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

After seeing Xiao Jiadao off, the person in charge at China Resources immediately took the matter very seriously.

As a senior Chinese representative in Hong Kong, China Resources, which is specifically responsible for liaising with mainland Chinese businesses, has been taken advantage of quite a bit over the years. Therefore, they found it hard to accept that someone would blatantly threaten the Kadoorie family, one of Hong Kong's most prestigious families.

No, why weren't they given advance notice of such a great show!
Am I not worthy to watch?
What is the status of the Kadoorie family in Hong Kong?

Originating in Baghdad, Iraq, the East India Company migrated eastward in the mid-19th century due to oil dumping issues. After joining the Sassoon family in Mumbai, who monopolized the Chinese opium market and founded the East India Company, it moved to Shanghai and Hong Kong.

In 81, Eric Kadoorie founded Hong Kong's first stockbrokerage firm. In 1903, he established the China Electricity Company and participated in the founding of HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank.

His younger brother, Elijah Kadoorie, focused on Shanghai. In 1906, he purchased the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotel, establishing the family's position in the high-end service industry. In 1924, he spent 100 million taels of silver to build the "First Mansion in the Far East," the Marble Palace (now the China Welfare Institute Children's Palace), which became a community activity center for oil-stained people and a refugee shelter.

In 1951, Hercules Kadoorie founded the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Society, which provided seeds, technology and interest-free loans to immigrants in the New Territories, helping more than 30 farmers to become self-reliant.

Six schools were established in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Guangdong, including the predecessor of Shanghai Yucai Middle School, to provide non-religious Western-style education for Chinese children.

Because of years of investment in education, many Chinese public officials, doctors, and lawyers in Hong Kong have kinship ties with the Kadoorie family, and they have also maintained close relationships with Hong Kong's high society through the Peninsula Hotel...

Low-key, but with immense power.

They are a true Hong Kong upper-class family, surpassing the top ten Chinese families.

Of course, the people at China Resources knew about Wang Yaotang, the newly rich man. However, he never shied away from contacting his hometown, so they didn't have much interaction. Who would have thought that they would suddenly hear such a bombshell!

"Are there any firecrackers left in the office?" General Manager Luo Wenhua suddenly asked.

Everyone was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

“Yes, there must be!”

"I'll go release it, you guys wait for me."

"No, I'll go too."

Seeing his subordinates scrambling for the prize, Luo Wenhua immediately banged on the table, "Who are you all? Can't you be a little more composed? What will people think?"

One sentence finally calmed everyone down.

"I can go by myself!" Luo Wenhua slowly stood up.

A cheerful laugh filled the office.

It was just a minor incident. How could we possibly go and set off firecrackers to celebrate? In Hong Kong, they represent the Chinese community!

Of course, fireworks will be set off at night.

After exchanging information with the Chinese community and familiar companies about Wang Yaotang's recent activities and understanding the whole story, it turns out that Wang Yaotang really has his eye on CLP Power!
Outrageous!

“Wang Yaotang’s political leanings have always been very obvious, and his cooperation with his hometown is all-encompassing. The higher-ups are quite confident in him. He is a ‘patriotic businessman’ with high ‘TZ’ value.” Luo Wenhua said at the meeting early the next morning: “CLP Power, well, it sounds like a Chinese company. If it succeeds, it will be a return to its essence.”

"Hahahaha." Everyone in the meeting room burst into laughter.

The Kadoorie family knows how to exploit ethnic sentiments and use misleading names to appeal to the Chinese community. With such an enticing name, those unaware of the background would likely assume it comes from an old Chinese family…

Even the worst companies are owned by Chinese.

In reality, it's a case of absolute control by oil stains, with a small shareholding by British capital!

What's the difference between this and making a fortune just by shouting "I love China"?
Are you kidding me?!

"How should we reply to them?" the deputy manager asked with a smile.

"Our company has no business dealings with Mr. Wang Yaotang, nor does it have any plans to interfere in Hong Kong's power industry. Regarding the misunderstanding between you and Mr. Wang Yaotang, our company hopes that both parties can communicate amicably based on the principles of 'fairness and openness' and 'working together for mutual benefit' to jointly safeguard the policy of 'using electricity well' and 'using electricity efficiently' for Hong Kong citizens. Our company is willing to create a warm communication environment to help you reach a consensus..."

Luo Wenhua rattled off a series of official remarks, which his secretary then transcribed and faxed directly to the Kadoorie Foundation.

"Oh, and send a fax to Wang Yaotang too. Ask him if he needs any help. We're all Chinese, so don't be shy," Luo Wenhua said with a smile.

China Resources may appear to be a Chinese-funded company, but it actually wields considerable influence, with its presence felt in many major projects in Hong Kong.

……

Koichi quickly glanced at the several faxes his secretary handed him, his expression growing increasingly grim.

Hong Kong Bureau: Wang Yaotang is a British citizen; the Chinese never interfere in the internal affairs of other countries…

China Resources: Our company has no such plan; it is all Wang Yaotang's personal business activity...

"Bullshit! They're deliberately shirking responsibility. Where did Wang's crew-cut henchmen come from?" Xiao Jia shouted angrily, waving the fax machine in his hand. "Where did he get his weapons? Where did he get his military ships!"

"If it weren't for the secret support of the Chinese, how could he be so arrogant!"

Kadoorie University has a deep network of connections, and they have found out the details of the conflict between Wang Yaotang and Rio Tinto.

Despite their anger, there's really nothing they can do in the short term; even with the backing of Australia and the British government, Rio Tinto can't do much.

The sea is inherently lawless; there's no way you'd immediately call your parents if you couldn't win a fight.

The Chinese man's excuses cast a shadow over the Kadoorie family, further confirming that there was a scheme behind it all, but he simply couldn't bring himself to do it and found a proxy.

This set of oil stains looks all too familiar!

"That guy surnamed Wang really thinks he's omnipotent!" Xiao Jia cursed angrily. It was time to make use of the connections he had built up.

……

At 9 p.m., a row of police cars parked in front of the Dynasty Nightclub, and more than 20 police officers got out. However, the officers did not go straight to the nightclub, but stood on the roadside in front of the entrance.

A senior inspector got out of the lead police car, walked up to him with a smile, and said, "Manager Qian."

"Inspector Shen, what's going on?" the manager of the Dynasty Nightclub asked with a smile.

Inspector Shen pointed upwards and shrugged, "Please cooperate."

“No problem, police-community cooperation is no problem at all. Lisa, have the DJ inform the guests.”

"Good manager."

"Inspector Shen, please."

"I'm so sorry."

"It's all work."

Laughing and joking, Inspector Shen took the lead, and a group of police officers followed. The lights in the hall were already on, and the officers began to go through the inspection process symbolically.

Half an hour later, seeing that it was almost time, Inspector Shen waved his hand, "Dismissed!"

A group of police officers boarded the vehicle in a flurry. A young officer, who looked like he had just joined the force, asked in a low voice, "Sir, what's going on? Is this just a formality? Wasn't the plan to conduct a major inspection of all nightclubs in Hong Kong?"

"What do you mean by 'going through the motions'? Where is it not in accordance with the inspection procedure?" The old police officer glared at him before explaining in a low voice, "Wang Sheng's business is definitely legal, isn't it? You good-for-nothing eat so much pork offal soup and pork offal noodles every day, don't you know how to be grateful?"

"Huh?" The young policeman was taken aback.

"Sheng Kee Pork Offal!"

"Oh, this is owned by Wang Yaotang?"

“You should call him Wang Sheng, you brat!” The old policeman slapped him across the face. “There’s a Sheng Kee Pork Offal restaurant within 100 meters of every one of the 36 police stations in Hong Kong. Police officers get a 40% discount on their meals.”

The young policeman's eyes widened in disbelief; he never expected this to be involved.

"You can't do things like smashing a bowl while eating, otherwise everyone will know you're ungrateful and you'll be all alone."

"Wow, Wang Sheng is really rich!" The young policeman hurriedly followed.

……

The next day, after handling some issues at the company, Kadoorie immediately drove to the police headquarters, hoping for some good news. "Mr. Kadoorie," Han Yili greeted him with a smile at the office door.

Coffee was served, and a few simple pleasantries were exchanged.

"The police launched a three-day special operation targeting entertainment venues... It wouldn't be a problem if it were 'Tiao Lin' or 'Sheng He,' but it's absolutely unacceptable to specifically target Wang Yaotang. He has close ties with many media outlets and enjoys giving interviews. He has criticized the police several times, and if he finds any fault with him, it will be very troublesome for both of us," Han Yili explained.

To repay a favor, you need to make sure the other party knows exactly how much they've given!

Soon, the secretary brought over the report on last night's operation. Han Yili pretended to glance at it, then immediately frowned and asked with a serious expression, "These nightclubs we were focusing on didn't have any problems? They're really that clean?"

The secretary peeked out and nodded somewhat awkwardly, "Yes, Director."

"Impossible! I don't know what a nightclub is. Selling silver is prohibited in Hong Kong!" Han Yili retorted.

"Director..." The secretary turned slightly away from Xiao Jia.

"Speak louder, Mr. Kadoorie is one of us."

"Yes." The secretary immediately turned around and bowed slightly to Xiao Jia.

Xiao Jia smiled and nodded politely, but inwardly he was cursing, "You fucking acted against me?"
“Sheng Yi Investment Company owns a food company called ‘Sheng Kee Pork Offal’, which has stores near 36 police stations throughout Hong Kong. The large signs at the entrance read ‘To thank the Hong Kong Police for maintaining social order, police officers will receive a 40% discount on meals.’ The stores are open 24 hours a day and offer free home delivery by phone.”

Needless to say, if the people below are just going through the motions, what can those of them in the office do?

Xiao Jia clenched his fists, his face flushed, "This is bribery, blatant bribery of police officers, interference with law enforcement, it should be banned immediately!"

Han Yili just smiled, while his secretary lowered his head and remained silent.

You fucking say that to the 3 police officers below, and see if you'll be drowned in their spittle!
Yes, everyone knows it's a bribe, but so what? Regular customers get a discount when buying clothes at the mall; the law doesn't cover that much.

Besides, you're allowed to collect huge sums of money and eat lavish meals and drink fine wines every day, but I can't even have a cheap bowl of pork offal soup?

If someone stirs things up even slightly, it could lead to a major strike at best, or even a direct attack on you at worst!

Don't doubt whether someone surnamed Wang is capable of doing such a thing.

Xiao Jia wasn't really being unreasonable; he was just too angry. After calming down, he realized that it was impossible.

This is similar to the Kadoorie family's investment in education back then, only the direction is different. They wanted connections with the upper and middle classes, while Wang Yaotang wanted connections with the grassroots.

There is no distinction between high and low.

All of these are attempts to win people's hearts and minds; they are capital offenses!

Without solid evidence, it's impossible to make things difficult for Wang Yaotang through the police. Xiao Jia has to mobilize other connections.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the Audit Commission, the Administration Commission, the Environmental Protection Department, the Food and Health Department, the Labour and Welfare Department, and more than a dozen other departments began to cause trouble for the various companies under Wang Yaotang's name, launching a series of inspections.

……

In the large office on the top floor of the Jia Hua Building, now the Shengli Building, Wang Yaotang, with his legs crossed, asked, "How's the situation?"

"No big problem," Awei said with a smile. "They're just minor issues. We'll deal with them as they come. At most, it'll be a small fine, but it won't have much of an impact. Just consider it a way to clear out potential problems and get things organized."

“That’s not how it works.” Ajay shook his head. “It may seem like there’s no loss, but it’s a matter of reputation. So many government departments are causing trouble for us. Whether they say we’ve been dealt with by the Kadoorie family or that we’re being targeted by the authorities, it’s a huge blow to our image. In the future, won’t anyone be able to kick us while we’re down?”

"Heh, let them try then. Do they think they're the Kadoorie family?" Awei shrugged indifferently.

"I don't care about reputation." Wang Yaotang shifted to a more comfortable position. "It's better if someone overestimates themselves and causes trouble; it's fun too. But we must force the Kadoorie family to bow down. How's the investigation going with your side gathering dirt on them?"

Ah-Jie sighed, "Almost none. Apart from CLP Power, his family does have investments in real estate and construction, but they are mainly for financial purposes and never take the lead. The most publicized projects are charitable ones. The family members never cause trouble in Hong Kong. They either stay in the upper-class circle or it's just their own family members playing around. Most of them are overseas."

"I don't believe it can be that clean?" Wang Yaotang sat up straight.

“I don’t believe it either.” Aji shrugged. “The problem is we can’t get it; they’re very xenophobic.”

Wang Yaotang scratched his head. Few people in Hong Kong would like to read about the messy oil stains. Without any buzz, it would be a waste of effort. In the era of print media, the cost of spreading rumors was high, but Kadoorie's influence could easily clarify things.

"It's all about what we do now!" Wang Yaotang sighed. "I'll call the ocean and tell him I want to eat fish!!"

……

BHP Billiton Headquarters, 171 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia, morning meeting.

"A company wants to acquire our coal supply contract with CLP Power Hong Kong?" General Manager Watson looked at the manager in charge of Southeast Asian business with some surprise. "Which company is it?"

"From Hong Kong."

How much money?

"A 2% price increase."

"Ridiculous, are those yellow-skinned monkeys all bananas in their brains?" Watson looked at his subordinate with displeasure. "You're an idiot too. Is your job so easy that you have to bring up this kind of thing in the morning meeting!"

"Mr. General Manager, no, this company is indeed not well-known, but the boss is named Wang Yaotang. Not long ago, he had a conflict with Rio Tinto over the acquisition of shares in Rio Tinto's KPC mining area. He wiped out half of Rio Tinto's escort fleet and killed everyone. It is rumored that he has someone backing him, a fleet composed of regular troops."

Watson closed his eyes, a slow smile playing on his lips. "Very well, you fucking tricked me!"
This is deliberately meant to embarrass him!
“Oh, it’s Rio Tinto’s rival, then it’s a friend of BHP Billiton.” Watson swallowed his words. “Why would this very powerful friend want to acquire this contract?”

"It is said that they want to acquire shares of CLP Power and try to force the other party to comply with the contract."

"Okay, I understand. Send a copy of his detailed information to my office."

……

Xiao Jia left home early in the morning. Recently, because of Wang Yaotang's matter, she was very irritable and did not rest well. She was resting with her eyes closed in the car.

The car drove to Huangniyong Road...

"boom!"

With a loud bang, a manhole cover suddenly exploded, and the lead car was thrown up and overturned by the blast wave.

"Zi-"

The driver of the Rolls-Royce in the middle suddenly turned the steering wheel, and that's when the luxury car's handling became apparent. The car quickly changed lanes to let the other car pass, and without stopping, accelerated and sped past.

Since Wang Yaotang came to threaten them, Xiao Jia Daoli has expanded its security personnel. The security team members have also become more vigilant, ready to prevent any attacks at any time. Their top priority is to protect the employer and help them escape from the scene immediately if any problems arise!

As it sped across the intersection, a man on the roadside suddenly raised his hand, baring his big white teeth at the Rolls-Royce.

Xiao Jia's head buzzed; he couldn't stand the oil stains and felt dizzy!

Just as he was about to get angry, a car suddenly sped up from the side.

"Ah!" Xiao Jiali exclaimed.

"Bang!" The last vehicle was hit squarely on the side and sent flying.

"Go, go, go!" Xiao Jia was so scared he almost peed himself. It was definitely that beast Wang Yaotang who did it!
Of course, it was most likely a warning to him, but damn it, the lead car and the tail car were all wrecked, who knows if he'll be next?

Xiao Jia simply wouldn't dare take any risks!

Instead of going to the company, he took a different route and headed straight for the police station, as only the police station could give him a sliver of security.

Han Yili sighed as he saw Xiao Jiadao, whose lips were pale, come to the security guard himself.

This classic business competition is so authentic.

"The underground pipeline methane explosion may have been caused by someone, but it's impossible to find any evidence."

"Although I really don't want to say it, it's highly unlikely that we can bring charges against Wang Yaotang. Just before you arrived, our police had already arrived at the scene. The driver who caused the accident was neither drinking nor on drugs, and he didn't run away. He was just in a bad mood and didn't pay attention to his speed for a moment."

"Finally, you are the one who ran the red light and bear the main responsibility. In addition, based on our understanding of Wang Yaotang, there is a high probability that reporters have already blocked the area outside. Running the red light resulted in two deaths and three serious injuries. You may be fiercely criticized by the media, so be prepared for the scandal."

"You, you, you... He, he, he... He clearly did it, but now you're blaming me! Is there no justice?! Is there no law?!" Xiao Jia's expression instantly froze, staring intently at Han Yili, looking like she wanted to devour him! (End of Chapter)