Chapter 196: Preparing to Wrap Up

"The Tesla automobile brand is an independent brand of our Guojun Group, and it is also the first automobile brand in Hong Kong. Thanks to the Governor's various efforts in the past..."

Upon meeting, Chen Jiajun began to flatter him wildly.

Although both sides had long known of each other's existence, this was the first time the Governor had seen Chen Jiajun in person; at the last Justice of the Peace investiture ceremony, Dalao Jun had stood him up.

As the saying goes, one does not strike a smiling face. Mai Lihao smiled and said, "Mr. Chen, you are too polite. You have done even better; I often hear the name Guojun, and the Guojun Academy in Tuen Mun is doing quite well."

"We are merely fulfilling the trivial duties that we, as Hong Kong entrepreneurs, ought to do."

Chen Jiajun responded with a humble smile as well.

"Governor Mai Lihao, please follow me."

Leading the group to the double-decker bus, Chen Jiajun began to spout nonsense:

"This is a double-decker bus that our Guojun Group has spent ten years painstakingly researching and crafting with ingenuity, the Tesla T1 model, with a V8 turbo engine, displacement..."

In any case, he bragged as much as he could.

Mai Lihao ruthlessly interrupted, "As far as I know, Guojun Group was only just established last year."

Chen Jiajun was momentarily stunned, and the atmosphere became awkward for a moment...

Lu Yongyu, Lu Yeqiang, and the others did not know how to respond either.

Chen Jiajun had a flash of inspiration and hurriedly pulled over Banshou En, explaining, "Our engineer, Banshou En, has been studying the automotive field for ten years."

"The Hongxing Group Tuen Mun Zha FIT Ren, Banshou En?"

Mai Lihao looked at the short Banshou En before him and let out a laugh.

It was clear he was well-versed in Chen Jiajun's true identity and the structure of the Hongxing Group.

Chen Jiajun was stunned again; could this conversation even continue?

Governor Mai Lihao raised his hand and said, "Continue."

"This is a double-decker bus that our Guojun Group has spent ten years painstakingly researching..."

Chen Jiajun repeated what he had just said once more.

"The fuel tank is that large?" Mai Lihao asked curiously.

"That's right!" Chen Jiajun opened the door and entered the interior of the bus, which immediately made people's eyes light up; it was visibly modernized.

Whether it was the space utilization or the equipment settings inside the bus, it was far better than the current buses of the China Motor Bus and Bar Group.

Especially the second floor of the double-decker bus, which appeared very transparent due to the use of a large amount of glass.

After touring the bus, the professional part was handed over to Banshou En, who said proudly:

"The Tesla T1 bus under our Guojun Group, in order to avoid overturning while cornering, has developed the RSC vehicle anti-rollover system..."

After the explanation, Governor Mai Lihao's head was spinning; he had understood one thing: this vehicle was anti-rollover.

Due to road design issues, Hong Kong buses often suffered rollover accidents, and coupled with the fatal weakness of double-decker buses having a high center of gravity, their controllability when cornering at high speeds was much worse than single-decker buses of the same length.

But Mai Lihao still had his doubts; in terms of technical content, a bus was definitely not as precise as a sedan or a small car, but a car was a car after all. Without a reputation or testing, who knew what the specific performance would be like?

When he raised his concerns, Chen Jiajun waved his hand and said, "How about this, Governor Mai Lihao, let us take you to experience the Tesla bus."

"Alright." Banshou En started the bus directly.

"Shouldn't we let professionals test it?"

Governor Mai Lihao was immediately scared pale; after all, he did not want to be treated as a test subject.

"Governor Mai Lihao, don't worry. You sit tight and hold the handrail; I will sit at the front of the bus. If something goes wrong, I will be the first one to suffer." As Chen Jiajun said this, he sat down at the front of the bus.

The vehicle doors slowly closed, and Governor Mai Lihao, who had boarded the pirate ship, along with the senior management of the China Motor Bus and Bar Group, had no choice but to find a seat and sit tight.

"Roar."

A roar like a bellows came, demonstrating the surging power of the Tesla bus. Everyone's bodies leaned backward involuntarily, and the Tesla bus flew out with a jolt, with a strong sense of being pushed into their seats immediately following.

After getting onto the Tuen Mun Highway, the scenery on both sides of the windows flew backward rapidly, but to everyone's surprise, apart from the agitation when the bus started, there was no noise inside the bus at all.

The air conditioning delivered refreshing cool air, and the ergonomic hard plastic seats, while not as comfortable as leather sofas, were sufficient for a bus.

"Slow down, slow down."

Transport Department Director Yan Dunli, seeing the bus weaving through the Tuen Mun Highway and overtaking car after car, could not help but turn pale.

Banshou En turned a deaf ear and directly overtook a Mercedes-Benz.

Everyone was safe despite the danger, but before they could catch their breath, a large curve appeared ahead, and the speed increased instead of decreasing.

"Drive slower, the speed is already over 50."

"No, no. It's going to roll over."

Screams erupted one after another inside the bus.

Seeing the curve getting closer and closer, many people could not help but close their eyes.

Yan Dunli hurriedly protected Governor Mai Lihao, his eyes wide open.

They could clearly feel the tilting of the bus body and feel their bodies being thrown to one side involuntarily; centrifugal force constantly assaulted their senses, yet the next moment.

"Bang."

The bus body landed, making a slight sound.

"You are currently sitting on the first floor; switching to the second floor would be even more exciting."

Banshou En let out a sinister laugh and took a puff of his cigar.

Everyone finally understood what an anti-rollover system was; at this speed, an ordinary double-decker bus would have already rolled over.

But the Tesla bus performed exceptionally well.

After experiencing a series of perilous tests, the Tesla bus slowly pulled up to the entrance of the Tuen Mun Tesla factory.

When everyone got off the bus, they felt as if they were stepping on air, their footsteps unsteady.

Chen Jiajun looked at everyone confidently and said, "Everyone, how did the Tesla perform in the performance test just now?"

"It's good, it's just that I feel like my brains have been rattled."

Transport Department Director Yan Dunli's face turned pale.

Governor Mai Lihao finally caught on: the two groups, Bar Group and Zhongba Group, were preparing to expand their operations, replace their double-decker buses, and improve their service levels... and where would the purchased buses come from? They would come from the Tesla company.

Since Tesla was a new company, Bar Group and Zhongba Group invited him to visit the factory together, with the goal of having Governor Mai Lihao experience it personally to dispel the citizens' doubts.

As an Englishman, although Mai Lihao knew that England's automotive industry was very advanced, he knew deep down that his power base was in Hong Kong.

If Bar Group and Zhongba Group purchased a large volume of buses from Tesla, it could boost confidence in the local industry and commerce, and a single car company could drive many upstream and downstream industries.

He looked at Chen Jiajun and asked, "Mr. Chen, how much does this type of Tesla double-decker bus cost per unit?"

"One million per unit. Our benchmark product is the O305 Double-Decker Bus produced by the West German Mercedes-Benz factory. In terms of price, we are 200,000 Hong Kong dollars lower than them, and our buses have many other advantages..."

Chen Jiajun pondered for a moment and replied.

Mai Lihao looked at Zhongba Group and Bar Group, "How many double-decker buses do the two groups intend to purchase?"

"3,000 units. 1,000 for Bar Group, 1,000 for Zhongba Group, and another 1,000 for the Sunshine Bus Company that we established as a joint venture. Governor Mai Lihao, since the total purchase amount has reached 3 billion dollars, we need to use the development funds of the two groups, and we also need to take out a Loan from HSBC."

Deng Yongqiang of Bar Group replied.

"There is one more point. Our two groups are public service-type groups. Governor Mai Lihao, could you help us apply to HSBC Group for a reduction or exemption of some interest?"

Lu Yongyu added from the side.

After pondering for a moment, Mai Lihao looked at Yan Dunli of the Transport Department and said, "Director Yan, what is your opinion?"

"Using the development funds, our Transport Department agrees in principle, but the final decision must be made by you, Governor Mai Lihao." replied Yan Dunli, who had received quite a few benefits from Chen Jiajun.

Mai Lihao calculated for a moment, realized this was a move with only benefits and no harm, and immediately said, "The Hong Kong government will use its influence to help the two groups reduce the interest when borrowing from HSBC, but you two groups must put some effort into bus operations."

"Yes." Deng Yongqiang, Lu Yongyu, and Wu Guangzheng replied immediately.

"Additionally, Director Yan, spend these next few days conducting further tests on the safety of the Tesla T1 double-decker bus."

Although Mai Lihao had just experienced it, he still had many concerns in his heart.

"Understood." Yan Dunli replied.

Lei Juekun listened from the side, dumbfounded. Were Bar Group, Zhongba Group, and Tesla even separate entities?

Weren't they all backed by Dalao Jun of the Hung Hing?

Bar Group and Zhongba Group purchasing buses from Tesla—wasn't that just moving money from the left hand to the right?

With ease, Dalao Jun had squandered the development funds that Bar Group and Zhongba Group had accumulated over the past dozen years...

And he even had the Governor step in to take out a Loan from HSBC; could Shen Bi refuse to give the Governor face?

As the former General Manager of Bar Group, Lei Juekun knew that the technical content of things like buses was very low.

Usually, one just purchases the chassis from a famous car factory and then manufactures the body oneself.

With ease, Dalao Jun had raked in 3 billion.

To do business to this extent, Lei Juekun was filled with admiration.

Seven days later.

The headlines of all major newspapers in Hong Kong were about the news that Bar Group, Zhongba Group, and Sunshine Bus Company had purchased 3,000 double-decker buses from the local Hong Kong car manufacturer Tesla. The total purchase amount was 3 billion Hong Kong dollars; using the development funds was not enough, so they also took out an interest-free Loan of 2 billion Hong Kong dollars from HSBC.

At the same time, the two bus groups joined hands to establish the Sunshine Bus Company and invested a huge amount in Hong Kong to set up 1,000 public bus stops.

Meanwhile, the news that Sunshine Bus Company was preparing to launch multiple routes in the New Territories was also published in the newspapers.

According to sources, the fare for residents of the New Territories and Kowloon was about half that of the non-franchised bus companies privately operated in Hong Kong.

Once this news broke, it was immediately widely welcomed by the residents of the New Territories and Kowloon.

However, the underground world of Hong Kong was in a state of lamentation.

One must know that many bus routes in Hong Kong were controlled by triads, a phenomenon that remained prevalent even 40 years later.

Sunshine Bus Company was purchasing the latest double-decker buses and putting them into the New Territories and Kowloon markets, with fares half lower than theirs, plus they had bus stop services. How could these private bus operators compete with a large group?

Cut prices by half to compete with Sunshine Bus Company for the market?

Wo Shing Shing, Tsuen Wan Hall.

Da D took a puff of his cigarette and threw the newspaper on the ground: "Damn Hung Hing, the fare is only half of ours. What is Sunshine Bus Company going to live on?"

As one of the most popular Hall Masters of Wo Shing Shing in recent years, Da D had long since completed his primitive accumulation by relying on bus routes. Although he could live very comfortably without the bus route from Tsuen Wan to East Kowloon,

this was, after all, an income of ten or twenty million a year.

"Brother Da D, Dalao Jun is not giving us a way to survive." Zhang Mao, Da D's top lieutenant, cursed indignantly.

"Brother Da D, what should we do?"

"Brother Da D, please think of a way."

At this time, bus drivers from multiple minibus routes from Tsuen Wan to East Kowloon, as well as senior members of the Wo Shing Shing hall, came knocking one after another.

As the most popular Hall Master of Wo Shing Shing in recent years, Da D knew that with the election of the Headman of Wo Shing Shing imminent, he had to resolve this matter; otherwise, it would damage his personal prestige and be unfavorable for his election as Headman.

Taking a deep drag of his cigarette and stubbing it out, Da D said: "Stop arguing, all of you. Can arguing solve the problem?"

"I will go find Lei Juekun of Bar Group to act as an intermediary and talk to Dalao Jun. Everyone continue driving as usual these few days."

At this time, Chen Jiajun, having finished his bus business, was at the Diamond Hill Studio.

During this period, he had been busy acquiring Bar Group and Zhongba Group, and for a while, he hadn't come to check on the filming progress of A Better Tomorrow.

Just as he arrived at the studio, Lei Juekun called: "Jun Shao, Da D from Wo Shing Shing in Tsuen Wan wants to invite you out for tea. He asked if you have time?"

"How much tea money did you take?" Chen Jiajun asked Lei Juekun with a smile.

"Just a little, 500,000 in cash. I'm just acting as an intermediary." Lei Juekun knew well that he had a share in Sunshine Bus, so it was impossible for him to turn against his own side.

"How many bus routes does Da D control now? And which triads control the bus routes in the New Territories?"

Chen Jiajun asked after pondering for a moment.

Lei Juekun explained very clearly. As the General Manager of Kowloon Motor Bus, he knew who controlled the bus routes in the New Territories:

"Da D controls Tsuen Wan to Shatin, Tsuen Wan to Yau Tsim Mong... As for the Shatin area, it is entirely controlled by Zhang Liangsheng of the Shatin Sports Association. Zhang Liangsheng is the son-in-law of Si Yanlong of the Sun Yee On, and one of the Four Tigers of the Sun Yee On...

Zhang Liangsheng's father is the former Heung Yee Kuk chairman Zhang Renlong, and Zhang Renlong and Lu Huangfa do not get along..."

"Jun Shao, if you really want to get your hands on the bus lines across the entire New Territories, you must face the Zhang Family of the New Territories; as for Da D of Wo Ling Sheng, he is secondary."

The history of triads in Hong Kong is extremely complex.

Throughout the entire New Territories, the Lu surname is the largest, and the Zhang surname is the second largest.

Before Lu Huangfa had made his fortune, Zhang Renlong was the undisputed Headman of the entire New Territories Heung Yee Kuk.

And who exactly is Zhang Renlong?

The New Territories King, awarded an MBE by the Queen of England, a New Territories Justice of the Peace, and an elder of the New Territories political scene.

Zhang Renlong was a family friend of Si Yanlong's father, Xiang Qian; Zhang Renlong's Second Wife is also a behind-the-scenes financier for Sun Yee On, and Zhang Renlong's biological son, Zhang Liangsheng, is one of the Four Tigers of Sun Yee On.

Zhang Renlong has another son who is very famous; it is said he is the successor to Bruce Lee, a famous martial arts star, stage name—Fu Sheng.

Sun Yee On's dominance in Shatin was also backed by Zhang Renlong's efforts; Zhang Liangsheng and the Ling family established a "Zengda House United Walled Village Sports Association" in Shatin, abbreviated as the Shatin Sports Association. The Shatin Sports Association appears to be a sports organization, but in reality, it is filled with Sun Yee On personnel.

Sun Yee On uses the name of the sports association to win over local gentry and buy people's hearts, which is why other triads find it difficult to set foot in this territory of Shatin.

Looking at the geographical location, Shatin possesses more convenient transportation conditions than places like Tuen Mun and Yuen Long.

A few years ago, real estate developers set their sights on this prime piece of land.

Among them, the major shareholder of China Motor Bus, Si Shu Li Zhaoji, the future richest man in Hong Kong, invested in Shatin First City in Shatin.

"Zhang Renlong, the number one running dog of the British in Hong Kong, right? Fine, I know. For me, as the Hongxing Dragon Head, to personally go down and negotiate with Da D would be giving him too much face. I'll give Jing Kun a call and have him contact you."

"Understood."

Chen Jiajun let out a faint laugh at the corner of his mouth, and after hanging up the phone, he called Jing Kun and entrusted the matter to him.

"Ada, congratulations on becoming the bus overlord."

Seeing his Ada arrive, Da Fei hurriedly brought Ceng Ziwei and the others over and handed him a Davidoff Cigar.

"How is the filming progress?"

Chen Jiajun took the cigar, and Ceng Ziwei pulled out a torch lighter to light the cigar for his Boss.

"Ada, it's almost wrapped up."

Chen Jiajun hadn't been to the set for two months; during this time, Da Fei would come to the set to monitor the progress whenever he had time.

"Mr. Chen."

When Chen Jiajun led the group into the set, the staff of A Better Tomorrow kept bowing their heads to him, greeting him.

"It's fine, I'm just here to take a look. You all continue, tonight is on me."

Chen Jiajun waved his hand at everyone.

"A Jun."

At this moment, a handsome young man ran over; this person was He Xin's biological son—He Tianbao.

"Tianbao, it's good that you're here too. Don't leave, tonight is on me."

He Tianbao is a famous sister-obsessed brother; after He Tian'er took a bit part in A Better Tomorrow, He Tianbao would run to the set every day to deliver sweet soup and takeout.

"Sure." He Tianbao smiled brightly.

Work finished that night.

Chen Jiajun drove his Mercedes-Benz six-wheel off-road vehicle, carrying director Wu Yusen and lead actors Zhou Runfa, Zhang Guorong, and others toward Kowloon.

"Sen-zai, how is the filming progress?"

On the way, Chen Jiajun smoked his cigar and asked about work.

Seeing the Boss ask about work progress, Wu Yusen replied: "It is expected to be finished in seven more days. Kun Ge, Xu Ke, and I are planning to book a restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui to hold a wrap party. You must come then, Boss."

Thanks to the sufficient preparatory work and Chen Jiajun's full support, the filming progress of A Better Tomorrow was quite fast.

Chen Jiajun said with satisfaction: "Notify me for the wrap party. Also, have Hongxing Film produce the posters immediately. The new buses for KMB and Citybus are about to be put into use, and the bus stops have already begun construction. At that time, I will use the resources of the bus group to advertise A Better Tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Wu Yusen couldn't help but hesitate: "Boss, will the advertising costs be too high?"

"Not much."

"The advertising fees from major brands alone have already covered the production costs of A Better Tomorrow; the box office is pure profit. It is only right that we spend a bit more capital on advertising now."

"In addition, edit a trailer, put the exciting scenes in, and I will send it to Rediffusion Television and TVB to run advertisements."

"Yes, I understand."

Wu Yusen nodded firmly, feeling relieved.

(End of this chapter)