A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

One day in mid-April, Chen Guangliang quietly boarded a sea freight flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong, expected to arrive within 4 hours.

The flight he took was operated by Jardine Matheson & Co. As for why he didn't take its own flight?

It's very simple. Global Shipping's flights are not 'direct flights'. They need to go through Xiamen and Shantou first, then arrive in Hong Kong, and finally return to Guangzhou.

Moreover, there was a kind of "discrimination" in this era. When Chinese ships came to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong government did not allow "Chinese captains". Generally, the captain had to be a foreign captain, preferably a British captain.

On the surface, it is because they think Chinese captains are unprofessional, but in fact it is the same discrimination as "Chinese and dogs are not allowed to enter".

Because of this regulation, Chen Guangliang also sent Shen Jiyun, the "Deputy Chief Captain" of China Merchants Steam Navigation Company, to Hong Kong to negotiate. After all, China Merchants Steam Navigation Company happened to have a ship led by Chinese captain Ma Jiajun about to enter the port.

The negotiations were successful, and in the end one of the two ships was allowed to have a Chinese captain.

This negotiation can be regarded as a further step to change the problem of discrimination.

So, Chen Guangliang’s previous idea of ​​sailing to Europe and the United States on a ship with “all-Chinese senior seafarers” now seems a little simple!

For example, when passing through the Suez Canal, the British and other Western powers could easily block you - Chinese captains were not allowed to pass, and you had to go through a lot of trouble to negotiate, and even compromise in the end.

After boarding the ship, Chen Guangliang soon saw Jiang Meiying in the luxurious cabin. The bodyguard put his things down for him, closed the cabin and left.

Jiang Meiying complained, "We're keeping it so secretive. People will think we have some hidden secrets!"

Chen Guangliang looked at Jiang Meiying. She was wearing a cheongsam with a shawl, and even sitting on the edge of the bed, it couldn't hide her beautiful figure. Her voluptuous figure accentuated the beauty of the cheongsam to the extreme, but she was still a virgin.

“It’s not your fault”

Chen Guangliang sat down opposite her and said, "It's my personal fault. My security team is worried that there might be Japanese spies or secret agents who might harm me. Therefore, I boarded the ship with someone else's identity, and I won't let my family escort me to the dock. So, please forgive me!"

Although Chen Guangliang felt that the Japanese would not send assassins to target him, after all, he was just a businessman; however, the security company still had to take the necessary precautions.

The news of his going away was known to only a few people and was kept very secret.

Jiang Meiying immediately said with great interest: "Is it because you saved many factories, education departments, and Commercial Press? By the way, I heard that you are still a businessman who insists on never doing business with the Japanese. When the Japanese took the initiative to cooperate with you, you refused them all?" Naturally, there are people who praise Chen Guangliang, such as "insiders" like the Oriental Daily.

Chen Guangliang looked at Jiang Meiying leaning forward and said with a smile, "I don't have any great achievements. It's just that everyone needs to set up 'anti-Japanese' role models like me and Mr. Du."

Jiang Meiying rested her chin on her hands, her joints resting on the small table. She said in disbelief, "There's no smoke without fire. Everyone says these things are true. It's no use for you to deny them."

Chen Guangliang threatened her, "Aren't you afraid that if you travel with me, someone will take care of you too?"

Jiang Meiying's expression changed immediately, and then she quickly said calmly: "Your bodyguard is so powerful, what should I be afraid of!"

"The bodyguard is great, so of course he's protecting me!"

Jiang Meiying was frightened again. She had not expected that things would get to this extent. After all, judging from Chen Guangliang's behavior, it did not seem like he was just "worrying in vain" but was really serious about it.

She sat directly next to Chen Guangliang and said, "I don't care anyway, but you still have to take care of the safety of the staff."

Chen Guangliang deliberately said: "Don't worry, my bodyguards and I will take care of you when it is convenient."

In this way, Jiang Meiying was fooled into following Chen Guangliang cautiously, especially when the two went to the restaurant to eat, Jiang Meiying found that Chen Guangliang had prepared his own meals, and she immediately took it more seriously.

"I want to eat this too. What if people think I'm in cahoots with you and poison the food? Then I'll be your scapegoat."

Jiang Meiying just ate Chen Guangliang's food by herself, which was very cute.

After all, she was a girl who had never traveled far away, so it was understandable that she was frightened by Chen Guangliang's behavior this time.

Moreover, no one said that they should keep a distance from Chen Guangliang.

"Aren't you worried that I'll trick you into selling you off to Hong Kong?"

"You wish! I've already heard good news at the company. Times Pictures is already building a filming base in Hong Kong, and they have people working there. If I go over there, I'll find colleagues I know there."

This is true.

This year (1933), Times Pictures' investment in Hong Kong will reach hundreds of thousands of taels. In addition to spending 10 taels to purchase an industrial plot of land in Kowloon Bay, they will also build a film set, an administrative building, a printing room, staff dormitories, etc., and also rent a temporary office space.

The company is already in Hong Kong and has large investment and human resources.

Although Chen Guangliang and Jiang Meiying ate their own food, Chen Guangliang's three male and one female bodyguards ate the food on the ship, so there was no problem of not consuming, and it could also eliminate danger.

This voyage also gave Chen Guangliang an inspiration - when he went to Hong Kong in 1937, he would definitely take his own ship, after all, every trip would carry valuable items or important people.

After returning to the stateroom, Chen Guangliang noticed something was wrong with Jiang Meiying and immediately asked, "Are you seasick?"

Jiang Meiying said: "I feel a little uncomfortable, but it's okay."

Chen Guangliang then asked his bodyguard to get some warm water for her to drink, and then he made her bed and raised his quilt for her to lean on.

"Actually, I was just trying to scare you. No one would harm me, but I have so many bodyguards, and they have to work. So, don't worry about them. It will make you seasick."

To be honest, Chen Guangliang really doesn't dare to fly, so he won't choose to fly in the next twenty years.

Jiang Meiying leaned back on the comfortable blanket, regaining some of her normal demeanor. She said coquettishly, "I just like scaring people! If it weren't for that incident, I might not have gotten seasick at all."

Chen Guangliang was stunned for a moment. At this moment, Jiang Meiying was as elegant and refined as a classical lady, with willow-shaped eyebrows, phoenix eyes, and cherry lips. Her outline was soft yet three-dimensional.

If we compare Jiang Meiying and Yan Renmei, they are equally beautiful but have different temperaments; Yan Renmei is the kind of beauty who is self-reliant, dignified and elegant, while Jiang Meiying is the kind of beauty who is elegant, gentle and soft.

Simply put, Yan Renmei is a modern beauty that combines Chinese and Western styles, while Jiang Meiying is a beauty with classical Chinese and Jiangnan style.

"Have a good rest"

Chen Guangliang quickly looked away, fearing that he would lose control and start to daydream.

"Oh"

Jiang Meiying's tone was a little complicated, and then she pulled the quilt and leaned back to rest.

She noticed that Chen Guangliang had picked up a book and read it, and thought to herself that he was indeed the most talented industrialist.

Then, Jiang Meiying slowly closed her eyes.

It seemed as if he was instructing Chen Guangliang to do something to Jiang Meiying.

Jiang Meiying's teeth were clenched, her body curled up and trembling slightly.

Chen Guangliang frowned slightly, immediately put down the book, and placed the back of his hand on Jiang Meiying's forehead.

“I actually have a fever.”

At this time, less than half the time had passed since leaving Shanghai, and Jiang Meiying had problems. It seemed that this girl had never traveled far before.

I took out a box of cold and fever medicine from the suitcase and poured a cup of hot water.

"Ms. Jiang, wake up!"

Jiang Meiying was woken up groggily, mumbling, "It's all your fault, otherwise I wouldn't have to endure this!"

There is no doubt about the younger daughter's character.

Chen Guangliang said, "Take some medicine first, you have a fever!"

Afterwards, Chen Guangliang fed her the medicine and asked her to drink it down with warm water. Jiang Meiying regained some energy and said, "It's not your fault, actually. I caught a cold when I got on the boat, and the seasickness made it worse. I'm not going to die on the boat, am I?"

Chen Guangliang put her down like he was coaxing a little girl, and then took physical cooling measures by applying a hot towel.

After doing all this, Chen Guangliang sat down on the edge of her bed.

"If you suffer this time, you won't suffer in the future!"

Jiang Meiying had perked up by now and asked, "Why?"

Chen Guangliang replied, "In times of war, having more places to take refuge naturally means more ability to survive. Hong Kong, where I'm taking you this time, is a blessed place. If there's a war in the future, it will be a good place to take refuge."

During the January 28 Incident, no one knew whether Japan would completely occupy Shanghai, so many wealthy people fled to Hong Kong for refuge.

“I think the Shanghai Stock Exchange is definitely better.”

Jiang Meiying muttered something and then fell into a deep sleep again.

Chen Guangliang touched her forehead and found that her fever was almost gone.

He decided to take a rest for a while, thinking that his body would be fine. He even thought that the plague might not be transmitted to him, after all, his body had mutated.

After taking a look at Jiang Meiying, he suddenly discovered a problem - a girl was so bold to go to Hong Kong with him, and after getting on the ship, she was so confident to stay in the same cabin with him.

It seems that Jiang Meiying trusted him very much. Even after the Dai Li incident, she did not doubt it - was it Chen Guangliang who deliberately manipulated it?

After a short nap, Chen Guangliang was disturbed by the sound of teeth grinding. He was already very alert when going out.

When I came to Jiang Meiying, I found that her fever had subsided, but she seemed to be shivering from the cold again.

He even lent his own quilt to this girl!

“A bit cold”

Jiang Meiying muttered in a daze.

She even didn't want to lift her eyelids.

Chen Guangliang looked around, and finally got into bed and picked up Jiang Meiying!

It can be clearly seen that Jiang Meiying's face began to turn red, but she did not open her eyes.

A faint feminine scent filled Chen Guangliang's nose, and he forced himself not to let his imagination run wild. Although his stateroom was convenient for anything, he had no intention of taking advantage of anyone's misfortune.

Jiang Meiying closed her eyes, but she was awake. Sleeping in Chen Guangliang's arms made her feel very safe. Coupled with the good impression she had in her heart, she didn't think too much at the moment and only wanted to find a harbor to rely on.

In this way, Jiang Meiying fell into a deep sleep again. This time the quality of her sleep was quite good and she did not wake up until dawn.

After Jiang Meiying woke up, she said coquettishly: "Why don't you leave?"

Chen Guangliang smiled and replied, "You're a little too quick to cross the river and then destroy the bridge."

He didn't leave immediately. It was inevitable that he had some wild thoughts last night. In the end, he forced himself not to have those wild thoughts. As a result, he, who always had excellent physical fitness, felt a little tired today.

Chen Guangliang had never experienced this feeling before, it was really tormenting.

The key point is that during this period, Jiang Meiying moved her body from time to time, and her plump body made Chen Guangliang almost unable to control herself.

Jiang Meiying said, "Humph, what else? Just because you took care of me, should I become your concubine?"

After she finished speaking, a look of sadness appeared on her face.

Chen Guangliang slowly stood up without saying much. He couldn't think of a better way.

When arriving in Hong Kong.

Chen Guangliang was picked up by people from Ping An Bank, and Jiang Meiying was picked up by Times Pictures. However, Chen Guangliang arranged for a female bodyguard to follow her, and Jiang Meiying did not refuse.

At this time, Jiang Meiying's body had recovered, but she was still a little tired. However, it seemed that there was only a thin membrane left between her and Chen Guangliang.

Chen Guangliang is quite familiar with Hong Kong. The first reason is that he had seen and heard about it through movies and online news in his previous life. The second reason is that he has had several trips there. The third reason is that Hong Kong itself is only the size of a palm.

After arriving in Hong Kong, Chen Guangliang came to Central, the financial and commercial center of Hong Kong, with great familiarity.

Central at that time was far from what it would become. Not only were buildings no taller than ten storeys, but even Des Voeux Road in Central was already seafront. Later, through land reclamation, Des Voeux Road was essentially no longer seafront (it was also reclaimed in the early 20th century). In the 1950s and 1960s, new waterfront roads such as Connaught Road were added.

Assistant Manager Ye Ximing said bluntly, "Boss, after nearly four months of research in Hong Kong, we found that the market isn't as prosperous as Shanghai. The Wing On and Sincere department stores, in particular, are very small. There's nothing special to feast your eyes on, and we don't see any need to linger."

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "Then tell me, why did everyone rush to Hong Kong during the January 28 Incident?"

Chen Guangliang did not take the opinions of his subordinates to heart. After all, who would have thought that in the late 1940s and early 1950s, this place would become a place where many capitalists would settle down.

Ye Ximing replied, "Of course it's because this place has a special political status equivalent to the International Settlement. So whenever there's any disturbance in Shanghai, people will choose to hide here to avoid the war."

Chen Guangliang said, "Since that's the case, we naturally need to plan ahead. By the time war really breaks out, it'll be too late to run away. Ping An Bank's bonds are poised to make a lot of money this year, so I've decided to build a second headquarters in Hong Kong. Do you have any prospects for the land I asked you to inspect?"

Ye Ximing had long known that his boss was determined to develop a second headquarters in Hong Kong. He had just expressed his true feelings, but he still had to do a lot of homework in terms of doing things.

“有的，皇后大道181~183号的业主有意出售，地皮占地3.2亩（1.92万平方尺），业主开价约28万两白银（40万大洋左右）。”

Chen Guangliang was not scared by the price. After all, although the total price was high, the unit price was relatively cheap, which was about 13 yuan per acre.

The land on Queen's Road Central is at least comparable to the land in Shanghai that costs more than 30 yuan per acre (the middle and eastern section of Nanjing West Road, Chuanshu Middle Road, Jiangxi Middle Road, Henan Middle Road, etc.), so the price is only about one-third of it.

"The land is a suitable size. Can you show me the location?"

"it is good"

Soon, Chen Guangliang arrived at the next location and had a rough idea in mind—the land was located at the intersection of Queen's Road Central and Yonghe Street, and would later become part of the New Era Plaza. (In its early days, it was actually the first property owned by Hengfeng Bank.)
Yes, both in terms of size and geographical location, it is suitable for Ping An Bank’s headquarters building in Hong Kong.

"Arrange for me to talk to the owner. If there are no problems with the land, we can buy it."

"Okay, I'll arrange it as soon as possible."

Afterwards, Chen Guangliang returned to the Yongsheng Street property leased by Ping An Bank. It was an old three-story property with only a little over 1000 square feet on each floor.

Even if all three floors were rented out, the space would still be quite small. Fortunately, Ping An Bank is only tentatively developing its business in Hong Kong, so the space is sufficient.

In the conference room, Chen Guangliang exchanged views with a group of Hong Kong staff.

"Ping An Bank attaches great importance to its development in Hong Kong, which will serve as its second headquarters. Our initial business will focus on customers from Shanghai who come to Hong Kong to develop their business, and from Guangdong and Hong Kong who come to Shanghai to develop their business. Ping An Bank is also developing branches in Guangzhou and Wuhan, and will eventually form a banking network in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan, and Hong Kong."

After Chen Guangliang finished speaking, everyone applauded.

A man's reputation is like the shadow of a tree. Chen Guangliang is also famous in Hong Kong, because in that era, the Shanghai Stock Exchange is the "holy land" for the Chinese.

As for what Chen Guangliang said about developing banking networks in Shanghai, Wuhan, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, it is mainly to provide convenience for mainland customers who come to Hong Kong for development in the future.

Chen Guangliang observed that all the employees could understand Mandarin completely, although half of them were Cantonese.

It seems that Hong Kong in this era is different from Hong Kong after the 1950s and 1960s!
Hong Kong is a place where people speak Mandarin and watch Mandarin movies. Although Cantonese is also popular, it is not to the extent that everyone speaks Cantonese in later generations.

This is a good thing. He will definitely be the leader of the Hong Kong 'Ningbo Gang' in the future! (End of this chapter)