A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

In August, CK Asset Holdings Limited announced that the development rights above Admiralty Station (the under-construction Admiralty Centre) were sold to a consortium for HK$11.5 billion, setting a new record for the price of an entire property.

The news further fueled speculation in the real estate market.

"My goodness, HK$11.5 billion! This building is really valuable!"

"32 stories high, with a total floor area of ​​64 square feet, and a price of less than HK$2000, which is slightly lower than the development rights above Central Station!"

"Who exactly is this mysterious buyer who has been buying up entire buildings in Hong Kong one after another?"

"Naturally, it's Cheung Kong Industrial Group, which is the most profitable conglomerate in Hong Kong."

Following the completion of the Admiralty Centre transaction, Hong Kong office prices began to rise sharply, serving as a clear market signal. Simultaneously, a further surge in property speculation ensued in Hong Kong.

CK Asset Holdings Limited.

Chen Wenjie reported: "Father, this time we made a total profit of 1.5 million, while the MTR Corporation made a profit of more than 2 million Hong Kong dollars. The cooperation between the two parties was very pleasant. Tang Xin has indicated that the second phase of the Admiralty Centre will also be handed over to us for development."

"Well, not bad!"

Why did CK Asset Holdings lose HK$5000 million in profit despite the profit distribution being 51% and 49%?

It's quite simple. Cheung Kong's calculation method is different. Because Cheung Kong Group advances some cash to the MTR Corporation, it needs to calculate the bank interest generated by this cash at the beginning of the year. In total, HK$4 million was advanced to the MTR Corporation, and the interest would be at least HK$4000 million, which is why it earns less.

Moreover, if sold using the previous "sold off-plan" method, the two buildings would actually not have sold for HK$18.1 billion. To put it bluntly, Cheung Kong Industrial Group has plenty of money; they could easily come up with HK$18.1 billion.

It's worth noting that Cheung Kong Holdings' profits this year are likely to approach HK$15 billion, demonstrating its exceptional strength. (HSBC's profits are estimated at around HK$600-700 million, and Sun Hung Kai Properties' at around HK$200 million.)
Chen Guangliang asked proactively, "How is the situation in Yingni, Qingzhou?"

This year, Cheung Kong Holdings not only completed the acquisition of Hutchison Whampoa, but also began a covert acquisition of Ching Chau Ying Ni at the beginning of the year.

Chen Wenjie calmly stated, "Our shareholding has just reached 25%, and Qingzhou Yingni has invited me to serve as an executive director. My next step is to gradually increase my shareholding to 40% within a year, thereby gaining control of Qingzhou Yingni."

“Okay, that’s right. Qingzhou Yingni is different from Hutchison Whampoa. Although it is also a British-owned enterprise, it does not have a real major shareholder family, so the acquisition should be a logical step.”

"Yes, it went very smoothly!"

Chen Wenjie then asked, "Father, what about the Hong Kong Electric Company?"

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Guangliang said, "No rush! Our Chen family has made too many moves this year, so we need to be careful about how we behave. What's ours will not escape him. After all, Cheung Kong Holdings is also going to develop in the UK and Europe."

Chen Wenjie nodded and said, "I understand! We currently hold 4.5% of HK Electric's shares, so we haven't alerted them. I'll have them suspend the purchases later to prevent leaks, and we can wait for the right opportunity!"

"Yeah, it'll only take a year or two!"

To put it bluntly, Hongkong Land is now on the menu of Chinese-owned companies.

In this life, the company has lost many of its properties, and its strength has been weakened by about 30% compared to its previous life, truly giving the impression of a 'toothless wolfhound'.

In mid-August, Hong Kong was sweltering in the summer heat, but a new wave of enthusiasm was even hotter than the height of summer – the arcade game "Hong Kong Blocks" developed by Midea Games Entertainment was officially released, quickly igniting the gaming passion of the entire city.

Long queues formed outside the "Happy Game Hall" in Tsim Sha Tsui as early as 7 a.m.

Students in school uniforms, office workers carrying briefcases, and even parents with children were all squeezing into the arcade, clutching coins.

"I saw the machine was set up when I passed by yesterday, so I got up early today to be the first to play!" Ah Ming, the boy at the front of the line, excitedly waved his HK$2 coin.

The crowd behind them cheered, "Stop dawdling! Let us see what the new game looks like!"

Inside the arcade, the area in front of the 10 Hong Kong Blocks arcade machines was packed with people.

As players manipulate the falling and piecing together blocks, eventually eliminating a row, the score displayed on the screen and the crisp sound effects instantly elicit cheers from those around them.

Wow! This is even more fun than Space Invaders!

"It's simple and addictive, I could play it all afternoon!"

Soon, a relay line formed in front of each machine. Some people, even after finishing their turn, were reluctant to leave, standing aside watching others operate, constantly muttering, "It should be moved to the left here! Oh dear, I almost cleared three rows!"

Such scenes were playing out simultaneously in arcades throughout the streets and alleys of Hong Kong.

Arcade owners in Mong Kok, Causeway Bay, and Central were all smiles, with many contacting Midea Games Entertainment that very day to request additional machines.

"Space Invaders was already popular enough, but Hong Kong Blocks is even more outrageous!"

The immense popularity of "Hong Kong Blocks" in Hong Kong naturally led to the invitation of overseas game distributors to participate in the exhibition.

More than 40 overseas distributors gathered at the headquarters of Midea Games Entertainment, covering almost all major game markets in the world, from Europe and America to Japan and South Korea, and from Southeast Asia to Australia.

Most of these agents had missed out on opportunities by underestimating Space Invaders, and this time they dared not be negligent again—some arrived in Hong Kong a week in advance, and some even brought their finance teams, ready to sign contracts on the spot.

In the gaming and entertainment experience zone of Midea, the distributors gathered around the "Hong Kong Blocks" arcade machine and played together.

Mark, the American distributor, played three rounds and still wasn't satisfied. He grabbed the hand of Lin Botao, the president of Midea Games Entertainment, and said, "Mr. Lin, this game is amazing! It doesn't have a complicated storyline, but it's so addictive! I want to order 500 units, and they must arrive before October!"

"no problem"

Lin Baitao looked at the lively scene before him and a calm smile appeared on his face.

He had prepared in advance, expanding the production line and stockpiling enough spare parts.

"Rest assured, we will arrange production for all orders in sequence to ensure on-time delivery."

These words excited the agents even more, and the number of orders skyrocketed instantly.

Soon, overseas orders for "Hong Kong Blocks" exceeded 5000 units, far surpassing the order volume for "Space Invaders" during the same period.

The craze for the arcade game "Hong Kong Blocks" has also caused a stir in Hong Kong media.

Sing Tao Daily published a special report with the eye-catching headline: "Hong Kong Blocks: A Gaming Miracle from Hong Kong to the World." The article states: "Midea Games Entertainment, with a seemingly simple block game, has once again demonstrated Hong Kong's technological prowess. From Ping Pong pioneering the arcade era to Space Invaders defining the rules of video games, and now Hong Kong Blocks conquering players with its 'simple yet addictive' gameplay, Midea Entertainment is not only the pioneer of modern video games but also makes 'Hong Kong technology' shine brightly on the global technology stage."

Oriental Daily News focused on the significance behind the game: "The success of Hong Kong Blocks is more than just a victory for a game. It shows the world that Hong Kong can not only manufacture high-quality clothing and toys, but also develop high-tech products that lead global trends. When players in Europe, America, Japan and South Korea went crazy for Hong Kong Blocks, what they remembered was the label of 'Made in Hong Kong'."

Even the usually rigorous Ta Kung Pao published a commentary: "The development trajectory of Midea's gaming and entertainment industry is a microcosm of Hong Kong's industrial transformation and upgrading. From traditional manufacturing to high-tech industries, from 'Made in Hong Kong' to 'Created in Hong Kong,' the popularity of 'Hong Kong Blocks' shows us the infinite possibilities for Hong Kong's future."

The media praise further fueled the pride of the people of Hong Kong.

In street interviews, many citizens could not hide their excitement, marveling at how Hong Kong's technological development had actually begun to make its mark on the world stage.

Of course, both the media and the public understand that Hong Kong's technology industry was built up by Sir Chan Kwong-leung.

The villa complex in Discovery Bay.

Chen Guangliang is currently vacationing with his four wives and concubines; the six villas here have become the private property of the 'Chen family'.

To date, the Chan Kwong Leung family owns four villas in Deep Water Bay (75, 77, 79, and 80), two villas in Repulse Bay, one villa each in Shek O and The Peak, and six villas in Discovery Bay, totaling 14 'garden detached villas'.

As for the other villas and hillside mansions, they are generally developed by Cheung Kong Holdings and are intended for long-term rental.

The largest villa in Discovery Bay.

A tennis match is taking place on the court, between Yan Renmei and Jiang Meiying. Both of them look 25 to 30 years younger than their actual ages.

So even the oldest Jiang Meiying, when she walked down the street, would turn around and stare at many men, who thought she was an absolute beauty and no more than 40 years old.

In fact, in her previous life in 1974, Jiang Meiying was even sexually assaulted by a prostitute, demonstrating that beauty truly does defy aging. And Chen Guangliang's women, upon contact with his saliva and semen, would experience even greater anti-aging effects.

At this moment, Jiang Meiying was wearing a tennis outfit. Her long, shapely legs and her still well-maintained, firm, and delicate skin made her look like a woman in her late twenties. Her large, round breasts bounced around with each shot.

On the other hand, Yan Renmei appears even younger, dressed in a girlish style. If she were to appear on a screen in later generations, few would doubt her appearance; after all, Zhao Yazhi and Liu Xiaoqing can both play young girls.

Yan Renmei possesses an innate air of nobility and elegance, but in her contest with Jiang Meiying, she clearly harbors a competitive spirit.

After all, although these concubines usually addressed her respectfully as "elder sister," these vixens often rode on her back, behaving in a disrespectful and presumptuous manner.

Chen Guangliang sat under a parasol, watching the two play with great interest, as did Audrey Hepburn and Si Yezi, who were also thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. When the five of them were together, they played tennis, skied, and swam; they all loved sports, believing them to be a way to strengthen their bonds and stay young.

"If I could be in the same state as my eldest and second eldest sisters when I'm in my sixties, I'd be laughing in my dreams!" Audrey Hepburn said with a smile.

She was more than ten years younger than Yan Renmei and Jiang Meiying!

“Third Sister is also very young, she’ll definitely be in the same condition by then!” Si Yezi immediately replied.

Audrey Hepburn retorted coquettishly, "You're Japanese, not Chinese, how come you've learned to flatter and fawn over people!"

She had just finished receiving it when she suddenly realized something was wrong with the sentence. Wasn't it a sarcastic remark about the Chinese people, her own family, and her husband?

Fortunately, she was very easygoing and didn't take those words to heart, because she knew her man wouldn't hold it against her.

Instead, Si Yezi quickly said, "A woman should follow her husband wherever he goes, whether he's a chicken or a dog."

Chen Guangliang's face darkened, and he said, "What are you two talking about, horses and dogs?"

Both women burst out laughing, clearly their husbands didn't care about such a trivial matter at all.

However, the two women were soon warned by Yan Renmei and Jiang Meiying.

"Watch the game attentively and remain quiet."

"Yes, eldest sister and second sister."

After a fierce competition, the champion of the four women's 'tennis tournament' was surprisingly the oldest, Jiang Meiying.

Jiang Meiying, thoroughly satisfied, approached Chen Guangliang and asked, "Husband, what is the prize?"

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "You all have plenty of money and jewelry, so you can only reward me!"

Jiang Meiying said happily, "One night?"

Yan Renmei said with a smile, "How much longer do you want to think about it? But don't come looking for reinforcements when the time comes."

Jiang Meiying replied, "It should be alright to rest for one night."

In reality, assuming this vacation is ten days long, they would force Chen Guangliang to take more than half of it to protect his health. Compared to Chen Guangliang, they just want to be with him; they don't necessarily want to become AIs. Everything depends on Chen Guangliang's physical condition.

Chen Guangliang himself was also protecting his health. Although he had a big party on the ship during the last team building event at Si Yezi's company, he rested for a full twelve days afterward.

At the villa in Discovery Bay, the group would occasionally go out to sea, play tennis or basketball, and sometimes listen to music in the villa. Chan Kwong-leung would even lead them in playing arcade games.
They truly achieved a youthful mindset!
Chen Guangliang said that many family founders think about the future of the business and how to plan for the company until their death. Even after passing the business down to the next generation, they are still very worried.

Only Chen Guangliang has truly 'let go'.

It's actually quite simple. Chen Guangliang knows about the future, so under the 'major trend,' he doesn't need to pay too much attention to the news or look at too much information. He already knows the 'major trend' for a particular industry and every business, so he doesn't need to spend too much energy on it.

For example, during this ten-day vacation, he only read the newspaper in the morning and didn't think about business at all other times. His children knew he was on vacation and wouldn't bother him with anything. They would only report and discuss some things with him when he returned to the company after the vacation.

Today, Chen Guangliang's 15 children, those who are employed have basically had their future career paths planned out; those who are not employed also have anticipated plans.

The 11 sons are all destined to have a net worth of hundreds of billions of Hong Kong dollars, and they will also have a lot of hidden wealth.

For example, Chen Wenjie inherited the Cheung Kong Group, which now distributes substantial dividends annually. This money flows into his pocket, and he can then privately invest in assets such as overseas properties, mining shares, and even spot gold.

To put it bluntly, these children will all be "cash kings" and "asset kings" in the future, but they won't be excessively high on the Forbes list.

Like many businesses inherited by sons, these companies are never publicly listed. The wealth that Forbes can statistically account for in the future is only what appears on the surface; however, the dividends distributed over the years will be completely ignored. This is why Li Ka-shing wasn't the richest Chinese person in his previous life. (End of Chapter)