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

Before Gerrard could even cause a scene, security guards pounced on him, grabbed him by the arms and legs, and dragged him away. This is Hong Kong, for crying out loud!
Everyone just watched, and no one stopped them.

We're all Hong Kongers, so no matter what, we should stick to our own interests and not help outsiders.

Seeing that there was nothing exciting to see, the group walked into the auction hall chatting and laughing, leaving Xiao 300 in a black suit standing outside the door. If you didn't know better, you would think it was a Mafia meeting in a movie.

The meeting was chaired by Harold Dodgson, Director of Public Works, and a senior official from the Department of Justice. One was the competent authority, and the other was responsible for ensuring compliance and legality. If there was any disturbance below, it would naturally be reported to higher authorities. With more than 300 people in black, it was impossible to hide it.

Harold Dodgson's lips twitched. The men from the Department of Justice lowered their heads and covered their faces. He had presided over similar auctions many times, but this was the first time he had brought so many security guards. That guy had corrupted the atmosphere of Hong Kong!

But these kinds of things are beyond our control. If you have money, you can hire as many security guards as you want. As long as nothing serious happens, it's not up to the authorities to interfere.

Those present today are among the wealthiest and most powerful Chinese in Hong Kong Island. Although the auction was still some time away, the two men and their teams went downstairs early.

The handshakes and pleasantries were like a banquet.

In the middle of the conversation, Li Zhaoji found Wang Yaotang and asked with a smile, "Why did you decide to get into telecommunications?"

"Huh? Uncle Li knows about this too?" Wang Yaotang asked in surprise, "Are you that well-informed?"

"Haha, Chaoqiong came to my house the day before yesterday. Chaoqiong and Peiling are classmates," Li Zhaoji explained with a smile.

There aren't many good schools in Haojiang. Those who are well-known and influential send their children to study in Hong Kong. Anyway, the two places aren't that far apart. If there's a yacht, it only takes a little over an hour to get there.

“I see.” Wang Yaotang nodded. “There’s nothing I can do. In Hong Kong, if you ask anyone on the street what business is the most profitable, they’ll say real estate. But I don’t know anything about real estate and I can’t get in touch with it. So I can only try to do some businesses that you look down on to supplement my family’s income.”

Li Zhaoji smiled and nodded, "You can fool others, but you even want to fool us? Do you think I can't do the math? A billion or more a year is the minimum. I've made my fortune in 30 years, and you'll catch up to me in less than two years!"

"Uncle Li is joking. There aren't that many. If that were true, you wouldn't be among Hong Kong's top ten richest people. The Sun Kee Heung family and the Tiao Lin Ge family would have become incredibly wealthy long ago, making money and supporting even more people."

Li Zhaoji smiled and shook his head. From the 'brothels' of ancient times to the 'nightclubs' of modern times, they have always been money-making machines. Of course, the success of a business mainly depends on the local economy, such as Suzhou and Hangzhou in ancient times, and Hong Kong in modern times.

However, this kind of business is also very 'empty' and has little influence.

"There's something I need to tell you," Li Zhaoji said softly.

"He's here," Wang Yaotang nodded slightly.

“A few of us brothers started a company together, and we’re planning to acquire a quarry. What do you think…”

Wang Yaotang blinked, his expression a complex mix of surprise and expectation. He had twice used the "supply cut" tactic to benefit himself, and now the backlash was coming.

He didn't think that Xu, Li, Bao and others were trying to make a lot of money from the mines. In business terms, this is called a 'defensive acquisition'. As a link in the industrial chain, it doesn't matter if they don't make money or even lose money, but they must have some, just to prevent the 'supply disruption' from happening again.

“Of course, it’s no problem for my uncles to want to acquire it. I also have limited funds, and it would be very difficult for me to take over all of Jia Hua. Which mine have you set your sights on?” Wang Yaotang didn’t try to take advantage of the situation to ask for any benefits, as that would be too presumptuous and embarrassing.

As long as they don't try to take advantage of Lam Tei Shek in Tuen Mun.

"Haha, I knew you wouldn't mind." Li Zhaoji laughed and patted Wang Yaotang's arm. "Let's go with Anderson."

"Row."

Anderson is located in eastern Kwun Tong, not close to the sea. The quarried stone needs to be transported by large trucks. If the construction site is in Kowloon, it's fine, but if it's on the main island, the transportation cost will be very high. Therefore, several companies will still purchase stone from Wong Yiu Tong, and there will be many collaborations.

After agreeing on the terms, Li Zhaoji nodded to the other group, emphasizing that prior communication was crucial to avoid competition and securing the deal at the lowest official price, which would benefit both sides.

Just as Li Zhaoji left, Li Xiangjiao came up with a smile on her short legs, "Wang Sheng, long time no see."

“I’ve missed you terribly since we parted ways in the hallway last time,” Wang Yaotang said, reaching out his hand.

Li Xiangjiao's expression stiffened slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Okay, then let's get together more often. Old Xu has a lot of good horses at the horse racing club. Let's go take a look together sometime."

Wang Yaotang clicked his tongue twice. The old man was quite tolerant, but he was too lazy to be polite. "What is it?"

"Of the three mines owned by K. Wah, Cheung Kong wants to acquire one. I wonder if Mr. Wong will be willing to part with it?"

"You know it's a sacrifice you cherish, yet you still ask?" Wang Yaotang's lips twitched.

"Haha, I've put you in a difficult position. Just tell me your conditions," Li Xiangjiao said with a smile.

Ultimately, auctions come down to who has the funds. Li Xiangjiao was determined to fill the gap in the industry chain, and Wang Yaotang couldn't stop him. All he could do was not cause trouble at the auction and try to gain some benefits in return.

Li Xiangjiao owns two major businesses: Cheung Kong Holdings, and Hutchison Whampoa, as one of the four major trading companies, with a very wide range of businesses.

Whampoa Dockyard: Deep-water wharves and dock facilities in Hung Hom and North Point on Hong Kong Island, which was the largest ship repair and manufacturing base in Hong Kong at the time.

Hong Kong International Terminals (HIT): A strategic port with Kwai Chung Pier 4, which is undergoing land reclamation and redevelopment.

Land: Holds multiple prime land parcels in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, totaling over 400 acres, with some real estate projects already underway, such as the Aberdeen Centre.

Retail sector: ParknShop supermarkets, with over 50 stores, dominate the local market; Watsons Group, primarily engaged in pharmacy business, has dozens of branches in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.

Trade: As a century-old trading company, Hutchison Whampoa mainly engaged in the import and export of bulk commodities such as Indian cotton, British textiles, and Chinese tea, while also acting as an agent for the distribution of European and American brands in Asia.

Logistics: The Junyi Warehouse Group, acquired 70 years ago, controls several large warehouses and cargo terminals in Hong Kong.

Other investments include finance and other areas.

Hutchison Whampoa was a huge pie, and if Li Xiangjiao hadn't licked Shen Bi's boots, it would never have fallen into his hands.

Of course, it is true that Hutchison was poorly managed. When it was acquired in 79, it was 12 billion Hong Kong dollars in debt. It was Li Xiangjiao who brought it back to life.

He glanced sideways at Li Xiangjiao, thinking about what he could get from Hutchison Whampoa, but not too much, worth more than 2 million. The old man could raise the price himself and get it, it would just make things look bad again.

First, we must rule out land and property, as this is Li Xiangjiao's lifeline, and he will not allow it.

Traditional import and export business is out of the question. The network of relationships that Hutchison has built over a century is not only difficult to manage, but it could also easily get them involved.

The remaining attractive options are 'docks', 'warehousing', and 'retail'.

Whampoa Dockyard, Hong Kong's largest ship repair and manufacturing base, is incredibly expensive; I can't afford it.

Retail, cash cream, controlling people's livelihoods.

After thinking for a moment, Wang Yaotang said in a deep voice, "Qingyi Island Wharf and Warehouse."

Li Xiangjiao looked at Wang Yaotang with considerable surprise. He had considered that Wang Yaotang would want the land reserves he held, the shipyard, and the container terminal, and he was prepared to refuse. But he never expected that Wang Yaotang would go for Qingyi Island.

"We can talk."

"Okay, I'll have someone contact you afterwards." Wang Yaotang wasn't in a hurry to make a decision. He was hoping Li Xiangjiao would back out, so he would have a reason to call for a fight.

"No way," Li Xiangjiao grabbed him, "We need to decide now."

"The auction is about to start, I don't have time." Wang Yaotang smiled. "Don't worry, I'm a man of my word, I definitely won't cause you any trouble."

“No, let’s finalize it now. Hutchison has three wharves and five berths on the south side of Tsing Yi Island, and warehouses covering more than 180 acres. The market price is 150 million, but I’ll sell it to you for 80 million.” Li Xiangjiao called out.

"No, what do you mean? You don't believe me!" Wang Yaotang retorted, looking displeased.

Li Xiangjiao smiled brightly, "How could I not believe you? Everyone in Hong Kong knows that you, Mr. Wang, are a man of your word. Let's nail that nail right now!"

"You're too defensive, and I'm not happy about it."

Li Xiangjiao just smiled.

Wang Yaotang scratched his head. "6000 million."

Li Xiangjiao pursed her lips, and seeing that Wang Yaotang looked ready to break off the negotiations at any moment, she immediately raised her hand and said, "Okay, 6000 million is yours."

"Aren't you going to try and bargain?"

"Need not."

"5000 million!" Wang Yaotang provoked again.

“Okay!” Li Xiangjiao answered readily.

Wang Yaotang muttered a few words silently, "Just 6000 million."

After saying that, he turned and left. He had gotten a good deal, but he still felt uncomfortable. This old man was indeed not just a name. Putting everything else aside, his decisiveness was really damn strong. Last time, he had been swindled out of 2 million, and now, not long after, he had handed over another 1 million without batting an eye, just to get out of the predicament.

It will be harder to control the old guard in the future. They have almost complete control over the real estate industry chain. If there's anything they're missing, it's steel.

Hong Kong does have steel mills. Pang Ting-yuen founded Siu Wing Steel Mill in 1958, which mainly produces rebar for construction. In 80, it purchased an electric arc furnace. The raw materials are locally recycled or imported scrap steel from surrounding areas. The output has increased year by year from 4 tons in the early days, and now it occupies 30% of the Hong Kong steel market.

The remaining 70% is mainly imported from the mainland. The rebar from the Chengde Steel Plant in Hebei Province is exempt from inspection in Hong Kong due to its stable quality, and is directly supplied to Hong Kong through foreign exchange settlement. In addition, small steel plants in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong Province also process building components such as steel formwork for Hong Kong.

High-end steel is mainly imported from Japan and South Korea.

"Steel, steel," Wang Yaotang muttered under his breath. "It's coming from the mainland; it's not easy to intercept it at sea..."

If steel is not an option, then cement is all that's left. The Qingzhou Yingni mine, controlled by the old man, can fully meet his needs. As for the raw materials, I remember they were imported from Yunfu, which is also difficult to source.

He muttered a curse under his breath, deciding to put it aside for now and deal with it later.

Harold Dodgson, seeing that the group of wealthy men had finished their private discussions, checked his watch and, realizing it was almost time, announced the start of the auction.

The bankruptcy liquidation committee first displayed the bankruptcy application submitted by Gu Yuanbin and others, then the authorization documents from the Public Works Department and the Department of Justice, and finally the details of the properties and valuations under the name of K. Wah Group. These are all necessary procedures to ensure fairness, impartiality and transparency.

After the presentation, Harold Dodgson said into the microphone, "The bankruptcy liquidation auction of the K. Wah Group is now open."

Amidst enthusiastic applause, the host took the stage, and the auction began with Jia Hua's three major mines, starting with the Landi Stone Mine.

"The remaining 48-year mining rights for the Landi Stone Mine, plus the right of first refusal to renew, mining equipment, factory buildings, land, etc... reserve price of 2.143 million. Please make an offer."

All eyes turned to him, and Wang Yaotang, with his legs crossed, smiled and nodded to the left and right.

"Yaoming Building Materials." Jiao Peilin raised his hand.

"Anyone else bidding?" the host asked loudly.

"This is the first time for Yaoming Building Materials."

"Yaoming Building Materials, the second time." "...The third time."

"Snapped!"

"Congratulations to Mr. Wang Yaotang on winning the bid for the Landi Stone Mine."

Wang Yaotang smiled, stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute to everyone, and said, "Thank you all for gracing us with your presence!"

"congratulations."

"Yaotang, congratulations."

"Congratulations, Mr. Wang..."

The attendees offered their congratulations.

"Congratulations to you all," Wang Yaotang said with a smile, nodding to everyone before sitting down.

"Second auction item: Anderson Mine, 49 years of mining... Starting price $1.784 million. Please place your bid."

“Hong Kong Tong Mining.” A man next to Li Zhaoji held up a sign.

"This is the first time for Hong Kong Tong Mining."

"..."

"...The third time."

"Snapped!"

"Congratulations to Hong Kong Tong Mining for winning the bid for the Anderson Mine."

Li Zhaoji, on behalf of everyone, stood up and expressed his gratitude.

"The third auction item, Lei Yue Mun Mine... Starting price HK$1.528 million, please place your bid."

"..."

Congratulations to Cheung Kong Construction.

Li Xiangjiao stood up to express her gratitude.

The three families divided Lü, and the scene was very harmonious.

This price wasn't agreed upon beforehand. Of course, there are industry norms for everything. Generally, bankruptcy liquidation is based on 50% of the market price, which ensures that enough funds are recovered while leaving a reasonable profit margin.

"Next up for auction is the Harbour View Holiday Hotel, which occupies 107639 square feet. Mr. Lui Chi-wo purchased it in 1980 for HK$6800 million and later spent HK$3 million to complete the construction of the hotel and commercial complex. The hotel is 17 stories high with a 3-story podium, and has 480 guest rooms. It features a full sea view layout, with some floors overlooking Victoria Harbour. The top floor has an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center..."

After a series of introductions, the host announced loudly: "The property and operating license of the Ocean View Holiday Hotel, starting price 3.18 million, please place your bid!"

Many people are interested in the hotel, including the Ho family, the Malaysian Guo family, and the American Omni Hotel Group, but the Omni representatives were surprisingly absent.

As for the people who caused trouble at the entrance, they were found to be imposters and have been driven out.

This news had already spread before the auction even started, along with the bizarre disappearance of the people from the 'Omni' headquarters. This was truly baffling to the people from the 'He' and 'Guo' families, who frequently glanced at the indifferent Wang Yaotang.

"Isn't this hotel 3.68?" Wang Yaotang frowned and looked at Zhan Zeyu.

“Brother Yao, that’s the cost. If it’s operated well, it will definitely increase in value…” Zhan Zeyu replied in a low voice.

Seeing Wang Yaotang nod, Zhan Zeyu raised his hand and said, "Yaofu Hotel."

"Yaofu Hotel's first time..."

The He and Guo families whispered among themselves.

"Yaofu Hotel, second time..."

"Shun Tak Holdings." The Ho family representative held up a sign.

"Okay, Shun Tak Holdings, 3.23 million, anyone else...?"

"Kerry Group." The Guo family followed suit, raising their placards.

Wang Yaotang smiled gently at the two families who were secretly glancing in their direction, startling them into quickly turning their heads away.

Wang Yaotang: No, what the hell do you mean?
Zhan Zeyu raised his sign again.

"Okay, Yaofu Hotel, 3.33 million!"

"Shun Tak Holdings, 3.38 million..."

"Kerry Group, 3.43 million..."

Wang Yaotang's face gradually turned cold. Damn it, they've already added 2000 million. Nobody's money grows on trees.

"Yaofu Hotel is 3.48 million yuan. Is there anyone else bidding higher?" The host looked at the He and Guo families.

The two representatives glanced furtively at Wang Yaotang's cold face, then hurriedly shook their heads with smiles.

I've already risked my life by raising the price twice, which is enough to give the company an explanation. I'm just an employee, why risk my life? Aren't I afraid I'll disappear if I go out?
Seeing this, the host immediately understood. After glancing around, he stopped talking and quickened his pace, announcing, "Yaofu Hotel, third time! Congratulations, Mr. Wang Yaotang!"

"Thank you, thank you." Wang Yaotang stood up again.

Behind the hotel is the K Wah Building, which is under construction in Happy Valley. Originally planned to be 24 stories, construction has been halted and it can only be considered an unfinished project. The investment, including the land, was 2.2 million, but the auction price was only 1.4 million.

Bao, Li, Xu, and the others did not participate, and Li Xiangjiao did not speak either. They all had many projects under construction and held a large amount of land waiting to be developed. At present, the real estate market was in a slump, so they had no interest in taking over this commercial building.

Several other newly established real estate companies were looking to take advantage of the opportunity, but before they could speak, Wang Yaotang personally raised his hand and shouted, "Shengyi Real Estate!"

In short, everyone who wanted to speak up held back.

Bao, Li, Xu, Zheng, and others also looked at Wang Yaotang with surprise. Shengyi Real Estate?

What do you mean?
The underworld forces have always adhered to the principle of 'secret development,' are you breaking this unspoken agreement by making a high-profile appearance?

Wang Yaotang just smiled faintly. Since his companies were all operating independently, there was really no unified group name to use, so he simply used the name 'Shengyi' as a formal declaration that 'Shengyi' was different from traditional Jianghu forces.

Being high-profile has its advantages; it boosts the morale of our subordinates and also sends a message to the authorities: Shengyi is becoming more professional, so they shouldn't treat us like bad guys anymore!

The combined value of the 'public assets' of Yi An, Sheng Wo, and Tiao Lin is several times higher, but can they build their own skyscraper?
No!

Changes in shareholders are subject to taxation!
The top leaders and powerful figures change every few years. The new ones can't afford to pay, and the retired old guys don't want to. So the "public assets" of these underworld forces are all illegal income, and they each try to launder the money.

Of course, legitimate companies aren't necessarily crime-free; in fact, many companies do commit crimes...

With Sheng Yi's reputation already established, he was determined to win, and the others immediately lost interest.

After the unfinished building project, Lui Chi-wo's most valuable assets were two plots of land, one in Tsim Sha Tsui East and the other in Yau Ma Tei, which were originally planned to be used to build hotels.

Land prices are related to the Hong Kong British government's 'land sales revenue', so it is absolutely impossible for prices to be lowered. One plot was priced at HK$7500 million, and another at HK$8700 million.

Wang Yaotang made another move under the name of Yaofu Hotel, which seemed to have aroused public anger. Several real estate companies followed suit and made offers. "Mr. Wang, you should know when to quit while you're ahead!"

"Yes, you took most of Jia Hua's stuff. You should leave some soup for others when you're eating meat yourself."

"There's no benefit to eating alone!"

Someone spoke first, and the group immediately followed.

"Fuck your mother, drink your mother, you damn old hag!" Wang Yaotang suddenly stood up, his fierce gaze sweeping over them. "This auction exists today because of me, Wang Yaotang. So what if I've eaten all of Jia Hua's stuff? You bunch of little punks are barking at me like mad. Who gave you the guts? You want some soup? Do you even have the appetite? Aren't you afraid of getting scalded to death?"

This barrage of insults was like a bucket of ice water poured over their heads, sending a chill down their spines and instantly clearing their minds, which had been clouded by greed.

Gunfight in Kwun Tong: Thousands of people surrounded and searched the area, RPGs were fired, and even Royal Air Force helicopters were bombed!
Lu Zhihe has vanished without a trace, neither alive nor dead; a man surnamed Wang has offered a global reward for his family…

One incident after another echoed in their minds, instantly causing cold sweat to break out on their foreheads.

"Knock, knock, knock." Harold Dodgson tapped the microphone. "Quiet, quiet, this is the auction hall. Gentlemen, please maintain order, OK?"

Wang Yaotang's gaze swept coldly over them, and everyone lowered their heads before he sat down again.

The auction continued, and this time no one bid against him. He bought the two plots of land for 1.8 million.

In fact, he had no intention of developing it himself. He lacked experience, and he wasn't one of those real estate developers who only dared to bully their own people. These days, you can make money doing anything. However, since he killed Lü Zhihe, these assets should be his. He could choose not to take them, but no one else could take them from him!
After acquiring the two plots of land, Lü Zhihe also had some investments in the stock market, some bonds, a few other companies of low value, eight properties, including a villa on a hillside, a villa in Deep Water Bay, and a 95-foot (28.96-meter) luxury yacht from Sunseeker.

Wang Yaotang acquired two more villas and a yacht. He felt the one in Kowloon Tong was too small. As for the others, he didn't ask for them this time, leaving some room for others to wash their dishes.

The auction cost over 9 million yuan, which didn't require cash payments, but it wasn't enough to offset his debts to Jia Hua. Fortunately, there wasn't much left.

The money from the bankruptcy liquidation first goes to pay the salaries of the 'liquidation committee', then to pay the back wages of the employees, and only then to Wang Yaotang's secured debts. The liquidation committee is very good at accounting and almost manages to keep the secured debts at bay. As for the unsecured debts... don't even think about them.

How can so much money be given to the poor!
Once the auction ended, the officials quickly withdrew, leaving the event to the wealthy attendees.

Several people who had been out of their minds earlier lingered outside, waiting for Wang Yaotang, Bao, Li, Xu, Zheng and others to finish their conversation before coming up to apologize.

Wang Yaotang didn't hold back either, pointing his finger at them and giving them a good scolding before the group left, full of gratitude.

They should be worried instead of being scolded.

As Wang Yaotang stepped out of the building, he stretched his back on the steps. "Damn, it's finally over."

"Hehe, it's just acquiring ownership. The real trouble is the integration later. You'll be busy for a while," the four-eyed guy said with a smile.

"Hey, can't you wait a few days before bringing this up? What a spoilsport!" Wang Yaotang slapped the bespectacled guy. "How much is I worth now?"

"Not counting liabilities, it should be 28 billion?"

"Hahaha—" Wang Yaotang laughed loudly, "Let's go, let's go see the new house. That dilapidated house in Kowloon Tong is like a damn rural village; it's no longer worthy of a top-tier tycoon like me!" (End of Chapter)