Hong Kong Island: From a small stall to a global supplier

The news that Shen Xianjin had been captured on the other side of the strait exploded like a nuclear bomb in Hong Kong's underworld.

The problem of triads has persisted in Hong Kong for over 100 years. The Qing Dynasty couldn't solve it, the Republic of China couldn't solve it, and the British couldn't solve it either. On the contrary, these people had to rely on the help of triads to manage the hundreds of thousands or millions of people at the bottom of Hong Kong Island.

The cost of extending the government's power to the grassroots is too high. Of course, the fact that noblemen, being of noble birth, are unwilling to taint their nobility with the common folk is also a major factor.

The same applies to other countries in the Western world.

Therefore, even now, the Hong Kong British government must treat the major underworld forces with caution. If they want to arrest someone, chaos will immediately break out on the ground.

To give a simple example, if valet parking services were to be suspended, traffic in places like Yau Tsim Mong, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay would immediately come to a standstill. There would be no point in doing anything but being stuck in traffic.

There's no way around it; the place is too small, and the roads are too narrow. Apart from the newly built large shopping mall with its underground parking lot, there's simply no parking available elsewhere.

If someone offers a high price to rent the underground parking spaces of these large shopping malls, the mall will immediately agree. Parking is a matter for the Hong Kong British government and should not affect the mall's ability to make money.

In the next few years, there will be examples of large shopping mall parking lots being converted into super-large nightclubs in Yau Tsim Mong.

It is precisely because of this abnormal 'symbiotic' state that these underworld bosses are able to have such great power and status, and Wang Yaotang also gradually rose to power through this.

The powerful figure behind one of the four major powers in Hong Kong Island, Shen Xianjin, was arrested so easily, like a petty thief.

There was no in-depth investigation.

There was no prior communication.

No lawyers were involved.

Even just turning the world upside down with a flick of the wrist would be acceptable!
There was nothing... not a single splash.

This sent chills down the spines of Hong Kong's underworld bosses; it was too ruthless.

I had only heard rumors before, and I knew that the north was "tough," but I had never really experienced it firsthand. I used to joke about it a lot, but now I have truly experienced it firsthand. Crushing Shenxianjin is like crushing an insect.

Tough, really tough!
The impact was even greater than when the "Century's Notorious Thief Cheung Tze-keung" was dealt with more than a decade later.

The Xiang family, the Lin family, the Tiao Lin family, the Sheng He family—no major or minor underworld force was terrified upon hearing this news. Even if they had to flee, they absolutely would not set foot on northern soil; they'd rather stay in Hong Kong.

The gang leader and 10 other powerful figures were arrested, but were released on appeal two years later.

But when I think about what will happen in a decade or more...

I need to leave myself a way out!
However, none of these things affected Wang Yaotang in the slightest. I am a patriotic businessman!

Is this something a bunch of social scum can compare to?

……

Last time, a thousand-ton ocean-going fishing vessel was sent over, and Wenchong suggested that they keep the vessel for research. Since no ocean-going fishing vessels have been built in China, this is a very good reference sample. So they replaced it with a 3000-ton cargo ship for conversion.

A few days ago, we were notified that the cargo ship had been modified and launched, but Wang Yaotang didn't need it right away, so he didn't rush over. Now he can use it.

They skipped customs and took a speedboat directly to Wenchong. Director Zhao had already received the news and was waiting at the dock to pick them up.

Wang Yaotang's communication with the mainland was not as slow as that of Shen Xianjin and his group. Whether it was sending someone to make contact by speedboat or using a walkie-talkie, although it was not as convenient as making a phone call, the messages were not delayed.

Wang Yaotang brought Ah Jie, Ah Ji, Four-Eyes, Ah Wei, and Bisina with him this time, and even called Haojiang to ask Hai Dazhao and the others to come over by speedboat.

They were all old acquaintances, so after exchanging a few pleasantries, they headed straight to the dock.

"Wow, it's huge!" Wang Yaotang leaned forward to look. He had seen even larger cargo ships and oil tankers, some tens of thousands of tons, but those belonged to others. This ship was his own, so it was definitely different!

Before coming here, I didn't have much of a feeling about it, but once I arrived, I suddenly felt an eagerness to take a closer look.

Whether it was built in their own shipyard or a completely new modification they had never done before, seeing how much Wang Yaotang liked it, Director Zhao also felt proud and introduced it with a smile: "This bulk carrier is 96 meters long, 16.6 meters wide, 7.8 meters high, has a draft of 5.8 meters, a deadweight of 3000 tons, a full load displacement of 4600 tons, and a superstructure deck area of ​​1000 square meters."

"Huh, isn't it 3000 tons?" Wang Yaotang asked curiously.

"Cargo ships usually refer to deadweight capacity, not tare weight," Factory Director Zhao explained. "This cargo ship is completely different from traditional bulk carriers. Traditional ones are recessed to facilitate the loading of steel, machinery, timber, and other equipment. This ship had this deck added according to your requirements, and the cabins inside have been converted into dormitories, canteens, and entertainment areas."

Wang Yaotang simply said "okay," and jumped a few times on the wide deck. It was no different from flat ground, and there was no problem parking two helicopters there.

Of course, it's a temporary stop. If it encounters a storm at sea, the helicopter might be damaged without a cabin.

1000 square meters is not just enough to land a helicopter; it's also enough space for everyday activities. A standard basketball court is only 420 square meters.

Of course, it won't be completely empty; a crane will be installed later to facilitate loading and unloading of cargo at sea.

Wang Yaotang plans to dock this ship in the Malacca Seafood Triad Zone, or rather, the 'no man's land' area. There will likely be hundreds of people stationed here on a daily basis, and all daily supplies will have to be transported from the land.

Moreover, it also needs to carry at least four armed patrol boats.

According to his plan, once maritime security operations begin, this ship will be used for security personnel to rest and recuperate at sea. Whether it is Hong Kong Island, Singapore, or other port cities, it is absolutely forbidden for ships to bring weapons ashore.

The consequences could be severe if discovered.

He toured the deck and the upper captain's cabin and control area, where VHF, MF, and HF radios were all installed. Wang Yaotang would install another intercom system for internal communication when they returned.

Wang Yaotang actually wanted to install another radar system, and he hoped that Wenchong Shipyard could actually get one, since it was a shipyard that had produced multiple types of warships.

Although current radar can only detect large surface vessels, it cannot distinguish low-flying targets or small speedboats at all...

Having something is better than having nothing, but there's no rush; we'll work things out little by little.

Inside the cabin is the dormitory area. Apart from not being able to see sunlight, the conditions are quite good. Large ventilation equipment and central air conditioning ensure that the air is not as stuffy as it would be on a naval warship.

To ensure these devices operate smoothly, the ship's power generation system has been tripled!
A-Jie, A-Ji, Bi-Sina, and Hai-Dazhao were all aware of Wang Yaotang's future plans. They were all very happy to have such an environment to rest in at sea. If space was not an issue, it would be really great.

After touring around, Wang Yaotang was quite satisfied, but his lips twitched violently a few times when he heard the cost.

Since there was no precedent, Wenchong Shipyard didn't know how much such modifications would cost, and Wang Yaotang wouldn't default on his payment, so he didn't make any advance payment. Now...

If a large cruise ship is a 5-star hotel, then this offshore repair platform is at least a 3-star hotel. Even if it is made in China, the price won't be much lower. The only cheap option in China is the labor cost.

The original price of a 3000-ton bulk carrier was between $300 million and $400 million, but after a large-scale modification, Director Zhao directly quoted a price of $800 million.

"Can you pay in US dollars?" Director Zhao asked with a smile.

Wang Yaotang sized up Factory Director Zhao. "How dare you say that? Do you think I'm a sucker? What's the official exchange rate?!"

Director Zhao wasn't embarrassed at all. If losing face could earn him US dollars, he didn't mind at all. He'd rather have a go at it than risk losing face.

"Can I give you a discount?"

"That's not OK!"

In 1982, affected by the oil crisis, overcapacity and economic slowdown, the demand for new ships plummeted, and ship prices generally fell.

"You can't possibly pay in RMB, can you?" Factory Director Zhao said with a smile.

Wang Yaotang was speechless. He really didn't have any RMB on hand, and he didn't do business with domestic companies.

Looking around, Wang Yaotang's eyes darted around, and he pulled Factory Director Zhao toward the other end of the deck.

"What are you doing? Sneaking around like that," Factory Director Zhao asked, somewhat amused.

"Would you like a batch of CNC machine tools?" Wang Yaotang asked with a smile.

"Huh?" Factory Director Zhao's eyes widened, his expression instantly becoming eager. "You mean CNC machine tools? Really? Do you even know what CNC machine tools are?"

Wang Yaotang curled his lip. "There are some things I can't say outright. Do you understand the significance of having no domestic presence?"

"Really!" Director Zhao grabbed Wang Yaotang's hand. "A four-axis one?" Wang Yaotang shook his head and chuckled. "What level is Wen Chong to dare to ask for this? Two axes at most, and even that has to be a confidential transaction. You'll have to figure it out yourself."

"Illegibly acquired?"

Wang Yaotang didn't even look at him kindly.

"Pah! It was patriotic Chinese businessmen providing private assistance!" Factory Director Zhao quickly corrected himself.

What's wrong with two axes? We don't have two axes either!

They still use old-fashioned manual machine tools. All the irregularly shaped parts have to be hand-molded by experienced craftsmen. Not to mention the yield rate, the processing time is just too slow. Repair and replacement are even more troublesome. The speed of building a ship largely depends on these experienced craftsmen.

He's been extremely worried about the problems with his master craftsman these past two years.

The shipyard didn't have enough positions to accommodate new employees, but the veteran workers also had children. With a large number of young people returning to the city, many veteran workers retired and gave their positions to their children.

Two or three people are assigned to one position, but the key issue is that they can't even get the job done.

The shipyard is even going to rehire the veteran craftsmen...

If things continue like this, labor costs will soon be catching up with Hong Kong's!
Factory Director Zhao has been extremely stressed these past two years.

"I'll figure out how to make the deal, you don't need to worry about that, it's just the price..." Factory Director Zhao rubbed his hands together like a fly.

"Following the normal international price, how about that? Cheap enough, right?" Wang Yaotang said with a smile.

"Isn't this... a private donation from a patriotic businessman?"

"Does being a patriotic businessman mean there are no costs involved?!" Wang Yaotang was so angry he wanted to push the guy down.

"How can having the same price demonstrate patriotism!"

"Have some shame! No one will sell to you even if you ask for twice the price!"

Factory Director Zhao chuckled a few times, "Alright, I agree to this."

"Also, I'll be sailing the ship in the next couple of days," Wang Yaotang said in a low voice.

"what?"

I haven't paid yet.

"What do you mean, 'what'? How can patriotic merchants pick up their goods without a ship?' Wang Yaotang suppressed a laugh. "Otherwise, why would I rush here in such a hurry? My grandfather died, and I didn't even take care of the funeral before running over here."

"What, are you afraid I'll run away?"

"It's not that bad," Factory Director Zhao shook his head.

"Originally, the higher-ups wanted me to help; otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered with this."

"I know you are doing this for the country."

"That's more like it!" Wang Yaotang snorted, then couldn't help but laugh.

The two stood on the edge of the deck laughing loudly, attracting the attention of a group of people.

……

Hai Dazhao and 20 others were left to operate the boat for sea trials, while Wang Yaotang and his men returned to Hong Kong, bringing back the other 8 modified Ford armored trucks and 10 Toyota Hiace trucks.

Grandpa's funeral was supposed to be held in 7 days, but the people attending the funeral couldn't arrive right on time. Starting today, he had to arrange for someone to pick them up at the airport. As the divinely ordained successor of Shengyi, he naturally couldn't go to the airport to pick people up, so this task fell to the two brothers, Aji and Ajie.

As the actual officiant of the funeral, Fourth Master explained to Wang Yaotang: "Most of those who came this time are fellow disciples from Southeast Asia. It's different from Hong Kong Island. After all, it's overseas, and the number of Chinese there is limited. So most of them only have one branch in a city, unless it's a big city like Manila or Kuala Lumpur with a population of several million, in which case there will be several branches coexisting."

"Besides our fellow disciples from Southeast Asia, some branches from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan will also be coming. We don't have much contact with North America and Europe. In total, there are more than 30 branches." As he spoke, Fourth Master glanced at Wang Yaotang's expression.

"Has anyone from the Honolulu Hung Society headquarters come over?" Wang Yaotang asked.

"Uh, no."

"Hehe, our century-old society is a bit of a misnomer," Wang Yaotang chuckled.

"They're not satisfied with the small number of people," Fourth Master said, glancing at Silly Lin and the others before continuing, "This doesn't even include people from Hong Kong Island. There are more than 20 local branches, big and small, that will be attending the funeral."

"Heh, Hong Kong Island is just a small island with 500 million people. It has a lot of gangs, but it's really a small temple with a lot of evil winds and a shallow pond with many turtles." Wang Yaotang sneered.

This made Fourth Master, Si Lin, and the others look rather unpleasant.

Wang Yaotang didn't care. When Tigu Dong was around, he would naturally suppress his contempt for Hong Kong gangs, but now that Tigu Dong was dead!
Now that it's my turn to be in charge, I don't need to worry about what others think.

"Hmm, where should the mourning hall be set up?"

"We estimate that there will be more than 800 attendees, so I decided to hold the event at MacPherson Stadium. We rented it for three days and I have already arranged for people to set up the venue."

Built in 1953, the Kowloon First Stadium was the most advanced stadium in Asia at the time. Now it has been completed and is located at 38 Nelson Street, Mong Kok. The stadium has two floors and 1500 seats, mostly used for live events. It will also be the venue for the 83 Asian Basketball Championship next year.

After glancing at Wang Yaotang's expression, Fourth Master continued, "However, the cost of this funeral may be quite high, estimated to be close to ten million."

The venue rental fee isn't high, but we still have to entertain those overseas churches, including their accommodation, which is a huge expense.

“Sure, the community fund will cover the costs.” Wang Yaotang nodded. “I’ve only attended one funeral, the one for Jin Yacheng last time. It was held in the wild, it was too rudimentary. It didn’t look like the funeral of a gangster at all, it was worse than an old man in a village.”

"Uncle Dong always hoped that Sheng Yi would enter the ranks of the four major powers. Now, Shen Xian Jin, including the entire soda factory, is being buried with Uncle Dong. I will also use this funeral to promote it to my fellow members of the Hongmen. I can say that I have fulfilled Uncle Dong's wish and have lived up to Uncle Dong's expectations of me."

Without Wang Yaotang's sudden and decisive victory over Anle in just a few days, Fourth Master and his uncles, including Sha Lin, wouldn't have dared to utter a word while enduring Wang Yaotang's mockery. From the moment Shengyi opened its doors, Wang Yaotang became the most powerful boss, even though no one had been chosen yet...

"Brother Yao..."

"No, just call me A-Yao. People will say I'm being inconsiderate if you do that," Wang Yaotang waved his hand.

"Alright." Silly Lin coughed lightly. "Ah Yao, after taking down so many branches of the soda factory this time, what are your plans for establishing a new branch?"

This isn't something he wants to ask; it's something his subordinates want to ask, something the old 49 from Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan, and Tseung Kwan O want to ask.

The "snake swallowing a whale" scenario presents numerous opportunities for advancement, and everyone wants to know what Wang Yaotang, this "chosen" leader, is really thinking.

You know, there's also that traitor Gao Laofa around. Everyone has their own opinion on whether he'll try to win over the remaining forces of the soda factory for the sake of stability.

Shengyi is no longer what it used to be; now it's one of the Four Greats!

Many people's minds have become active.

“Who said I was going to establish a new branch?” Wang Yaotang’s gaze swept across the faces of the old men.

"Huh?" The group looked at each other, momentarily confused.

Fourth Master tentatively asked, "Ah Yao, what are your plans for Sheng Yi in the future?"

Previously, Wang Yaotang had been pushing for the restructuring of Tigudong, going from two years to four, from one term to two, but in the end, Tigudong itself was ruined...

He had previously heard from Tigu Dong that Wang Yaotang wasn't interested in becoming a boss, and now he was even more unsure.

If Wang Yaotang were to extract all the essence of Shengyihe Soda Factory and then abandon the mess, he didn't even want to think about what would happen next.

Apart from Wang Yaotang, there's really no one else who can keep this up.

Many times, it's not that you're not given a chance, it's that even if you are, you can't hold on to it!
"What are your plans?" Wang Yaotang's gaze swept across the faces of the old men, then he suddenly said in a deep voice, "There will be no more He Shengyi." (End of Chapter)