Chapter 225: Market Prophecy: Voting with Your Feet!

Lu Qingshan scanned the room, looking at faces that were shocked, fearful, or admiring, and felt a surge of heroic spirit.

He was a minor figure in his past life, yet now can voice the Huaxia nation's perspective in a setting like this!

"Of course, I was just telling a story," Lu Qingshan said, his tone suddenly relaxed, a hint of mysterious smile on his face. "It can be seen as a Western fable, or perhaps an Eastern warning. I hope everyone will encourage themselves."

The remark let everyone breathe a sigh of relief, yet the tense atmosphere did not fully dissipate. Everyone knew that the meaning of this "story" was far deeper than it appeared.

"What I really want to say is that I am optimistic about the future of Hong Kong Island, and even more so about its economy," Lu Qingshan's words left everyone stunned.

This turn was too sudden! Just moments ago he hinted at possible conflict, now he speaks of confidence in Hong Kong Island's economy?

Zhang Wenhua's mind was a bit muddled as he strained to grasp this complicated stance. What exactly is Lu Qingshan trying to convey?

"Only under the main theme of peaceful development can Hong Kong Island's continued growth become a historical inevitability," Lu Qingshan's voice grew calm, yet his eyes still glimmered with depth. "In the short term I expect continuous fluctuations and adjustments; in the long term, I am absolutely optimistic."

Williams caught the subtext: as long as negotiations go smoothly, everything is easy. But if the stalemate continues…

"Hope everyone cherishes a stable development situation," Lu Qingshan looked at the reporters below, a warning in his gaze. "Many ask me about the stock market's direction; I think you can all simply vote with your feet."

The meaning was clear: if negotiations go poorly, the stock market will continue to decline in the short term.

The representatives of the Chinese capital families felt conflicted. They understood that Lu Qingshan was speaking on behalf of the China government, yet this manner of speaking was astonishingly bold.

"Now we begin the Q&A session," Lu Qingshan sat down, expression relaxed, as if everything that just happened were a light, breezy chat.

Zhang Wenhua of the South China Morning Post was the first to stand, his voice trembling slightly: "Mr. Lu, your story just now left a deep impression on us. What is your specific view on Hong Kong Island's stock market?"

Lu Qingshan smiled and replied, "I have already made it clear: short-term fluctuations, long-term optimism. The key is to cherish a peaceful development environment." His voice was calm, yet every word radiated unquestionable authority.

Li Ming of The News also stood, his voice tinged with obvious tension: "Mr. Lu, how significant do you think the current political environment's impact on the stock market is?"

"Political stability is the foundation of economic development," Lu Qingshan replied, his words profound, his gaze as deep as the sea. "If the foundation is unstable, even the best economy will be hit. This is an iron law across ages and lands."

Wang Dawei of Ming Pao gathered courage and asked, "Mr. Lu, does the farmer and the powerful story you mentioned have any special real-world significance?"

Lu Qingshan gave a faint smile: "A story is a story; any real meaning depends on how you interpret it. However, I want to say that any ill-gotten wealth will not last, and any plundering will inevitably pay a price."

One question after another was thrown, yet Lu Qingshan's answers were all clever, expressing his view while avoiding overly direct political statements.

Finally, a Yingzi media reporter asked timidly, "Mr. Lu, what do you think the future of Hong Kong Island will be like?"

Lu Qingshan stood, his gaze sweeping the room, his voice bearing undeniable authority: "Hong Kong Island's future depends on everyone's choice. Choose peaceful development, and Hong Kong Island will become more prosperous. Choose confrontation, and you will only bear the corresponding consequences."

He paused, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes: "But one thing is certain: Hong Kong Island will always be the Hong Kong Island of the Chinese nation, and no one can change that."

Miss Chen of Ta Kung Pao asked last: "Mr. Lu, how should investors cope with the current uncertainty?"

Lu Qingshan stood, his gaze sweeping the room, finally fixing on Williams's face: "My advice is simple: vote with your feet. The market will give the truest answer. Smart investors should see the big picture clearly and follow the right direction."

After the press conference ended, the venue fell into chaos. Reporters rushed wildly to phones, eager to spread the explosive news.

Williams's complexion turned ashen, like iron-blue, as he left the venue, his assistant trailing behind, equally grim.

"Sir, we must report this situation to the Governor immediately," the assistant's voice trembled.

Williams nodded, anxiety filling his mind. This Lu Qingshan was more dangerous than they imagined, wielding not only terrifying financial influence but also awe‑inspiring political stature.

The Chinese capital families' representatives wore complex expressions, knowing the stock market would inevitably make a big move tomorrow.

"This Lu Qingshan is truly terrifying," Director Chen of Hengji wiped cold sweat from his forehead.

"The key is his youth; how far his influence will reach in the future?" the representative of Sun Hung Kai said, also looking worried.

The British Capital Group's representatives were ashen. They knew Lu Qingshan's statement today would cause a massive shock in London.

Lu Qingshan left the venue amid a crowd, a faint smile still on his face. He knew the true impact of this press conference had only just begun.

Ye Ning followed behind her boss, feeling conflicted. She knew that from today onward, the entire Hong Kong Island financial landscape would undergo fundamental change.

"Boss, your performance today was truly shocking," Ye Ning couldn't help saying.

Lu Qingshan gave a faint smile: "This is only the beginning. The real drama lies ahead."

Lu Qingjun was ecstatic: "Second brother, your words just now were downright dominant! The farmer and the powerful—just hearing it, I know exactly who you're referring to."

"Some words must be spoken by someone," Lu Qingshan's eyes flashed with depth. "Since I have this influence, I must bear the corresponding responsibility."

Wang Yuyun and Li Zhi'an also wore faces of admiration. Following such a boss, they felt immense pride.

"Boss, what will the stock market be like tomorrow?" Wang Yuyun couldn't help asking.

Lu Qingshan glanced at his watch, saying lightly: "Tomorrow you'll find out. But one thing's certain: today's press conference will keep many people awake."

And all this stemmed from the boss's seemingly simple farmer story. Yet everyone knew its impact would change Hong Kong Island's destiny.