Chapter 449: The Starting Point of Hong Kong's Revival

"Good morning, Mr. Bao, Mr. Huo, Mr. Hu!"

Led by Wang Ping, Xia Yu quickly saw Bao Yugang and the others surrounded by a crowd. Coincidentally, they noticed Xia Yu as well. The people around them politely made way, smiling at Xia Yu. He walked over, smiling and shaking hands with the group.

"Mr. Xia, you're here! Great!" 

Seeing Xia Yu, Huo Yingdong was in high spirits. He shook Xia Yu's hand firmly before letting go.

Noticing Huo Yingdong's unusually happy mood, Xia Yu was momentarily stunned. He quickly grasped the key point and smiled, feeling a bit emotional. As expected, Huo Yingdong was one of the Hong Kong tycoons most deeply connected to the mainland.

"Mr. Xia, congratulations! You've been making big moves recently, leaving us all behind!" Bao Yugang said with a smile. His tone was not one of envy but rather admiration and joy at Xia Yu's rapid growth in strength.

"Mr. Bao, you're kidding. It's not just my strength growing—haven't you all improved too? The older ginger is spicier. I, the fresh ginger, am just scratching the surface compared to your seasoned approach." Xia Yu shook his head with a smile and replied.

"Mr. Bao, Mr. Xia, among all of us here, whose business isn't booming? Even I, who am not in the business world, can see it," Wang Ping interjected, praising everyone.

"Hahaha…" 

Bao Yugang let out a hearty laugh, shaking his big head. He did not argue further; the smile on his face showed that the comment had hit home.

Indeed, as someone who had been in the business world for decades and still stood at the peak, his tactics were naturally refined, and he was highly adept at seizing opportunities. Unknowingly, his strength had grown substantially.

"By the way, Mr. Xia, your methods in reorganizing your company have left me dazzled. It looks like you're planning to make big moves in the real estate sector first?" The group chatted casually and eventually talked about Xia Yu's company restructuring. Huo Yingdong asked casually.

Xia Yu had acquired Wharf Holdings and Gammon Construction, and everyone knew that the real estate industry, filled with tycoons, was about to welcome another heavyweight contender. Furthermore, Xia Yu was already entering as a top competitor.

However, since Xia Yu had acquired several companies at once and established Jiuding Media Group and Jiuding Financial Group, many assumed he would focus on these two areas first.

But those who closely followed Xia Yu, like Huo Yingdong and Bao Yugang, noticed something unusual about his company's integration process.

Upon hearing Huo Yingdong's question, Xia Yu didn't mind. After all, he hadn't deliberately concealed his actions and didn't need to. Letting Huo Yingdong know was not a problem.

Moreover, Huo Yingdong practically monopolized Hong Kong's sea sand market, and Xia Yu's Jiuding Real Estate Group would need his strong support!

"I do have that idea. The real estate sector has unlimited potential, and the timing is perfect now. It would be a pity to miss it. Mr. Huo, I will need your guidance when the time comes!" Xia Yu nodded and said.

"Of course. As long as it's within my power, just ask, and I won't even blink," Huo Yingdong replied heartily.

"Mr. Huo, don't forget about me."

"Yes, Mr. Huo. My Hopewell Holdings has launched several projects recently. You must supply more sand to me." Bao Yugang and Hu Yingxiang chimed in.

"Chairman, it's almost time." 

At this moment, a subordinate approached Wang Ping and quietly reminded him.

Wang Ping glanced at the time and said to Xia Yu and the others, "Gentlemen, it's about time. Let's go in!"

"Please!"

Afterward, Xia Yu, Bao Yugang, and others followed Wang Ping into the venue, where they were seated in the front row.

Other guests quickly took their seats, and soon, the entire venue was packed.

"Today is a sacred day..."

"…National Anthem..."

Several senior members of Xinhua News Agency's Hong Kong branch, including Wang Ping, took the stage. After solemnly announcing the ceremony's agenda, Wang Ping gave a speech. As soon as he finished, stirring and powerful music suddenly played.

"Arise, ye who refuse to be slaves…"

When the familiar melody of the "March of the Volunteers" began, Xia Yu's body shivered, and his heart stirred. His eyes reddened as he stared intently at the unfurled five-star red flag in front of him. His spirit seemed to travel back to the war-torn era of defending the country.

In his previous life, every time the national anthem played, Xia Yu felt something special.

It could be said that any conscientious Chinese person would instinctively stop and quietly listen to the solemn and majestic melody.

After the anthem ended, everyone resumed their seats, and the ceremony continued.

Following the solemn ceremony, a more relaxed celebration began, allowing guests to network freely or watch performances.

Just then, another subordinate rushed in from outside, looking stern and hurried. He whispered a few words into Wang Ping's ear, and Xia Yu saw Wang Ping's expression turn serious. His gaze became as sharp as a knife as he questioned, "Are you sure you didn't mistake the license plate?"

"Chairman, I guarantee it—I definitely didn't see it wrong."

"I understand!"

Wang Ping stood up, hesitated, then addressed the curious Bao Yugang and the others, "Gentlemen, it seems the Governor's car has arrived. Please excuse me."

With an apologetic expression, Wang Ping quickly walked out.

"MacLehose is here?"

Apart from Xia Yu, who remained calm, Bao Yugang, Huo Yingdong, and the others looked solemn, exchanging glances. They unanimously decided to go out and greet him.

If it was indeed MacLehose, history was being made. Out of courtesy and respect, they could not remain inside and wait—they needed to step out and welcome him.

When Xia Yu and the others reached the entrance, they saw a black car had just stopped. The rear door opened, and MacLehose stepped out.

Wang Ping quickly greeted MacLehose warmly, shaking his hand before inviting him inside.

MacLehose took the opportunity to look around. He was unsurprised to see Huo Yingdong, but when he noticed Xia Yu, Bao Yugang, and the others, his pupils contracted, though he maintained his composure.

"Good morning, Governor."

"Governor, a pleasure to meet you."

…

Everyone greeted MacLehose with a handshake before reentering the venue together.

Not long after, MacLehose and Wang Ping disappeared, leaving Li Hua, the deputy director of Xinhua News Agency's Hong Kong branch, to host the celebration.

In a corner, Xia Yu, Bao Yugang, Huo Yingdong, and Hu Yingxiang sat together. While Xia Yu remained calm, the other three looked worried.

Seeing Xia Yu's composed demeanor, the familiar Bao Yugang asked, "Mr. Xia, what do you think MacLehose is here for?"

Bao Yugang's question snapped Huo Yingdong and Hu Yingxiang out of their thoughts, and they both turned to Xia Yu.

Xia Yu raised an eyebrow, smiled, and said, "What else could it be about? It's the Hong Kong handover issue. The UK's general election is only about six months away. Former Labour Prime Minister Edward Heath once said that Hong Kong would eventually be returned to China. But the current Conservative leader, Thatcher, is tough and focused on the conflict between governing philosophies and British foreign policy. They've sent MacLehose ahead to test the waters and relay the message through Xinhua."

With his Jiuding Communications Group, Xia Yu was more aware of the current situation in the UK than Bao Yugang and the others. Combined with his vivid memories from his previous life, he understood MacLehose's intentions perfectly.

Unfortunately, the outcome wouldn't align with the wishes of James Callaghan, the current British Prime Minister from the Labour Party. China maintained an unexpectedly firm stance, refusing to meet the UK's demands, eventually leading to a political uproar in the British House of Commons.

The Hong Kong handover!

It was a sensitive issue. Although not yet on the agenda, as 1997 drew nearer, more people were considering it. Rumors had circulated for years, and some had already relocated from Hong Kong.

"It seems that Hong Kong's land and housing prices will experience turbulence again," Hu Yingxiang remarked. Huo Yingdong and Bao Yugang nodded in agreement.

Xia Yu, however, smiled and said, "I see this as a great opportunity. Land prices, housing prices, and the Hong Kong stock market are finally about to come out of their slump. You should seize the opportunity."

"Oh? Mr. Xia, are you that optimistic about the mainland?" Huo Yingdong asked seriously, his eyes narrowing.

Xia Yu was known for his long-term, sharp vision. His comments were certainly not made lightly.

Seeing the three men looking at him expectantly, Xia Yu smiled and said, "Hong Kong ultimately belongs to China. With Hong Kong at China's doorstep, do you think the British can hold onto it? China dared to confront the Soviet Union; why would they fear the UK? Don't forget, the current leaders are tough figures who fought for the country. The British won't have their way."

"So even if

 Hong Kong sees some turmoil, that's just the process of rebalancing the market. For those with insight, it's an opportunity to rise again. This is the start of Hong Kong's revival!" 

Upon hearing this, Huo Yingdong and Bao Yugang's eyes gleamed, and their expressions lightened significantly.

Yes, Hong Kong belonged to China!

Since the trend was irreversible, why should they worry? Instead of succumbing to fear and blindly retreating, they should seize the opportunity.

Land prices would drop, but they would eventually rise again!