Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 99 The Governor's "Water" Scheme and the Bao Family's Good Fortune

Shortly after New Year's Day in 1958, the weather in Hong Kong was slightly chilly. However, the Governor's House, located in the Mid-Levels of Central, was brightly lit and warmly decorated. Lam Yee had come to attend a small, informal dinner at the invitation of Governor Sir Robert Black.

The restaurant was elegantly decorated, with silver candlesticks reflecting off the gleaming tableware. Bai Liji, dressed in a well-tailored suit, was over fifty but still spry and sharp-eyed. Lin Er, as always, exuded an air of sophistication, his demeanor composed and refined.

The first half of the dinner was relaxed and harmonious. Both sides enjoyed the exquisite dishes, discussing everything from Hong Kong's recent economic development to the international situation. Lin Er aptly praised some of the anti-corruption measures recently implemented by the Hong Kong government:

"Governor," Lin Er raised his glass and said in fluent English, "the government's recent efforts to improve administrative efficiency and reduce corruption at the grassroots level have been well received by the business community. This has created a more predictable and fairer environment for everyone."

Paul Walker smiled and nodded in response: "Thank you, Mr. Lam. A clean and efficient government is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's prosperity. We still have a long way to go, but it's always good to see positive signs."

However, both men knew perfectly well that the focus of this dinner was not casual conversation or socializing. After the coffee and cigars were served, Berwick dismissed the waiter, and the conversation got down to business. His smile faded slightly, and his fingers tapped lightly on the table.

"Mr. Lin," Bai Liji leaned forward slightly, his gaze becoming serious, "Mr. Lin, I've kept the issue of 'water' you mentioned last time in mind. Now that I'm basically in charge of daily administrative affairs, this might be the most pressing time bomb we're facing."

He sighed. "Last year's drought almost caused a disaster. Our reservoirs are severely undercapacitated; the existing ponds and wells simply cannot support the city's rapidly growing needs. Every drought warning keeps me up at night. I need a solution, a practical and sustainable one."

Lin Er had anticipated this topic. He put down his coffee cup, his expression calm and serious: "Governor, you see things very clearly. Hong Kong's water crisis boils down to two things: Source and Storage. And of the two, Source is more urgent."

"Continue," Berliki gestured for him to explain in detail.

"First and foremost, it's about storage," Lin Er stated clearly. "Our existing reservoirs, such as Tai Lam Chung and Shek Pik Reservoir, are already stretched thin. The most urgent task is to immediately plan and launch new large-scale water storage projects, such as finding suitable locations in the New Territories to build larger reservoirs. This is essential for long-term considerations."

Bai Liji nodded in agreement, but his brow remained furrowed: "But that will take years, even a decade! Planning, land resumption, construction... it's a long-term solution that won't address the immediate problem."

"Exactly," Lin Er continued. "Therefore, we must address the water problem simultaneously, or even with greater priority. Hong Kong's local catchment area is limited, and rainfall is unpredictable. We need to look beyond the borders to find a reliable and sufficient water source."

Berliki sat up straight; he understood perfectly well what "beyond the border" referred to. It was an extremely sensitive yet unavoidable direction. He paused for a moment, his blue eyes fixed on Lin Er: "You mean... contact with the Chinese?"

"Yes, Governor," Lin Er said with certainty. "This is logically the best, and possibly the only, solution that can quickly and fundamentally solve the problem. Guangdong Province possesses water resources advantages that we cannot match. The Shenzhen Reservoir is just a stone's throw from the New Territories, and its designed capacity is enormous. Not to mention the mighty Pearl River, whose water volume is enough to satisfy the thirst of ten Hong Kongs."

He paused, then added, "This is not a one-sided plea; it can be a mutually beneficial cooperation. Hong Kong can provide foreign exchange, technology, or supplies in exchange. The key is to establish a stable and reliable water lifeline. This is not just about water; it concerns Hong Kong's stability and future."

Berwick fell into a long silence, his fingers unconsciously twirling his cigar. The only sound in the living room was the crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace. Lin Er's suggestion was bold and direct, touching on the most sensitive political nerves of the time. But as a pragmatic politician, Berwick knew the value and foresight of this suggestion.

After a long while, he slowly raised his head, his eyes flashing with amazement and complex emotions, and let out a long breath: "Mr. Lin, your foresight and... strategic thinking always amaze me."

"You've framed a daunting challenge into a potentially solvable equation. Seeking water to the north... it's politically delicate, but technically and logically it's a brilliant move."

He stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the night view of Victoria Harbour below, as if weighing the risks and opportunities. Finally, he turned around, his tone becoming firm: "Thank you for your honesty and wisdom, Mr. Lin. This requires meticulous planning and careful consideration from the top management. But you have given me a clear direction to think about."

The dinner ended in a somber yet hopeful atmosphere. The wheels of history will continue to turn along their predetermined course, and he, in doing so, skillfully played the role of both a promoter and a strategist.

As he left Government House, Lin Er looked up at the starry sky. Solving Hong Kong's water crisis was no easy task; the political maneuvering, technical challenges, and negotiation details involved would be extremely complex. But at least, the most correct and fundamental direction was now before the decision-makers. He and Lin Yan, behind him, would continue to monitor the situation and await the next opportune moment.

Since the day Lin Er left with his medical instructions, Bao Yugang and his wife Huang Xiuying had strictly followed them with an almost pious attitude. The amber-colored medicine, sealed in a warm jade bowl and delivered by Lin Er's confidant every seven days, became the Bao family's highest-level secret and expectation. The medicine was slightly bitter at first, then sweet. Soon after swallowing, a gentle and continuous warm current would slowly rise from the lower abdomen, flowing comfortably to the limbs and bones, dispelling deep-seated fatigue and chronic illness.

The changes were subtle yet undeniably real. For Huang Xiuying, the first thing she noticed was that her sleep became deeper and sweeter than ever before. The troubles of waking up easily in the middle of the night and having vivid dreams were gone. Every morning she woke up refreshed, as if she had inexhaustible energy. Her hands and feet, which had always been slightly cold, became warm and dry, and her menstrual cycle returned to its youthful regularity and gentleness, without any swelling or discomfort. What surprised her even more was that she looked radiant in the mirror. Her skin became delicate and firm, the fine lines around her eyes faded, and her complexion was rosy and glowing. The health and vitality emanating from within made her feel as if she had returned to her honeymoon period ten years ago. Even her closest maid secretly marveled at how much younger and more beautiful the lady of the house had become lately.

Bao Yugang felt the same way. The mental fatigue accumulated from years of traveling the world and working tirelessly was swept away. He found that he needed less sleep, but the quality was extremely high. He woke up with a clear mind and significantly improved mental acuity, handling even the most complicated official duties with ease and confidence. The lingering pain from several joint injuries sustained during his years at sea completely disappeared, and he was filled with boundless energy. He even felt his vision had become clearer. What delighted him even more was that the passion between him and his wife, which had become somewhat subdued due to the years and their busy lives, was rekindled. Their married life was harmonious and fulfilling, as if they had rediscovered the passion and understanding of their youth. The couple often smiled at each other, their eyes filled with surprise at each other's changes and an indescribable gratitude towards Lin Er.

All this internal rejuvenation filled them with a near-reverential trust in Lin Er and the mysterious Lin Group behind him.

Time slipped by unnoticed, and it was already past New Year's Day in 1959. One evening at dinner, the maid served steamed sea fish as usual. The fish was fresh and the aroma was enticing. As soon as Huang Xiuying picked up her chopsticks, the familiar fishy smell wafted over, and she suddenly felt a violent churning in her stomach. She couldn't help but cover her mouth with a handkerchief and let out an uncontrollable retching.

"Xiuying!" Bao Yugang immediately put down his chopsticks, his heart leaping. A suspicion he had suppressed for months and anticipated for years exploded in his mind like a thunderclap. He tried to remain calm, but his voice still trembled slightly, "Is she unwell? Quickly, go and fetch Mr. Chen Jitang! Immediately!"

Mr. Chen Jitang arrived quickly and, upon hearing of Madam Bao's discomfort, his expression turned grave. Under Bao Yugang's tense, almost breathless gaze, he carefully took Huang Xiuying's pulse. His fingers rested on her wrist for only a moment before Mr. Chen's furrowed brow relaxed, his face revealing a look of surprise and understanding. He carefully examined her pulse for a long time before finally releasing it, stroking his beard and laughing loudly, bowing repeatedly: "Congratulations, Sir Bao! Congratulations, Sir Bao! Your wife's pulse is that of a woman pregnant! The pulse is smooth and flowing, like pearls rolling on a plate, strong and powerful—this is pregnancy! Judging from the pulse, she is nearly two months along, and the pregnancy is extremely stable. A very good omen, an extremely good omen!"

"Really...really?! Heaven has eyes! Our ancestors have blessed us! Mr. Lin is truly a divine being!" Bao Yugang jumped up from his chair, his immense joy instantly shattering his composure. His face flushed red with excitement, and his eyes even welled with tears. He waved his arms and shouted towards the door, "Butler! Butler! Quickly! Give Old Master Chen three times the consultation fee! No! Five times! Let the old man fully share in the Bao family's joy! An immense joy indeed! Hahaha!"

Chen Jitang smiled and waved his hand to decline, but his gaze lingered on Bao Yugang and his wife for a few more moments, secretly astonished. During the pulse diagnosis, he not only confirmed the pregnancy but was also amazed to find that Mrs. Bao's vitality and health far surpassed that of ordinary pregnant women, even exceeding that of many healthy women in their early twenties; her vibrant life force seemed to emanate from her pulse. Looking at Bao Yugang, he too had a ruddy complexion, bright eyes, and was full of energy, not at all like someone nearing middle age and burdened by years of hard work.

[How strange...] Chen Jitang muttered to himself, [What kind of stroke of luck have these Sir and Mrs. Bao received in the past few months? They seem to have undergone a complete transformation...] But then he thought, perhaps it was because their wishes had been fulfilled, and they were in high spirits due to the joy of the occasion. Coupled with the Bao family's wealth and careful nurturing, this miraculous effect was achieved. He suppressed his doubts, offered his congratulations again with utmost sincerity, and then left.

After seeing Chen Jitang off, Bao Yugang was still overwhelmed with emotion. He held his wife's hand tightly, so happy that he didn't know what to do.

"Quickly! Prepare my set of gold-leaf invitations!" Bao Yugang instructed the butler. "Tomorrow morning, personally deliver them to the Lin Group, making sure to hand them to Mr. Lin Er in person! Tell him that I, Bao Yugang, earnestly invite him to my residence for a chat, as I have some momentous news to share, and I humbly request his presence!"

The following day, Lin Er visited the Bao residence again at the invitation. This time, the atmosphere was completely different from the somber atmosphere of their previous private conversation in the study. Bao Yugang personally greeted him at the gate, his face filled with barely suppressed gratitude.

"Mr. Lin! I can't thank you enough! You are truly a great benefactor to the Bao family! I will never forget your kindness in giving us a second chance!" Bao Yugang stepped forward quickly, grabbed Lin Er's hand, and shook it vigorously, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.

Lin Er smiled calmly, as if he had everything under control: "Sir Bao, you flatter me. I congratulate you and your wife on the fulfillment of your wishes. This is the will of Heaven and the good fortune of the two of you."

Upon entering the living room, Huang Xiuying rose to greet him, her face flushed with a mixture of happiness and awe. She was about to express her deepest gratitude to Lin Er when he gently stopped her.

After taking their seats, Bao Yugang, still unable to contain his excitement, recounted incoherently the events of the previous day when he was diagnosed with pregnancy, praising Lin Er's miraculous methods. Lin Er listened patiently, offering his congratulations when appropriate. Then, he looked gently at Huang Xiuying and said, "Sir Bao, Madam, if you trust me, may I take your pulse again?"

"We couldn't be happier! Mr. Lin, please come in!" Mr. and Mrs. Bao said almost in unison, as they already regarded Mr. Lin's "medical skills" as divine.

Lin Er extended three fingers and gently placed them on Huang Xiuying's wrist. After a moment, a knowing smile appeared on his lips. He withdrew his hand and bowed to the excited and expectant Bao couple, saying, "Congratulations, Sir! Congratulations on the birth of your son! The Bao family line continues, and your legacy is now secure!"

"A son?! It really is a boy?! Mr. Lin, are you... are you sure?!" Bao Yugang jumped up from the sofa, his voice cracking with extreme excitement and disbelief. His eyes widened like saucers as he stared intently at Lin Er, as if trying to confirm he wasn't dreaming. Although his greatest hope in inviting Lin Er was this, hearing the result with his own ears still filled him with immense joy!

"The pulse is strong and vigorous, like a dragon swimming in the sea, which undoubtedly indicates a male fetus. Moreover, the fetus's foundation is so strong that it is rarely seen in the world." Lin Er said with certainty and nodded calmly.

"Ancestral blessings! Heaven has eyes! Ancestors above! I, Bao Yugang, have an heir! A son! A son of exceptional talent!" Bao Yugang could no longer contain himself. Forgetting all about the decorum of a tycoon or the etiquette of hospitality, he turned and staggered toward the ancestral hall, excitedly muttering incoherently, "I must tell my ancestors! I must immediately offer incense to them! Tell them this incredible good news! I, Bao Yugang, have a son! The Bao family has an heir!"

Seeing this shipping magnate, usually as composed as a mountain and renowned throughout the world, now acting like a child who had finally received his most desired toy, so excited that he was at a loss for words and couldn't wait to "report the good news" to his ancestors, Lin Er was slightly taken aback at first, and then couldn't help but chuckle softly. He immediately felt that it was a bit impolite, so he coughed lightly with his fist to his lips to cover his laughter.