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

Chapter 826 "825" May Offensive! Elevator Installation Plan for Old Buildings! Kwan Cho: Hong Kong's Prosperity Should Not Leave the Elderly Behind

5 month.

The weather on Hong Kong Island is getting hotter.

Starting in May, ATV News began reporting on the lack of elevators in old buildings on Hong Kong Island and the difficulty for the elderly to climb stairs.

first day:
"Recently, our reporters conducted in-depth interviews, focusing on the plight of old buildings on Hong Kong Island, where the elderly struggle to climb stairs due to the lack of elevators..."

“In front of an old building built in the 1960s in North Point, the reporter met 82-year-old Grandma Li. Grandma Li lives on the 7th floor, and going up and down the stairs every day has become her biggest headache.”

Switching to the old lady's interview response: "I have arthritis in my legs..."

"It is understood that there are many similar old buildings on Hong Kong Island, and the lack of elevators seriously affects the travel and quality of life of elderly residents. As the population ages, this problem urgently needs to be solved."

the next day:
Today, ATV News received a heartbreaking report. In a nine-story old building in Shau Kei Wan, a 78-year-old man suffered a sudden heart attack while climbing the stairs, delaying rescue efforts and ultimately resulting in his death at the hospital despite resuscitation efforts…

"This incident serves as a stark reminder that the government and society should pay more attention to the issue of elevators in high-rise buildings to ensure the safety and convenience of the elderly."

Day 3:
"ATV News will continue to follow this story..."

"Some experts believe that elevators could be installed in older buildings if necessary..."

During the interview, Mr. Zhang, who lives on the first floor, expressed his opposition, while Granny Wang, who lives on the sixth floor, eagerly hoped that an elevator could be installed: "I have to go to the market to buy groceries every day, and it's really too much for me to carry all that stuff up the stairs..."

Day 4:
"ATV News reporters interviewed the Housing Department..."

A spokesperson for the Housing Department stated that relevant policies are currently under study...

With each passing day of reporting
The public in Hong Kong has successfully focused their attention on the installation of elevators in old buildings.

Many families with elderly members and no elevators are starting to pay attention to this issue.

"The TV report was very good; climbing up old buildings without elevators is really difficult!"

"Installing elevators is a great thing, and I support it."

"I disagree. I live on the first floor, and installing an elevator will affect the lighting..."

"You're not worried about affecting the lighting, you're worried about affecting the price of first-floor apartments..."

"If an elevator is installed upstairs, the property value might rise, but the property value downstairs will probably fall."

"Is it free to install an elevator? It would be great if the government could contribute some money."

The whole of Hong Kong, from the streets and alleys to every household, is talking about this.

Families with elderly members tend to prefer installing elevators.

The residents on the first floor were the most opposed.

……

Day ...

Day 6…

Day 7…

There is growing discussion throughout Hong Kong.

At this moment, some despicable man surnamed He is organizing a march, shouting about wanting democracy and freedom. Originally, Ni Ming was organizing this, but he was thwarted by Guan Zu's mud cart Iaijutsu, so it was He's turn to do it.

Then, when interviewed by a reporter, he was asked: "Mr. He, regarding the installation of an elevator, the first floor opposes it, while the other floors support it. Which side do you think should be supported?"

The man surnamed He quickly shook his head: "I haven't been paying attention to the news lately, I don't know the inside story, and I won't comment."

He dared not speak up. After all, he was organizing a march to build momentum, and it was difficult to gather enough people. What if he offended someone and lost supporters?
The eighth day,
Amidst the uproar in Hong Kong, Five Star Group, together with the Financial Secretary, the Department of Justice, the Housing Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, and other departments, held a press conference.

At 9 a.m., the Central Plaza conference hall was packed.

It was originally scheduled to be held at the convention center, but the convention center has been closed off and is currently being prepared for the return of the venue.

On stage,

Kwan Cho, dressed in a dark suit, sat on the stage alongside representatives from the Financial Secretary, the Department of Justice, the Housing Department, the Social Welfare Department, and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.

The backdrop behind them prominently reads "Hong Kong Island Old Building Elevator Installation Project - Making Every Step Warm".

Dozens of media outlets focused their cameras on the stage.

"Fellow journalists, fellow citizens..."

Guan Zu's voice resonated throughout the venue through the microphone.
"Over the past few days, ATV's reports have brought a stark reality to Hong Kong: in our bustling city, too many elderly people are facing a tremendous predicament..."

"After detailed data collection... a multi-departmental coordination meeting..."

"We have joined forces to officially launch the 'Old Building Elevator Installation Support Program'..."

"For eligible old buildings, the government and Five Star Group will cover 80% of the installation costs, and the owners only need to pay 20%..."

then……

Each department announced its respective area of ​​responsibility.

40 minutes later,
Then came the interview segment.

Ming Pao reporter: "I would like to ask, if the first-floor owner disagrees, will the process be forced?"

The Housing Department official shook his head: "No, we encourage homeowners to seek mutually acceptable solutions through negotiation and mediation, such as providing reasonable financial compensation to first-floor owners or optimizing elevator design to reduce their impact. This is to promote project progress rather than forcing it on..."

Oriental Daily reporter: "I would like to ask, which department first proposed this project?"

The Housing Department official smiled and flattered Kwan Cho: "This point was raised by Mr. Kwan."

Sing Tao Daily reporter: "Mr. Kwan, what made you decide to push this forward?"

Guan Zu: "The incident started last month when I went to the market to buy groceries... and then I heard an old lady say that she had difficulty walking and had to carry a lot of groceries up to the 7th floor every day. Although the property management company occasionally helped her carry the groceries upstairs, it was clear that she was not someone who liked to trouble others. So I saw her struggling to carry the groceries upstairs... At that moment, I suddenly had an idea to install elevators in those old buildings."

Guan Zu didn't use official jargon; his emotions were genuine.

“My wife’s grandmother is over 80 years old and lives on the second floor… I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for her to climb the stairs to the 7th floor every day.”

"Therefore, I think this plan to install elevators in old buildings is very important and very necessary."

"Hong Kong Island is a city full of humanistic care, a happy city."

"Hong Kong's prosperity should not leave the elderly behind!"

As soon as this word comes out,
The entire audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Many reporters exclaimed: "No wonder he's Mr. Guan!"

A reporter asked: "Mr. Guan, you just said that Five Star Group will bear 60% of the funding for the entire project. Won't that mean Five Star Group will have to spend hundreds of millions or even billions of yuan?"

Guan Zu smiled and said, "There are many ways to make money, but the sense of accomplishment that allows the elderly to no longer suffer from climbing stairs is priceless."

Splash splash~~~~~
The audience erupted in applause once again.

……

noon,

ATV and TVB provided detailed coverage of the press conference.

A certain restaurant.

At this moment, Roger (Andy Lau) was drinking with the director and screenwriter, discussing the filming plan.

At that moment, the television on the wall was broadcasting a press conference.

The three of them looked over instinctively.
"This is great!"

"With an elevator, it's easier for the elderly to go upstairs."

Roger was watching TV when Kwan Cho said he saw "an old lady who said she had difficulty walking and had to carry a lot of vegetables up to the 7th floor every day." Roger didn't react in any special way and didn't know that Kwan Cho was talking about his family's old maid, Sister Peach.

He was used to Sister Tao's care, but he was also used to never caring about Sister Tao's situation.

After eating for an hour, he put on his backpack and went home.

Take the stairs.
We made our way back to the 7th floor.

Knock on the door.

"Sister Tao~~~Sister Tao~~~"

He kept knocking on the door, but this time, Sister Tao did not come to greet him as usual.

Roger, who had forgotten his keys, knocked on the door for a long time without getting a response, and sensed something was wrong.

They immediately called Wuxing Property Management Company, who quickly arrived with hydraulic shears, forcibly broke down the iron gate, and rushed inside.

Tao Jie was lying on the ground, unconscious.

Roger and the staff of Five Star Property rushed Tao Jie, who had fainted, to the hospital. Fortunately, she was taken there in time and was not in any danger.

She had a stroke.

It was because of his advanced age that he suffered a cerebral thrombosis.

Over the next few days, the television continuously broadcast updates on the elevator installation plan's progress...

At Roger's house, everything went wrong because of Sister Peach's absence. He tried to do housework himself, but the pampered young master didn't even know how to mop the floor. He wanted to do laundry but didn't know how to use the washing machine, so he had to bite the bullet and study the instruction manual.

Only then did he realize how kind Sister Tao had been to him.

I also realized that I really didn't care about Sister Tao at all.

Then it dawned on me that I had bumped into Mr. Guan on the stairs that day, and I remembered what Mr. Guan had said: "An old lady said that she had difficulty walking and had to carry a lot of vegetables up to the 7th floor every day." He was probably talking about Sister Tao.

*Smack!*
Roger slapped himself hard across the face.

I'm not even human!

Sister Tao has taken care of me since I was a child, but I haven't given her any care at all.

Filled with immense guilt, he rushed to the hospital.

Older people are most afraid of causing trouble for others, so Sister Tao offered to move to a nursing home.

Hearing this, Roger felt even more guilty, feeling very sorry for Sister Peach.

……

……

at this time,

On the other side, 50 dragon boat teams from the mainland also arrived at Hong Kong Island one after another.

"This is Hong Kong Island?"

"It truly lives up to its reputation as an international metropolis."

"Buy a few newspapers to read the news from Hong Kong Island..."

"Young Master Lin and two beauties are eagerly putting on an act in the park... Hiss, is this something an honest kid like me should be watching?"

"Five Star Group, in conjunction with multiple departments, is promoting an elevator renovation plan for old buildings? Five Star Group? Is this the Five Star Group that was featured on CCTV?"

"Wait a minute??? You can contact Five-Star Property Management if there's a problem? Shouldn't you contact the police?"

A riot of colors dazzles the eye...

After arriving on Hong Kong Island, what these dragon boat teams saw and heard was truly eye-opening.

I stayed for a week, and aside from training at Shing Mun Ho in Sha Tin District, I spent the rest of the time sightseeing around Hong Kong Island.

The lesson I learned was:
First: There are so many interesting things happening in Hong Kong.

Second: Five Star Group has penetrated every aspect of Hong Kong Island; it's a behemoth!
Third: I met Guan Zu in Sha Tin District. He was so handsome, as dazzling as the sun!
Fourth: A monument has actually been erected for Guan Zu in Sha Tin District.

……

……

Central Plaza.

Top floor, Guan Zu's office.

Guan Zu sat at his desk, the aroma of hot tea rising gently from the teacup in front of him.

system hint:

"You spearheaded the 'elevator installation project,' which will benefit a large number of elderly people in the future..."

"You will receive the following rewards: +1% approval rating, cashback on spending, 'Talent Development Card', etc..."

"An employee of the Eight Star Charity Property Company (Lee Kun-hee) accomplished a good deed... Gwangju approval rating (28%)..."

"An employee of Eight Star Charity Property Management Company (Xu Daozhe) has done a good deed..."

"An employee of Happiness Charity Property Management Company (Donald) has done a good deed..."

"An employee of the Umbrella Corporation (Jiang Tianyang) has done a good deed..."

Tuk-tuk-tuk...

Just then, Fang Zhanbo knocked on the door and came in.

“Brother Zu…”

"The latest information from Thailand..."

Guan Zu was greatly encouraged.

Just a week earlier, Soros and other international speculative investors launched a second attack on the Thai baht.

First, the Thai baht was sold off in batches in the foreign exchange market, causing the baht to fall by as much as 4.5% against the US dollar in a single day.

The Bank of Thailand, in conjunction with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, intervened in the market using US$120 billion of its foreign exchange reserves, temporarily pulling the exchange rate back to 28.20 baht.

At the same time, Soros Fund sold off blue-chip stocks in Thai banking and real estate sectors, triggering a chain reaction. The Thai SET index fell 18% cumulatively in May, with financial stocks generally experiencing single-day declines exceeding 7%. Market liquidity dried up, retail investors fled en masse, and some brokerages were forced to suspend trading due to client margin calls.

In addition, international capital has fled Thailand through offshore markets, with the amount of capital flight exceeding US$50 billion.

Thai companies are forced to sell local currency assets to repay dollar-denominated debts, further exacerbating devaluation pressures.

In response, the Bank of Thailand raised its benchmark interest rate from 10.5% to 12.5% ​​in an attempt to curb speculation, but the high interest rates caused corporate financing costs to soar, plunging the real estate and manufacturing sectors into crisis.

The Thai government continues to seek assistance from the IMF (International Monetary Fund), but the austerity conditions imposed by the IMF have sparked domestic protests…

Thailand's financial system is experiencing severe turmoil...

Then it spread to neighboring countries.

The Philippine peso was under tremendous pressure in May, with its exchange rate against the US dollar continuing to decline, depreciating by a cumulative 8%.

The stock market was not spared either, with major stock indices plummeting and market capitalization evaporating by 15% within a month. The share prices of many companies were halved, retail investors fled, and foreign funds fled.

The Malaysian ringgit experienced sharp fluctuations against the US dollar in mid-May, depreciating by nearly 10% at one point. The stock market also crashed, with stock indices plummeting by 20%, and the financial and real estate sectors being the hardest hit.

The Singapore dollar remained relatively strong, depreciating slightly by 3% against the US dollar in May, while the stock market index fell by a cumulative 12% in May.

Some export-dependent companies have had their profit margins squeezed significantly due to the depreciation of the Singapore dollar, forcing them to cut production capacity and lay off employees to save themselves.

The South Korean won began showing signs of instability in May, falling by 5%, while the KOSPI stock index also fell by 10%, with the stock prices of many large conglomerates plummeting... The stock prices of these large conglomerates, which suffered a devastating drop in January due to the strike of 3 million workers, are still reeling, and now they're falling again... However, Guan Zu has already begun preparing to reap the rewards...

The Japanese yen depreciated by 4% in May, and the Nikkei 225 index fell by 8% in May...

On the other hand, in Hong Kong Island, although prices have fallen slightly, they remain relatively stable.

The financial crisis... has already begun!
In June, international speculative capital, including Soros, will launch a third attack on Thailand, which will mark the official collapse of the Asian financial system.

(End of this chapter)