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

Chapter 785 "784" Britain is stirring things up: the British residency rights plan!

Hong Kong Island

A rain shower in the evening dispelled the summer heat.

Governor Ashton changed into shorts, shirtless, and slowly strolled to the edge of the pool.

He sank into the recliner covered with a bath towel, casually propped his legs up on a low stool, and stretched out comfortably in the sun.

The pool water rippled against the blue sky and white clouds, and a few birdsongs echoed from the trees.

Secretary Alica approached carrying a silver tray, the chilled lemonade and grapes looking fresh.

She pinched a grape between her rosy fingertips and fed it to Ashdon.

Ash opened his mouth and bit down, the sweet juice melting on his tongue. He squinted his eyes in satisfaction, patted Alika's bottom, and touched it a few times, feeling comfortable.

Work?

What job?
I'm just a carefree, lazy bum!

As the date drew closer, Ashdown became increasingly indifferent, because with only a year left until the handover, it was impossible for the British to change governors again.

If we change it again, wouldn't Britain completely lose all the face it has left on the international stage?

Therefore, my position is secure!

Ashton patted his belly.

Wait, have I gained weight recently?
The indentation on the beach chair seems to have gotten even bigger.

Ashton couldn't help but start to reflect on himself: was he living too comfortably?
"Ling ring ring~~~"

Just then, a series of ringing sounds came from the study.

Soon, Secretary Feynman arrived quickly.

"Boss, it's the Prime Minister on the phone."

Ashdown: "???"

His relaxed expression suddenly crumbled.

Damn it, Xiao Meijie, are you kidding me? Can't you see I'm worrying about the country and its people? Why are you bothering me?!

Ashdon could only move slightly from the beach chair, get up, and mutter a few words of dissatisfaction.

Come to the study room.

I made a long-distance call.

then……

"Ash, you think you're such a piece of trash? Why have you been in Hong Kong for so long and still not accomplished anything?" Major started his barrage of insults right from the start.

Ashton immediately got into character, loudly proclaiming his innocence: "Your Excellency, I'm innocent! We're cooperating with the Soros Group to cripple Hong Kong's economy!"

Major yelled, "That belongs to the Soros Group, not you! You've been talking about Hong Kong for so long, what have you accomplished?!"

Ashdam: "I..."

He subconsciously pinched his belly, wondering if it counted.

Major was even angrier when he saw that Ashton didn't argue. Didn't this just confirm that he was a useless good-for-nothing?!
Major was furious and cursed for 10 minutes straight.

After venting his frustrations, Major finally remembered the important matter: "I know you're useless, so I have a plan here. Go and get it done."

Ashdown: "???"

He cursed Major in his heart for being a nuisance, but outwardly held his head high: "Your Excellency, please rest assured, I will do my utmost!"

Major: "This plan is called the British residency rights plan."

Then he explained the plan in detail.

Its core purpose is to grant certain Hong Kong Island residents the "right of abode in the UK," allowing them and their families to obtain British citizenship and the freedom to enter and reside in the UK.

This specific resident includes:
1. 4 places are available for elites from all sectors of Hong Kong society, such as those who play important roles in business management, accounting, engineering, medicine, law and education.

2. 100 slots available for wealthy individuals who control the economic lifeline of Hong Kong Island, possess large-scale investments, and employ a large number of people.
3. Disciplined forces personnel (police, customs, fire, medical, aviation, immigration), quota 7000.

4. 1000 positions for senior and middle-level government officials involved in sensitive matters.

Ashtang felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing this.

That's incredibly insidious.

Originally, it was quite difficult for residents of Hong Kong Island to obtain British citizenship.

Ashton could immediately see through Major's objective in this move: to include a large number of government staff. This was because they were familiar with the administrative processes on Hong Kong Island and possessed a great deal of crucial information.

As long as they remain loyal to Britain, these personnel can be withdrawn at any time if the situation requires it, leaving the new Hong Kong government in a difficult predicament of being leaderless and having no one to rely on, which would seriously impact the smooth transition and subsequent development of Hong Kong.

Moreover, even if these government employees who have obtained British citizenship do not leave Hong Kong Island, their British status will pose a significant obstacle to the new government's governance.

In matters such as policy implementation and safeguarding the overall interests of Hong Kong Island, it is difficult to guarantee that they will not have a biased stance due to their British nationality, and may even secretly follow instructions from the British side to interfere with and sabotage the new government's administration.

And then there are the wealthy and powerful, needless to say.

They ran away, and they must have taken the money with them.

insidious!

It’s so insidious!
I, Ashdon, am still too kind; I don't fit in with you people at all!
Ashton quickly flattered, "Your Excellency Major, your plan not only firmly grasps the core strength of Hong Kong Island, but also preserves the influence of the British Empire at crucial moments. It is truly visionary!"

My admiration for you is as boundless as the Severn River, as unstoppable as the Thames overflowing its banks...

Major: "??"

Wow, what a novel way to flatter someone! It feels so good to be flattered like that!

Major snorted coldly: "Since you understand the key point, you should know the weight of this matter. Whether the British abode rights plan can be successfully implemented depends entirely on your operations in Hong Kong."

Ashton straightened his back and swore loudly: "Your Excellency Major, please rest assured! My loyalty to the British Empire and to you is as clear as day! I will ensure that no part of this residency program goes wrong!"

Major: "Alright, remember your words, or I'll have to change the governor of Hong Kong."

Just talking.

There's definitely no way they're going to change it.

His most important task now is the 1997 prime ministerial election. Even if Ash is found guilty of treason, he will not expose it and will instead try to cover it up.

This is the essence of political choices.

After hanging up the phone, Ashton thought for a moment, then called Feynman over and gave him some instructions.

Inform Brother Zu and state your position.

I absolutely do not intend to cause trouble. I stand with the citizens of Hong Kong Island (scratch that) Brother Zu!

……

the next day,
Saturday.

Hong Kong Island remained cloudy today, with some rain, bringing a touch of coolness to the sweltering heat.

then,

Five Star Group executives' team building activity!

This time, they changed to Plover Cove Reservoir.

It is a freshwater reservoir.

But it started out as a sea area.

Located in the northeast corner of Sha Tin District, Plover Cove is surrounded by mountains on three sides. Engineers built a 2.1-kilometer-long seawall at the gap to isolate the seawater and pump out the seawater from the reservoir to fill it with fresh water. Construction began in November 1960 and was completed and put into operation in 1968, becoming the second largest drinking water reservoir on Hong Kong Island.

Yes, the largest reservoir is the High Island Reservoir on Po Pin Chau.

Plover Cove Reservoir is not only a reservoir, but also a fantastic hiking spot and a great place for fishing.

the other side,
Hai Mimi said goodbye to her parents and left the villa early in the morning.

She comes from a wealthy family; her parents' financial status is similar to JoJo's parents.

At the entrance of the villa,

Fly was waiting there in a Mercedes.

Hai Mimi hesitated and said, "You guys are going fishing, is it appropriate for me, a woman, to go alone?"

"No, Sister-in-law Mei and the others are all here."

"what?"

“They didn’t like going there before, but they started to like it later, and I guess you’ll like it soon too.”

"Really?"

Now Hai Mimi couldn't help but start to look forward to it.

Then Fly started bragging about the 50-pound fish he caught, which he tied to the back of his car and paraded it around the New Territories.

Hai Mimi: "Huh?"

Is it really that childish? Soon...

Fly drove to Plover Cove Reservoir.

They drove to a relatively wide and flat area where many cars were already parked; Guan Zu and the others had arrived. Ahua didn't come because A'e was nine months pregnant, with her due date at the end of July, and it wasn't suitable for her to come here.

Fly drove in and got out with Hai Mimi.

"The flies are here!"

"Wow, has the fly finally found a suitable girlfriend?"

"It was Sister Mei who introduced us."

After Hai Mimi got out of the car, a group of women ran over and curiously watched.

Ruan Mei then introduced herself to everyone.

Lok Wai-ching and Hai Mimi are quite familiar with each other; they are both reporters.

Ding Hu arrived with Hu Huizhong.

After Ruan Mei finished her introduction, she and Hai Mimi excitedly ran off to go fishing.

2 minutes later,
Hai Mimi's float suddenly sank sharply!
She frantically gripped the fishing rod, and the fishing line instantly taut and made a "buzzing" sound.

"Pull it up as high as you can!" Ruan Mei shouted from the side.

Fly's eyes lit up and he quickly ran over to help. The two of them hugged each other and used all four arms to lift the fishing rod upwards, bending it into a C-shape.

The big guy in the water struggled desperately, darting left and right with the fishing line, splashing water everywhere.

Guan Zu: "Damn it!"

Chen Yongren: "Damn it~~~"

Su Jianqiu: "It's a big fish!"

One by one, the fishermen exclaimed in disbelief.

I'm so envious I can't breathe!
After half a minute of struggling, a large, silvery grass carp was finally pulled out of the water and was thrashing about on the shore. It weighed a full 20 kilograms.

"Ah ...

Hai Mimi was both surprised and delighted, grabbing the fishing rod and laughing so hard she was practically flying.

The fly, hands on its hips, laughed smugly, "No wonder she's my girlfriend... Your fishing skills are terrible! Hahahaha~~~~"

Everyone: "…………"

I really want to punch him, what should I do?
Ah Ren: "Heh, just a newbie protection period..."

Gao Qiu: "Yeah, what's so great about it..."

They scoffed dismissively, but secretly felt a pang of jealousy.

at this time,

Big Head drove over.

"Hey~~~ The single dog is here." Guan Zu shouted.

Big Head: "…………"

I really want to drive away from this awful place.

Xu Zhengyang, who was fishing nearby, also felt hurt.

Big Head still came over: "Brother Zu, I have something to report!"

Guan Zu: "What is it?"

Big Head: "I received news from over there yesterday that the British are planning something..."

Then he told Guan Zu about the "Right to Reside in Britain" plan.

"The British residency rights plan?"

Guan Zu sat on the rock, his brows furrowed, deep in thought.

I did it in my previous life, I think it was in 91 or 92. I guess it's because of myself that it happened so late this time.

This thing looks a lot like the "whitelist program," but it's actually different.

The whitelist program is clandestine and not publicly disclosed. On the surface, these individuals retain their University of Tokyo citizenship, but in reality, they are treated as potential "intelligence agents." Once they have completed their mission, these individuals can go to the British consulate at any time, quickly obtain British passports through a specific "reporting code" process, and flee Hong Kong Island.

It is more secretive, like a time bomb buried in the dark, relying on secret selection and special arrangements, hoping to play a destructive role at some point in the future.

The "Right to Residency" scheme is public, has a wider reach, induces the outflow of talent and wealth, and creates instability.

"okay, I get it."

……

In the afternoon, Guan Zu went to Huaxin News Agency and told the director about the matter.

The president took it very seriously and reported it promptly.

……

The next morning,
The lawn at Government House was packed with reporters.

Ashton stood behind the podium, dressed in a sharp suit:

"Today, I want to announce an important plan to everyone – the 'Right of Residence in the UK Plan'."

"The UK will offer residency rights to 5 Hong Kong Island families, including social elites, business leaders, disciplined services personnel, and mid-to-senior level government officials..."

"This is the British Empire's care for the residents of Hong Kong Island..."

"The people of Hong Kong Island will have more choices and protections..."

A barrage of boasting.

Upright and dignified.

The reporters present were in an uproar.

I was utterly shocked.

This plan is clearly a conspiracy!
Britain is definitely up to something!

And they're even stirring things up right now, with '97 just around the corner!

"Your Excellency the Governor!"

An ATV reporter immediately raised his hand and asked loudly, "Is this plan aimed at retaining talent after 97? Will it affect government operations? Is this a conspiracy by the British?"

Ashton, with an official smile on his face, responded calmly: "How could this be a conspiracy? This plan is purely to provide better development opportunities for the residents of Hong Kong Island, giving them more space in the era of globalization. Britain respects the future of Hong Kong Island and believes that the new government can perform its duties smoothly; there is no conflict between the two."

An Oriental Daily reporter pressed further: "Why are disciplined forces and high-ranking government officials prioritized? Does this involve sensitive information security?"

Ashton immediately retorted: "These groups have contributed greatly to the development of Hong Kong Island and deserve more protection. The so-called sensitive information security is pure nonsense. The UK has always attached great importance to information protection and will never affect the stability of Hong Kong Island because of this."

A TVB reporter stood up and pressed further: "Your Excellency, how are the 5 family places selected? Why don't ordinary citizens have a chance to participate? Does this mean that Britain only values ​​those high-value groups?"

Ashton, with an upright demeanor, smiled and said, "The plan targets groups that have made outstanding contributions to the development of Hong Kong Island. Their professional skills and experience are crucial to the future of Hong Kong Island. It is not about ignoring ordinary citizens, but rather that resources need to be prioritized for key areas."

Ming Pao reporter: "Your Excellency, Governor, may I ask..."

Reporters at the scene kept asking questions, using strong language.

……

noon,

ATV and TVB's midday news programs both focused on the morning press conference at Government House.

This directly caused a huge uproar in Hong Kong.

Today's Hong Kong Island residents are different from those of the past; they still have a very strong sense of identity with the mainland.

They could tell at a glance that there was something wrong with the plan.

In Chan Kee Tea Restaurant, an old man slammed his fist on the table and shouted: "It's obviously a conspiracy. When these government and police elites get British residency, their minds will be unsettled, or they might directly cause trouble. Wouldn't that throw Hong Kong into chaos?"

Other diners and locals chimed in.

"That's right, it's a conspiracy!"

Some kneeling citizens who yearn for Britain are very unhappy: "Only elites can get this right of abode in Britain? Are you looking down on me!"

"I want to immigrate to the UK too, why can't I go!"

"Am I not a human being?"

"I want that qualification too!"

……

With the announcement of this 'right of abode in the UK', Hong Kong Island, which had been quiet for a long time, became lively again, with foul language being spoken everywhere.

(End of this chapter)