Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 230 Mutual Benefit, A Suggestion

Two weeks later, in the reception room of the Governor's Mansion.

Henry Keswick and several prominent British MPs sat around the Governor.

"Your Excellency, the actions of the West Kowloon Police Station have gone beyond the scope of normal law enforcement! This is clearly a systematic harassment and sabotage of Jardine Matheson by Orion Trench under the direction of Ho Fei! Joint inspection? Targeting our core warehouses and docks? Ordering rectification and closure at a time when 'highest level security checks' already significantly reduce efficiency? This is blatant retaliation, severely disrupting normal business order and damaging the fundamental interests of British capital in Hong Kong!"

An elderly legislator with white hair quickly followed up: “Your Excellency, Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability depend on the rule of law and respect for private property rights. The power of the police must not be abused for personal grudges or used as a tool to attack businesses. Superintendent Orion’s actions have shaken the confidence of the business community, especially British businesses, in Hong Kong’s legal environment. If this continues, who will dare to invest and do business in Hong Kong? We urge you to immediately order an end to this clearly targeted and destructive ‘inspection’!”

The governor rubbed his throbbing temples. Jardine Matheson and his country's parliamentarians were putting pressure on him, and London was demanding that "the incident be quelled as soon as possible. What we want is a stable and prosperous Hong Kong." This gave him a headache. It was normal for business competition to have some minor skirmishes, but it had been getting bigger and bigger, and he had no choice but to deal with it. He had just finished dealing with the Fifth Bureau, and now this was happening again. When would it end?

He had already warned Orion earlier, but the kid was determined to side with He Fei, which puzzled him. He wouldn't answer when asked.

Now these people are causing trouble here again. After weighing the pros and cons of all parties, especially the political risks brought about by the possible joint backlash from British-owned groups, he made his choice.

“I understand your concerns. Jardine Matheson is the cornerstone of Hong Kong, and maintaining its normal operation is of paramount importance. I will personally look into this matter.”

He picked up the intercom and gave a brief order: "Connect to the Commissioner of Police... It's me. The joint inspection operation on Jardine Matheson's facilities in West Kowloon is to be halted immediately. Any further action requires approval from the Department of Police. That's all."

The atmosphere in the meeting room relaxed as the phone call ended.

Henry and the others wore expressions of "victory".

However, they were not willing to give up so easily.

“Your Excellency, regarding the Yellow River…” Henry Keswick was interrupted by the governor before he could finish his sentence.

"That's enough. Don't bring your business matters to me. I'm very busy. Please leave!"

This was already a clear attempt to get rid of them, so the group had no choice but to get up and say goodbye.

The Governor's order was quickly relayed to the West Kowloon Police Station through the Police Force.

Orion wasn't too surprised to receive the order; he would have been surprised if Jardine Matheson hadn't gone to the governor.

Then he made a phone call to He Yuzhu.

"He, I can't help you with the dock issue anymore. We've received orders from above to cease all actions against Jardine Matheson."

“Understood, Orion. You’ve done enough. These two weeks of ‘joint inspections’ have at least thrown Jardine Matheson’s docks and warehouses into chaos, buying us valuable time to relocate and establish new channels. Jardine Matheson is a large company; it’s unrealistic to think you can crush it with such petty tricks.”

“You seem quite optimistic. I’m worried that they’ll become even more reckless in their dealings with your Yellow River Group. That Henry Keswick is younger, more impetuous, and more reckless than his cousin. It’s hard to predict what crazy things he might do in a desperate situation.”

"When soldiers come, we'll meet them head-on; when water comes, we'll dam it. We'll just play it out slowly. How can we expect to defeat a century-old empire in one fell swoop? We have to take things one step at a time. By the way, about that matter you mentioned before, the 'materials' about Chen Nian, Liu Chang, and Luo Hui, I've already arranged for people to collect them. With Yihe temporarily tied down, we can free up our resources to handle this matter."

Orion's spirits lifted: "Great! He, these three are the most critical cancers in the Jardine Matheson line, especially Luo Hui. He is the real brains of Shenghe and one of the most ruthless henchmen Jardine Matheson has kept! If we can take them down, it will be a heavy blow to Jardine Matheson, cutting off one of their tentacles!"

"Yes, my people are already on the move. If we're going to do it, let's do it thoroughly, including your troublesome boss, William?" He Yuzhu asked casually, as if he were talking about a trivial matter.

"William? If we could get him involved... well, that would be a game-changer for the West Kowloon Police Force! Are you confident?"

"What do you need to be sure of? It's just about collecting evidence. What you need is time. Wait for my news."

"Good! I'll wait for your good news!" He suddenly remembered something else and reminded him, "By the way, Ho, the Governor promised you compensation in front of the media. Don't forget to ask for it! This is a good opportunity; if you miss it, it'll be gone forever. I suggest you get the land! Land in Hong Kong is incredibly valuable, especially now. Acquiring a good piece of land would be worth immeasurably!"

He Yuzhu chuckled lightly: "Heh, you've reminded me. The Governor's personally promised compensation—why not take it? Land…that's a good idea. I certainly don't know the Governor as well as you, the Chief Superintendent and relative. Where do you think he'll give me land? Or, where would be the most valuable land I should ask for?"

Orion pondered for a moment and said, "The Governor doesn't have many government reserve lands that he can directly use for compensation, and the locations may not be good. But I have a suggestion: one is Tseung Kwan O at the entrance of Lei Yue Mun, and the other is Kwai Chung."

"Why do you suggest this? Is there some inside information?" He Yuzhu actually knew the value of these two plots of land, but in his memory, they were developed by foreigners.

"A little bit, I guess. Kwai Chung is already in the bidding process, and the competition is fierce. It's a container terminal, you can think about it yourself. The downside is that the land prices are a little high right now."

"We'll talk about land prices later. What about Tseung Kwan O?"

“This place has a great geographical location, guarding the Lei Yue Mun waterway and facing Tung Lung Chau and the Blue Pool Strait, with natural deep-water coastline potential.”

"I didn't know you knew about this?"

"I haven't done any research. A friend who works in the Public Works and Planning Department once complained about it when he was drunk. He said that Tseung Kwan O looks desolate and remote, but the water depth is surprisingly good. It's just that due to current technological limitations and the fact that the main shipping is concentrated in Victoria Harbour, it has never been given much attention for development. As for Kwai Chung, as you know, the government is vigorously promoting container shipping, and the bidding there is an open secret."

He Yuzhu understood.

The information that Orion's friend inadvertently revealed confirmed the points of value in his vague memory.

Tseung Kwan O – a future new town and important industrial/logistics hub, especially with the potential of its deep-water shoreline, was indeed an underestimated treasure in 1970.

As for Kwai Chung, which is poised to become one of the world's busiest container terminals, although land prices have already been inflated, the current investment is absolutely worthwhile considering its long-term value and the logistical control it will bring over the next few decades.

"Good eye," He Yuzhu praised. "Friend, would you mind introducing us? Perhaps we could discuss the future plans for Hong Kong."

Orion hesitated for a moment: "The person is fine, but... well, he's British like me, currently just a mid-level employee, and he's very cautious. I'll go ask him for you, but he might not be willing."

"I understand. I won't force it. I just think he has really good taste and I'd like to get to know him and have a chat."

"Okay! Keep in touch, and be careful." Orion gave a few words of advice and hung up the phone.

Tseung Kwan O: This is a hidden asset in a long-term strategy. Land acquisition costs are low now, and development pressure is minimal, allowing for clandestine accumulation and waiting for the right opportunity. Deep-water waterfronts are a strategic resource for the future, invaluable whether for building their own wharves to develop logistics or as leverage in negotiations with the government. More importantly, it's far from the current core conflict zones (Hong Kong Island and Kowloon), facilitating discreet operations and minimizing the risk of arousing excessive suspicion from Jardine Matheson and its backers.

Kwai Chung: This is a crucial springboard for penetrating the current economic lifeline of Hong Kong. Container shipping represents the future mainstream of trade; controlling a port's share is tantamount to controlling a portion of the logistics lifeline. Although competition is fierce and land prices are high, this is an open strategy, a battlefield in plain sight. Securing it will not only bring stable and substantial profits but also greatly enhance the Yellow River Group's position and influence in the Hong Kong and even Southeast Asian trade system. The confrontation with Jardine Matheson over port logistics will shift from a passive "being held hostage" to an active "competition for hubs." Moreover, participating in government tenders of this level is itself a declaration of strength and status.

After considering the current situation, He Yuzhu made a decision regarding the development of the two plots of land.

Only children make choices; they want both.

The governor's compensation must be maximized, with a focus on Kwai Chung. Kwai Chung is too big; just grab a piece of it.

As for Tseung Kwan O, since no one is interested in it now, it is a good opportunity for shadow companies like "Si Hai Trading" to make their mark.

Acquire discreetly, disperse ownership, and hold the shares secretly.

Cost? So low it's negligible.

Risk? Almost zero.

All it takes is patience and time to hatch this "golden egg".

Once he had a clearer idea of ​​what was going on, He Yuzhu immediately picked up the phone and dialed A Lang's number. It turned out that his secretary answered; A Lang had gone to the construction site.

After He Yuzhu hung up, he called A Lang's pager (which existed in the 60s). This guy is often out and about these days and it's not always easy to reach someone by making a call, so he had one. The others also had pagers.

"Ring ring ring"

“Ah Lang”.

"Boss! What can I do for you?"

"Come to my place."

"Okay, I'll go over immediately."

An hour later, Ah Lang arrived at He Yuzhu's house and went into the study.

"You sit first."

"Okay, boss."

"Two things."

"First, follow up on the 'compensation' promised by the Governor's Office. We don't want anything else, we just want land. Our target is the land for the Kwai Chung container terminal tender. You need to be tactful in negotiating the specifics, but the bottom line is that we must get a piece of land, whether it's near Kowloon Tong or not is irrelevant. Also, we won't participate in the tender. Since it's compensation, there should be some preferential treatment. Remember, this isn't a purely commercial negotiation. We need to make good use of public opinion and the Governor's promises in front of the media."

"Kwai Chung?! Boss, you're brilliant! I understand. When I get back, I'll organize a team to conduct on-site research, prepare all the materials, and then bring the media along to the Governor's Office, the Public Works Department, and the Lands Department. I'll make sure we create a strong impression and ensure the compensation is implemented effectively!"

"Yes. The second thing is also important."

"You say!"

"Immediately begin the acquisition plan for all available land in Tseung Kwan O, especially those with good waterfront and deep-water conditions. The process can be slow, and we must ensure that it does not attract attention, especially Jardine Matheson. Do not use Wong Ho Holdings; your subsidiaries can play a more effective role. The price can be relatively flexible, but the title must be clear and clean. This matter can only be entrusted to the most trusted person. If any problems arise, I will hold you accountable."

"Tseung Kwan O?" Ah Lang was taken aback, clearly puzzled by the value of this remote place.

"Yes, Tseung Kwan O!"

"Boss, this place isn't easy to manage, especially for those farmers." "You'll have to figure something out yourself."

"Don't we have other empty spaces? Could we..."

"Sure, but don't be stupid enough to trade one foot for another!"

"How could that be? I'll build a few more buildings and exchange them for land. They'll have no land to farm, so they'll just rent shops downstairs to do business."

"Not bad, there is progress."

"Boss, I also have a problem that I need your help with!"

"Come on, you rarely mention difficulties."

"I need more people!"

"Didn't you hire a lot of people?"

“I lack high-end talent. Like the two tasks you just mentioned, if someone could share the workload, the efficiency would be much faster. It doesn’t necessarily have to be my subordinate. If he is capable enough, I can be his subordinate.”

He Yuzhu frowned slightly.

This is indeed a real problem; he needs to increase the core team members, not only those who are loyal and reliable, but also those with strong execution capabilities.

Xu Damao excels in marketing and FMCG operations, Gu Yuanheng is a technical and management talent, A Lang is good at execution and coordination, Shi Bin and Bai Yifeng are action-oriented, and although Ao Lan and Wang Cuiping are in the police force, they are each hampered by their own limitations.

He definitely needs a strategist who can strategize behind the scenes, is proficient in capital operations, legal affairs, and even intelligence analysis.

He also needs people with business acumen and creativity, otherwise there might be big problems in the future. He can still control the general direction for now, so as long as he has the ability to execute, that's fine. But as the industries he gets involved in increase, he's really not sure.

“I will look for talent, but you still need to get things done.”

“I know, boss.”

Just then, the study door was gently pushed open a crack, and Xiaoman walked in carrying two cups of hot tea.

She had clearly overheard the latter part of their conversation.

"Brother Zhu, Ah Lang, you just said you're short-handed, especially if you need people with knowledge of finance and law?"

"If you want it, but you know our situation, it's not just about ability."

Xiaoman said, "I know that. I do have someone in mind, but I don't know if they're suitable..."

He Yuzhu and A Lang both looked at her.

“I have a graduate student classmate named Chen Sheng,” Xiaoman introduced. “He moved to Hong Kong from Shanghai with his parents after the victory of the War of Resistance against Japan in 1945. His parents were both very learned people; his father was a Chinese language teacher in secondary school, and his mother was a music teacher. They were very strict with their children. Chen Sheng himself… well, how should I put it, was very intelligent and had a ‘scholarly spirit.’ He always had a patriotic heart, but he felt that it would be difficult to realize his ambitions under the British Hong Kong government.”

She paused, then continued, "He has a double degree in economics and law, and he has a deep understanding of financial markets, corporate finance, and laws and regulations. He was part of the trading team when we targeted Jardine Matheson's stock! Although he wasn't a core decision-maker, he provided very accurate opinions on many data analyses and market predictions. He was quick to react and had strong logic. And..."

Xiaoman paused for a moment before saying, "He talked to me privately and expressed his dissatisfaction with Jardine Matheson's monopoly of Hong Kong's economic lifeline by colonial capital, and he was also deeply saddened by the Fok family's situation. I think... he is fundamentally on the side of us Chinese, and he has the ability and the willingness to do something."

"Chen Sheng? Was he in the team when they attacked Jardine Matheson? How did he perform?"

"His performance was outstanding! There were several critical moments when the market fluctuated abnormally. He was the first to analyze the possible causes and propose contingency plans, which helped us avoid considerable losses. Director Gu even praised him for his sharp insight. It's just that he is a rather introverted person and doesn't like to show off, so he hasn't been in front of you guys much."

He Yuzhu also recalled: "Oh! Xiaoman, now that you mention it, I vaguely remember! There was a young man wearing glasses who didn't talk much, but every time he spoke, he hit the nail on the head, and his analysis reports were very well-organized. So it was him!"

"What do you think, Brother Zhu?"

"Where is he now?" He Yuzhu asked.

"He should be at school. I haven't been to school for a while."

"Did he go straight to graduate school after graduating from university?"

“No, after graduation I joined HSBC in the credit risk assessment department,” Xiaoman replied. “But he mentioned to me that he felt that working in the bank was routine and that many of the things he did were helping British companies consolidate their position, which went against his own principles. He was not happy with his job, so he resigned to pursue a master’s degree.”

“That’s interesting. Not just anyone can get into HSBC, especially not a Chinese person.”

"Haha, many classmates have laughed at him for this, saying he's stupid and that even graduating with a master's degree doesn't guarantee him a good job."

"Then you should contact him. I need to talk to him, and maybe I'll have Aunt Ping and Lao Yu talk to him too. Otherwise, I wouldn't dare put him in an important position."

"Okay, I'll make the call in a bit."

After Xiaoman left, He Yuzhu said to Alang, who was still waiting there, "Go back to work. It's impossible for people to get here immediately if you wait here."

"Okay, boss, if the person is suitable, you must arrange for him to join Yellow River Industry. We are desperately short of talent here."

"Alright, I got it. Someone will definitely prioritize your side."

"Thank you, boss, I'm leaving now."

Ah Lang left happily after receiving the promise. He Yuzhu watched Ah Lang's back and felt that it was the right decision to take him from Huo Sheng. This kid still has potential to be tapped.

Then he picked up the phone and called Shi Bin.

Shi Bin called back very quickly.

"boss."

"Shi Bin, how's the collection of the 'materials' Orian requested coming along?" He Yuzhu asked.

"Going well, boss."

"The evidence against that Legislative Council member Chen Nian for protecting triads and accepting huge bribes from Jardine Matheson's subsidiaries is basically complete, including audio copies of several key phone calls (obtained through special channels), suspicious bank statements, and testimonies from several 'rebellious' phone numbers on behalf of the underlings."

"We also obtained key parts of the photos and ledgers of Liu Chang, the police team's 'money bag,' who embezzled procurement kickbacks and had private meetings with He Sheng and his uncles."

"The most difficult one to deal with is Luo Hui, the 'advisor' of Heshenghe. He is extremely cautious in his work, and there is not much direct evidence. However, our people 'visited' several of his trusted confidants who were in charge of accounting and 'communication' with the legitimate world, and obtained a chain of indirect evidence that he directed the gang to act as henchmen for Jardine Matheson and handle 'dirty work,' including the order records of several attacks and the flow of funds. In addition, we also found out the locations, times, and general content of his recent frequent contacts with that mid-level manager of Jardine Matheson Land (through an informant)."

"Very good." He Yuzhu nodded in satisfaction. "Where's William?"

"As for Chief Superintendent William, his 'hobbies' are rather peculiar. He likes to go to some 'high-end private clubs.' We obtained clear photos and recordings of him receiving 'special services' several times, as well as records of him receiving bribes from Hesheng and Xiaojing through Luo Hui's channels, which he used to purchase overseas properties. That should be quite substantial, boss."

"The amount is indeed sufficient. Organize these materials and divide them into two sets. One set is the irrefutable evidence against Chen Nian, Liu Chang, and Luo Hui, which should be given to Orian so that his people can proceed according to procedure, arresting and investigating those who should be arrested. The other set is for William, so give it to him as well. Tell him that once Chen Nian and the others are arrested and public opinion is in uproar, pointing the finger at the police leadership, then this set of materials about William can be released. As for where it will be released, he can decide for himself at that time."

"Understood! Meeting you, boss, is like meeting a benefactor for Orion."

"It's just a win-win situation. Go and prepare."

"Yes, boss."

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu stopped thinking about William, Chen Nian, Liu Chang, Luo Hui, and the others. He believed that Orian would handle it well; he had been preparing for this for a long time.

"Brother Zhu?" Xiaoman poked her head in, a hint of excitement on her face. "I've made contact with Chen Sheng!"

"Oh? What did he say?" He Yuzhu gestured for her to come in.

"He agreed to meet and talk!" Xiaoman walked in and closed the door.

“I arranged to meet him tomorrow afternoon at the villa where we used to stay. He was surprised to hear that it was you who wanted to meet him in person, but he was also quite interested. Especially when I mentioned that I wanted to do something to change the status quo in Hong Kong and truly benefit the Chinese community, he seemed to be somewhat moved.”

“Very good.” He Yuzhu nodded.

After the five people left that villa, basically no one paid any attention to it anymore, because they knew He Yuzhu no longer lived there.

It seems Xiaoman has thought things through carefully; otherwise, if others knew that Chen Sheng was close to the He family, there would definitely be a lot of trouble.

"By the way, he also mentioned on the phone that HSBC's internal credit assessment of Jardine Matheson has become extremely strict recently, almost to the point of being on edge. Several Jardine Matheson-related projects that were originally under discussion have been put on hold indefinitely. He felt that HSBC's senior management seemed to have sensed something unusual and was actively cutting off risks."

Xiaoman added.

A glint flashed in He Yuzhu's eyes: "HSBC is taking the initiative to cut ties? This is an unexpected signal. It seems that Jardine Matheson's ship has more leaks than we have seen, and even its closest 'financial purse' is starting to falter. This news is very valuable, Xiaoman."

"I'm glad I could help you." Xiaoman smiled. "Then I'll go with you tomorrow?"

“Yes, together. You were his introducer, so it will feel more natural for you to be there,” He Yuzhu said.

(End of this chapter)