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

At the banquet in the afternoon, Wang Yaotang ordered the heads of each branch to bring their trusted confidants so that he could meet them and let them know who the real boss was.

Everyone who came to the banquet wore formal attire, regardless of their own habits. Wang Yaotang hadn't made any explicit requests, but he had scolded several people for dressing casually.

Dressing casually may not necessarily be disrespectful to one's elder brother, but dressing formally certainly shows that one has taken the matter of meeting one's elder brother to heart.

At the afternoon banquet, Da Kou Hui, Ali, Xing Hong, and others, along with their underlings, toasted Wang Yaotang one by one. After each of them drank a cup with him, Wang Yaotang left first, as they felt uncomfortable with him there.

……

"Master Yao".

The day after the banquet, Wang Yaotang summoned Mawei Xiong alone.

"Come sit down. You look like you've gained weight. That means you're doing very well in Bangkok," Wang Yaotang said with a smile.

"It's all thanks to Master Yao's reputation." The bear smiled and took out three boxes from his bag. "These are local specialties I brought back from Bangkok."

"Oh." Wang Yaotang took the box and opened it. The first box contained six pairs of ivory chopsticks. The chopsticks had a warm and smooth texture, with a soft milky white color. They were delicate and smooth to the touch, like mutton fat jade. The silky feel made people feel very comfortable. The tops were inlaid with gold, and the exquisite and intricate openwork carvings gave people a mysterious feeling.

"Not bad." Wang Yaotang seemed quite satisfied; the chopsticks looked more antique and elegant than the silver chopsticks he usually used.

Seeing that Wang Yaotang liked it, the bear opened a second box, which contained an ivory fan.

I picked it up and looked at it. The fan was made entirely of ivory, with openwork and intaglio carving. When opened, it revealed a set of ink wash landscape paintings.

"Thais also like landscape paintings?" Wang Yaotang asked, somewhat surprised.

"No, these are all sold to Chinese people, so of course they have to be ones we like," the bear explained.

Wang Yaotang nodded, closed the fan and put it down. This thing was just for decoration; he certainly wouldn't use it himself. However, it would be good to give it to a woman; it would be perfect for her to show off when she went out.

The last box contained an ivory comb, smooth in texture, with neat teeth, and the back of the comb was also decorated with gold carvings. Wang Yaotang didn't know if it was good to use, but he was sure it would catch people's eye when he took it out.

“Okay, I accept the gift. It was thoughtful.” Wang Yaotang’s smile deepened. “Come on, tell me about the situation in Bangkok.”

“Bangkok,” the bear said after composing himself. “It has a population of over 500 million, comparable to Hong Kong. It has 50 major districts and 180 sub-districts. I stayed there for a while and then settled down in the Bang Klam district.”

"Bangkram is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, which is considered the Yau Tsim Mong area of ​​Bangkok. It is highly commercialized, with a large Chinese population and numerous shops, hotels, and trade centers. Many foreign embassies are also located in this area, and the entertainment industry is very developed, with many nightclubs and night markets. The Chinese here mainly operate businesses in hardware, counterfeit goods, and catering."

“At first, we didn’t have many people, so we just worked our way up, helping the Chinese community with things like tea ceremonies, business negotiations, and debt collection. We learned about the situation and trained our own people. Later, we had a dozen or so thugs and supported more than 50 girls to make money in nearby nightclubs.”

"Later, a Thai nightclub owner was scammed and lost a lot of money. He couldn't pay it back and was preparing to sell the nightclub. I helped him solve his debts, and he transferred the nightclub to me."

"Tell me about how to resolve the debt," Wang Yaotang said, intrigued.

The bear grinned, "When a person dies, their debts are settled."

“That doesn’t make sense. These gambling debts usually have IOUs. What’s the point of killing someone?” Wang Yaotang asked.

“Bangkok has 180 small neighborhoods, and there are more all sorts of gangs than on Hong Kong Island. I’ve thoroughly researched Bangkram’s influence. The one who set this up was just a small Thai gang with only a dozen or so core members and a total of about 50 people including the peripheral members.” The ponytail bear rubbed his hands together. “Brother Yao taught us so much, dealing with them was a piece of cake. I’ve had someone keeping an eye on their hideout, that underground bar. We launched a blitzkrieg shortly after it opened around 7 p.m., when there weren’t many customers.”

"They attacked from both the front and back doors simultaneously, using long spears. They killed them all on the spot, without giving them any chance to fight back. Several were killed in the first wave, and the rest were killed before they could react."

Wang Yaotang was amused by the bear's blitzkrieg tactics, noting his quick thinking and ability to apply his knowledge. "I remember people in Thailand use a lot of guns, but no one fired?"

"We didn't give them a chance," the bear said smugly. "We had several simulation training sessions before the war started, and we had a plan for how to deal with any situation. Besides, not everyone has a gun. Maybe they died in the first wave. Anyway, I never saw them pull out their guns."

"We killed someone and then left. I don't know if the police found the body when they came to collect it."

"Not bad, you didn't embarrass me." Wang Yaotang patted the bear on the shoulder with great satisfaction.

In the early stages, they gained a deep understanding of the region by discussing tea and collecting debts. Then, they gradually accumulated strength and waited in the shadows. When they found an opportunity, they launched a sudden and decisive attack. They had ideas and plans, and they did a great job.

With the connections he'd built up beforehand, and a record of killing over a dozen people in one battle, taking over two stores was a piece of cake. He didn't need to ask any questions after that; he could just use that as a foundation to slowly expand his territory.

"How are the people I arranged to go there later?"

"Wow, Zhao Kehan ​​and his team are truly professional, as expected of the anti-drug squad. They have excellent marksmanship, are daring, and are well-trained. Since they arrived, I've taken down three more small gangs. Now, our Sheng Yi Bangkok branch in Bangkram is ranked in the top ten," the ponytail bear said with a smile.

"Not bad." Wang Yaotang nodded. "What are your plans this time you're back?"

“Before, I was not legitimate and had no official title. The specific personnel arrangements for the branch also had to be arranged by Master Yao. In the end, I handed over the accounts of the past six months to Master Yao.”

“You’re in Bangkok, I can’t control you or help you, so why should I pay you anything?” Wang Yaotang smiled faintly.

“How could I not be able to manage it? I’m a disciple of Master Yao, you’re my sworn brother, of course I have to pay my dues.” The bear looked very sincere.

Zhao Kehan ​​and his group were sent there by Wang Yaotang. Don't be fooled by their current obedience; if Wang Yaotang makes a phone call, they'll shoot him.

The three old guys who were sent over later were even more experienced. The situation in the gang was not something that could escape the eyes of these old guys. The three old guys said that they were not involved and were just coming to retire, but Mawei Xiong did not believe them at all and still made arrangements.

Besides these, his own development has also reached a bottleneck.

In Bangkok, the Chinese are a minority group. The major powers are all locals, and the government is also mainly composed of locals. If you want to advance further, you need a strong backer; otherwise, those big local Chinese businesses won't cooperate with you.

He only has about 30 men, including Zhao Kehan ​​and his gang. In the past six months, they have been taking territory from the local Thais and killing many people, which has aroused the hostility of the local forces. If he doesn't reveal his backer soon, he probably will have gunmen shooting him soon.

If he can truly raise the banner of 'Victory and Righteousness', the local forces will be hesitant to act rashly, and only then can he ensure that he can completely gain a foothold.

“These are the accounts all along.” The bear took out an account book from the bag next to him. “Normally, 20% is handed over to headquarters, totaling $150,000. I brought back cash.”

Seeing that Wang Yaotang's face was expressionless, Mawei Bear immediately said, "I know it's a bit low, but there's nothing I can do. We've been expanding our manpower and stores, and we also have to deal with people at all levels. Most of what we earn has been spent. But now the situation is basically stable, and we'll be making less than HKD 100 million per month from now on."

The "transactions" usually refer to cash flow rather than net profit.

Paying 100 million means the monthly turnover is only over 500 million, which isn't much money.

After looking the bear up and down for a while, Wang Yaotang pondered for a moment and then said, "Okay, I'll take the $15. There's no rush to decide how much to pay each month. I'll make some reforms to the organization's system after all the staff in the branch are arranged, and you'll know then."

“I don’t know about the situation in Bangkok, since I’ve never been there. But for a city with 500 million people, and considering your territory is in a place like Yau Tsim Mong, a monthly turnover of 500 million Hong Kong dollars is a bit too low. You learned how to grab territory here, but you didn’t learn how to do business and make money.”

Hearing about the reforms, Mawei Xiong felt a little uncertain. He rubbed his hands together and said with an awkward smile, "Who in Hong Kong doesn't know that you, Master Yao, are a little money god? I don't know anything about these things. I'll need you to arrange how to run the business."

“I’m glad you acknowledge me as your elder brother. Sheng Yi won’t be stuck in Hong Kong. In the future, we will fully enter Southeast Asia. Bangkok will be our bridgehead. Do a good job, and you have a bright future.” Wang Yaotang praised Mawei Xiong a few times before letting him leave.

He also wanted to have private talks with Da Kou Hui, Ali, Xing Hong, and others.

Major issues are addressed in small meetings, minor issues in large meetings; any changes to the core system of a group must be discussed and agreed upon privately.

In addition, what happened yesterday also touched Wang Yaotang. The fact that the Hongmen organization has been able to survive for hundreds of years is truly remarkable. Its control over the lower levels is too strong, and its ability to unite people is too powerful. If it were to make any rash changes, something bad might happen.

After returning from the banquet yesterday, Wang Yaotang had been considering this matter, and finally quietly abandoned his idea of ​​publicly burning the 'accounts' and 'undersea' during the general meeting.

It's only 82 now, and the joint statement is still two years away. We can still manage, so there's no need to rush. We can revise it little by little.

In one day, the 11 people in charge only talked for half of the time. Wang Yaotang felt that he had never spoken so much before. He felt that all his energy had been drained away and he was too tired to talk anymore.

Being a leader isn't so easy.

The next day, I rushed to Nansha Wharf again in the morning. The goods ordered from Marseille had arrived. These were second-hand equipment that I had bought openly and honestly with real money. There was no need to sneak around. Director Shi accompanied me to unload the goods.

(I will not come into contact with higher levels, for fear of incurring divine punishment)

"I remember you said there would be installation personnel with this shipment, right?" Director Shi asked.

"Not really. They weren't engineers from the original German factory, but from the shipyard in Marseille. They've been using them for several years, so they're more familiar with them than our people. The Germans, on the other hand, could only be kidnapped," Wang Yaotang said.

"Let's not talk about the kidnapping," Director Shi said, both amused and exasperated.

"Then why are you asking!" Wang Yaotang said irritably. "Do you think I'm not dedicated to my work? Wouldn't I look for someone better?"

"Okay, okay, Mr. Wang, it's my fault, it's my fault, don't be angry." Director Shi admitted his mistake with a smile.

"Did Old Zhao file a report?"

"It won't be that fast. I did mention your suggestion to the higher-ups, but Wen Chong is under the Sixth Ministry of Machinery Industry, which isn't part of our system. However, the higher-ups will definitely consider your intention as a donor. The Sixth Ministry of Machinery Industry will have this as a pretext to try and seize the equipment, so I don't think there will be much of a problem." Director Shi then carefully explained the ins and outs to Wang Yaotang.

It's not that he just takes the benefits and does nothing.

After listening to everyone's opinions, Wang Yaotang could only lament the difficult state of the nation.

After unloading came the donation ceremony. A high-ranking leader presented Wang Yaotang with a certificate, followed by a cordial conversation and filming. This was a public event, with domestic reporters present for interviews, and the story was to be published in the newspapers afterward. During the interviews, Wang Yaotang spoke at length about the concept of "One China," the inseparable connection between Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, and the longing of overseas Chinese to return home. The third-rate newspaper reporters jotted down notes so quickly they were practically blurry.

Now he has truly cemented his reputation as a patriotic businessman, and as long as he doesn't make any mistakes in the future, he will be invincible.

After attending a banquet that evening, Wang Yaotang drank quite a bit and rested in Guangzhou for the night. When he returned the next day, it was rather late. He hurriedly arrived at the Tsuen Wan Shanmen, where Ah Jie, Ah Ji, and others had already arrived, along with Fourth Master's uncles and the newly appointed leaders of the gang.

Wang Yaotang's whereabouts were not kept secret. Once this matter was reported in the newspapers, it would definitely be reprinted by Hong Kong newspapers, so Ah Jie told everyone.

Now that people have returned, although many are eager to select white paper fans and straw sandals for their respective branches, they still listen with smiles as Fourth Master talks to Wang Yaotang about the situation in the mainland. Wang Yaotang even specially showed off his donation certificate.

It was just a thin piece of paper. When he took it, Fourth Master didn't think much of it, only casually asking, "How much money did you donate?"

“1.2 million,” Wang Yaotang said casually.

"How much?" Fourth Master's hand tightened, his face full of astonishment. The thought that the piece of paper in his hand was exchanged for 1.2 million Hong Kong dollars made him feel a heavy weight, and his hand trembled. He hurriedly returned it to Wang Yaotang.

“1.2 million,” Wang Yaotang repeated.

This is too precious to handle. If I were to get it dirty or damaged in my hands, I'd be too old to afford the damages.

Not only Fourth Master, but also the four brothers of Ah Jie who already knew, everyone else gasped in shock. Their dumbfounded expressions made Wang Yaotang want to grab a thermometer to see if the temperature in the hall had risen a few degrees.

"So many?" Sha Lin exclaimed in surprise.

"This, this, this..." Uncle Ding wanted to say that the money was a waste, but it belonged to Wang Yaotang, and he had no right to say it. His chest heaved with suppressed anger.

Da Kou Hui, Ali, Xing Hong, and the others could only look on with envy. The fact that Yao Ye could casually produce so much money meant that he was very wealthy.

Master Yao has only been rich for less than two years. If everyone follows him, even if they can't eat meat, they can at least drink soup. Wouldn't they also be able to hope for a net worth of hundreds of millions?

Thinking of this, they all became excited and blushed, offering their flattery one after another.

"Master Yao has the heart of China, he is a role model for us all. Master Yao is the sun for all of us in Shengyi." Gao Lishi shouted, but in his heart he couldn't help but sigh. No wonder Shenxian Jin failed. Damn it, after more than ten years, does he even have a net worth of 1.2 million? Master Yao just donated it all away.

How can you possibly get ahead with someone like that!
Selling the Divine Brocade was the right decision!

A bunch of good-for-nothings, their flattery is always the same, I've heard it several times and I still love listening to it...

After a long while, Wang Yaotang felt better and then raised his hand to quiet everyone down. The 1.2 million was not only donated to the mainland, but also to his subordinates and the people of Hong Kong Island.

Having money and power isn't something you can just say yourself; you have to let others see it for themselves and spread the word. That kind of fame is far more useful than having 1.2 million in your hands.

Just look at how excited these people are right now.

Furthermore, being a fence-sitter is unacceptable. Hong Kong is currently in its most turbulent period. While taking a clear stance may offend a large number of people, it will also help you find a group of like-minded individuals.

Having chosen sides, even if the Hong Kong British government wished Wang Yaotang dead and tried to obstruct him in various ways, that was all there was to it. The Hong Kong government dared not go any further, including those who supported the British. Who wasn't afraid of being punished later?

Taking advantage of everyone's excitement, Wang Yaotang began to have the leaders of each branch nominate Baizhishang and Caoxie, and then everyone raised their hands to vote.

The four branches in Yau Tsim Mong District had already been decided internally. Half of the five branches in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay were to be used to appease the surrendered generals from the soft drink factory. Cat Shit Keung, Big Mouth Fai, and Ko Li Shi had all privately approached Wong Yiu Tong. The remaining branches in Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, and Tseung Kwan O were used to appease the newcomers who had stood out in the previous battle. Tuen Mun West was for the people from the Water Walk faction. Clear Water Bay, Ho Kong, and Bangkok were all internal competitions.

Wang Yaotang had already done all this work in private; the election was just a formality.

Even if you're nominated but not selected, you've still left your mark on Wang Yaotang's record. There will be other opportunities next time, so it's not a loss.

The entire election was unlike the chaotic scene of various factions constantly arguing during the time of Tigu Dong. Afterwards, when the old guys, including Fourth Master, were drinking together, they were quite emotional, saying that the younger generation was pushing the older generation aside, while Wang Yaotang remained calm and composed.

After the candidates were selected, the ceremony for establishing the mountain gate and taking office took place. This was something that Fourth Master was familiar with; he had organized the establishment of the Wang Yaotang brothers' gates and so on. This time, he was entrusted with it as well.

After another matter was settled, Wang Yaotang cleared his throat, and everyone immediately quieted down, knowing that the important matter of the day had arrived.

Wang Yaotang looked around before smiling and saying, "Everyone knows my situation. When it comes to how to run a business and how to make money, I'd say I'm number one in the Hong Kong underworld, and I don't think anyone would disagree."

“Brother Yao, that’s not right. What do you mean by ‘number one in Hong Kong’? You’re clearly number one in Asia, number one in the world! You’re the reincarnation of the God of Wealth! Who can compare?” Gao Lishi was the first to shout.

The words that everyone was about to say were swallowed back. While echoing each other, they glared angrily at Gao Lishi. Damn it, you bastard, you flattered us to the point of no return. What are we supposed to say?
Gao Lishi was smug and didn't take anyone else seriously.

"Alright, alright." Wang Yaotang raised his hand to quiet everyone down. "To put it bluntly, if young people have a way to make money, not many are willing to take this path, a path with one foot in the coffin and the other in prison. If they can make money peacefully, who would want to fight and kill?"

"However, due to a lack of talent, all forces have always been very..."

"Rugged".

This remark drew a burst of laughter from the crowd; it was not just rough, it was downright crude.

There's nothing we can do. Let them fight and kill each other, and they'll be fine. But we don't know how to run a business.

"In fact, many industries have not yet realized their full potential and have great development potential. Now that I am in this position, I have the ability to do things, so I am prepared to reform the organizational structure to a certain extent."

Fourth Master and the others exchanged glances, their hearts leaping into their throats. Wang Yaotang had previously said he would burn the accounts and the seabed. Although the organization had just elected a leader for the branch, they were still worried.

The four of them kept this matter a secret, fearing that the excellent situation would fall apart at any moment.

"Later, I will take the lead in setting up a series of companies. The first one is 'Shengyi Investment Company', in which I will hold 60% of the shares, Uncle Dong's family including the still-living Shengyi elders will hold a total of 10%, Fourth Master and several other elders will hold 15%, and the last 15% will be used as a share pool to reward the management team."

"Sheng Yi Investment Company will invest in the establishment of 'Sheng Yi Tang Co., Ltd.' Each of your branches will also establish corresponding companies. For example, 'Sheng Yao Co., Ltd.' will be established in Tsim Sha Tsui, and 'Sheng Jie Co., Ltd.' will be established in Jordan. 'Sheng Yi Tang' will hold 30% of these companies. Of the remaining 70%, the person in charge will hold 20%, Bai Zhi Shan and Cao Xie will hold 10%, the 49ers on the underwater list will jointly hold 20%, and the management team will hold 10%."

"Of the remaining 30%, all the '49' members listed on the underwater register hold 20% of the shares. They sign a concerted action agreement with Sheng Yi Tang. After the 49 members leave or retire, they will automatically hand over their shares. Finally, the management team will receive 10% of the dividend shares."

Wang Yaotang stopped, glanced at everyone, and asked, "Do you understand what I mean?"

Da Kou Hui, Ali, Mawei Xiong, and the others looked somewhat confused, but Huang Mao, who had made progress since taking a temporary position at the security company, understood what it meant. After all, Wang Yaotang's training classes were held every week, and even the most clueless person would learn something.

Big Head Bo, Gao Lishi, and the others looked completely bewildered, wondering what all this nonsense was.

“From now on, you will be the leaders of your respective gangs in the martial arts world, but because you have formed a company, you will become shareholders. This profit will always be yours, understand?” Wang Yaotang explained with a smile.

Looking at the soda factory workers, A-Jie banged on the table, "You bunch of good-for-nothings, all you do is chase girls and drink. You need to catch up on the courses you took in training. You know nothing. If the company were to manage you, we'd probably have to sell our butts to make up for the losses."

"Brother Yao means that there will be no more elections for the head of the company. As long as you don't make any mistakes, you will continue to hold the company's shares. When you die, the shares will be passed on to your sons, just like the shareholders of those big companies. Stop acting like you're just a bunch of thugs who don't know what tomorrow will bring. Behave yourselves and don't embarrass Brother Yao!"

This blunt statement immediately caused an uproar among the group.

"Brother Yao, are you serious?"

"From now on, I'll be the boss of Mong Kok forever, no, no, the owner of the Mong Kok company?"

"So, does that mean I'll have to wear suits and ties from now on?"

"If anyone ever calls me a short mule again, I'll kill him!"

"You fucking bastard, do you see any boss who goes around beheading people?"

"Boss my ass! You dare call yourself the boss in front of Brother Yao?"

A group of people excitedly started talking nonsense. With this change, 'Shengyi' would become a complete family business. Wang Yaotang would be the emperor, and they would all be princes in their respective places. Everyone would benefit, so naturally no one would object.

"Alright, alright, Shengyi is not only my Shengyi, Wang Yaotang's Shengyi, but also everyone's Shengyi. In the past, the business operated by the branch was all illegal. The person in charge was always worried about being killed or arrested by the police, so he lived a life of debauchery and pleasure, making a fortune while he was in power, making the branch a mess. From now on, the company will only do legal business. You are all shareholders of the company, and you can say that you are the pillars of the family. As long as Shengyi stands, you will stand. Each family will have an orderly succession, and you can call yourselves a family from now on."

So, do your best, and put your heart into it.

"However, I must also say this upfront: if you misbehave and try to poach employees from the company, don't blame me for kicking you out."

"Finally, I don't recommend you do any shady business. If you do and get arrested by the police, you'll have to take responsibility yourself. The company will just distance itself from you. Think carefully before you do anything."

"Of course, there's no need to be timid. Sheng Yi is still Sheng Yi. Si Jiu is guaranteed a minimum income, so he has to work for the company. If Lan Denglong wants to rise to Si Jiu's position, he either needs to be smart or work hard. The path is still the same, but it's more secure now."

"With the company backing you up, you don't need to be afraid when dealing with the authorities. Everything will be done in accordance with the law."

"That's roughly how things are. I won't explain more, because I can't explain it clearly to you. You still need to study more. If you don't understand something, find someone who does to explain it to you. Company shareholders can't just take money without doing anything. If you don't have a brain, you'll be sidelined and manipulated by the management. It's embarrassing, but losing money is real."

They said they wouldn't explain, but even after the story was told, everyone's excitement hadn't subsided, and they kept asking questions all at once.

Previously, I only saw that Wang Yaotang had casually donated 1.2 million yuan, and I thought I would be able to have some of the benefits in the future. Now, I can actually hold the bowl of soup in my hands. How can I not be excited?

The people from the soda factory, including Gao Lishi, couldn't get a word in edgewise at this point. They felt quite inferior, as they couldn't understand most of what was being said. With the pancake hanging around their necks, they were also thinking about what they needed to learn.

Little did they know what kind of 'misery' awaited them! (End of Chapter)