Return to 88: Starting from Marrying My Sister-in-law

The Rolls-Royce's excellent sound insulation completely shut out the noise of Central and the reporters' unwilling shouts.

Lu Yang leaned back in his seat, his fingertips tapping rhythmically on his knees without stopping. His deep gaze pierced through the car window, landing on the faces of the hurried citizens with worried expressions amidst the bustling traffic.

The damp, heavy feeling in the air, as if an impending mountain rain was about to fall, seemed to intensify.

Almost as soon as his car drove away from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's gates, he made a resounding declaration:

"Hong Kong belongs to six million people! Protecting our home depends on the confidence and efforts of all Hong Kong people, not on a few families..."

The message, delivered via long-awaited media broadcasts, exploded like a drop of boiling oil in an instant, igniting the entire port city's financial market.

The market reaction was dramatic and divisive.

On the one hand, the promises of "US$30 billion to save the market" and "Century Group's inescapable responsibility" acted like a shot in the arm, temporarily stabilizing some of the panic that was on the verge of collapse.

The Hong Kong dollar exchange rate against the US dollar, which was originally on the verge of collapse, miraculously hesitated and eased for a moment when it touched a key psychological level. Several buy orders of unknown origin intervened at the right time, pulling the exchange rate back from the brink by several dozen basis points.

The decline in Hang Seng Index futures also narrowed almost imperceptibly, with some blue-chip stocks that had been oversold seeing sporadic but firm buy orders on the market.

Amidst the traders' hurried phone calls, besides anxiety, a hint of cautious observation and a "wait and see" attitude finally crept in.

However, on the other hand, Lu Yang's ruthless remarks, which directly targeted "deeply rooted and influential families," had a shockwave far greater than any financial data.

The market's focus quickly shifted from the relief of "someone rescuing the market" to the surprise and questioning of why "local Hong Kong tycoons" did not step forward.

Telephone lines, trading terminals, and private meeting rooms—countless streams of information were flowing wildly, all revolving around one central question: Lu Yang specifically named the Li family and refused to meet with their eldest son. Was this related to the Li family's unwillingness to step in and stabilize the Hong Kong financial market? Did the two sides have a past grudge? Was it a misunderstanding or a complete breakdown in relations? The open rift between these top financial magnates brought an uncertainty that even surpassed that of Soros's short selling.

This "variable" casts a shadow over the market confidence that had just begun to stabilize, making the slight rebound seem particularly fragile.

Inside the Hong Kong Monetary Authority building, in the meeting room next to the top floor.

Li Zeju stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, his back stiff.

He had just hung up the phone when his father, Li Ka-shing, gave him brief but weighty instructions on the other end.

Outside the window, downstairs, the reporters had not completely dispersed, and the noise could still be faintly heard.

He personally heard Lu Yang's highly targeted speech at the door; every word was like a poisoned needle, precisely piercing the Li family's face.

Lu Yang's decisive "we'll discuss it later" completely disregarded the conciliatory signal he had sent on behalf of the Li family, which had been conveyed through Director Chen.

His handsome face had long lost its usual composure and gentleness, replaced by a livid expression of public humiliation and barely suppressed anger.

His fingers tightened unconsciously, and his knuckles turned white from the force.

This nouveau riche mainlander's toughness far exceeded their worst expectations.

This is not merely a refusal to cooperate; it is a resounding slap in the face to the entire Li family.

“Father…” Li Zeju whispered to the air, his voice low and hoarse, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor, repeating the contents of the phone call he had just heard, “…He’s right. Now is not the time to act impulsively. We… can only applaud him. When you face the reporters later, remember to keep smiling, and whatever dissatisfaction you have in your heart, keep it to yourself.”

Fifteen minutes later, facing the equally anxious media cameras at the entrance of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Li Zeju had donned an impeccable mask of composure.

Under the flashing lights, a gentle smile even appeared on his lips: "Mr. Lu Yang's determination to 'protect Hong Kong' is admirable! The Li Group highly appreciates and deeply supports Century Group's commitment to the $3 billion bailout!"

He spoke slowly and clearly.

He declared firmly, "Hong Kong is our common home. Maintaining a stable financial order is Li's inescapable responsibility. We will work together with all sectors to overcome these difficult times!"

This public statement, which demonstrates a commitment to "considering the overall situation," has temporarily calmed some of the restless market sentiment.

However, the moment his bodyguards helped him squeeze through the crowd and into another waiting black Mercedes S600, all the feigned calm on his face instantly shattered.

The click of the car door locking was like a signal; he slammed his fist on the leather armrest! "Investigate!" Li Zeju's eyes flashed with cold light as he growled at his personal secretary in the passenger seat, "Immediately contact the group's head in mainland China. I want a detailed report on all of Lu Yang's industries, all related companies, suppliers, partners—dig up every possible loophole, tax issue, or irregularity! Now! Immediately!!"

Meanwhile, at the Li family study on Deep Water Bay Road.

Li Ka-shing put down the phone after his eldest son reported the news, a wisp of smoke rising from his cigar.

Lu Yang's public statement that "families with deep roots should set an example" felt like a thorn in his side.

He strolled to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked down at the dark clouds over Victoria Harbour.

Unhappy?

Of course there is.

pressure?

It was as heavy as a mountain range.

This younger generation has a clever trick up their sleeve: they've put the Li family under intense public scrutiny, forcing them to "bleed" and make a public statement.

But the old shipping magnate's decades of experience navigating the business world was no accident.
He turned to the butler waiting at the door and said in a deep voice: "On behalf of myself and Cheung Kong Holdings, I hereby issue this statement: We fully support all actions taken by the Hong Kong government and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to stabilize the market! We express our highest respect to all enterprises, including Century Group, that have contributed to safeguarding the financial stability of Hong Kong! At this critical moment, all Hong Kong people must stand together and demonstrate their patriotism and commitment to Hong Kong!"

This statement, carefully crafted and insightful, propelled the public discourse on "overcoming difficulties together" to a climax, while cleverly avoiding any details regarding specific funding commitments.

As the butler responded and left to close the door, Li Ka-shing's eyes concealed a sharp glint.

The real game is played in the shadows.

He dialed Li Zeju's encrypted line again, his voice deep and resonant: "We must maintain a high profile, the more high-profile the better. But our core focus must be on the 'window of opportunity'! The stronger the storm, the more 'pearls' will sink to the bottom. Real estate, ports, high-quality blue chips... the plan to accumulate at low prices should be activated immediately, and the time to adjust our strategy is now. Remember, a true hunter does not fight with wolves in the open."

Inside the Repulse Bay private clubhouse.

"Bang!" A valuable Qianlong famille rose teacup shattered into pieces at Li Zekai's feet!

"You ignorant and arrogant mainland boy!"

His handsome face was contorted with rage as he pointed at the television screen showing Lu Yang being escorted away from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority by bodyguards. "Who does he think he is? Pointing fingers at the Li family on Hong Kong's turf! Father and elder brother are going to put up with this? Suck up to this guy? That's weakness! That's indulgence!"

He scoffed at his father and brother's advice to "hide his talents and bide his time."

A strong sense of humiliation and a burning competitive spirit fueled by being looked down upon.

He grabbed his phone and dialed his mainland partner's dedicated line, his tone filled with barely suppressed ruthlessness:
"Mr. Zhang, does your Dazhong Electronics still need investment?"

"...No, I only represent myself and PCCW Digital, and have nothing to do with the Lee family's Cheung Kong Holdings."

"...Regarding the additional investment we discussed before, I, Li Zekai, will personally add another 30%..."

"Yes, there's only one condition: open your flagship stores in every city with a 'Century Electrical Appliances Plaza'! Fight them head-on! Price wars, promotional wars, service wars... can you handle a bloody, hand-to-hand combat?"

He wanted to use a bloody "hand-to-hand combat" in the retail industry as a resounding slap in the face to Lu Yang's arrogance.

Quantum Foundation War Room.

On the giant screen, Lu Yang's declaration that "Hong Kong belongs to Hong Kong people" alternated with the real-time fluctuations of the Hang Seng Index and exchange rate.

Soros narrowed his eyes, tapping his fingertips on the table: "This young mainlander...is he really that bold, or is he just bluffing? Three billion US dollars, how many holes can that fill?"

He turned and ordered, "Sell! Sell HK$10 billion in forward contracts first! Test his mettle, see if he's just like those local families, all talk and no action! If he's putting real money in... then we'll play a game of cat and mouse with him! We'll see if he runs out of ammunition first, or if market confidence collapses first!"

A brutal test of Lu Yang's financial strength and true nature has quietly begun. ... (End of Chapter)