Chapter 430

And on the other side of the Earth,

Victoria,

had already entered April 9th.

At this time, Victoria formally held the national House of Commons election.

Among them, the Bath constituency,

The figures participating in this election were:

——Conservative Party candidate: Fatty Peng

——Liberal Democrat candidate: Don Foster,

At 20:00 at night, the counting of votes began.

Location: Bath City Hall.

At this time, 20:20,

The atmosphere at the Bath City Hall vote counting center was tense and enthusiastic.

Supporters from both camps had arrived here early, waiting for the election results to be revealed.

Supporters of the Conservative Party camp, some wearing the Conservative Party's blue clothing, holding placards printed with Fatty Peng's portrait, their eyes revealing tension and expectation.

"Our Conservative Party will definitely win."

"Yes! Definitely win!"

While supporters of Don Foster's camp wore yellow clothing symbolizing the Liberal Democrats, their faces overflowing with confident smiles, waving flags, and shouting slogans:

"Mr. Foster will bring new hope to Bath!"

"Liberal Democrats, change starts now!"

As the vote counting work proceeded tensely, the staff focused on counting the ballots one by one. The voice of the vote reader echoed in the hall:

"Conservative Party, Peng, one vote."

"Liberal Democrat, Don, one vote."

Every time a vote was read, supporters from both camps would let out a small cheer or sigh, their emotions rising and falling with the changes in the vote count.

When the vote counting neared its end, the gap between the two sides gradually appeared.

Fatty Peng's face turned gloomy...

The Conservative Party people also had gloomy faces...

Finally, the Chief Counting Officer walked onto the podium, picked up the microphone, and announced with a serious expression:

"I announce, the result of this Bath constituency House of Commons seat election is — Liberal Democrat candidate Don Foster received 8,421 votes; Conservative Party candidate Fatty Peng received 3,768 votes. Don Foster wins with an advantage of 8,421 votes!"

Instantly, Don Foster's camp erupted with deafening cheers and applause.

"We succeeded! Long live Don Foster!"

"Awesome! This is our victory, the victory of liberal democracy!"

Don Foster was surrounded by supporters as he walked onto the podium; he waved his arms excitedly and said loudly:

"Thank you everyone! Thank you to every voter who supported me! This is our shared victory; I will carry everyone's trust and create a better future for the Bath constituency! We will work hard in education, medical care, employment, and other aspects to make Bath more prosperous!"

While Fatty Peng's camp fell into silence and unwillingness.

Fatty Peng stood there, his eyes full of loss...

He didn't expect that he would actually lose!

"Don't be discouraged, this is just one election failure."

"Maybe it will be better next time."

His supporters persuaded him.

Fatty Peng was silent for a long time, then slowly said: "Rest assured, I won't be defeated; I will continue to contribute my strength to the Conservative Party and to Victoria's cause."

He reinvigorated his spirit.

At this time, there was another important matter ————— the election summary for the national constituency!

The entire Victoria was divided into 650 constituencies, which meant 650 House of Commons members had to be produced.

And today, all House of Commons member elections would be completed.

At this time,

London,

The conference center was brightly lit.

Countless Conservative Party, Labour Party, and Liberal Party members and media reporters gathered together, the atmosphere tense and enthusiastic, everyone's eyes tightly fixed on the big screen and the constantly updating election data display board.

On it, there were three columns: Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Party...

Phones kept ringing,

The staff were tensely and orderly counting the ballots from each constituency.

"The vote counting result for the Edinburgh constituency is out, Conservative Party 10,432 votes, win! Add one vote!"

As the vote reader's voice rang out, all the Conservative Party members and supporters inside instantly erupted into cheers, waving the flags in their hands wildly, their faces overflowing with excited smiles.

According to Victoria's Prime Minister election rules, if a political party obtains a majority of seats in the House of Commons, that is, more than half of the seats (650/2+1=326 seats), that party becomes the ruling party.

"Manchester constituency, Conservative Party 11,345 votes, win!"

Another constituency result was announced, cheers rang out again, and people in the Conservative Party camp hugged and high-fived each other.

"Liverpool constituency, Labour Party wins..."

"Bath constituency, Liberal Party wins..."

Every constituency result was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up layers of waves in the conference center.

As time passed, more and more constituency counting results were announced.

The vote counts for the Conservative Party, Labour Party, and Liberal Party on the big screen kept climbing, but the gap gradually appeared.

The Conservative Party took the lead in many constituencies, their vote count advancing triumphantly.

Prime Minister May clenched his fists, excited inside!

He was about to be re-elected!

Finally, after the vote counting for the last constituency was completed.

The Chief Counting Officer walked onto the podium, picked up the microphone, and the scene instantly went quiet; everyone held their breath, waiting for the final result.

And Prime Minister May, standing surrounded by many Conservative Party members, clenched his fists unconsciously, his eyes flashing with excited light.

Victory was right in front of him; he was about to be successfully re-elected.

The Chief Counting Officer tapped the mic:

"Gentlemen, ladies..."

"Now, I announce the final result of this election!"

"The Conservative Party obtained 336 seats, the Labour Party obtained 271 seats, and the Liberal Democrats obtained 20 seats."

"I announce — the Conservative Party wins the general election with an advantage of 21 seats over half!"

"Congratulations to the Conservative Party!"

Instantly, the conference center erupted with deafening cheers and applause, as if to flip the roof. Conservative Party supporters excitedly shouted: "Prime Minister May! Prime Minister May!" Party members hugged each other, cheering and jumping, some even moved to tears.

"We succeeded! We won!"

"Long live Prime Minister May! Long live the Conservative Party!"

Prime Minister May walked onto the podium surrounded by the crowd; he wore a smile, waving to the supporters off-stage.

"Thank you everyone! Thank you to every friend who supported the Conservative Party! This is our shared victory!" Prime Minister May's voice was firm and powerful, "We will continue to work hard for Victoria's prosperity and development, leading Victoria towards a better future!"

The cheers and applause at the scene were endless, as if to flip the roof.

People excitedly hugged and high-fived, their faces overflowing with joy and excitement.

Some waved Conservative Party flags, some threw their hats into the air.

Prime Minister May stood on the podium, his eyes flashing with excited light, his face revealing a smile of relief and pride. He raised his arms, signaling to the crowd off-stage, and shouted loudly:

"We did it! Long live the Conservative Party! Long live Victoria!"

Flashbulbs flashed like raindrops, recording this historic moment.

People off-stage shouted "Prime Minister May! Prime Minister May!", the sound wave after wave, which was recognition of his leadership ability and expectation for the Conservative Party's future governance.

Prime Minister May paused slightly, picked up the microphone, and began a short speech:

"Dear Conservative Party colleagues! Tonight, we have jointly welcomed this glorious moment! Our efforts, our persistence, have received the best reward at this moment."

"This victory is not only the victory of our Conservative Party in the general election, but also the victory of our shared philosophy, the victory of the blueprint we have drawn for the people of Victoria..."

Because this wasn't his actual re-election.

He needed tomorrow, under the Queen's investiture, to complete the re-election, so his speech was relatively short.

After the speech ended, endless applause and cheers rang out off-stage again.

A new day,

The Queen issued a re-election invitation to Conservative Party leader Prime Minister May.

Then, under the witness of the Queen and the media, he was formally re-elected Prime Minister!

In the following days, Prime Minister May threw himself into the work of forming the cabinet, forming the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Foreign Secretary... etc.

It is worth mentioning that these ministers were privately hired, not publicly elected; their power was all granted by the Prime Minister. From another angle: the Prime Minister can fire them, but has no power to dismiss a member of parliament.

After the cabinet was formed, Prime Minister May led all cabinet members to hold a debut ceremony in front of 10 Downing Street.

And what about Fatty Peng?

What is he doing now?

He is wandering, bewildered.

He lost the opportunity to be a member of parliament, and Prime Minister May didn't invite him to serve as one of the cabinet ministers...

You must know, he had entered the cabinet in 1989 (the Prime Minister was the one who fell, Mrs. Thatcher), serving as Secretary of State for the Environment.

Of course, during his tenure, he was responsible for pushing a 'poll tax' policy, which was scolded by all of England; this might be one of the reasons his election as a member of parliament failed.

He waited and waited...

Just like someone waiting for Prime Minister May to throw a bone...

Prime Minister May, who had been busy for a week, held a very important meeting today.

April 16th, 10:00 AM,

House of Lords, Moses Conference Hall.

At this time, the Prime Minister and the House of Lords were hosting the "Future of the Hong Kong Government" seminar, and the theme was: The special significance of the Hong Kong government in the international political landscape, and promoting the political reform of the Hong Kong government.

Prime Minister May sat in the main seat, his expression focused and serious.

"Prime Minister, we must strengthen that region... in line with Western values... this will help us win more international support, especially in the game with other major powers in the Asia-Pacific region..."

"In the process of promoting... we must formulate a detailed plan. The first step is to gradually increase the proportion of directly elected seats in the Legislative Council... the second step is to establish an independent election monitoring agency to ensure the election process..."

"Currently, Governor Chris Patten, his ability is too weak..."

"We need a capable person to go there and promote this process..."

A person popped into Prime Minister May's mind...

Fatty Peng!

His ability is not bad; he ran around for his own Prime Minister election, it's just that his luck was a bit bad, and he didn't become a member of the House of Commons.

... In the afternoon,

Prime Minister May summoned Fatty Peng and told Fatty Peng the content of the morning meeting.

After hearing Prime Minister May's words, Fatty Peng's expression was excited, his chest heaved slightly, and his eyes flashed with eager light.

He took a small step forward, straightened his back, his tone firm and impassioned:

"Prime Minister, thank you for trusting me so much and entrusting me with such a heavy responsibility; this is the opportunity I have dreamed of. I am incomparably clear about the key position of that place in the international political landscape; it is not only our important stronghold in the Far East, but also the frontier position to demonstrate Victoria's influence and values."

"I will definitely go all out and not fail the trust!"

Fatty Peng straightened his back, impassioned:

"As for the mission you instructed, after I take office, I will definitely demonstrate a brand new work style and method, promoting reform with a tough and cautious attitude, never retreating, until the reform goal is completely achieved."

Prime Minister May patted Fatty Peng on the shoulder and finally said: "Start preparing immediately; all of Victoria is supporting you behind your back. Looking forward to the day you return in triumph!"

"Yes, Prime Minister!"

Fatty Peng nodded solemnly, his mood excited.

At this moment, Fatty Peng was full of ambition!

Governor of Hong Kong!

(Content omitted)

This power is much bigger than any district councilor!

He had already prepared to rush to the distance and start a "journey of change".

After returning to the place where he was,

He quickly gathered his few confidants and supporters, talking to them one by one to see who was willing to go with him.

And the result was clearly that all the confidants were determined to follow him.

Next,

Fatty Peng began to assign tasks:

"It's not time for the Governor to change yet... you guys first help me secretly go to Hong Kong in advance, to scout out various things in Hong Kong..."

"I want to know everything about Hong Kong before I take office!"

The confidants and subordinates: "Yes!"

The next day,

These people, led by Scott, boarded a plane to Hong Kong and flew to Hong Kong.

When Scott and his party arrived in Hong Kong,

At this time,

Hong Kong was holding a wealth feast covering half of Hong Kong —————

The "Five Star Supermarket Common Wealth Growth Fund" fundraising activity was formally launched!

And after Scott and the others got off the plane,

They left Kai Tak Airport, took a car, and then encountered a "centralized signing meeting" venue.

They were startled by that lively and noisy scene!

"What are they doing here?"

"So many people!"

"Is it some kind of celebration?"

When they understood the specific situation, they looked at each other.

"What?"

"It's actually a public fund fundraising for a company called Five Star Supermarket?"

"Citizens sending money to the company?"

"This is just one point? There are 49 other points?"

"Total mobilization of 1 million citizens?"

These people had seen everything in Victoria, but they had never seen this kind of thing!

Good companies wouldn't give ordinary citizens the opportunity to invest.

Bad companies, ordinary citizens wouldn't invest in.

Scott's expression became serious instantly.

"This Five Star Supermarket is worth our attention."

"The boss told us that after he comes to Hong Kong, he will show a pro-people image to all citizens of Hong Kong."

"This will relate to the subsequent governance plan."

"Therefore, we need to investigate any company with public support clearly."

"So, I think this Five Star company that can mobilize 1 million citizens needs to be listed as a key investigation and focus."

"What do you all think?"

Everyone in unison: "Agreed!"

That night,

ATV News focused on reporting this news.

"Five Star Supermarket... the fundraising activity was a complete success; within just 8 hours, 2 billion HKD was successfully raised through 50 fundraising points, attracting 1 million citizens to participate enthusiastically; the scene was lively, and the grand occasion was unprecedented."

"The 'Five Star Supermarket Common Wealth Growth Fund' launched by this Five Star Supermarket... aims to provide local citizens with unique investment opportunities, while promoting the prosperous development of regional commerce."

The camera cut to the scene,

"Early in the morning, long queues had already formed at the 50 fundraising points in the New Territories and East Kowloon. The scene was crowded with people and extremely lively."

"Below is an interview with citizens."

Citizen 1: "Of course I have to invest; Five Star Group has a good reputation and thinks for us ordinary neighbors."

Citizen 2: "This is a rare good opportunity; although it's 2,000 HKD, I believe it earns more money than buying any stocks."

Citizen 3: "Five Star Supermarket will definitely make big money, so of course I also want to follow along and make big money."

"This astonishing speed also reflects the citizens' high confidence and active support for the Five Star Group."

"This is exactly what the boss of Five Star Group, Mr. Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu, has always upheld..."

Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu here also received a system prompt:

"You gave up 50% of the equity of Five Star Supermarket to 1 million ordinary citizens, gaining the enthusiastic support of the citizens of the New Territories and East Kowloon... this can be called a great kindness!"

"Reward 1: New Territories support rate +3% (39%)..."

"Reward 2: East Kowloon support rate +3% (41%)..."

"Reward 3: Every year from now on, you will receive 30% dividend cash back..."

"Reward 4:..."

Support rate, further promoted.

And at this time, Central, a certain club.

A secret meeting was in progress.

Political Department Chief Riley, Deputy Chief Bob.

Fatty Peng's confidant Scott and others.

After confirming Scott's identity, Riley and Bob attached great importance to it.

The direct unit of the Political Department was not the Governor, but the MI6 far away in Victoria. And Scott coming this time was naturally carrying the Prime Minister/MI6 warrant.

"The loyalty of the Political Department has never needed to be doubted!"

"So Mr. Riley, Mr. Bob, I hope we cooperate happily next!"

Chief Riley: "Definitely, definitely!"

Deputy Chief Bob: "We will try our best to cooperate with you all, so that the new Governor can grasp the various situations in Hong Kong as soon as possible."

Scott: "Thank you very much!"

Next, they began to enter the main topic.

Scott: "Before the Governor comes to take office, I want to understand the specific situation in Hong Kong, the economy, politics, and influential figures... I don't know if the two gentlemen have any pointers?"

Riley and Bob looked at each other.

Riley: "Currently, there's nothing to say about the economy; it's developing steadily, and the government's funds are supervised by both countries, so there isn't much room for operation in the short term..."

Bob: "Politically, the Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary, Secretary for Justice, and the courts, the upper levels have basically been controlled by us."

Riley: "There is one point worth our attention — the Legislative Council, where 7 legislative councilors are people from the Five Star Group, and this Five Star Group hasn't defected to us."

Scott, colleagues: "????"

Five Star Group?

Isn't that the company that made such a big splash today?

Riley: "As for influential people, the one we need to pay most attention to is the boss of the Five Star Group — Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu!"

Bob: "This Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu has a very high reputation in the hearts of Hong Kong citizens!"

Then Riley and Bob spoke one after another about Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu's deeds.

Inciting public opinion, confronting the richest man Boss Li many times, making the richest man lose face.

Raising donations, acquiring Mingxin Hospital, raising over 800 million.

Raising disaster relief donations, donating over 300 million in total.

Raising the Central Plaza fund, raising 7 billion.

And today, raising the Five Star Supermarket construction fund, raising 2 billion.

And there is also the Asia Television station with the highest ratings in Hong Kong; in the field of promotion, its influence is not to be underestimated.

"This person, not to be underestimated..."

"I think if the Governor wants to achieve something in Hong Kong, this Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu is absolutely impossible to bypass."

Scott and his colleagues, after listening, had grave expressions.

Scott: "I don't know, do you have any information on this Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu? We need to study it."

Riley: "Yes! I will make a copy and send it to you all tomorrow."

Scott: "Help me make two copies; I might need to report in detail to the boss!"

Riley: "No problem."

The next day,

A file about Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu and the Five Star Group, 30cm thick, was sent to Scott and the others.

The fourth day,

Fatty Peng received the information sent back by Scott, and Scott reported for over an hour.

After listening to the report,

Fatty Peng: "!!!"

"This Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu and Five Star Group are this outrageous?!"

(End of chapter)