章節 548: Chapter 548: One Million Pounds
"Mr. Xia, your business is so grand that it seems I have been ignorant for not realizing there is such a prominent figure like you in London," Gerard Pat said sincerely, with a touch of flattery that seemed quite natural.
Thick skin is a basic skill for politicians, and as one of the rising stars in the Conservative Party, Gerard Pat was certainly skilled in this regard. Upon learning about Xia Yu's background, his attitude became very warm, though it didn't seem abrupt.
Xia Yu smiled faintly, finding the reaction quite normal. Gerard Pat's attitude was just what he needed.
"Mr. Gerard, I've only recently come to London and usually engage with Huashang Bank. Today is only my second large-scale social event. The first was not long ago, at the annual dinner of the British Huashang Association, so it's understandable you didn't know me."
Gerard Pat's interest was piqued. He inquired nonchalantly, "Mr. Xia, I didn't expect you to be a member of the Huashang Association. I recall the chairman is Mr. Wu Chengde, right?"
"Yes, I'm friends with his grandson. He introduced me to the Huashang Association recently, and I was honored to be appointed as an honorary director."
Xia Yu's explanation was friendly and inadvertently highlighted another aspect of his influence.
Hearing this, Gerard Pat began to regard Xia Yu with even greater importance. His attitude became even warmer without him realizing it.
Both Xia Yu and Gerard Pat had their own thoughts and could sense what the other was thinking. As both were adept at pretense, they engaged in pleasant conversation, unaware that Duke Carter Howard, Elena, and Duke Cavendish had already left for other places.
"Mr. Gerard, having just arrived in the UK, I have a feeling that Chinese people seem to live more independently and have lower political participation. The UK government doesn't seem to have specific policies for minority groups. Is that the case?"
Xia Yu brought up a new topic.
When it came to minorities and politics, Gerard Pat had to answer seriously. After all, he was a politician, and if he were to become the Mayor of London, this would be an issue he would have to face.
Moreover, knowing Xia Yu's background, Gerard Pat saw this question as an opportunity to present his views to gain Xia Yu's approval.
"Mr. Xia, that's indeed the case. Government policies aim to improve people's lives, develop the economy, and alleviate social conflicts. However, due to issues like funding and personnel, it's impossible to cover all aspects. We rely on representatives from various constituencies to identify local problems and bring them up in Parliament. After discussion and approval, these issues are submitted to the government for policy formulation."
"As for minority groups, whether they are Asian or African, we outsiders have limited understanding of their needs. The political participation of Asians, especially Chinese, is low. Although we have made efforts, it's regrettable that we haven't succeeded. I apologize that the UK government has disappointed you."
Gerard Pat shrugged helplessly, his face showing an apologetic expression.
In reality, both the Conservative Party, the Labour Party, and the Liberal Democrats had all tried to win over Chinese support and votes. Unfortunately, Chinese people were often xenophobic, and after several attempts, the parties found it difficult to gain their support. Eventually, they abandoned the effort and treated these voters as if they didn't exist, starting from the same starting line.
Of course, if the Chinese community were willing to change, all three parties would actively try to win them over.
Xia Yu smiled and shook his head. "Mr. Gerard, you needn't apologize. It's indeed more of an internal issue on our part. Perhaps it's a cultural issue; Chinese people generally have low political participation."
"However, I believe that since we live in the UK, we should adapt to the local environment. Political participation and rights are the entitlement of every citizen. If we don't speak up ourselves, we can't blame others if we're not doing well."
"I think the Chinese community should make changes and is capable of doing so."
Xia Yu looked at Gerard Pat with a smile.
Gerard Pat's eyes lit up, and his excitement grew.
Xia Yu was no ordinary Chinese person; he was among the most influential in the Chinese community. With his connections to the Wu family, if he were willing to use his influence to rally Chinese support for Gerard Pat's mayoral campaign and the Conservative Party, it could significantly widen the gap with Nick Keason!
This was a tremendous opportunity!
Gerard Pat beamed and said, "Mr. Xia, I very much agree with your views. If you need anything from me, please don't hesitate to ask."
Xia Yu smiled and nodded. "Mr. Gerard, then I'll be straightforward. I'm very fond of the Conservative Party's policies, but there are still many aspects I don't understand. If there's an opportunity, I'd like to seek your advice."
Gerard Pat recognized the deeper meaning in Xia Yu's words. He felt a surge of excitement, realizing that Xia Yu was extending an olive branch. If he could satisfy Xia Yu, he would gain his and the Chinese community's support. How could he not be excited?
"Mr. Xia, are you available tomorrow? I have bluefin tuna being delivered to my home tomorrow, and my wife is quite skilled at preparing delicious dishes."
Gerard Pat sought a reason to invite him, looking forward to Xia Yu's response.
Xia Yu, also a skilled actor, showed a look of pleasant surprise. "Really? I'm quite fond of bluefin tuna. I'll accept your invitation."
"It would be my honor!"
"Shall I come pick you up tomorrow afternoon?"
Gerard Pat quickly asked.
"That would be very kind of you. Tomorrow, I'll be at Huashang Bank in the City of London."
"Alright, I'll definitely come!"
Xia Yu smiled and said a few more words to Gerard Pat before leaving it at that.
Seeing the donation table less crowded, Xia Yu turned to Gerard Pat. "Mr. Gerard, I'll go make a contribution to the Conservative Party now."
"Thank you, please take your time!" Gerard Pat bowed slightly in gratitude. Even though Xia Yu's donation might not directly benefit him, it would help the Conservative Party, which was still beneficial to him.
Xia Yu didn't leave immediately. Instead, he took out a blank Huashang Bank check from his inner pocket and began writing.
Without hesitation, Xia Yu wrote the number "1" followed by six zeros and signed his name.
Gerard Pat watched in astonishment as Xia Yu casually wrote out a check for one million pounds. His regard for Xia Yu soared to new heights.
A donation of one million pounds was the largest contribution at this event, and Xia Yu could afford it with such ease.
Seeing this, Gerard Pat gained a clearer understanding of Xia Yu's financial power. This was not just a golden opportunity but a colossal one!
If this one million pounds were to support him—or even just five hundred thousand pounds—he could organize numerous large-scale political events. Combined with media promotion, he could easily widen the gap between himself and Nick Keason.
Gerard Pat's reaction was not lost on Xia Yu, but he pretended not to notice. He smiled and nodded before heading to the donation table.
One million pounds? How much is that?
For a potential massive benefit, this donation was not excessive. Without such a donation, how could Xia Yu keep Gerard Pat in check? How could he attract Margaret Thatcher's attention?
If he could fully secure Margaret Thatcher's support, not just one million pounds but even one hundred million pounds would be within reach if she was willing to accept it!
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票