The Birth of Shanghai's First Conglomerate

Life at sea is quite pleasant.

Singing songs, drinking tea, and just sitting on the deck looking at the sea when there's nothing else to do.

For those seeking thrills, jet skis can be taken to the open sea for drifting, a novel experience for the entire Chen family.

Especially the little kids, they played the wildest.

The older generation is still not used to celebrating the Spring Festival at sea, so Chen Pingsheng sailed the superyacht back to Hong Kong the day before the Lunar New Year.

The whole family spent the holiday at his mansion on Barker Road.

Hong Kong not only has the highest property prices in Asia, but also in the world.

Those living in hilltop villas naturally enjoy the freshest air, while those living in cramped, pigeonhole-like dwellings have a completely different experience.

Many of the relatives were visiting for the first time, and it happened to be Chinese New Year.

The day before the Spring Festival is naturally a day for shopping sprees, but Chen Pingsheng didn't really want to go.

He simply mentioned that he would pay for today's purchases, and that everyone should buy whatever they needed.

Yang Changwen was delighted. "Brother-in-law, do you have any good recommendations for houses in Hong Kong?"

"You don't need a recommendation. The houses here depend entirely on your own spending expectations."

Yang Changwen really wanted to buy a house in Hong Kong, but he was reluctant to spend too much money.

The main point is that, as Chen Pingsheng said before, apart from basic housing needs, one should never expect any further appreciation potential in housing.

Given that, buying a 1,000-square-foot mansion would be considered quite extravagant, equivalent to a 100-square-meter apartment in mainland China.

Someone with his means would naturally want to own a large house in Hong Kong.

Most of the other relatives didn't have this idea.

The truck took everyone shopping, but Chen An'an was the only one who didn't go.

She didn't need to buy anything; she had everything she needed at home.

Besides, she hadn't been to Hong Kong in a long time, so she was thinking of going to visit the plump auntie first.

Chen Pingsheng drove his dark blue Pagani, which he had bought but never driven before, and took her with him.

This car cost over 30 million yuan to buy, and it's been sitting here collecting dust for almost a year.

Even he himself doesn't know exactly when he bought it.

All I remember is that he and his wife each bought one.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Chen An'an asked his father, "Dad, why are you spending the Lunar New Year in Hong Kong?"

"There are too many social obligations to fulfill during the Spring Festival in Shanghai."

Chen Pingsheng explained, "Many people will try every means to bring gifts to our house, and we will also have to go to other people's houses. Do you think we can still have a peaceful Spring Festival at home?"

Chen An'an thought about it and realized that back when they lived in Beijing, her father was much busier during the Spring Festival than usual.

I have to travel everywhere, so I might as well come to Hong Kong to avoid all these social niceties.

"Dad, do we no longer need to visit those people in the capital?"

"It's not that we don't need to move around, but rather that we should avoid this time of year."

Chen Pingsheng was always extremely patient with his own daughter.

“During this period of running around, you generally don’t get much attention. After this period is over, I will take you to visit those retired old men in Beijing. You should then know about the hidden connections our family has accumulated over the years.”

In this country, business cannot exist without governance.

Everyone does these things very discreetly.

Just as those bigwigs wouldn't easily endorse someone.

"Dad, maintaining all this must be hard work, right?"

"It's not hard work. There's knowledge to be gained from everything. People in different circles often have different ways of thinking. After this Spring Festival, I'll take you to get acquainted with everyone. If you want to become a successful businesswoman in the future, you can't just have money without these connections. You'll just be at the mercy of others."

Chen Pingsheng said earnestly, "Big fart kid is about to start junior high school."

It's time to introduce her to some of the big shots in the Tencent Group; this is crucial. The Pagani is still extremely fast, and there aren't many speed limits in Hong Kong.

In cities where sports cars are prevalent, a speed limit of 120 km/h is meaningless.

The plump auntie still diligently runs the restaurant for outsiders, treating it like her second home in Hong Kong.

Being approachable earns one respect.

Originally, Chen An'an had planned to invest in several more restaurants catering to outsiders in Hong Kong, but after staying there for a while, she abandoned that idea.

The main reason that truly traps non-locals in Hong Kong, besides high housing prices, is gambling.

People here love gambling too much; they often go to the casino to try their luck after getting paid.

Winning a few hundred thousand is naturally a cause for celebration, but most people end up losing everything and becoming homeless.

One restaurant run by outsiders can't change anything.

Chen An'an squatted outside without regard for her image and chatted with the plump aunt for a long time.

"An'an, your Aunt Pang isn't exactly a respectable person, so how could I let you come and see for yourself?"

"Auntie, don't belittle yourself. My dad always says that there is no distinction between noble and lowly people. I'm just an ordinary eleven-year-old girl."

"Your dad raised you very well."

The plump woman sighed, "The rich people here don't treat us like human beings. An'an, you're different from them."

"That's because my dad has always been there to teach me."

Chen An'an said happily, "Sister Youwei is busy in Shanghai and can't come to Hong Kong to see you this time, but my dad bought her an apartment there. Auntie, when you get old, Sister Youwei will definitely be willing to take care of you."

The plump woman was deeply moved; she had never had any children.

Retirement is a major issue when you get old.

Now that Shen Youwei has given me her assurance, I can finally feel a little more at ease.

"She was able to buy a house in Shanghai thanks to your dad. He's been so good to her."

"This is as it should be."

Shen Youwei stayed with her for several years, back when she was still quite willful.

She is gradually becoming more sensible.

Chen An'an sat there for the whole afternoon, then waved goodbye to the plump aunt.

She has many elders at home, and they've almost all returned from shopping.

We can't stay here too long.

It was already six o'clock in the afternoon when she got home.

The relatives did indeed return, carrying large and small bags full of things.

Most relatives would give one or two sets of new clothes as a symbolic gift.

Only Yang Changwen picked out a Ferrari worth over seven million yuan for himself.

If he had more time, he would have liked to buy a luxury watch.

Chen Pingsheng didn't care; he'd bought it anyway, it wouldn't have cost much.

As long as you don't gamble, no matter how much you spend, it's a small matter.

He had the Filipino maid clean up the rooms, and after dinner, everyone basically did their own thing.

Yang Changwen couldn't contain his impatience and called on Yang Kang and Peng Yu to go out and play together.

He actually wanted to invite Hu Lin, but unfortunately, Hu Lin didn't like going out at all.

He spends all his time on his wife and children.

Yang Changwen said he was taking them to Hong Kong to broaden their horizons, but somehow they ended up on a gambling ship.

(End of this chapter)