Chapter 12: Young Man, You’re Still Too Green

"There has never been a thriving economy that exists in isolation," Zhou Ming continued. "The prosperity of Hong Kong is certainly tied to the efforts of everyone present, but domestic support cannot be underestimated. Just consider the basic principle: without the mainland's water, electricity, and food supplies, the entire city of Hong Kong might not survive three months."

Zhou Ming went on: "Let's address an uncomfortable reality. Whether in the past, present, or future, an economy without the backing of a major power is hard to sustain."

"Two years ago, the stock market crash is still fresh in everyone's memory. Although Hong Kong is a global financial center, which brings significant benefits, it also reveals a major problem: Hong Kong's resilience is too weak. Even minor fluctuations in the stock market can have a significant impact. In the event of a large-scale financial crisis, it would be hard for Hong Kong to cope on its own."

Zhou Ming said, "You all know the strength of other global financial centers, but do you remember that their strength is built on the foundation of a strong nation? What if Hong Kong had the support of such a nation behind it? If there were a country backing Hong Kong during a crisis, wouldn't our economy be less vulnerable? I don't understand why you would reject this."

Zhou Ming's words echoed like a wake-up call, shaking everyone's core. While Guan Sheng's words were mere noise, Zhou Ming's comments were direct and piercing.

The people present were the masters of Hong Kong's economy, and the collapse of Hong Kong's economy would naturally have the greatest and most direct impact on them. Even now, two years later, the effects of the stock market crash had not completely faded. Zhou Ming's sudden mention of it brought back the fear of that crisis.

How could this be? Could it be that this mainlander is telling the truth? Is Hong Kong really dependent on the mainland?

Everyone began to ask themselves these questions.

Zhou Ming's speech concluded here, but Lin Muqing wasn't ready to let the people of Hong Kong off the hook. She stood up and said, "Hello everyone, I am Lin Muqing, the chairman of United Investment Company. Many of you have heard of me and the two companies I manage."

Lin Muqing then abruptly changed her tone: "But you might not know that these two companies were actually founded by Mr. Zhou Ming. The concept of a principal-protected fund was also proposed by him. In fact, two years ago, Mr. Zhou Ming had already seen through the fragility of Hong Kong's economy and anticipated the outbreak of the financial crisis. Therefore, if Hong Kong wants to take a new step, we must follow his advice!"

If Zhou Ming's earlier words had stunned everyone, Lin Muqing's statement now awakened them with a jolt. The scene erupted in an uproar.

"Oh my God, how could this happen? How could the Principal-Protected Fund be proposed by a mainlander? How could a mainlander come up with the idea? This doesn't make sense!"

"This is impossible! I remember that the stability of Hong Kong's economy after the crash was largely due to the principal-protected fund concept, and even the establishment of United Investment Company was based on this. Could it be that this mainlander saved our economy? Was it his idea that pulled us out of the crisis?"

"I don't believe it! Our economic model in Hong Kong must be ahead of the mainland's. How could such a poor place come up with good strategies? This must be a scam…"

The crowd shouted and debated, struggling to accept the reality. Despite their loud denials, deep down, they knew Lin Muqing was speaking the truth. After all, Lin Muqing's Principal-Protected Fund rose rapidly and played a crucial role when Hong Kong's economy hit rock bottom, consolidating resources and attracting investments to form United Investment Company. With her stunning appearance, it was impossible that no one had investigated her.

Many in Hong Kong's elite knew that Lin Muqing came from the mainland and that her initial capital came from the stock market crash.

Could it be that our Hong Kong economy really has such serious issues? Have these mainlanders seen through Hong Kong's economic fragility?

All the people of Hong Kong were troubled by these thoughts.

Standing on the podium, Zhou Ming took in the expressions of everyone below. He gave Lin Muqing a grateful smile. Her support was perfect, and she had played her part well, delivering the final blow to the crowd.

Lin Muqing also smiled warmly at Zhou Ming. Although she said nothing, her eyes conveyed all her emotions.

It seemed that Zhou Ming had indeed turned the situation around today, and with her help, it was excellent!

This was Lin Muqing's current thought. However, before she could enjoy her satisfaction, a sudden shout cast a shadow over her happiness.

"This is impossible! Everyone, open your eyes. These mainlanders are clearly deceiving us. Don't fall for their tricks!"

Liu Xiaotian shouted suddenly. His cry gave the other Hong Kongers psychological support, and they immediately joined him in raising their arms and shouting at Zhou Ming: "Impossible! You mainlanders get back to the mainland and stop deceiving us here!"

Initially, the shouts were disorganized, but eventually, they coalesced into a unified chant: "Impossible! Get out!"

Faced with this situation, Zhou Ming's face remained calm, but inwardly he shook his head in resignation. Relying on his own to create miracles was indeed too difficult and naïve. After all, he was just reborn, not a mythical figure who could easily manipulate events. If solving the Hong Kong meeting were that easy, it likely wouldn't fall to him.

What Zhou Ming hadn't anticipated was that, while he had predicted the beginning of the story, he hadn't foreseen the end. He underestimated the resilience of Hong Kong's power brokers.

In fact, the current situation was not hard to understand. Zhou Ming's and Lin Muqing's string of remarks had indeed undermined the confidence of those present, pushing them to the brink of collapse. Given a little time, they might have come to accept Zhou Ming's views on their own. Unfortunately, the people of Hong Kong were not willing to give him that chance.

Liu Xiaotian's outburst was timely, offering direction to those who were lost and confused.

To use a literary expression, his words provided guidance to others.

Everyone has a kind of ostrich mentality, especially those in Hong Kong who have always felt superior to the mainland. When their illusions were shattered, they naturally struggled to accept it.

At such times, if someone guides them, they will easily reject theories they do not agree with, even if they are correct. Clinging to their own views, much like an ostrich burying its head in the sand during danger, is a subconscious protective reaction.

Their current behavior was a clear demonstration of this.

Liu Xiaotian looked up at Zhou Ming on the podium with a disdainful smile and said slowly, deliberately letting Zhou Ming read his lips: "Young man, you're still too green."

Zhou Ming felt a surge of anger at Liu Xiaotian's provocation but had no way to counter it. At this point, the situation had become unmanageable.

Lin Muqing also noticed Liu Xiaotian's provocation and felt both anger and frustration. Zhou Ming had worked so hard to turn the situation around, yet Liu Xiaotian seemed determined to make it worse. Why would he sabotage Zhou Ming's efforts and create more trouble for Hong Kong's return? What could he possibly gain from this?

Lin Muqing didn't know. All she could do was clench her fists tightly and look at Zhou Ming, hoping he could turn the situation around once more and create another miracle!

"A miracle? If I can turn this situation around now, it would truly be a miracle. But unfortunately…"

Zhou Ming sighed inwardly. He knew that the situation was not entirely beyond his control, but achieving it required more than just his efforts. If there were other influential figures in Hong Kong who could speak out on his behalf, it would be easier. Unfortunately, this was beyond his control, and he could only do his best and leave the rest to fate.

Just as Zhou Ming was preparing to speak again, he saw someone standing up in the front row, which made him raise an eyebrow.

The seats in the conference hall were not arranged randomly. Those sitting directly facing the podium were people of significant status in Hong Kong, and the person standing was someone Zhou Ming knew well: the world's greatest economist, Nordman.

Nordman stood slowly, asked a nearby staff member for a microphone, cleared his throat, and said, "Please be quiet. I am Nordman, and I have a few words to say."

Everyone in the room knew Nordman, and as soon as he spoke, the noise gradually subsided.

Nordman continued: "You are all of the same ethnicity. I don't understand why you hold such deep prejudices against the mainland. Perhaps the system in the mainland is different from that of Hong Kong and the Western world, but I agree with Mr. Zhou Ming. The return of Hong Kong is undoubtedly a great benefit with no harm at all."