Chapter 213: Year-End Summary

The next day, just as dawn broke, the telephone on the table rang.

"Ada, it's a success."

"Nice."

Chen Jiajun immediately went to the underground secret room.

At this moment, He Guorong had taken another half of a Senzu Bean, and the wounds on his body were mostly healed. Wrapped in a blanket, he looked at Chen Jiajun, a flicker of fear flashing in his eyes, and said submissively, "Ada."

Seeing his meek and obedient appearance, Chen Jiajun knew that Bai Lu's Mind Control and memory modification had already taken effect.

Chen Jiajun raised an eyebrow and asked, "So many of your men died last night; how will you explain it to Han Yili when you go back?"

"Our Political Department only accepts the jurisdiction of MI5; Han Yili has no right to interfere. The place where we fought last night was very remote. As long as the scene is cleaned up properly, no one will know what happened."

"When I go back, I'll just say they went out on a secret mission, and casualties are inevitable in such missions. If I drag it out for a year or so, no one will pay any attention."

He Guorong answered immediately without a second thought.

Chen Jiajun then asked several questions regarding the Political Department's secrets in the Putian casino, which were basically about the board representatives of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Finally, Chen Jiajun instructed, "From now on, every week, I will arrange to meet you at Luyu Tea House or Yunlai Tea House, and you will write a work report for me every week."

"Understood," He Guorong replied.

"If something comes up, I will call you at any time. This is the Dragon Head Staff of Wo Shing Shing."

Chen Jiajun placed the Dragon Head Staff, which the craftsmen had forged and aged, on the table: "Take it back so you can report to MI5. Don't forget to get me a CBE knighthood."

"Ada, don't worry, it can be done this year. Prince Charles and the Princess will arrive in Hong Kong for a visit at the end of the year. Once I go back, I will submit your great achievements."

He Guorong nodded.

"OK."

Chen Jiajun patted He Guorong on the shoulder and left.

He did not feel that accepting an honour would lower his status.

Isn't it just an honour?

Chen Jiajun had already made up his mind; he would just play along with the Prince when the time came.

I'll start by saying: "I was born in troubled times and have drifted for half my life; I only regret not meeting a wise lord sooner. Now that I have met a virtuous public official..."

After half a year, I'll add: "A great man born between heaven and earth, how can he live long under others!"

In the end, at worst, "I shall take care of your wife for you."

My body is in the Chu camp, but my heart is with the Han.

Judge by actions, not by intentions.

The morning sunlight spilled onto Guan Jiahui's snow-white skin, which was so delicate it seemed it would break if pricked, and her long, flowing hair was scattered across the pillow.

Seeing this scene, a surge of immense pride rose in Chen Jiajun's heart.

Places where the sunlight cannot reach.

I can.

He had just gotten up to shave his beard when the phone rang.

"Hello, who is this?"

Chen Jiajun grabbed the mobile phone.

"Mr. Chen, it's me. Ji Da, Chief Secretary of Hong Kong. Prince Charles is about to visit Hong Kong with his wife, and the colonial government attaches great importance to it. Governor Mai Lihao asked me to notify you to attend the meeting. You are on the invitation list for the Prince's royal banquet."

There was a hint of respect in the voice of Chief Secretary Ji Da.

Ji Da was a high-ranking official in the colonial government. After the ICAC was established, he was the first ICAC Commissioner, and it was under his leadership that the four Chinese chief detectives were arrested.

During his tenure as Chief Secretary, Ji Da took the lead in establishing a culture of integrity in society and contributed much; later, he also became one of the candidates for Governor.

"I'll be there right away."

Chen Jiajun felt energized; it seemed his new subordinate, He Guorong, was quite efficient after all.

When Chen Jiajun arrived at the government house, Youde, beaming with joy, waved at him: "A Jun."

"Officer Youde—no, I should call you Governor now." Once he ran up to Youde, Chen Jiajun said to him with a smile.

"Hahaha, the Foreign Office hasn't officially announced my appointment yet. Don't go shouting it in front of outsiders," Youde waved his hand, signaling Chen Jiajun not to shout it later.

"Understood, understood," Chen Jiajun said, beaming.

As they walked and talked, Youde said: "After I am promoted to the position, as long as Guojun Academy passes the assessment, it can be upgraded to a university in Hong Kong."

"Thank you, Governor. Don't worry, we will definitely increase the resources invested in education in the future," Chen Jiajun thanked him.

Youde smiled and said: "Also, Hong Kong is the Hollywood of the East, yet it lacks a professional performing arts academy. I plan to unite the film and television industry in Hong Kong to jointly establish a professional Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts."

Before Youde could finish, Chen Jiajun immediately expressed his stance: "Governor, if an academy for performing arts is really to be established, that would be a great thing for our Hongxing Film. How about this, I will personally donate 50 million."

Look.

See? This is called professional.

Youde showed a satisfied expression and whispered: "Alright, the Political Department has already proposed it to the colonial government. I will push it further, and your name will appear on the New Year Honours List and the Queen's Birthday Honours List."

"OK."

Honours from the English royal family are not given lightly.

Take Chen Jiajun for example: the Political Department's advice to Governor Mai Lihao was: he acquired the Kowloon Motor Bus and Zhongba Group, investing large sums of money to improve the travel environment for Hong Kong residents. At the same time, he is generous in charity, donating 50 million for the Central bombing case, and personally raising funds to establish Guojun Academy, which is tuition-free...

Based on Mr. Chen's status in the film and television industry, his status in the bus industry, and his tireless investment in charity, it is recommended to award him a CBE.

See? Besides having a leadership position in one's industry, one must also have significant investment in charity.

Of course, besides that, there must also be political considerations.

Since the incoming Governor Youde had already said so, Chen Jiajun's CBE was basically a sure thing.

There were quite a few Chinese who had been awarded the CBE, such as the chief Chinese representative of the Executive Council, the world shipping tycoon Bao Jueshi, the no-longer-glamorous Zhou Xinian, Wen Runchang who was severely weakened by family infighting, Lin Mingze who had long been doing united front work for the TG, and Shao Yifu, among others.

See? There are several left-wing figures among them. Sometimes people go to get a medal not to be loyal to England, but for business convenience.

If it hadn't been for the United States inciting England to go after Huo Yingnan back then, Huo Yingnan might have been awarded a CBE long ago.

Therefore, Chen Jiajun faced absolutely no pressure when going to receive his honor.

Furthermore, considering his age, the possibility of a second investiture cannot be ruled out.

This meeting convened by the Hong Kong government was essentially to prepare for the visit of Prince Charles.

At the same time, the Hong Kong government suddenly tightened security; to prevent the gangsters from affecting Charles's refined interests, many uncles of New Wo Shing, including Da D and Lin Huaile, were arrested.

As the saying goes, it is easier to change rivers and mountains than a person's nature; while in prison, Da D still shouted the slogan, "I want to start a New Wo Shing."

Once these words were out, even the die-hard uncles who had previously supported Da D immediately drew a line in the sand.

Upon learning that Da D wanted to start a New Wo Shing and go against the entire organization, the various Hall Masters still active outside, along with the youth generation leaders, urgently gathered for a meeting to decide what to do next.

Faced with the enemy who was splitting the society, Yutou Biao was the first to state his position, standing clearly on the side of the society and being the first to speak up about wanting to kill Da D.

Meanwhile, Chuiji, who was in the hospital and afraid of being killed by Da D, made a decision that betrayed his ancestors: he wanted to see the O-Ji and spill everything about Da D's affairs.

After learning of this, Lin Huaile did not kick Da D while he was down or stomp on him to completely annihilate him.

Lin Huaile met with the New Wo Shing society lawyer and had the lawyer pass a message to Huoniu, telling Huoniu to take care of Chuiji.

Huoniu arranged for his subordinates to drive a large truck and hit Chuiji's son to death, then immediately had the lawyer bring a family photo of Chuiji to see him, leading Chuiji to commit suicide.

Lin Huaile's vision was fully realized; after seizing the baton, Lin Huaile recruited five New Wo Shing leaders who had stood out during this baton-seizing event: Jimmy Zai, Dongguan Zai, Haoda, Feiji, and Shiye Su.

Furthermore, he gave Da D a choice: either he, Lin Huaile, would lead the entire New Wo Shing to fight Da D, or both sides would shake hands and make peace, and in the future, any business Da D wanted to do, he, Lin Huaile, would use his status as Headman to help him get it done, with the territory conquered by both sides split fifty-fifty.

Da D had to marvel at Dalao Jun's foresight at this moment, and he shook hands with Lin Huaile to make peace.

From then on, after a brief period of turmoil, New Wo Shing quickly settled down.

The name of Lin Huaile, along with his ruthless methods and deep cunning, resounded throughout Hong Kong.

At the same time, the five men—Jimmy Zai, Dongguan Zai, Haoda, Feiji, and Shiye Su—stood out.

What shocked the underworld and the police station most about the New Wo Shing turmoil was not Lin Huaile's various displays, but that Dalao Jun had actually not taken advantage of the situation.

What they did not know was that Chen Jiajun had long since obtained the greatest benefits during the New Wo Shing internal strife.

Moreover, what these societies did not know was that the thing Chen Jiajun lacked the least was territory.

Chen Family Manor.

Chen Jiajun and Deng Bo sat facing each other, with a huge screen standing to the side; on the screen was written a majestic and massive "Hong" character, and next to it was written, "Hongxing Prosperous Age, Dragons Soaring Across the Four Seas."

"Deng Bo, please have some tea."

After brewing the tea and pouring it into the bowls, Chen Jiajun made a gesture of invitation.

"Please."

Deng Bo smiled and said, then picked up the teacup: "Such good Pu'er tea is already very hard to come by in Hong Kong now."

"You also know that I often run to the Mainland, so I took the opportunity to hoard a batch of Yiwu Tea. If you like it, I'll have the Butler get you a batch of tea cakes to take back later." Chen Jiajun handed Deng Bo a cigar.

After lighting the cigar, Deng Bo said: "A Jun, thank you for this time."

"Hey, what are you thanking me for? Our Hongxing and New Wo Shing have always valued harmony. Except for that time with Dapu Hei, when have you ever seen me make a move against New Wo Shing?" Exhaling a thick cloud of smoke, Chen Jiajun continued: "As for the position of New Wo Shing Headman, Da D is not suitable. His brain is smart, but he is often prone to impulse. I think A Le is the most suitable."

"Hehe."

The implication was that if Da D were smart enough, he, Chen Jiajun, would not mind helping Da D out.

Deng Bo was secretly vigilant: "In any case, I must thank you. By the way, we have set a date to hold a Daqingfeng at the San Sheng Temple in Fanling; I hope A Jun you will give us some face." As he spoke, Deng Bo handed over an invitation.

"What a coincidence, I am going abroad early next year. How about this, if I cannot come, I will have my subordinates come."

Even if he could come, Chen Jiajun would not go.

With his status today, Chen Jiajun had long since reached the level of sitting on the mountain and watching the tigers fight; he had no need to lower his own standing.

The royal banquet for Prince Charles invited famous figures from all walks of life in Hong Kong, including stars from the film and television circles such as Di Long, Zhao Yazhi, Zhou Runfa, Jiang Dawei, Cheng Long, and others.

The seating arrangement was also very particular; Chen Jiajun's influence in the Hong Kong business world was now ranked only behind a few veteran Chinese businessmen, while real estate developers such as "Superman" Li Jiacheng and "Si Shu" Li Zhaoji were ranked behind him.

After all, Dalao Jun's influence was multi-faceted.

Just his status as the hegemon of the film and television industry, the manufacturing industry, and the bus industry had already left these people far behind, not to mention that data showed Guojun Group had purchased a large amount of land and Ding Rights in the New Territories this year, and its land reserves were already no less than those of the major real estate developers.

"Mr. Chen."

Zhao Yazhi, who was attending the royal banquet tonight, was dressed up with light makeup on her face, wearing a white gown and high heels, her long, slender legs clad in sheer stockings, which was quite evocative. Her eyes lit up when she saw Chen Jiajun, and she wanted to go up and talk to Dalao Jun about the movie *Papa, Can You Hear Me Sing*.

"Sister Zhi, long time no see. You look as elegant as ever; have you used some secret technique for eternal youth?" Chen Jiajun showed a warm smile; he had not been in contact with Zhao Yazhi for some time.

"Mr. Chen, I would like to ask when your *Papa, Can You Hear Me Sing* crew will start auditions?"

Zhao Yazhi had just finished speaking.

"Mr. Chen..." The Director of Political Department, He Guorong, walked over.

He Guorong was leading the G4 Protection Unit of the Political Department to protect Prince Charles this time and often appeared on television.

"Sister Zhi, let's chat when you have time later."

Chen Jiajun spoke briefly with Zhao Yazhi and then walked toward the door with He Guorong.

"Mm-hmm, Mr. Chen, you go ahead and get busy."

Zhao Yazhi's eyes revealed deep disappointment.

After the two walked outside, He Guorong handed Chen Jiajun a recent work report: "Ada, please take a look."

Putting the materials into his pocket, Chen Jiajun patted He Guorong on the shoulder.

Over the next few days, Chen Jiajun attended many meetings and events, the vast majority of which were charitable. A group of Chinese and British businessmen revolved around the British royal family and the dignitaries from London, fully giving Prince Charles plenty of face.

Finally, the British Prince's visit to Hong Kong came to a perfect conclusion.

The newly appointed Governor, Youde, along with various Hong Kong government officials and celebrities from all walks of life in Hong Kong, breathed a sigh of relief after seeing off the British royal family.

Just after the British Prince left Hong Kong, Chen Jiajun set off for London, England, to accept the CBE awarded by the British royal family. He had purchased a luxury English mansion on Kensington Palace Gardens in advance to avoid having no place to stay in England.

Chen Jiajun being awarded the CBE was by no means just his personal affair; it was also related to a series of enterprises including Hongxing Group, Hongxing Film, and Guojun Group. Senior subordinates from China Motor Bus and Kowloon Motor Bus even rushed to London to witness this historic moment.

You know, for Chen Jiajun to be awarded a CBE at the age of less than 25, it could definitely be called a rare event.

Connecting to Chen Jiajun's true identity.

The senior management of China Motor Bus and Kowloon Motor Bus both felt it was an honor to follow such a promising Boss.

The England Cabinet Office publishes a "New Year Honours List" and a "Queen's Birthday Honours List" every year, listing the titles awarded to the new recipients.

The "New Year Honours List" is generally published around New Year's Day each year, while the "Queen's Birthday Honours List" is published in early June each year; Chen Jiajun was on this year's "New Year Honours List."

Chen Jiajun's CBE investiture ceremony was personally conducted by the Prince and Princess of England.

That day, the several companies associated with Chen Jiajun couldn't wait to update the relevant information, namely the Chairman of the Board column, perfecting it to Sir Chen, CBE, JP.

Don't look at it as just a small change; it signified a further, significant rise in the social status of the Hongxing Group and Guojun Group.

Hong Kong media, such as the Oriental Daily News, worked tirelessly to provide free advertising and reported on it extensively.

They even listed a roster of Hong Kong socialites who held the CBE title; the citizens of Hong Kong were in an uproar upon seeing this list.

Chen Jiajun was simply too young.

Take Sixth Uncle Shao Yifu for example; how old was Old Sixth Shao when he was awarded his honor?

When Deng Bo, Lin Huaile, and the others saw this news, they finally understood why Dalao Jun did not come to attend Lin Huaile's Promotion Ceremony.

The next time they see Chen Jiajun, they will have to respectfully call out: "Sir Chen."

At the same time, this day.

The final verdict for the case of the Xinji Dragon Head, who had been attempting to save himself for two months, came out; the Dragon Head Si Yanlong ultimately shouldered the vast majority of the crimes himself, was sentenced to 15 years, and had already been sent to Stanley Prison.

The fifteenth day of the first lunar month of '82, the Lantern Festival.

Chen Jiajun, in a crisp black suit and wearing a white scarf, walked into the Shangri-La Hotel under the escort of his young demon slaves.

Today, the Guojun Group and the Hongxing Group booked several large halls at the Shangri-La Hotel to hold the Hongxing Lantern Festival party.

"Boss."

"Sir Chen."

"Sister-in-law."

"Wishing you good health and may everything go as you wish."

Shanjie led several brothers to stand up and smile.

"Boss, Sister-in-law."

"A small token of our appreciation, please accept it with a smile."

Tian Yangsheng led the seven Tianyang children and presented several large red envelopes with both hands.

"Sit."

"Everyone sit."

A smile remained on Chen Jiajun's face; the Hong Kong underworld at the end of '81 passed in a state of calm, yet hidden beneath this calm were heavy crises.

In '80 and '81, Chen Jiajun cast his net wildly; now that '82 had arrived, it was time to reap the harvest.

In business: Jianing Group, Xieliyuan Gold Shop, Hang Lung Bank.

In the underworld: Xinji, Wo Ling Sheng, and every other triad faction.

More importantly, he wanted to take advantage of the chaos of '82 to make the Guojun Group the number one conglomerate in Hong Kong.

(End of this chapter)