Chapter 730

The fact that the Governor also announced he would participate in the dragon boat race completely made dragon boat activities for the Dragon Boat Festival the hottest topic in all of Hong Kong.

And the government's dragon boat activity was also set at the Shing Mun River in the Sha Tin District.

Why?

The venues for dragon boat races in Hong Kong include Victoria Harbour, Aberdeen, and Stanley, all of which are by the sea and naturally have waves.

Only the Shing Mun River in Sha Tin District is a river, with stable water flow and no waves.

It is suitable for beginners.

Consequently,

on the Saturday and Sunday of the second week, not only was the Five Star Group training there at the Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, but government personnel also came to train.

Among them was Patten.

"Wow, the Governor is here too!"

"Mr. Guan and the Governor are probably the two most powerful big shots in Hong Kong, yet they both ran to Sha Tin District to row dragon boats today."

"Sha Tin, mighty!"

The next day,

more citizens heard that the Governor had run to Sha Tin to train, and they all flocked to Sha Tin to watch.

Sha Tin became even more bustling.

However, the area for the government and the area for the Five Star Group were separated. The Five Star Group was training upstream, while the government was training downstream.

Therefore, the on-site training did not descend into chaos.

Many citizens looked at Guan Zu upstream and the Governor downstream, secretly thinking:

"Are the two of them not going to have a fight?"

Damn troublemakers!

Fortunately, Guan Zu was also a troublemaker...

Thus,

on Sunday afternoon, after Guan Zu finished training, he went downstream and saw Patten, who was training (crossed out) playing in the water in the river.

This was the first time Guan Zu had such close contact with Patten.

"Hey... Your Excellency the Governor..."

"Guan Zu!"

The two stared at each other from a distance, sparks flying~~~~

Numerous citizens and neighbors began to cheer excitedly.

"Hahaha~~ It feels like they're about to fight!"

Guan Zu shouted loudly: "Governor, does the government dragon boat team dare to have a race with the Five Star dragon boat team on the Dragon Boat Festival?"

Governor Patten: "Bring it on! Who's afraid of whom!"

The neighbors in the audience cheered.

Fun achieved!

There was a show to watch.

On Monday morning, the Five Star Group issued a notice to the entire group:

"All employees: The Dragon Boat Festival is approaching, let's race dragon boats! Following Governor Patten's gracious acceptance of our company's challenge, we now officially call on all staff to actively prepare for battle and meet the Hong Kong-British government dragon boat team with high morale!"

"Reward: The winning team will receive the title of 'Annual Super Men Team' and be publicly commended on television; cash incentive: 1,000 HKD for each team member to share the joy of victory."

In the afternoon, the Hong Kong-British government also issued a notice to all departments:

"All departments: On the occasion of the Dragon Boat Festival, to demonstrate the style of public servants... and respond to the Five Star Group's dragon boat challenge, we will defend the government's honor with strength!"

"Reward: The winning team will be awarded..."

At this point,

all the boat teams were excited, rubbing their hands in anticipation.

I'm usually lukewarm about internal competition, but if I have to PK with outsiders, then my interest is piqued.

……

……

On May 20th,

the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination officially ended.

The status of all students taking the exam instantly changed from "Imperial Status" to "Little Brother Status." Usually, they were pampered at home, but after the exam, their parents started looking at them with disdain. Give them money? Even less likely.

"Summer vacation is here, go get a job quickly!"

"Staying at home, do you expect me to support you?"

"Grown so big, a pure waste!"

"Go to Shenzhen, go to Dongguan, go to Guangzhou, see where there's money to be made!"

Graduating students: "............"

Stunned.

Is this still the gentle and considerate parents they knew?

Their treatment has plummeted, hasn't it!

Too infuriating!

……

On May 27th.

10:00 AM.

The first phase of the "Hong Kong Drainage Pipe Network Upgrade and Renovation Project," which had been awaited for a month and a half, finally officially met the public of Hong Kong.

Wong Tai Sin.

The Wong Tai Sin District, which had previously suffered from torrential rains, had restored its past bustling order.

In a square, the eye-catching title "Hong Kong Drainage Pipe Network Upgrade and Renovation Project" hung high.

Below it was clearly marked "Joint Project of Five Star Group, Drainage Services Department, and Independent Commission Against Corruption."

Below the stage, disaster-stricken citizens, media reporters, and community representatives were packed densely together, and the atmosphere at the scene was both solemn and enthusiastic.

On the red-carpeted rostrum,

Guan Zu wore a crisp dark suit, his gaze behind gold-rimmed glasses steady.

"Citizens of Hong Kong, friends from the media, good morning."

"Last month, Typhoon No. 8 roared past, causing flooding and waterlogging in many areas across Hong Kong..."

As he spoke, he turned to point at the large backdrop behind him, which displayed a huge map.

"This is the map of this renovation project..."

"It involves all districts in Hong Kong, with unified planning..."

"The total investment for this project is as high as 4 billion HKD, with the Five Star Group bearing 2 billion and the government also allocating 2 billion. The use of every cent will be audited and supervised by the ICAC throughout the process... and will be disclosed to the public monthly, achieving complete transparency..."

As his voice fell, warm applause erupted from below the stage.

Next, Li Ming'an, Director of the Drainage Services Department, took the stage to speak: "The Drainage Services Department has quickly established a professional engineering team... The renovation in Wong Tai Sin is just the beginning; renovation plans for severely affected areas like Chai Wan and Aberdeen have also been launched simultaneously..."

"The new system will use high-density polyethylene... significantly upgrading from 'once in five years' to 'once in fifty years'..."

Subsequently, Lu Zhilian, Deputy Director of Operations at the ICAC, took the stage: "The ICAC will dispatch a special task force to monitor the use of funds throughout the process..."

After the three parties appeared,

the reporter Q&A session began. A reporter from *Ming Pao* was quick-witted and raised their hand first to ask:

"Mr. Guan, the ICAC's intervention in this project, is it because of the frequent corruption in government projects in the past?"

Guan Zu spoke bluntly: "Openness and transparency have always been the bottom line that the Five Star Group adheres to. We took the initiative to invite the ICAC to supervise, not because we suspect any individual or any link, but to let the citizens of all Hong Kong rest assured—every cent of these 4 billion in funds must be truly implemented..."

Immediately after, a reporter from *Oriental Daily News* threw a question to Lu Zhilian: "How will the ICAC ensure that the audit process is not interfered with?"

Lu Zhilian responded firmly: "The audit team reports directly to the Commissioner of the ICAC..."

After half an hour of speeches and interviews,

at 10:00, the construction commencement ceremony officially began.

Guan Zu, Li Ming'an, and Lu Zhilian walked together to the first construction area next to Wong Tai Sin MTR station, and together they swung their shovels to scoop up the first shovel of earth symbolizing the start of the project.

At noon and in the evening, ATV and TVB reported this news one after another. TVB: "The construction site was roaring with machinery, a scene of bustling activity, announcing the official curtain-raiser for the Hong Kong drainage pipe network upgrade and renovation project..."

ATV: "This renovation project signifies the quality of life for citizens..."

……

……

On Thursday afternoon at 3:00, a British Airways passenger plane with a silver-gray luster pierced through the cloudy sky of Hong Kong and landed steadily at Kai Tak Airport.

The cabin door opened, and William Harris, who was in the lead, walked out wearing a dark gray suit.

Behind him were more than ten people also in suits and leather shoes, who left the plane in batches, disguised as strangers, blended into the crowd, and disappeared into the bustling crowd in the arrival hall.

Half an hour later,

in a luxury suite on the 12th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, heavy curtains blocked the hustle and bustle outside the window.

Harris reached out to loosen his tie, scanned his subordinates sitting around the room, and said in a deep voice:

"By the order of the Prime Minister,"

"we have come to Hong Kong this time to investigate Governor Patten."

Why would the Prime Minister, far away in Great Britain, be so anxious?

Because there is less than two years left until the Prime Minister election begins, and now the Labour Party's momentum is getting stronger and stronger; Major does not have the certainty of winning.

Therefore, he must grasp the interests he can grasp as soon as possible.

For example—the parasitic plan of the Five Star Group in Hong Kong.

He is afraid that Patten has sold out his interests.

Harris's gaze was serious,

"Patten was personally promoted by the Prime Minister, who hoped he could control the situation in Hong Kong, but now it seems he has achieved nothing. It can even be said that he has humiliated the country and forfeited his rights, losing many interests that belong to our Great Britain!"

"Therefore, the Prime Minister suspects that he is colluding with the local businessman Guan Zu. But because the Political Department has withdrawn, the Prime Minister no longer has anyone he can trust in Hong Kong, so he sent us."

"Boss, what exactly are we investigating?" asked a blond man wearing gold-rimmed glasses.

"First, find out clearly whether Patten and Guan Zu are really colluding, and what interest dealings they have between them;"

"Second, conduct a comprehensive investigation into Guan Zu's forces and strength, his business map, and interpersonal relationships."

As Harris spoke, he took several documents out of his briefcase and placed them on the table.

"These are clues provided by some British-funded enterprises in Hong Kong; we will investigate according to these clues."

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

Harris stood up, rested his hands on the table, and looked at everyone with a firm gaze:

"This operation must be secretive and efficient; the Prime Minister does not want evidence, but an assessment report..."

"Watson, you take 3 people and be responsible for monitoring the Governor's House, keep a close eye on every move Patten makes."

"Jones, you take 8 people and go investigate Guan Zu's enterprises... the others assist them, report any situation at any time."

"Yes!"

A neat response echoed in the room.

Harris stood up, head held high, chest out, impassioned: "Gentlemen, what we are shouldering now is the Prime Minister's trust and the mission of the British Empire."

"For the glory of the Empire!"

"For the glory of the Empire!"

Everyone stood up in unison, placed their right fists on their chests, and shouted in unison.

"Action!"

……

……

Central Plaza.

Top floor, Guan Zu's office.

"You presided over the 'Drainage Pipe Network Upgrade and Renovation Project,' benefiting all of Hong Kong..."

"You have received the following rewards:"

"Reward 1: 'Hong Kong Citizens' support rate +2%."

"Reward 2: Double refund of 2 billion in funds..."

"Reward 3: 'Bulletproof Suit Material Technology'..."

"Reward 4: 'Superman Glasses' *4...)"

When Guan Zu saw the third reward, his eyes paused for a moment.

Just then,

"Knock, knock, knock~~~~"

The office door was knocked.

"Brother Zu!"

Fang Zhanbo walked in.

"Sit."

Sitting on the sofa,

Guan Zu looked at his brother-in-law, Fang Zhanbo, and smiled: "How is it, have you found a girlfriend?"

Fang Zhanbo quickly changed the subject: "Ahem~~~ Let me report on the current work progress..."

Guan Zu shook his head and smiled: "Alright, I won't urge you."

Fang Zhanbo began to introduce his recent work progress: "According to your instructions, Brother Zu, I've had headhunters go to Southeast Asian countries since March to poach experts in the financial industry..."

"We have already poached 2 talents from Thailand..."

"And poached 1 talent each from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia..."

Guan Zu shook his head: "Still not enough, we need more."

Fang Zhanbo: "Okay!"

Guan Zu: "I've investigated countries like Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia... they are all pegged to the US dollar..."

"Especially now that their economic development is too fast, inflation will be very severe..."

"Once attacked by others, the risk will be particularly great..."

Why did Guan Zu ask Fang Zhanbo to recruit financial talents from Southeast Asian and South Asian countries?

It was to pave the way for the Asian financial crisis starting in February 1997.

It is now May 1995, and there is 1 year and 9 months left until February 1997.

Adding the operation time for funds to lurk into various countries, this 1 year and 9 months is not long.

According to the original history,

in 1997, Thailand long implemented a pegged exchange rate system to the US dollar. Against the backdrop of the US dollar's appreciation, the Thai baht was overvalued, seriously weakening its export competitiveness. The problem of economic structural imbalance became prominent, and the real estate market bubble was severe.

In February 1997, international speculators represented by Soros's "Quantum Fund" sensed the hidden dangers in the Thai economy and began to tentatively sell off the Thai baht and buy US dollars.

Although the Bank of Thailand entered the market to intervene and temporarily stabilized the Thai baht exchange rate, its own foreign exchange reserves were largely consumed.

Then Soros used his influence to call on numerous international hot money investors to cooperate, and in May 1997, launched a more violent attack on Thailand, causing the Thai baht exchange rate to plummet.

Although the Thai government tried its best to defend the fixed exchange rate, claiming it would make speculators lose everything, by mid-June, its foreign exchange reserves were nearly exhausted.

On July 2nd, Thailand had no choice but to announce the abandonment of the fixed exchange rate system and implement a floating exchange rate system. On that day, the Thai baht plummeted by 20%, and the financial crisis officially broke out.

Subsequently, the financial crisis quickly spread to other Southeast Asian countries.

The Philippine peso, the Indonesian rupiah, and the Malaysian ringgit became targets of attack one after another, and the currencies of various countries depreciated one after another.

On July 11th, the Philippines abandoned its intervention in the peso, and the peso depreciated significantly; in August, Malaysia abandoned the defense of the ringgit; the depreciation of the Indonesian rupiah was even more astonishing, falling to a historical low on August 23rd, and Indonesia subsequently sought assistance from the International Monetary Fund.

In November 1997, the crisis spread to South Korea. Large corporate groups in South Korea frequently went bankrupt, triggering a banking credit crisis. The Korean won exchange rate plummeted, the stock market crashed, foreign exchange reserves were exhausted, and finally, they sought help from the International Monetary Fund and accepted economic reform plans.

Subsequently, it spread to Hong Kong. In October 1997, the Hang Seng Index plummeted. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority initially responded by raising interest rates, but the effect was not good.

In early 1998, the crisis deepened further. The Indonesian financial crisis worsened, the Indonesian rupiah exchange rate plummeted, the inflation rate soared, and President Suharto was forced to step down.

It was precisely because of this crisis that internal contradictions in Indonesia began to shift, targeting Chinese people, and the PH riots occurred.

In June-July 1998, international speculators began to assemble, and the army began to impact the Hong Kong financial market.