Chapter 10: A Small Gain
"I hold a lot of responsibility for this," Elina sighed.
Yang Wendong glanced at the foreign "white savior" woman before him, but then remembered she might become a major client in the future. He reassured her: "You can't blame yourself for this. That man chose not to go to the hospital—no one could've forced him. Besides, his intention was to save money and take care of his daughter. Just a helpless choice of an ordinary person."
Elina shook her head. "I'm not talking about that. I mean the Hawker Control Team... Their existence has a lot to do with me!"
"You pushed for the formation of the Hawker Control Team?" Yang Wendong was a bit surprised.
He'd already been here for a few days. Especially after that incident with A Biao beating a hawker, Yang Wendong had grown cautious. In this era, offending someone with just a sentence could cost you everything. Still under the control of the Hawker Control Team, he had inquired about their background.
The team had been established a few years ago, but how it was founded and why it replaced the gangs and police was unclear.
Now, it seemed the official involvement had some connection to Elina.
Elina nodded. "Yes. I came to Hong Kong after World War II and saw too much suffering among the local underclass—hawkers especially. They tried to do small business, but were constantly extorted by various gangs. Even the police took their cut. Many couldn't survive. Later, some of us pushed the government to pass legislation and form the Hawker Control Team. But in the end, it didn't solve the root problems. As you Chinese say… what is it? Tiger's den, wolf's lair?"
"It's 'just out of the tiger's den, into the wolf's lair,'" Yang Wendong corrected her, then added, "You've done well already. Problems that touch the core of society aren't solved easily. As long as it's a bit better than before, that's enough. Step by step."
"That's not always the case," Elina shook her head. "In some areas, or during certain times, the Hawker Control Team behaves worse than the old police or gangsters. Especially when former gang members get official status—they act justified, like the other day. Some teams extort more money than the police ever did, forcing many hawkers out of business."
"Because the police have many income sources, but the Hawker Control Team can only squeeze hawkers," Yang Wendong said with a chuckle.
The iron rule of any era: when a small person gains power, they'll oppress others even more harshly.
Elina looked at him in surprise. "Did you go to school before?"
"No," Yang Wendong replied. In this body's past, surviving childhood without starving was already a blessing—school was a luxury. And with Su Yiyi still beside him, he didn't dare make up stories.
Elina looked even more puzzled. "You're different from the other hawkers. The first time I saw you, you reminded me of someone in government, but I couldn't quite place it. After talking with you today, I understand. You're insightful and knowledgeable. But you never went to school? That's really strange."
Yang Wendong smiled and explained, "Not going to school doesn't mean one can't learn. In this society, whether it's a market stall, a factory, a big company, or even the government, there are countless opportunities to learn."
In his past life, the things he learned while struggling in society far surpassed what he could've learned in school.
"Impressive," Elina said with genuine interest. "Then tell me, how do you think we can help hawkers and keep them from being bullied? You're a hawker yourself—have you thought about this?"
"Never thought about it," Yang Wendong shrugged.
"Why not? Don't you want to do business in a better environment?"
He shook his head. "Changing the environment is hard—even if it's theoretically possible. For me, changing myself is easier and more efficient."
Elina nodded in understanding. "So you mean, once you have the ability, you'll leave here?"
"Exactly. Once I have the means, of course I'll leave," said Yang Wendong.
"That makes sense. For individuals, that's probably the best path," Elina sighed. "But... is there really no solution?"
"Actually, the real issue isn't the hawker system itself, but the broader societal environment," Yang Wendong said, deciding to show off a bit.
He figured that this white woman, who seemed like a benevolent figure, might have some actual influence in the colonial government. That could be really helpful for his future small business ventures. Even if he didn't continue with mouse traps, doing other business with her support would be a big plus.
At the very least, the possibility existed.
So, he needed to show his capabilities and make sure she remembered him. Even if it didn't go anywhere, maybe he could sell a few more traps.
"You mean corruption?" Elina asked, clearly understanding the underlying point.
Yang Wendong shook his head. "Not corruption. That's just a symptom. The root cause is the economy."
"The economy?" Elina looked at him again and asked, "You mean if the economy improves, all these problems will disappear? I'm not so sure."
Yang Wendong replied, "It's not a guarantee, but things will be much better. For example, if there were many factories, people in the Eastern Market suffering under the Hawker Control Team could just go work in one. Then do you think the team would still dare to act so arrogantly?"
"But factories exploit workers too!" Elina argued.
"That's only because there are too few factories and too many people," said Yang Wendong. "If it were the opposite—plenty of factories and few workers—then factory owners would need to retain employees. Would they still dare to mistreat them?"
"That… actually makes some sense," Elina nodded.
Yang Wendong added, "That's why the economy is the root of all problems. If the economy is good, the lower classes will improve. Maybe some will still struggle, but if the economy's bad, then everyone at the bottom will live in hell."
Elina fell into deep thought. "We've only spoken for a few minutes, but I think your insight is truly exceptional. I've met many Chinese businessmen—much older than you, with years in Hong Kong's business world—but they don't see things as clearly as you do."
"It's all just empty theory. I just want to make more money now," Yang Wendong laughed heartily.
Elina nodded. "Well, if your mouse trap proves effective, I'll definitely come back for more."
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