There was a stark warning today to the tens of thousands of protesters on the streets of Hong Kong. Stay away from government buildings or there will be consequences. And the pro-democracy demonstrators had given Hong Kong's leader their own ultimatum, resigned by Friday. Our chief political correspondent is in Hong Kong for us tonight. Tom? Don, for more than a week, these protesters here in Hong Kong have captured the attention of the world in their call for democracy. And tonight they had set themselves a deadline that had the potential of either making or breaking their movement. Their demands were clear. See why Liang, the Chinese appointee who runs Hong Kong, had to resign by midnight. Or else, said the protesters, things would get a whole lot worse. Liang responded that he had no intention of resigning or even meeting with the protesters. The police responded by moving into the central government offices with canisters of tear gas and rubber bullets. As day gave way tonight, the crowds grew. Goggles, masks, and water were handed out in anticipation of a police attack. As midnight drew closer, a hush began to descend. People fidgeted with their phones and they waited. Well, so here it is, midnight in Hong Kong and amid these thousands and thousands of people, the deadline has passed almost in complete silence. There has been no violence by the protesters. The police remain inside the building. But the tensions here are incredibly high. On everybody's minds, what's next? I think if there is going to be a violent and this will be the totalist to start the violence not us. But it didn't happen, the standoff continued. The protesters agreed to meet tomorrow with a government representative. And on the streets, a growing resignation perhaps that democracy may never flourish here. Me, not to Mr. Never. I'm just doing what I think I have to do. But what I can do, I would like to achieve anything here, I don't think so in fact. I don't think so, but I think we should have faith because if we don't do anything and nothing will change. But if it is a lost cause, there are still many tens of thousands of people here who believe in it. The real test of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong will come at first light in just a few hours from now. The holidays are over. Tomorrow is a working day. So how many protesters will show up here? Will the barricades still be up? Because that will answer the question not only of what happens to this movement, but perhaps what happens to Hong Kong for years to come. Donna? All right, Tom Markov. And some hard-to-think-you executives, Si-Long today, rejected a demand from thousands of protesters that he stepped down by midnight. What he did instead was make a peace offering. He hoped would cool the crisis. It didn't. CTV's Janis Mackey-Fraer has more from Hong Kong. Protesters are defying orders to leave. And now surround key government buildings. Some have threatened to storm them, triggering a heavier police presence with riot gear and pepper spray. Sensing in escalation, protesters put on masks and goggles to protect against tear gas. Hong Kong's chief executive, Si-Long, is defiant too. He publicly refused to quit, but offered talks with student leaders if they don't provoke police. Only do we follow the professional principle and the decisions of the FDCC can work out the results of the 2017. At the forefront is student leader Joshua Wong, at 17, a political star, even though he's too young to vote. In speeches to supporters, he has urged people to stay, and that his group will help with legal advice if they're arrested. For days, protests have called for reforms to allow a free vote here. China has no interest in letting democracy thrive. It hardened its support for Lung and his government. Du Yangtong-Fu, the state media, warned police action might be necessary to avoid chaos. That's a worry for Chloe Chong. I think they repeat their violence again. The whole world will say it. Authorities say if barricades aren't crossed, then they won't act. So there's still a standoff here and no end in sight. Police and the government here insist protesters eventually have to leave. They call this a siege, say it's illegal, and warn police will not stand by and simply watch for much longer. Janice Mackey-Fair, CTV News, Hong Kong. Minutes before a protestor deadline for him to step down today, Hong Kong's leader offered to enter talks with pro-democracy protesters. Activists have agreed, but they're also planning their next move. Under the shadow of China's dark history of crushing dissent, CBC's Andrew Lee has more. People here are on edge today. There's evidence that Beijing's patience is wearing thin. A state-owned newspaper warned of unimaginable consequences if this protest doesn't cease. I don't think the central government could threaten us by saying an imaginable consequence. We're not that fragile. Raymond Wong left Canada to join this protest. When I hear that these are statis yuan, right? I just spoke to Tikka on Saturday, Vancouver time, and I arrived at Hong Kong time 6am. He was born in Hong Kong, but his family moved to Canada, in part from the fear of what happened to the last pro-democracy movement. We have 1989 China moon square. That's why everybody moved to Vancouver. Today Raymond and his uncle Tony Lau watch the developments with unease. I just heard an announcement from the students at the police getting armed on the other side of the bridge. Listening in on 17-year-old protesters, Vivian Yuan and her friend Shannon Yoon, you realize they know their history. The first thing comes to Hong Kong. I believe all the Hong Kongers' mind will be the chairman incident. Hong Kong's leader has refused the demand to step down. He also warned protesters not to cross police lines. However, there is a small concession, an offer of talks. Now activists are focused on whether to follow through on their threat to occupy government buildings. I don't think by escalating it, it will end right away, but at least it will increase the chance for him to respond to us. No one knows what consequence. Raymond's uncle Tony Lau feels provoking the police may not be wise. I hope the students will stay calm and raise their hand up and don't do anything. I don't want them to be hurt. The stakes are high in this pro-democracy movement. Many feel that Beijing wouldn't dare make a move. History shows those who made that bet in the past. Lost that gamble. Ad release, CBC News, Hong Kong.