Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 54 Wisdom with the Governor of Hong Kong

Inside the space, Lin Yan's consciousness carefully read Lin Er's detailed report on forming an alliance with the Bao and Huo families, and a feeling of admiration arose spontaneously.

"Excellent work, Lin Er." Lin Yan's voice resounded directly in Lin Er's mind. "The Bao family controls the lifeline of shipping and the future real estate ecosystem, while the Huo family is deeply involved in infrastructure and has a strong sense of national responsibility. Both are top figures in Hong Kong. In such a short time, you have accurately grasped their core needs and forged such a strong alliance, laying such a solid foundation for the future of the Lin family. This far exceeds expectations. This is a great achievement."

Lin Er was thrilled to receive such high praise from his master, but his tone remained calm and humble: "It is all thanks to your strategic planning and information support, Master. I dare not take credit for it. The business alliance is newly formed, but to truly establish an invincible position in Hong Kong, strong official support is indispensable. The next target should be Governor of Hong Kong, Perry Parkes."

"Hmm, very clear thinking," Lin Yan praised. "Perry is the embodiment of the Queen in Hong Kong. Gaining his approval and support will make many things much easier. He advocates for medicine and education, so there might be an opportunity to connect with him on an ideological level. You need to plan a natural 'chance encounter,' try to 'conquer' him, and make him a solid backer for us in Hong Kong."

"Understood, Master." Lin Er took action immediately after receiving the order. He dispatched several puppeteers skilled in stealth and intelligence gathering to closely monitor the vehicles entering and leaving the Governor's House and Perry's recent public schedule using various means.

Extremely efficient. In less than half a day, intelligence arrived: the next afternoon, Governor Barrett would be invited to attend the opening ceremony of a spring charity race day at Happy Valley Racecourse and would watch the first three races from a VIP box.

The opportunity has arrived! But Happy Valley is a social arena where celebrities gather, and directly approaching the Governor would be too abrupt. There must be an impeccable entry point and a common topic.

"Horse racing..." Lin Er pondered for a moment, then immediately communicated with Lin Yi. The two, relying on the powerful divine souls of cultivators, frantically crammed a vast amount of information about horse racing rules, pedigrees of horses, backgrounds of renowned jockeys, analysis of past race results, and the culture and social etiquette of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. In a short time, while they wouldn't become gambling gods, they were enough to portray themselves as knowledgeable and enthusiastic horse racing enthusiasts in social situations.

The following afternoon, Happy Valley Racecourse was bustling with activity, filled with gentlemen and socialites. Lin Er, dressed in a well-tailored light-colored suit, wearing sunglasses, and carrying a copy of "Horse Racing Guide" and binoculars, appeared in the VIP grandstand. He seemed to be strolling casually, but his eyes were already fixed on Governor Perry, who was surrounded by a group of Hong Kong government officials, business tycoons, and social elites.

He didn't rush to approach, but patiently waited for the best opportunity. After the first exciting race ended, Perry and his friend made a few comments with smiles. Apparently, the box was a bit stuffy, and they were about to go to the corridor next door for some fresh air. Lin Er seized the opportunity, as if he had just come out of a heated discussion about horse racing, and naturally walked in the same direction. He "coincidentally" met Perry, who had just come out, on a relatively quiet viewing balcony.

"What a spectacular comeback! 'Wind Chaser' sprinted in the last 300 meters as if it had an engine! It seems that the 'Night-Shining Jade Lion' bloodline's explosive power in short distances is truly legendary!" Lin Er said to his assistant in fluent English, with just the right amount of excitement and admiration, which was heard by Bai Liji who was walking over.

These expert comments immediately caught the attention of Mr. Bai Liji, an equestrian enthusiast, who couldn't help but look at this unfamiliar, distinguished young Eastern gentleman.

Lin Er seemed to only then notice the Governor, immediately displaying just the right amount of surprise and apology. He removed his sunglasses, bowed slightly, and his manners were impeccable: "Oh, my sincere apologies, Your Excellency. Good day, Your Excellency. Forgive my rudeness, I was so engrossed in watching that I forgot myself."

Berwick took a liking to the polite and clearly knowledgeable young man, and waved his hand with a smile: "No need to mind, sir. Exciting races are always irresistible. You also think 'Wind Chaser's' pedigree is key? Its maternal line seems to excel at long distances."

Having successfully opened the conversation, Lin Er felt reassured and calmly continued, "Your insight is astute. Indeed, its dam, 'Prairie Moonlight,' is renowned for its endurance. However, 'Wind Chaser's' father, 'Thunder Fury,' is a purebred sprinter, and it seems to have perfectly inherited his father's explosive genes in the sprint phase. Nevertheless, I have higher hopes for 'Emerald Knight,' which will be in gate 3 of the next race. It adapts exceptionally well to slippery tracks, and the light rain this morning made the track softer, which suits its performance perfectly."

This analysis, which not only demonstrated an understanding of pedigree but also incorporated real-time weather and track conditions, truly impressed Berlich, who became increasingly interested: "Oh? It seems you are a true expert, sir! It appears the 'Emerald Knight' has a new jockey?"

"Yes, Your Excellency. It's the new Australian jockey, Brown. He's known for his quick start and stable mid-race performance, which is perfect for leveraging the 'Emerald Knight's' late-race power." Lin Er answered fluently, citing several detailed data points. The two then engaged in an in-depth conversation about horse racing for five or six minutes, in a very harmonious atmosphere.

Seeing that the time was right, Lam Yee seemingly casually shifted his tone from commenting on the social significance of the charity horse racing day: "Such a grand event can not only bring joy to people's minds and bodies, but also gather love and benefit the community, which is truly a win-win situation. Its significance lies not only in providing temporary relief, but also in the sustainable investment in Hong Kong's long-term development, such as fundamental undertakings like healthcare and education."

As Pak-kei was speaking with great enthusiasm, he was deeply moved by what he heard, as this was precisely the issue that concerned him most and troubled him the most upon taking office: "Mr. Lam has a clear understanding. Charitable relief can solve immediate problems, but if Hong Kong is to develop healthily in the long term, it ultimately needs a robust public healthcare system and an education system that nurtures the next generation. This is not just about spending money, but a strategic investment that requires wisdom and long-term planning. To be honest, this is precisely the focus of my current work, and also the biggest challenge." His words revealed an urgent desire to achieve political results, especially emphasizing the term "strategic investment."

Just then, Bai Liji's gaze inadvertently swept over Lin Er's white-gloved left hand and the calm, reserved yet all-knowing demeanor he exuded when he spoke. A vague impression suddenly struck him—the young Chinese man who had presented him with a stunning pink diamond at the inauguration party not long ago, and whose words had precisely mentioned supporting medical education! At that time, he was deeply impressed by that generous gift and the "long-term investment" concept it represented.

He took another close look at Lin Er's face. Although they had only talked briefly, his composure and deep eyes were exactly the same! But today he was dressed more casually and immersed in the atmosphere of horse racing, so he didn't immediately make contact with him.

"Wait a minute..." Governor Berliki's tone carried a hint of surprise and confirmation. "Mr. Lin? Did we... at the cocktail party not long ago..." He made an elegant gesture of presentation, not directly mentioning the pink diamond, but the meaning was already very clear.

Seeing this, Lin Er knew the time was right. He gave a perfectly timed, slightly shy smile and bowed slightly. "You have a good memory. I was in a hurry that day and was unable to have a deep conversation with you. I am Lin Er, representing the Lin Group. That small token of my appreciation is of greatest value to you if it is appreciated." He admitted frankly.

"It really is you!" Bai Liji suddenly realized, and his impression of him and his level of respect for him instantly soared to a whole new level! It turned out that the young man in front of him, who not only understood horse racing but also had unique insights into social governance, was the representative of the Lin Group, who was known for his amazing spending and forward-thinking ideas! All his impressions instantly overlapped, merged, and sublimated—this was not just a generous businessman, but also a rare young talent with great wisdom and vision!

The initial awkwardness and distance vanished instantly. Bai Liji was noticeably more enthusiastic and relaxed, and he laughed heartily, "Hahaha, wonderful! I knew it! Someone with such profound insights into horse racing and social welfare is no ordinary person! Mr. Lin, you always surprise me!"

At this moment, in his eyes, Lin Er was no longer a wealthy stranger who needed careful evaluation, but a potential strategist who had proven his sincerity and ability and was worth getting to know better.

He could no longer contain his excitement and desire to recruit him; such a multitalented individual could not be missed. He glanced at the still noisy horse farm and felt that this was not a suitable place for in-depth discussion. He immediately extended an invitation that was both natural and sincere: "It's too noisy here! Mr. Lin, it's better to meet by chance than by invitation. Since we've met again and hit it off so well, I wonder if you have any other plans for tonight? I'd like to invite you to dinner. We can find a quieter place and have a thorough discussion about the medical and educational reform strategies you just mentioned! My car is just outside." This invitation seemed perfectly natural and without any sense of abruptness.

Lin Er understood perfectly; his plan had succeeded. He feigned just the right amount of honor: "It is an honor to receive such a warm invitation from His Excellency the Governor. However… would it be too much of a disturbance to His Excellency's rest?"

"Absolutely not!" Perry waved his hand, his tone firm and eager. "To converse with a young talent like Mr. Lin, who possesses both insight and passion, would be of great benefit to my understanding of Hong Kong and the formulation of policies! Please do me the honor of joining us!"

"In that case, I shall respectfully comply," Lin Er said with a smile and a slight bow.

As the neon lights outside the car window began to illuminate the night, inside the carriage, Pak Lap-kei couldn't wait to begin discussing the feasibility of building the first general practice public hospital in the New Territories with Lam Yee. Lam Yee responded calmly and earnestly, but his gaze remained fixed on the rapidly passing street scenes outside the window.

The Governor's House restaurant was luxurious yet elegant, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow and silver cutlery gleaming. The dinner wasn't a feast of delicacies, but rather a refined Western meal in a private and formal atmosphere. After a few pleasantries about food and Hong Kong locals, Perry quickly steered the conversation towards the main topic.

"Mr. Lin," Pak-kei leaned forward slightly, his tone candid, "our conversation during the day left a deep impression on me. You come from the front lines of the market, and your perspective is invaluable. In your opinion, what is the most pressing 'problem' that Hong Kong needs to solve right now? I need to hear your honest, unvarnished views."

Lin Er put down his knife and fork, his expression serious, and his words direct and pragmatic: "Governor, since you've asked, I think the issue can be summarized into a few key points, which are interconnected."

"First and foremost, the most obvious problem is the housing and refugee crisis. The influx of people from the north over the past decade has far exceeded the city's capacity. The result is those horrific shantytowns, like Tiger Rock and Diamond Hill. Thousands of people are crammed into flammable shacks, without clean water or proper sanitation. A fire or a typhoon could easily cause a massive humanitarian disaster. This is the biggest threat to social stability."

Berliki nodded in deep agreement, his face showing concern: "This is indeed one of the most urgent documents on my desk, and it is extremely complicated to handle."

Lin Er continued, "This directly leads to the second problem: public health. Overcrowded and dirty living environments are breeding grounds for disease. Cholera, typhoid fever, tuberculosis... the shadow of these diseases has never dissipated. Our public hospitals, such as Kowloon Hospital, are already operating beyond capacity. For most ordinary citizens, getting sick means a heavy financial burden, or even bankruptcy. An unhealthy workforce cannot build a prosperous city."

"Third," he emphasized, "is the education gap. We have an entire generation of children growing up on the streets instead of in classrooms. There are far too few government schools, and many so-called 'private schools' are in terrible condition. If we don't invest in our people and give them knowledge and skills, we will face not a workforce, but a social burden in the future."

"Finally," he paused briefly, "the pervasive corruption, especially at the grassroots level, acts like a hidden tax, increasing the cost of living for everyone and severely eroding public trust in the government."

This analysis was precise, direct, and perfectly aligned with the real challenges that Bai Liji faced daily. He listened intently: "So, Mr. Lin, where do you see the way forward for the next five years? How will the trends develop?"

Lin Er's gaze was firm as he explained his point of view: "The way out lies in bold government leadership and systematic planning."

1. Launch large-scale public housing projects: We need to move beyond piecemeal cleanup efforts. The government must take the lead in building large-scale, basic public housing estates in new districts to accommodate hundreds of thousands of families at low rents. This is the cornerstone of social stability.

2. Expansion and Modernization of the Healthcare System: There is an urgent need to expand existing hospitals and establish a new network of regional hospitals and clinics in new towns. Simultaneously, we must prioritize ensuring safe drinking water and constructing modern sewage systems to prevent disease at its source.

3. Universalize Education and Establish Standards: Efforts need to be made towards the goal of universal primary education, with the large-scale construction of standardized schools. The key is to invest in teacher training, establish unified curriculum standards, and ensure quality.

4. Actively develop the manufacturing industry: textiles, plastics, and electronics—these labor-intensive industries can absorb a large workforce. People need jobs and income for society to remain stable. At the same time, this can provide tax revenue for the government, which can be reinvested in public projects.

These specific and actionable strategies were precisely the direction in which Berlich was thinking, but Lin expressed them in a clearer and more confident manner. Berlich's eyes gleamed with excitement: "Excellent! Mr. Lin, your ideas are highly consistent with the plans my team is evaluating, but your expression is much clearer! Especially your views on creating jobs and tax revenue through industrialization—they are extremely strategic! Please continue, particularly regarding specific measures in healthcare and education."

The ensuing conversation turned into a highly efficient brainstorming session. Lin Er offered more specific ideas:

"In education: In addition to schools, we can establish technical colleges to train skilled workers urgently needed for industrial development. In the long run, Hong Kong needs a comprehensive university with Chinese as the main language of instruction to cultivate our own professional elites and meet the needs of social development."

"In terms of healthcare: we could consider establishing a network of community health centers to provide basic medical care and vaccination services. Legislation is also needed to improve working conditions and safety standards in factories to protect workers' health."

Berlich nodded repeatedly, even taking out his notebook to take notes. He felt he had found a "strategic partner" who could fully understand his challenges and provide practical solutions.

Just as the atmosphere was extremely harmonious and Bai Liji was feeling very excited, Lin Er's expression suddenly became unusually serious. He leaned forward and emphasized his tone.

"Governor, it is exciting to discuss these development blueprints with you. However, before we can safely implement any of these long-term plans, there is a more fundamental and immediate threat looming. If this problem is not addressed, all discussions about development will be empty talk and could even trigger a serious social crisis."

Berliker's heart leaped into his throat: "What's the problem?"

Lin Er looked directly at him and said clearly, "Water. Fresh water."

He explained in detail, his tone urgent: “Hong Kong has no major rivers. We rely almost entirely on rainfall and our limited reservoirs. Our population is exploding, industry needs water, but our storage capacity is finite. Sir, Hong Kong's climate isn't always favorable. Dry seasons are inevitable. What will we do if, in the next year or two, rainfall is severely insufficient and our reservoirs dry up?”

He painted a grim picture: "Millions will not have enough water for drinking and sanitation. Factories will close. Diseases will spread. Social order will face its ultimate test! The consequences will be catastrophic. This is a strategic vulnerability that cannot be delayed, the most dangerous 'Sword of Damocles' hanging over our heads!"

These words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly sobering Bai Liqi from his excitement about development. He was certainly aware of the water shortage, but no one had ever so sharply defined it as an imminent survival crisis. His expression turned serious.

Lin Er concluded by emphasizing, "This matter is perhaps more urgent than building hospitals and schools, because it concerns the most basic survival. We must act immediately, organize the best engineers, and study all possible solutions for diverting water from outside, such as contacting Guangdong. At the same time, we must immediately begin searching for locations to expand or build new reservoirs and launch a public water conservation campaign. This is a race against time, sir."

Bai Liji fell completely silent, leaning back in his chair, deeply moved by this primal challenge. His gaze towards Lin Er was filled with unprecedented respect and gratitude.

"Mr. Lin..." Bai Liji's voice was somewhat heavy, "Your insights today, especially your warnings about water... are invaluable. You possess extraordinary foresight. Thank you very much!"

At that moment, Pak-kei fully understood that this Lam Yee and the Lam Group he represented would be his indispensable and most crucial ally and advisor in governing Hong Kong. And Lam Yee had successfully implanted the most pressing issues into the minds of Hong Kong's top decision-makers.