Days later, major newspapers and television stations were all reporting the same news: Chinese people were facing various forms of oppression.
The news, just appearing in newspapers, caused a sensation throughout Hong Kong.
It documented real events, such as a high-ranking foreign executive at a certain trading house severely injuring a Chinese employee.
The case went to court, and despite eyewitness testimony, the assailant, a foreigner, was acquitted.
Countless similar incidents were being reported by television stations and newspapers.
Public sentiment surged, fueled by behind-the-scenes manipulation.
Soon, protesters appeared on the streets, and even taxis went on strike, halting operations.
Everyone chanted slogans, denouncing the unequal oppression faced by Chinese people.
Once Hong Kong's taxis stopped, the entire island would be semi-paralyzed.
For half a day, the protest crowd grew steadily.
Television stations were broadcasting live, and the initial estimate put the number of protesters at over 100,000.
The Hong Kong government received the news immediately. Hearing the protests outside, MacLehose felt his throat go dry.
However, he quickly regained his composure and instructed his secretary to order the television stations to pull those news reports.
The secretary rushed out, but soon returned, his face grim.
The television stations refused, claiming they were reporting real news.
Furthermore, the government's phone lines were overloaded.
Some callers even unleashed verbal abuse, cursing MacLehose and his entire family.
If not for the police presence outside, the protesters might have stormed in.
MacLehose's face grew increasingly pale. He knew someone was orchestrating this from the shadows.
It was too coincidental: the news was just broadcast, and protesters appeared.
If this wasn't dealt with, the situation would spiral out of control, eventually reaching Britain.
He was due to retire next year. If this reached Britain, forget retirement; he'd be held accountable, and likely be made the scapegoat.
"Sir, it must be Ye Hao Chen. He's the only one with the capability,"
The secretary looked at MacLehose, who was visibly anxious, and then a thought struck him.
Normally, a phone call from the Hong Kong government would be enough to cow these Chinese people.
But now, the major television stations were defying him, clearly with backing.
MacLehose paused, realizing he'd almost forgotten about Ye Hao Chen.
He had ordered the police to crack down on the Number Gang, a campaign that had been ongoing for days.
This was undoubtedly Ye Hao Chen's move, stirring up public opinion.
The protesters likely included members of the Number Gang.
Thinking this, a cold glint flashed in MacLehose's eyes: it must be Ye Hao Chen.
Thump, thump!
At that moment, a white man burst in, his face filled with urgency. "Sir, bad news!"
"What happened?,"
A bad feeling crept into MacLehose's gut. He asked anxiously.
"Sir, it's terrible!"
"寰宇 Group, along with the Huo family, the Bao family..."
"All these Chinese businesses have declared a strike, demanding the government give the Chinese people justice."
"They've declared they'll strike until the issues are resolved."
"And the employees of those Chinese companies have joined the protests."
The white man gasped for breath, then spoke urgently, listing a string of names.
His words struck MacLehose like a bolt of lightning, widening his eyes.
These were the wealthiest Chinese people in Hong Kong.
Combined, those companies employed hundreds of thousands of people.
They held half of Hong Kong's economic power. This was a real catastrophe.
More Chinese companies would likely join, following their lead.
Beep, beep!
At that moment, one of the phones on the desk began to ring.
Seeing the vibrating phone, MacLehose swallowed nervously, despair clouding his eyes.
This was the hotline to Britain, a clear sign that the mainland knew about what was happening in Hong Kong.
MacLehose forced himself to answer the phone.
As expected, the call was met with a barrage of scolding.
The caller was none other than the Queen of Britain.
She ordered him to quell the situation in Hong Kong immediately and prevent any conflicts.
Any bloodshed would give the north a chance to exploit the situation.
After hanging up, MacLehose slumped back in his chair, defeated.
............
"This is truly a sight to behold..."
In Central, at Li Zhao Ji's company, Ye Hao Chen couldn't help but smile as he watched the protesting crowd.
Hearing his words, the old Huo and the old Bao exchanged glances and then smiled.
Indeed, when Ye Hao Chen acquired the Land Company a few days ago, he had gone out of his way to make trouble.
He couldn't have caused this kind of commotion alone.
"However, the other side should be starting now,"
Li Zhao Ji glanced at the time and spoke in a deep voice.
His words lit up the room, and everyone turned to Ye Hao Chen.
After all, escalating the situation and securing fairness for the Chinese people was only one aspect.
"Alright, let's go take a look."
Ye Hao Chen turned his head slowly, meeting their expectant eyes and saying with a smile.
After all, these guys had staked half their fortunes on this.
They were probably already consumed by the matter.
Soon, a convoy of cars arrived at 寰宇 Investment. As they stepped inside, they could hear Lin Chang Qing giving instructions continuously.
"Boss..."
Seeing Ye Hao Chen and the others arrive, Lin Chang Qing greeted them immediately, bowing respectfully.
"How are things going?,"
Ye Hao Chen observed the busy staff in the office and asked with a smile.
"It's just started, but as expected, Boss, the stock prices have begun to fall,"
Lin Chang Qing nodded with a smile. They weren't targeting just one or two companies, but the Big Four Trading Houses.
His boss was truly brilliant, killing two birds with one stone. With such a massive commotion in Hong Kong, the foreign companies were the first to be affected.
Especially the major conglomerates, the stock prices of the Big Four Trading Houses had already begun to plummet.