Chapter 227
Outwitting the British
7:23 PM.
The area outside Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong.
A superb, secluded vantage point with an unobstructed view, nestled against a barren slope.
The night breeze, carrying the unique damp coolness of the seaside, gently swept across the entire mountain area.
The surrounding area was quiet and still, with no sound, not even the chirping of insects.
It perfectly concealed all human activity in this place.
He Yuzhu stood alone in the deep shadows of the night.
He blended seamlessly into the darkness, his posture upright and his aura calm and composed.
He held a Zeiss 7x50 military high-powered telescope steadily in both hands.
This is the most advanced military observation equipment of our time, boasting the clearest field of vision and the most precise magnification.
The cold, hard metal mirror body has a slightly chilly feel to it.
The lenses are crystal clear, able to penetrate the darkness and capture subtle movements from kilometers away.
Behind the two cold lenses of the telescope.
He Yuzhu's gaze was as sharp as a hawk's and as cold as a blade.
They locked their gaze firmly onto the gleaming silver DC-6 large special plane on the airport runway below.
His gaze remained fixed, his concentration was extremely high, and he did not relax for a moment.
Within the telescope's ultra-high-definition field of view.
The DC-6's massive, heavy silver fuselage gleamed with a cold metallic sheen under the night lights.
The entire fuselage trembled slightly as its high-powered engines ran at full capacity.
A continuous stream of scalding, white gaseous air gushed from its tail.
The powerful thrust propelled the entire 100-ton behemoth to slowly accelerate and glide.
Heavy rubber landing gear tires, high-speed friction on a smooth concrete track.
A low, rumbling rolling sound followed, approaching from afar and then receding into the distance.
After a mere ten seconds of extreme acceleration sprint.
The DC-6's nose suddenly rose up, breaking free from the constraints of gravity.
Using the extreme gliding momentum, it completely breaks free from the constraints of gravity.
next second.
This luxurious private jet, codenamed "Silver Wing," shot off like an arrow.
Suddenly it soared into the air and swiftly plunged into the boundless, pitch-black night sky.
The red navigation lights at the ends of the wings cast two narrow red streaks in the thick darkness.
The light and shadow flashed by in an instant, then flew at full speed towards the vast and boundless deep sea to the south.
I watched as the Silver Wing completely disappeared from the airport airspace and vanished from sight.
He Yuzhu then slowly raised his hand and steadily put down the military binoculars in his hand.
His expression was indifferent, devoid of joy or sorrow, revealing no emotional fluctuations.
Only in the depths of those deep, dark eyes.
A chilling, decisive glint flashed across the sky.
Everything is under control, and everything has settled down.
Without changing his expression, he calmly took out a sophisticated and portable shortwave radio from his pocket.
Precisely press the call launch button with your fingertip.
His deep, mellow, and steady voice was clearly transmitted through the airwaves, each word powerful.
"Old Bai, leave one team to stand by and keep a close eye on airport news."
"All other field personnel are to immediately withdraw and cease all operations."
On the other end of the radio wave came Bai Yifeng's calm, decisive, and absolutely obedient response.
His tone was respectful, without the slightest hesitation.
"Roger that, boss! Execute the order for everyone to retreat immediately!"
……
Thousands of miles away, high-altitude patrol airspace over the South China Sea.
Ten thousand meters above the ground, the dense, expansive clouds isolated the world below from all its noise and bustle.
The Silver Wing special plane is maintaining a stable attitude and cruising forward at a constant speed.
The aircraft was stable and quiet, with almost no noticeable bumps or swaying.
Below the plane lay the boundless, unfathomable depths of the dark sea.
The dark sea was silent and still, as if it could swallow up all the light in the world.
Above the plane was a vast, deep night sky, sparkling with stars.
The scattered starlight is both beautiful and desolate.
Inside the luxurious and spacious first-class cabin.
Jardine Matheson's taipan, Keswick, had been on edge for days.
Finally, I completely relaxed at this moment, and all the accumulated pressure dissipated.
He let out a long sigh and leaned back lazily in the soft leather seat.
The tense lines on his face slowly relaxed, and his eyes were filled with the relief of surviving a disaster.
A beautiful foreign flight attendant walked slowly forward.
With an elegant posture, she held an exquisite crystal glass, filled with amber-colored whiskey.
He gently handed the wine glass to Keswick.
The machine shook slightly, and the clear liquid in the glass swayed gently in response.
It rippled with layers of translucent, fine waves.
Keswick gripped his wine glass, his eyes revealing an undisguised weariness and a sense of relief.
His lips moved slightly, and he murmured to himself, filled with a sense of relief.
"Finally... I've completely left that damned place of trouble."
In just one sentence, he expressed all the fear and torment he had been experiencing for days.
As soon as he finished speaking, he looked up and raised his hand.
I downed the spicy, full-bodied whisky in one gulp.
The scalding liquor slid down my throat into my chest and abdomen.
The scalding warmth slowly spread throughout his body, slightly dispelling the chill in his heart.
This finally brought some comfort to my anxious mind that had been filled with fear for days.
The independent captain's cockpit at the very front of the aircraft.
A seasoned captain with extensive experience and a calm and meticulous first officer.
He was staring intently at the dense array of precision instruments in front of him.
The two people had a clear division of labor and monitored all data parameters of the aircraft's flight throughout the entire process.
The cabin instruments were operating smoothly, all data were normal, and everything seemed to be fine.
The captain looked straight ahead at the night sky and announced the real-time flight parameters in a deep voice.
Current flight altitude: 28,000 feet.
Flight speed: 280 knots.
"Sailing heading: 187 degrees, the route is accurate."
All parameters are stable and meet the standards, and the flight status is perfectly compliant.
Time passed peacefully, and the smooth flight lasted for a full fifteen minutes.
The co-pilot was originally focused on monitoring the instrument panel data.
His gaze suddenly lingered on the instrument monitoring the hydraulic pressure of the rudder.
His brows furrowed slightly involuntarily, a subtle doubt arising in his heart.
The pointer on the instrument panel seemed to have dipped slightly compared to a moment ago.
The decrease was extremely slight, so slight that it was almost negligible.
It is even completely within the normal range of instrument error fluctuation.
If he hadn't kept a close watch on the whole time, he wouldn't have been able to detect anything amiss.
The co-pilot, unsure of what to do and with a hint of cautious uncertainty, gave his report.
"Captain, the right rudder hydraulic pressure readings appear to be fluctuating slightly."
"Currently, it has decreased by about one percent, and the figures are not very stable."
The captain is focused on piloting the aircraft and looking straight ahead.
Hearing this, he merely glanced sideways and lightly surveyed the dial.
Having flown old-fashioned long-haul passenger planes for many years, he was already used to all kinds of minor malfunctions.
He was extremely relaxed and casually offered words of comfort.
"It's alright, older models often have these kinds of minor issues."
"Minor leaks in the airborne piping are normal and there is no need to be overly concerned."
"The current pressure value is still within the safe redundancy range; normal monitoring can continue."
"clear!"
The co-pilot responded respectfully, but a sense of unease lingered in his heart.
He dared not completely let his guard down, his eyes still frequently scanning the hydraulic gauges.
In just a short moment.
The pointer that was originally only slightly fluctuating.
It slowly slid down another space at a speed almost imperceptible to the naked eye.
The hidden dangers are silently and steadily worsening.
Time moved forward at a constant speed, minute by minute.
Initially, the numerical deviations were so minute as to be negligible.
Within minutes, the decline gradually widened into a clearly visible and significant drop.
The malfunction has fully occurred, and the hidden dangers are completely out of control!
The co-pilot's tone instantly became filled with barely concealed tension and urgency.
His voice suddenly rose, and he spoke rapidly, urgently reporting the danger.
"Captain! Something's wrong!"
"The right-hand drive hydraulic pressure has plummeted to 65%!"
"The numbers are still dropping rapidly, with no sign of stopping!"
At this moment, the captain finally faced the danger head-on.
His relaxed expression instantly turned serious, his brows furrowed tightly, and his demeanor changed drastically.
Years of flying experience told him that a continuous drop in hydraulic system pressure was a fatal malfunction!
He immediately issued an emergency response order in a stern voice.
"Immediately check the backup hydraulic system! Attempt manual switching with all your might!"
The passenger's fingers flew across the control panel, his fingertips trembling slightly.
My heart leaped into my throat, and I spoke rapidly to report the emergency.
"Captain, the backup hydraulic system pressure is normal!"
"Emergency pipeline switching in progress... Switching failed!"
"The main system is leaking too rapidly, and the backup booster pump is completely unable to stabilize the pressure!"
The moment the words fell.
The warning red lights on the cockpit dashboard suddenly began flashing wildly and over a large area.
A blinding red light flickered wildly, and a shrill malfunction alarm instantly blared!
The hydraulic pressure value on the right-hand drive plummeted like an avalanche!
The numbers on the screen jumped rapidly: 50%, 40%, 30%!
The numbers are still plummeting wildly, without any resistance, completely out of control!
Inside the luxurious first-class cabin at the rear.
Keswick had just raised his hand, signaling the flight attendant to refill his glass.
I'm preparing to use strong liquor to completely soothe my restless mind that's been agitated for days.
Suddenly!
The entire plane suddenly and violently shook, tilting uncontrollably to the right!
The fuselage tilted at an extreme angle, and a feeling of weightlessness instantly swept over the entire cabin!
The whiskey that had just been poured into the glass was instantly spilled out.
The exquisite crystal wine glass flew out of his hand and crashed to the ground, shattering into pieces.
The immense force of inertia slammed the unsuspecting Keswick violently against the hard porthole!
A chilling panic instantly swept over him; his pupils contracted sharply, and his face was filled with terror.
He frantically stretched out his hands and gripped the armrests on both sides of the seat tightly.
His knuckles turned white from straining, veins bulged, and he screamed in terror and loss of composure.
"What on earth happened?!"
Marcus, the bodyguard who was standing close to Keswick.
His face turned deathly pale in an instant, his expression changed drastically, and his eyes were filled with horror.
Disregarding his own safety, he frantically tugged at the seatbelt buckle.
He suddenly freed himself from his restraints and ran wildly toward the cockpit ahead, disregarding everything else.
However, the turbulence became more and more violent, the fuselage rolled and shook, and the feeling of weightlessness was extremely strong.
He couldn't stand up straight at all, staggering and falling repeatedly.
It was impossible to get even half a step closer to the cockpit.
Inside the chaotic cockpit.
Despair completely enveloped the two crew members.
The captain grabbed the high-frequency communication microphone and shouted for help with all his might.
His voice was filled with utter despair and collapse, trembling with violent gasps.
"Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!"
"This is the Silver Wing! The rudder hydraulic system has completely failed!"
"Repeated! The entire aircraft's rudder is completely out of control! The fuselage is rapidly becoming unstable!"
"The aircraft is rapidly descending in altitude and is completely out of control! Requesting emergency airspace guidance!"
"Real-time coordinates of this machine..."
The intense weightlessness caused by violent aerial tumbling and rapid descent.
It completely disrupted the communication frequency band and blocked signal transmission.
Subsequent coordinate reports were completely swallowed up by the piercing, noisy electrical static.
The intermittent distress signals were accompanied by a crackling, hissing sound of electricity.
It echoed endlessly in the vast, empty sky, desolate and hopeless.
The warning lights on the entire aircraft were flashing frantically, densely packed and blindingly bright.
The sharp, piercing stall warning pierced through the fuselage and echoed through the high sky.
The DC-6 has a massive fuselage weighing hundreds of tons.
Completely losing all control, like an incredibly heavy, discarded iron lump.
The plane was nose-down, tilting precariously, carrying an unstoppable, desperate momentum.
It tumbled and spun wildly in the pitch-black night sky.
Looking down at the deep, dark, endless ocean that devours everything.
It plunged and fell fiercely without hesitation!
Outside the porthole.
The once distant and tranquil black sea surface rapidly magnified in view.
The cold, vast, and merciless abyss of the deep sea is so close at hand.
It was filled with a suffocating atmosphere of destruction.
Inside the cabin.
Keswick's pupils dilated, his body stiffened, and he was completely consumed by fear.
This was the last vestige of his consciousness in the final moments of his life.
He looked through the trembling porthole.
I could clearly see the reflection of my own face, which was filled with extreme fear, extreme ferocity, and complete distortion.
The high-end crocodile leather briefcase he was clutching tightly in his arms.
It was filled with confidential documents and asset certificates symbolizing supreme power and enormous wealth.
But at this moment, all that fame and fortune that they had pursued their whole lives is gone.
They could no longer offer him any protection or safety.
Boom! ...
A deep, resounding roar echoed through the deep sea.
It suddenly erupted in the desolate, boundless center of the South China Sea.
The deafening roar was deep and distant, piercing through the sea and reverberating in all directions.
The towering waves that crashed against the sea surface were instantly swallowed up by the dark depths of the ocean.
Scattered burning aircraft wreckage and floating oil debris.
It briefly shimmered and floated on the cold sea surface.
They then sank completely, slowly sinking into the dark seabed thousands of meters deep.
Above the sea, only a huge, rapidly spinning, and constantly shrinking whirlpool remained.
Just a few dozen seconds later.
The whirlpool slowly subsided, and the sea returned to its deathly stillness.
The starry sky in the night is still dazzling, and the deep sea remains silent.
The vast expanse of sky and earth seemed to echo the devastating plane crash that had just occurred.
There wasn't a single trace left; it was eerily clean.
……
Inside the control tower at Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong.
The entire space fell into an absolute, deathly silence.
The atmosphere was stagnant and cold, so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.
The young female air traffic controller was deathly pale and her body was stiff.
His fingertips remained firmly pressed on the communication call button, not daring to loosen them even slightly.
In the earphones, I could hear Mayday's desperate and heart-wrenching cry for help.
And the piercing electric shriek that accompanied the entire process still echoed in my ears.
The sound pierced my eardrums, leaving me with endless shock and fear.
She opened her mouth slightly, as if trying to call out for a response.
My throat was dry and tight, but I couldn't make a sound no matter what I did.
A seasoned controller with decades of experience stood to the side.
Upon seeing this, he immediately strode forward and pushed aside his stunned and dazed young colleague.
He lunged at the microphone and firmly held the device with both hands.
He spoke rapidly and anxiously, making repeated urgent calls.
"Silver Wing! Silver Wing! This is an emergency call from Kai Tak Tower!"
"Reply immediately upon receipt! Repeat! Silver Wing, please respond upon receipt!"
He called out repeatedly and tirelessly at high frequency.
The hoarse, hurried voice echoed continuously within the empty and desolate tower.
The echoes reverberated in the empty room, desolate and helpless.
But all the calls went unanswered.
The only response he received was the monotonous, cold, and endless static of the radio.
There was no response, no signal, and not a trace of life.
After a long and agonizing few minutes.
The old controller looked dejected and wearily took off his headset.
His bloodshot, cloudy eyes were fixed on the radar screen in front of him.
On the screen.
That special spot of light representing the Silver Wing special plane.
The coordinates of the location where the last desperate distress signal was sent.
It was as if it had been completely wiped away by an invisible giant hand.
Clean and tidy, completely disappeared, leaving no trace.
His voice was dry and hoarse, carrying an undeniable heaviness and weakness.
He slowly uttered a fact that everyone already knew but was unwilling to accept.
"Radar... has completely lost all signal from the Silver Wing."
The words fell.
The air inside the entire control tower instantly froze completely.
A cold, oppressive, and desperate atmosphere enveloped everyone.
After a brief silence.
The emergency hotline inside the airport began ringing incessantly.
The urgent ringing of the bell shattered the silence and echoed throughout the entire control tower.
A series of emergency calls were made, quickly connecting with the Governor's Office in Hong Kong.
Following that, the headquarters of Jardine Matheson Group, the Police Headquarters, and the Marine Police Force were also targeted.
All major core institutions received emergency notifications of the Silver Wing's sinking and loss of contact.
The message was passed through layers of communication and spread rapidly.
But everyone knew perfectly well in their hearts.
The accident occurred in a sea area far from regular shipping routes, located in the very center of the South China Sea.
The water is thousands of meters deep, the sea is vast and desolate, with no islands, no boats, no people, and no trace.
Falling into the sea in such a desperate situation, there is absolutely no chance of survival.
All the announcements are nothing more than a useless exercise of going through a set procedure.
……
News of the Silver Wing sinking in the South China Sea and the suspected loss of life to Jardine Matheson's helmsman, Keswick.
Like a deadly plague spreading at breakneck speed.
With lightning speed, it has infiltrated and spread rapidly throughout Hong Kong's top social circles.
Overnight, rumors spread and the whole city was shaken.
It was late at night.
Central, Hong Kong: Jardine Matheson Group headquarters building.
The entire 100-meter-tall building was brightly lit, as if it were daytime.
The enormous top-floor CEO office was brightly lit, with all the lights on, making it as bright as day.
Smith, the group's vice president, was temporarily put forward to take charge of the overall situation.
At this moment, he is overwhelmed and exhausted from dealing with a mountain of urgent documents.
The group has suffered a series of severe blows in recent days, with various crises erupting at once.
Goods mysteriously disappeared, the cooperating bank relentlessly pressed for repayment, and a large number of cargo owners collectively demanded compensation.
The stock price continued to plummet, morale within the company was low, and rumors were rampant outside.
One mess after another fell on his shoulders.
It was so overwhelming that he could hardly breathe, and he was constantly stressed and exhausted.
Just as he was suppressing his agitation and forcing himself to concentrate on his official duties.
The heavy solid wood door of the office was suddenly and violently kicked open!
The personal secretary rushed in, her face pale, her breathing rapid, and her expression panicked.
His steps faltered, his voice trembled and broke, filled with extreme fear and panic.
"Sir! Something terrible has happened! A truly catastrophic disaster!"
"The Silver Wing, the private jet of the Keswick sergeant... has completely lost contact in the airspace over the South China Sea!"
"The last thing the airport tower received was the Mayday emergency distress signal from the flight crew!"
"Subsequent radar signals were completely lost, and the entire aircraft vanished without a trace!"
pat--!
A crisp, cracking sound broke the oppressive atmosphere in the office.
Smith clutches an expensive pen tightly in his hand.
He suddenly let go and slammed it heavily onto the expensive mahogany office desk.
The crisp sound was particularly jarring in the deathly silent room.
His tall body swayed violently, and he staggered.
He hurriedly reached out and gripped the hard edge of the desk tightly.
Using the momentum, he managed to steady his swaying body and avoid falling backward.
For a brief moment.
All the color drained from his face, leaving it deathly pale and lifeless.
His eyes were filled with disbelief, shock, terror, and rage.
After a few seconds of stunned silence.
Extreme panic transformed into boundless rage, erupting completely!
He could no longer maintain the dignified demeanor of a high-ranking gentleman.
He roared out in a fit of rage at the empty office.
"How could Keswick die! How could he die?!"
"He clearly left Hong Kong to seek help in London!"
"All the mess, all the crisis, all the debt!"
"Why should I be the one to clean up all the mess in the end?!"
After the ultimate roar of rage.
The overwhelming anger quickly subsided, leaving only a deep-seated despair and helplessness.
Smith's eyes were vacant, his body was slumped, and he muttered to himself.
"It's over...it's completely over..."
"Everything is completely ruined..."
Goods went missing, banks pressed for repayment, cargo owners demanded compensation, and stock prices collapsed.
The group's core executives have mysteriously disappeared one after another, and its reputation has been completely ruined.
Today, Keswick is the only one who can shoulder the responsibility, take the fall, and keep the board of directors in check.
He tragically died in a plane crash, his body lost in the South China Sea!
All that's left for him is an upcoming official investigation.
And the London headquarters board of directors was filled with overwhelming rage!
The Jardine Matheson commercial behemoth that has stood in Hong Kong for over a century.
At this moment, it felt like encountering a deep-sea undercurrent, being struck by an invisible, terrifying giant hand.
Dragged along relentlessly, they continued to sink into the abyss of destruction.
They were powerless to resist and had no chance of turning the tide.
……
The next morning.
The entire Hong Kong region was completely ignited by this explosive and shocking news.
Every street and alley, every corner of the town, every teahouse and newspaper office, every office building and business district.
Everyone is buzzing with discussion about this major air disaster that has shaken up the business world.
The entire city was shaken, and public opinion was in an uproar.
Hong Kong's major newspapers and media outlets worked overnight to expedite the layout and pin the story to the top of their headlines.
The front page was completely dominated by news of the Jardine Matheson air disaster.
The bold, sensational headline is eye-catching and shocking.
Jardine Matheson's private jet, Jeremy Keswick, crashed in the South China Sea; all passengers and crew presumed dead.
The century-old Jardine Matheson empire suffers repeated blows, its leader dies under mysterious circumstances, and the future of this business giant looks bleak!
A series of calamities strike! The ghost heist remains unsolved, high-ranking officials die in a plane crash, and Jardine Matheson is plunged into utter ruin!
Reporters and photography teams from major media outlets sprang into action upon hearing the news.
Outside the gates of Kai Tak Airport, a dense crowd of media reporters had gathered.
Cameras and microphones were all pointed at the airport entrances and exits, as people eagerly awaited the latest news.
The area around Wharf Port was also completely surrounded by media, making it impossible to move an inch.
An atmosphere of shock, panic, and anxiety permeated the entire skies over Hong Kong.
A suffocating sense of impending doom pervaded the city's business community.
Jardine Matheson's shares were originally scheduled to open on time in the morning session.
The opening was abruptly halted by the authorities, with the opening date postponed indefinitely.
The relevant person in charge was perfectly aware of this.
Today, Jardine Matheson can no longer withstand even a single sharp drop in its stock price.
Once the market opens, it will inevitably trigger a devastating collapse and sell-off.
A century-old conglomerate may collapse completely in an instant.
……
A penthouse office in a standalone private villa in the Mid-Levels of Hong Kong.
Floor-to-ceiling windows shut out all the noise and commotion from the outside world.
The room was quiet and peaceful, with a calm and composed atmosphere.
He Yuzhu sat upright in a large leather office chair.
His posture was relaxed, his expression was indifferent, and his eyes were calm and undisturbed.
Yesterday's devastating air disaster shocked the entire city.
That enormous crisis brought Jardine Matheson, a century-old company, to the brink of collapse.
There was not a trace of emotion on his face.
Young and capable Ah Lang held a stack of the latest headlines in his hand.
He strode into the office, his eyes brimming with barely concealed excitement and anticipation.
He unfolded the newspaper neatly and handed it to He Yuzhu, his tone enthusiastic.
"Boss! Fantastic news! Jardine Matheson is in complete chaos!"
"With Keswick dead, Jardine Matheson was leaderless and completely collapsed!"
"Can we take action immediately next?"
"To take this opportunity to completely acquire Jardine Matheson's land, docks, and properties?"
He Yuzhu raised his eyes and glanced indifferently at the shocking headlines on the newspaper.
A faint smile curved his lips, and his tone was calm and composed.
With a strategic vision far beyond that of ordinary people, he spoke calmly and deliberately.
"What's the rush? It's too early."
"Jardine Matheson has been deeply rooted in Hong Kong for over a century, with a profound and intricate foundation."
"The underlying foundation is far more profound than it appears on the surface."
"How could a mere plane crash completely destroy a century-old business empire?"
Ah Lang was slightly taken aback, his eyes filled with confusion, and he asked in bewilderment.
"Boss, what should we do now?"
He Yuzhu tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, the sound calm yet carrying a profound meaning.
He uttered four words, each one a gem, revealing the shrewdness of a top-tier trader.
"Wait, let the bullets fly for a while."
Ah Lang was completely dumbfounded, scratching his head with a blank expression.
"Bullets? Boss, what bullets? We didn't fire a shot!"
Looking at his subordinate's honest and simple appearance, He Yuzhu calmly offered an explanation.
His tone was calm, yet it revealed the truth behind the deep-seated power struggle.
"You don't understand."
"Keswick was never the true top leader of Jardine Matheson."
"He's just a figurehead, someone who's put on the front page and makes an appearance."
"The one who truly controls all of Jardine Matheson's wealth, power, and lifeline."
"It is a vast family power located far away in Britain, hidden deep behind the scenes."
"Only when the pieces on the board fall will the true players emerge."
"What we need to do now is wait quietly."
"Let this storm ferment and expand, let all the demons and monsters hiding in the shadows show themselves."
Ah Lang nodded as if he understood, still looking completely bewildered.
"I still don't quite understand the intricacies of this situation."
He Yuzhu remained calm and casually gave the order.
"If you don't understand something, learn more, ask more questions, and reflect more."
"A broad perspective and vision are cultivated gradually."
"Oh, right."
He abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious.
"The matter that Orion was previously involved in can now be officially initiated and processed."
Ah Lang snapped back to reality and immediately asked in a serious tone.
"Boss, are you referring to Chen Nian, Liu Chang, Luo Hui, and those other people?"
"That's right."
He Yuzhu's eyes were slightly cold, and his tone carried an unquestionable decisiveness.
"Investigate this thoroughly."
"We need to thoroughly investigate all the details of these three people's backgrounds from childhood to adulthood."
"All experiences, connections, stains, and flaws since the age of three."
"Not a single detail can be overlooked; everything must be thoroughly investigated and recorded."
Ah Lang immediately responded, then hesitated and asked cautiously.
"Boss, do we need to deploy the security team for this?"
"My men can't uncover any deeper, hidden clues; I'm afraid their efforts aren't enough."
He Yuzhu pondered for a moment and then made arrangements calmly.
"The security team can be mobilized."
"Otherwise, you can contact Aunt Ping directly."
"Her intelligence network has been deeply rooted in Hong Kong for many years, with informants all over the city."
"It can provide you with tremendous assistance and hidden clues."
Upon hearing this, Ah Lang became even more puzzled and asked in confusion.
"Boss, since Aunt Ping's side has more manpower, informants, and channels."
"Then why not just let Aunt Ping take full charge of the investigation? It would save us time and effort."
He Yuzhu's eyes were deep as he slowly revealed the key details of the plan.
His tone was calm and insightful, and his reasoning was clear.
"She is an external intelligence agent, specializing in information gathering and public opinion analysis."
"It's not our internal special investigation department; our authority and role are completely different."
"Verification of core internal personnel and securing of concealed evidence."
"It must be our own people who personally land the land and take control."
"Too much interference from outsiders can easily leave hidden dangers and breed unforeseen changes."
Ah Lang suddenly realized and nodded solemnly.
"I understand, boss. We must keep the core power in our own hands."
"I personally oversaw and coordinated the entire process, leaving absolutely no loopholes!"
He Yuzhu nodded slightly and continued to issue further instructions.
"You are only responsible for overall coordination, personnel management, and progress control in this matter."
"Avoid personally going down to the front lines to do things, so as to avoid leaving traces or exposing yourself."
"At the same time, you continue to make steady progress on the Kowloon Tong property project."
"Implement the plan as scheduled, stabilize the core business, and avoid making mistakes."
"Understood! I guarantee all arrangements will be completed!" Ah Lang replied respectfully.
"Go ahead, proceed according to plan."
"yes!"
Ah Lang bowed in response, turned around and quickly left the office to begin implementing the various plans.
The office returned to silence.
He Yuzhu raised his hand and picked up the landline phone on the table.
With precise fingertip dialing, Orion's private line was connected.
The moment the call connected, Orion's hurried and anxious voice came from the other end.
His tone was flustered and full of urgency.
"Oh! I was just about to call you!"
"Something terrible has happened! A huge problem!"
He Yuzhu spoke calmly and indifferently.
"Don't rush, tell me slowly, what's the problem?"
Orion took a deep breath, suppressing the panic in his heart, and said quickly and urgently.
"I've just received a top-secret message from my source in London!"
"Jardine Matheson Group leveraged its top family connections to establish connections with official British channels!"
"MI5 has confirmed that they will send someone to Hong Kong!"
We are specifically investigating this air disaster to uncover all the truth behind it!
Five places?
He Yuzhu repeated the code name softly, seemingly asking a question he already knew the answer to.
A ripple instantly stirred in my heart.
But what truly alarmed him was...
It's not the name of the Fifth Division, but the terrifying power of the family behind Jardine Matheson.
A commercial air disaster has alarmed national-level security agencies to intervene across borders.
This network of connections, this foundation, this power.
It far exceeded his previous estimates and was far more terrifying than he had imagined.
Orian explained solemnly, his tone extremely serious.
"That's right, it's MI5, the agency specifically responsible for national security and foreign intelligence!"
A hint of amusement flashed in He Yuzhu's eyes, and his tone carried a touch of mockery.
"Sounds impressive, really?"
He secretly scoffed and mocked in his heart.
Why didn't you come to the Sixth Bureau? I'd like to see for myself what the legendary 007 agent looks like.
Orion's tone grew increasingly serious, emphasizing the reminder.
"I've never dealt with them directly, but everyone in the industry knows about them!"
"The Fifth Bureau possesses immense authority, acts with extreme methods, and employs ruthless tactics; its reputation resounds throughout the entire Western intelligence community!"
"They are completely different from the law-abiding police in Hong Kong!"
"Unbound by local rules and unconstrained by personal relationships!"
"They act without any moral compass, using any means necessary, and are ruthless and decisive!"
"On the surface, they came to investigate the truth behind the plane crash and to find out the cause of Katherine's death."
"But I'm 100% sure this is just a superficial excuse to cover things up!"
"Their real target is you! What!"
Orion spoke rapidly and analyzed the pros and cons clearly and logically.
"Recently, Jardine Matheson has suffered a series of devastating blows!"
"Goods under its control were mysteriously stolen, key executives were involved in a series of incidents, and Wharf Holdings was inexplicably raided."
"Now, the leader, Keswick, has mysteriously crashed into the sea and died in a plane crash while on the run!"
"All clues, all leads, all conflicts of interest."
Ultimately, it points to the biggest beneficiary, the biggest competitor, and the biggest destabilizing factor.
It's you!
"Our five missions are specifically for you; we want to eliminate you completely!"
After stating his core analysis, Orion took another deep breath, his tone becoming increasingly anxious.
"There's something even more troublesome!"
"They are not fighting alone!"
"Upon arrival in Hong Kong, you will receive full cooperation from the highest levels of the Hong Kong government!"
"Top-secret police files, real-time monitoring of citywide communications, and comprehensive land, sea, and air surveillance."
"The resources mobilized were at a national level that we could not even imagine!"
"My control over media and public opinion is utterly powerless and meaningless in their eyes!"
"And then there's William's local faction!"
"They've long considered you a thorn in their side!"
"Right now, we'd love to use the Fifth Division as a weapon to completely wipe out all our forces!"
The crisis piled up, and the situation deteriorated to its extreme in an instant.
On the other end of the phone.
He Yuzhu remained silent for a few seconds.
Slender fingertips unconsciously tapped lightly on the cold, hard solid wood tabletop.
A soft, rhythmic tapping sound echoed in the quiet office.
Seemingly relaxed, but actually the brain is working at high speed, weighing all the pros and cons.
A few seconds later, he spoke calmly and steadily, asking the question.
Is the source of this information absolutely reliable?
Have you found out their exact arrival time and the identity of the person in charge of the team?
Orion responded immediately and quickly, his tone full of confidence.
"The information is absolutely reliable! It was leaked at the risk of my life by my undercover agent in the Governor's Mansion!"
"The exact arrival time is yet to be determined, but it will happen within the next few days!"
"The team leader's identity is under extremely high secrecy; their true identity is completely encrypted!"
"Currently, the only known code name is—Shepherd!"
"shepherd?"
He Yuzhu repeated the code name in a low voice, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
A cold, mocking smile curled at the corner of his lips.
"What an elegant code name."
"It seems that the bigwigs in Britain think that Hong Kong is in chaos."
"They specially sent their best sheepdogs to restore order and eliminate dissidents."
"What! This is absolutely not the time for jokes!"
Orion interrupted urgently, his voice filled with anxiety.
"Five ways it can infiltrate and is impossible to defend against!"
"They will definitely target your close friends, family, confidants, and business partners!"
"Coercion, bribery, framing, and subversion—they'll stop at nothing!"
"Your family, Ah Lang, Gu Yuanheng, Xu Damao, Shi Fu!"
"And Ms. Wang Cuiping, and all those who are closely related to you."
"They will all become targets for their targeted breakthroughs!"
"You must take full precautions immediately!"
He Yuzhu suppressed his playful tone and spoke with composure and certainty.
This fully demonstrates the composure and strategic vision of a top leader in the face of crisis.
I know what I'm doing.
"Just focus on doing your job."
"I will personally take over and handle the troubles on the Fifth Division's side."
Orion remained uneasy and couldn't help but press for more information.
"How are you going to handle this? That's MI5, a national-level intelligence agency! It's not comparable to any ordinary force!"
He Yuzhu spoke calmly, with absolute confidence and control.
His words were powerful and resonant, exuding an aura of authority.
"Remember, this is Hong Kong, not London."
Even the fiercest dragon can't suppress a local snake!
"Moreover, who is the dragon and who is the snake?"
"No one can say for sure until the very last moment!"
"Don't worry about your safety and Aunt Wang's safety."
"I'm putting all my plans on hold for now."
"Since the 'shepherd' has come from afar..."
"Then I'll personally go and have a good chat with these distinguished British guests."
He paused briefly, then calmly gave further instructions.
"Furthermore, the Keswick family will never let this go."
"After the plane crash, they will inevitably send a large number of key personnel to Hong Kong to retaliate."
"Notify all your subsidiaries and affiliated companies."
"We must be on high alert and guard against their vicious retaliation and commercial counterattack."
Orion responded quickly.
"I understand! A century-old business family has a terrifying foundation; we absolutely cannot let our guard down!"
"Britain will not stand idly by and watch Jardine Matheson be completely destroyed!"
He Yuzhu spoke calmly and clearly.
"I never fantasized about defeating the enemy in one move or annihilating the clan in one battle."
"I understand the principle that even a centipede, though dead, does not fall down more easily than anyone else."
"This behemoth, which has been cultivated for a century, can only be slowly eroded and gradually disintegrated."
"It is absolutely impossible for it to be destroyed overnight."
"That's good!" Orion breathed a slight sigh of relief and quickly gave some instructions.
"Then all recent expansion activities and all covert investigations are to be suspended!"
"Keep a low profile, solidify your defenses, and avoid provoking any trouble!"
"Once we've completely rid ourselves of these five plague-causing entities, we'll wait for the right opportunity to make our move!"
He Yuzhu chuckled lightly, his tone indifferent.
"I didn't expect you to know the word 'plague god'; you've really improved."
Orion gave a helpless, bitter smile.
"I have been deeply involved with the Chinese community for many years and am familiar with all kinds of proverbs, so I naturally understand them."
"I'm someone who seriously prays to the God of Wealth for wealth, and I'm most afraid of these kinds of evil stars."
"Haha, that's enough."
He Yuzhu suppressed his smile and spoke in a serious tone.
"All investigative and exploratory work under your command is hereby suspended."
"Established local associations like Ho Shing and foreign conglomerates like Jardine Matheson."
"They have been entrenched in Hong Kong for decades or even centuries, with deep roots and wide-ranging connections."
"At this sensitive juncture, any small actions will not accumulate into a qualitative advantage."
"It will only create more openings and expose our weaknesses."
Orion pondered for a moment before giving a solemn reply.
"After careful consideration, I have decided to immediately halt all operations."
"We must take into account the overall situation and make prudent plans."
"Um."
"Let's leave it at that for now, and maintain one-way communication at all times."
"Okay, goodbye."
The call was completely disconnected.
The office fell completely silent.
The composure on He Yuzhu's face slowly faded.
A rare look of seriousness appeared between his brows.
Cross-border involvement of MI5.
It's like the surface of the already turbulent Hong Kong situation.
Suddenly, a massive boulder weighing tens of thousands of tons was thrown in.
What was originally a controllable business game and covert competition.
It instantly escalated into a transnational intelligence confrontation, a two-pronged battle on both overt and covert fronts.
Unknown, turbulent waves have already quietly arrived.
The situation has become completely complicated and dangerous.
Without the slightest hesitation, He Yuzhu immediately picked up the landline.
The call was connected to Bai Yifeng's private encrypted line.
The call connected instantly, and Bai Yifeng's usual calm and collected voice came from the other end.
"Boss, what are your orders?"
"Old Bai."
He Yuzhu spoke in a low, decisive tone, each word ringing with conviction.
"Immediately activate the highest-level 'Homecoming' plan!"
Bai Yifeng's mind suddenly sharpened, and he instantly tensed up.
He knew perfectly well that the return-to-home plan was the team's highest-level emergency evacuation plan.
It will never be activated lightly unless it is a matter of life and death or a top-level crisis!
"Understood! Execute the homing plan immediately!"
He Yuzhu spoke very quickly and issued a complete set of instructions in an orderly manner.
"All those who participated in the Kowloon Wharf raid, the high-level cleanup plan, and the Silver Wing disaster planning."
All frontline operatives, intelligence personnel, and technical support staff.
Immediately cease all current work and order all personnel to halt operations and await further instructions.
"Immediately inventory personal belongings and destroy all related documents, records, and equipment traces."
"A complete withdrawal from the core area of Hong Kong, leaving no loopholes!"
"Roger that! Evacuate immediately!"
He Yuzhu's tone became increasingly serious, and his orders brooked no argument.
"Evacuation plan: All personnel will be evacuated in batches and in a dispersed manner."
"Strictly enforce the rule of traveling alone in groups of two or fewer; traveling together is strictly prohibited."
"They will travel via a designated, secret border crossing in the New Territories, and board designated vessels."
They first arrived at two major overseas transit points in the Philippines and Vietnam.
After a period of rest and regrouping, they will proceed according to the established plan, dispersing to their final safe havens in Singapore, Australia, Canada, and South America.
"Once everyone arrives at the safe zone, they will immediately change into new identities."
"Keep a low profile, live a peaceful life, and strictly refrain from contacting anyone within Hong Kong."
"Remain silent and on standby, awaiting subsequent unified activation instructions."
"I will allocate the necessary resettlement funds later; you can come and collect them directly."
Bai Yifeng responded in a deep voice, his tone extremely firm.
"We guarantee 100% execution of all instructions, with zero errors!"
"Priority personnel should be evacuated!"
He Yuzhu emphasized the core issue again.
"Important Note!"
"Old Ghost and his entire mechanic team must be evacuated with the highest priority!"
"They were involved in the entire process of equipment modification and fault diagnosis for the Silver Wing."
They are the primary targets of the Keswick family and MI5's investigation.
"We must ensure that these key personnel completely disappear from the face of the earth."
"Completely clean, as if they had never appeared in Hong Kong!"
"I personally oversaw the evacuation of key personnel, monitoring the entire process to ensure everything went smoothly!"
"very good."
He Yuzhu continued to deploy the final cleanup work.
"After all personnel have been evacuated."
"The safe house, the secret communication point, and the dedicated commuter vehicle that we used before."
All communication equipment, encryption devices, and mobile tools.
Everything was thoroughly cleaned, shredded, and destroyed according to the highest level of confidentiality.
"Leave no trace, leave no clue!"
"Completely clear! Not a single flaw was left!"
Finally, He Yuzhu made adjustments to the personnel arrangement.
"After you have completed all the evacuation, cleanup, and cleanup work."
"Immediately withdraw from the core circle of public attention and move to remote coordination behind the scenes."
"Recently, Hong Kong has been turbulent and fraught with danger."
You should no longer appear in public and be exposed to the public eye.
Bai Yifeng remained silent for a moment, then understood completely.
This is not suspicion, but the most reliable and top-level protection.
He solemnly agreed.
"Yes, sir! Go behind the scenes immediately and remain invisible throughout the entire operation!"
"Execute it quickly, and finish it cleanly!"
"yes!"
The call ended.
The crisis contingency plan was fully activated, and all core hidden dangers were eliminated.
Without pausing, He Yuzhu immediately dialed Shi Bin's number.
The moment the call connected, the ultimate security order was issued.
"Shi Bin! Immediately upgrade all security levels within the group!"
"Raise all lines to the highest level of combat readiness!"
Shi Bin's expression changed drastically instantly on the other end of the phone.
His tone was full of extreme shock and astonishment.
"Highest level of combat readiness?!"
This is the highest level of security ever used since the establishment of the security brigade!
It is the ultimate contingency plan that is only activated in the face of a life-or-death crisis or a full-scale war!
He immediately pressed for an answer in a deep voice.
"Boss, what major emergency has occurred?"
He Yuzhu's words were concise and to the point, directly addressing the core crisis.
"MI5 has infiltrated across borders, specifically targeting us."
"The other party is not an ordinary police officer; they belong to a national intelligence agency."
They possess extremely high authority, employ highly professional methods, act without any moral boundaries, and are extremely destructive.
"Your core mission is to ensure the absolute safety of all key personnel!"
Shi Bin instantly became alert and entered a state of maximum combat readiness.
His tone was serious and decisive, and he instantly clarified all the details of the deployment.
"Understood! Activate the highest level of security immediately!"
"All core protected targets will be subject to 24/7 close, uninterrupted protection!"
Completely eliminate all opportunities for solo actions or being alone!
"Immediately conduct a second, comprehensive security check of all residences, offices, and hidden locations!"
A comprehensive upgrade to counter-eavesdropping, counter-reconnaissance, and counter-infiltration deployments!
"All commuter routes will be randomly changed daily, and multiple contingency plans will be rotated!"
Emergency vehicles, assault teams, and medical groups are on standby throughout the entire process!
"The squad is permitted to use all unrestricted counterattack methods when facing a deadly threat!"
"The boss will bear full responsibility for all consequences of his actions!"
"That's right, that's the standard!"
He Yuzhu confirmed in a deep voice and redefined the core protection list.
"Key protected targets: all my family members, Ah Lang, Gu Yuanheng, and Xu Damao."
And all their immediate family members, plus Ms. Wang Cuiping.
"Pass down the order!"
"All security personnel must have sharp eyes, meticulous attention to detail, and be on high alert!"
Any suspicious persons, vehicles, or movements will be thoroughly investigated!
We will not overlook any potential danger or any loophole!
Shi Bin spoke with a firm tone, his fighting spirit palpable.
"Mission accomplished! An impregnable fortress will be built!"
"I'll mobilize all personnel immediately!"
"Dispatch the entire Shadow Squad! Set up a city-wide control zone!"
"Select elite personnel from each squadron to reinforce all security positions!"
"Ensure zero vulnerabilities, zero flaws, and zero risks!"
"besides."
He Yuzhu continued to supplement the overall security deployment.
"All of its subsidiaries have undergone a complete upgrade of internal security!"
Yellow River Industry, automobile manufacturing plant, steel plant, security company.
This includes Qin Quan Beverages, owned by Xu Damao, without exception!
"Not an employee of this factory or company".
It was not approved by multiple levels of senior management or registered and filed throughout the entire process.
You are strictly prohibited from stepping into the core areas of the factory, office, and production areas!
"All employees must register their real names when entering and exiting the premises, and all personal belongings will be checked one by one!"
"Strictly prevent outsiders from infiltrating, spying, or tampering with equipment!"
"Understood! Issue a firm order immediately: all security personnel in all factory areas must be in position and strictly comply!"
……
The security system has been fully upgraded, and potential personnel risks have been completely eliminated.
He Yuzhu then dialed A Lang's number to begin laying the groundwork for future industrial development.
"Ah Lang, listen carefully to the following instructions."
"The Kowloon Tong real estate project, and all real estate projects under construction or in preparation."
The construction progress will be slowed down across the board, and the intensity of construction will be reduced.
"Just maintain the illusion of normal progress on the surface; don't sprint or expand."
Ah Lang on the other end of the phone was stunned, completely puzzled.
His tone carried a hint of hesitation and reluctance.
"Boss? Slow down the pace? We finally gained the upper hand and started laying the groundwork..."
"I know."
He Yuzhu interrupted calmly, his tone clear and insightful.
"The current situation is unusual, with Jardine Matheson collapsing and five other entities involved."
All eyes in the city are on the high-level business turmoil.
"We are now expanding aggressively and making a strong push."
They will instantly become easy targets for all factions.
"Being too high-profile is the biggest flaw."
"Reduce unnecessary expenditures and streamline construction resources."
"Maintain a consistent external stance: cooperate with routine government safety inspections and optimize project design plans."
"To project the image of an ordinary company that is operating normally, or even struggling a little."
"Deliberately concealing their brilliance, hiding their strength, and lying low."
Although Ah Lang doesn't fully understand the overall situation, he absolutely obeys orders.
"Understood! I'll immediately adjust the schedules of all projects and keep a low profile!"
"What about our cooperation agreements with builders and material suppliers?"
"Perform the contract as originally agreed."
"We will not proactively expand our contract signings, nor will we arbitrarily breach or terminate contracts."
"Maintain the status quo, ensure a smooth transition, and avoid creating any public opinion storms."
"Received! Strictly enforce!"
After ending the call with Ah Lang, He Yuzhu immediately contacted Gu Yuanheng.
The directive was issued to all real economy industries to adopt a strategy of concealing their strengths and remaining humble.
"Yuanheng, adjust all production plans for the car factory and steel factory."
"Strictly adhere to the basic production quota and maintain stable production, without exceeding the quota, increasing production, or expanding production."
"Government orders are fulfilled in accordance with the contract and delivered steadily."
"Commercial orders are progressing smoothly, without bidding wars, price competition, or market expansion."
All external publicity, reporting, and public relations activities have been suspended.
"We will not release any expansion plans, profit data, or upgrade information."
"Completely become a law-abiding, honest, and low-key businessman."
Gu Yuanheng was insightful and instantly understood the deeper meaning behind their lying low and protecting themselves.
He responded in a calm and composed tone.
"Don't worry, boss, I'll adjust the entire factory's production strategy immediately."
"We are focusing all our efforts on internal quality control, production capacity optimization, and cost control."
"Completely conceal your brilliance, operate discreetly, avoid trouble and make no mistakes."
For the last call, He Yuzhu dialed Xu Damao's number.
When the call connected, Xu Damao's slightly uneasy voice came through.
"Brother, why are you calling all of a sudden? Qinquan's stock price has stabilized, and the minor fluctuations have subsided."
"I know."
He Yuzhu spoke calmly and steadily, offering his advice.
"Da Mao, all of Qin Quan Beverage's businesses will remain at a normal pace in the near future."
"Don't engage in aggressive marketing, don't try to seize market share, and don't acquire competitors."
"Stabilize the existing product quality and market share."
"Make money quietly and discreetly, without standing out or drawing attention."
Xu Damao keenly sensed something was wrong and cautiously pressed for answers.
"Brother, is something wrong? You sound strange."
"No need to ask any more questions, just do as instructed."
He Yuzhu's tone left no room for doubt, and he gave a serious warning.
"Remember the core principles."
"They have kept a low profile and remained extremely low-key recently."
"Stop everything that could harm Qinquan, you and me, and Yellow River Industry."
All actions that deeply bind us and push us into the limelight.
"The more law-abiding you are, the safer you are."
Although Xu Damao was full of doubts, he still completely believed in He Yuzhu's judgment.
He responded solemnly.
"Okay! Bro, I totally understand!"
"I'm completely concealing all movements, lying low and waiting, and will absolutely not show myself!"
All emergency deployments have been completed.
He Yuzhu slowly put down the landline receiver.
He exhaled a long breath of stale air that had been building up in his chest.
A comprehensive plan, fully implemented.
The core personnel were all evacuated, cutting off all leads for tracing the source.
The entire area is under maximum security, creating an impregnable protective barrier.
All industries are adopting a low-key approach, reducing their visibility and outward presence.