Sharpening the Blade Against the Red Wall: From Hong Kong to Handong

In December 1998, the Christmas atmosphere in Hong Kong was growing stronger. Shopping malls in Central were adorned with colorful lights and wreaths, and invitations to high-society dinners were pouring in. Zhou Jin, the Director of the Economic Division of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, had already become a hot topic in Hong Kong's business circles. Commanding the financial defense, earning billions of foreign exchange for the country, personally donating 100 million to flood relief, and continuing to stay in Hong Kong after his promotion—these labels made him the focus of attention for countless people, including Lin Xiaoman, the daughter of Hong Kong tycoon Lin Zhengxiong.

Lin Xiaoman, just 22 years old and recently returned from studying abroad, possessed a striking and beautiful appearance. Her red evening gown made her stand out in the crowd. As one of the heirs to the Lin Group, she managed part of the family's investment business. She was straightforward and decisive, never hiding her preferences. At the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting, when her father, Lin Zhengxiong, introduced Zhou Jin, her gaze never left this young and promising man.

"Director Zhou, I've long admired your name." Lin Xiaoman extended her hand proactively, her smile bright. "I've heard from Hong Kong businessmen that you turned the tide in the financial war in Hong Kong. Meeting you today, I can see that you are indeed extraordinary." Her voice was crisp and clear, with a touch of coquettishness, yet it did not lack the competence of a businesswoman.

Zhou Jin shook hands with her politely, her tone calm: "Ms. Lin, you flatter me. The victory in the financial war is the result of collective efforts."

At the banquet, Lin Xiaoman stayed close to Zhou Jin, proactively introducing him to prominent figures in the business world: "Director Zhou, this is Mr. Zhang from Swire Group, whose main business is shipping. Perhaps there is room for cooperation with Huayao Capital's overseas expansion; this is the Asia-Pacific President of HSBC. You have had contact with them before. Shall I help you make another connection?" She skillfully moved among the guests, using her family connections to pave the way for Zhou Jin, her attitude enthusiastic and direct.

Although Zhou Jin appreciated her kindness, he maintained an appropriate distance, focusing on business cooperation and financial stability when conversing with others, and subtly avoiding Lin Xiaoman's overly obvious advances. His composure and restraint, however, only made Lin Xiaoman more captivated—she had seen too many sycophantic men, and Zhou Jin's dignified and patriotic demeanor amidst the world of fame and fortune struck a chord with her.

After the annual meeting, Lin Xiaoman's pursuit became more direct. She quickly sent a cooperation invitation to the Hong Kong Liaison Office through the official channels of the Lin Group, hoping to hire Zhou Jin as a senior consultant for the family business to provide professional advice on financial investment and risk management, and offered extremely generous compensation.

"Director Zhou, the Lin Group has investments in real estate, finance, shipping, and other fields. Your expertise is exactly what we need." Lin Xiaoman personally visited him, handing him a detailed letter of appointment as an advisor. "Rest assured, it won't take up too much of your time. The main role will be to provide reference for major investment decisions, which will also help you understand the Hong Kong business ecosystem."

Zhou Jin looked at the letter of appointment, his tone sincere yet firm: "Ms. Lin, thank you for the Lin Group's recognition. However, as a public official of the Liaison Office in Hong Kong, it is inconvenient for me to serve as an advisor to a private company, as this does not comply with relevant regulations. I hope you understand." He paused, then added, "However, if the Lin Group has any projects involving economic and trade cooperation between the two places that align with the national strategic direction, the Liaison Office in Hong Kong and Huayao Capital are willing to provide the necessary support and coordination."

Undeterred by her first rejection, Lin Xiaoman leveraged her family's resources to facilitate a cross-border collaboration between Huayao Capital and a European fund, helping Huayao Capital expand its overseas investment channels. Afterward, she arranged to meet Zhou Jin at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Central, where she boldly confessed her feelings.

"Mr. Zhou, I know you have concerns about your official position, so let's not talk about work, let's talk about feelings." Lin Xiaoman put down her knife and fork, looking at Zhou Jin with burning eyes. "From the moment I saw you at the Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, I knew that you were the one I was looking for. You are exceptionally talented, and I, Lin Xiaoman, am no ordinary person either. If we join forces, we can not only consolidate the position of the Lin Group, but also cooperate deeply with Huayao Capital to build our own Hong Kong financial empire."

Her declaration was direct and assertive, radiating the confidence of a wealthy heiress: "I, Lin Xiaoman, will marry no one but you. If you agree, we'll get engaged immediately, and all the family's resources will be at your disposal."

Zhou Jin put down his water glass, his expression calm yet incredibly resolute. He looked up at Lin Xiaoman, his gaze clear and frank: "Miss Lin, thank you very much for your appreciation and kindness; I am deeply moved. But I must be honest with you, I already have someone I love. Her name is Chen Panpan, and she is the one I have chosen for this life; I will marry no one else."

His tone was unwavering: "Feelings cannot be forced. I understand your good intentions and appreciate your help to Huayao Capital, but I will not compromise on matters of the heart."

Zhou Jin paused, her tone softening slightly: "You are an outstanding woman and deserve someone better. We can be friends, support each other in business, and contribute to Hong Kong's economic development together, but in matters of the heart, please respect my choice."

Lin Xiaoman's smile froze instantly, a hint of surprise and disappointment flashing in her eyes. She had never imagined that her initiative, with such generous terms, would be met with such a decisive rejection. But being straightforward, though unwilling, she also respected Zhou Jin's honesty and perseverance.

"Mr. Zhou, you really are as I imagined, loyal and righteous." Lin Xiaoman took a deep breath and smiled again, though a hint of melancholy lingered in her eyes. "I was being presumptuous. Since you already have someone you love, I won't bother you anymore. Like you said, let's be friends and support each other in business."

This straightforward confession and rejection, instead of creating an awkward stalemate, brought their relationship back to a reasonable boundary. Lin Xiaoman put aside her romantic feelings and focused her energy on business cooperation, subsequently providing Huayao Capital with a great deal of valuable information and resources; Zhou Jin also maintained politeness and professionalism throughout, cooperating with the Lin Group within the bounds of compliance.

After seeing Lin Xiaoman off, Zhou Jin stood alone by the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the dazzling night view of Hong Kong. He took out his phone and dialed Chen Panpan's number. A familiar, gentle voice came through the receiver: "Brother Jin, still not resting so late?"

"I just finished talking to people from the Lin Group and wanted to hear your voice." Zhou Jin's tone softened unconsciously. "Panpan, I miss you."

Chen Panpan chuckled softly on the other end of the phone, her voice filled with shyness and longing: "I miss you too. Take good care of yourself in Hong Kong, don't overwork yourself."

"Don't worry, I'm fine." Zhou Jin gripped her phone tightly, as if holding the warmth of the whole world in her hand. "Once things stabilize here, I'll definitely come back to see you."

After hanging up the phone, he took out the Qingtian stone seal from his pocket and stroked the four seal characters "Upholding Integrity and Employing Ingenuity" with his fingertips. Whether it was the turbulent waves of financial warfare or the undercurrents of emotions in the world of fame and fortune, he always remembered his original aspiration—to safeguard the national interests and protect what he loved.

Hong Kong's night scene remains as vibrant as ever. Zhou Jin knows that he will encounter various temptations and challenges in the future, but the pure land in his heart will always be reserved for Chen Panpan. This original intention will remain unchanged until death.