1977: The beginning of the blind date with the daughter of the king

Chapter 670 I'm not interested in politics!

After their lovemaking, Rosamund Kwan collapsed weakly onto Li Changhe.

"Gigi, how about I give you a present?"

Li Changhe said softly at this moment.

"What, you're getting married? Is this how you make it up to me?"

Rosamund Kwan closed her eyes and spoke in a soft voice.

"I guess so. Besides, I think you're too idle right now. Just acting and making movies, isn't your life too monotonous?"

Xiao Guan is currently working at Planet Cinema. She's practically the emperor's daughter, and nobody dares to interfere with her. She only takes on roles based on her mood; she'll take on roles she likes and won't take on roles she doesn't want to, so she has a lot of free time.

Li Changhe now wants to find her some more work to do, so that the girl won't get bored and cause trouble. After all, when people are idle, they tend to overthink, and when they overthink, they become bored and want to find something to do.

"So what kind of gift do you want to give me? Let me hear it!"

At this moment, Rosamund Kwan asked in a low voice, mainly because she didn't have the strength to speak.

"Didn't you used to want to be a fashion designer? How about I give you a clothing company, and you can run your own women's clothing brand?"

"You'll be a big star in the future, and you'll definitely have your own fan base. You can design your own clothes and create your own clothing brand."

Li Changhe said with a smile.

After hearing this, Rosamund Kwan opened her eyes, then looked up at Li Changhe with some surprise and said, "Really?"

"But I don't know much about operations management."

"I don't know how to manage a company!"

Li Changhe gently flicked her nose and said with a smile, "You don't need to worry about that. I'll arrange for someone to manage it for you. You just need to be in charge of the design department."

"Determine your design style, then try to design the clothes you like yourself or select your employees to design them, and then sell them."

"Of course, you also need to position yourself well. I think you can learn from France and create a gimmick, promote celebrity designs and hand-sewn products, and focus on high-end, but of course, not as high-end as real luxury goods."

"To put it simply, it refers to niche brands that are suitable for middle-class elites or slightly affluent lower classes. I call this 'light luxury,' which also means high-end brands that most people can afford."

Li Changhe smiled and said to Rosamund Kwan that he was explaining the concept of future affordable luxury to her.

The concept of accessible luxury is designed for a niche market, and in the 1980s and 1990s, the first cities in China to open up will be most susceptible to the influence of Hong Kong and Taiwan.

At this time, Li Changhe believed that Rosamund Kwan could definitely succeed by using her fame to launch a mid-range luxury women's clothing brand. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen were the first cities to see the emergence of the middle class, and their purchasing power was undeniable.

Looking ahead, relying on the vast population market of mainland China, as long as Xiao Guan doesn't do anything drastic, Li Changhe believes the brand's vitality is guaranteed.

Furthermore, this niche, accessible luxury brand will not conflict with Li Changhe's own clothing strategy; on the contrary, it will be a complement, providing a balance between luxury and affordable products.

The company simply gave it to Rosamund Kwan.

"That sounds like a great idea. You really are a business genius, darling."

"Since you've made up your mind, I'll give it a try. Anyway, I sometimes just wander around shopping malls to buy clothes when I'm bored. I think it's more interesting to design my own clothes and wear them myself than to just look around everywhere."

Rosamund Kwan also expressed her interest at this moment.

Her daily routine these days consists of filming movies, shopping, getting beauty treatments, or learning to dance. She has quite a lot of free time.

It would be quite interesting to have your own clothing company and be able to make it successful.

Yes, she's already thought of a brand name: GIgi, and she'll design two GGs as the logo.

However, upon further reflection, Rosamund Kwan felt that this was too simplistic and that she should incorporate both her and Vic's names, perhaps designing it as GK?
GIgi + victor
No, I'll think about it carefully tomorrow and talk to Vic after I've designed it.

Li Changhe was unaware that Rosamund Kwan was after his name. Of course, even if he knew, he wouldn't mind. Victor was just an English name, not his real name, so it didn't matter to him at all.

After spending a few more days on Hong Kong Island, Li Changhe did not rush to leave for overseas, but stayed on Hong Kong Island to wait for his meeting with Governor Murray MacLehose.

Originally, Li Changhe did not plan to meet with Mai Lihao, because Mai Lihao was about to leave office.

The British government announced at the end of December last year that Murray MacLehose would not continue to serve as Governor of Hong Kong after his term expired this year, and that Edward Youde would take over the position.

May marks the end of Murray MacLehose's term, meaning he can stay in Hong Kong Island for a maximum of three more months.

However, after learning that Li Changhe had returned to Hong Kong Island, MacLehose was determined to meet with him and even took a relatively strong stance on the wording conveyed by Bao Yugang.

Li Changhe thought that since he was going to target British cars, he might as well meet with MacLehose and have MacLehose give him a heads-up.

Soon, the time that Li Changhe had arranged with the Governor arrived, and Li Changhe arrived at what is now the Governor's House by car.

The Government House is located between Upper Albert Road and Lower Albert Road in the Mid-Levels of Central, Hong Kong Island, and will be the future Government House.

After showing the invitation, Ah Hu drove into the Governor's House with a solemn expression.

For him, this was British territory, and these people needed to be extra cautious, especially given the current state of Sino-British negotiations. Li Changhe had already given them instructions.

After getting off the car, a British man walked over. When he saw Li Changhe, he was slightly taken aback, then strode over to greet him.

“Hello, Mr. Victor. I am Bruno, the first secretary to the Governor. The Governor sent me here to greet you.”

"Hello, Mr. Bruno!"

Li Changhe shook hands with the other party.

Bruno then led the way, taking Li Changhe to MacLehose's office.

It was here that Li Changhe met Governor Murray MacLehose for the first time.

Objectively speaking, MacLehose made significant contributions to Hong Kong Island, not only by establishing the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

In fact, before Murray MacLehose, most of the governors of Hong Kong Island came from the British army or colonies, so these governors did not care about many things, which led to the era of Lui Lok and the other four detectives.

But Murray MacLehose brought all that to an end. He was not a governor from the military or the colonies, but rather came from the Foreign Office, as did Edward Youde, who later came from the British Foreign Office.

Unlike other Hong Kong governors who came from the military, Murray MacLehose, who came from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, did not turn a blind eye to the lower classes. Therefore, he established the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), improved the public housing system, limited the power of British capital in Hong Kong Island, and created new space for the rise of Chinese businessmen.

From this perspective, Li Changhe still has to thank Mai Lihao.

After all, if he hadn't restricted Jardine Matheson, preventing it from becoming the king of trading companies it once was, Li Changhe wouldn't have had the opportunity to acquire Jardine Matheson.

However, Li Changhe didn't want to be objective; he only wanted to be subjective, and his subjective goal was to expel the Tartars and restore China!

"Hello, Victor, it's so hard to see you!"

Upon seeing Li Changhe, Governor Murray MacLehose greeted him in Mandarin. MacLehose's Mandarin was excellent; he didn't need a translator when he went to Beijing and could speak directly with high-ranking officials.

Therefore, he also mastered the essence of the Chinese idioms "to speak with veiled barbs" and "to make insinuations."

There was nothing he could do; upon seeing Li Changhe, Mai Lihao couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment.
After all, he was the Governor of Hong Kong, the highest-ranking figure in charge of the military and political power of the entire island. In Hong Kong, whether British or Chinese, how many businessmen didn't want to maintain a good relationship with him?

But right in front of me, there is such a one.

Not only did she not try to build a good relationship with him, she hadn't even come to see him in three or four years.

Sometimes when he thinks about it, MacLehose is speechless. Does Vitor even want to stay in Hong Kong Island?

However, after learning about his status in the United States, MacLehose felt somewhat helpless.

Well, it seems that this kind of person doesn't really care much about being the Governor of Hong Kong.

Although Mai Lihao had already warned himself, he still couldn't help but want to stab Li Changhe in the back and vent his dissatisfaction when he saw him.

Li Changhe naturally understood the unspoken message from Mai Lihao, but he was too lazy to respond. What was the point of such verbal sparring?

“Your Excellency the Governor is extremely busy with affairs of state, which concern the livelihoods of millions of people on Hong Kong Island. I, a nobody, would naturally not dare to disturb Your Excellency.”

Li Changhe said with a smile.

MacLehose shook his head: "Vic, you're too modest. If you're a nobody in Hong Kong, then there are no big shots in Hong Kong."

“You are now a leader in the Chinese business world. If you add your uncle, your family can be said to be the number one Chinese family in Hong Kong Island. I think I’m right.”

Then, with a smile, he spoke again.

He only needed to poke Li Changhe once; he wasn't going to turn against him, so of course he was greeting him with a smile.

Li Changhe smiled and shook his head: "Your Excellency, the Bao family has only achieved some success in business. We are truly unworthy of the title of the number one family."

“You Chinese like to be modest. In fact, I know very well that your family’s current size far exceeds that of other Chinese families, including the so-called four major families in the past.”

"Even the Swire family, which has been developing in Hong Kong for over a hundred years, is probably much inferior to you now."

“Your Bao family has absorbed the essence of the entire Jardine Matheson & Co. business. Their century-old foundation has almost all fallen into the hands of you two, uncle and nephew.”

"Moreover, as far as I know, you also secretly control casinos in Australia. Although this has not been exposed, I am well aware of it."

"I'll say it with a smile," MacLehose said.

The acquisition of SJM Holdings by Li Changhe was both a secret and not a secret in Hong Kong. Most people in Hong Kong were unaware of it, but a group of top figures in Hong Kong knew the inside story, especially the British.

After all, the change of ownership of SJM Holdings, and from the Ho family no less, was a major event that the Hong Kong Island Police Special Branch must have known about.

And since they know, it naturally means that MacLehose knows.

"Your Excellency the Governor is truly discerning; my assets are not hidden from your eyes in the slightest!"

Li Changhe smiled and said nothing more.

He would respond to whatever MacLehose said, and even if he had an ulterior motive, he wouldn't reveal it at this point.

After all, once he revealed it, MacLehose would have the confidence to control him.

Seeing that Li Changhe was arguing with him and wouldn't listen to reason, Mai Lihao's expression turned serious.

Sure enough, this young man was no ordinary person; he was very shrewd. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to chat and laugh with the president in the United States. I can't underestimate him.

“Vic, I think you must be curious about why I invited you here.”

After thinking for a moment, MacLehose decided to go straight to the point.

"Yes, I am very curious as to why Your Excellency the Governor insists on seeing me."

Li Changhe nodded, expressing his "doubt".

MacLehose smiled and said, "It's very simple, two reasons. First, I want to meet you because I have never met you since you rose to prominence. You are the most amazing Chinese business genius to emerge during my time governing Hong Kong. If I leave without seeing you, I think my life will be full of regrets."

Hearing Mai Lihao's praise, Li Changhe smiled but remained silent, sitting there quietly watching his performance.

Seeing that Li Changhe didn't respond, MacLehose didn't mind and continued, "Secondly, Vic, I want to talk to you about the future of Hong Kong Island."

"The future of Hong Kong Island? What's there to talk about?"

Li Changhe said with some "surprise".

Mai Lihao smiled and looked at Li Changhe.

“Vic, I think you should know that we have been in contact with the mainland, and the contact is about Hong Kong.”

"After all, your Bao family has already been to the mainland and made considerable investments, right?"

"Yes, I know a little about that, but Your Excellency, you may not know me well. I am actually not interested in politics."

"You should have seen from my performance on Hong Kong Island over the years that I have no intention of getting involved in social affairs because I have absolutely no interest in them. Investing is my real passion."

At this moment, Li Changhe spoke to Mai Lihao with utmost sincerity.

He is a man of simple tastes and not interested in fame or fortune; everyone in Hong Kong knows that!

Upon hearing this, MacLehose was speechless, but he couldn't refute Li Changhe's words, since Li was indeed very low-key in Hong Kong.

But you have a good relationship with the US president in the US and cooperate with Mitterrand in France. Do you call that not getting involved in politics?

Are you trying to fool these foreign devils?
Despite his complaints, Mai Lihao suppressed his displeasure and smiled at Li Changhe, as they were discussing serious matters.

“Vic, I know your interests, but when it comes to such important matters that involve the future of Hong Kong, whether you are enthusiastic or not, it is actually closely related to you. Otherwise, your uncle would not have taken you to invest in the mainland.”

"I think you can figure this out yourself."

"But there's another point, which I think you should also know: your uncle's Worldwide Shipping was built with the support of HSBC, and your Hongkong Land was acquired with my tacit approval."

"And since your whole family are British citizens, in that sense, your fate is actually tied to Britain, am I right?"

At this moment, Mai Lihao looked at Li Changhe and said calmly, as if he had Li Changhe under his control.

After listening, Li Changhe smiled and looked at Mai Lihao.

Are you trying to use moral blackmail here?
Do you want to tie me to this sinking ship that is Britain?
Unfortunately, I'll soon let you know that I, Li Changhe, have no morals!
(End of this chapter)