He had just boarded the long-awaited special car, preparing to drive to Luohu Port to enter Hong Kong Island, when a secretary accompanying him hurriedly handed him the latest expedited telegram: "Mr. Liao, urgent telegram from Hong Kong Island!"
Mr. Liao unfolded the telegram and quickly scanned its contents with a steady gaze - the joint severance of diplomatic ties and a ban by Chinese capital, the chaos caused by the directors of the Fok family within Hong Kong, Kobayashi Tianwang's high-profile petition to the Governor's Office in the morning, the focus of Hong Kong media, and the subsequent fluctuations in stock market futures... A few dozen short words densely packed together painted a picture of chaos that was about to come.
Mr. Liao's brow furrowed in a moment, a faint pain in his forehead. Normally composed and steady, his eyes now flashed with shock, bewilderment, and a hint of indescribable fatigue.
It was only a one-night flight! He had only just learned yesterday evening of this young man's stunning reversal in taking over Hong Kong Land, marveling at his ability to turn the tide. He was preoccupied with how to comfort him upon arrival in Hong Kong, helping him process this dramatic change and deal with any potential complications.
Who would have thought that before he even set foot on Hong Kong Island, this old man who had experienced countless storms in his life felt an invisible huge wave hitting his head, washing away all his carefully prepared plans and calmness.
He held the thin piece of telegram paper, and his fingertips felt the cold touch of the paper and the hot temperature of the message.
His thoughts were a chaotic mix of the shocking image of Lin Huowang taking over the land and the new chaotic situation outlined by the telegram before him.
The young man came from the countryside of Northeast China to the treacherous Hong Kong Island. In less than three months, he took over the Hong Kong Land, a symbol of British authority, with lightning speed. His means, courage and strategy far exceeded his highest expectations.
Mr. Liao was even prepared to mobilize all available resources after arriving in Hong Kong, even if it meant bearing heavy international pressure, to help Lin Huowang withstand the counterattack from British capital and even those Chinese capitals that were opportunistic.
This young man carried not only a commercial victory against a British company but also, in a shocking way, declared a certain awakening of Chinese power on this unique piece of Hong Kong Island. This weight was heavier than Hong Kong's own.
However, plans can never keep up with change. He had assumed that Lin Huowang would need time to digest and consolidate after the storm, using this brief respite to consolidate his power base. He should prioritize stability, at least for a while, to avoid making enemies on all sides. This made sense, and also reflected Mr. Liao's expectations for a young helmsman—even if this one was incredibly young.
But now? The combined blockade by Chinese tycoons! The disruption within Hong Kong by the Fok family directors! The ostracism from the entire Hong Kong Island!
Although Mr. Liao knew that this was some kind of plan "acted out" by Lin Huowang and Huo Yingdong.
But Lin Huowang's response was to march towards the Governor's House, the highest colonial authority in Hong Kong, under the guise of a "petition"? He was putting himself in the spotlight, focusing all of Hong Kong's attention on his interactions with Governor Murray MacLehose.
This move left even Mr. Liao, a veteran of countless battles, completely baffled and filled with deep worry. He wasn't worried about Lin Huowang's lack of power, but rather that this force was too strong, too unruly, like an unbridled horse, capable of crushing the enemy's formation but also hurtling towards the abyss.
"This kid...what the hell is going on in his head?" Liao Gong's voice echoed in the silent carriage, with a hint of subtle fatigue and incredible shock. He rubbed his aching temple, "It's only been one night! How could he cause such a big thing again?"
He repeatedly scanned the words on the telegram: "Chinese capital is besieging Kobayashi Tenwang... Kobayashi Tenwang is on his way to the Hong Kong government to petition the Governor... The whole of Hong Kong is paying attention and is in an uproar..." Every phrase was like a huge rock, hitting his heart heavily.
Is he truly going to play the role of a loyal servant of the British Hong Kong government? Or does he have other plans?
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