Chapter 431
(ps: Readers said the previous chapter was too watery, so I'm compressing the pace of this chapter to 80%.)
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April 29th.
Tang Ningjie, Prime Minister's Office.
"Prime Minister!"
"I have reason to suspect that this Five Star Group is a nail planted in Hong Kong by that great Eastern power!"
Fatty Peng's face was serious as he reported to Prime Minister May.
A week ago, he received the information about Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu and the Five Star Group sent from Hong Kong.
And in this week, the more he studied it, the more he felt this Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu and Five Star Group were a bit too "Mainland".
Therefore, he didn't dare to delay at all and reported to the Prime Minister rapidly.
Prime Minister May sat on the sofa; his figure was not as tall as Fatty Peng's, and he had neatly combed hair, the color gradually mixed with silver threads under the baptism of time, adding a bit of stability and wisdom.
"Why do you say that?"
Prime Minister May knew the importance of Hong Kong to Victoria, and he was very vigilant and cautious.
Fatty Peng: "The information I mentioned comes from the Political Department's investigation data, and it has been personally investigated and corroborated by my subordinates in Hong Kong... The Political Department is our country's intelligence agency, and every member has interned and been assessed at MI6, enough to guarantee their loyalty."
Prime Minister May nodded.
Fatty Peng: "According to the Political Department's data, this Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu and Five Star Group currently have a very high support rate in Hong Kong..."
"He used to be a hoodlum in the underworld, born in Hong Kong, and in 1990, his style began to change suddenly. He started to like doing good deeds..."
"He established the Five Star Property Company, changing all triad businesses into legal businesses..."
Fatty Peng talked all the way from Five Star Property Company, Five Star Charity Foundation, Causeway Bay... to Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu winning the district councilor election, exceeding other opponents by a large margin of votes...
Subsequently, he talked about the fire incident on a street, where he was pushed by thousands of citizens as a representative to negotiate with the richest man Boss Li, obtaining compensation.
And forming an education group, acquiring many schools... holding "Knowledge Cup", "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire"...
"It is worth mentioning that the 'Knowledge Cup' Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu held was all about the history of the great Eastern power, and didn't involve any Victoria or international history."
"And his charity foundation does good deeds regardless of cost, widely praised by citizens..."
"He also acquired a hospital and changed it into a charity non-profit hospital..."
The more Prime Minister May listened, the more grave his expression became.
This Prime Minister has a title ————— the People's Prime Minister.
Why does he have this title?
It mainly stems from his background and style of conduct. Unlike many politicians from aristocratic or political family backgrounds, Prime Minister May grew up in an ordinary family. His father was once a juggler and gardener, and the family economy was not well-off. Prime Minister May also experienced unemployment early in his life, and the twists and turns of life gave him a profound understanding of the hardships of ordinary people.
In his political career, he always maintained a plain and pro-people style. He didn't have a high-and-mighty attitude, often going deep into the grassroots to talk to the public and understand their real needs. His policy propositions also focused more on livelihood issues, committed to improving the living conditions of ordinary people, striving to create more employment opportunities for the public, and improving social welfare.
This characteristic of 'coming from the people and going to the people' won him the intimate title of "People's Prime Minister".
And in 1989, during the Iron Lady's term as Prime Minister, the national support rate for the Conservative Party was far lower than that of the Labour Party, so the Conservative Party was anxious and pushed Prime Minister May out directly.
That is to say, Prime Minister May snatched the Prime Minister position from the Iron Lady, and it was also thanks to the "People's Prime Minister" reputation.
And Prime Minister May hearing this series of Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu's behaviors from Fatty Peng's mouth...
Too familiar!
Too similar!
Isn't this just my own way of doing things?
Moreover, he did it even more aggressively than I did!
No money!
Only doing good deeds!
This behavioral style is too similar to the previous behavior of the great Eastern power.
Moreover, "Five Star Five Star", doesn't this imply that "Profit comes from the East".
Fatty Peng: "By the way, I have evidence that he is a puppet of the Mainland; he invited doctors and nurses from the great Eastern power to work there...!"
"He is currently a legislative councilor, and the 6 people under him are all legislative councilors!"
"And Five Star Supermarket..."
"And Central Plaza..."
Fatty Peng kept saying: "Now, he has jointly possessed a community of interest of 2 million citizens in Hong Kong!"
"That is to say, he can incite 2 million citizens at any time!"
"This was only two years... if we drag it out, I'm afraid his power will expand faster and faster!"
Prime Minister May, color changed!!
"Bang~~~~"
He stood up in anger.
"What the hell is that Chris Patten doing?"
"Why let this Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu develop to this extent!"
He paced back and forth in the study, increasingly dissatisfied with Chris Patten, and increasingly feeling that he should let Fatty Peng go over to take office earlier.
However, he was not someone who listened to one side, he needed to call Hong Kong, find friends to understand, and confirm it.
1 day later,
Prime Minister May made several calls to acquaintances in Hong Kong, understood the situation, and then reported to the Queen rapidly.
After the Queen heard it, she was also anxious.
She cursed Chris Patten for growing up eating shit!
The two discussed it and made a decision ————— let Fatty Peng go to Hong Kong earlier!
Now it's the end of April, so go on May 15th.
Clearly,
The butterfly effect caused by Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu's arrival finally rolled the storm to Victoria, affecting Fatty Peng's term of office.
Originally, Fatty Peng was to go to Hong Kong on July 9th, then deliver a speech and take over as Governor.
And now, it was moved up to May 15th.
Very quickly,
Victoria notified the East, informing them of the change of Governor.
By reason, the Governor is appointed unilaterally by the Victoria government, and theoretically, it doesn't need to communicate with China. But with the advancement of Hong Kong's return process, especially after the signing of the "Sino-British Joint Declaration", Victoria also needs to consider China's position and a series of agreements between China and Britain regarding the Hong Kong issue when dealing with affairs related to Hong Kong's governance.
Therefore, notifying the East is a must.
Then,
The East: "???"
May 1st,
Government House.
"What?"
"I have to leave office on the 10th of this month?"
"And then on the 15th, a new Governor will come to take over?"
In that gorgeously decorated, solemn study, after Chris Patten received the call from Tang Ningjie in Victoria, he was directly stunned.
Immediately, his face turned gloomy instantly.
A strong feeling of dissatisfaction surged in his heart.
"Why so urgent?"
"Notifying me only half a month in advance."
He considered himself to have worked conscientiously in Hong Kong for these years, striving to balance the interests of all parties, racking his brains for Victoria's rule in Hong Kong, but now he was suddenly told his term was about to end, and the time was so rushed.
He couldn't bear to part with this center of power; the position of Governor gave him supreme glory and power, allowing him to call the wind and summon the rain in this land.
Moreover, he hadn't made enough money!
How many years has it been?
The longest serving Governor was Alexander Grantham for 11 years, Murray MacLehose for 10 years...
He only had 4 years and a bit.
He was unwilling!
"Prime Minister, is half a month too urgent? I haven't..." He tried to argue with the other end of the phone, but was interrupted by Prime Minister May halfway through.
Prime Minister May's tone was cold: "This is the decision of me and the Queen; all you have to do is obey orders!"
"...... Yes~"
Chris Patten hung up the phone silently, sitting blankly in the chair, his eyes looking hollowly at the familiar garden outside the window.
He looked lingeringly at this study, lingeringly at this Government House, lingeringly at the power in his hands.
But in the end, he sighed deeply, helplessly accepting this cruel fact.
That night, it was late-night snack time again.
Mao Xiang Yang invited Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu to eat late-night snacks.
Causeway Bay. In the fresh pork offal congee stall, it was brightly lit. More than twenty tables were filled on the street, and table after table of diners were extremely lively.
At this time, at one of the tables, Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu, Gong Wei, Xi Gui, and Mao Xiang Yang were sitting around the table.
In the middle of the table was a large clay pot of white congee, surrounded by plates: pork heart cut into thin slices, pork liver with a ruddy color, pork intestine processed extremely cleanly, and fresh pork...
"What?"
"Changing the Governor? May 15th?"
Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu was stunned.
No?
How do I remember it was July 9th?
How did it move up so much all of a sudden?
Mao Xiang Yang's face was serious: "Just yesterday, Victoria called our country, saying the Governor was to be changed, notifying us, and the time for the change is the 15th of this month."
(Content omitted)
"Now the leaders above are a bit shocked; there have been so many Governors in Victoria, and never has there been such an urgent change."
"So, we suspect whether something happened in Hong Kong."
Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu heard this, and his face also became serious.
"Yeah, what exactly happened in Hong Kong?"
"How could the Governor be changed early for no reason?"
Too unreasonable.
In the previous life, it was July 9th.
He remembered this date very clearly.
Mao Xiang Yang: "So, the leaders above are very vigilant, hoping that our staff in Hong Kong can find the reason why Victoria is so anxious to change people as soon as possible."
Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu nodded seriously: "That's right, we really should find the reason as soon as possible."
Mao Xiang Yang looked at Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu: "Ah Zu, your Five Star Group is so big now, you should have quite a few news channels. So I want to ask you for help, help find this reason."
Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu was serious: "Rest assured, Brother Mao, entrusted by the country, I dare not be negligent! I will definitely help with this favor!"
Mao Xiang Yang: "Thanks, Ah Zu, the country will remember you!"
Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu nodded solemnly: "Hm! This is what I should do!"
Next,
Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu ate the late-night snack congee, but felt the usually delicious pork offal congee had become tasteless now.
Why exactly?
What is the difference between the previous life and now?
Wait...
Me?
Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu's brain atrophied for a moment, but soon felt it shouldn't be himself... right.
He was just an ordinary good citizen, it was impossible to make Victoria go to such great lengths... right.
In the next few days,
News began to spread in Hong Kong one after another ————— the Governor is changing.
This caused a huge uproar in Hong Kong.
Only spread the news so late?
This confidentiality was done too well, right?
Who is the new Governor?
What is the management style?
What is the resume?
May 9th, sunny.
The Government House held a Governor press conference.
On the lawn, TVB, ATV, Taiwan, Macau, domestic, and international reporters were in place early, with long guns and short cannons-like lenses aimed straight at the podium.
Chris Patten walked onto the podium with steady steps, wearing a well-tailored dark suit.
Click click click~~~
Countless flashbulbs rang out.
"Media friends!"
He scanned the reporters off-stage slowly.
"Today, I stand here to announce to everyone that I am about to end my term as Governor in Hong Kong."
"The time I served in Hong Kong was the most precious and unforgettable experience in my life..."
"However, all good things must come to an end... I firmly believe that the new Governor will lead Hong Kong towards a better future with his unique wisdom and ability."
Speaking of this, a trace of reluctance was revealed in Chris Patten's eyes:
"At the time of parting... I wish Hong Kong can continue to ride the wind and waves in the tide of the economy, maintaining its position as an international financial and trade center; I wish all sectors of society can work together to make Hong Kong's society more harmonious and stable; I wish Hong Kong..."
He spoke eloquently for over 20 minutes.
As he spoke, he, who was originally firm, revealed a trace of unwillingness and desolation.
Subsequently, there was a 1-hour reporter interview.
At the end of the press conference, Chris Patten made a final statement:
"Thank you to every Hong Kong citizen for the support and trust given during my tenure, and thank you to people from all walks of life for the efforts made for Hong Kong's development."
"Although I am about to leave, Hong Kong's tomorrow will forever be the concern in my heart."
At noon, ATV and TVB both reported this news.
The whole of Hong Kong was naturally discussing it, and the citizens and neighbors were full of complex emotions intertwined with expectation and worry about the Governor's departure and the new Governor's succession.
They were afraid that the new arrival would mess things up, and they expected the new leader to have enough ability to continue to keep Hong Kong prosperous and stable...
With the advancement of Western education, most young citizens still held trust in the role of Governor, believing that the person coming wouldn't be too bad.
In the following days,
Chris Patten began to formally enter the departure process:
Organizing handover documents, liquidating finances, and talking with the heads of the Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary, Secretary for Justice, courts, Legislative Council... departments, informing them of the departure news, and urging work stability and continuity during the transition...
In the following days, the whole of Hong Kong was paying attention to the arrival of the new Governor.
And at this time,
The Chief Secretary also held a press conference, announcing the resume of the new Governor.
——Fatty Peng, born in an ordinary family in Victoria, served in many important positions in parliament, elected as a member of the House of Commons in 1979...
All citizens of Hong Kong looked:
"????"
Ordinary!
It could even be said to be very ordinary.
Why would such a person be placed in an important place like Hong Kong to be Governor?
Impression -1-1-1-1-1...
On May 15th,
Fatty Peng, accompanied by his wife and two daughters, took a Taikoo Group · Cathay Pacific special plane and arrived at Kai Tak Airport from Singapore.
Kai Tak Airport,
At this time, many reporters and government department leaders were welcoming him on the airport apron.
Fatty Peng stepped out of the plane cabin door and waved to the welcoming crowd.
Subsequently, the police motorcade led the way, escorting Fatty Peng's Governor's car to the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier in Kowloon, waving to the citizens of Hong Kong from inside the car from time to time throughout the process.
Why do this?
Because Fatty Peng had already set the image for this visit to Hong Kong ————— pro-people! Pro-people! Still his mother's pro-people!
Subsequently, he boarded the Hong Kong Governor's special yacht "Lady Maurine", and under the escort of the Victoria Royal Navy patrol ship, went to Queen's Pier to land in the Hong Kong district.
During the period, two fireboats performed water spraying in Victoria Harbour, the Victoria Royal Air Force and Royal Auxiliary Air Force stationed in Hong Kong flew in formation over the Lady Maurine yacht to salute, and the HMS Tamar Royal Navy base in Admiralty fired a 17-gun salute.
After Fatty Peng arrived at Queen's Pier, the scene played "God Save the Queen", and he inspected the police honor guard.
Finally, Fatty Peng and his family entered the "Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall", the whole audience stood solemnly, and the Victoria national anthem was played again at the scene.
Subsequently, Fatty Peng took the oath and signed!
Fatty Peng delivered an inaugural address.
Until this moment, Fatty Peng formally took office as the 28th Governor of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong,
formally entered the Fatty Peng era!
(End of chapter)
End of Chapter
