aircannonsinc Chapter 123 Return to Hong Kong
Chapter 123 Return to Hong Kong
Lin Zhou followed the main group of the Hong Kong inspection team, walking forward on the fallen leaves. Behind him were several accompanying personnel carrying briefcases, chatting enthusiastically about their experiences over the past few days.
"To be honest, the city of Beijing has a rich cultural heritage. After spending so many days there, I still can't get enough of the Long Corridor of the Summer Palace and the red walls of the Forbidden City."
"That's right, and the snacks in Wangfujing, the Erguotou liquor is strong, but once you get used to it, it's really addictive."
Lin Zhou followed discreetly behind them, listening to their casual conversation. He had also bought quite a few things in the past few days, which he put into his spatial storage when he was away from people.
He was carrying a suitcase, which was empty, but no one knew that it wasn't.
Moreover, he was very proactive in inspecting factories in Beijing, and he often traveled around with the inspection team.
From the blast furnaces of Shougang Group to the few simple research bungalows in Zhongguancun, and then to the development zone under construction on the outskirts of the city, everywhere you look is a scene of bustling activity.
Those workers sweating profusely, those technicians sketching and drawing on blueprints, and those salespeople from out-of-town factories chatting and discussing in various accents—they are like clusters of leaping flames, converging to form the most vibrant life force on this land.
The Ministry of Commerce staff were already waiting at the airport, dressed in sharp Zhongshan suits and holding a stack of plane tickets. They rushed to greet the group as they arrived.
"Ladies and gentlemen, your tickets are ready. Let's go through security first. The plane will take off in half an hour."
A small commotion arose in the crowd; some people looked down at their watches, while others busied themselves checking their belongings.
Lin Zhou's luggage was very simple, just a black leather suitcase, which was empty. Why would he need to carry luggage when there was enough space?
The group passed through security smoothly and boarded the plane bound for Guangdong Province.
The seats in the cabin were dark blue, with a slightly dated look, but they were polished to a shine.
Lin Zhou found a seat by the window and had just fastened his seatbelt when he heard someone gently tap the back of his seat behind him.
Looking back, I saw it was Old Huo.
The old man, wearing a gray shirt and still in good spirits, leaned on a dragon-headed cane and nodded slightly to him: "Young Lin, come sit here."
Lin Zhou was stunned for a moment, then quickly got up, walked through the narrow aisle, and sat down in the empty seat next to Old Master Huo.
Upon seeing this, the Hong Kong businessmen sitting nearby tactfully lowered their voices, their eyes filled with a hint of awe.
Old Master Huo's status in Hong Kong is self-evident; he's a figure who can make the entire business world tremble with a stomp of his foot. Yet, at this moment, he specifically asked to speak with Lin Zhou. Everyone can understand the implications of this.
The plane taxied slowly, the engine emitting a deep roar that made the seats tingle slightly.
The Nanyuan Airport outside the window gradually receded into the distance; the low bungalows and the red flags fluttering in the wind shrank little by little, eventually becoming blurry patches of color in the field of vision.
"Did you enjoy your trip to Beijing?" Old Master Huo spoke first, his voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.
"To be honest, I grew up in Beijing, but I left during a special period. As for properly exploring Beijing, I've never really done so since I was a child."
"I used to be busy making a living and rarely worried about other things, but after these few days of visits and investigations, I have gained a lot!" Lin Zhou said frankly.
"Compared to the exorbitant prices of land in Hong Kong, the mainland market is far larger than imagined, with opportunities everywhere."
Upon hearing this, Old Huo nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his cloudy eyes. He took out a brass cigarette case from his pocket, shook out a cigarette, but did not light it, merely toying with it between his fingers.
"The boss talked to me the other day and mentioned you. He said you're a bold guy, daring to throw a huge sum of money into the mainland market."
Lin Zhou's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm: "I just feel that the development potential of the mainland is worth this investment."
"It is worth it." Old Huo changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious. "But have you thought about it? With such a high-profile investment in the mainland, will those foreigners in the Hong Kong Governor's Office just sit idly by?"
And what about those businessmen who rely on the British government for their livelihood? Won't they band together to put pressure on you?
He paused, then lightly tapped the cigarette box with his fingertips, making a crisp sound.
"We've spent most of our lives struggling in Hong Kong, and the foreigners have long been watching us."
If they want to invest money in the mainland, they can only do so secretly, without daring to make a fuss. They are afraid that if they are not careful, the mainland will seize on their weaknesses, which could result in their assets being frozen or even losing their foothold in Hong Kong.
"You're something else, making such a big splash right off the bat, as if you're afraid people won't know you're trying to tie yourself to the mainland?"
The cabin was dimly lit, but sunlight streamed through the porthole, casting a golden glow on Old Huo's face.
Looking at the old man's white hair at his temples, Lin Zhou suddenly understood how much helplessness was hidden in Old Huo's words, "we people".
They are business tycoons in Hong Kong, yet they have to act according to the whims of others even on their own turf.
If you want to do something for your homeland, you must tread carefully and proceed with extreme caution.
Lin Zhou remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking: "Elder Huo, I understand your concerns. What those foreigners value is nothing more than profit."
They fear the development of the mainland and the potential for Hong Kong businessmen to transfer their assets there, which is why they create obstacles and make things difficult for us at every turn.
He leaned back in his chair, gazing out the window at a vast expanse of clouds, surging like waves poised to break: "But the more they fear it, the more it proves that the path taken in the mainland is the right one."
This investment by the younger generation was not made on a whim, but after careful consideration.
I invest in manufacturing, real estate, and sectors related to people's livelihoods. These industries are the foundation of mainland China's development and the basis for Hong Kong's future.
"If those foreigners want to put pressure on us, let them come." Lin Zhou's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a resolute determination. "I, Lin Zhou, am not afraid of them investigating my businesses in Hong Kong."
At worst, I'll lead the tens of thousands of workers in our industrial park in another strike and demonstration.
But would they dare? Their interests in Hong Kong are deeply entrenched; if things really escalate, it won't just be me who suffers.
Upon hearing this, Old Master Huo remained silent for a long time, simply staring intently at Lin Zhou.
This young man, though not old, is more cunning than many old foxes.
He saw not only immediate benefits, but also a long-term future. This vision and courage are beyond the reach of many of his peers.
After a long while, Old Huo finally sighed slowly and put the cigarette back into the cigarette case.
"You're more adventurous than us old folks," he paused, then added, "but you can't be too careful."
Foreigners can be ruthless, so you need to be careful. If you run into any trouble, don't hesitate to speak up.
Although my Huo family wouldn't dare openly oppose them, we can still lend you a hand secretly.
Lin Zhou's heart warmed instantly. He quickly stood up and bowed solemnly to Elder Huo: "Thank you for your care, Elder Huo."
"No need to thank me." Old Huo waved his hand, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes. "We are all Chinese, and we share the same blood."
"Only when the mainland prospers can Hong Kong prosper. What you've done is paving the way for all of us."
As the plane broke through the clouds, the sunlight suddenly became dazzling, shining through the porthole onto Lin Zhou's face.
Looking out at the cloudless sky, he felt a surge of pride and joy.
Two hours later, the plane landed smoothly at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
After disembarking from the plane, the delegation immediately boarded a bus that was already waiting outside the airport.
The bus headed south, speeding along the straight highway, and the scenery outside the window gradually changed from city buildings to rural fields.
The golden rice fields stretched as far as the eye could see, and on the ridges, farmers dressed in light clothing were carrying hoes and walking slowly.
Several Hong Kong businessmen couldn't help but peer out of the car window, marveling at the changes: "I never imagined Guangdong would change so much. Last time I came, this road was still a dirt road."
"It's only been a few years, and it's already so smooth. The speed of development in the mainland is truly astonishing."
Lin Zhou leaned against the car window, watching the scenery rushing past outside, while pondering his next plan.
His investments in mainland China span multiple sectors, including real estate, manufacturing, and tourism, each requiring meticulous planning.
Especially in real estate, he has already identified several plots of land in Beijing. After he goes back and finalizes his investment plan, he will send someone over to discuss it.
The bus bumped along for about three hours before finally arriving at the port that faces Hong Kong across the sea.
From afar, you can see the bright five-star red flag hanging at the border crossing, and several border guards in uniform are quietly guarding the place.
The delegation members, holding their passes, lined up to pass through customs.