A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

The year was the second half of 1978.

On this day, at the headquarters of Cheung Kong Industries in the Lane Crawford Building on Queen's Road Central, Chen Guangliang was sitting in his office reviewing the information of his 'four major groups'.

The growth of Cheung Kong Industrial Group is so rapid that it is expected to surpass the Universal Group this year (1978) or next year to become the most profitable conglomerate.

More importantly, Cheung Kong Industrial Group has a workforce of 10, making it the undisputed 'industrial giant' of Hong Kong.

"dad"

Chen Wenkai walked in.

"Bring it to the conference table"

"Ok"

Afterwards, the father and son began a discussion and exchange at the conference table.

By this time, Chen Wenkai had fully taken over the 'Yangtze River Industrial Group' and become its true 'leader'. Of course, as long as Chen Guangliang was still alive, he could direct them from behind the scenes.

“Let’s talk to them one group at a time, starting with Xinfeng Textile Group!”

Chen Wenkai nodded and immediately reported, "Last year, Hong Kong's garment exports reached US$35 billion, far exceeding Italy's US$30 billion, making it the world's number one. Our Xinfeng Textile's total export value was US$5 million, with over 40% exported through brands like Uniqlo and Lacoste, significantly increasing profits. Our fleece products alone raked in US$1 million last year."

It's a remarkable achievement. Even though the Hong Kong garment industry is highly competitive today, Sin Fung Textile still firmly maintains its leading position.

Of Hong Kong's total garment exports of US$35 billion last year, the net profit was probably only 8%; but the net profit of Hsin Fung Textile Group may have reached 10%.

Chen Guangliang asked, "Fleece products only generated $1 million last year, which isn't much!"

Chen Wenkai immediately said, "After all, last year only lasted nine months, and our preparations in Japan weren't very thorough. This year, our fleece products have truly taken off. Just this month, the US military purchased $9 million worth of our fleece fabric, and clothing manufacturers in Europe and North America have also placed orders. We expect to export $5000 million worth of fleece fabric alone. In addition, we've significantly increased our retail stores in Japan this year, and we expect to sell 150 million fleece garments there, generating over $1 million in revenue from that region alone. Fleece has become the most profitable department in the Xinfeng Group, and it has boosted the overall profitability of the group!"

A powerful tool for making money!
Of course, the cost of developing fleece fabric was as high as US$2000 million, and now it's time to make a huge profit. Hsin Feng Textile Group also holds the patent for fleece, so even if someone develops it later, they will have to pay a patent fee.

"We must take full advantage of the success of fleece and open Uniqlo stores all over Asia!"

陈文恺说道：“是，父亲！目前我们优衣库在日本的门店已经拥有31家、韩国6家、台岛6家、新加坡3家.海外门店已经突破51家门店。”

Uniqlo, a brand that focuses on "fast fashion and affordable prices," has a better chance of development than Lacoste, which has a higher positioning.

Fleece clothing, with its low price and high warmth, is very suitable for regions like South Korea and Japan, but it hardly sells in Southeast Asia.

However, demand in Europe and America is very high, and the success of fleece products has propelled the Xinfeng Group to a new historical peak. Last year alone, profits exceeded HK$3.5 million, and this year is bound to see even greater growth, certainly exceeding HK$5 million in net profit.

It's very simple, the profit margin for fleece is extremely high!
"Hmm, how are the factories in mainland China?"

At the beginning of this year, Hsin Feng Textile Group tried to open a factory in the mainland and adopt the "processing with supplied materials" model. The products are not sold in the mainland, but make full use of the mainland's land and cheap labor.

This was the earliest factory investment by Hong Kong businessmen in mainland China!

Chen Wenkai said, "We have been in normal production for three months and are preparing to further expand production, which has been officially approved."

"Yes. When I met with senior officials in Beijing earlier this year, they had already expressed their intention to reform, and they might even go abroad for study and inspection. This could lead to fundamental changes in the country. Xinfeng Textile Group's textile and garment businesses will be able to develop better in the mainland in the future."

If the products are not sold in mainland China, then they will definitely generate foreign exchange for mainland China, and Xinfeng Textile Group can also save on labor costs.

Chen Wenkai said, "When that day comes, it will be suitable for Huatai Toys to open a factory in the mainland, which can help the country in its initial stages."

“Yes, next year should be a good time for Huatai Toys to try it out in mainland China.”

Chen Wenkai had no doubt about his father's judgment.

Of course, the total number of employees in the Cheung Kong Industrial Group exceeds 10, which cannot be moved to the inland areas in a short period of time. It may take about fifteen years, and it would be good if half of the production could be moved in.

Next, the two discussed 'Rongchang Group'.

At this point, Rongchang Group was no longer a simple heavy industry group; its business included smelting, doors and windows, hardware tool manufacturing, electromechanical manufacturing (including small motors), machinery manufacturing (textile machinery, zipper machinery, etc.), yacht manufacturing, barge manufacturing, and more. Even within the hardware tool manufacturing sector alone, the range of products was incredibly diverse.

In short, Rongchang Group has invested a lot in research and development over the years, resulting in an increasingly diverse product range.

Even if Changgong Group were located in any country in the world, it would still be a large manufacturing enterprise.

Next, the discussion turned to 'Huatai Group'.

Chen Wenkai stated, "Huatai Toys' subsidiary, Kidswant, has already established store networks in Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. Thanks to the export of our comic IP, our revenue from figurines has increased significantly. Additionally, while Dragon Ball has been serialized for six months, its reception doesn't seem to be as good as Mobile Suit Gundam."

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "The real beginning is when the Martial Arts Tournament starts in Volume 3. Just remember, the Dragon Ball IP is worth HK$100 billion!"

Chen Wenkai was startled, but quickly realized his father was referring to the future, and that the IP's value was HK$1000 billion, not just making HK$1000 billion in profit, not to mention the potential for piracy. Only then did he calm down.

"Yes, we will continue to support the development of the comics industry without reservation."

When the discussion finally turned to Midea Group, Chen Wenkai's eyes visibly lit up. This was the group he valued most, and it represented Hong Kong's high-tech industry.

"In the field of electronic watches, Hong Kong's exports were second only to Japan last year. In particular, with the development of Taiwan's IC industry, our electronic watch exports have grown rapidly."

In 1977, Hong Kong exported 4938.3 million watches, surpassing Japan to become the world's number one. However, the total value of these watches was only HK$27.33 billion, ranking third in the world, behind Switzerland and Japan.

Of course, Hong Kong is just an 'administrative region', but to be able to compare itself with the country is still a remarkable achievement.

"In the portable music player market, we still maintain our advantage with monthly exports of 20 units. Moreover, we own product patents, ensuring substantial profits!"

Milrova pioneered the 'home game console,' and has made a fortune over the years through patent fees and compensation alone. Similarly, Midea Electronics firmly holds the 'Walkman' patent, a patent that neither Sony nor Philips can circumvent.

Moreover, the 'product patent fee' paid for each machine is far higher than the patent fee Midea needs to pay Philips for cassette tapes.

More importantly, Midea's portable music player was the first to launch in nearly a year, securing both brand recognition and market share.

Of course, Sony and Philips won't be content with a Hong Kong brand being so powerful, and they are probably developing better sound quality in hopes of defeating Midea.

"Portable music players require continuous investment in research and development, and sound quality must also be guaranteed!"

"Yes, we've already updated our Walkman once, and we've never stopped developing it."

Chen Guangliang nodded and added, "CDs have better sound quality. If we can develop a portable music player, it will open up the high-end market. Of course, the battery for a portable music player is also crucial, but the batteries currently on the market are not ideal. You should have Midea Group set up a battery department, mainly focusing on lithium batteries."

As someone with a technical background, Chen Wenkai naturally has extensive research experience in this area. He stated, "Lithium batteries made with metallic lithium have raised significant safety concerns, including their high and complex synthesis costs, the sensitivity of TiS2 to moisture, and the release of toxic gases. Worse still, because the batteries contain metallic lithium, they are also prone to spontaneous combustion. ExxonMobil's attempt to commercialize this type of battery doesn't seem to be progressing well."

Chen Guangliang also conducted research in this area and reviewed relevant professional materials. Of course, he wasn't involved in research and development and didn't have the time, but he had a key direction. "Petroleum coke should be able to stabilize lithium batteries. I haven't specifically researched it, but if lithium batteries cannot be commercialized due to instability, then embedding a stabilizing substance like petroleum coke into lithium batteries as an anode material might solve some problems. In short, regardless of whether we achieve success with this project, what we need to understand is that lithium batteries are definitely the future trend."

This is the key direction; this simple suggestion could save scientists several years of detours.

Chen Wenkai immediately said, "Okay, I will immediately set up a lithium battery R&D department. Even if it means hiring engineers overseas or establishing overseas studios, we must achieve a leading position."

His continued success made him firmly believe in his father's plans.

What's the progress on Pac-Man and Hong Kong Blocks?

Chen Wenkai immediately reported: "The arcade version of 'Hong Kong Blocks' will be released in August, using the Intel 8086 processor; and the arcade version of 'Pac-Man' will be released in October, also using the 8086 processor."

The 8080 processor is a new generation processor released by Intel in May of this year, and it is very expensive.

However, Midea Games Entertainment doesn't make much money from hardware; its main revenue comes from software. For example, installing "Hong Kong Blocks" on an arcade machine might cost $800 to $1000 in licensing fees, which is very profitable.

Back then, "Too Fast Invaders" earned tens of millions of US dollars for Midea Entertainment Games in just two years, and the profits are still flowing in, eventually reaching 1 million US dollars in profit. This is the power of 'IP'.

"it is good"

He played both games a while ago, back when he still had an 8080 processor, and they ran quite well. Of course, when developing game software, the most important things are the game's playability and rules, followed by the program and hardware.

Midea Games Entertainment also has a hardware division, which brings together the best electronic engineering graduates in Hong Kong.

At noon, Chen Guangliang arrived at the Furama Hotel on Paterson Street in Causeway Bay.

Causeway Bay has become a thriving new district in Hong Kong thanks to the opening of the Hung Hom Tunnel and the prosperity of the Paterson Street mixed-use development. It ranks third in prosperity after Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, and is on par with Wan Chai, even surpassing Wan Chai in some sectors, such as retail.

The Furama Hotel is a long-established 'four-star hotel' in Causeway Bay, but it actually offers five-star service at four-star prices.

Chen Guangliang entered a suite. As soon as he opened the door, a fragrant breeze wafted out. Without hesitation, Chen Guangliang embraced Dipola's delicate body, and then they began their passionate and romantic encounter.

Deborah's petite body was quickly overpowered by Chen Guangliang, and her clothes were violently torn to shreds, leaving only her tattered black stockings on her body.

After a storm.

Dipola appeared in the restaurant wearing a bathrobe and found that the hotel had already delivered food. She laughed and said, "My goodness, you've come and started eating right away, even the bones are clean!"

Chen Guangliang said with a smile, "It's not a solution for you to keep begging for mercy. I'm not quite satisfied!"

Wearing a bathrobe, Dibora sat directly on Chen Guangliang's lap, her eyes full of cunning, and said, "Master, I know you're not feeling well. Would you like me to introduce a sister to serve you?"

When you encounter a benefactor, you must seize the opportunity.

She had been with this man for two years, but she rarely got to be chosen by him, and he never spent the night with her. However, this man was truly generous. In 1976, he bought her five apartments in Taikoo Shing, of course, on installment, but she had enough living expenses each month to pay off the mortgage. In 1977, he gave her two more luxury apartments in Mid-Levels, also on installment, but she didn't have to pay off the loan.

Property prices in Taikoo Shing have more than doubled, with each unit costing HK$500,000 to HK$600,000, while units in Mid-Levels are as high as HK$1 million.

Diborah is already quite wealthy, and of course, these loans are all for five years, so Chen Guangliang is obviously on guard.

"I don't like those girls you're talking about, they're all so slutty!"

Dipola blushed and said, "No way! At least I'm not slutty. Ever since I've been with you, I have been..."

"Okay, stop it, I don't care about that. I just want you to do something for me."

Deborah's eyes lit up; she was overjoyed to be used. After all, judging from this man's attitude, she wasn't valued and could be 'unemployed' at any moment.

"You say you'll do anything for me, even climb mountains of knives or plunge into boiling oil!"

Chen Guangliang ripped off her bathrobe, slapped her buttocks, and said, "Let's go eat properly now."

Dipola covered her mouth and laughed, "How can I call this a proper meal?"

He simply tossed his bathrobe onto the sofa, sat naked in the opposite seat, and then ate.

"Go to Maryknoll Convent School and get close to a girl named Kwan Ka-wai. Her father is Kwan Shan. Then find an opportunity to bring her to me. You don't need to worry about the rest!"

Dipola stared in disbelief and said, "Middle school student?"

Chen Guangliang said smugly, "What? Is there a problem?"

Dipola realized what was happening and said, "No problem! Sir Chen is much more charming than those young men in their twenties and thirties. Little Guan Jiahui will definitely be won over by you!"

This is the truth!

She had also inquired about Chen Guangliang's real age, and it turned out he was 41 years older than her. But after sleeping with Chen Guangliang, she discovered that he was incredibly strong, and she always ended up completely defeated.

"Hehe, I paid money to buy my youth, that's a transaction in itself! Instead of struggling in the entertainment industry, the shortcut I have here is more suitable for you! If you ever want to get married, just let me know, and I'll even give you a dowry!"

By the early 80s, Deborah's net worth was in the tens of millions. What's wrong with that?

Dipola said reluctantly, "I don't want to get married, I'll just serve you!"

"That's true, let's not think about that for now!"

Diborah is shining brightly, and she plans to hold on to this powerful backer, determined to become a 'rich person' no matter what.

However, she soon became afraid, because after Sir Chen finished eating, he was preparing to use her again.

"You want to take shortcuts, and today, I want to take shortcuts too."

Dipola was startled and said, "Sir Chen, I'm scared."

"Don't worry! There are protective measures in place."

In the afternoon, Deborah lay in the hotel, looking at the million-dollar check in her hand, and shed tears of happiness.

"I'm going to hold onto this man for at least ten years, even if it means being his madam!"

Diborah understood that Chen Guangliang's status was extraordinary, making it inconvenient for him to do many things, and this was her opportunity.

“He told me to buy gold, and I will buy that million in gold tomorrow and put it in the safe of my hillside mansion.”

"I wish I could have that twice a month, but this time was quite an ordeal!" (End of Chapter)