Chapter 231: The Eve of the Storm: The Imperial Governor

"Agreed." Lu Qingshan nodded, his voice sincere, his eyes flashing with appreciation. "Democratic centralism is proper. What we need is unity, not dictatorship. Director Li's proposal is excellent; it will avoid many unnecessary disputes."

His voice grew even more sincere, his gaze earnest as he looked at everyone present: "Although I, Lu Qingshan, am young, I also know that power must be checked. No one, regardless of who they are, may supersede the collective. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce must become a home for all Chinese enterprises, not a private tool of any individual. This principle we must uphold to the end."

Li Jiasheng heard this and a flash of satisfaction crossed her eyes; the tension in her expression eased. She gave a gentle nod, her voice softening: "Mr. Lu's magnanimity and vision have impressed me. A leader like that is worthy of our trust."

But they were thinking of something else: the political acumen this young man displayed far surpassed that of his peers. If he were truly given control of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, would it not deal a huge blow to the interests of the Yingzi Group? As Chairman of the Faction, he appears outwardly as a Chinese entrepreneur, yet in reality has countless ties to the Yingzi Group. This contradictory identity made her feel especially conflicted at this historic moment.

"Then it's settled." Lu Qingshan rose, his voice booming like a great bell, carrying a historic solemnity. He placed both hands on the table, leaned forward, his gaze blazing: "The Chinese Chamber of Commerce is officially established. I will serve as Chairman, Li Fuying will serve as Honorary Chairman, and each of you are core members."

His voice grew even more impassioned, radiating a contagious force, as if he were glowing: "From today onward, our Chinese enterprises will no longer be a scattered mass. We now have our own organization, our own voice, our own strength. If the Yingzi Group tries to bully us, they must weigh the consequences."

A burst of enthusiastic applause filled the conference room, each face radiating excitement and anticipation. The applause lasted a full minute, deafening, as if it would tear the roof off. Bao Chenggang, exhilarated, even stood up, his palms turning red from clapping, shouting: "Excellent! Well said! Our Chinese finally have our own organization!"

Tears glimmered in He Zhiqiang's eyes; this long‑awaited sense of unity reminded him of his youthful dreams. His voice trembled as he said: "It's been thirty years; I have waited thirty years for this day! Since my father's generation we have lived under the shadow of the United Kingdom, and today we can finally stand tall."

Li Zhaolong also rose, his voice hoarse: "Since the first day Hengji Zhaoye was founded, we have dreamed of a moment like this. We are no longer fighting alone; we now have comrades, we have support!"

This is a historic moment; Chinese enterprises finally have their own organization and can unite to face challenges. Everyone knows that from today onward, Hong Kong Island's landscape will undergo a fundamental change.

Lu Qingshan looked at the excited faces before him, a warm current rising in his heart. He knew that the long‑suppressed humiliation and anger in these people had finally found an outlet. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce is not merely a business alliance; it is also the spiritual backbone of Chinese people on Hong Kong Island.

"Wait." Chen Zhiqiang suddenly said, his voice thoughtful, brows knit, his fingers lightly drumming on the table, "What is the Chamber's purpose? It can't be merely to oppose the Yingzi Group, can it? We need a more upright reason, otherwise we'll be labeled the Underworld. The Imperial Governor's Office will also find an excuse to suppress us."

His words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly dousing everyone's enthusiasm. Each face grew serious, realizing the importance of the issue.

Wu Zhihua frowned: "Brother Chen is right; we need a legitimate status. If the Imperial Governor's Office classifies us as an illegal organization, that will be trouble. The Hong Kong‑British government is not easy to deal with; they have a thousand ways to wipe us out."

Guo Dongying also said anxiously: "Moreover, the Yingzi Group's legal team is extremely powerful; they will certainly find legal angles. We must be airtight, leaving them no leverage."

The question silenced everyone.

Indeed, if the Chamber were founded merely to oppose the Yingzi Group, it would easily be labeled with various tags. They need a more reasonable justification, one that the outside world cannot fault.

The atmosphere in the conference room instantly grew tense as everyone contemplated the crucial issue. Li Zhaolong frowned, his fingers lightly tracing his teacup, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Guo Dongying's expression also turned serious, clearly weighing pros and cons.

"Of course not." A deep gleam flashed in Lu Qingshan's eyes, his voice solemn and sacred, imbued with a Sense of Mission, each word carefully considered: "The Chamber has three purposes: first, to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises; second, to promote a peaceful transition of Hong Kong Island; third, to invest in Hong Kong Island's future and build Hong Kong Island."

His voice grew heavier, bearing a prophet‑like authority: "What we must do is not destruction but construction. With our own strength we will make Hong Kong Island more prosperous, allowing Chinese people to live with dignity on this land. We will be the drivers of Hong Kong Island's development, not its destroyers."

Upon hearing the three purposes, everyone's gaze changed. This was not a simple business alliance; it was an organization of historic significance. Especially the clause "promote a peaceful transition of Hong Kong Island," each person felt its immense political value.

"Promote a peaceful transition of Hong Kong Island?" Wu Zhiqiang repeated, a flash of awe in his eyes, his voice trembling slightly, "That phrasing is intriguing, politically lofty. Mr. Lu truly is no ordinary person; this level of thinking is beyond our reach."

He shook his head, a wry smile on his face, yet his eyes full of admiration: "We are still figuring out how to deal with the Yingzi Group, while Mr. Lu is already contemplating Hong Kong Island's future. That's the gap in vision. No wonder he amassed such wealth in such a short time; this foresight and scale truly command respect."

Bao Chenggang also rose, his voice trembling: "Exactly! We must be witnesses of history, no, participants! 1997 is the most important moment in Hong Kong Island's history; our Chinese enterprises must shoulder the responsibility we owe!"

"The footsteps of 1997 are drawing ever nearer." Lu Qingshan surveyed the room, his voice heavy and profound, bearing a sense of historic weight, "Sixteen years remain—long enough, yet not too long. At this historic turning point we must play our proper role, ensuring Hong Kong Island's smooth transition. This concerns not only our interests but also the future of seven million Hong Kong residents."

His voice rose even more, charged with a rousing fervor, as if he were glittering: "We will be the drivers of history, not its by‑standers. With our own strength we will be responsible for Hong Kong Island's future. When future generations speak of us, they should be able to say: these people did not betray their era."