A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Chapter 211 Powerless
On this day, Chen Guangliang, accompanied by Cheng Zikang, the general manager of Jincheng Bank in Shanghai, came to the "Jincheng Shopping Plaza" on Nanjing East Road for inspection.

After more than two years of construction, Jincheng Shopping Plaza has been basically completed and is expected to officially open in May.

The overall planning is similar to that of later shopping malls. The ground floor specializes in daily necessities, the second floor is a clothing and silk counter, the third floor sells jewelry, watches, curios and other valuables, the fourth floor is large furniture, carpets, suitcases, etc., the fifth floor operates a cinema, amusement park, and a small restaurant, the sixth floor operates a hotel, and the seventh and eighth floors operate serviced apartments.

Just cut down the office building, because this is Chen Guangliang’s suggestion - if this place is used as an office building, it will definitely be a mess.

In addition, each floor of Jincheng Shopping Plaza is divided into many shops, all of which are rented out, rather than being operated by traditional department stores.

Cheng Zikang happily introduced, "As of now, all shops have been fully leased, with domestic products accounting for over 70% of the total. However, we have also conducted a 'high-quality' selection of merchants. This way, please!"

This friend was truly worth making. Following Chen Guangliang's advice, the Shanghai branch of the Jincheng Bank began purchasing land in 1927, investing millions of yuan in land between 1927 and 1928, which appreciated significantly. Later, of course, the Jincheng Bank converted these lands into modern lanes for long-term rental.

As for the 'Jincheng Shopping Plaza', the total investment was 100 million (including 35 in rent during the construction period, 45 in construction fees, land tax and equipment, etc.), and it is currently very successful.

Chen Guangliang walked into the completed shopping mall. The design here was somewhat similar to the Wanda Plaza of later generations. Shops were on both sides, with a relatively spacious sidewalk in the middle.

"Manager Cheng, how much have you recovered?"

Cheng Zikang responded, "The transfer fee is 35 yuan, and the first year's rent is 35 yuan, which means we've already made 70 yuan back. The headquarters also spoke highly of this project, saying, 'Mr. Chen, you are our best friend at Jincheng Bank!'"

The annual rent is 18 yuan, plus taxes such as land donations and maintenance fees, the total annual expenses are about 25 yuan.

The rent is 35 yuan, not including the profit from the serviced apartments. This project can bring Jincheng Bank a profit of more than 10 yuan each year, with a return rate of more than 10%.

More importantly, a representative building will greatly enhance the bank's credibility. This is why many banks spend huge sums of money to build their head office buildings.

Therefore, Jincheng Bank owns both the "Jincheng Building" and the "Jincheng Shopping Center", which is a solid symbol of credibility, and those depositors will inevitably flock to this bank to save money.

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "You were the first to give me the 50,000 yuan consulting fee. Not to mention that Jincheng Bank helped me a lot in the early stages of my career. In short, the leasing situation of Jincheng Shopping Center has put my mind at ease."

If the September 918th and December 128th Incidents had truly occurred, causing a downturn in Shanghai's business, the lease would have faced significant problems. In a previous life, the "Continental Mall" was hit by the January th Incident, and tenants had abandoned their leases, causing the Continental Bank to lose nearly a million yuan on the project.

Things are different now. At least a large amount of funds have been recovered in the first year. Secondly, the concept of "shopping mall" still caused a great sensation in the market. Finally, Jincheng Shopping Center focuses on domestic products, which is in line with the upcoming environment.

In Chen Guangliang's opinion, there would be no problem for this shopping mall to survive until after 1937. If it declined by then, it would be because of the overall bad environment.

"Mr. Chen, please come and cut the ribbon for us when we open!"

"Okay, I'll definitely be there."

Cheng Zikang's final invitation was not because of the consultant position, but because of Chen Guangliang's current influence, which allowed him to be one of the ribbon-cutting persons.

"I heard that Mr. Chen is also preparing to set up a bank?" Finally, Cheng Zikang couldn't help but ask.

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "I'm still considering it. It's not certain."

"Oh"

In fact, Chen Guangliang was indeed hesitant, mainly because to open a bank, he must have a high-quality commercial office building, otherwise his reputation would be bad.

That’s a huge investment!

Huang Huibao came to the Yan family mansion, and then, led by a servant, walked into Yan Renmei's room.

Yan Renmei looked at Huang Huibao's haggard appearance and asked with concern, "Huibao, why are you here?"

Huang Huibao no longer had the arrogance she once had. Clearly frightened, she said, "Renmei, after my father died, the debt collectors came to our house and told us to move out. I don't know what to do!"

Yan Renmei immediately said, "If you're scared, just stay with me for a while."

In fact, the relationship between the two was not very good, but Yan Renmei was kind-hearted and felt that taking Huang Huibao in was no big deal.

Huang Huibao shook her head and said, "I want to face it together with my family."

Yan Renmei suddenly understood something, but she pretended to be puzzled and said, "Then sit down for a while. I'll pour you a cup of tea!"

Huang Huibao immediately said, "Don't bother, I'll be leaving soon. I just want to get rid of you for something. Your fiancé Chen Guangliang is from the same hometown as us, and he's also the boss of the Ningbo Association in Shanghai. He's also helping our family deal with the funeral. Can you please help our family and take care of us?"

Yan Renmei quickly said, "Well, he and I haven't even gotten married yet! Besides, this incident is so serious, he can't help alone. But don't worry, since the Ningbo Shanghai Association has intervened, it will at least be fair to your Huang family. Don't worry, we young people can't change anything about this kind of thing."

This is a polite rejection!
She was not stupid. Huang Chujiu used to be a big boss of the Green Gang in Shanghai, so there must be some Green Gang affairs after his death. Her fiancé had never had a good impression of gang members, so she naturally would not agree to Huang Huibao's request.

Therefore, Huang Huibao could only leave with regret.

Her idea of ​​using Chen Guangliang's connections to make him favor the Huang family was naturally not feasible.

It happened that Chen Guangliang also came to the Yan residence that afternoon, not only to visit Yan Zhiduo, but also to take the opportunity to ask Yan Renmei out for dinner.

Originally, Yan Zhiduo was a feudal patriarch, but he was also a "snobbish" businessman, so he just let Chen Guangliang's "overstepping" behavior go.

In fact, it is not surprising for men and women to date in this day and age.

They just had a meal together at the Cathay Hotel, and Chen Guangliang didn't take Yan Renmei anywhere else.

While Yan Renmei was eating, she said generously, "Brother Liang, Huang Huibao came to my house to see me today!"

Chen Guangliang asked, "What did she say?"

Yan Renmei stroked her hair gently and said with a smile, "Nothing, she just said she was scared and wanted to chat with me!"

Chen Guangliang picked up a piece of meat and placed it on Yan Renmei's plate, adding, "I'll punish you by making you eat a piece."

This girl is a little thin, I have to marry her home quickly to make her look thinner.

Yan Renmei looked at the meat with disdain, but ate it obediently, and then rinsed her mouth with water.

As for what!
She then said, "Is Huang Jiayan serious?"

Chen Guangliang said, "No matter how badly the Huang family is in trouble, at least they can live without worries. You know how many depositors there are in Huang Chujiu's Day and Night Bank. If they lose everything, they'd be lucky to get half of their deposits. They're all poor. So, this family doesn't deserve sympathy."

Yan Renmei nodded and said, "Well, I didn't promise her anything, and she left unhappy."

Chen Guangliang simply said, "The current operation plan of our hometown association is to hand over all of the Huang family's wealth to the debt committee, including the Huang family's house. Of course, with the presence of the hometown association, the widows of several families and their eldest daughters-in-law can receive tens of thousands of living expenses."

In the past two days, Yu Qiaqing, Chen Guangliang and others have also done some research. Although Huang Chujiu has 600 million assets and 400 million debts, the key point is that the assets will depreciate as they perform.

Take the Great World for example. Although the hometown association has estimated its value at over 150 million, it would probably be difficult to sell it for one million.

Of course, with the existence of the hometown association, operations can be carried out secretly - if Huang Jinrong wanted it, he could get it with 70 yuan, but Huang Jinrong would have to come up with more funds to pay tens of thousands of living expenses to Huang Chujiu's widow and eldest daughter-in-law each.

In such an operation, the creditors would certainly suffer the most. Huang Jinrong might just ask the creditors to come to him in person, and then few of them would be able to get their money back.

However, the wife that Huang Chujiu married into his third house (registered) and the eldest son's wife can receive tens of thousands of living expenses so that they will not have to live on the streets.

The hometown association can only do so much.

Yan Renmei sighed, "It's unbelievable that a business tycoon is in such a situation."

Chen Guangliang shook his head and said, "Huang Chujiu is not a wealthy businessman."

Changing the subject, Chen Guangliang said, "But don't worry, I'm not in debt, and marrying you won't make you suffer!"

Yan Renmei suddenly showed a hint of shyness and said coquettishly: "Brother Liang, you are talking nonsense! Besides, if you marry a chicken, you follow the chicken; if you marry a dog, you follow the dog. I am not that kind of woman." Good guy, at that moment her heart was completely on Chen Guangliang, and she could even say such words.

Seeing that the time was right, Chen Guangliang said, "Renmei, I'd like to schedule the wedding in July. This is mainly because the Shangri-La Hotel has opened and my garden villa on Weihai Road has been completed. Do you think it's okay?"

Yan Renmei panicked for a moment, then asked, "Have you discussed this with my father?"

Chen Guangliang said directly: "As long as you have no objection, I will notify you when the time comes!"

"What about my studies?" Yan Renmei asked in a panic.

The fact that she asked this showed that she had made a big concession.

Chen Guangliang said: "Just continue studying, you can have children later (as a man would say)!"

Yan Renmei then said, "Well, I believe you!"

There is no use believing in yourself. Chen Guangliang is already 21 years old. If the problem of offspring is not solved next year, it will have to be solved the year after next.

If Yan Renmei wanted to complete her studies at Zhongxi Girls' Middle School, she would have to wait until 1934.

Of course, if it is possible to have children and study at the same time, and learn some courses at home, Chen Guangliang would not object.

When they returned home that night, their relationship had deepened.

In the cold winter, two cars drove into Fangua Lane.

"Which boss is here?"

"Two cars came at once, it's incredible!"

"Hey, it looks like Mr. Chen!"

"Chen Guangliang? A famous person from our Fangua Lane?"

"Keep your voice down. Are you looking for trouble? You were the one who called Chen Guangliang. You should call him Mr. Chen or Boss Chen!"

As the car door opened, Chen Guangliang got out and greeted the old neighbors who came to watch with a smile, which naturally caused a lot of excitement.

At this time, the Changjiang Rickshaw Company still had a branch in Fangua Lane, and it was an important branch. About half of the rickshaws took turns and collected fees here; the other half was on Yuyuan Road, but they no longer took turns at the original base, but rented another place.

It is equivalent to having a head office now, which only handles management and financial matters, and the base is mainly used by the security company; at the same time, there are two branches under the Yangtze River Vehicle Dealership, which manage more than 500 "licensed three-wheeled rickshaws".

"Afeng, give all the candies in the car to the children."

"Okay, boss"

Lin Feng also came from here, but he had already moved his parents and younger brother into the family housing. Speaking of which, the fact that Chen Guangliang's companies frequently came to Fangua Nong to recruit was probably due to their long-standing friendship.

Afterwards, Chen Guangliang walked into the Fangua Nong base. After several expansions, it has rented two acres of land and is currently used as a maintenance base.

"Big Brother"

"cousin"

Chen Guangcong and Yang Xiaohu were seen working part-time in the yard, doing some odd jobs, which made Chen Guangliang laugh.

"Well, is studying harder or working harder?"

Yang Xiaohu blushed and whispered, "It's hard work."

The odd jobs here are really varied, mainly including running a 'driver service station', which requires heating water and other tasks. It's winter again, and Yang Xiaohu, who hasn't experienced hardship in a long time, is experiencing it very hard.

As for Chen Guangcong, he has been able to participate in some formal work in the car dealership, such as collecting rent, keeping accounts, handling disputes, etc., and he is also a little famous in the car dealership.

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "Guangcong, come in," then turned and walked into a brick house, followed by two management members, He Xiangdong and Pan Cheng.

The four of them sat down immediately.

Chen Guangliang asked, "How's the car dealership doing?"

About a year and a half ago, Changjiang Motor Dealership was no longer so important to him. During that period, he received several thousand yuan in dividends every month, which all became Chen Guangliang's charity funds. After all, in this day and age, one always needs some social activities.

The more famous you are, the more fundraising activities like this there will be. There is no point in hiding, you can only donate honestly.

"We have already switched to three-wheeled rickshaws a long time ago, and the drivers are all shareholders, so the business is very stable and everyone is quite satisfied with the current situation. Of course, the situation outside is not optimistic now, with illegal rickshaws rampant and competition from cars and buses, so everyone is very grateful to the company." He Xiangdong reported truthfully.

Now He Xiangdong is not only the general manager of Changjiang Car Dealership, but also the assistant manager of Jierui Coal Briquettes and Tongchang Car Dealership Manufacturing Plant. He holds multiple positions.

"I came here this time because I was thinking about these situations and I know that this industry is not easy. I want to see if we can reduce the rent or find other solutions."

Pan Cheng immediately said, "The current rent of 8 cents a day is already low enough. The main reason is that the three-shift system is no longer suitable. Should we consider a two-shift system? However, if we do that, we will have to lay off a lot of people."

The license plate costs 750 yuan, and the three-wheeled rickshaw costs 150 yuan, so the total cost is 900 yuan; there is a tax of 3 yuan per month, as well as repairs, maintenance, special circumstances, etc.

Today, the market situation is several times more difficult than before, and I cannot even say that I can get my money back in four years.

This is just the difficulty of the rickshaw business, and it is also difficult for the rickshaw drivers. Not only are there various competitions, but there is also extortion.

Chen Guangliang said, "If you fire people, how are you going to let them live?"

Pan Cheng replied, "But this is also a good idea. The three-shift system is the biggest difficulty right now. After all, everyone is using three-wheeled vehicles now, which reduces physical exertion. If the rent is reduced by evenly, even if it is reduced by 1 cent and spread evenly among three shifts, the effect will be minimal, and the company's profits will decrease."

The three-shift work system, which used to be the most advantageous, has now become the biggest problem.

He Xiangdong then said, "Why don't we do it step by step? First, merge all the project equity, and then change the dividend to half a cent a week. At the same time, we can gradually lay off employees and gradually implement a two-shift system."

Chen Guangliang also knew that he could no longer hesitate at this time!
The Changjiang Rickshaw Company had 1500 drivers. If he couldn't bear to lay off any of them, he could buy 250 more rickshaws, which would cost him about 20 yuan. But Chen Guangliang was not optimistic about the rickshaw industry and would not pay that kind of money.

"I'll have my other subsidiaries look around. If they need anyone, they can come to our dealership to recruit. Also, if anyone withdraws their shares, they can do so at the current market price, and I'll personally cover the difference. In short, you must treat our veterans with respect!"

"Ok"

Now that things have come to this, we can only make the greatest possible compensation.

Some investors can basically get their principal doubled back. Plus, factories like Vitasoy and Jierui Coal Briquette are in need of workers, which can help solve some of the problems.

Before leaving, Chen Guangliang advised Chen Guangcong: "Learn more about handling things. There is a lot of knowledge involved!"

Just like today, his original intention was to reduce the rent, but it was "rejected" by his subordinates because reducing the rent would not solve the fundamental problem.

Chen Guangcong nodded and said, "Yes, brother!"

Today, he was quite shocked. The eldest brother, who was always so majestic and dominant, actually compromised with his subordinates. Of course, what touched him even more was that the eldest brother was very considerate when it came to treating his subordinates.

In his opinion, resignation is normal, so why should there be any compensation?
But he had never expected that his eldest brother would rather use his own money to subsidize the rickshaw driver.

Of course, afterwards, Chen Guangcong still had a feeling that his elder brother was paying more and more attention to him and cultivating him.

Can't let big brother down!
(End of this chapter)