Chapter 70

"Mr. Wang, I also want to learn Chinese kung fu!"

William Brown looked at Wang Zhong with admiration.

"This...!"

Wang Zhong looked at the two expectant faces, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes. To him, the master-disciple relationship was not just a matter of "a day as a teacher, a lifetime as a father," but also a very serious matter. It wasn't that Wang Zhong was biased against Westerners and unwilling to teach them martial arts. Rather, the cultural differences between the East and the West made it difficult for Westerners to understand concepts like acupoints, meridians, yin, and yang, which are unique to the East. Moreover, the physical constitution of Caucasians was very different from that of East Asians, so even if they could grasp the essence of Eastern culture, they would not be able to achieve a high level in martial arts.

"Sir Edward has a significant influence in the upper echelons of British society. The Brown family is one of the old aristocratic families in London. With their help, whether in Hong Kong or Britain, it would be a great benefit to you!"

Uncle Huang walked up to Wang Zhong and whispered.

Without asking, Uncle Huang was clearly conveying Li Ka-shing's thoughts.

"I will take you two as registered disciples!"

Wang Zhong had a sudden idea and thought of a compromise. In the martial arts world, the master-disciple relationship was taken very seriously. Not only did the disciple need to be cautious in choosing a master, but the master also needed to be very careful in choosing a disciple, considering their potential, insight, and character. Generally, they would first be taken as registered disciples and only after several years of observation would they be accepted as indoor disciples.

There was a significant difference between registered disciples and indoor disciples. Indoor disciples were the true inheritors of martial arts, with their personal honor closely tied to their school. Registered disciples, on the other hand, were more like auditors in modern times. They were allowed to learn, but they had no official status, meaning that any problems that arose would not be the responsibility of the master or the school.

This was also a way to avoid entanglements. Since Wang Zhong did not know the two very well, he naturally would not rashly take them as disciples.

After all, it involved deeper issues like lineage and destiny.

"Thank you, Mr. Wang!"

Selena and William Brown said excitedly. They did not share Wang Zhong's concerns about cultural differences.

"Congratulations, Master Wang!"

"Congratulations, Miss Selena!"

"Congratulations, Mr. William Brown!"

...

The guests at the banquet expressed their congratulations.

Sir Edward also took out a bottle of fine wine he had been saving for years, and his attitude toward Wang Zhong became much warmer.

The banquet proceeded as usual, but Wang Zhong now had a little tail following him.

Selena looked at Wang Zhong with admiration, following him wherever he went.

Fortunately, Selena was well-mannered and elegant, and she took the initiative to introduce Wang Zhong to the British nobles in Hong Kong. Wang Zhong let her be.

After the banquet, Wang Zhong, Rulan, and Mary were kept behind by Sir Edward.

Sir Edward led Wang Zhong into his study, which was simply furnished with a desk, bookshelves, and a silver lamp.

A large map of Hong Kong was spread out on the desk.

On the map, Sir Edward had written three simple English words: "Population," "Land," and "Culture"!

"Mr. Wang, your demeanor today has completely won me over. You are the most gentlemanly man I have met in Hong Kong!"

Sir Edward invited Wang Zhong to sit down and said with a smile.

"Sir, you are too kind."

Wang Zhong smiled faintly and said modestly.

"Oh, damn it, Chinese modesty again. Although I have been in Hong Kong for many years, I still find it a bit hard to get used to!"

Sir Edward shrugged, somewhat discontentedly.

"Sir, this is a cultural difference. Just like England and Scotland, although they both belong to the United Kingdom, their cultures and beliefs are still different!"

Wang Zhong was not at all apologetic about Sir Edward's dissatisfaction and said with a smile.

"Well, I think you are right!"

Thinking of the issue between England and Scotland, Sir Edward shrugged helplessly.

"Cultures may differ, but we must respect each other!"

Wang Zhong took a sip of coffee. It had to be said that Sir Edward's coffee was quite authentic.

"Civet coffee!"

Civet coffee (Kopi Luwak), where "Kopi" (Indonesian for coffee) and "Luwak" is the Indonesian term for the civet, a tree-dwelling wild animal. In the Sumatra region of Indonesia, the civet is called "Musang," so Kopi Musang is civet coffee, also known as "civet coffee." — From "The Art of Fine Coffee"

Civet coffee is one of the most expensive coffees in the world, with a price of several hundred dollars per pound. It is made from coffee beans that have been processed from the feces of civets, which eat ripe coffee cherries. The beans, after passing through the civet's digestive system, undergo fermentation, resulting in a unique flavor that is highly sought after in the international market.

"You are right, so I need your help!"

Sir Edward walked to the map of Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong's population has grown rapidly over the past decade, and the current land is no longer sufficient to support the needs of so many people. Acquiring more land is an urgent matter!"

Sir Edward looked at the map of Hong Kong with a headache. In his eyes, each point on the map represented more than a dozen Chinese people, a population density that even exceeded that of international metropolises like London, New York, and Tokyo.

"Sir, what do you plan to do? Immigration, or colonizing more land in China?"

Wang Zhong looked at Sir Edward, somewhat jokingly.

"Oh, God, that's not a funny joke. The lion has already awakened, and I feel fear every day because of the strength across the border!"

Sir Edward looked into the distance with fear, the ancient nation exuding a power that was intimidating.

"Immigration is not possible either; the land issue is a problem every country faces!"

Seeing Sir Edward's wary and fearful expression, Wang Zhong felt a strong sense of pride.

China has risen!

"I think there is only one solution: land reclamation!"

Wang Zhong picked up a pencil and casually drew a circle on the map.

"Reclamation in Central?"

Sir Edward looked at the map, somewhat puzzled.

"Exactly, Central is the most prosperous area in Hong Kong and also the area with the greatest population pressure. Reclaiming land in Central can help alleviate the population pressure. From a feng shui perspective, reclaiming land in Central can narrow the water outlet, making the water flow slower, which can help retain wealth for the people. However, a narrower water outlet will also make the water flow faster, which could lead to a faster pace of life and increased living pressure for the people."

Wang Zhong explained with a smile.

"Mr. Wang, although I respect your culture, I do not believe in feng shui, which I consider to be superstitious! However, land reclamation is an excellent suggestion. Japan, with its small land area, began land reclamation in the 1930s to address population growth. We can learn from their experience and reclaim land in Central. Of course, I need the input of experts, and this plan needs approval from London!"

Sir Edward took a sip of coffee, calmed himself, but his expression was still somewhat excited.

Wang Zhong was not surprised by Sir Edward's response. The feasibility study for the Central and Wan Chai Reclamation was completed in 1989, and the former Land Development Policy Committee approved the gradual implementation of the reclamation plan. The reclamation area consisted of three development zones in Central, Tamar, and the Convention and Exhibition Center, separated by parks, and these zones were further divided into five phases.

From 1993 to 2006, three phases of the reclamation project were completed—Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Central Reclamation and Phase 1 of the Wan Chai Development—creating 32.3 hectares of land. The remaining phases (Phase 3 of the Central Reclamation and Phase 2 of the Wan Chai Development) were either under construction or under review. The main purpose of the Central and Wan Chai Reclamation was to provide land for the Central-Wan Chai Bypass and to extend several proposed railway lines to the reclaimed area. The plan also aimed to create a world-class waterfront promenade, providing additional recreational and green spaces to enhance the attractiveness of the waterfront.

It was only 1982, and although his arrival had changed many things, such a large project required extensive preparation. It was not surprising that it would take several years from the initial proposal to implementation.

However, Sir Edward's words also gave Wang Zhong another idea: he could accumulate land. The current barren salt flats and beaches would become prime real estate in the future.

"Thank you, Mr. Wang. Your suggestion is excellent; you should be awarded a medal!"

Although Sir Edward did not immediately adopt Wang Zhong's suggestion, he still expressed his gratitude.

"That is my honor, Governor!"

Wang Zhong said modestly.

After a bit more casual conversation, Wang Zhong politely got up to leave.

Rulan and Mary were in the living room, with Miss Selena and William Brown responsible for entertaining the guests. It was clear that Rulan was in a good mood, laughing from time to time. Mary, however, seemed a bit down, and at some point, she had wrapped a shawl around her shoulders, covering her exposed skin.

Seeing Wang Zhong and Sir Edward come out of the study, everyone stopped talking in unison.

They shook hands with Sir Edward and said a few encouraging words to Selena and William Brown before Wang Zhong got into the car.

On the way back, the atmosphere in the car was somewhat heavy.

Mary mustered the courage to explain to Wang Zhong, but the words stuck in her throat. She finally looked at Wang Zhong, who was silent, with tears welling up in her eyes.

Rulan was also looking at Wang Zhong, clearly waiting for an explanation.

Wang Zhong, seeing the two women vying for his attention, wisely chose to remain silent. Sometimes, time was the best solution.

By the time they arrived at their residence, it was late at night, and Rulan walked in with a sullen face.

"I believe you!"

Wang Zhong took the opportunity to whisper to Mary.

Mary's eyes welled up with tears. With those words, today's grievances seemed insignificant.

"What did you say to Mary just now?"

Rulan, seeing Wang Zhong come in, asked aggressively.

"Nothing, I just told her to drive slowly!"

Wang Zhong rubbed his nose, somewhat embarrassed.

"Really?"

Rulan asked, not quite believing him.

"Of course, now make me something to eat, I'm hungry!"

Wang Zhong rubbed his stomach, somewhat complaining.

"The banquet at the governor's residence was a living hell. Everyone was running around with their wine glasses, and I couldn't eat or drink properly!"

"Banquets are always like that. I told you to eat something before you went, but you didn't listen!"

Rulan, seeing Wang Zhong's complaints, couldn't help but laugh, and her mood improved. Although she wanted to give Wang Zhong a lesson, she couldn't help but worry and feel sorry for him, thinking of his usual appetite.

Hearing the clatter of pots and pans from the kitchen, Wang Zhong felt a faint sense of happiness.