap the benefits of the mainland; they were eager to support it!

Li Jiacheng let out a rare sigh. He had discussed these matters with many bank executives.

Their attitude was exactly the same as that of the Provincial Administration Commissioner.

The Hong Kong Island property market is estimated to be worth trillions of dollars. The forces behind Ho Yiu-chung have the audacity to continuously invest money into it.

In their view now, Ho Yiu-chung is simply trying to change the ideology of Hong Kong Island citizens regarding the property market.

But the future of the real estate market is already set in stone, and no amount of money invested will be of any use.

No matter whose interests are harmed, the bank is always the ultimate winner!
"So, Father, how exactly do we manage to reap the benefits?"

Li Zeju finally couldn't help but ask the question that concerned him the most.

Li Jiacheng pondered for a while before answering.

"We're waiting for the Governor's Office to come to us in person to talk. If Wilson is smart enough, he should understand that the Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce has already taught him the solution to break the deadlock."

The various trading companies under the Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce control the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people. With merchants boycotting businesses and workers striking, hundreds of thousands lost their source of income. This catastrophic public opinion impact is enough to force any power to back down.

Li Zeju's eyes lit up: "Father, you mean..."

Should we represent the Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce to negotiate with Wilson, aiming to secure more benefits from the British by jointly suppressing Hengyao Real Estate while protecting the Chamber's interests as much as possible?

"That's pretty much the gist of it, but you have to remember that we must be representing the Chamber of Commerce when we go to negotiate, and we shouldn't be the ones to stick our necks out!"

The livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of citizens are enough to ensure that when we go to the British to fight for our interests, we won't give the mainland any ammunition to criticize us.

After all, ensuring the steady development of Hong Kong's economy is a consensus reached by both China and the UK. At times like these, it's crucial to uphold reason!

Li Jiacheng has considered every aspect of the matter.

He knew that the British were eager to empty Ho Yiu-chung's pockets, showing no regard for the lives of real estate developers like them.

Now, by using the Chamber of Commerce's name to negotiate with the British, he appears to be standing up for his fellow business partners in Hong Kong, and the Chamber's members will praise him for his kindness.

Furthermore, Wei Yixin suffered setbacks time and again at the hands of a Chinese businessman. Even if it was just to save face, he had to consider winning over these wealthy real estate developers in order to get them to contribute money and effort to suppress the arrogant He Yaozong.

As for how to talk to Wei Yixin, Li Jiacheng had already thought of his words.

The strike and market boycott lasted less than half a day, but it forced Governor Wilson to hold a press conference and halt the decision that was made on a whim.

So when this criticism was directed at He Yaozong, he was certain that He Yaozong would not be able to withstand the pressure.

Once Ho Yiu-chung loses his exaggerated banner of "speaking out for the people," won't the Hong Kong property market be dictated by these veteran real estate developers?

Li Zeju immediately stood up: "Father, I will go and visit Mr. Wei Yixin right away!"

"No need, I've already made plans!"

Li Jiacheng rubbed the back of his hand and began to speak.

"At 8 p.m. tonight, at Government House."

I'd like to see what I can get back from Wei Yixin..."

At 8 p.m., in the reception room of Government House.

Li Jiacheng sat upright on the leather sofa, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest.

The lights of Victoria Harbour outside the window reflected on his gold-rimmed glasses, and his gaze behind the lenses was as calm as still water.

"Mr. Li, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

Wei Yixin pushed open the door and entered, followed by Huo De, the Director of the Provincial Administration Commission. Before shaking hands, he greeted Li Jiacheng.

He rarely showed such an embarrassed attitude to a businessman, but unfortunately, Li Jiacheng was no ordinary businessman.

Li Jiacheng stood up and nodded slightly: "Governor, you are very busy. It is an honor that you can take the time to meet me."

When the two shook hands, Li Jiacheng felt that the other person's palm was slightly damp.

He raised the corners of his mouth almost imperceptibly—it seemed that the strike initiated by Li Zhaoji had indeed made the Governor of Hong Kong uneasy.

"I heard that more than 30,000 people from the Chamber of Commerce participated in the strike today?"

Wei Yixin got straight to the point, sitting down opposite Li Jiacheng: "Mr. Li, as the honorary chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, what are your thoughts on this?"

Li Jiacheng slowly took out a document from the inside pocket of his suit and handed it to the Provincial Treasurer, Huo De.

"This is a joint letter from 327 companies in the Chamber of Commerce."

Mr. Governor, we have no intention of creating chaos, nor are we targeting the bill you have proposed.

In fact, the Governor of Hong Kong knows better than anyone that Hengyao Real Estate's actions have seriously disrupted market order!

Somewhat embarrassed, Hod took the letter, glanced at it, and handed it to Wei Yixin without saying anything.

He was the one who proposed the plan to undermine Ho Yiu-chung's position, but he didn't expect that instead of defeating Ho Yiu-chung, he would anger the Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce.

It seems he underestimated the size of Ho Yiu-chung's wallet!

Wei Yixin took the letter, but only glanced at it briefly before his brows furrowed even more.

He then feigned emotion, saying, "Selling houses at cost price, offering interest-free loans, and even providing free transfers to certain specific citizens..."

Mr. Li, you're right, He Yaozong is breaking the rules of the game!

"Not only that."

Li Jiacheng leaned forward slightly: "Since the Housing Estate Relief Department was established, the cancellation rate of our properties has increased by 40%, and the number of bank mortgage applications has decreased by 25%!"

If this continues, the Hong Kong Island property market will face systemic risks.

As he spoke, Li Jiacheng turned his gaze to Huo De and asked in a low voice.

"Mr. Provincial Governor, you have a doctorate in finance, so you should know that I am right, right?"

Wei Yixin and Huo De exchanged a glance, especially Huo De, whose expression became even more awkward.

Wei Yixin picked up his teacup, trying to use this action to conceal his thoughts.

He then asked, "Mr. Li, do you have any good suggestions?"

"It's not really a proposal; at most, it's just a way to help the Governor of Hong Kong out of his predicament!"

Lee Ka-shing placed his hands on his knees: "It's actually very simple. First, the Hong Kong government needs to issue a public statement that it does not support any behavior that disrupts the market."

Second, the Housing Estates Relief Department must raise the price of public housing to 70% of the market price.

Third, cease providing any form of policy facilitation to Hengyao Real Estate.

Seeing that Li Jiacheng was actually taking advantage of the situation and making demands, Chief Secretary Huo De, who had been somewhat displeased, immediately sneered. "Is Mr. Li trying to teach the Hong Kong government how to do things?"

The demands that Li Jiacheng just made completely rejected the suggestions he had previously made to Wei Yixin.

If Wei Yixin accepts these conditions, it would be tantamount to Li Jiacheng slapping himself in the face from both sides.

"Don't dare!"

Li Jiacheng said calmly, "I am merely representing the reasonable demands of hundreds of thousands of employees of the Chamber of Commerce."

If the Hong Kong government doesn't take action, the number of strikers tomorrow could exceed 100,000!

The reception room fell silent for a moment.

Wei Yixin stared at the night outside the window, his expression turning displeased.

“Mr. Li, if you really think money is too easy to make, I can submit a plan to the Cabinet. It’s time to change the management of the Hong Kong Island property market!”

"I think you two have misunderstood me!"

Li Jiacheng quickly added: "This strike is not directed against the Governor's Office."

It was aimed at Hengyao Real Estate. In fact, if the interests of us real estate developers are not harmed as a result, I would be very willing to praise the Governor's Office for its brilliant plan.

I only hope that Mr. Wilson and Sir John Hodge can understand that your actions are actually fueling the growing public outcry against John Hodge!

Wei Yixin shrugged slightly and turned to look at Huo De.

Hord quickly turned his face away; undoubtedly, any plan is never implemented smoothly.

Hod was convinced that his plan against Ho Yiu-chung would succeed, but the unexpected events that occurred had put the Governor's Office under some pressure.

Li Jiacheng smiled and nodded: "No matter how rich the people behind He Yaozong are, they cannot bear this kind of financial cost in the long run."

If the Hong Kong government imposes even the slightest restriction, they will quickly back down.

With hundreds of thousands of people facing the pressure of not having enough food and water, the Governor's Office couldn't withstand it, and Ho Yiu-chung certainly couldn't either!

Wei Yixin stood up and walked to the window, remaining silent for a long time with his back to everyone.

When he turned around again, his face had changed to the confident expression typical of a politician: "Mr. Li, can the Chamber of Commerce guarantee that the strike will stop immediately after the Hong Kong government makes its statement?"

"Of course!"

Li Ka-shing also stood up: "Not only that, Cheung Kong Holdings, under the Li family, is willing to take the lead in increasing its holdings in Hong Kong Island real estate projects to stabilize market confidence!"

'Old fox!'

Wei Yixin cursed inwardly. Sure enough, this guy was an insatiable wolf, and he had come with a purpose this time.

"I wonder which real estate projects Mr. Li would like to assist us with?"

Huo De knew it was time for him, as the provincial governor, to step forward and discuss some business matters with Li Jiacheng.

Li Jiacheng smiled and said, "The development project in Tuen Mun, New Territories, has been a long-standing dispute between Henderson Land and I, but we have not been able to obtain permission from the Lands Department."

I think……"

"it is good!"

Before Li Jiacheng could finish speaking, Wei Yixin extended his hand.

"I will hold another press conference at 10 a.m. the day after tomorrow. I hope that the Chamber of Commerce can show the corresponding sincerity before the press conference is held!"

The moment their hands clasped together, a glint of victory flashed in Li Jiacheng's eyes.

He knew that he had already won the first round of this game.

Three days later, at the headquarters of the Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce.

Li Zeju strode into the conference room and slammed a newspaper on the table: "Father, Wei Yixin did exactly what we told him to do!"

Li Jiacheng glanced at the headline: "Governor calls for maintaining market order, Housing Estate Relief Department questioned."

The report was accompanied by a photo of Ho Yiu-chung being surrounded by reporters, but Ho Yiu-chung still looked indifferent, as if he didn't care about anything.

How is the strike going?

Li Jiacheng put down the newspaper.

"More than 150,000 people across Hong Kong participated, all construction sites were shut down, and 37 building materials markets were closed!"

"Zeju, inform Chairman Li Zhaoji that we should also have a meeting."

This strike and market boycott is primarily aimed at creating a massive public opinion storm. If He Yaozong backs down, the strike and boycott must immediately cease; after all, we cannot afford to suffer unjust losses!

Under Li Jiacheng's leadership, in less than an hour, the major real estate industry giants of the Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce gathered together again.

After exchanging pleasantries, Li Jiacheng sat down next to the chairman and nodded to the chairman, Li Zhaoji.

He then turned to the other chamber of commerce members in the meeting room: "Gentlemen, this is a critical moment."

We need to make Ho Yiu-chung understand that the Hong Kong Island property market is not a pie that anyone can just touch!

"Li Sheng is right, Heng Yao's practice of violating industry rules must be stopped!"

Li Zhaoji immediately echoed, although he had always been unconvinced by Li Jiacheng's opponent, but this time his actions had left him no choice but to bow down to him.

Li Jiacheng then looked around at everyone.

"I propose expanding the strike to include all suppliers and contractors who work with us, starting tomorrow."

When everyone is struggling to make a living from the same pot, it's time for everyone to stand up together and fight against a common enemy.

In addition, we contacted major media outlets to focus on reporting the plight of striking workers!

The Wharf representative hesitated, "Won't this cause too much of a stir? What if it triggers social unrest..."

"On the contrary!"

Li Jiacheng said confidently: "We are maintaining the stability of Hong Kong Island's economy. Hengyao is the one that is destroying it!"
We must make it clear to everyone that Ho Yiu-chung, while thinking he's doing charity, is actually destroying the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people working in the real estate industry across Hong Kong!

……

After a period of detailed discussions, the real estate developers generally agreed with Li Jiacheng's proposal.

These Hong Kong tycoons, when they come together, possess enough assets to cause considerable turmoil in any part of Asia.

No one believed that He Yaozong could still go all out and stubbornly persist under their joint pressure.

The previous crackdown was only economic sanctions.

But this time is different; this time, there's also the moral punishment that He Yaozong relies on most...

However, things took an unexpected turn.

On the third day of the strike, while Li Jiacheng was having lunch with his second son, Li Zeju, his secretary hurriedly brought him an urgent document.

Li Jiacheng's expression changed drastically after reading the document.

"This is impossible!"

The documents show that during the strike by Hong Kong property developers, Heng Yiu Properties acquired twelve building materials companies, five decoration companies, and even two small banks at extremely low prices.

Even more shockingly, Ho Yiu-chung suddenly announced this morning that the Silvermine Bay public housing project will not only not raise prices, but will also add a medical center and a free school.

He's taking advantage of the chaos!

Li Zeju was somewhat angry: "Many of those acquired companies were our long-term partners!"

Li Jiacheng's hands trembled slightly as he realized he might have made a fatal mistake—underestimating his opponent's financial strength and speed of counterattack.

He knew that He Yaozong had a huge supply of funds, but he never expected that he would be this rich!
To be fair, the decision to join forces with the Governor's Office to retaliate against Ho Yiu-chung was not made on a whim.

These days, Li Jiacheng is also playing the role of a 'patriotic Chinese businessman,' and he has accumulated a lot of land on the mainland.

He also conducted research through various connections and concluded that even if the mainland supported He Yaozong, it would never come up with so much money!

Just then, the television news suddenly interrupted with an urgent message—

Hundreds of striking workers gathered outside Hengyao's headquarters, not to protest, but to demand the resumption of work.

The leading worker representative said to the camera, "Mr. He promised to give us double wages and also promised us the right to purchase Hengyao's properties at the lowest price. We don't want to strike anymore!"

...]

Li Jiacheng abruptly stood up, his fork clattering to the floor. He knew the situation was spiraling out of control.

Instead of yielding, Ho Yiu-chung took advantage of the market vacuum created by the strike to rapidly expand his business empire.

These partners, though not particularly important to the Li family, were nonetheless personally pushed by him to Hengyao!

In an instant, Li Jiacheng could already imagine the kind of heated debate he would have with the representatives of the Chamber of Commerce.

Public opinion reversed instantly, and major newspapers began to question whether Li Jiacheng's so-called "maintaining market stability" was merely for personal gain.

Meanwhile, Ho Yiu-chung held a press conference to announce that an additional HK$3 billion would be allocated to improve housing conditions for grassroots citizens.

As night fell, Li Jiacheng stood alone in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of his office, gazing at the lights of Victoria Harbour.

The phone rang; it was Wei Yixin.

Wei Yixin's voice was icy cold: "Mr. Li, I think we need to talk again!"

Li Jiacheng gripped the microphone tightly, feeling a cold sweat break out on his back for the first time.

This meticulously planned attack is backfiring on him in an unexpected way.
-
Bijia Mountain, a villa area on the hillside.

He Yaozong held a phone tightly in his hand, listening to a building materials company boss passionately expressing his loyalty to him over the phone.

"Mr. He, our Dong'an Building Materials has been cooperating with Hutchison Whampoa for so many years, but this time Mr. Li said that we should stop work and that's why we should stop work."

I have so many brothers to support, and in just these few days, I haven't been able to sell any goods. The suppliers have been calling me non-stop to collect payments!
I am very grateful to Mr. He for giving me this opportunity to choose again. From now on, whatever building materials Hengyao needs, Dong'an will definitely supply them in the correct quality and quantity, and as quickly as possible!

"Mr. Zhou, if I don't offer you a price that's 30% higher than the market price, would you still choose to sign that contract with me?"

He Yaozong's questioning was somewhat sharp, and the person on the other end of the phone just chuckled awkwardly.

Without waiting for him to explain further, He Yaozong hung up the phone immediately.

Leaning back on the sofa, He Yaozong lit a cigarette and couldn't help but chuckle contentedly.

He was somewhat grateful to Li Jiacheng for adding fuel to the fire of his cashback system at this time, letting him see what it truly meant for money to circulate like a wheel!

You know, building resettlement housing takes at least several months, which is nowhere near as profitable as spending real money to appease the real estate workers who have lost their food and water.

People associate with each other for mutual benefit; when that benefit is gone, they part ways.

Cooking vegetables without oil is like cooking vegetables without cooking greens; when poor people talk, no one listens!
Without money, everything you do is just empty talk!
(End of this chapter)