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

P.S.: Didn't get into the palace, got stuck in the interrogation process.

Having persisted for so long, it's time to finish this book.

But towards the end, all the fouls suddenly appeared...

It's been revised five times. The first time, the highlighted parts were changed, then the unhighlighted parts were highlighted again, and so on, until it went from over 6000 words to over 4000...

AI-powered review—we don't know its logic or what the problem is, but anyway, let's just leave it at that…

……

Wang Yaotang's outrageous remarks left Khvatov and the others feeling heavy-hearted.

The Far East Fleet is not only for dealing with the US, but also for China. Relations between the two sides have only been normalized for a year, and they are quite familiar with the situation in Northeast China, so they naturally know what's going on there.

They just focused more on military issues and less on the economy; they never imagined it had gotten this serious.

Under the same system, with the same requirements, and in the same position, the results may differ, but they will not be significant!
As local strongmen in the Far East, their families are bound to the local area. With the decline of the Far East, how can these people expect to benefit?

Furthermore, the Russians themselves are acutely aware of their own problems: the Pacific Fleet's training volume has been decreasing year by year, funding has been reduced, combat effectiveness has declined, and equipment has not been updated for many years.

"Moscow is going to carry out a coup, what can we do?" Khvatov said, somewhat irritated.

"We can't just sit here and wait to die," Wang Yaotang said, shrugging.

"Comrade Wang, you are so wealthy, and your businesses span all of Asia. You must have a way, right? Otherwise, you wouldn't have stayed. We are friends, and you wouldn't refuse to help your friends, would you?"

“Of course,” Wang Yaotang nodded. “We have an old saying: ‘Relying on mountains will lead to their collapse, relying on people will lead to their departure; one must rely on oneself!’”

"The situation in Russia hasn't been very good these past few years."

“At the beginning of this year, in February, Azerbaijan changed its name to the Republic of Azerbaijan and became semi-independent. In the March referendum, only 74% of the people voted to allow Russia to continue to exist. It has come to this point. Russia… sigh.” Wang Yaotang shook his head with a regretful look. “We are also a socialist country.”

"What's even more worrying is that Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova are boycotting the vote, but Moscow is unable to come up with effective measures."

"Georgia declared independence on April 9th. Will the other countries follow suit?"

"Retail prices in April caused prices to surge by 300%, exacerbating food shortages and plunging people into hardship."

"Now that the Russian Emperor has risen to power again, there's nothing Gotto can do. If things continue like this..."

"It should have been independent long ago!" Chief of the General Staff Vladimir Vasilyevich Sidorov suddenly exclaimed. "The Russian Federation should have been established last June!"

In June 1990, the Russian Federation issued a declaration of sovereignty, which emphasized that "the law takes precedence over the law of the Union," paving the way for independence.

Huh? Wang Yaotang turned his head and looked over, looking surprised. He didn't expect that there was a "Disintegration Faction" hiding here!
The current top leadership of Russia is severely divided, roughly into three factions: the disintegration faction, the loose alliance faction, and the unification faction.

The disintegration faction was led by Emperor Yang of Russia.

The alliance faction is led by Su'aidi Go map.

Unification faction: Ryzhko's driver (Russian Prime Minister), Yanayee's driver (Russian Vice President)

"Russia is burdened with too many subsidies, and the other republics are just a burden. Without their drag, Russia will only become stronger, and the Far East will not be bleed so much!" Sidorov said with a stern face.

Wang Yaotang looked at Khvatov.

Khvatov shrugged. "I'm about to retire, so these things don't matter to me. If I had to say one thing, it's that I'm Russian, and I don't think those people in Central Asia have anything to do with me."

This is a common belief among Russians.

"Alright, a hidden disintegration faction, that puts my mind at ease," Wang Yaotang thought to himself.

"What kind of system do you envision for Russia's future?" Wang Yaotang asked with a smile.

The group of people present had various expressions, but no one spoke.

It's fine to say you support the Russian Empire, but when it comes to the system... the KGB's knife can be quite sharp!

Wang Yaotang coughed lightly. "When the Russian Emperor Yang visited the United States in 1989, he called 'socialism' a utopia. In 1990, he established the 'Democratic Program Faction' of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, demanding that the CPSU relinquish its leadership, promote a multi-party system, and openly declare that it wanted to get rid of 'socialism' and pursue 'democracy and joining the ranks of the world's civilized countries.' He explicitly rejected the current system and publicly advocated 'increasing private ownership and vigorously developing private ownership,' believing that private ownership was the foundation of a market economy. On July 20, he led the drafting of the '500-Day Plan for the Transition of the Russian Federation to a Market Economy,' which was merged with the coalition version of the Shatalin Group's plan on September 1. The core of the plan was radical privatization and denationalization. It was rejected by the Ryzhkov government and passed by the Supreme Soviet. On October 28, the Russian Federation announced that it would implement the plan independently."

"These are things that have happened before. You can't say them, so I will. Once Russia becomes independent, the Russian Empire will definitely promote capitalism."

"Of course, that's fine. No matter what system you're in, the most important thing is to hold power. But history tells us that once the king's position changes, it inevitably leads to a change of power. After the Russian Emperor Yang succeeded, those who supported him were going to take the throne, but there are only so many positions, and many people were bound to fall."

"The change of power is not subject to the will of any individual."

"There's a saying that the closer you are to the center of power, the greater your power. And you gentlemen, you are in the Far East, 9000 kilometers away from Moscow. In the early stages, changes in Moscow are unlikely to affect you here. But similarly, once the dust settles over there..."

He didn't need to say more at this point; they were all seasoned veterans of the power struggle, with deep-rooted family backgrounds, so how could they not understand?

Even Sidorov, a supporter of the disintegration faction, changed his expression.

Whether or not he supports it has little to do with whether he can retain power after the change. Even if he is the Chief of Staff of the Far East Pacific Fleet, the only support he can provide during this change is verbal, just to ensure that the border remains peaceful.

There's no way to send troops to Moscow.

Shouldn't those who followed the Russian emperor and drove tanks through the streets receive adequate rewards?

In this way, Sidorov can only live to retirement at most. If those who are eager to take power find fault with him, he might die prematurely!
As for whether this kind of thing will happen, the probability is damn high!

Right, Meng Tian...

"Hey everyone, don't be so serious. This is just my guess. I'm a foreigner, I don't know much about Russia. Maybe nothing will happen, the Far East will still be the Far East, and you will still be at the pinnacle of power in the Far East." Wang Yaotang spread his hands and broke the silence in the room with a smile.

"Screw maybe," Khvatov, Sidorov, and the others grinned.

The mine has already been planted; all that's left is to wait for it to explode. Now, Wang Yaotang has to appease them.

"We'll deal with the future later. Let's make money first. With money in hand, we can solve most problems."

Located in a remote area, Khvatov and his men could only suppress these worrying issues for the time being, but the scale of smuggling had to continue to expand, to make money, to make more money!
If things don't go smoothly, the worst that can happen is to leave and go far away.

The entire Western world welcomed these people in an effort to dismantle the Russians, offering them very good treatment. However, people are less valuable away from home, and only with money in hand can they have confidence and ensure that they and their families can continue to enjoy life.

After Wang Yaotang's return trip was delayed, Khvatov privately invited Wang Yaotang to meet again.

After fighting with the West for so many years, it's impossible for these high-ranking Russian officials to completely trust the West. Considering Wang Yaotang's powerful influence throughout East Asia and his control of armed forces, this might be a viable option for their future.

“We’re promoting privatization, right? Your family can also get involved. I can provide funding, and you can provide technology and equipment. As long as you choose a suitable location, you can build a factory. The country belongs to the country, and individuals belong to themselves. No one can take that away,” Wang Yaotang said with a smile.

"Sure, but what kind of factory?"

"No rush. You can take stock of what you have on hand, and I'll go back and check out the market too."

“Alright, I’ll wait for your news, my friend.” Khvatov nodded, then, thinking it still wasn’t entirely safe, he smiled and said, “How about buying a couple more Venom Spiders to bolster your security company’s capabilities, or some airplanes?”

"The Strait of Tartary?"

"Yes, but I suggest you hire some Russians."

"Haha, of course no problem. Umbrella is mine. Umbrella is an international company that provides security and defense services to small and medium-sized countries around the world. The employees will not and cannot be only Chinese. I am open to the idea and welcome friends from all sides to develop Umbrella with me."

The two of them burst into laughter at the same time.

Therefore, they lingered in Vladivostok for a while longer, selling another Poison Spider 3 and a supply ship. This matter could not be kept from Sidorov, a staunch disintegrator who also wanted to leave himself a way out.

In early June, after bidding farewell to Wei Jinzhong again, Wang Yaotang flew back to China. At the same time, a Poison Spider 3 disguised as 037, along with a supply ship, left the Strait of Tartary, bypassed the Japanese, and arrived near Hong Kong in late June to join the Umbrella Fleet.

……

"What? You got it? The Poison Spider 3?"

"All radar and weapon systems are present?"

"And the 3M-80 'Moskit' supersonic anti-ship missile?"

Upon receiving Wang Yaotang's message, the superiors were so shocked that their jaws nearly dropped, their faces filled with disbelief.

But since it was Wang Yaotang who said this, they had no choice but to believe him. A mixture of astonishment, surprise, and delight flashed across their faces simultaneously. "This, Comrade Yaotang, hahaha, you see, right, umm..." This old acquaintance's features were all animated, conveying the same meaning: he wanted it!

The advanced technologies on the Venom Spider 3 play a very, very important role in the development of the nation's navy and missile technology.

But since it was something Wang Yaotang had acquired privately, the more he understood its value and how difficult it was to obtain, the more embarrassed he felt to ask for it.

Although the old acquaintance was embarrassed, he knew Wang Yaotang would agree.

Wang Yaotang knew he would agree, and he also knew his old acquaintance knew he would agree, but he just frowned and remained silent.

After some back and forth, and when the old acquaintance mentioned conditions such as the possibility of increasing cooperation on military equipment, Wang Yaotang finally smiled and nodded.

Both sides were satisfied with the result. It was necessary to pull them together. The country cannot take the benefits for nothing; it must make a gesture. Wang Yaotang had to cooperate, and the old acquaintances also had to effectively complete their work.

With all that settled, Wang Yaotang finally had time to take care of various industries, spending the last six months either in the Middle East or the Far East.

They held meetings one by one, starting with Sheng Yi. They had previously said that they would choose a new leader based on their own abilities. Wang Yaotang did not expect that Xing Hong would be the one to take the position in the end, but in retrospect, it made sense.

There was no way to let the traitor from the Water House rise to power. Moreover, Gao Lishi, the core figure of the Water House, was sent to Phuket to become the police chief. On Sheng Yi Lao Ren's side, Xing Hong was the most senior and had been with Wang Yaotang for a long time. Through alliances and maneuvering, he did the best job in Siam in the last year.

It was said that it all depended on ability and development. How could contacting more people to support oneself not be an ability? And Xing Hong did do a good job after officially taking over. He did not suppress the people of Shui Fang. The Siam branch leader was given to the traitor of Shui Fang.

Wang Yaotang called everyone back for a meeting, which was conducted like a normal company meeting, with summaries, reports, and development reports for next year. If you didn't know better, you would think it was a meeting of a multinational corporation.

Each report was quite well done, after all, it incorporated the normal business management system, with a dedicated secretarial team to write the materials. Each presentation was logical and well-supported, and Wang Yaotang's answers to questions on certain points were also quite good, which is good.

Therefore, there is no shortage of talent at the grassroots level.

"After following me for so many years, can't you have a bit of an international perspective?" After listening to all the speeches, Wang Yaotang said with some dissatisfaction, "You only have your eyes on your own little plot of land. How much profit can you squeeze out? What will you do when you reach a bottleneck? Go back to tradition and get involved in gambling and drugs?"

"Or are you waiting for me to develop the land for you, and then you wait to enjoy the fruits of your labor?"

"So, who the hell is going to support me or me?!"

"Southeast Asia is so big, with millions of Chinese in Malaysia. Could we leverage this to develop the market?"

"The Philippines is so close to Hong Kong Island, so when people flee, they all know to go to the Philippines. Why don't they think about going there to explore further?"

"What about Indonesia? What about Singapore? If all else fails, we can try Cambodia and Laos. Don't think that just because they're poor, there's no business to be had. The poorer the place, the more fertile ground for crime it is."

“We can also develop some business with the Koreans and Japanese. We don’t necessarily have to set up a business here. We are legitimate businessmen. Can’t we open a company? There are so many female resources in Korea and Japan. Why can’t we make good use of them?”

"Use your brain more. The profit margins for resources and primary processed products are very low. You need to refine them. You can cultivate them like celebrities. They don't necessarily have to achieve much. Even if it's just a forced fame, it'll do. Japanese female celebrities can sell for ten or twenty times the price in Korea, Hong Kong, Siam, or even Camel!"

"Camel's poultry service industry is expected to generate over $3 million in profit this year. To put that into perspective, the annual net profit of the Shengyi headquarters doesn't even reach that level. Don't you feel ashamed?"

These people are short-sighted. If you don't show them a way out, they'll just keep going in circles.

Unlike his hometown, Wang Yaotang couldn't expand his business there without Sheng Yi's cooperation.

If a place is dirty, and you insist on making it perfectly clean, then you're just being unsociable.

After reviewing Shengyi, Wang Yaotang spent a few more days paying attention to the clothing industry. It's a little embarrassing to admit, but after the arrival of that vixen, clothing became a thing of the past.

When Madam Niu suddenly saw the Bull Demon King, she was... very excited.

I was so excited I wanted to hit someone, if I wasn't too afraid to.

Years have passed, years have passed, and they've ignored us completely!

Do you remember there were 'red bean' and 'Giordano'?

So, how come some companies can thrive even after years of neglect and indifference from their owners? Well, believe it or not, there are some...

Without a stupid boss meddling in things, the company will only thrive!

Of course, this is on the premise that no one dares to embezzle the company, and Wang Yaotang happens to have that kind of deterrent power.

"Red Bean and Giordano are doing very well!" After hearing the report from his subordinates, Wang Yaotang said with a mixture of surprise and delight.

It is indeed very good. Back then, Hongdou only occupied the Hong Kong and Macao market and entered the markets of Taiwan, Japan and South Korea through Wang Yaotang's connections. However, with the increasing popularity of videotapes, economic development and openness of the social atmosphere, Hongdou has become the most famous "flirting" lingerie brand in East Asia, occupying 60% of the high-end market. Now its business is no longer just "flirting" lingerie, but has also developed "romantic" lingerie.

It has now become the official clothing for the 'Miss Hong Kong', 'Miss Taiwan', and 'Miss Asia' competitions, and has a significant brand influence.

Last year, its net profit was HK$18 billion, ranking first among all clothing brands in Hong Kong!
It's not even enough fabric to make a suit sleeve, yet it's more expensive than the suits themselves. How can they not make a profit?
Wang Yaotang highly praised the management team of Hongdou Lingerie. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Simply sponsoring these beauty pageants is a bit conservative. We can totally hold our own high-end press conference, invite the most famous models in all of Asia, spend money on publicity and reports in various media, and have the press conference videotaped and played for free by media outlets all over Asia. Hmm, in the early stages, we can give them some publicity."

“I can invite social elites and celebrities from all over Asia to attend, which will elevate the level of the launch event. Since we are already a high-end brand, the next goal is to become a luxury brand.”

A group of executives' eyes lit up instantly, and they all praised the boss for his wisdom, his boundless imagination, and for being a true god of wealth and a guiding light for everyone.

The management had actually had this idea for a long time, and the company had no shortage of funds, but they just couldn't pull off an underwear launch event.

Why would wealthy celebrities like Li Xiangjiao or Zheng Yutong, or stars famous throughout Asia, attend an underwear fashion show? It doesn't fit their image!

Without these people to make an impact, what's the point of a press conference that barely makes a ripple?

It can only be the boss!

After hearing the praise, Wang Yaotang was quite pleased, and Giordano later gave a report as well.

In the past few years, Giordano really didn't have much development. There were too many similar brands and the competition was too fierce. That is, until Wang Yaotang said that we could create a sports brand and start with sports shoes.

At that time, Nike was just starting out, and the market was still a blue ocean.

It started with sponsoring the Hong Kong First Division Football League as its title sponsor.

Influenced by the British, Hong Kong has a great local football atmosphere; players like Wong Yiu-tong made their names on football fields when they were young...

It's not just gangsters who like it; most Hong Kong celebrities also enjoy playing football.

Considering that football boots are not suitable for everyday wear, the Hong Kong Basketball League was later created. The Hong Kong Men's Basketball League was established in 1954, but its development was far less successful than that of football. However, with the sponsorship and promotion of Giordano, it has gradually become popular in recent years. Basketball requires less space and fewer players, so its promotion speed is quite fast.

Giordano's sponsorship of this project is really quite affordable, considering how small Hong Kong is.

Giordano's athletic shoes currently hold 30% of the Hong Kong and Macau market share, as it is a local brand. Reebok, Nike, and Adidas also have significant market shares, accounting for 60% of the market. The remaining 10% is shared by brands such as Puma and Converse.

Of course, this refers to authentic shoes. Then again, Giordano doesn't make counterfeit shoes; anyone who dared to do that would be turned into animal feed...

He gave Giordano's executives high praise, telling them they could go all out. If needed, Wang Yaotang could ask the Governor's House to expedite the renovation and expansion of the stadium. He believed that the Governor would not refuse him this favor, as official power should be involved in promoting the development of sports.

Another option is to encourage Hong Kong and Macau to jointly develop a league. Given their proximity, playing away games would be very convenient and wouldn't cost much more.

If things go well, Guangdong can also be brought in, under the guise of promoting exchanges between the two regions and sports diplomacy. Wang Yaotang felt it would be easy to persuade the higher-ups to support this.

The goal is to overtake Reebok, Nike, and Adidas, and then expand into other Southeast Asian countries.

After inspecting the two companies, Wang Yaotang privately called Xing Hong over and asked him to contact and integrate those in Hong Kong who make counterfeit shoes. He instructed them to increase and accelerate the imitation of the three major brand shoes, which could be divided into two categories: high-quality and low-quality.

Premium products attract genuine customers, while cheap and low-quality products damage their brand image.

Don't limit yourself to the Hong Kong and Macau markets; you can launch a massive campaign in Southeast Asian countries!

After inspecting the garment industry, the next day's focus will be on audio-visual product chain stores, followed by the nightclub system in the evening. After that, we'll look at mining, power, docks, banking, telecommunications, food, shipbuilding and repair, and then videotape and pager manufacturing plants in Shenzhen…

For two months, July and August, Wang Yaotang devoted all his energy to sorting out his various businesses.

It's surprising how many industries we span without going through the process. In 1990, our total revenue reached HK$645 billion, or US$86 billion!
Net profit was US$25.8 billion, equivalent to HK$193 billion!
It's just...that's how it is.

According to the information I obtained earlier, Li Xiangjiao's projects, including Hutchison Whampoa, Cheung Kong, Husky Oil, Hutchison Ports, and Watsons, earned HK$110 billion last year. Compared to that, he himself owns aircraft carriers, airplanes, and warships, and has been involved in so many things, yet he has earned relatively little.

I need to work even harder next year!

With this in mind, Wang Yaotang regained his fighting spirit and carefully studied the map of Southeast Asia, finally focusing his attention on Natuna Island.

If they want to continue to lord it over Southeast Asia and act as its henchmen, they need their own base of operations: an unsinkable aircraft carrier at sea.

1991 might be the last chance. Once the Russians completely collapse and the US ascends to the top, some things will be much more difficult to do. (End of Chapter)