Bab 555: Chapter 555: Conversation and Attitude
Guided by the staff, Xia Yu turned left and right and arrived at a room where he found Mr. Mian, who appeared a bit weary, alone in the room.
Seeing Xia Yu, Mr. Mian displayed a friendly smile and stood up to walk over. Xia Yu quickly advanced and said, "Mr. Mian, sorry to keep you waiting!"
Mr. Mian shook hands with Xia Yu and spoke in Mandarin with a strong local accent, giving Xia Yu a refreshing feeling, "Waiting for a prodigious talent like you, no matter how long it takes, I'm happy to do so!"
Hearing such praise from Mr. Mian, Xia Yu felt flattered and quickly replied, "I'm honored by your kind words, Mr. Mian. I don't deserve this!"
Mr. Mian laughed heartily and said, "Ah, to achieve such great success at a young age while remaining humble, Xia, your future is limitless!"
"Please, have a seat!"
"After you, Mr. Mian!"
Mr. Mian and Xia Yu took their seats, and the staff who had guided Xia Yu in poured tea for them and then quietly stood behind Mr. Mian, observing Xia Yu with a neutral expression.
"Xia, although this is our first meeting, I've heard about your achievements many times before. Seeing is believing; if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed that the 'Stock God of Hong Kong' who has greatly uplifted the spirits of our people would be so young. It's a rare sight for me!"
Mr. Mian looked at Xia Yu with a smile and a satisfied glint in his eyes.
Mr. Mian had been paying attention to influential figures from Hong Kong, and Xia Yu was a key figure among them.
Though Xia Yu was young and had risen quickly, his influence was on par with other top figures from Hong Kong. Given Xia Yu's age, legendary achievements, and stance, Mr. Mian was even more attentive to him. He had even arranged for detailed information about Xia Yu to be gathered, making Xia Yu a notable figure in Mr. Mian's eyes.
This interest was quite understandable.
Firstly, the most crucial aspect was Xia Yu's stance. Whether it was from the news from the Chinese Embassy in the UK or the Hong Kong Xinhua News Agency, or Xia Yu's various performances, it was clear that Xia Yu had a pro-mainland stance.
In the past twenty years, Hong Kong media often smeared the mainland, driven by British manipulation.
Although there were media outlets in Hong Kong that spoke out for the mainland, their power was insufficient.
However, since Xia Yu's rise, the mainland's image in Hong Kong had greatly improved, as Xia Yu's media never defamed the mainland and maintained a fair stance, significantly aiding the mainland.
With Mr. Mian's wisdom, it was clear that Xia Yu's fairness was, in fact, favoring the mainland, although others couldn't provide evidence to refute it.
For a media tycoon with such a large influence to actively support the mainland, Mr. Mian naturally had a favorable impression of Xia Yu.
Furthermore, Xia Yu's identity was special, referring to his background.
Compared to Hong Kong tycoons like Bao Yugang and Li Jiacheng who rose after moving from the mainland, Xia Yu was a local Hong Kong tycoon. His connection to the mainland was from generations ago.
Xia Yu had never been to the mainland and didn't know it well, but his proactive approach to build relations with the mainland was commendable, showcasing his true nature.
Xia Yu could be seen as an idol of the young generation in Hong Kong. If more local Hong Kong people were like Xia Yu, with their hearts in the right place, there would be no fear of failing to achieve great things.
To Mr. Mian, Xia Yu, though young, had matched or even surpassed most of Hong Kong's top tycoons within just over a year of rising. With time, Xia Yu was certain to far surpass them, becoming a symbol and guide for Hong Kong.
Moreover, according to intelligence, Xia Yu was shrewd and adept in various aspects, much like a crafty fox. As long as he grew smoothly, his future influence would extend far beyond Hong Kong, and as long as Xia Yu's heart leaned toward the mainland, the more he grew, the more he could help the mainland.
Such a rare talent, who proactively aligned with the mainland, was a great fortune for the country. How could Mr. Mian not be pleased and take it seriously?
"Xia, I noticed you didn't speak during tonight's discussion. Now that we're speaking privately, feel free to express yourself openly."
Mr. Mian said kindly. The discussion session tonight had given Xia Yu special attention, but Mr. Mian was surprised that Xia Yu didn't ask a single question all night. Thus, he had specifically asked Xia Yu to stay behind, to get to know him and understand his true thoughts.
Xia Yu smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Mian, it's not that I have nothing to say, but I genuinely don't have any questions. I simply have confidence in your generation and in our country."
"I've read the 'Letter to Compatriots' issued in January. Over the past decades, the mainland has always valued credibility, delivering on its promises. The letter has made everything very clear, so what is there to worry about?"
"Some people might worry due to media influence or their own guilt, but their impact on Hong Kong is limited. If they leave, it will create more opportunities for others."
Mr. Mian showed a pleased smile and said, "If everyone could be as reasonable as you, it would be great."
"Xia, you were born in Hong Kong and have been to the UK. What is your view on the British government's attitude toward Hong Kong?"
After his moment of happiness, Mr. Mian suddenly looked at Xia Yu with intense eyes and asked.
Though there had been numerous analyses on Britain's attitude, Mr. Mian wanted to hear a more objective opinion from Xia Yu. It might not be adopted, but it could serve as a reference.
Xia Yu adopted a serious tone and, after a long pause, said, "Mr. Mian, let me share my humble opinion. Please forgive me if my view is not adequate."
"It's no problem. Just speak freely."
"In my view, Britain's attitude towards Hong Kong is somewhat ambivalent. Over the years, Britain has lost many of its overseas colonies, and Hong Kong is not particularly important to them."
"Look at Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Singapore, and others, one after another gained independence, shedding the colonial cloak of Britain."
"Even real colonies, Britain has allowed to become independent; how much less important is a limited-term leased Hong Kong?"
"However, the British are unwilling to admit their decline and are eager to restore their former glory, so they certainly don't want to return Hong Kong to the mainland."
"But the mainland is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and is one of the few great powers with self-defense capabilities. With its impressive achievements, having defeated Western powers, Britain absolutely dares not confront the mainland, as it would be a certain defeat."
"However, I can say with certainty that in this British election, the Conservative Party's Margaret Thatcher will take office. Though she is a woman, she is a typical hawk, so negotiations between Britain and the mainland will definitely encounter difficulties."
"But the return of Hong Kong to the motherland is an indispensable part of national rejuvenation. Britain is at most a paper tiger. As long as Britain realizes the mainland's determination, even if Britain makes a fuss, it will only be for appearances. In the end, they will certainly yield."
"As the mainland's influence in the world grows and it becomes more important globally, Britain will dare not make trouble. The return of Hong Kong is inevitable; the key is to deter Britain and secure a complete and orderly Hong Kong."
Mr. Mian listened quietly and fell into thought. He recalled the information about Xia Yu's support for the Conservative Party relayed by Qian Wenchao at the Chinese Embassy in the UK. This corroborated Xia Yu's prediction that the Conservative Party would come to power.
Of course, Mr. Mian understood that Xia Yu had communicated his support for the Conservative Party through Qian Wenchao at the embassy, and he was pleased to see Xia Yu integrated into the process. Only in this way could Xia Yu grow more smoothly.
Xia Yu could have chosen not to reveal his opinion, but he did so to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings in the future. This was part of his strategic planning for the coming decades.
"You are right; imperialists are paper tigers. We have the confidence and necessity to be firm, to break their illusions, and to reclaim a complete Hong Kong."
Mr. Mian said with a mild smile. Although his tone was very calm, it carried the majestic aura of a leader who had weathered many storms.
Only those who had walked through the turbulent times could speak with such understated authority.
"Thank you for your valuable opinion!"
Mr. Mian expressed his sincere gratitude.
"No need, it's what I should do."
Xia Yu quickly waved his hand.
"By the way, Xia, you also visited Shekou yesterday. Do you have any intentions? The mainland's foundation is weak, and we hope you can generously contribute."
"I do have some ideas. The mainland has significant advantages in production costs. I plan to invest in a toy manufacturing plant in Shekou and open a five-star hotel. If conditions permit, I also plan to build a film and television base in Shenzhen."
"These are my current decisions. If there are other investment projects,
I am open to them as long as they are suitable, such as road infrastructure, real estate development, port construction, etc. These are all projects that align with my enterprises."
Hearing Xia Yu's plans, Mr. Mian was very pleased and replied, "The mainland welcomes your investment. I have noted your opinions, and we will prepare a list for you to choose from based on your suggestions and the actual situation."
"Great, I'll look forward to hearing from you!"
Xia Yu said with a smile, not expecting an immediate response from Mr. Mian, as his requests were somewhat high.
For projects like port construction and operation, it was already clear that the China Merchants Group was handling it. Even in later years, there was only one private port, indicating the difficulty involved.
Of course, if it were open, Xia Yu would definitely be eager to enter, as it was a guaranteed profit business, far better than keeping money in the bank and with a significant impact.
"By the way, Mr. Mian, I have a matter that I'm unsure whether to mention."
"Please, go ahead!"
Xia Yu thought for a moment and said, "My situation is somewhat special. Often, I need to be cautious to avoid retaliation from the British. For investments, there are some that I will let my enterprises handle, but for others, I need to keep them under wraps. I cannot yet withstand the pressure from the British government."
Xia Yu said this, looking calmly at Mr. Mian.
His meaning was clear: he was willing to invest but didn't want to be too prominent, which might be seen as betting on both sides. However, Xia Yu's openness at this moment made him appear forthright.
Mr. Mian looked at Xia Yu and nodded with a smile, "Of course, no problem. We won't let you face difficulties for helping the mainland."
With Mr. Mian's assurance, Xia Yu was immediately relieved.
Afterward, Xia Yu chatted with Mr. Mian for a while longer. Seeing Mr. Mian's evident fatigue and realizing there was no more important business, he then asked to take his leave.
Watching Xia Yu's departing figure, Mr. Mian displayed a contented smile.
Status Power Mingguan
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Power 
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