stonecrandall Chapter 320 Settling in Hong Kong
Chapter 320 Settling in Hong Kong
That night, Lin San knocked lightly on the door and entered the study. He bowed to Lin Yan, who was reviewing documents, and reported, "Young Master, the last batch of people and goods have safely left port, and Singapore has confirmed receipt. Do you have any other arrangements?"
Lin Yan put down the file in his hand, nodded in satisfaction, and then took out a piece of paper with an English address and information written on it from the drawer and handed it to Lin San.
"Lin San, you handled this matter beautifully. Now, we need to move on to something even more important." He tapped the slip of paper with his fingertip. "This is the personal information and contact address of our person in charge in Australia, James Cook."
Lin San accepted it with both hands, his expression focused.
Lin Yan continued to deploy:
"You hand it over to our most capable and tactful subordinate whom we've prepared to infiltrate. I've already spoken with James and have him prepare several of the world's most advanced 50- to 100-ton oxygen top-blown converters in Australia."
He explained in detail the key aspects of its operation:
"Have your men use the pretext of 'assisting the country in introducing advanced industrial equipment' to try and contact high-level officials. Remember, don't beat around the bush, directly contact Uncle Zhou. With this merit of 'introducing internationally advanced technology' as a pledge of loyalty, plus this generous gift, Uncle Zhou will naturally know how to arrange things for him and pave the way for him."
Lin Yan particularly emphasized the importance of rhythm control:
"Tell him to be patient and not to try to get rich overnight. Start with a 50-ton steel furnace as a breakthrough to establish a foothold. After a year or two, once your position is stable, then gradually move on to larger projects with a capacity of 100 tons. Only by taking it slow and steady can you build a lasting foundation."
Finally, he revealed the far-reaching scheme behind the entire plan:
"When the time is right, I will make James 'force' to agree to 'reluctantly' sell the complete set of oxygen top-blown converter technology data to the country. This huge credit will naturally be attributed to our own man. At the same time, the purchase of the rolling mill can be handled in the same way. In this way, we can use Uncle Zhou's connection to send two people into key positions in one go, in a reasonable and legitimate manner."
Lin San understood immediately and carefully put the note away: "Understood, young master. I will select the most suitable candidate and personally explain the proper procedures and pace."
"Go ahead. This matter isn't urgent, but it must be handled carefully and with a long-term perspective." Lin Yan waved his hand, his eyes gleaming with strategic brilliance.
Lin Yan pondered for a moment, then tapped his fingers lightly twice on the table. Dan Lao's figure appeared from the void, still wearing that green robe.
"Elder Dan," Lin Yan looked up at the old man, "there's something I need to trouble you with—to stay in China for a few more years."
"Please speak, young master." Old Master Dan bowed slightly.
"Uncle Zhou's health needs your personal attention," Lin Yan said calmly, yet with an undeniable weight. "He must live until after the reform and opening up. Only then can my initial investment in the country be successfully realized; this is the foundation of our strategy."
He paused, then, seeing that Elder Dan's expression remained unchanged, added, "Of course, it won't delay your tribulation. I will have people from the Nascent Soul group assist you to ensure everything goes smoothly."
Old Master Dan stroked his long beard, a knowing glint in his eyes: "Young Master, rest assured, I understand. The master's health is of paramount importance; I will regularly provide him with treatment to ensure his well-being."
"Also, there are some things that are inconvenient to say over the phone. If Uncle Zhou has anything to convey, please make an appointment under the pretext of going to the doctor."
"Understood. I will act as this messenger."
Late the next night, the courtyard was dimly lit.
Lin Yan handed the sealed letters to Lin San, who was standing solemnly to the side, and said in a calm and even voice: "Deliver this letter to the West Flower Hall."
"Yes, young master." Lin San took it with both hands and carefully put it into his arms.
Lin Yan said no more. He walked into the courtyard, glanced back at the residence, and then pointed his fingers like a sword, making a sweeping motion in the air.
"Zheng—"
A clear, melodious sword cry rang out, and his natal flying sword "Autumn Water" appeared in response, hovering in front of him, emitting a faint, clear light and a chilling sword aura.
He stepped onto the sword and flicked his sleeves.
"Walk."
The flying sword transformed into a streak of azure light, silently taking off and heading straight towards Hong Kong.
In his study at the Deep Water Bay villa, Lin Yan lightly tapped his fingertips on the mahogany table. Outside the window was the dazzling night view of Hong Kong, but his thoughts had already crossed the South China Sea and settled on that academic mecca that was brewing.
"Lin Yi," he pushed a thick file folder across the table, "this is the first piece we're going to make in Singapore."
Lin Yi bowed and accepted the document, then opened the file bag, inside which were neatly arranged the destinations of each person.
"Except for Chen Jingrun, who will stay in Hong Kong for other arrangements, everyone else will go to Singapore." Lin Yan's gaze drifted into the distance. "Have them establish a national university in Singapore, with Mr. Ye Shengtao as the president. Find funding from Lin Jiaze, and laborers from Malaysia. Go and talk to Mr. Ye, and ask him to write several letters in the name of the president."
He stood up and walked to the window:
"Tell him not to be stingy with his words. Write to all his old friends back home, saying that any professors or students willing to come south are welcome. As long as they agree, send a ship to pick them up, including their families, no one will be left out."
He paused, then instructed, "Have President Ye specifically state in his letter that Singapore has a pleasant climate and a relaxed academic environment, making it a good place for scholarship. As for the specific wording, Professor Ye knows better than we do."
"Understood." Lin Yi bowed slightly. "I'll arrange the ships and the personnel to meet you right away."
Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on Lin Yan's shoulder. This move, made in this turbulent era, will preserve the most precious flame of Chinese civilization.
The next day, the morning light filtered through the palm leaves of Deep Water Bay in Hong Kong. Lin Yan led Xiao Qi and the others out of the space and instructed Lin Gang to prepare the car.
The car drove through the bustling city center, across Victoria Harbour, and arrived at a relatively quiet area in Kowloon. Here, several apartment buildings had been temporarily rented out as temporary accommodation for people transferred from the mainland.
As soon as Lin Yan got out of the car, Xu Huizhen and Uncle Niu, who had been waiting anxiously downstairs after receiving the news, quickly came to greet him.
"Brother Lin!" Xu Huizhen's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement, and her eyes were a little red. "We've finally met you! We can finally feel at ease!" She pulled her timid eldest daughter beside her and hurriedly told her to greet him.
Although Uncle Niu wasn't as outwardly expressive as Xu Huizhen, his gray beard trembled slightly, and when he clasped his hands in a respectful bow, his voice was louder than usual: "Brother Lin! I can't thank you enough! You saved my old life, and you still have this little bit of old Beijing sentimentality!"
Lin Yan looked at these two "old friends" who had finally arrived safely in Hong Kong after a long and arduous journey, and a gentle smile appeared on his face. He reached out and touched Xu Jingli's pigtails, and said to the two of them:
"Alright, now that we're here, you can relax. You must have had a long journey."
He glanced around at the surroundings and continued, "This is just a temporary stop, so the conditions are a bit basic. Please settle in and get used to Hong Kong's climate and food. Focus on learning Cantonese first. I've already asked Lin Yi to arrange your livelihood and permanent accommodation; everything will be settled soon."
His gaze fell on Xu Huizhen: "Boss lady, I know your abilities. In Hong Kong, you'll have plenty of opportunities to make your mark in the future."
He then looked at Master Niu and said, "Master Niu, you are an old Beijinger with a wealth of knowledge and experience. From now on, we'll need your help to manage things here."
With just a few words, he both soothed people's hearts and clarified the arrangements for the future. Xu Huizhen and Uncle Niu listened, their gratitude deepening. The bewilderment they felt upon arriving in this unfamiliar place dissipated considerably in Lin Yanping's calm and resolute words. They knew that with the help of this influential "Brother Lin," their lives would surely prosper again in this new land.