Hong Kong variety show: Hung Hing, are you contributing to society?

The square fell silent instantly, with only the sound of the wind and raindrops hitting the umbrellas.

"First, if I am elected as a Causeway Bay District Councillor, I will promote the establishment of the 'Elderly Neighborhood Care Fund' to specifically help elderly people like Uncle Fu who live alone, improve their living environment, and provide daily care services..."

Uncle Fu, in his wheelchair, had tears in his eyes and clapped his hands vigorously.

"Secondly, I will seek government resources to upgrade Causeway Bay's sewer system. As everyone knows, we suffer from severe flooding every time there's a typhoon or heavy rain; this problem has been troubling the residents for far too long..."

These words were met with a chorus of agreement from the crowd.

The sewer system is indeed a major problem; complaints are made every year, but no action is taken.

"Third, I will set up a community service center in Causeway Bay to provide residents with services such as legal consultation, employment guidance, and academic assistance for their children. Our young people need more opportunities, and our elderly need more care..."

"Fourth," Lin Yaodong raised his voice slightly, "I will push for the establishment of a neighborhood oversight committee. I will report my monthly schedule and work progress to the committee. As a councilor, I, Lin Yaodong, am not here to act like an official, but to be a spokesperson for the neighborhood and a servant of everyone..."

These four simple promises, without fancy words or empty slogans, resonated deeply with the neighbors.

Thunderous applause echoed through the wind and rain.

"Finally," Lin Yaodong raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, "the typhoon is coming. Please go home immediately, close your doors and windows, and be careful."

"If you need anything, feel free to call me anytime, or go to Yaodong Property Management for assistance... Our company will definitely provide excellent service! Your safety is the most important thing!"

"Ah Dong, we believe in you!"

"Dong Ge will definitely be elected!"

"Well done, Ah Dong!"

The crowd began to disperse in an orderly manner, but before leaving, everyone waved to Lin Yaodong on the stage.

Lin Yaodong stood on the stage, watching the neighbors leave, until almost everyone in the square had left before he stepped off the stage.

"Brother Dong, that's very well said." Jiang Xin handed over a bottle of water.

Lin Yaodong took a sip and shook his head: "It's not a matter of how well we speak, it's about what we actually do. If we can't keep these promises after we're elected, the neighbors will be disappointed..."

Gao Jin glanced at the sky: "Brother Dong, it's about to rain heavily. Shall we go back to the company?"

"No rush." ​​Lin Yaodong looked out at the street. "Jiang Xin, tell your colleagues at the property management office to go check on the neighbors, especially those living on the top floor of the old tenement buildings and the elderly living alone, to make sure they all get home safely. Help those who need assistance immediately."

"Understood, I'll arrange it right away." Jiang Xin nodded, took out her phone and started making a call.

Lin Yaodong then said to Gao Jin, "Jin, go and check on a few places on Russell Street that are prone to flooding, especially the drain at the street corner. I remember it was severely blocked during the last typhoon."

After the two went their separate ways, Lin Yaodong did not leave immediately, but instead held an umbrella and walked slowly along Russell Street.

The rain was getting heavier and the wind was getting stronger, causing the signs on both sides of the street to creak in the wind.

He carefully observed the water accumulation on the road, his brows gradually furrowing.

In a private room at the "Hao Ji Tea Restaurant" on Russell Street, Lin Yaodong and several neighborhood representatives sat around an eight-immortal table.

Uncle Kin, the owner of the tea restaurant, personally brought over hot milk tea and pineapple buns: "Ah Dong, gentlemen, have something to eat first. In this weather, drink something hot to warm up."

"Thank you, Uncle Jian." Lin Yaodong took the milk tea and turned to the elderly people at the table. "Uncle Fu, Uncle Gen, Uncle Ming, I invited you all here today to discuss the Russell Street sewer system."

Uncle Fu took a sip of hot tea and sighed, "Ah Dong, to be honest, this is a really tough problem. I've lived on Russell Street for fifty years, and every time there's a typhoon, the area gets flooded. The worst time, the water was up to my waist."

He gestured with his hand to his waist.

Uncle Gen, a retired civil engineer, pushed up his reading glasses and analyzed, "The Russell Street sewer system was built in the 1960s. The design standards at the time were low, and the pipe diameter was small. In addition, over the years, grease and garbage have accumulated and clogged the system, so the drainage capacity is less than one-third of what it used to be."

"I called the municipal government again last month to complain," Mingbo said angrily. "Guess what they said? They said it was already registered and would be processed in order. When I asked when I would have to wait, they said they didn't know. Isn't that just giving me the runaround?"

Lin Yaodong listened quietly, and only spoke after the elderly people had finished speaking: "The Municipal Affairs Bureau has its own procedures. There are many old streets like Russell Street throughout Hong Kong, and they are indeed too busy to handle everything. But the residents can't wait. Every typhoon causes flooding, which results in the loss of everyone's property and threatens everyone's safety."

"So, what are your thoughts, Ah Dong?" Uncle Fu asked.

"My idea is that we shouldn't wait for the Municipal Affairs Bureau." Lin Yaodong put down his teacup, his expression serious.

"We'll handle it ourselves. I've contacted a professional drain cleaning company, and they can do a full cleaning and unclogging of the sewers. As for the cost, I'd like the neighbors to share it, with each household contributing a little, and I'll cover the difference."

The elderly people looked at each other in bewilderment.

"Ah Dong, this..." Uncle Gen hesitated, "This cost is quite high, isn't it? Unclogging the entire street's sewers will cost at least a hundred thousand or two hundred thousand. If the neighbors share the cost, how much will each household have to pay?"

"Russell Street has a total of less than 400 households. If each household contributes 100 yuan... that's far from enough..."

Lin Yaodong said, "It's alright. I already contacted the drainage company, and their quote is 150,000... I'll cover the rest."

"How can that be!" Uncle Fu immediately objected. "Ah Dong, you've already helped the neighbors enough. How can we let you pay so much money all by yourself?"

"Yes, Ah Dong, this is not appropriate." Uncle Ming also shook his head.

"Listen to me, gentlemen," Lin Yaodong gestured, "I'm not spending this money for nothing."

"I have two considerations: First, this is a practical thing that Yaodong Property Management has done for the residents; second, I want to use this project to allow my property management company to accumulate experience in this area, so that we can take on similar projects in other neighborhoods in the future and expand our business..."

He didn't hide his true intentions.

This subtle yet direct approach makes it easier for the property management company to gain the support of the neighborhood when it expands into new businesses.

Lin Yaodong paused, then said, "100 yuan per household is a burden for many neighbors..."

How about this—each household only needs to contribute 10 yuan, and I'll cover the rest. 10 yuan isn't much, everyone can afford it, but by participating, everyone will feel a sense of ownership and will be more careful with the sewers and won't litter..."