Siheyuan: I am different He Yuzhu

After listening to Governor Chen's words, President Zhang and President Liu looked at each other, and their eyes met, as if they had completed a silent communication in an instant. Then, President Liu nodded slightly, indicating that he had no objection to what was about to be said next.

Chairman Zhang understood what he meant, turned to look at Governor Chen, and said in a firm tone: "Governor Chen, we both feel that the requirements put forward by Prime Minister Z in his instructions are acceptable, but this is only our personal opinion. Therefore, we need to return to Hong Kong and report these situations in detail to the Hong Kong John Bull government and seek their opinions. Only after obtaining their consent can we make a final decision."

Governor Chen smiled at the two presidents, with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. He nodded and said softly, "I understand your position and respect your decision. I hope you can communicate with the Hong Kong government as soon as possible and give me a clear answer. Of course, no matter what the result is, we will continue to maintain a positive attitude of cooperation."

Finally, Governor Chen stood up, stretched out his hand and shook hands with the two presidents to say goodbye. He smiled and said, "Then I look forward to the good news from the two presidents."

......

When President Zhang and President Liu returned to Hong Kong and relayed the mainland's demands to Charles, John Bull's special assistant to Governor-General of Hong Kong, President Zhang asked, "Mr. Assistant, what do you think of the mainland's conditions?"

After listening to the reports from President Zhang and President Liu, Charles did not rush to express his opinion. Instead, he said kindly, "President Zhang and President Liu, you two have worked hard this time."

"It's not hard. It's an honor for both of us to share the worries of the people and government of Hong Kong." President Zhang and President Liu hurriedly said modestly.

"What do the two presidents think of the conditions in the mainland?" Charles asked casually, holding a coffee cup.

Chairman Zhang thought for a moment and replied, "Assistant, although the conditions in the mainland are higher than we expected, they did not raise any objections to the price of water supply. Instead, they followed the price we proposed. I feel that the Hong Kong government can agree to the conditions proposed by the other party. The only troublesome thing is to provide loans to the mainland. According to the current water supply capacity of Pengcheng Reservoir, the maximum annual water supply capacity is 3000 million cubic meters. Before the water supply capacity of Pengcheng Reservoir is expanded, the water fee generated by the water supply of Pengcheng Reservoir is not enough to repay the interest on the project loan. This requires the bank to be willing to wait until the water supply capacity of Pengcheng Reservoir to Hong Kong is expanded before charging interest, which is not easy."

"What does President Liu think?" Charles turned to look at President Liu and asked.

"I have the same idea as Chairman Zhang. I also think that we should agree to the conditions proposed by the mainland. The mainland's conditions propose an annual water supply of 1 million cubic meters. Although it is 6800 million cubic meters higher than the 3200 million cubic meters we proposed, judging from the industrial development of Hong Kong in the past two years, with the rapid development of Hong Kong's industry, the fresh water consumption in the future will definitely increase rapidly, so we have the ability to fully digest the extra 3200 million cubic meters of water."

At this point, Chairman Liu paused and continued, "As for Chairman Zhang's concern that no bank may be willing to provide loans to the mainland, I don't think there is any need to worry about this. The mainland government has proposed that they negotiate with the bank themselves. If they fail to reach an agreement, the Hong Kong government can provide a guarantee and appoint a bank. Anyway, after the Pengcheng Reservoir expands its water supply to Hong Kong, Hong Kong will have to pay 2300 million Hong Kong dollars in water fees to the mainland every year. Such a large amount of money is enough to repay the construction loan for the factory to expand the water supply capacity of the Pengcheng Reservoir."

"Since President Zhang and President Liu both suggest agreeing to each other's conditions, I will report the opinions of the two presidents to the Governor, and the Governor will make the decision. Please wait in my office for a moment." After saying that, Charles walked out of the office and went to the office of the Governor, Sir Robert Black.

Charles came to the office of Sir Robert Black, the Governor of Hong Kong, and reported to him the conditions proposed by the Lingnan Provincial Government brought back by President Zhang and President Liu. After listening to Charles' report, Sir Robert Black pondered for a moment and asked, "Charles, what is your suggestion?"

"Governor, I feel that we should agree to all the conditions proposed by the Lingnan Provincial Government. Only by agreeing to the conditions of the Lingnan Provincial Government can we shift the responsibility to the Lingnan Provincial Government if any water supply-related problems arise in Hong Kong in the future." Charles replied respectfully.

"But the water supply requested by the Lingnan provincial government far exceeds the amount we purchased. The extra 3200 million cubic meters will require an additional payment of more than 700 million Hong Kong dollars. If this extra water cannot be used, it will cause losses to the water company."

"If the water company suffers losses because it purchases too much water but fails to sell it in time, then the water company can just raise the price of water and pass on the losses."

"If the price of tap water is raised, will the public object?" Sir Robert Black said with a worried look on his face.

"If the public is really dissatisfied, then we can tell them the truth. It's not our fault anyway. We can use this excuse to make the public disappointed in the mainland government."

After listening to Charles' words, Sir Robert Black pondered for a moment and said, "Okay, I will agree to the conditions proposed by the Lingnan Provincial Government. Charles, who do you think is more suitable to be sent to contact the Lingnan Provincial Government?"

"I feel that it would be more appropriate to ask the Director of the Water Authority, Mo Jin, to be in charge of this matter. After all, the Water Authority is responsible for solving the water supply problem in Hong Kong." Charles answered without hesitation.

"Well, then, as you said, you will arrange for the Director of the Water Affairs Bureau, Mo Jin, to go to Baiyun City on behalf of the Xiangjiang government. Let him be responsible for coordinating with the Lingnan Provincial Government on all matters related to the Lingnan Province-Xiangjiang water supply project."

"Okay, Governor." After saying that, Charles walked to the office of Governor Sir Robert Black.

Charles returned to his office and said to President Zhang and President Liu with a smile on his face: "President Zhang, President Liu, I have reported to the Governor-General. The Governor-General has agreed to the conditions proposed by the Lingnan Provincial Government and appointed Director of the Water Affairs Bureau, Mo Jin, to be fully responsible for coordinating with the Lingnan Provincial Government on all matters concerning the water supply from Lingnan Province to Xiangjiang. The Governor-General asked me to express my gratitude to the two presidents for their previous efforts."

"It's my pleasure, Your Excellency the Governor." President Zhang and President Liu hurriedly said politely, "If you need us in the future, please let us know, Your Excellency the Assistant."

"I would like to express my gratitude to President Zhang and President Liu first. I will not hesitate to help you if you need my help in the future."

Then President Zhang and President Liu said goodbye to Charles and left Charles' office.