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

Chapter 179 Either terminate the housing estate project or terminate the problem itself!
In Wilson’s private office, heavy curtains blocked out the dazzling lights of Victoria Harbour.

He stared at the encrypted telegram that had just been delivered by his confidential secretary, his knuckles turning white from the excessive force.

London's wording was unprecedentedly harsh—

In light of Your Excellency’s recent serious dereliction of duty in Hong Kong Island affairs, the Cabinet has activated the emergency plan.

If the housing estate relief scheme cannot be terminated within 72 hours, you will be immediately dismissed from all your duties.

MI6's Special Operations Team is also on standby!

The bright red 'TOP SECRET' stamp at the end of the telegram, like a pool of blood, stung his retina.

He trembled as he opened the drawer and locked the telegram in the deepest compartment.

London doesn't care about environmental laws at all; what they care about is that the housing market, this blood-sucking pump, must not be stopped.

The economic potential of Hong Kong Island for the next few decades must be completely drained by the property market within these short few years!
"Governor, the guests have arrived."

The secretary's report sent a chill down Wei Yixin's spine.

In the reception room, two foreigners in suits were stirring black tea with silver spoons.

The older foreigner raised his grey-blue eyes and smiled faintly.

“Governor, I am Major Martin from the Far East Division of MI6.”

He pushed a file over, and on Ho Yiu-chung's photo was a red skull stamp.

When Wei Yixin picked up the document, Martin added.

"Downing Street wants you to understand that some problems... require permanent solutions!"

The bright red stamp resembled a pool of blood, causing Wei Yixin to fall silent.

Having always prided himself on his civilized habits, Wei Yixin couldn't help but feel a strange emotion after witnessing the barbaric truth.

Martin caught this emotion perfectly, and at that moment, he immediately understood that Wilson was definitely not a qualified governor of Hong Kong...

"Mr. Martin, please give me a little more time!"
I can personally negotiate with Ho Yiu-chung and use political leverage to persuade him to terminate the housing estate project.

Major Martin exchanged a glance with his companion, a cold smile creeping onto his lips.

“Governor, you have 72 hours.”

Beyond this deadline, we will take necessary measures—regardless of your cooperation!

Wei Yixin felt a wave of dizziness; he knew what 'necessary measures' meant.

The moment those MI6 agents fired their guns, Wei Yixin's political life would also come to an end.

The Far East must not be the last stop in his political career!
"I understand!"

Wei Yixin nodded with difficulty: "Please tell the Cabinet that I will handle this matter properly..."

Martin stood up and straightened his suit collar: "We will be closely monitoring the situation. In seventy-two hours, either the estate project will be terminated."

Or... let's stop the problem altogether!

As the MI6 agents prepared to leave, Wei Yixin quickly stood up.

"Mr. Martin, perhaps I should ask you a question too!"

Martin stopped and glanced back at Wei Yixin.

"Does the Governor have any further questions?"

Wei Yixin mustered his spirits and spoke thus.

"According to the think tank's speculation, Ho Yiu-chung may have mainland connections as driving forces behind the scenes."

Moreover, his prestige among the grassroots people of Hong Kong Island is so high now. If something unexpected happens, and the mainland uses it as an excuse to make trouble, have you thought about who will take the blame?!

Martin shrugged: "Governor, if I may be so bold, your think tank is a bunch of good-for-nothings!"
Can't you see that all those real estate developers in the Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce hate Ho Yiu-chung to the core?
"Sir, without sufficient certainty, do you think I would personally come to Hong Kong Island to find you?"

Wei Yixin was speechless. Only after Martin and his assistant left did he slump down on the sofa, looking utterly dejected.

He never imagined that he would become inextricably linked to He Yaozong...

Meanwhile, inside the Hong Kong Police Force Intelligence Branch office.

After hesitating for a long time, Liu Jianming finally picked up a spare phone from the drawer and dialed a number.

“Mr. He, I am Liu Jianming.”

He lowered his voice: "The situation is urgent, we need to meet immediately!"

He Yaozong was always the one who took the initiative to contact Liu Jianming, so this phone call surprised him slightly.

"Why are you so anxious?"

"Regarding your security!"

Liu Jianming glanced at the office door: "I'll meet you at Lansen Cafe in the Sogo Building in Causeway Bay in an hour!"

After hanging up the phone, Liu Jianming quickly removed the phone battery.

He then took two deep breaths and put the phone into a plastic bag.
-
At the Lansen Cafe in Causeway Bay, Ho Yiu-chung sat in a corner with a glass of iced lemon tea in front of him.

Ding--

As the elevator at the entrance of the coffee shop sounded, Liu Jianming walked over in a hurry.

"I'm sorry, Mr. He, it's only time to get off work now."

To make a long story short, MI6 agents have arrived in Hong Kong. According to the information provided by the top brass, they're after you!

Liu Jianming's voice sounded slightly anxious. He knew that He Yaozong might still have reservations about his previous identity, so in order to dispel He Yaozong's concerns, he simply brought up Lu Minghua.

Ho Yiu-chung tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "Sent by the Governor's Office?"

"The Governor's House has no authority to mobilize these ironworkers!"

Liu Jianming leaned closer: "London has given a direct order that the plan must be terminated within 72 hours, otherwise..."

He made a throat-slitting gesture, his expression becoming even more serious: "These agents won't negotiate; they've come with authorization for a permanent solution!"

To Liu Jianming's surprise, a hint of delight seemed to flash in He Yaozong's eyes.

"The foreigners have finally stopped pretending to be gentlemen, but I'm just curious, do they dare to make a move in Hong Kong?"

"Mr. He, this is still a concession, a colony!"

He Yaozong was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "Why risk telling me this?"

Liu Jianming couldn't help but smile bitterly, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "You gave me a second chance at life, and now I have no other choice!"

He Yaozong nodded, then immediately forgot about drinking his coffee.

He stood up, patted Liu Jianming on the shoulder, and didn't say anything more.

She simply gave him an approving look, then quickly left the coffee shop.

……

The next morning, in the reception room of Government House, Wilson forced himself to stay alert as he awaited the arrival of Ho Yiu-chung.

He was perhaps the least prestigious governor in the history of Hong Kong Island.

"He Yaozong is here!"

Just as Wei Yixin was overwhelmed with emotion, his secretary walked up to him and quietly informed him.

He Yaozong strode confidently into the reception room, followed by two assistants who appeared to be lawyers.
"Governor, I heard you have important matters to discuss?"

Before Wei Yixin could greet him, He Yaozong sat down on the sofa opposite him.

Wei Yixin gestured for everyone to leave the reception room, leaving only the two of them.

He cut straight to the point: "He, the relief program for low-income housing estates must be terminated immediately!"

Ho Yiu-chung raised an eyebrow: "What do you mean? Should I be speaking to you today as the Director of Housing Estate Relief Department, or as a citizen of Hong Kong Island?!"

Wei Yixin gritted his teeth, feeling he had to make He Yaozong realize the seriousness of the matter.

At the same time, his voice carried a hint of urgency: "London has issued an ultimatum. The property market is the pillar industry of Hong Kong Island. You can no longer continue to disrupt the property market!"
Hey, aren't you fond of doing charity? Why did you waste so much money building so many resettlement houses?

I know you intend to establish hospitals and schools on Hong Kong Island. If you back out now, I can handle all the complicated procedures for you on behalf of the Governor's Office!

He Yaozong narrowed his eyes slightly.

Hospital and school licenses are indeed among the scarcest resources in Hong Kong. The fact that Wilson is willing to use these as bargaining chips suggests that he is truly in dire straits.

"That sounds like a good proposal, but what about the specific list of licenses and the scope of authorization?"

Wei Yixin immediately picked up a document from beside him: "This was prepared by Huo De overnight. It's the construction permit for three private hospitals and five international schools, all located in prime locations!"

He Yaozong took the document and carefully read it through, secretly making plans in his mind.

After a long while, He Yaozong closed the document.

Give me some time to think about it!

"You must give me a clear answer within 24 hours at most!"

Ho Yiu-chung noticed the cold sweat beading on the Governor's forehead and his slightly trembling fingers, which further convinced him of the accuracy of Lau Kin-ming's intelligence. The British were indeed anxious, and abnormally so.

He Yaozong stood up: "Since you're in such a hurry, I'll give you an answer tomorrow morning!"

Wei Yixin breathed a sigh of relief: "He, you must agree to this condition."

Believe me, put away your arrogant, victorious attitude. If all you know is how to refuse, you'll regret it sooner or later!

He Yaozong smiled slightly, did not reply, and turned to leave the reception room.

……

The following day, Ho Yiu-chung arrived at Government House as agreed and signed the transfer agreement for the hospital and school licenses.

Wei Yixin looked more haggard than the day before, but his eyes shone with hope.

Extending his right hand, Wei Yixin said, "I believe you will immediately cease the promotion and expansion of the housing estate project?"

"Let's wait and see what the afternoon news brings!"

Wei Yixin failed to notice the subtlety in He Yaozong's wording; he was too eager to report this 'good news' to London.

Less than two hours after the agreement was signed, Ho Yiu-chung held a press conference to announce that Heng Yao Group had obtained a medical education license specially approved by the Hong Kong government and would continue to invest in order to build the most advanced private medical education complex in Hong Kong within a year.

At the press conference, he didn't mention the housing estate project at all, as if it were a thing of the past.

When Wei Yixin saw the news on television, he breathed a sigh of relief and immediately called London to report that "mission accomplished."

However, on the same afternoon, Hengyao Real Estate's construction team suddenly increased the construction intensity of the Silver Mine Bay project.

The Housing Estates Relief Department's offices were brightly lit as staff worked overtime to process new public housing applications.

……

Another day passed, and when Hod placed a report on Wilson’s desk about the ongoing expansion of the housing estate project, his face turned deathly pale.

"Does he want to die?!"

Wei Yixin slammed his fist on the desk, splashing freshly brewed coffee all over his sleeve.

Hord frowned as well.

“Governor, this despicable fellow has deceived us…”

Since our plan has been completely rejected by London, why not just let MI6 agents do the work?

"Hodd, please stop calling me Governor of Hong Kong."

After tomorrow night, you can call me Mr. David, or you can address me as Baron Wilson. I will no longer be the Governor of Hong Kong!

The anger that had been building up for days was finally released in this moment.

Wei Yixin's spittle almost sprayed all over Huo De's face before he realized his utter defeat.

"Let this despicable scum pay for our future!"

In a frenzied state, Wei Yixin immediately dialed the number Martin had left behind. As soon as the call connected, before Martin could even speak, he immediately said…

"Ho Yiu-chung has deceived us! The housing estate project has not only not stopped, but has actually expanded!"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, then Martin's frighteningly calm voice came through.

"So, Mr. Governor, the plan has been brought forward, right?"

"Martin, you don't need to ask me how to do your own thing!"

I only have one thing to tell you: if anything goes wrong with your plans, remember, it has nothing to do with me!

Martin sneered: "Governor, standing firm in your last post on Hong Kong Island is more important than anything else!"
-
Martin stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of the Peninsula Hotel suite, gently swirling his whiskey glass; the clinking of ice cubes was particularly crisp in the quiet room.

Has the target itinerary been confirmed?

He didn't turn around; standing behind him was an ordinary-looking Chinese face.

“Mr. Martin, some people said that Ho Yiu-chung’s security was even tighter than that of the Governor of Hong Kong. At first, I didn’t believe it.”

But after observing for the past few days, I have to admit that this statement is not an exaggeration at all!

"So, poisoning, car accidents, and other accidental methods don't have a high success rate?"

"That's right, the best solution is shooting!"

Martin's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile.

"Although I have always believed that shooting is the least technically sophisticated method of assassination, I have to admit that it is the most effective way to complete a mission!"

"Wen, do you remember when you were training at Scotland Yard, and why I brought you into MI6?"

The young man behind Martin immediately straightened up and saluted him.

"Sir, it's because of my unerring marksmanship!"

"Excellent! It seems this task is perfect for you!"

Martin turned around, put down his wine glass, and patted his subordinate on the shoulder.

"Remember, this is an assassination attempt perpetrated by the Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce against Ho Yiu-chung!"

Even if our plan encounters that one in a million unexpected event, you must remember to insist that you were paid by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce to take on this assassination mission!

"Yes sir!"

The agent's answer was firm and resolute!

When Wei Yixin's private phone rang at midnight, he was already preparing for his return trip and destroying some documents in the bathroom.

When I answered the phone, I found it was Martin calling.

Upon hearing Martin's plan, he nearly dropped the lighter in his hand.

"Sending Li Zhaoji to make an appointment with He Yaozong? That's too risky!"

No matter how you look at it, Wei Yixin is now completely heartbroken.

He had even already made plans for returning to England and managing his farm; he absolutely refused to get involved in MI6's assassination attempts.

Martin's cold laugh came from the other end of the phone: "Mr. Governor, in the eyes of outsiders, these real estate developers on Hong Kong Island want Ho Yiu-chung to disappear more than anyone else—they just lack a suitable opportunity!"

You don't need to be so nervous. You know, the transfer order to London hasn't been officially issued yet. You still have an obligation to stand with me on this last post!

Wei Yixin gritted his teeth: "If things are exposed..."

"My plan is not subject to any 'what ifs'!"

Martin interrupted him: "Li Zhaoji has no idea that this is a setup. He will sincerely try to persuade He Yaozong to stop the housing estate project."

And when he failed, it was perfectly reasonable for the "angry Hong Kong businessman" to resort to extreme measures.

After a long silence, Wei Yixin finally had to reply, "I will arrange for Li Zhaoji to see me tomorrow morning!"

After hanging up the phone, Wei Yixin burned the last document on the bathtub.

He then stumbled into the living room and slumped into a Louis chair.

He stared at the portrait of Victoria on the wall and suddenly felt as if the Queen's eyes were judging him.

The following morning, Li Zhaoji was still completely bewildered when he stepped into Government House.

Upon seeing Wei Yixin, who looked exhausted, he bowed slightly, his eyes full of doubt.

“Mr. Governor, if there’s anything you need, you can just tell me over the phone.”

Wei Yixin forced a smile and gestured for him to sit down.

“Mr. Li, I must admit to you that supporting Ho Yiu-chung in establishing the Housing Estate Relief Department was a completely wrong decision.”

I would like to ask for your help regarding the plan to abolish the Housing Estate Relief Department.

Over the next half hour, Wei Yixin cleverly packaged Martin's conspiracy as 'the last chance for a peaceful resolution'.

He deliberately emphasized that Ho Yiu-chung's housing estate plan had caused panic in the Hong Kong Island property market, and that as chairman of the Real Estate Developers Association, Lee Chiu-kei had a responsibility to step in and mediate.

"He Yaozong recently obtained a medical education license; perhaps now is the time for him to be willing to compromise!"

Wei Yixin gestured to his secretary to hand him a cup of black tea, his voice full of persuasion.

"Mr. Li, for the sake of the overall situation in Hong Kong Island, and for the benefit of your Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce, I hope you will do your best this time!"

Li Zhaoji frowned: "Governor, I have dealt with Ho Yiu-chung before."

This scoundrel is impervious to both soft and hard tactics; negotiations might be...

"We should at least give it a try!"

Wei Yixin interrupted him: "No matter what, just do your best!"

A dozen minutes later, Li Zhaoji left the Governor's House.

After he got into his Bentley, he couldn't help but start to mutter to himself.

He felt that Wei Yixin's attitude today was a bit strange, but Ho Yiu-chung's housing estate plan was indeed skinning them, the real estate developers, alive.

As Wei Yixin said, regardless of whether it works or not, one must at least give it a try.

……

When He Yaozong received Li Zhaoji's call, he was sitting in a Mercedes-Benz, inspecting the Silver Mine Bay construction site.

On the other end of the phone, Li Zhaoji's tone was unusually polite.

"Mr. Ho, I'd like to discuss the housing estate project with you in person. Perhaps we can find a solution that's acceptable to both of us?"

He Yaozong squinted as he watched a crane in the distance hoisting precast slabs.

Where would you like to meet, Mr. Li?

Li Zhaoji never expected He Yaozong to agree so readily, and immediately responded without suspicion.

"How about 3 p.m. at my private club in Central?"

The environment there is quiet, perfect for discussing business!

"How about the observation deck restaurant on the 23rd floor of the Sogo Building?"

He Yaozong's tone was relaxed, but not without room for refusal: "You know, I've never liked to linger in places I'm not very familiar with."

"Okay, okay! It's settled then!"

Li Zhaoji said "good" twice in a row, fearing that He Yaozong might suddenly change his mind at the next second.

After hanging up the phone, He Yaozong leaned back in his chair and smiled, then immediately dialed another number.

"Jianjun, Chongguang Building, have the security team clear the area two hours in advance before 3 PM!"
Especially the observation restaurant on the 23rd floor—they wouldn't even let a fly in!

Wang Jianjun's icy voice immediately came through the receiver: "Understood!"

After giving his instructions, He Yaozong put away the phone and clenched his fists at the Silver Mine Bay reclamation site.

Is the fangs hidden behind 'civilization' finally about to be revealed...?

Around 2:45 p.m., the observation restaurant on the 23rd floor of the Sogo Tower had been cleared out.

He Yaozong's security team sealed off all entrances, and even the kitchen staff were temporarily asked to leave.

He Yaozong sat alone in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, with an untouched cup of Pu'er tea in front of him.

The elevator doors opened, and Lee Jo-ki stepped out, accompanied by two assistants.

After going through a series of tedious security checks, Li Zhaoji was visibly taken aback when he saw He Yaozong sitting in the restaurant, surrounded by bodyguards who were ready to pounce.

"Mr. He, isn't this a bit too much of a show of force?"

He forced a smile and sat down opposite He Yaozong.

"Mr. Li, let's get down to business!"

But let me make this clear first: if we talk about anything that upsets me today, it won't just be tea that gets thrown at you!

Lee Jo-ki waved his hand somewhat awkwardly, then took a deep breath and got straight to the point.

"Mr. Ho, you've already gotten the benefits you were entitled to from the Governor's Office."

Please, as a gesture of kindness, leave some food for us in the pot!
What good will it do you to exterminate us? In a few years, once the foreigners are gone, the mainland will need development, and we can contribute our share!

He Yaozong raised an eyebrow: "Looks like you're here to act as a lobbyist again!"

"No no no!"

Li Zhaoji's forehead was beaded with sweat as he began to instinctively prepare for a fight, fearing that He Yaozong might suddenly attack and drench him with tea again.

"As the chairman of the real estate association, I also have a responsibility to safeguard the interests of the industry."

Mr. Ho, the resettlement housing you built directly caused property prices in the North District of the New Territories to drop by 30%.

This involves the collapse of countless supply chains; many of our family's benefactors, who depend on people like us for their livelihood, are already struggling to survive!

Seeing that He Yaozong made no further move, Li Zhaoji mustered his courage and cleared his voice.

She continued, "The residents of the housing estates are people, and they are people too!"

We are all Chinese people of the same origin. There's no need for Mr. He to show favoritism and ruin their livelihoods!

Li Zhaoji clearly used a different set of tactics in this negotiation.

Last time, he tried to blackmail He Yaozong by threatening him with his own interests. After being repeatedly rebuffed, he simply resorted to playing the 'sob story' card.

However, Ho Yiu-chung did not choose to respond to his comment.

After taking a leisurely sip of tea, He Yaozong spoke.

"Mr. Li, do you know why I chose to meet here?"

Although Li Zhaoji knew perfectly well what was going on, he still shook his head.

"Because the view here is expansive, you can see the entire Victoria Harbour and every window of the office buildings across the way!"

Li Zhaoji followed his finger and suddenly felt uneasy.

He had a vague feeling that he might be involved in a situation far more complex than business negotiations.

About 400 meters away, in an empty office on the 32nd floor of the Harbour Centre building, a man was observing the activity inside the restaurant through a sniper scope.

He adjusted his breathing, his crosshairs firmly locked onto He Yaozong's temple.

"Target confirmed, awaiting instructions!"

"Wen, let your gunshot be the first salute to bid farewell to Wilson as he leaves Hong Kong Island!"

Martin's calm voice came through the headset.

Almost the instant Martin finished speaking, a gunshot rang out in the office.

A bullet, fired from its barrel, was whistling towards the floor-to-ceiling windows of the observation restaurant on the 23rd floor of the Sogo Building...

(End of this chapter)