Chapter 348: 342 The Cleanup Plan

"It's the Goddess of the Sea!"

"It was the Goddess's guidance that made me jump down to save the person without a moment's hesitation."

Li Er looked solemn.

TVB reporters and cameramen: "???"

They were completely stunned for three seconds; this answer was entirely outside the scope of their expectations.

Li Er said solemnly: "You all know that I was kidnapped before. At that time, I was stripped of my clothes, lying in a dog cage, being bitten by many mosquitoes..."

In order to build his persona, he was really going all out, exposing the inside story of his past kidnapping, even mentioning the dog cage.

Disaster forges the throne of heroism!

This kind of tragic experience would not make others despise him; on the contrary, it would make them sympathize with him.

Li Er looked pious: "That day, I fell asleep in a daze and dreamed of Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Mazu. Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Mazu said I had done many good deeds and would protect me... Later, the kidnappers took the money from me, kept their promise, and let me go."

"From that moment on, I felt that my life was protected by Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Mazu."

"It was also then that I became much more devout about doing good deeds, doing them steadily and earnestly to the extreme!"

"And today, when saving the person, I didn't think about anything at the time; I just thought about saving the person..."

"Only after the person was rescued did I feel a wave of lingering fear!"

He wasn't afraid of this being checked at all, because he had truly and genuinely gone to the Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Mazu temple to worship.

The TVB camera recorded this heartfelt speech in its entirety.

And the reporters, cameramen, doctors, and nurses—applause broke out, *clatter clatter~~~*.

It was moving!!

At this moment, Li Er continued: "After this rescue, I feel the suffering of the people in Shatin even more deeply. I am here to call on the Environmental Protection Department and the New Territories Administration to come up with a plan as soon as possible to clean up the Shing Mun River..."

In short, MAGA!

On the other side, Ah Ting also learned about this, returned to Shatin, and met up with Da Tou.

He realized: This Li Er is f*cking putting on a show!

Soon, the time reached 19:00.

TVB and ATV both started their news programs for the day.

Man Wai-sum sat in front of the anchor desk in the TVB news studio, her expression dignified.

"Good evening, viewers. I am Man Wai-sum. Tonight, I bring you a moving news report that happened right beside us, about courage, kindness, and an unknown story of redemption."

"At three o'clock this afternoon, by a dam in the Shatin district, the river water appeared particularly dirty and foul-smelling due to long-term pollution. However, in this seemingly dead body of water, a hymn to life was performed."

"A young girl accidentally slipped and fell into the water, crying for help."

"And just at this moment, a figure stepped forward. He is the heir to the Li Group—Mr. Li Er. Facing that murky river water, this heir to billions and trillions in assets did not hesitate in the slightest and resolutely jumped into the river."

"His subordinates cried out in alarm, fearing that Mr. Li Er would meet with an accident."

"In the end, Mr. Li Er finally succeeded in grabbing the arm of the girl who had fallen into the water and pulled her step by step toward the safe shore. When the girl was safely rescued, Mr. Li Er was already exhausted, lying on the riverbank panting heavily. Yet, a satisfied and happy smile appeared on his face."

On the television screen, the process of Li Er saving the person was played repeatedly.

At this moment,

Thousands of households across Hong Kong, those citizens watching the TVB news, were all shocked.

Inside a certain *cha chaan teng*, the lights were dim and warm, and diners sat around various tables, eating dinner.

When they saw the TVB news playing on the wall-mounted television,

They were all shocked!

"Young Master Li Er actually jumped into the river to save someone himself!" a man said in astonishment.

"Really? That's the heir to the Li Group, isn't he afraid of getting dirty or dying?" his girlfriend said, looking incredulous.

"In this day and age, it's rare to see a rich person risking their life to save someone," an old man said with deep emotion.

"Yeah, and that river in Shatin is so dirty and smelly, yet he jumped straight in."

"Wow, this Young Master Li Er is truly righteous; he's much better than those who only know how to show off their wealth!"

"Boss Li is so stingy, I didn't expect Young Master Li Er to be so tough!"

At this time, the news report continued,

"Afterward, we were fortunate enough to interview Mr. Li Er. He told us that he appeared in Shatin this time because he heard in news reports that the sewage in Shatin was overflowing, seriously endangering the health of citizens, so he specifically brought staff from his foundation to Shatin to do good deeds..."

"And he attributed this act of jumping into the river to save someone to the guidance of the 'Goddess of the Sea.' He also revealed to us a tragic experience of being kidnapped and kept in a dog cage while stripped of his clothes; that experience made him deeply realize the fragility and preciousness of life, and also made him more determined to do good deeds."

"Mr. Li Er said piously that since that kidnapping incident, he has followed the instructions of the Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Goddess Mazu Goddess, devoted himself to charity, and used practical actions to help those in need."

"Finally, Mr. Li Er is still concerned about the citizens of Shatin, calling on the Environmental Protection Department and the New Territories Administration to clean up the Shing Mun River as soon as possible..."

The camera focused on Li Er, who was wearing a hospital gown, receiving an IV drip, and covered in a dense rash.

Causeway Bay,

At Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu's home.

"Incredible!"

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu hugged Yuen Mui, sat on the sofa, watched Li Er on the TV, and couldn't help but sigh.

This showmanship is truly impressive!

However, with the way Li Er is putting on this show, the Environmental Protection Department and the New Territories Administration will probably be very unhappy; he is practically putting them on a rack to roast.

But these people are sitting in their positions and doing nothing, causing the residents of Shatin to suffer so much, so roasting them a bit is quite good.

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu didn't feel any sympathy at all.

"My actions must also be taken as soon as possible."

"I can't let Li Er steal the spotlight!"

Following this, Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu made a few phone calls.

A new day,

9:30,

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu, accompanied by Fang Ting and his team, arrived at the New Territories Administration.

They were there to discuss the cleanup project for the Shatin district with officials from the New Territories Administration and the Environmental Protection Department.

"Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan, welcome, welcome!"

Officials from the New Territories Administration and the Environmental Protection Department had been standing at the door early, warmly welcoming Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu's arrival.

Yesterday's news, especially Li Er's performance, had rubbed their faces in the dirt.

Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Department's complaint hotline was blown up.

Citizens cursed them for inaction, sitting in their positions and doing nothing, wasting taxpayers' money, and being useless rice-eaters!

Many citizens also called the Government Secretariat to complain, and the more ruthless ones called the ICAC directly, asking the ICAC to investigate whether these people had money-power deals with the factories.

In fact, they were a bit wronged; they themselves had planned to develop the Shatin district and were very troubled by this sewage.

Previously, they had hoped the four major real estate giants (Boss Li's four major families) would help, but the four bosses were completely uninterested. After all, the government wasn't willing to pay much for that kind of thing, and since there was no money to be made, they were naturally uninterested and rejected the government's invitation.

"Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan, your noble character..."

The head of the New Territories Administration grabbed Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu's hand and shook it excitedly.

As expected of the legendary great philanthropist, he is serious about doing charity!

With the intent established, both sides began negotiations.

"Can those factories be moved away?"

"This... I am very sorry, those factories are related to the economy of the New Territories... You also know that the economy of the New Territories cannot compare to Kowloon or Hong Kong Island; if there were no such factories, the New Territories would be even worse off."

The Administration official said with difficulty.

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu: "Then forbid them from discharging sewage, that's fine, right?"

Environmental Protection Department official: "We have always forbidden it!"

Of course, it was only a verbal prohibition.

They had never actually taken action to enforce it or issue fines.

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu: "I mean fines, issuing fines according to the 'Water Pollution Control Ordinance'."

The leaders of the Administration hesitated all of a sudden.

Economy, environment... they wanted both!

The Environmental Protection Department certainly wanted to issue fines, but the Administration didn't agree, so they didn't dare to either. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu: "There is a sewage treatment plant there, why not discharge it to the sewage treatment plant?"

The leader explained: "The sewage treatment plant charges fees, and the factories don't want to pay..."

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu: "............"

By the end of the discussion,

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu had a sudden inspiration and simply decided to talk to the head of the Administration and the head of the Environmental Protection Department alone, just the three of them.

In the office of the head of the Administration,

On the sofa,

The three of them sat, leaning back against the sofa, crossing their legs, smoking cigarettes, and puffing out clouds of smoke.

There was an illusion of evil forces planning some kind of conspiracy.

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu tapped the ash from his cigarette: "Both officials should know that I also hold the status of a Legislative Council member... I plan to push for an amendment to the 'Water Pollution Control Ordinance,' mandating continuous fines for those polluting factories, which could reach as high as 40,000 HKD per day."

The officials from the Administration Department and the Environmental Protection Department turned pale.

If that were the case, once fined, those factories would suffer heavy losses if they continued to discharge waste.

!.

Is Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu trying to drive them to extinction?

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu smiled: "Don't be anxious, both of you... Let me analyze this for you. I am pushing for this ordinance to target the entire territory. I can guarantee to you both that no matter where these factories move on Hong Kong Island, I will keep an eye on them."

"You both should trust my, Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu's, reputation. If I say I will keep an eye on these factories, I will certainly keep an eye on them."

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu, known for his charity!

Although he came from a background as a street thug, both his character and his reputation are worthy of the trust of the officials from the Administration Department and the Environmental Protection Department!

"Therefore, these factories might as well stay in Shatin, saving on the costs of dismantling or building factories, and obediently discharge their sewage into the sewage treatment plant."

"This way, you don't have to worry about the factories moving away, and you can solve the sewage discharge problem... At the same time, you can demonstrate your determination to rectify this matter in front of the citizens of Hong Kong Island!"

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu crossed his legs, took a puff, and then slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke.

"What do you two officials think?"

The officials from the Administration Department and the Environmental Protection Department looked at each other.

It is very hard to disagree with this!

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu has already handled everything, and they only need to cooperate.

As for the losses of those factories, what does that have to do with me? Anyway, you can't run away!

Hehehe~~~~

The three shook hands!

"Happy cooperation!" *3

Half an hour later,

The host from Asia Television arrived.

The three parties signed the agreement:

——Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu, in the name of the Five-Star Charity Foundation, will clean up the river sewage and sludge for a total of three years, investing 100 million each year, totaling 300 million, until the cleanup is complete.

——And the benefits Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu receives: first, the money from this charity foundation will be used for tax deductions, which is only right and proper. Second, Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu gains policy preference for real estate development and additional tax cuts. That is, double tax cuts.

10:30,

Under the witness of the ATV news cameras, the three parties signed and reached a cooperation agreement.

Then they held a simple press conference.

At noon,

ATV broadcast this news.

"Recently, the problem of sewage flowing and foul odors in the Shatin district has sparked widespread concern from all walks of life..."

"Amidst the eager anticipation of the public, good news has finally arrived—the Administration Department, the Environmental Protection Department, and the renowned philanthropist Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu signed a cooperation agreement this morning aimed at thoroughly solving the pollution problem in Shatin."

The screen cut to the live footage of the three-party signing ceremony.

"According to the agreement, Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu will, in the name of the Five-Star Charity Foundation, invest a total of 300 million in charitable funds, to be used gratuitously for river cleanup work..."

"Such a charitable act is perhaps the largest non-return donation in history! Thank you, Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan!"

"Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu stated in an interview: The Five-Star Charity Foundation will officially start the work of cleaning up the sewage and sludge within one week... to return a clean and beautiful environment to all Shatin citizens as soon as possible!"

"Furthermore! Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan also stated that in view of these factories recklessly discharging sewage, he will, in his capacity as a Legislative Councilor, propose an amendment to the 'Water Pollution Control Ordinance' to the Legislative Council, mandating continuous fines for those polluting factories..."

Shatin District.

Inside a restaurant.

On the television, the news about Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu was playing.

The entire restaurant, whether it was the diners, the owner, or the waiters, all stared blankly at the television.

The joy on their faces grew stronger and stronger.

"That's great!"

"Hahaha~~~"

"Finally, someone is taking action to clean up the river!"

The owner was so excited he almost jumped up; he waved the rag in his hand as if it were a flag of victory.

"Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu, he is a great philanthropist!" A diner's voice trembled slightly with excitement.

"If it were anyone else, it might be a show, but Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan is really doing things!"

"That's great!"

"This river is finally saved!!"

A burst of cheers erupted in the restaurant, and people hugged each other in celebration.

At this moment, in every household in Shatin village, many people heard the television news or heard someone next door shouting, 'Hurry and watch the ATV news.'

They cheered one after another!

They ran to tell each other, sharing this good news.

Soon, the news spread throughout the Shatin district!

The entire Shatin district was boiling.

"That's great!"

"Shatin district is saved!"

All the citizens were thanking Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu. They knew that the Administration Department and the Environmental Protection Department were all bastards; they hadn't seen them take action in over twenty years. The only truth was that Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu had stepped in to help them clean up the river.

"Long live Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan!!"

Originally, many people were still thanking Li Er, feeling that Li Er was a pretty good person.

But compared to Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu, the difference in quality was immediately apparent!

Li Er just moved his mouth and made appeals.

But Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu was actually taking action!

As for whether Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu would go back on his word?

All the people of Hong Kong believed in Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu's reputation; he would absolutely not go back on his word!

This is Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu's public credibility!

In the hospital,

Li Er, inside the ward, heard the cheers of the doctors and nurses and learned the truth.

Orz......

Oh no!

He had been outdone by Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu again!

The show he had put on suddenly looked dim and lusterless!

"Mr. Li..."

At this moment, the pretty local nurse from Shatin walked with a spring in her step and happily entered the ward: "Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan said he is going to clean up the Shing Mun River! Our Shatin is saved!"

When she saw Li Er's awkward expression, she froze.

Why aren't you smiling?

(End of chapter)