Hong Kong Movies: You Hongxingzi, what the hell is the charity king?

Chapter 729 The Decay of the "728" Landlord Association! Luo Minsheng, and Guan Zu, the Riddler's Perverse Interest!

(P.S.: The timeline of "Overheard 2" has been moved forward.)
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At this point, Luo Minsheng was unaware that his act of giving to the landlord would bring him trouble.

It was 20 PM.

"Uncle Xiang!"

"Uncle Tong, Uncle Zhan, Uncle Yun, Uncle Dong..."

He arrived at the gathering place of the landlords' association and respectfully bowed to the elders.

The Landlords Association was established in 1973. At that time, it took advantage of the stock market crash to make a fortune in the Hong Kong stock market, and many Chinese-owned companies were brought to the brink of bankruptcy.

Uncle Cheung, Uncle Tung, and their group of top-notch fund managers, just like Fong Chun-sun in "The Greed of Man," united to drive out foreigners and save many excellent Chinese-owned companies with the goal of helping Chinese-owned enterprises.

but,

Now 20 years have passed.

A group of people became greedy and started engaging in insider trading, making huge profits, but they didn't have a good reputation in the financial world.

Just six months ago, Xiao Luo, as a fund manager, failed in stock trading. However, with the advice of Uncle Xiang, he turned the situation around and made a fortune, subsequently becoming a rising star in the financial world.

Then Uncle Xiang introduced him to the landlords' association.

Logically speaking,
They have a special ritual – playing Dou Dizhu (a popular Chinese card game).

But the atmosphere is somber today.

Luo Minsheng immediately sensed something was wrong: "Uncle Xiang, what happened?"

Uncle Xiang, seated in his armchair, looked at Luo Minsheng's tense face and slowly spoke:
"The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) conducted a surprise investigation of Ah Wan's office this morning."

Luo Minsheng's hand trembled.

In the past six months, he has done a lot of work for the landlords' association, and he can't be clean.

However, the landlords are a large and powerful family, so they should be able to weather the storm.

"Why...why would they suddenly make a move?" Huang Shitong frowned.

Uncle Xiang shook his head slightly: "They said they have some transaction data from the past few years. Although the exact details are not yet clear, it is definitely not a small matter."

Lin Rundong slammed his hand on the table, causing the crystal ashtray to bounce a few times. "Someone must have leaked the information..."

“Ah Tung, there’s not much point in pursuing this now.” Uncle Cheung interrupted him, his tone resolute and unwavering. “The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is quite capable. This time, we might have to pay a price.”

Uncle Xiang looked at Luo Minsheng.

Because Luo Minsheng was already a member of the landlords' association, he called Luo Minsheng over this time to prepare him mentally.

Uncle Xiang then looked at the others and said in a deep voice:

“When the landlords’ association was established, it set a rule: if something happened, the older ones would take the blame.”

“I’m the oldest, so I plan to take all the blame and get them to drop the case.”

"No way!" Chen Zhan stood up abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor with a sharp sound.

"Uncle Xiang, if you go in, what will happen to everything we've worked so hard to build over the years? Those relationships, those businesses..."

"Then what do you suggest we do?" Uncle Xiang's voice rose a few decibels, his eyes filled with helplessness and sorrow. "Did we really think we could get away with everything we've done over the years? Now that things have been exposed, someone has to bear the consequences."

He looked at the yellowed group photo on the wall. In the photo, they were young and full of vigor, their eyes filled with anticipation for the future.

"Twenty years ago, we were heroes who saved the market; but what about now? How are the things we're doing any different from those we used to fight against?"

Silence fell over the room, broken only by the ticking of the old-fashioned wall clock, as if counting down their precarious fate.

At this time,
Huang Shitong, standing beside him, appeared grief-stricken on the surface, but inwardly he was already agitated.

If Uncle Xiang, the most senior fellow, takes the blame, wouldn't that mean I, the best-performing and strongest person, would become the leader of the landlords' association?

"I will burn all the documents before I go to prison... You don't need to worry about any problems while I'm here..."

At this moment,
Uncle Xiang looked at Huang Shitong: "Atong, after I leave, you will lead the landlords' association... Does everyone think there are any problems?"

Uncle Zhan, Uncle Yun, and Uncle Dong shook their heads.

They did indeed think Huang Shitong was more capable, and since Uncle Xiang had said so, it was practically a dying entrustment, so naturally they wouldn't object.

Huang Shitong was incredibly excited: "Don't worry, Brother Xiang, I will definitely manage the landlords' association well!"

Uncle Xiang nodded: "Okay...but I have something to say..."

Huang Shitong forced a seemingly concerned expression onto his face and bowed slightly: "Brother Xiang, please speak."

Uncle Cheung took a deep breath, his voice carrying the vicissitudes of time: "In the past twenty years, our Landlord Association did indeed save Hong Kong Island at first, protecting many Chinese-owned enterprises during the financial crisis. But what happened later? We made too many mistakes. In order to make money, we engaged in insider trading and manipulated stock prices, causing countless shareholders to lose their fortunes and families. Our sins are truly heinous."

"Therefore, I hope that the future landlords will be able to rediscover their original aspirations and sincerely help the Hong Kong Island financial market to develop steadily. At the same time, they should do more charity work, give back to society, and make up for the mistakes we have made in the past."

Huang Shitong quickly said, "Brother Xiang, you're right. We'll definitely do as you say from now on."

As for the inner self?

Huang Shitong was filled with disdain and contempt.

In his view, Uncle Cheung's approach was extremely outdated, using real money earned for charity.

How many kilograms of liquor did you drink?

However, in order to successfully seize power in the landlords' association, he decided to first appease this senile old man.

Once this storm passes and the dust settles...
The Landlord Association—My rules are the rules!
Hehe~~~
Uncle Xiang was unaware of this and assumed that Huang Shitong agreed with his ideas.

……

after an hour,

A hole-in-the-wall restaurant in an alley.

A small hot pot restaurant.

Uncle Xiang and Luo Minsheng sat on either side of the table, with a hot pot in the middle and small dishes around it, steam rising from the hot pot.

Uncle Xiang: "Ah Sheng, I'm so sorry to have dragged you into this..."

Luo Minsheng quickly replied, "No, no, I'm still very grateful to Brother Xiang for recommending me to join, giving me a bigger platform."

Uncle Xiang: "Do you know what people outside are calling us?"

Luo Minsheng replied, "The Landlord Association."

Uncle Xiang sighed: "Yes, the Landlord Association, it sounds like a triad society."

Do you know how our Landlord Society came about?

"During the 73 stock market crash, foreigners were making a killing in the stock market, pushing many Chinese-owned companies to the brink of bankruptcy. A few of us top brokers joined forces, all backed by wealthy local investors. We were young and ambitious, so we banded together and fought back against those foreigners. As a result, we saved many good Chinese-owned companies. After making money, of course we continued our cooperation, and that's how the Landlords' Association was formed."

"Then... in the past 20 years, things have gradually changed... On the surface, it's about defending Hong Kong's economy, but to put it bluntly, it's about greed, plundering and extortion, and being able to only win and not lose. Many stock market investors outside are cursing us."

This night,
Uncle Xiang and Luo Minsheng talked a lot, about their past glories and their present repentance.

Finally, he gave his instructions.

……

……

a new day.

Guan Zu got up early in the morning, ate breakfast, and went downstairs.

"Hey, where's Ah Hu?"

Guan Zu swept his guns left and right, but didn't see Ah Hu.

Xu Zhengyang: "Brother Zu, have you forgotten? You approved leave for Ah Hu to go back to the mainland for blind dates."

Guan Zu felt disappointed, realizing he had lost his mischievous pleasure in teasing single people.

Xu Zhengyang: "Brother Zu, I feel like you're thinking about something bad."

Guan Zu retorted, "Impossible! Don't slander me!"

Xu Zhengyang: "Yes, yes, that's it, it's even more like it now."

Guan Zu: "…………"

Guan Zu went to buy a newspaper.

quickly,

Several newspaper headlines caught his attention.

Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) strikes; landlord association may face major investigation crisis.

Breaking News! Landlords Under Investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Amid Suspicions of Insider Trading

The Landlord Association is still very well-known on Hong Kong Island.

Stock market investors, in particular, hate them to the core.

There are also many companies that have mixed reputations, with some people liking them and others disliking them. At this time,

Following the newspaper reports, the topic became a hot topic of discussion in many parts of Hong Kong.

Inside the Stock Exchange,
Even before the stock market opened, investors were already discussing it.

"This landlords' association should have been investigated long ago! I've been investing in stocks for so many years, and they've ripped me off terribly. Back then, they manipulated stock prices, and half of my retirement savings disappeared in an instant! These people don't care about the lives of us neighbors at all, just to make money!"

"That's right. Many of my friends also trade stocks. They engage in insider trading, making the market a mess. Ordinary investors simply can't make money in this market."

"I heard that landlords have a saying: 'If they want a stock to rise, even if it's the end of the world, the stock will still rise.'"

"That's not quite right. The Landlord Association has been a prominent force in Hong Kong's financial sector for many years, and they have helped many companies overcome difficulties. Back then, several Chinese-owned enterprises would probably have been swallowed up by foreign capital if it weren't for the Landlord Association's intervention."

"Were they doing this for good? It was all for their own benefit! By saving those companies, they could control more resources and make more dirty money. Now that the ICAC is investigating them, it's their retribution!"

"I think it's a good thing that the ICAC is investigating. I hope they can restore their previous sense of public duty."

"Hmm... This is going to be tough."

It is clear that within the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, most shareholders dislike the landlord's association.

Soon, the stock market opened.

Shares of several financial companies related to the landlords' association fell sharply in response.

……

By noon, ATV and TVB began reporting the news, even showing footage of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigating the companies of several members of the Landlord Association earlier that morning.

in the afternoon,

Related financial stocks fell again.

……

……

Nanhua Financial

Luo Minsheng's office.

"Tap tap tap~~~"

While looking at the stock market data on his computer, Luo Minsheng rapidly typed on the keyboard, recording his analysis and judgment of the stock market trend.

He was muttering to himself from time to time, reviewing the rise and fall of some stocks. The only sounds in the entire office were the tapping of the keyboard and his soft talking.

suddenly,

Ring ring ring~~~~
Luo Minsheng reached out and picked up the receiver.
"Hello, who is it?"

"Mr. Luo Minsheng, is that right? I am the secretary of the General Administration Office of Wuxing Group. Mr. Guan instructed me to invite you to Wuxing Group for some business."

Luo Minsheng: "Huh???"

My first reaction was surprise.

How could Mr. Guan possibly know about someone as insignificant as myself?

Is Mr. Guan trying to recruit me?
Luo Minsheng quickly replied, "Okay, when would you like to ask?"

Liang Xiaorou: "Will you be free in half an hour?"

Luo Minsheng pecked at rice like a chick: "I'm free! Of course I'm free!"

hang up the phone,

He quickly grabbed his suit jacket.

Outside, his wife, Guo Liping, sat at her workstation. Seeing his excited expression, she couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"

Luo Minsheng pulled her aside: "Mr. Guan from the Five Star Group is looking for me. I'm going there now."

He was getting dressed while talking.

Guo Liping covered her mouth in surprise, but she was also excited, as she had the same thought as Luo Minsheng.

Luo Minsheng: "I probably won't be able to go home for dinner tonight."

Guo Liping nodded: "Go ahead."

Luo Minsheng quickly went downstairs, got in his car, and drove straight to the Five Star Group, which was actually less than a kilometer away.

10 minutes later,
He went up to the top floor of Central Plaza, where he sat in the reception room drinking tea and waiting.

Twenty minutes later, his secretary, Liang Xiaorou, called him over.

"Mr. Guan!"

Entering Guan Zu's office,
Luo Minsheng immediately spotted the huge fish tank and Guan Zu writing at his desk.

Luo Minsheng was filled with awe.

"Mr. Guan~~"

Guan Zu quickly signed the last document and threw it away.

Hahaha~~
Freedom from the life of a beast of burden!

Damn it, I'm getting more and more jealous of Fly. No, I have to get him to do something, otherwise I won't be able to get my mind going.

Guan Zu had a lot on his mind, but he remained outwardly calm and stood up.

He looked Luo Minsheng up and down as he led him to sit on the sofa.

"I called you here today because there's something I want to ask you."

"Mr. Guan, please speak!"

Luo Minsheng lowered his head.

Guan Zu: "Have you joined the Landlord Society?"

Boom~~~
Luo Minsheng felt a buzzing in his head.

This is a confidential matter, how could Mr. Guan know about it?!

Luo Minsheng hesitated: "Mr. Guan... I..."

Guan Zu chuckled: "Looks like you've already joined... I heard that you landlords have a saying: 'If you want a stock to rise, even if it's the end of the world, the stock will still rise.'"

Luo Minsheng was sweating profusely: "No, no!"

In the stock market, Guan Zu is the real Buddha.

Guan Zu: "I need your help with something. I need to see Sima Xiang tonight."

Guan Zu's words were firm and left no room for doubt.

Luo Minsheng gave a wry smile.

He thought it was a chance to make a fortune, but it turned out to be a trap.

Guan Zu: "I'm not deliberately making things difficult for you. I want to save Sima Xiang... He's the most humane person in the entire landlord association. I'd be willing to let him go and save his life."

Luo Minsheng was bewildered. No matter how intelligent he was, he couldn't understand Guan Zu's words: "Mr. Guan, what do you mean by 'saving his life'?"

Guan Zu: "You'll find out when the time comes."

Guan Zu disliked riddle tellers the most.

but!

He also loves being a riddle solver!
Hohohoho~~~
Guan Zu: "Come, have some tea!"

Luo Minsheng picked up the teacup, his mind racing. He even spilled a little water while drinking and quickly apologized, "Sorry..."

Then Guan Zu started talking about other things, such as how he met Fang Zhanbo, and so on...

Not long after, Luo Minsheng left.

……

……

That night,

Kowloon Ice Room.

Outside, a Mercedes was parked at the entrance.

Sima Xiang, Luo Minsheng, and their bodyguard got out of the car, glanced at the "Kowloon Ice Room" sign, and went inside.

Then I saw Guan Zu drinking Hong Kong-style milk tea.

"Mr. Guan~~"

"Mr. Sima, it's an honor to meet you!"

(End of this chapter)