Hong Kong variety show: I Am a Tycoon

Chapter 236 What can't be taken away won't stay.

Not long after they left.

"Da da da da."

Several members of the Major Crimes Unit quickly arrived at the hotel.

"Knock knock knock, sir, room service."

At the instruction of Chen Jiaju from the Serious Crimes Unit, a hotel employee knocked on the door.

"gentlemen?"

Receiving no response, the hotel staff continued knocking on the door.

"Back off."

Chen Jiaju pulled over a hotel staff member and kicked the room door over.

The members of the Major Crimes Unit immediately rushed into the hotel room.

"I'm out of breath."

Upon seeing Vincent lying peacefully on the bed, Chen Jiaju quickly went over to check on him.

"We were a step too late in choosing that star!" Everyone was filled with regret.

Chen Jiaju immediately informed Li Shutang, the commander-in-chief of Operation Cold War, of Vincent's death.

After listening, Li Shutang felt a chill run down his spine. It seemed that, as Chen Jiajun had said, this organization called the Ether Society was indeed deeply rooted in Hong Kong.

The battle at Yellowstone Wharf had just ended, and they were about to arrest Vincent when the other side killed him, clearly not wanting to leave any evidence.

"Bring Vincent's body back first. Remember to write a report. All those involved in Operation Cold War will be rewarded."

Li Shutang hung up the phone and sighed.

If Vincent could be apprehended, it would be an absolutely massive case.

Unfortunately, Vincent died.

However, even the dead have value.

It should be noted that the corpse in front of us is ostensibly the commander of the U.S. Navy's anti-drug squad.

Such a major scandal must be covered up by the United States.

Of course, these are all transactions between high-ranking foreign executives, and have little to do with them.

The aftermath of this operation will likely continue to reverberate for some time.

It's important to know that in the Navy SEALs, there's basically no difference between retired and active-duty soldiers.

Because apart from those who have been retired for more than ten years, or those who have retired due to injury or disability.

As long as SEALs are still active on the battlefield, they are all extremely powerful elites.

After all, the SEALs' live-fire training, combat experience, and brutal training subjects have ingrained combat skills into their very being, making it virtually impossible for them to retire or not.

Every SEAL is recorded by the military upon retirement.

For ten years after their retirement, they are considered military reservists and will maintain contact with the military at any time.

In particular, the fact that such a well-organized retired squad was wiped out in Hong Kong makes it easy to imagine that the US military would receive the news.

As for Chen Jiajun?
It has long been removed from this matter.

The battle at Wong Shek Wharf had a profound impact, as it represented the disruption of the upstream industry of Xiangjiang ice jelly once again.

Whether it's EtherChain or Khun Sa Group, cultivating suppliers requires a long time, and training relevant personnel for selling powder also requires long-term evaluation.

Of course, the big names in Hong Kong who sell ice jelly can also go to northern Myanmar to talk to these large groups.

However, going to northern Myanmar to find Khun Sa's group means going to their territory.

Our first collaboration.

Without a certain level of trust, who would supply goods in large quantities?
Without a certain level of trust, who would buy a large quantity of ice jelly at once?

In short, building a supply chain is not something that can be done overnight.

The day after the battle at Huangshi Wharf, Chen Jiajun threw himself into his work.

Chen Jiajun convened a meeting with the relevant heads of various subsidiaries to hear their work reports, with the Longteng Fund being the most important.

Zhan Peizhong summoned the members of the landlords' association to the Chen family manor to report their achievements to Chen Jiajun:
"The first phase of investment was 63 billion yuan, which was 12.6 billion US dollars at the exchange rate at the time. So far, the return rate in US dollars is 240%, and in Hong Kong dollars it is 294.4%."

"The second phase of investment amounted to 45 billion, which was equivalent to 8.2 million US dollars at the exchange rate at the time. To date, the return rate in US dollars is 180%, and in Hong Kong dollars it is 195.9%."

"The third phase of investment was 70 billion yuan, which was 11.67 billion US dollars at the exchange rate at the time. To date, the return rate in US dollars is 120%, and in Hong Kong dollars it is 112.67%."

"Currently, Dragon Fund manages US$100 billion in assets."

Every month, the surplus of Guojun Group and Hongxing Group after deducting employee salaries is transferred to Japan through various channels to invest in bank stocks.

This impressive achievement is partly due to the remarkably strong performance of Japanese bank stocks.

On the other hand, due to the continued tightening of monetary policy in the United States and the continuous depreciation of the Japanese yen, when Chen Jiajun decided to invest in Japan, the yen was at its lowest value in recent years, with the exchange rate being US dollar to Japanese yen = 1:261.

After listening to Zhan Peizhong's report, Chen Jiajun suddenly felt that he was quite rich.

After deducting the Fok Ying-nam family's 20 billion, the Pau Yuk-kong family's 25 billion, the Lam Ming-chak family's 15 billion, and the Ho Sin family's 10 billion, and after deducting all of Hung Hing's major investments, Chen Jiajun roughly estimated that he still had about 73 billion US dollars.

After reviewing the latest policies and forecasts from central banks around the world, Chen Jiajun outlined his next steps:

"The Federal Reserve is maintaining its tightening stance, and the Bank of Japan has lowered its policy. It seems the yen will depreciate again. We can now withdraw our funds in an orderly manner. The withdrawn funds should be transferred back to our respective accounts first, Pei-chung."

"Yes, boss."

Zhan Peizhong raised his hand in response.

Chen Jiajun took a sip and interjected, "Have the fund staff notify everyone, including the Huo family, the He family, the Lin family, and the Bao family, that they should not convert their funds into Hong Kong dollars for the time being."

The Hong Kong dollar is about to depreciate rapidly; exchanging your assets for Hong Kong dollars now will result in a significant decrease in value.

"understood."

Sima Xiang, Zhan Peizhong, and others nodded in agreement. Sir Chen's judgment was the guiding light for Longteng Fund. The reason why Longteng Fund has such outstanding achievements is all thanks to Sir Chen.

"Also, there is a surplus of HK$45 billion in the accounts of Guojun Group. You should convert it all into US dollars."

This HK$4.5 billion includes illicit funds that Chan Ka-Chun withheld from the Jockey Club, compensation from the landmark trial, and profits from subsidiaries such as Tesla.

"clear."

Sima Xiang, Huang Shitong, and Zhan Peizhong nodded again.

As everyone was discussing their next steps, the butler, Carson, knocked on the door and said, "Young Master, Xia Dingji, the Director of the Provincial Administration Commission, has come to visit."

"Xia Dingji?"

The Chief Secretary, formerly known as the Assistant Secretary, is the Chief Secretary to the Governor of Hong Kong.

With the matters concerning the Longteng Fund now settled, Chen Jiajun stood up, brushed the dust off his clothes, and said, "Please invite him in. Take him to the study first. Everyone, meeting adjourned."

"Yes."

The members of the landlords' association left one by one.

Chen Jiajun entered the study and saw a refined foreign man, about 60 years old, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and exuding a strong British air. "Director Xia Dingji."

"Sir Chen".

Xia Dingji stood up, shook hands with Chen Jiajun, and handed over an invitation, saying, "Governor Youde asked me to come and deliver this invitation to you, inviting you to the Governor's banquet tomorrow."

the next day.

The Governor's House is located in the Mid-Levels of Central, Hong Kong Island.

As dusk settled, the bright lights illuminated Albert Road as if it were daytime, and the Governor's House was unusually lively tonight. Yesterday, Chief Secretary for Administration Sir John Edward Yau personally delivered the invitation, and Governor Edward Yau personally called, demonstrating the importance the Hong Kong British government placed on Chan Ka-Chun.

Those attending the dinner tonight also include British Foreign Secretary Baron Howe and outgoing Governor of Hong Kong, Mak Lai-ho.

This clearly demonstrates the high standard of the banquet.

At this moment, a Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Century slowly came to a stop, the Spirit of Ecstasy on the hood exuding wealth and nobility.

After handing the invitation to a staff member, Chen Jiajun straightened his suit and stepped inside.

As soon as Chen Jiajun stepped into the Governor's Mansion, he felt a sense of antiquity and grandeur wash over him.

The decor wasn't exactly lavish, but it was full of classical charm, with deer heads, swords, sculptures, oil paintings, and other decorative items hanging on the walls.

Guided by the staff, Chen Jiajun arrived at the buffet party. The crowd was bustling, but their distribution was clearly divided.

The group at the very back included high-ranking Hong Kong government officials, the Keswick family of Jardine Matheson, the Swire family of Swire Properties, the Kadoorie family of Peninsula Hotels, Li Ka-shing of Hutchison Whampoa, Chen Tseng-hsi of Hang Lung Properties, the Kwok family of Sun Hung Kai Properties, the Cheng family of New World Development, and so on.

Near this circle, there is a smaller circle, including Pau Yuk-kong of Worldwide Shipping and Wharf Holdings, Lam Ming-chak, the head of the Lam Hei-sun family, Henry Fok of Yau Wing Group, Shaw Brothers, the film mogul, and Luk Wong-fat and Luk Hon-tao of Tuen Mun in the New Territories.

These two circles represent the wealthiest and most powerful people in Hong Kong, who are frequently featured in newspapers, but it is extremely rare to see them gathered together.

Former Governor, Mak Lai-ho, was having a pleasant conversation with several real estate developers. After resigning from the British Hong Kong government, he entered the English House of Lords and was knighted.

As the longest-serving governor of Hong Kong, serving four terms, Mak Lai-ho had a good relationship with a group of Hong Kong businessmen.

Therefore, Mai Lihao was also deeply loved by the citizens.

At this moment, Mai Lihao was drinking with Chen Songqing, chairman of the rapidly growing Jianing Group, which had seen rapid growth in the past two years. Since acquiring Hanmei, Chen Songqing's group had quickly reached a scale of 10 billion yuan.

Someone walked over and whispered in Mai Lihao's ear, "Mr. Chen has arrived."

The voice was very soft, but when Mai Lihao heard the familiar words, she couldn't help but look towards the door.

First one or two, then three or four, and then everyone in the party looked towards the entrance.

A handsome and tall young man, who made countless men feel inferior and countless women unable to close their legs, appeared before everyone.

"Mr. Chen, I'm sorry." Mai Lihao immediately abandoned Chen Songqing, the head of a billion-dollar company, and strode towards Chen Jiajun, extending her hand.

"Mr. Chen."

"Mai Lihao, it's been a long time."

Both of them had a smile on their faces.

During the last two years of Mak Lai-ho's administration, although he disliked Hung Hing, Chan Ka-chun eventually donated generously, including to schools, and acquired Kowloon Motor Bus and China Motor Bus Group, improving the travel environment for Hong Kong citizens and forging a deep friendship with Mak Lai-ho.

This scene surprised many people, as there were no more than ten people who were qualified to be personally greeted by Mai Lihao tonight.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Mai Lihao gestured for them to speak, saying, "I've been waiting for you for a long time, Foreign Minister Baron He Wei. I'd like to have a private chat with you."

"it is good."

Chen Jiajun nodded and followed Mai Lihao to the small office after the banquet.

This scene once again shocked everyone. You should know that tonight, only Chen Jiajun was qualified to enter the small office inside. Even big real estate developers like You Rong, Huanqiu, and Xindi did not have such an honor.

Upon entering the office, there were only two people inside: Governor Edward Youde and British Foreign Secretary Baron Howe.

Foreign Secretary Baron Howe is a true high-ranking official in England, holding a position significantly higher than that of Meryl Streep and Edward Youde. He is a member of the Iron Lady's cabinet and also the longest-serving cabinet member.

This dinner was specially hosted for him; he had just returned from a trip to the north.

"Baron Hewitt, this is the renowned Sir Chen Jiajun," Mai Lihao introduced.

“Sir Chen Jiajun, every time I see young people like you, I feel that I am old.”

Baron He Wei, wearing black-rimmed glasses and with flowing hair, smiled and extended his hand to Chen Jiajun.

"Baron Hewitt, hello."

Chen Jiajun grasped He Wei's hand and shook it a few times.

"Come, sit down."

Baron Hewitt pointed to the seats in front of the fireplace, and the group sat down one by one.

"Sir Chen Jiajun, if I'm not mistaken, you're only twenty-four years old this year, right?"

Clearly, Baron Hewitt was in charge of the conversation in the office tonight, and he started by bringing up a topic.

"Yes."

Chen Jiajun took a small sip of red wine.

Baron Hewitt nodded and said, "You're really young. I heard you dropped out of school at thirteen to start working, and began to excel at twenty..."

Chen Jiajun listened quietly. He knew very well that what Baron He Wei had said to him tonight would affect many of his actions in Hong Kong.

In the 1960s and 70s following World War II, a global movement for the liberation of colonies was launched.

England declined in a state of lethargy, entering what is known as the "decolonization period," during which colonial departments were dissolved and their personnel were incorporated into the Foreign Office.

From then on, England began to consider how to withdraw from its colonies.

England's shrewdness is evident not only in the establishment of its colonial empire but also in its withdrawal during the succession of that empire.

If establishing an empire depends on the serendipity of the times, maintaining imperial rule requires sound systems and unwavering will, then the ability to disintegrate an empire with glory is undoubtedly a highly skilled art.

The British withdrawal from the colonies went through a transformation from a forced withdrawal to a voluntary withdrawal.

For inland regions, England's first approach was to grant autonomy to these regions, and then gradually move towards independence.

As for harbors and commercial centers along the coast or on small islands, they were arranged differently during the decolonization process.

The purpose of this special arrangement is primarily to preserve the traditional interests of England.

Therefore, England's carefully orchestrated withdrawal has led to the most tragic infighting in human history, including the India-Pakistan conflict, Middle East territorial disputes, African racial issues, and the Singapore-Malaysia conflict, among others.

It can be said that England was the most morally bankrupt empire in history.

Back in the 70s, after Hong Kong Governor Michael Mak went to the north to probe the situation, he realized that the British withdrawal from Hong Kong was irreversible, and the British also understood that the future of Hong Kong had been put on their agenda.

The details of the evacuation and the procedures for withdrawal have already been enacted into relevant legislation.

In short, the goal is to squeeze every last drop of blood out of the city, attracting top talent and gradually transferring excellent industries to England.

In the real estate sector, the Hong Kong government has enacted the Country Parks Ordinance.

In Hong Kong, only 7% of the land is habitable, while country parks account for 40%.

The "Country Park Ordinance" protects the interests of both English and Hong Kong property developers.

In this way, the Hong Kong government can buy and sell land on a large scale, while also cultivating a sense of identification with the Hong Kong government among the middle-class citizens of Hong Kong.

In the industrial sector, Hong Kong could only purchase heavy industrial products from the Commonwealth, which made Hong Kong a vast sales market.

Of course, during the retreat, the English also wanted to take Hong Kong's outstanding industrial enterprises with them.

In Hong Kong, the most outstanding industrial enterprises are Tesla Group, founded by Chen Jiajun, and Guojun Semiconductor.

As for light industries such as plastic flowers, toys, clocks, and clothing, England doesn't even consider them.

Following the conflict between Chan Ka-Chun and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the English suddenly realized that Tesla's double-decker buses were selling very well internationally.

Meanwhile, a survey of Guojun Semiconductor revealed that the arcade machine manufacturing process produced by Guojun Semiconductor surpasses that of mainstream products by an entire era.

This is why Foreign Minister Baron Hewitt was so eager to meet with Chen Jiajun tonight.

Of course, if England cannot move its advanced heavy industry and technology, it has plenty of ways to destroy it.

What they can't take with them, they won't leave to Hong Kong.

(End of this chapter)