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

Chapter 192 Ideals and ambitions have to take a backseat to real money.

Victoria Harbour was shrouded in a thin mist in the early morning. Jimmy stepped off a yacht, his fingers unconsciously stroking the metal clasp of his leather briefcase.

He had just returned from Macau, and the cuffs of his suit trousers still smelled of cigarette smoke from the casino.

"Xiwei, Mr. He sent you to pick me up in person?"

The man who drove to pick up Jimmy at the pier was none other than Ho Yiu-chung's deputy, Sai Wai.

"Jimmy, this Mercedes can't compare to the Rolls-Royce in Macau, but it's still bulletproof!"

Let's go, get in the car!

Siu Wai stood in front of a black Mercedes-Benz, patting the engine cover while waving to Jimmy.

Jimmy got into the car with his briefcase, and only spoke after he sat down in the back seat.

"No rush. I know Mr. Ho hasn't gotten up yet. Let's go to Sham Shui Po first and visit Grandpa!"

"Jimmy is truly kind and loyal; no wonder Yao values ​​you so much."

"You could learn everything from experts like you in a lifetime!"

"You idiot, do you even need to learn this? You can't forget your roots!"

Jimmy laughed and cursed, then started the car and drove straight towards Lung Kan's residence in Sham Shui Po.

It was only 7:50 a.m., but Longgen had already gotten up and was practicing a set of Baduanjin exercises in the courtyard of the detached house.

His daily routine remained stable: he would get up early every day to drink tea, cultivate his mind and body, play a few rounds of mahjong, and play a game of cards in the evening when he had nothing to do.

Even though his star pupils were rising in status in Hong Kong, his life remained largely unchanged.

It wasn't that He Yaozong didn't take care of the big shot who helped him get started, but rather that Long Gen knew his limits.

Since Ho Yiu-chung entered the Legislative Council, Lung Kin has even stopped liking others to publicize that Ho Yiu-chung is his younger brother.

In the community, if there were any trivial matters that didn't require He Yaozong's help, the older uncles would discuss and handle them collectively, trying their best not to hold He Yaozong back.

Times change, and one must always assess the situation carefully.

While He Yaozong was fighting with those tycoons and foreigners, his grandfather couldn't offer much help; all he could do was try his best not to hold He Yaozong back.

"Good morning, Grandpa!"

As Jimmy called softly, Longgen stopped and turned around. Upon seeing Jimmy, the corners of his mouth immediately turned up.

"Jimmy, long time no see!"

"No, we just met up in Macau at the end of last month."

Jimmy walked over with a smile, and Longgen quickly pulled him into the house. Then he told his henchman to make tea for Jimmy.

After settling down, Jimmy opened his briefcase and took out a purchase contract.

"Grandpa, Brother Yao asked me to find you a villa in Haojiang."

"Now that I'm out in the city, I'll have a place to rest when I go to Macau. No matter how good the service at the casino is, it's never as comfortable as staying at home!"

"How blessed you are!"

Longgen took the purchase contract from Jimmy and was so moved he almost cried.

"Jimmy, I started out in my teens and it wasn't until my thirties that I finally managed to make a name for myself."

At the time, I thought I might never be able to clear my name in this lifetime. The most glorious time was the two years when I was the leader.

"I didn't expect God to bless you, but there's even more good fortune in the future; this branch in Sham Shui Po has managed to produce two such sharp young men!"

Jimmy simply waved his hand: "I was also mentored by Brother Yao, how can I be compared to him?"

Before they could even exchange a few words, Jimmy's cell phone, which he had left on the table, rang.

I pressed the answer button and found that it was He Yaozong calling.

"Jimmy, are you here yet? Come over for breakfast!"

"We've arrived, Yao-ge!"

Jimmy looked up at Longgen and then laughed.

“I haven’t been back to Hong Kong Island for a while. I was worried you were still resting, so I came to visit Grandpa first.”

"That's so thoughtful of you to invite Grandpa over for dim sum?"

Upon hearing the voice on the phone, Longgen quickly waved to Jimmy.

Jimmy understood: "Grandpa said he has some things to do later, so he won't be coming over."

Now that you're awake, I'll be right there!

After He Yaozong hung up the phone, Jimmy chatted with Longgen for a few more minutes before bowing and saying goodbye.

Twenty minutes later, Sai Wai drove Jimmy to Beacon Hill.

"sit."

He Yaozong was having a meal at the dining table.

Jimmy sat down, and in front of him was a delicate pineapple bun and a bowl of fish porridge.

Jimmy picked up the porridge spoon and stirred it a few times. He noticed a brown paper bag on the coffee table with the letter "H" stamped on it in the sealing wax, which looked dark red in the morning light.

He recognized the mark—only Hengyao's most confidential documents would use this kind of sealing wax.

“I remember you were always thinking about doing business in mainland China. I took it upon myself to cut off your contact with Mr. Guo. Don’t blame me.”

Although your name isn't listed in the Wo Luen Shing's register, everyone knows you're one of us. The entire Hong Kong Island Chamber of Commerce was isolating me recently; if Mr. Kwok continues to support you, he's just making things difficult for himself.

Jimmy chuckled and quickly replied, "It's alright. I've been running a junket business in Macau for a while now, so I don't need Mr. Guo as a boss."

"Brother Yao, I've finally realized today that you're the only one who truly cares for me, Jimmy!"

"Once you're familiar with the brothel business, your speech becomes mushy!"
What do you mean by saying I'm the only sky above you?

He Yaozong had already finished a bowl of pork liver congee. After putting down his spoon, he wiped his mouth and then pushed the brown paper document bag in front of Jimmy.

"I'll have to trouble you to go to the mainland and deliver this list to Shi Yong."

"Give this to Shi Yong, and you'll be qualified to do business in the mainland from now on!"

As Jimmy reached for the file bag, Ho Yiu-chung lightly tapped his fingernail on the sealing wax, reminding him not to forget to offer a reminder.

"Remember, this is of utmost importance; you must hand it over to him personally!"

Jimmy asked curiously, "Boss, what's in here?"

"It's a list of dog-owning items for foreigners!"

Upon hearing this, Jimmy's expression froze, and he immediately realized the importance of the matter.

"Alright, I will personally deliver it to Shi Yong!"

He Yaozong nodded, then snapped his fingers.

Immediately, a security guard brought over another document bag, which, at Ho Yiu-chung's instruction, was handed to Jimmy.

“I know you want to build a logistics center in the mainland, so I’ve already prepared the business plan for you.”

A car will be arranged to take you to the mainland, departing at 10:00 AM. Before you go to complete the formalities, please review this itinerary here. If you have any comments, you can let me know now!

The second paper bag was noticeably thicker. Jimmy excitedly took out the plan and turned to the first page.

The dense array of data caused his pupils to shrink slightly—an estimated investment of HK$12 billion, creating 8000 jobs within two years, with an initial plan for an annual throughput of over 500 million tons…

More importantly, each number is accompanied by a detailed market analysis.

Moreover, the logistics center that Ho Yiu-chung built was part of a complete supply chain.

In other words, Hengyao Logistics Center's logistics network is not limited to Pengcheng; it will expand to the entire Pearl River Delta region within the next two years!
"Mr. He, I..."

Jimmy suddenly felt a heavier burden on his shoulders. He Yaozong had invested so much money in him to manage. If he didn't do a good job and it all went down the drain, he didn't know how he would face He Yaozong!

"Don't have any concerns. If you don't have enough money, you can come to me for more investment!"

I still remember what you said to me back then: "We're all brothers, if you don't help me, who will?"

He Yaozong smiled as he looked at Jimmy, seemingly unconcerned about the investment of over a billion dollars.

……

Guangdong Province, Swan Hotel.

In a meeting room, Shek Yung, who had not appeared on Hong Kong Island for a long time, met with Jimmy again.

"You're Li Jiayuan?"

As soon as Shi Yong entered the meeting room, his sharp gaze immediately fell on Jimmy.

This made Jimmy a little reserved. He straightened up and extended his hand towards Shi Yong.

"That's right, Mr. Shi!"

Shi Yong disliked the way these people addressed him by his title; this was a warning that his advisor, Su, had given to Jimmy, and Jimmy had never forgotten it throughout the journey.

After a brief handshake with Jimmy, Shi Yong invited him to sit down again.

"Don't be so reserved. Do you know that Lao Xu mentioned you to me before?"

These words subtly brought the two closer, but still left Jimmy slightly surprised.

“Mr. Shi, I’m not familiar with Lao Xu at all, so why would he mention me?”

Shi Yong smiled and said, "Old Xu said that you are the most suitable person to take charge of the Wo Luen Shing Dragon Head Stick for the next few decades!"

Jimmy was immediately startled, but then breathed a sigh of relief.

He dared not think any further, and explained to Shi Yong with a relieved tone, "Mr. Shi, I'm just a businessman; I can't handle anything in the triads!"
If conditions permit, my children will become doctors or lawyers; they will absolutely never join gangs or become thugs…

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore!"

Shi Yong interrupted Jimmy's narration and immediately got to the point.

"I heard from Mr. He of Hengyao that he has something he wants you to bring to me?"

"That's right!"

Jimmy quickly took out the document and respectfully handed it to Shi Yong.

Shi Yong didn't say much. In front of Jimmy, he tore open the cover and took out the list to look at it.

His expression quickly turned serious.

A few minutes later, Shi Yong stood up and this time he took the initiative to extend his right hand to Jimmy.

"Mr. Li, I have already discussed your investment in mainland China with the negotiation office."

At lunchtime, Director Fang from the negotiation office will come here to meet you in person.

If you have a pleasant conversation, he'll invite you to have lunch here!

"Thank you! Thank you, Mr. Shi!"

After many years of wishing, Jimmy was finally about to have his wish fulfilled, and he could no longer suppress his excitement.

If today's negotiations go smoothly, then in the future, when we go out, the title "Mr. Li" or "Boss Li" will gradually replace the "Jimmy" that the gang members have been calling him for many years!

At 11:40 a.m., Fang Zhitong, the director of the Pengcheng Negotiation Office, looked tired as he loosened his tie and walked toward a private meeting room of the negotiation office at the Swan Hotel.

"Who is this Li Jiayuan? Has his application been approved? I've never heard of him before."

Fang Zhitong fanned himself with his shirt while asking his secretary a question.

As a veteran of the special economic zone, Fang Zhitong has worked his way up to his current position step by step.

He witnessed the growing prosperity of the Pearl River Delta day by day.

Back when the special economic zone was first established, these capable staff members in the negotiation office were so busy day and night trying to attract more foreign investment that they barely had time to breathe.

At the time, they were focused on attracting foreign investment, and they would talk until their mouths were blistered every day to persuade people.

Times have changed. Now, many foreign investors are scrambling to enter the mainland market, and their negotiation offices have to review and approve their applications repeatedly.

Faced with Fang Zhitong's three questions, the secretary responded with a smile.

"Director, this Li Jiayuan is from Hengyao who came to the mainland to invest."

The review has been approved, and the funds brought in this time seem to be quite substantial!

"Oh? Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"

Upon hearing the name Hengyao, Fang Zhitong stopped in his tracks, quickly buttoned up his shirt, and tightened his tie.

After standing there and tidying himself up, he looked at his secretary and complained.

"If I had just said that Hengyao's people were coming, why would I have bothered to talk to the Japanese about the location of the wire factory so early in the morning?"

"Go and order food quickly. I'm treating Hengyao's representatives to lunch here this afternoon!"

……

The air conditioner was blowing cold air into the meeting room of the negotiation office.

Fang Zhitong's teacup had been refilled three times. He stared at the data charts on the projection screen, his eyes behind his glasses widening.

"Mr. Li said the annual throughput is 500 million tons?"

Fang Zhitong turned to the planning director beside him: "Old Zhao, how much did the entire Pengcheng Port cost last year?"

980 tons.

The planning director answered in a low voice, his fingers unconsciously tapping his knee.

Jimmy unbuttoned his suit jacket and began to explain things to Fang Zhitong.

"Director Fang, what Hengyao means is that we are not building a traditional port, but a modern multimodal transport hub."

The highway leads directly to the warehouse, enhancing the sorting system and cold chain storage. If there are any infrastructure challenges in the local area, Hengyao can also undertake the construction through funding!

"This investment scale."

Fang Zhitong turned to the last page of the plan and suddenly his eyes widened: "An initial investment of 8 million?"

Without a doubt, even after so many years of negotiations, Fang Zhitong has rarely seen such an extravagant investor!
Those Japanese electrical investors he talked to this morning, with an initial investment of 100 million yen and the creation of a few hundred jobs, dare to ask for exorbitant prices.

They want all sorts of preferential policies and priority in site selection...

In short, they wanted this and that. If it weren't for the fact that these companies had technological advantages, Fang Zhitong would have wanted to throw their plans right in their faces!

However, Hengyao lived up to its reputation in Hong Kong Island. When it first invested in a logistics center, they had almost no strict requirements for the location.

They even stated that they would take responsibility for developing any barren beach they wanted, without discussing the details.

A logistics center with an investment of over a billion yuan will inevitably drive the economic development of the surrounding area significantly.

Fang Zhitong felt there was no need for him to listen to Jimmy continue; he wished he could sign the agreement now and immediately release Hengyao's funds!
Jimmy smiled and nodded: "Mr. He said that people should not forget their roots."

Supporting the development of one's hometown is something every capable Chinese person is proud of.

Compared to many of our predecessors, Hengyao's efforts are nothing!

As he spoke, he took a check from his inner pocket and gently placed it on the table: "This is a deposit of 5000 million, which will be credited to your account today."

Fang Zhitong's pen fell onto the table with a clatter.

He has been involved in attracting investment for over a decade, and he has never seen a Hong Kong businessman pull out real money on their first meeting.

Suddenly, the cicadas outside the window started chirping in unison, their piercing sound penetrating the glass, but unable to drown out the gasps of breath rising and falling in the conference room.

Fang Zhitong suddenly stood up, his voice trembling with excitement.

"Regarding land, I can go back and apply to hold a special meeting, and in principle, 300 mu of industrial land can be allocated!"
If it's convenient for Mr. Li, we can sign the letter of intent tomorrow!

"No rush, Director Fang. Regarding Hengyao's plans, I think it's better if you wait until I finish my presentation before applying for a special meeting."

The check landed on the table with a soft sound, yet it struck Fang Zhitong's heart like a heavy hammer.

He stared at the HK$5000 million check, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the rim of his teacup.

The cicadas chirped shrilly outside the window, but the air in the reception room seemed to freeze.

"Mr. Li, this..."

Fang Zhitong cleared his throat, trying to make his voice sound less agitated: "We appreciate Hengyao's sincerity. However, according to procedure, we need to first..."

Jimmy interrupted him with a smile: "Director Fang, I understand the procedure."

This 5000 million is not an investment, but a deposit of goodwill. Hengyao's investment in mainland China is a long-term strategy, and Mr. He specifically instructed that this money could be used for infrastructure construction in Shenzhen, as a small token of our appreciation.

Upon hearing this, Director Zhao of the Planning Department suddenly looked up, his eyes widening behind his glasses.

Fang Zhitong's fingers hovered over the teacup, causing tiny ripples to spread across the surface of the tea.

"Used for...infrastructure construction?"

Fang Zhitong repeated, emphasizing each word.

"That's right!"

Jimmy took out another document from his briefcase: "These are the three plots of land we have initially selected. No matter where the final location is, this money will be used to improve the surrounding roads and municipal facilities. Hengyao hopes to do something practical for the local area."

Fang Zhitong took the document, his fingers trembling slightly.

He had seen too many investors who made exorbitant demands, but this was the first time he had encountered an investor who proactively offered to improve the surrounding environment.

"Mr. Li's magnanimity is admirable!"

Fang Zhitong stood up and solemnly extended his hand: "I will report to the city immediately and strive to advance this project as quickly as possible!"

"Director Fang, you flatter me. I am only here to invest in the mainland at the request of my boss, He Yaozong, and in accordance with the principle of prioritizing charity."

This feeling of being respected and valued made Jimmy quite happy.

But he suppressed his excitement and handed Fang Zhitong a business card.

"Then I'll trouble you, Director Fang. I'll stay here tonight. Please feel free to call me anytime if you need anything!"

Jimmy held Fang Zhitong's hand, feeling the warmth and strength from the other's palm.

He knew that the first move had been made.

A day later, before Fang Zhitong had given a reply, the Pengcheng Daily published a sensational news story on its front page: "[Hong Kong-funded Hengyao Group Donates 5000 Million Yuan to Support Pengcheng Infrastructure Construction!]"

The report detailed Hengyao Group's plan to invest in and build a large logistics center in Shenzhen, and highlighted the huge donation that arrived ahead of schedule.

Jimmy wasn't idle either. While waiting for Fang Zhitong's reply, he was already interviewing the first batch of local management talents in the conference room of his hotel.

Jimmy put down his newspaper and looked at a man in his early thirties, dressed in a sharp suit.

This is the first job seeker he interviewed today.

"Mr. Chen, you worked as a dispatching supervisor at a Japanese-owned freight company for five years. Why do you want to come to Hengyao?"

Chen Zhiming adjusted his glasses and said in a steady voice, "President Li, to be honest, Japanese-owned companies have rigid systems, making it difficult to implement many good ideas."

I've read Hengyao's proposal. Your concept of a 'multimodal transport hub' is already quite mature in Europe and America, but it's still a novelty in mainland China. I'd like to participate in this process, starting from scratch.

In fact, the job seeker had a more fundamental reason that he didn't mention: Hengyao is now well-known, and everyone knows that Hengyao's employees receive the highest salaries in the industry.

All ambitions and ideals have to take a backseat when it comes to real money.

(End of this chapter)