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

The struggle between the mayor and the customs official was nothing more than a power struggle; it would never lead to physical destruction. It was simply a matter of one side gaining and the other losing.

The root of this problem lies in the mismanagement of customs officials, whose subordinates acted recklessly and caused this mess. The mayor was affected, so it's understandable that he's angry.

Seeing that the mayor was not going to get involved and even seemed inclined to push things along, the customs official immediately backed down.

Colombia is currently in such a chaotic state that laws can only restrain those who are willing to abide by them, and have no deterrent effect on those who are lawless. Customs officials don't want to be bombed into pieces because of their subordinates' relationships.

Seeing that he had backed down, Mayor Carlos's attitude also improved considerably. According to his instructions, the customs should act as if nothing had happened, quickly contact the other party to release the goods, and then severely punish the subordinates, arresting and firing a batch, warning them to keep their eyes open and not to cause any more trouble for themselves.

Show goodwill, and then see how things develop.

Customs acted swiftly, contacting Luo Haifeng immediately. Luo Haifeng privately cursed these bastards, saying they wouldn't wake up until they were thoroughly thrashed.

Luo Haifeng didn't go during the subsequent customs clearance and handover; he had his subordinates handle it. Everything was done according to the rules, but he also privately spread the whole story through various channels of Chinese businessmen.

This series of killings can be considered as "planting a flag" in Barranquilla. All forces know about the "Sheng Yi" brand and that this group of Chinese are extremely ruthless and kill without blinking an eye. Naturally, similar incidents will not occur again.

As for whether the local forces would become hostile to 'Sheng Yi' because of this, Luo Haifeng was not worried at all. It was just a matter of a few dozen or a few hundred bullets, at most a few 40mm guns, and at worst, a recoilless rifle. Killing a few dozen or a hundred people would make them behave.

Ultimately, he had no intention of buying property in Colombia; he was just a free spirit crossing the river without any ties.

Luo Haifeng never mentioned the customs incident to the armed groups in Colombia. This was a kind of game, letting these armed groups see his power and prevent them from having any unnecessary schemes.

However, Hai Dazhao and his group couldn't leave yet; they still had to travel around Central and South America, visiting Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and more...

We must fight our way from south to north, and then from north to south!

This mission can only be carried out in small-team mode. Neither warships nor aircraft carriers dare to come here. This is America's backyard; it's easy to come in, but difficult to go back.

After receiving the message, Wang Yaotang simply replied that he should cooperate locally and that a branch office could be built in Panama to stockpile supplies for future use as a base for subsequent missions.

He recalled that Panama did not regain its sovereignty until after 2000, and is currently under US control, with a relatively good security environment.

In fact, Wang Yaotang was mistaken. At that time, the Noriega government was in power in Panama. One month later, in December 1989, the United States sent troops to Panama under the pretext of "protecting its citizens" and "restoring democracy," and supported a pro-American regime to come to power.

It makes sense that the lower classes across the Americas see the United States as a beacon of hope... no matter what, it's better than their own governments.

……

The events in Central and South America were just a minor incident, and nobody cared about them.

The Honglu Temple in Baranquya did report the situation to the mainland, but it was treated as a joke. What did it have to do with us whether Wang Yaotang was a Hong Kong citizen or a British citizen?
what?
Are all the goods we sell produced by us?
It's just normal business dealings, why should we be responsible for the buyer?

This news caused quite a stir in Hong Kong's underworld. Mainly from south to north, Hai Dazhao's gang went on a killing spree in eight countries, killing more than 500 people and earning the nickname "Cerberus" because they particularly liked to use methods such as "explosions" and "arson". As a result, the name "Shengyi" spread throughout Central and South America.

The news came from people in 'Tiaolin' and 'Fuqing', which prompted the other three companies to come to Wang Yaotang to sound him out, asking if he was planning to expand in that direction. They were somewhat disappointed to learn that he only had some business there and was paving the way for his business.

However, this gave Shenghe and Yi'an the idea to expand their businesses there. If even the Little God of Wealth had done business there, it meant that there must be money to be made in Central and South America. The Chinese merchants there were mainly from Guangdong and Fujian, so there was still a solid foundation for development.

The company is doing quite well; it's made a lot of money.

However, none of this affected Wang Yaotang. Under the manipulation of Thomas and his associates, the valuation of overseas trust banks has decreased significantly, turning them from high-quality assets in the Hong Kong government system into weak assets, showing signs of moving towards becoming non-performing assets.

Of course, some people sensed that there was a problem.

It's not that there's any evidence, but rather that the downhill path has gone down too fast, giving off a deliberate feeling.

They're all corrupt officials; you can sense even the slightest sign of it.

However, no one dared to speak up. At first, they didn't know who was behind it and were afraid of getting into trouble. After Wang Yaotang, this "gangster," made it clear that he wanted to acquire it, no one dared to say anything.

The Wang family's past record is too 'illustrious'. Even if there were evidence, no one would be willing to stand up for it.

Why did you stand up?
To be loyal to the colonial government?
You dare to be loyal to my Great Qing... my Little Britain?

If there really is such a ungrateful bastard, Wang Yaotang would definitely turn him into animal feed.

Without interference from others, the acquisition of the overseas trust bank progressed quickly, mainly because Wang Yaotang did not go too far. The final valuation was US$4.8 million, which only resulted in a small loss for the Hong Kong government.

The Hong Kong government suffered losses, but individuals prospered; so it's a balancing act.

Even the Governor of Hong Kong, Wayne Wesley, couldn't stop him from becoming an official solely for wealth.

As for the promised benefits, Thomas and his group selected some gold and jewelry, and stored the rest in Portugal through channels in Macau. Once in Europe, it would be easy to launder the money to England.

Actually, Portugal wouldn't be bad either. The climate is good, and it's much better for retirement than that awful place called Little Britain.

The acquisition was agreed upon with the Hong Kong government in 1990, and it would take another two or three months to fully take over, as the handover of personnel and accounts would take time.

All the senior management who participated in the fire sale of assets have been purged. These people were prepared for this and had already started looking for new buyers, so there was no trouble.

When Wang Yaotang acquired the stone mine, he dared to use those problematic management personnel, but it was just a matter of intimidation. How much could someone selling stones really embezzle? But not someone in finance.

This industry is full of scoundrels, their hearts are black. If you continue to employ them after they've committed crimes, it will inevitably send a bad signal. Once they develop any wicked thoughts, even a flick of their finger can have a huge impact. However, this means there won't be enough people in management, especially since he plans to expand into Southeast Asia and Central and South America, requiring capable people to take charge.

Li Menghui has put in so much effort and was one of the earliest followers. Even if it's just to reward the old man, he should be made the general manager. Besides, his lack of ability doesn't matter; loyalty is the most important thing.

Wang Yaotang plans to poach people from HSBC to handle the specific affairs.

Over the years, HSBC has accumulated a large number of talents. Its senior executives have all operated large-scale multinational projects and have first-class vision and ability. Several people who lost in the power struggle after Shen Bi's death have had a hard time in recent years, and Wang Yaotang has set his sights on these people.

Arrange for someone to investigate the background of these people. They should have wives and children, and most of their assets should be in Hong Kong. If they are Chinese, we should also ask their acquaintances about their past words and whether they have made any treasonous remarks.

As is well known, the three majors with the most dissidents are: media, finance, and law.

Overseas trust banks will eventually become the core link connecting many industries in their hands. If a traitor emerges from the management, then things will get really messed up.

Even if we turn them into animal feed, it won't make up for our losses!

Screening targets is not difficult, and poaching talent is easy. Wang Yaotang's name is well-known in Hong Kong. He promised a senior position at the bank, explained his plans for the bank, and showcased his business network.

The current general manager is the same age as them. Unless he is suddenly killed like Shen Bi, there is absolutely no possibility for them to rise to power. That is a matter for the next generation.

But these guys felt they were still young and didn't want to just give up like this, so they decided to switch jobs after being lured by Wang Yaotang.

Now Wang Yaotang needs to consider how to prevent these people from having any inappropriate thoughts.

“Before you decided to join the company, I just told you that the overseas trust was going to expand into Southeast Asian countries. You probably thought it was based on my business and connections in those countries. That’s not wrong, but it’s not accurate.”

At the first internal high-level meeting, Wang Yaotang's gaze swept across all faces, and he said with a serious expression, "What I said today has come out of my mouth and entered your ears, but it cannot be publicized."

Except for Li Menghui, everyone else tensed up. Oh no!

If even the lawless Wang Yaotang is this cautious, it must be a huge trap...

Fell into a trap!
“Those normal business partners have their own long-term cooperating banks, so at most they use overseas trusts when they trade with us. It would take a long time to gain a foothold by relying entirely on that. In this case, it is the non-normal business partners who can provide the most help.”

“The four major armed forces in eastern and northern Myanmar, the two ethnic groups in the southeast, the local armed forces in the three southern provinces of Siam, the Golden Triangle region, Aceh in Indonesia, several resistance organizations in the Philippines... and of course, some underground and gray forces in various countries.”

The more Wang Yaotang spoke, the uglier the faces of these people became. To put it nicely, they were local armed forces; to put it bluntly, weren't they just rebels?
“Small banks are afraid to do their business, and big banks are unwilling to put in the effort to do their business. We can fill this gap, which allows us to immediately gain a foothold in Southeast Asia.”

"Don't make that 'my mother died' face!" Wang Yaotang tapped the table. "They just look a little bad on the surface. Actually, these people are very simple and have no ulterior motives."

Everyone looked at him strangely. "Should we see what you're saying?"
What does it mean to look a little bad on the surface?

"Why are you looking at me like that? Their only requirement for banks is that they don't cheat them out of their money and that they don't lose their money once it's deposited. It's that simple. And you don't need to worry about security. Most of their weapons were bought from me, and I also sold them medicines and industrial products. Now they need me to hold their money for them. You are my people. If anyone dares to touch you, I'll kill their whole family to avenge you!"

These words suddenly reminded everyone that the person in front of them was the owner of the largest private armed force in Southeast Asia, and these local armed groups had to be mindful of their boss's feelings.

Suddenly it didn't seem so scary anymore.

"In addition, we will acquire some local banks in various Central and South American countries, but they will not be merged into the overseas trust. Li Menghui will tell you the specifics. These acquired banks are mainly for the service of local armed forces. The funds will be transferred through the local banks before entering the overseas trust. However, you will need to go to the local area to carry out the specific acquisition. Don't worry about any danger. Umbrella will arrange an infantry platoon to protect your safety. In addition, there will be planes to ensure that you can escape at any time."

No, if it's not dangerous, why would we need to assign someone to protect you?
Why is it necessary to ensure an escape at any time?
They've only just joined the company and they're already treating us like Japanese!

Is it too late to quit now?

Wang Yaotang clapped his hands with a smile to draw everyone's attention. "That's roughly how it is. I'm a very simple person. If you work loyally for me, I'll guarantee you wealth and honor. I hope our relationship will last forever. With the bank, my kill order can be sent to every illegal organization in the world. I don't want to see your ashes for the last time."

"This is not a threat, it's advice. I actually prefer peace and quiet, since things are already chaotic enough outside."

"Alright, stop with that serious face. Smile and cheer up. Overseas trusts will inevitably become multinational banks."

This shot in the arm instantly spurred the overseas trust bank to become more ambitious...

……

This Lunar New Year was the most relaxing one I've had in recent years. In previous years, I was always incredibly busy, but this year I specifically asked my companies not to bother me so I could enjoy the holiday with my family in peace.

Of course, with the New Year holiday over, all sorts of things come up.

"Brother Yao, these are the design plans for the manor. Take a look and see if you're satisfied." Wei Tao unfolded a scroll and laid it on the table.

The villa in Deep Water Bay is too small. It can't hold 7 women and 17 children. It simply can't hold them all!
The new villa was located in Tai Long Wan, north of Shek O, which is where Xiao Ma and his family later built their villa. The location Wang Yaotang chose was backed by mountains to the north and close to the sea, covering an area of ​​about 150 meters in radius and about 34 acres, which was quite large.

After looking at the design drawings and finding them acceptable, I nodded and said, "Leave them here. Take them back and let them decide."

After Wei Tao left, the four-eyed guy stepped in, threw a document on the table, and took a few sips of a can of Coke.

Wang Yaotang picked it up and looked at it; it was the information about the pager industry that he had asked him to collect before.

We currently have over HK$50 billion in cash on hand. Before, without our own bank, each company had to keep working capital, which added up to a huge amount. Now that all our corporate accounts are in our own bank, the utilization rate of working capital is much higher. It would be a waste to leave so much cash sitting there, so we thought about finding an industry to invest in.

The electronics industry will be the mainstream for the next few decades, and if Wang Yaotang wants to invest in industry, he will definitely have to get involved in the electronics sector. (End of Chapter)