Fifteen years later.
July, 1997.
The air in Hong Kong was humid and sticky. The Bauhinia flag had just been raised over Victoria Harbour, and the Pearl of the Orient had returned to its mother's embrace, heralding the beginning of a new era.
However, in the same month of the same year, by a remarkable "coincidence," international short sellers, led by Soros' Quantum Fund, began shorting the Thai baht, and Thailand announced that it would abandon its fixed exchange rate system, triggering a sharp depreciation of the baht.
Soros struck a successful blow and began to attack Southeast Asian countries. The economies of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia plummeted, stock markets were in turmoil, and a terrifying Asian financial storm ensued!
The crisis then spread to South Korea and Japan in Northeast Asia, with the South Korean stock market plummeting and businesses going bankrupt, and the Japanese yen weakening and experiencing a decade of economic recession.
Despite being the eye of the storm, Hong Kong has temporarily maintained stability.
Kai Tak Airport, October.
A tremendous roar grew louder as a special plane from Beijing landed smoothly on the runway.
The atmosphere inside the VIP lounge was solemn and dignified.
A group of officials, led by the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong government, and representatives of local businesses were already waiting there.
The cabin door opened, and a group of people dressed in formal attire and exuding an air of authority stepped out, led by leaders from Beijing's financial institutions and the People's Bank of China.
Among the delegation, the only lady with an elegant and composed demeanor, dressed in a well-tailored beige suit and with her hair styled in a bun, was particularly eye-catching.
Besides her stunning beauty, she exuded the competence of a mature professional woman and the aura of someone in a high position, making her in no way inferior to any of the men present.
At the other end of the crowd, in addition to Hong Kong government officials such as the Financial Secretary, Ning Bingyu, chairman of a business tycoon and one of the most important Chinese business leaders in the area, was also present.
He was dressed in a well-tailored dark suit, and his posture remained upright.
Time has etched fine lines at the corners of his eyes, symbolizing his experience, and has also given him a deep and sharp aura, like a piece of jade that has been polished for many years, restrained yet profound and compelling.
The two groups met, shook hands, and exchanged pleasantries.
When Ning Bingyu clasped hands with the beautiful woman in white, both of them wore a formulaic, perfectly timed smile.
A faint ripple seemed to pass through Ning Bingyu's deep eyes, so fleeting that it was impossible to catch.
"Deputy Director Chu, welcome."
Chu Hongyu, Deputy Director of the International Department of the People's Bank of China, nodded and smiled faintly: "Chairman Ning, how have you been?"
Time has bestowed upon her beauty, and after weathering the storms of life, she exudes the competence and composure of a mature, top-tier professional woman.
Her gaze was calm and unwavering, as if she were facing an ordinary business partner.
The simple greetings concealed, only they themselves knew, how many years had passed, how many untold stories lay hidden beneath.
The convoy drove out of the airport in single file and headed to the Hong Kong government offices.
Inside the closed meeting room, a tense but efficient meeting was being held on how to deal with the financial crisis and stabilize the financial order of Hong Kong Island.
The mainland and Hong Kong governments are working together with unprecedented closeness on the economic front.
The meeting lasted all day.
As night fell and the city lights began to twinkle, the banquet was held in the ballroom of a top-tier hotel overlooking the Victoria Harbour.
The crystal chandelier was dazzling, and the air was filled with the fragrance of clothes and the elegance of hair.
The atmosphere at the dinner was much more relaxed than during the day.
Chu Hongyu, holding a wine glass, stood up with a smile and said in a clear voice: "This financial storm came fiercely, but the Hong Kong government was able to deal with it calmly and defeat international speculators such as Soros. It has played the role of a stabilizing force in the Far East, which is commendable."
The Financial Secretary also raised his glass with a smile: "This is all thanks to the strong support of the country and the trust of my colleagues."
Ning Bingyu also stood up and took over the conversation, his tone steady: "Indeed, after experiencing the crisis of 1982, the Hong Kong government learned from its mistakes, strengthened financial supervision, built up huge foreign exchange reserves, and adjusted its economic structure."
"More importantly, the growing strength of the mainland is Hong Kong's greatest source of confidence in resisting risks. All of us in Hong Kong's business community feel this deeply."
Everyone echoed their agreement, creating a lively and harmonious atmosphere. The two sides went back and forth, frequently raising their glasses and drinking quite a bit.
As the banquet ended, the guests gradually dispersed.
Chu Hongyu stood at the hotel entrance, and together with her secretary, she carefully arranged for the slightly tipsy leaders and colleagues to return to their accommodations.
A cool, damp night breeze swept by. She smoothed the wind-blown strands of hair from her forehead and stood alone in the dim light.
A long, black Rolls-Royce Phantom silently pulled up in front of her.
The car door opened, and a sharp-looking man in a black suit bowed respectfully: "Miss Chu, the master is waiting for you."
Chu Hongyu looked at the open car door, the dark leather seats hidden in the shadows.
She was silent for a few seconds, then finally bent down and sat down.
The interior of the car was dimly lit, with only a reading light on.
Ning Bingyu leaned back in the spacious back seat, his tie slightly loosened, and looked down at a document spread out on his lap.
That face that once captivated countless socialites now boasts even more resolute features and sharper eyes.
He seemed unaware that she had come in.
Only after the car started smoothly and merged into the night traffic did he speak without looking up, his voice flat and emotionless: "Awen wants to go back to Shanghai for the New Year, he doesn't want to go to England for Christmas, you can make the arrangements."
Chu Hongyu paused slightly, turned her head, and frowned slightly: "Awen is only thirteen years old, why is he always thinking about playing? Now is the time to study hard. Look at his grades, and then look at Jiajia..."
Ning Bingyu put down the documents in his hand and looked up at her.
His deep eyes were cold: "It's normal for children to like to play. Don't always use that oppressive education method from the mainland to treat your children. Jiajia's good grades are Jiajia's business. The most taboo thing between children is comparison. Besides, you haven't really cared about him much. What's the point of this zombie-like education?"
Chu Hongyu was speechless for a moment after being scolded by him.
Yes, they have a son, Awen.
However, they did not walk down the aisle.
This unknown relationship, like this car driving in the dead of night, is secretive and complex.
Chu Hongyu sighed softly, her voice tinged with weariness: "Awen... how has he been lately?"
Ning Bingyu's voice was as calm as if he were talking about the weather: "He's fine, lively and energetic, can eat and sleep well, but he doesn't miss his mother much."
These words were like a fine needle, piercing Chu Hongyu precisely.
She laughed in anger, turning to look at him: "Ning Bingyu, I rarely come to Hong Kong Island, do you have to talk to me like this to make me angry to death?"
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