HLM -Chapter 816 Party Member Old Wang

Hearing Wang Bo’s words, Hou Wenyuan and his wife were overjoyed. If things like goose intestines, duck blood, lamb tripe, and beef omasum could make it onto the menu, it would be extremely appealing to the Chinese community!

Of course, New Zealanders—especially Christians—didn’t eat those things, but that wasn’t a problem. They could simply make two different menus.

Still a little doubtful, Hou Wenyuan asked, “Are you sure you have the authority to decide that? This needs to go through the Health Department and the Food Safety Bureau for auditing, right? I don’t think they’ll approve such a menu.”

Wang Bo waved his hand indifferently. “Then let them audit it! Does the law say we can’t eat goose intestines? Then why do they eat foie gras? Does the law forbid lamb tripe? Then why can they eat haggis?”

Haggis was that notorious dark dish they’d eaten when recruiting at the University of Otago—made by stuffing a sheep’s stomach with the animal’s heart, liver, kidney, lungs, oatmeal, onions, beef, and parsley.

Hou Wenyuan nodded in agreement. “You’re right, but the government departments might not be that reasonable.”

“Then we’ll take them to court,” Wang Bo said carelessly. “I want them to treat us unfairly. Chinese people are too honest—and the honest always get bullied!”

With that, their initial investment agreement was settled. The Hou couple would open a Haidilao hotpot restaurant in Sunset Town; Wang Bo would provide the building, and they’d handle renovation.

According to market norms, the first lease term was set at five years, but the tenants had a five-year renewal priority.

This meant that when the contract expired, if Haidilao wanted to renew, Wang Bo had to rent the property to them again as long as they matched any other tenant’s offer. Of course, the matching price wasn’t unlimited—it had to follow market trends and could only fluctuate within 20% of the average rent.

After drafting the contract, Wang Bo called lawyer Mueller to prepare the formal version.

Once the Hou couple signed, they left to begin renovations and staff recruitment. Haidilao placed great emphasis on staff quality, and it wasn’t easy to train a skilled team, so preparations had to begin early.

After they left, Wang Bo called Na Qingyang into his office. “How’s the town’s population flow recently?”

Na Qingyang nodded. “Pretty good. The total population is now 1,852. In September, 252 new residents arrived—the highest increase so far.”

“Not bad,” Wang Bo nodded.

Unlike before, the new residents weren’t just random people. Sunset Town had started admitting quality and skilled immigrants.

Na Qingyang continued, “October’s numbers are also promising. So far, 120 new people have arrived, and by month’s end, we should match September’s figures.”

“Of the October newcomers, about 20% are new immigrants—around twenty-plus people—brought in through the skilled migration program.”

“This group is mostly chefs—eleven of them. There are also teachers, electricians, and veterinarians—all talents the town needs.”

Wang Bo tapped his desk thoughtfully. “Seems like the Green Party is doing a good job.”

Na Qingyang looked at him, surprised. “No, that’s the National Party’s doing.”

Wang Bo chuckled. “Then I’ll say it again—it’s the Green Party’s credit. The National Party wouldn’t be working this hard if they didn’t feel the pressure.”

Hearing that, Na Qingyang agreed. “That’s true.”

Wang Bo frowned slightly. “Staying independent isn’t very popular in politics. Maybe it’s time to make a choice. What do you think—should I join a party?”

Na Qingyang hesitated. “Do you really need to decide so soon?”

“Don’t underestimate these people,” Wang Bo said. “If we just want to survive between the cracks, sure, we can stay neutral. But if we want to thrive in those cracks, it’s much harder. While they’re still interested in us, we need to make our move.”

The National Party was the ruling power—strongest and largest. The Labour Party was the main challenger, most likely to win the next election. Both would love to recruit someone like Wang Bo.

But in the end, Wang Bo chose the Green Party.

The Green Party emphasized balancing environmental protection and economic growth. They held major influence in tourism—an area that aligned perfectly with Wang Bo’s interests.

Na Qingyang understood his reasoning and nodded. “Then give that cake to the Greens. Alexander’s probably going to pop open a bottle of good red wine tonight.”

Wang Bo picked up the phone and dialed.

The Green Party’s deputy leader answered cheerfully, “Ha! Wang, my dear fellow, what kind of trouble have you run into this time?”

Wang Bo laughed—apparently his reputation as a fence-sitter was already spreading. That wasn’t exactly a good sign.

After some thought, he replied lightly, “Yes, I’ve run into a bit of trouble—I’m facing an important decision.”

“Tell me, maybe I can give you some advice,” Alexander said.

“I’m considering which political party to join,” Wang Bo replied. “My parents were workers, so I’ve always been naturally drawn to the Labour Party. But my friends and I are all very patriotic—so maybe that means I should join the National Party.”

They were both smart men, and Alexander immediately caught Wang Bo’s meaning.

Laughter came through the phone. “Hahaha, that’s quite the dilemma. Then I must give you some advice: let the Labour and National parties both go to hell. The one you should join is the Green Party!”

“Why?”

“Because the blood running through Sunset Town’s veins… is green.”

Wang Bo grinned. “Wow, that’s a great answer. Then my answer is—sure, I think I should join the Green Party.”

“Welcome aboard, my friend!” Alexander’s laughter grew louder.

It turned out the Green Party really did value Wang Bo—or at least the potential votes he represented.

When they learned he intended to join, party leader Vajona personally delivered his membership application.

That surprised Wang Bo quite a bit. New Zealand wasn’t like China—joining a political party here wasn’t a solemn affair.

Generally, there were two ways to join.

The first was during elections, when the big two parties canvassed for members on the streets. It was like drafting recruits—if they met someone who wasn’t yet a member, they’d hand over a form. Fill in your name and basic info, and congratulations—you’re now a party member.

The second, more common way was through the mail in the past, and now—online registration.

Wang Bo had filled out his details on the Green Party’s website, thinking that was it. He hadn’t expected Vajona to personally show up at his door.