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

Chapter 199 I can spend my money on whomever I want, does the Governor have any objections?

Hong Kong in December was unusually chilly, and the morning mist on Victoria Peak was thicker than usual.

He Yaozong stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window on the 31st floor of Huamao Building, which was Hengyao's temporary office space.

He held a freshly printed copy of the Oriental Daily News in his hand, the front-page photo of Fat Peng's round, smiling face particularly jarring.

"Mr. Ho, the Governor's House car has arrived downstairs."

The advisor, Su, pushed open the door and entered, his eyes behind his gold-rimmed glasses flashing with vigilance.

Ho Yiu-chung threw the newspaper on the table. The photo showed Fat Peng having breakfast with citizens in a tea restaurant in Sham Shui Po. The headline read, "Fat Peng goes deep into the community for the third consecutive day, vowing to improve grassroots medical care."

"This fat guy is much more difficult to deal with than Wei Yixin."

He Yaozong sneered and picked up the suit jacket hanging on the hanger.

"He has put in a lot of effort in his populist show over the past three months."

The advisor, Su, quickly caught up with Ho Yiu-chung: "According to the Financial Secretary's announcement, the Government House's special budget for this quarter has increased by 40%, all of which will be used for grassroots livelihood projects."

In particular, investment in South Asian and Filipino communities has tripled compared to last year.

The elevator doors slowly closed, and He Yaozong frowned slightly.

"It's rare that he's willing to put aside his aloofness as Governor of Hong Kong and take a more approachable route."

It seems that Fat Peng's purpose is now beyond doubt; he also wants to have a final showdown with me in terms of public opinion!

“No…it’s more than that!”

The advisor, Su, lowered his voice: "Acting Deputy Secretary-General of the Government Secretariat, Chan Fong On, secretly met with representatives of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and the Filipino Association last week, promising to raise the minimum wage for foreign workers."

"Mr. He, Fat Peng doesn't show his face himself; he leaves all the dirty work...the hard work, to the puppets of the Provincial Administration Commission!"

"Fat Peng invited me to organize a Christmas Eve outreach event for residents of public housing estates in Kowloon tonight. He asked me to take him to the public housing estates in Kowloon to deliver gifts to the residents who are receiving relief."

I was puzzled by his lack of misconduct over the past few months, but I recently figured it out.

The reason this guy is so close to me and frequently supports the Housing Estate Relief Department's activities is for one purpose only—to steal the hearts and minds that Heng Yiu has won with real money.

"This...this foreigner is really not easy to deal with!"

"Anyone who sits in the Governor's seat is easy to deal with?"

Ding--

At this moment, the elevator doors opened, and at He Yaozong's signal, the advisor Su understood and shut up.

The black Mercedes-Benz at Government House was parked at the main entrance, and Fat Peng's round body leaned out of the car window, his face full of smiles.

"Mr. Ho! Merry Christmas! Today we're going to bring warmth to the citizens!"

Ho Yiu-chung put on a business smile and got into the car: "You're too kind, Governor. The residents of Sham Shui Po will be very happy to know that you came in person."

However, these residents of the housing estates don't have the habit of celebrating Christmas Eve. I think it would be better to cancel the event altogether and visit the estates during the Lunar New Year to offer our warmth and support!

"NO NO NO!"

Fat Peng shook his head and said 'NO' three times in a row.

He then smiled and gestured to the driver to go to Sham Shui Po, and then spoke to Ho Yiu-chung.

"Mr. Ho, Hong Kong Island is a very inclusive city. Whether it's an Eastern or Western holiday, we can't miss any of them!"

We are all working hard for the future development of Hong Kong Island. There's no reason why Government House should be deserted tonight, while the housing estates supported by the Relief and Works Department are also deserted.

This reason was so plausible that He Yaozong couldn't find a single fault with it.

On the way to Sham Shui Po, Fat Peng talked non-stop about what he had seen and heard during his visits over the past three months, occasionally interspersing a few broken but warm words of Cantonese.

He Yaozong outwardly agreed, but his eyes kept glancing at the street scenes flashing past the car window—a few Indian youths were sticking a poster on the wall, in which Fat Peng and a group of South Asian children were smiling broadly.

"Is Mr. He also interested in the South Asian community?"

Fei Peng suddenly asked, his eyes narrowing into slits: "I've heard that Hengyao's fresh food supermarkets are rarely located in areas with large foreign populations."

He Yaozong cursed Fatty Peng's mother in his heart, but his face remained calm: "Hengyao does business by adapting to local conditions. Foreign citizens have different eating habits than Chinese people. We need more time to conduct research."

"Understand, understand!"

Fei Peng nodded repeatedly: "That's why I put Deputy Secretary-General Chen in charge of improving the lives of people in the foreign community, while you Chinese businesses focus on the Chinese community. It's a division of labor and cooperation!"

A makeshift stage has been set up in front of Lee Cheng Uk Estate in Sham Shui Po, with Heng Yiu's flag hanging side by side with the flag of Government House.

Thousands of residents from the housing estates gathered early in the square, many of whom are long-term beneficiaries of the Hang Yiu Relief Department's assistance program.

"Mr. He has arrived!"

"The Governor of Hong Kong has really come in person!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd.

As soon as Fei Peng got off the bus, he displayed his signature approachable style, taking the initiative to walk into the crowd to shake hands with citizens, and even picking up a child to take a photo.

He Yaozong, who was standing next to him, noticed that cameras from at least five media outlets were filming him the whole time.

It must be said that the title of Governor of Hong Kong is indeed impressive.

In addition, since taking office, Governor Pang has frequently expressed his "closeness" to Heng Yiu, which has led many of the neighborhoods that Heng Yiu helped to extend their affection to Pang as well.

The visit proceeded as planned. Fat Peng delivered a brief speech in Cantonese, which he had practiced for a long time, announcing that the Hong Kong government would cooperate with Hang Yiu to distribute HK$1,000 shopping vouchers to each household in the housing estate before the New Year.

The applause from the audience was thunderous, but He Yaozong noticed several unfamiliar faces standing at the edge of the crowd—a Sikh wearing a headscarf and two Filipino women, watching everything with indifference.

“That’s Chen Fang’an’s man, who is the acting deputy secretary-general of the provincial administration.”

The clerk, Su, appeared quietly beside He Yaozong and whispered, "They are recording the details of the relief activities, especially the list of beneficiaries of our relief agency."

"Have a few neighbors kick them out. It's a community outreach event for Chinese people, why are they coming to join in the fun?"

After calmly giving instructions to his advisor Su, He Yaozong also stepped onto the stage.

As is customary, he also gave a rather uninformative summary.

Although the speech was rather dull, the neighbors listened with great interest.

After the event, Fei Peng pulled He Yaozong into the makeshift supplies distribution tent and personally distributed gifts to the residents. The two worked side by side, looking incredibly harmonious.

But both of them understood what the other was really thinking.

"Mr. He, I've always been curious."

Fei Peng handed a bag of rice to an old man, his voice so low that only He Yaozong could hear him: "What are Hengyao's relief standards? Why are all the recipients I see Chinese?"

Ho Yiu-chung remained unfazed: "The Relief Department is open to all residents of Hong Kong Island, but there are just more Chinese applicants."

"is it?"

Fei Peng smiled meaningfully: "Perhaps I'm overthinking it. But Deputy Secretary-General Chen told me that the poverty rate in the South Asian community is actually higher than that in the Chinese community, but almost none of them receive help from Hengyao."

"Governor!"

He Yaozong stopped what he was doing, then took out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it.

His tone was no longer as polite as before.

"It's my money, I can spend it on whomever I want! What, does the Governor have a problem with that?"

Fat Peng feigned surprise, then nodded exaggeratedly.

"I understand! That's why I said the Hong Kong government should fill this vacancy!"
By the way, Deputy Secretary-General Chen is also holding a慰问 (comfort/visit) event at the Chong'an Building tonight, specifically for South Asian families. Would you like to go and take a look?

"Not interested!"

He Yaozong finally realized that everything tonight was a carefully orchestrated scheme by Fei Peng.

On one hand, the Governor of Hong Kong and business tycoons jointly comforted the poor Chinese, while on the other hand, senior Hong Kong government officials showed special concern for the foreign community—it's self-evident how tomorrow's newspapers will write about it.

As he left Lee Cheng Uk Estate, Ho Yiu-chung noticed several South Asian youths in a corner of the plaza. They were holding gift bags distributed by the Relief and Works Department and looking at Hang Yiu's flag with hostile eyes.

"Go and bring those things back to me!"
If they're not happy, slap them twice. Damn it, they're trying to take advantage of me?

Before getting into the car, He Yaozong gave the following order directly to a security guard.

On the way back, the clerk, Su, handed over a special edition of the evening newspaper that he had just received.

The front page features two photos side by side: on the left, Ho Yiu-chung and Fat Pang are distributing supplies in Sham Shui Po; on the right, Chan Fong-on is giving Christmas gifts to Indian children at Chung On Building.

The title boldly proclaims, "The Hong Kong government cares for all Hong Kong citizens, regardless of race or religion."

The advisor, Su, took off his glasses to wipe them and spoke cautiously.

"Fei Peng's populist show over the past three months has all been for the sake of today's contrasting effect."

Mr. Ho, these foreign residents have already taken root in Hong Kong Island. Legally speaking, they are indeed lawful citizens of Hong Kong Island.

"If we don't try to win these people over, I'm afraid they'll be courted by the Governor's Office, which would be very detrimental to your future plans!" Ho Yiu-chung couldn't help but chuckle slightly: "Detrimental to my future plans? Tell me, what are my plans?"

"You...you want to consolidate public opinion as a foundation for better transforming Hong Kong Island in the future, right?"

"Who told you I was going to renovate Hong Kong Island?"

Ho Yiu-chung looked out the window. Hong Kong Island under the neon lights was still bustling and noisy, but he spoke slowly.

"If these foreigners are honest and hardworking in Hong Kong, that's fine. But if they want to be parasites and cooperate with foreigners to do something in Hong Kong, I guarantee they will taste the iron fist!"
"Master Su, never mention this kind of thing again. I don't want to spend a single penny of my money on them!"

The advisor, Su Dawei, sighed with emotion.

"Mr. He, but Big Circle Leopard asked me to pass on a message to you: Fat Peng is not Wei Yixin!"
He doesn't resort to threatening with dirt; he wants to fundamentally divide and even destroy Hengyao's mass base.

Moreover, even if he fails, divisions and confrontations between different ethnic groups on Hong Kong Island will still occur, and Hong Kong Island will remain chaotic in the future.

This is exactly the effect the Westerners wanted—without them, Hong Kong wouldn't be peaceful! In a way, Pang Ho-cheung is the flag that they can't afford to lose in the next round!

When discussing these matters with He Yaozong, the clerk, Su, spoke fluently and clearly.

However, He Yaozong did not give Master Su any reply. He simply turned around and greeted Master Su.

"Don't just sit there, go take a look around the Chong'an Building and see how the people from the Provincial Administration Commission are trying to win over these outsiders!"

Colorful flags fluttered in the square in front of Chong'an Building.

On the makeshift stage, the banner of "Hong Kong Government Christmas Caring Campaign" fluttered gently in the night breeze.

A dozen or so South Asian security guards in uniform stood on either side of the stage, their backs ramrod straight, their eyes scanning the growing crowd below with vigilance.

Chen Fang'an stood in the shadows backstage, observing the scene in the square through the gap in the curtain. Her fingers tapped lightly on a speech manuscript, which was covered with dense marks of revisions.

A young assistant hurried over to report.

"Secretary-General Chen, more than 800 people have gathered here."

Reporters from the South China Morning Post and Sing Tao Daily have also arrived, and camera positions have been set up.

Chen Fang'an nodded slightly, her gaze falling on several Sikh elders wearing headscarves in the front row.

They looked solemn, their hands clasped on their knees, their eyes shining with anticipation.

Further away, a group of Filipino maids, dressed in their best Sunday dresses, huddled together in small groups, chatting quietly.

If we were to name the least annoying immigrants on Hong Kong Island, it would definitely be these Filipino domestic helpers.

The Provincial Administration Office had clearly put in a lot of effort, leaving no room for anyone to find fault.

"Has anyone from Hengyao come?"

Chen Fang'an couldn't help but ask, but her assistant shook his head.

"We haven't seen anyone from Hengyao yet, but we just received word that Hengyao's legal department is on their way here."

A cold smile appeared on Chen Fang'an's lips: "Perfect timing. Let them see with their own eyes what true public opinion is!"

As a burst of lively music played, Chen Fang'an walked steadily onto the stage.

The spotlight immediately shone on him, and polite but not very enthusiastic applause rang out from the audience.

These people genuinely believed that this was a pointless show, with foreigners considered first-class citizens and Chinese second-class citizens. These foreigners also had a special name in Hong Kong Island – 'Ah Cha'!
Before the ICAC was established, even the patrolling police officers called them that.

"Merry Christmas, my dear friends!"

Chen Fang'an began her speech in English, her voice amplified through the loudspeaker and echoing throughout the square: "First of all, please allow me to greet you all in your native language—"

Next, he gave brief greetings in Urdu, Hindi, and Tagalog.

Although her pronunciation wasn't perfect, this small gesture immediately won over many people in the audience, and the applause grew enthusiastic.

“I know that for many of you here, Christmas may not be a holiday you traditionally celebrate.”

Chan Fong-on switched back to Cantonese, her voice deep and infectious: "But tonight we are gathered here not to celebrate a particular holiday, but to celebrate something more important—our shared identity as citizens of Hong Kong!"

A few scattered cheers came from the audience. Chen Fang'an noticed an elderly Indian businessman in the front row nodding slightly, his eyes shining with approval.

"Hong Kong is a miracle."

Chen Fang'an opened his arms as if to embrace the entire city: "150 years ago, this was just a fishing village; today, it has become one of the most prosperous international metropolises in the world."

This miracle was created by every one of you here—whether you're from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, or Nepal—together with the local Chinese community!

The applause rang out again, this time even more enthusiastic.

Chen Fang'an saw several young South Asian men start waving their arms, their faces showing excitement.

“However,” Chen Fang’an suddenly changed the subject, her voice becoming heavy, “we have to admit that in this city we built together, not everyone is treated equally.”

The noise in the square immediately quieted down, and everyone's eyes were focused on Chen Fang'an, with a tense sense of anticipation filling the air.

Let's take a look back at history.

An old, yellowed photograph was projected onto a large screen.

"This is a photo of the first group of Indian police officers arriving in Hong Kong in 1902."

Many of them came from the Punjab region and dedicated their lives to maintaining law and order in Hong Kong.

But where are their descendants today? Have they received the respect and rewards they deserve?

A murmur arose from the audience. An elderly Sikh man with white hair took off his glasses and wiped his eyes with a handkerchief.

However, Su, the advisor, who was sitting in an inconspicuous corner, sneered and cursed.

"Fuck your mother! Back then, you were cooperating with the foreigners in colonization! Did anyone beg you to come to Hong Kong?!"

Chen Fang'an then switched to another photo: "This is a scene from the 1950s, showing Filipino nurses working at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong."

When cholera broke out in Hong Kong, these brave women were on the front lines, saving countless lives.

But today, their compatriots in Hong Kong are often called "bin girls" and suffer all kinds of discrimination and insults!

Master Su spoke again: "Fuck your mother, you're mixing up medical workers with legitimate professionals and prostitutes, you know how to distort the facts!"
"So we call those prostitutes 'pheasants,' does that mean we're also discriminating against Chinese women?"

An angry murmur erupted from the crowd, and several Filipino maids clasped hands tightly, tears welling in their eyes.

"Not to mention construction workers, cleaners, and security guards—many of you work more than 12 hours a day, yet are paid far below the legal minimum wage!"

Chen Fang'an's voice grew louder and louder: "When you go to rent a room, the landlord refuses to rent to you because of your skin color; when your children are bullied at school, the teachers turn a blind eye; when you go to the police station to report a case, the police are perfunctory!"

Master Su's rant continued: "Yeah, not to mention that 30% of the drug addicts and 40% of the knife-wielders in Hong Kong are of Indian or Vietnamese descent!"

"Damn it, there's always a reason why someone is discriminated against!"

Some people in the audience had already started to cry.

A young Indian man stood up and shouted, "It's true! I went to rent a room in Mong Kok last week, and all five landlords immediately closed the door when they saw me!"

Chen Fang'an nodded and gestured for a staff member to hand the young man a microphone.

As one foreign citizen after another shared their experiences of discrimination, the atmosphere in the square grew increasingly heated.

Chen Fang'an noticed that even those who were originally standing on the periphery and watching were slowly approaching and joining the discussion.

“Last year, a heartbreaking case occurred in Sham Shui Po.”

Chen Fang'an's voice suddenly became extremely serious: "A Nepalese security guard was stabbed by a thug while stopping a theft. When he lay bleeding profusely on the street, not a single passerby offered to help him until an ambulance arrived half an hour later."

"How about telling us about a British businessman who slipped and fell in Central and scraped his skin, and three ambulances arrived at the scene within five minutes!"

Finding an isolated case from a vast number of examples—these politicians are truly cunning.

Master Su shook his head, having lost all patience to listen any further.

But this real-life case was like a bomb that exploded in the crowd.

Many Nepalese listeners angrily clenched their fists, and some even broke down in tears. Seeing that the time was right, Chen Fang'an picked up a document from the podium.

"This is an investigation commissioned by the Governor's Office to an independent body."

She held up the documents: "The results show that, in terms of judicial sentencing, South Asian criminal suspects are sentenced to imprisonment at a rate 37% higher than Chinese suspects who commit the same crimes, while the prosecution rate for cases of sexual harassment against Filipino domestic workers in the workplace is less than 10%!"

A deafening roar erupted from the audience. Chen Fang'an waited for the noise to subside before continuing.

"These injustices deeply sadden both the Governor and I."

Today, on behalf of the Hong Kong government, I solemnly promise you—this situation must change, and it will change soon!

She paused, looked around the room to make sure everyone was listening attentively.

At the same time, Su, the clerk who had already lost patience, also began to prick up his ears.

He understood that since Fat Peng took over the Governor's House, his first overt move against Heng Yao might be about to be made!

(End of this chapter)