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

Regardless of what Wei Dewei was thinking, he had a bright smile at the banquet, and General Kim Ma-lun even chatted happily with Wang Yaotang.

When the two top military leaders were chatting, everyone else deliberately avoided them to prevent hearing anything they shouldn't hear...

Little Britain still values ​​intelligence. Wang Yaotang's "protective umbrella" company had long been on Downing Street's desk. At first, they didn't take it seriously, regarding it as a gangster's attempt to whitewash itself.

At the time, this judgment seemed quite accurate. For the Hong Kong British government and Downing Street, whitewashing was actually a good thing. Once it was whitewashed, it had to abide by the rules, which made it easier to manage.

When it comes to bureaucracy, if Britain says it's third, nobody dares to say it's second!
Umbrella then set up its training base on Po Toi Island, only to discover that there was a 300-cent crew member there with a large number of weapons...

Downing Street is now in a hot seat.

The timing coincided with the period of the 'statement,' leading them to suspect that these were actually underhanded tactics orchestrated by the North under the rules. Although the North vehemently denied any involvement during negotiations, claiming that Britain had been a troublemaker for centuries and had used such underhanded methods far too often. Judging others by one's own standards...

If you say no, then it must be!
At this point, the law could still be used as a weapon to take down the protective umbrella, but both the Hong Kong British government and Downing Street were hesitant to act rashly. Judging from Wang Yaotang's past behavior, he would not surrender and would definitely resist fiercely.

But if a war breaks out... if the roles were reversed, Little Britain would definitely use this excuse to send troops.

In fact, the then-Governor of Hong Kong had privately sounded out the opinions of some wealthy British tycoons, including Kadoorie, and the answers were consistent: Although we do not like Wang Yaotang, we stand with him this time, we are firmly against it, and we absolutely cannot let a fight break out!
With the increase in excellent ports in Southeast Asia, there are many reasons why Hong Kong's economy has developed so well, and one of the most important reasons is safety!
If a duty-free trade port is unsafe, business will inevitably plummet.

There is absolutely no possibility of becoming a financial hub if personal safety cannot be guaranteed.

After all, people in finance are all bastards; the number of people who want them dead could circle the earth...

Hong Kong's triads are among the wealthiest in the world. Anywhere else, everyone would be armed by now. But in Hong Kong, you can kill your friends or even kill people without a care, but you can't use a gun. That would trigger the police's nerves!
If unrest or war were to occur, the intangible asset losses caused overnight would be in the tens of billions!
The wealthy disagree, and the Hong Kong government and Downing Street are hesitant to act, so as long as Wang Yaotang doesn't cause trouble locally, they can only turn a blind eye.

Furthermore, especially after Britain made a significant move in the Falklands, its naval power, unmatched in Southeast Asia, proves Hong Kong's strength!

See, look at things from a different perspective, and that's how pride and satisfaction come about!

Make Hong Kong great again!
Wang Yaotang and Cameron Highlands chatted for a while. Without explicitly stating the matter, the Hong Kong government required him not to cause trouble locally. Wang Yaotang patted his chest and said that this was his home, how could he possibly do bad things here?

Of course, if this family doesn't want him anymore, that's a different story.

Both sides agreed on this point, and the conversation went very smoothly.

After the conversation, Wang Yaotang suddenly had a new idea and walked straight towards Zheng Yutong, Old Huo and the others.

The others also saw him; they knew he must have something to say as he walked straight over.

"You're the star of the day, why would you come looking for us old folks if you're not enjoying the spotlight?" Old Huo teased with a smile.

“I have an idea that can also cause the prices of luxury homes in Hong Kong to soar, and even the prices of ordinary residences can be significantly increased,” Wang Yaotang said with a smile.

"Oh!" The group immediately became interested.

They didn't think Wang Yaotang was bragging. Although he took an unorthodox approach, his approach was indeed unorthodox!

"Tell me your ideas! If we can really make housing prices soar, we brothers will definitely make sure you don't lose out. Just tell us what you want!" Old Huo assured him.

“Yes, as long as it’s not about reaching for the moon, we’ll take care of it for you!” Zheng Yutong said with a smile.

"Haha, then I'll thank you both in advance." Wang Yaotang said with a smile, "It's a long story, let me organize my thoughts."

Zheng Yutong waved to Li Zhaoji, Guo Desheng, and the others. Li Xiangjiao frowned slightly, worried that these people might leave him behind, and immediately followed with a smile.

Before long, the top ten real estate tycoons gathered together, all looking at Wang Yaotang.

"Over the years, I've felt that the world is just a giant makeshift operation. I remember when I was still on the streets, we thought that rich people must be calm and composed, unperturbed even if Mount Tai collapses in front of them, generous, magnanimous, trustworthy, tolerant, humble, and of high moral character. They always thought things through carefully, and every word they said was worth pondering, and every action they took had profound meaning."

These words made everyone laugh. They looked at each other and made funny faces.

"I never thought I was such a big shot in your eyes? Oh dear, you should have said so earlier. I guess I'm... a little disappointing to you," Li Zhaoji said with a smile.

Wang Yaotang waved his hand with a sigh, "The dream is shattered!"

"Hahahaha..." The group laughed until tears streamed down their faces.

It attracted the attention of everyone around, wondering what these real estate tycoons were up to.
Why are you laughing so happily?
"The past is too painful to recall, but it's also quite good. We're all 'human.' If it were really like in works of art, it would be too boring," Wang Yaotang said with a smile. "As society has improved and I've gradually come into contact with the upper echelons, many of my previous illusions have been shattered, completely dispelling my mystique. We're all human. The government officials I imagined weren't so wise and powerful, nor did they possess the political wisdom I envisioned. Especially after doing business in Southeast Asia these past years, I've had some contact with them and learned a bit about the past history..."

"Writing novels requires logic, but reality doesn't. I've found that the political methods of the top leaders in various countries are even worse than those of a eunuch like Wei Zhongxian."

"He's even worse than Qin Hui!"

“Especially after some conflicts with Annan recently, which made me look at their data, I saw that in just 10 years, inflation has increased more than 220 times.” Wang Yaotang wiped his face. “Even tying a few dogs up on top of it would be better than what these people are doing!”

Speaking of this, everyone sighed, not because they looked down on these politicians, but because they really felt they were quite useless and that it would have been better to replace them with businessmen.

Emperor Dong: You understand me, they are all insects, no one understands me better than me!
“I don’t mean to look down on the various ethnic groups in Southeast Asia, but in fact, they just can’t compete with the Chinese in business, politics, technology and other aspects. Objectively speaking, this is an evolutionary issue.”

The group chuckled softly.

“There are significant conflicts between Southeast Asian ethnic groups and the Chinese, particularly regarding religious issues. These conflicts can usually be suppressed, but once economic problems arise, the best way to deflect attention from these conflicts is…” At this point, Wang Yaotang shrugged, causing the ten people to frown. “There have been numerous incidents targeting the Chinese throughout history, during which many wealthy Chinese have suffered considerable losses and faced significant security challenges. In such situations, who can they turn to for help?”

The issue of antagonism is something everyone knows about; it's something that countries have been doing continuously for a long time, including now.

Wang Yaotang's face was full of sneer, "At this point, can they ask the local authorities for help?"

"I think that's called walking into a trap!"

What should we do now?

“I know some people manage the property in the US, some in Little Britain, and some in other European countries, but are they useful in a critical moment?” Wang Yaotang scoffed. “Go ahead and call them and see if they agree!”

"This also includes a few people who are theoretically British citizens, but do you think the British can save people in a critical moment?"

The men frowned. There was no need to ask; you could always trust the British bureaucracy. Reports went up layer by layer, meetings were held, and by the time a decision was made to mobilize manpower, their graves would be overgrown with weeds.

Of course, that's what they say, but in reality, the wealthy still have a certain level of security during these upheavals.

But accidents are inevitable.

In 80, in Semarang, Central Java, the warehouse of the family of Chinese timber tycoon Wong Chung Han was set on fire, reducing timber worth millions of dollars to ashes. Wong Chung Han himself was intercepted by thugs while fleeing and suffered a serious head injury. He later died in a Singapore hospital.

In 80, the Yang Yinglin family, Chinese sugar merchants in Iloilo province of the Philippines, were forced to sell their plantation to the Philippine Land Bank due to policy restrictions, resulting in a loss of over US$2 million.

Huang Deming, a Chinese textile tycoon in Hanoi, was imprisoned for three years for refusing to nationalize his factory. After his release, he was penniless and forced to flee to Siam.

The Chen Jincheng family, Chinese rice merchants from Hu Zhiming, were shot dead in the street by the military for refusing to hand over their property, and their warehouses were looted.

Lin Wenjing, a Chinese rubber merchant in Surabaya, had his arm chopped off during the riots.

Henry Sy, the future richest man in the Philippines, had his shops vandalized and his goods confiscated by the Philippine police in the 70s.

Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Annam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Siam...

Where is there no extravagance?
The reasons are all similar: threatening national security, prohibiting the operation of certain industries, and having to give way to local idiots.

Indonesia bans: retail, media, and energy.

The Philippines prohibits the following sectors: retail, food, media, education, and agriculture and forestry.

Malaysia prohibits: manufacturing, construction, culture, and finance.

Siam prohibits: agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, fisheries, media, and education.

Annam prohibits: energy, import and export trade, media, and education.

Myanmar prohibits: industry and commerce, finance, agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry.

It was under these circumstances that a large amount of Chinese assets were transferred to the Lion City, Hong Kong, which then developed rapidly thanks to this opportunity.

也正是在这种禁止下，马来10大富豪华人占9个，印尼10占7，暹罗10占8，菲国10占7。    安南‘0’！
That's why everyone hates Annan!

Wang Yaotang looked around, straightened his chest, and said, "In the current situation, when something truly unbearable happens to these Chinese families in Southeast Asia, who can we call to get help the fastest?"

Everyone looked at Wang Yaotang. Even Li Xiangjiao, who had many conflicts with him and wished Wang Yaotang dead, agreed with this at this moment.

This guy is incredibly brave!
When trouble comes, government officials in various countries will consider many political implications and act hesitantly, but the man surnamed Wang certainly won't. Obeying the law seems to be a word that has never appeared in his dictionary.

He's truly willing to send people if the money is right, and he won't hesitate to go against the military of other countries.

Annamese people have a lot to say on this.

Hu Zhiming's fleet has been completely wiped out!
If there had been someone like Wang Yaotang when various countries systematically attacked China back then, an aircraft carrier could have been sent directly to rescue countless people.

"Let me put it this way, when they say you're a threat, you better actually be a threat!"

"I'll do what the government dares not do!"

"Those whom the government dares not protect, I will protect!"

"Act first, report later—aircraft carrier permission granted!"

Wang Yaotang waved his arms, and in the eyes of the others, he was shining at that moment!

Pretty handsome!
“This kind of thing doesn’t necessarily only happen to Chinese people.” Wang Yaotang chuckled. “Southeast Asia is all a bunch of makeshift operations. Their intellectual development level doesn’t support them making money. It’s a hardware problem, so they can only use systematic robbery as a method. Therefore, they won’t hesitate to take advantage of the locals.”

"And it's not just economic problems that can find a 'protective umbrella' for help."

“As I said before, I don’t discriminate against them. Umbrella is a comprehensive security solution provider. As long as you place an order, we can provide comprehensive services, including special rescue. But where will people live to ensure their safety and the safety of their assets after they are released?”

At this point, everyone immediately understood what Wang Yaotang meant.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, many wealthy Chinese families in Southeast Asia transferred assets overseas, primarily to Singapore and then Hong Kong. Singapore was the first choice because it is a complete country with completely independent foreign affairs, defense, economy, and judiciary.

Although it is a little small, Hong Kong is not that big either!

You are still a colony...

Of course, Hong Kong is not without its advantages: low taxes and the protection of its host, Little Britain.

Although Little Britain recently had a major mishap, Wang Yaotang has stood up!
Compared to this, Hong Kong has a significant advantage.

If something really happens, Singapore will at most issue a 'strong protest' and 'continue to pay attention,' but Wang Yaotang's methods are more varied!
Especially now that we have aircraft carriers, the Y-5 has very low requirements for runways and can complete airdrop missions at any time.

The ten of them looked at each other, and from this perspective, Hong Kong is indeed a good fallback option for wealthy Chinese in Southeast Asia, making it very necessary to manage their assets here.

No wonder Wang Yaotang said it could cause a surge in the price of luxury homes in Hong Kong.

Of course, Wang Yaotang couldn't do this himself. After all, he had only risen to prominence for a short time and didn't have time to build a network of connections, which was something he couldn't compare to established tycoons like them.

Through their mouths, Wang Yaotang was able to transmit this information to every corner of Southeast Asian countries, and only the words of these people could be believed.

Otherwise, what else can they do but rely on Sheng Yi's publicity or just advertise?

This is a win-win situation.

Wang Yaotang has a proven track record, and by leveraging their influence, he can not only gain widespread fame but also build a Chinese business network that spans Southeast Asia.

They can leverage Wang Yaotang's influence to further enhance their position among wealthy Chinese and solidify their connections.

At this point, the so-called surge in housing prices is just a side effect.

Of course, the profits are also substantial, starting at tens of millions. The booming real estate market can also boost their other businesses. If managed well, their net worth can easily increase by 20% or 30%!

The matter was settled, and the relationship between the group became even closer and warmer.

Taking the opportunity, Wang Yaotang brought up another matter, which he had been planning for several years and was now finally qualified to do.

"With the economic recovery and the surge in export trade in my hometown, the shipping business on Hong Kong Island has also skyrocketed. However, this has also exposed shipping security issues, with numerous pirates operating on the Annam route, the Philippines route, and the route from the Strait of Malacca to the Bay of Bengal..."

Wang Yaotang paused, looking at the people around him with a speechless expression, "Wait, why are you all looking at me like that!"

Everyone: Guess!
“Those pirates are either from various countries, fishermen, or resistance organizations. You don’t think they have anything to do with me, do you? I can easily make more money than that!” Wang Yaotang clapped his hands twice.

Everyone laughed. Of course, they didn't think Wang Yaotang was the mastermind behind the pirates, but they had all heard that this guy was involved in trafficking military supplies...

"The protective umbrella is preparing to launch a new business: escort services!"

"How will you escort them?" Old Xu asked with a smile.

"The initial plan is to divide them into three levels. The third level will be escorted by a light infantry squad, the second level by an infantry platoon carrying heavy weapons, and the first level by a warship."

After this naval battle with the Annamese, it is foreseeable that there will be no naval battles of this scale for a long time to come. The cost of supporting thousands of men with buzz cuts would be too high!
We need to find them something to do, not necessarily to make money, but at least to support themselves.

The crowd clicked their tongues and looked at the leaders of the Dong, Zhao, and Cao families. The Bao family's fleet was mainly leased, and they rarely sailed the ships themselves. At present, the most powerful people were Dong, Zhao, Cao, and Xu.

“That’s great. Safety is indeed a big issue. Because of this, we have to raise the crew’s wages. Even if we have insurance, it won’t help. Insurance can only compensate after the fact, but it won’t cover the business losses, reputational damage, or operating costs caused by the incident. If we can prevent it, that would be the best,” the eldest son of the Dong family said with a smile.

"The only problem is that many ports will refuse entry if we have weapons."

Wang Yaotang is eager to befriend this man who will be in charge of Hong Kong in the future.

“Two options,” Wang Yaotang said, giving a thumbs-up. “I will try my best to obtain gun permits in various countries. I won’t go too far, but the neighboring countries shouldn’t refuse me this favor.”

"If things don't go well, I'll arrange for two cruise ships in places like Malacca or the Strait of Gretchen, where the security personnel can disembark and end their mission."

The Strait of Gretchen is the entrance and exit from the Strait of Malacca into the Indian Ocean, and there are few pirates in the section of the Indian Ocean leading to Somalia.

"Wait a minute." Boss Dong pursed his lips, somewhat amused and exasperated, and asked, "Yaotang, you often mention Somalia. Are you selling weapons there?"

"Huh?" Wang Yaotang was taken aback, not knowing how the topic had turned to Somalia. "I... I don't think so. Apart from the initial transactions with Myanmar, which I personally led, I basically didn't manage anything after that. It was all done by my brother Aji."

"Maybe so, after all, the company is registered in Somalia and pays taxes to them every year, from what you're saying..."

Wang Yaotang asked somewhat uncertainly, "Won't there be pirates in Somalia?"

Boss Dong clapped lightly, Wang Yaotang looked speechless, and everyone else was at a loss for words.

"Aji," Wang Yaotang called the person over and asked.

"Yes, but not many. They're very poor over there, and they don't have much money. They even use their taxes to pay for the equipment."

Wang Yaotang was immediately amused. What the hell is this behavior from the Qing Dynasty?!
“Okay, that’s good, it’s a good compromise. By the way, you can tell them that these things are also a kind of commodity and can be resold, which can also expand business volume.” Wang Yaotang shook his head and smiled.

“They’re selling them. I heard from the ambassador that a lot of them have been sold to rebels and local forces,” Aji said with a smile.

"Good, good, good, Somaqing!" Wang Yaotang gave a thumbs up.

"Things are unpredictable," Wang Yaotang sighed. "If needed, it's not impossible to expand our business into the red ocean market."

Boss Dong gave a thumbs-up with both hands, "No wonder you're a little money god, eating both the top and the bottom, no wonder you make so much money!"

Wang Yaotang burst into laughter.

……

The day after the banquet, Annan's Chief of Staff arrived in Hong Kong. (End of Chapter)