Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

After a moment's contemplation, Lin Er spoke of his views on Fok Ying-tung, his tone tinged with rare respect: "Mr. Fok, please allow me to express my admiration for you. Others may only see your commercial success, but I know a little more. In 1953, during the Korean War, the West imposed a comprehensive embargo on China, and Hong Kong, as a British colony, was among those restricted. It was you who, risking suppression from the Hong Kong British government and even more severe consequences, organized a massive fleet, and with astonishing courage and wisdom, broke through numerous blockades to transport large quantities of urgently needed strategic materials such as medicines, rubber, tires, hardware, and chemical raw materials to the country. Such courage and patriotism are beyond the reach of ordinary businessmen."

He paused, then continued, "If the opportunity arises in the future, with your magnanimity, you can spare no effort to support the nation's sports cause. For example, you could help China return to the international Olympic family, or even support the bid to host the Olympics, so that the Chinese nation can stand tall in the world of sports. You must let the country see that all of this is not purely out of commercial interests, but more out of a deep Chinese people's love for their country."

These words struck a chord with Fok Ying-tung. His "adventures" during that particular era were not universally understood, and had even drawn harassment from the Hong Kong British government. Now, being spoken of so earnestly and understandingly by Mr. Lin, Fok Ying-tung felt a surge of profound camaraderie, his expression becoming serious and wistful: "Mr. Lin understands so well… Alas, those were simply things a Chinese person should do, nothing to mention, nothing to mention at all." He waved his hand, but his gaze clearly grew closer.

Lin Er then said, "My roots are in the mainland. Although I am doing business in Hong Kong now, my heart remains the same. If I have the opportunity in the future, I hope to do my part for the construction and development of the country, just like Mr. Huo."

"Excellent! Well said!" Fok Ying-tung exclaimed, his emotions running high. "Although we are businessmen, we are first and foremost Chinese! Having this sentiment makes us kindred spirits! Come, let me offer you a toast with tea instead of wine!"

Seeing that an atmosphere of trust had been established, Lin Er steered the conversation back to business, but with a broader perspective:

"Mr. Fok, precisely because we are all Chinese, our perspective on Hong Kong's future must transcend that small island itself." His gaze sharpened. "Have you considered this? After the Korean War, with the might of the People's Liberation Army, if they truly wanted to take back Hong Kong, the British absolutely could not have held it. But why didn't Chairman Mao and the Central Government take it back?"

He answered his own question with a firm tone: "Because Chairman Mao was a strategist who could see a hundred steps ahead. Taking it back now would bring nothing but harm. Not to mention that the country is in the early stages of construction and everything needs to be rebuilt, more importantly, due to ideological opposition, the international community is imposing a comprehensive blockade on China in terms of materials, technology, economy, diplomacy, and other aspects."

He tapped his fingers unconsciously on the table, emphasizing, "At that time, although Hong Kong was governed by the British, Britain itself was thousands of miles away and was in decline due to the devastation of World War II. Its control over the Far East was limited. Furthermore, over 95% of Hong Kong society was Chinese. Therefore, for the mainland, which was under blockade, Hong Kong became the only excellent springboard and window to breathe outside air, break through barriers, and obtain external resources, technology, and information! The central government was fully aware of this, which is why it maintained the status quo in Hong Kong, making long-term plans and making full use of it."

"Therefore," Lin Er said with absolute certainty, "Hong Kong's return to the motherland is a historical inevitability and an inevitable trend, beyond doubt! The only difference lies in the timing and the method. It is by no means the 'permanent British rule' or 'international co-management' that some people are advocating."

Henry Fok listened with an extremely solemn expression and slowly nodded. He had vaguely sensed these strategic analyses based on geopolitics, thanks to his keen intuition and special connections with the mainland, but no one had ever analyzed them for him as clearly, thoroughly, and confidently as Lin Er, getting straight to the heart of the matter.

Lin Er continued to elaborate on his point of view, looking intently at Fok Ying-tung: "Therefore, if the Fok family wants to maintain its prosperity and truly remain invincible in Hong Kong, the reliance behind it cannot be merely money or its network of relationships with British capital, but must be—the country, our common motherland."

"Showing goodwill to the nation now, offering timely assistance, is building the most valuable political trust. Once the situation on the mainland stabilizes and policies shift, it will become an unprecedentedly huge market with hundreds of millions, even billions of people! Whoever gains this trust and entry ticket first will have all the advantages! The Hong Kong market is too small; the British will eventually be forced out. In the future, the central government will undoubtedly have the final say here. If the Fok family can gain Beijing's recognition and friendship as soon as possible, this intangible political capital will be more valuable than any commercial asset, enough to guarantee the Fok family's prosperity and stability for the next fifty years!"

This argument, combining the grim international situation, the central government's strategic intentions, and future economic potential, was insightful, grand in scope, and extremely impactful and persuasive. Huo Yingdong's eyes gleamed. He leaned forward, staring intently at Lin Er, and suddenly lowered his voice, asking with a hint of inquiry, "Mr. Lin...you...your Lin Group, with such extraordinary insight, could it be...that you were sent from Beijing?" This guess was perfectly reasonable.

Upon hearing this, Lin Er smiled calmly, shook his head, and said with absolute certainty, "Mr. Huo, you are overthinking it. I can solemnly assure you that the Lin Group is a purely commercial entity, not an agent of any party. What I say today does not represent any party, but is merely an independent assessment based on my understanding of global trends, national destiny, and the laws of commerce. Precisely because we are an independent business entity, we are more willing to cooperate with outstanding Chinese entrepreneurs like yourself, who possess both exceptional business acumen and a deep sense of national responsibility, to jointly seize this historic opportunity."

He reiterated, his voice full of persuasiveness: "Investing in the country is investing in the future. Sowing goodwill and trust now will reap a vast forest in the future. This is different from mere commercial calculation; it is the most solid path that can closely link commercial success with the destiny of the nation and its people, thereby achieving true long-term stability and security."

Henry Fok fell into deep thought. The study fell silent, with only the faint sound of the wind outside the window. Lin Er's words struck him like a hammer blow, completely clarifying his previously vague perceptions and thoughts, and pointing him to a bright path.

After a long while, he suddenly raised his head, his gaze becoming incredibly firm and sharp, clearly having been completely persuaded and made up his mind.

"Mr. Lin!" Fok Ying-tung's voice was filled with unprecedented solemnity and a hint of excitement. "Your words are invaluable, truly enlightening! A single conversation with you is worth more than ten years of study! I now know what to do! I will remember this kindness! In the future, I hope our two families can work together more closely on mainland affairs and contribute to the country!"

Thus, with his visionary perspective, profound understanding of the country, and sincere attitude, Lin Er not only won Fok Ying-tung's business respect, but also reached a high degree of consensus with this patriotic businessman on both ideological and strategic levels, winning the most crucial and solid ally for the Lin Group's future layout in Hong Kong and even the mainland.