noveldepot Chapter 60: Groundbreaking Ceremony for "Hong Kong Electric"
Chapter 60: Groundbreaking Ceremony for "Hong Kong Electric"
Two days later...
October 15th.
Xiangjiang Electric Company at the site of its new power station project on Lamma Island.
In mid-October, Hong Kong did not feel particularly cool in the city center; it seemed that autumn had lost its way south and would never return.
However, on Lamma Island, nestled in the vast ocean, the early morning breeze brings a noticeable coolness.
It was a little after seven in the morning.
One ferry after another drove in.
Luxury cars disembarked from the ferry one after another.
A temporary ceremony platform was set up on site, and many reporters had already gathered there.
Today is an auspicious day for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new power station on Lamma Island, known as "Hong Kong Electric Light".
For the entire Hong Kong Island, "Hong Kong Electric Company" is the "driving force" for industrial development.
It supports all sectors of Hong Kong Island, including finance, commerce, manufacturing, and people's livelihoods. It ensures the power supply for core areas such as Central and Causeway Bay, as well as new residential developments, contributing to various aspects of Hong Kong's development. It provides reliable power transmission for major development projects such as land reclamation and infrastructure construction.
It can be said that "Hong Kong Electric" is the super core driving force behind the development of Hong Kong Island.
Therefore, the new power station project is a major event of utmost importance to people's livelihood, society, and the core leadership of the Hong Kong government. It is a major project that is of great concern to the entire Hong Kong Island.
Today, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new power station of "Hong Kong Electric" was attended by a large number of people from all walks of life who were invited to participate in the ribbon-cutting.
The scene was packed with people.
There were quite a few British and Chinese business representatives dressed in suits.
Among those present were HSBC's Sir Michael Sandberg, Hutchison Whampoa's William Ralph, Hongkong Land's John Paul Woo, and even the Kadoorie family, the head of CLP Power.
Representatives of the Chinese business community include Huo Dongdong, Bao Yugang, Li Ka-shing, and his uncle Li Yongsen.
Representatives from the Hong Kong government, including heads of various departments such as the Public Works Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Environmental Protection Department, Safety Supervision Department, and Public Utilities Department, were also present.
There are also project construction contractors and suppliers, the head of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the head of Siemens equipment supply, designers, and so on.
The representatives of the public included island gentry, representatives of Lamma Island rural affairs, community leaders, and a group of reporters.
Before the groundbreaking ceremony began.
Everyone gathered around the designers and engineers to learn about the power plant.
They were dressed in expensive suits and shiny leather shoes, and they had to carefully look at the dirt on the construction site from time to time as they toured the site and the design drawings for the new power station.
As time passed minute by minute.
It's 9 a.m.
Everyone who was supposed to be there had arrived.
At this moment, the emcee's dignified voice rang out.
"We welcome representatives from the Hong Kong government, business community, Li Chau Island elders, Lamma Island rural council, and other members of the community to the groundbreaking ceremony for the new power station on Lamma Island by Hong Kong Electric Company."
"First, please welcome Mr. Li Jiagang, Chairman of Hong Kong Electric Company, to the stage to deliver a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new power station. Please give him a round of applause..."
*Clap clap clap clap!*
There was thunderous applause.
With a smile on his face, Li Jiagang stepped steadily onto the red carpet steps. Today, he wore a light gray custom-made suit with a silver "Hong Kong Electric" logo brooch pinned to his chest.
He was exceptionally elegant and charming.
The charm emanating from his demeanor would lead some to believe he was a nobleman's son.
"Distinguished guests, colleagues, and builders of Hong Kong, welcome to the groundbreaking ceremony for the new power station of Hong Kong Electric Company." Li Jiagang's voice resonated throughout the construction site through the sound system, deep and powerful. "Today, in my opinion, Hong Kong Electric Company is not laying the foundation for a power station, but for the future of Hong Kong, laying a solid rivet."
clap clap clap! ! !
The audience erupted in applause once again...
After a moment, the applause subsided, and even the reporters put down their cameras and listened attentively.
"Today is also a day to remember. Since its establishment in 1889, Hong Kong Electric Company has gone through more than half a century. From initially supplying electricity to only a few streetlights in Central, to now providing stable power to more than 400,000 users across Hong Kong Island, Ap Lei Chau and Lamma Island, Hong Kong Electric Company has always upheld its mission of illuminating Hong Kong with electricity, and will continue to do so in the future."
"Lamma Island, once known for its twinkling fishing lights and swaying coconut palms, will, from this day forward, be written into a new chapter in Hong Kong's development thanks to a masterpiece of modern industry."
He turned slightly to the side and pointed to the vacant land behind him that had not yet been developed. "Here, two hybrid power plants with an installed capacity of 25 kilowatts will soon rise. They will not only use coal-fired technology, but will also integrate offshore wind power generation and waste incineration auxiliary power supply systems."
It is a milestone for HK Electric in its move towards the green energy era, and more importantly, it represents HK Electric's promise to the millions of residents of Hong Kong Island: "The light will never go out, and the electricity will never be unavailable."
*Smack! Smack! Smack!*
The applause at the scene was even more intense this time.
A chorus of praise erupted from the audience.
The head of the Kadoorie family nodded slightly and spoke in hushed tones with the Siemens executive beside him. Sim Bi took a sip of his thermos of black tea, his eyes thoughtful, and as he gazed at Li Jiagang on the stage, his eyes revealed the unwavering resolve in his heart.
"I believe," Li Jiagang's voice continued, "that this new power station will be like a lighthouse, illuminating not only Lamma Island, but also the path to sustainable development for Hong Kong Island."
It will provide our city with safer and more stable electricity, supporting Hong Kong's march towards a brighter tomorrow.
"Finally, I would like to thank the various departments of the Hong Kong government for their guidance and support, all our partners for their dedicated cooperation, and the people of Lamma Island for their understanding and tolerance. Let us join hands and witness the rise of this new green energy landmark on Lamma Island!"
Thank you everyone.
Li Jiagang bowed slightly and finished his speech.
The emcee quickly went up onto the stage.
"Thank you, Chairman Li, for your speech. Now, please welcome the representative of the Hong Kong government to the stage to give a speech."
clap clap clap! ! !
After stepping off the stage, Li Jiagang slowly walked over to Shen Bi and said, "Mr. Shen Bi, thank you for coming so early."
"Li! What are you saying?"
"It's a great honor to witness the groundbreaking ceremony for HK Electric's new power station. After all, this is a project of great importance to the future development of Hong Kong, so how could I not come and participate?"
Just as they were talking...
A voice came from...
"Mr. Li, Mr. Shen Bi, I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation."
The two of them turned around at the same time.
Huo Dongdong walked over with a smile, followed by Bao Yugang, Li Chaoren, and others, including a middle-aged man whom Li Jiagang did not recognize.
Upon seeing that it was Huo Dongdong, Li Jiagang smiled and said gently, "Mr. Huo, I have long admired your name. Thank you for gracing me with your presence today."
"Young Master Li, you flatter me."
"Let me introduce you," Huo Dongdong said with a smile. "This is Director Yuan, the head of Xinhua News Agency and also the head of the Ministry of Commerce in Hong Kong."
"Director Yuan?"
Li Jiagang's gaze sharpened, and a flood of memories about this Director Yuan immediately came to mind.
This man was the first person in charge of investment promotion from the mainland to Hong Kong. It can be said that he played a crucial role in enabling a large number of Hong Kong Chinese businessmen to return and invest after the economic reforms were introduced there.
At the same time, he was also someone who had direct access to the imperial court. Although his official rank was not high, his influence was significant.
Upon hearing that it was him, Li Jiagang's face showed respect: "Director Yuan, I was unaware of your presence. I am deeply sorry for not greeting you properly."
In the original timeline of Lijiagang, he was also a member of the system. He had great respect and admiration for senior figures like Director Yuan who devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the motherland without seeking any reward.
Director Yuan's eyes flashed with surprise upon seeing this. He had assumed that a young business upstart like Li Jiagang would be somewhat distant from mainland representatives, or at least maintain a cautious distance. But the young man before him had an open and honest gaze, a sincere tone, and was full of respect without a trace of flattery, which immediately filled Director Yuan with joy.
"Hehehe, you're too kind, Mr. Li."
"As expected, heroes emerge from among the young. To achieve so much at such a young age, the younger generation is truly formidable."
"Director Yuan, you flatter me."
"I am very grateful to Director Yuan for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend the Hong Kong Electric groundbreaking ceremony. I will definitely have a drink with Director Yuan at lunchtime."
"Hahaha... Good, good, good."
Director Yuan's purpose in coming here was to get to know and understand Lijiagang, and to take the opportunity to probe his understanding of the state of affairs in the inland areas.
Before coming, he prepared a lot of excuses, thinking about how to probe his thoughts.
But... before he could finish his prepared remarks, Li Jiagang, upon hearing that he was from the inland, showed no resistance whatsoever. On the contrary, he was very polite and even respectful towards him.
As someone like Director Yuan, he could tell whether Li Jiagang was being genuinely polite or not.
He could sense that Lijiagang had no resistance to the mainland and was willing to yearn for it, which is why he laughed heartily.
Time passed minute by minute.
Representatives from the British Hong Kong government, local dignitaries from Li Chau Island, and project engineers all delivered speeches.
All representatives have finished their speeches.
It's exactly 11 o'clock.
The ribbon-cutting moment.
Red silk hangs high, golden scissors fall in unison.
The cannons roared and colorful ribbons fluttered in the air.
Dozens of workers started the excavator at the same time. The giant steel arm slowly dug into the ground. The first shovel of soil was thrown high into the air. Dust rose with the wind and fluttered in the wind. The groundbreaking ceremony was completed.
The crowd applauded and congratulated them again.
After the ceremony, under the guidance of the staff, everyone gradually left the Lamma Island Power Station and headed to the hotel booked by Hong Kong Electric Company.