Chapter Seventy-Eight: Return to the World

“Father, when it comes to this matter, I believe I know more than you do! You might not be aware, but last year, when the mainland’s leaders visited the United States, they met with me. The reason was that I had successfully predicted the Tangshan earthquake and relayed the warning to the mainland in time, allowing them to drastically reduce casualties and property losses. The mainland authorities conducted a thorough investigation into my background—they know exactly who I am and, as a result, trust me implicitly. I’m now working in cooperation with them. In the second half of this year, several special economic zones will be established in the mainland. Bao’an County, which is close to our Hong Kong, will be one of them, though the name Bao’an may change. Construction has already begun there. I’ve invested in this new economic zone. My plan is to establish an appliance manufacturing group in the zone, focusing on producing household electrical goods. What do you think of that?”

“You’re being foolish! I’m just a priest! I don’t understand investment—I only asked about the authorities’ attitude toward people like us. What you do on the mainland is your own affair; don’t ask me about it. What I want to know is whether you think the mainland’s policies will change again—whether there will be something like the ‘Cultural Revolution’ happening once more.”

“Absolutely not! The current leaders are clear-headed and fully realize the necessity of economic development. I’m convinced that from now on, the emphasis will be on economic growth. You must understand that the economic situation on the mainland is very dire right now. That unprecedented political movement wreaked havoc on the economy. The first challenge the mainland faces in rebuilding is funding. You may not know this, but there are still many places in the mainland where people don’t have enough to eat! I want to help my compatriots. That’s why I’m hoping you’ll return to action—would you be willing?”

“Return to action? I don’t understand what you mean,” Father James asked in puzzlement.

“I’d like to set up a charitable foundation, mainly aimed at supporting education in the mainland. Right now, with people struggling to eat, there’s no way much will be invested in education. But if a nation wants to survive and thrive, education must come first. So, I want you to take the lead in establishing a foundation to support education in the mainland. There are many reasons you’re the best choice. First, you’re already a renowned philanthropist in Hong Kong, so if you establish a charity for the mainland’s education, those officials obsessed with political intrigue won’t suspect us of having any hidden agenda. Second, you have many old friends on the mainland—most of whom, assuming they’re still alive, will have regained their positions by now. If you tell them you want to found a charity to support education, I’m sure they’ll be glad to help. At the very least, no one would dare misappropriate those funds! I’ll contribute at least a hundred million US dollars to the foundation every year. What do you think?”

“Why do you want me to take the lead instead of doing it yourself?” Father James asked.

“The mainland will be my primary area for investment in the future. But you know that charitable work brings great prestige and political influence. If I am both investing heavily and gaining immense influence through philanthropy, what might the upper echelons of the mainland think? That’s why I need to forgo the fame and influence that would come from the foundation. If an old foreign man like you gains that reputation and influence, the authorities won’t be too concerned. Even if they know I’m the one funding the charity, it only benefits me. I’ll have helped them without appearing too influential, so they’ll be more inclined to offer me assistance in my investments. This way, my projects will more easily gain government support.”

“In that case, I have no objection to establishing the foundation in my name. But I’m already old and can’t possibly manage such a vast organization.”

“I’ve considered that. The foundation will be managed by professionals. All you need to do is keep an eye on the mainland officials to make sure the funds we provide for education aren’t diverted or embezzled. You have no idea what some officials are capable of. If we don’t control the funds ourselves, none of the money will go to education—I don’t want to foot the bill for the government’s other endeavors. Should any misappropriation or corruption occur, you’ll need to step in and use your connections with your old friends. What do you think?”

“If all I have to do is monitor the flow of funds and use my connections as needed, then that’s fine. Keeping track of the money is easy enough—a spot check every couple of months will do. As for my old friends, I’d actually like to see them again—this is the perfect opportunity. With my reputation, if any officials are caught breaking the law, my old friends will surely help me deal with them!” Father James replied with a hint of pride.

“Then it’s settled. Tomorrow, I’ll have Liu Weijian handle the procedures for establishing the foundation. I’ve already chosen a name: the Hope Charitable Education Foundation. You’ll be the chairman, and the rest of the staff will be recruited globally. During the establishment phase, I’ll second staff from our American company to help you until the foundation is running smoothly.” Wei Hua was being a bit lazy—China's government had launched the ‘Project Hope’ fundraising campaign in the 1980s, and it was still ongoing when Wei Hua crossed over, so he simply borrowed the name for his foundation.

“All right, let’s do as you say. I have no objections,” Father James agreed. The two spoke for a while longer, then took a taxi out for dinner. Afterwards, Wei Hua returned to his villa to rest, while the priest went back to his church. The next day, Wei Hua met with Liu Weijian to learn about the process and procedures for establishing the charitable foundation. Once he had a general understanding, Wei Hua wrote a letter of authorization, granting Liu Weijian full authority to handle all matters related to the Hope Charitable Education Foundation.

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