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

Wang Yaotang arrived in Vladivostok, a city he had always been loyal to. He was greeted at the airport by Khvatov and Sidorov, and warmly welcomed by the entire Far East Fleet.

At this moment, it seemed as if Wang Yaotang was the master of the Far East Fleet!

From the end of 1990 to the present, over the past nine months, Wang Yaotang has transported 500,000 tons of grain to Vladivostok. The entire Far East Fleet, including their families in the Far East, depends on Wang Yaotang to ensure they have enough to eat!

Similarly, in just nine months, Wang Yaotang transported 300,000 sets of cotton-padded clothes, shoes, hats, and bedding, and 500,000 sets of spring and summer clothing to the Far East region, solving the clothing problem for the Far East Fleet and its families.

In just nine months, Wang Yaotang transported more than 40,000 tons of alcohol to the Far East, solving the 'spiritual food' needs of everyone from top to bottom.

Over nine months, Wang Yaotang transported medical supplies, daily necessities, magazines, videotapes, and other items to the Far East, ensuring the survival of the Far East Fleet...

Shouldn't everyone warmly welcome their benefactors who provide for them?

The high command of the Far East Fleet, led by Khvatov and Sidorov, tacitly approved of the supplies. After all, these supplies not only ensured the stability of the lower and middle ranks of the fleet throughout the year, preventing any major incidents, but also allowed them to sell a portion of the supplies to 805.66 million people across the Far East, earning them a large amount of US dollars and giving them a lot of confidence.

Incidentally, on January 1, 1991, the Russian government recorded a population of 8,056,600. Although there was no detailed census, estimates from various regions put the population at around 7.9 million.

Negative growth, 15 people!

Some of them are gone, and some might have been burned; who knows?

After all, the Far East's local grain production can only supply about 20% of the demand. The extremely short crop growing season and the inevitable frost disasters after spring planting make the land unsuitable for cultivation. Even 30 years later, with the comprehensive advancement of grain seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural machinery, local grain production can only cover about 36% of the demand.

Geographical and climatic issues are unsolvable.

As for the remaining supplies, they need to be transported from republics such as Kazakhstan. Other daily necessities, such as medicines, clothing, and footwear, are entirely dependent on foreign purchases.

Russians are strong, but they're not White Walkers...

Of course, the Far East is not without other partners, such as Xiao Rizhi, which is 800 kilometers away. However, Xiao Rizhi has to import all its food, and its per capita food consumption is even lower than that of the Russians. The prices of light industrial products are too high. Even if a few people can obtain relatively low-priced goods, the variety is too limited.

Globally, only Wang Yaotang has the ability to comprehensively resolve the Far East issue.

Neither the official channels of China nor Russia work, and this is no exaggeration. China does not accept rubles, barter involves valuation issues, railway capacity is limited, and the railways on both sides are of different specifications, requiring goods to be transferred to different wagons at the border. In addition, official channels are subject to restrictions from Moscow...

Wang Yaotang is different. He has worked with China Resources for many years and has extensive experience in exporting goods overseas. Backed by a major port, he has his own shipping fleet and does not need to consider issues such as tariffs under the national system. He has export channels for fuel oil, gold, non-ferrous metals, etc.

The advantage is too great!
No one but me!

Standing on the gangway, Wang Yaotang really wanted to wave down, but he managed to restrain himself. He knew he had to keep a low profile. Whether Khvatov and Sidorov were magnanimous was unknown, but now was certainly not the time to be ostentatious.

As always, he warmly embraced the Far East high-ranking officials, patting Khvatov on the back and saying with a hint of reproach, "Buddy, why did you make such a big fuss? I came here deliberately to keep a low profile. You... I... Moscow, sigh..."

"Hahaha, it's alright. Everyone here is one of us, someone we can trust. Comrade Wang has been a great help to our entire Far East Fleet over the past six months, and we can't turn a blind eye to that. We're short on supplies here and don't have anything nice to offer our friends, so we'll make sure you feel our hospitality."

"So enthusiastic, so incredibly enthusiastic!" Wang Yaotang smiled and waved to the people around him.

"Ula!"

Qi Qi's shout startled Wang Yaotang, and for some reason, he felt quite excited.

Khvatov and Sidorov were in a hurry, but now that Wang Yaotang had arrived, they were relieved and rushed to the banquet hall.

drink!
Let Comrade Wang experience the warmth of the Russians!

The next morning, Wang Yaotang lay on the bed with a blank expression, completely unable to remember what had happened.

Could these bastards have been mixing alcohol with alcohol they brought in themselves?
Beast!
After a good day of rest, Wang Yaotang finally got down to business with these beasts, starting with a show of force: "How do you think the Russian Emperor would thank those who drove tanks and followed him through the streets?"

"How do you plan to compete with them under the new system in the future?"

“You wanted me to come here to discuss this, so you certainly didn’t want me to say the best things. After all, you can figure these things out for yourselves. So, I’ll start by looking at something more realistic.”

Khvatov, Sidorov, and the others exchanged bewildered glances. They had asked them to offer their perspectives from a different angle, but not so directly.

How can it be!

Emperor Yang of Russia's current situation is strikingly similar to that of Zhao Kuangyin. He seized power through a coup, which can be considered a peaceful takeover, and subsequently rewarded his supporters handsomely.

Meanwhile, Khvatov, who was in the Far East with these people, ensured the stability of the fleet. In 93, he was transferred to the reserves, ending his 37-year service in the Pacific Fleet. He did not enter the federal high command and stayed in Vladivostok to retire. He passed away in 2020.

First Deputy Commander, Baldin, was transferred to command of the Black Sea Fleet in 92, where he was responsible for the complex division negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, before retiring.

Sidorov. Transferred to the reserves in 93...

The three top leaders of the new dynasty's Pacific Fleet were all promoted from below: the former "Commander of the Kamchatka Flotilla," "Commander of the Submarine Force," and "Chief of Staff." It's a case of a new emperor bringing in a new court.

Instead of using examples from Chinese history, Wang Yaotang cited examples from the Tsarist Russian period, leaving Khvatov and the others silent.

Regardless of how complex Khvatov and others' feelings towards the Soviet Union may be at the moment, the replacement of the old with the new is an unstoppable process.

They didn't ask the naive question of whether it would be useful to write to Emperor Yang of Russia now to express their loyalty. The position was too high; how would they be promoted when the new dynasty was established and merits were rewarded?
There's nowhere left to rise!

Those below still have room to maneuver, but these few definitely don't!
At the start of the meeting, Khvatov and the others remained silent. Wang Yaotang felt that the time was right, so he clapped his hands to attract everyone's attention and said with a smile, "Alright, there's no need to look so gloomy. Life is full of disappointments, so being happy is the most important thing."

"You all have a long future ahead of you. Why not change your environment and continue to shine, and build a new foundation for your family and future generations? The world is so big, go out and see more of it."

Khvatov forced an awkward smile. "Comrade Wang, it seems you already have a complete plan. Tell me about it."

“First of all, although I am in capitalist Hong Kong, I can still call you comrades. I understand the complicated feelings you all have at this moment. Our circumstances are not the same. I think we are the best partners, without exception.” Wang Yaotang gave everyone an understanding and firm look.

This is precisely why the two sides were able to get closer in a short period of time. If it were someone from a completely capitalist society, they really wouldn't be able to achieve this effect.

"More than 30 years of faith!" Wang Yaotang waved his hand. "Alright, let me tell you my thoughts. Currently, the Russian Empire is advocating for accelerating the privatization process. Well, in my personal opinion, I think it will definitely end in utter defeat!"

"This is a verdict from a super-rich person who went from having nothing to being worth tens of billions of dollars in just 10 years."

"what?"

Khvatov and the others were somewhat prepared and could accept what he had said before, but this statement completely shocked them.

Unbelievable!

"How is this possible? This, this, this... Privatization is a global trend, how could this be..."

Wang Yaotang snorted coldly, "The oldest capitalist countries like Britain and France are all nationalizing their economies because capitalism can't solve their problems anymore. That's why they're accelerating privatization now."

"Are they nationalizing it?" A group of people completely lost their composure, their expressions filled with disbelief.

It's not hard to understand; the Far East is too remote and information is scarce, and they don't care about this kind of thing.

"Yes, Britain twice, involving 'finance,' 'energy,' 'transportation,' 'postal and telecommunications,' 'automobile manufacturing,' 'shipbuilding,' 'aerospace,' 'steel,' and 'public utilities,' among others."

"France has done this three times, involving 'energy,' 'automobiles,' 'aviation,' 'finance,' 'transportation,' 'steel,' 'military industry,' 'telecommunications,' and 'nuclear energy,' among others."

Of course, what Wang Yaotang didn't mention is that Britain began full privatization again in 79 during Thatcher's era, which is why he was highly regarded. After a period of prosperity, Britain declined rapidly. France began phased and gradual privatization in 86, while retaining control over strategic areas.

Twenty years later, the difference became apparent. One became a son, obeying his father's every command, while the other became a nephew, always resentful and awkward.

After explaining the outside world to these warlord leaders, Wang Yaotang gave a concluding speech: "There is no panacea, and the world is not black and white. We must be friends with time; things will work out if we are hasty..."

Such a big country has so much heritage to draw upon, why are you in such a hurry!

The problem with capitalism is its impatience; capital is always too eager.

"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. If the Russian Empire wants to privatize, then we'll cooperate. I'll make a list. These are all companies that I believe have great potential, but have declined due to geographical location, supporting systems, management systems, and other issues. They have great value."

As he spoke, Wang Yaotang took out several documents and handed them to everyone.

"The Gagarin Aircraft Plant, the Amur Shipyard, and the Darzavod Shipyard are not non-privatized..."

“Our initial targets are companies such as ‘Vostok Shipyard’, ‘Darnegorsk Mining and Metallurgical Complex’, ‘Amur Steel Plant’, ‘Far East Diesel Engine Plant’, ‘Amur Cable Plant’, ‘Amur Foundry Machinery Plant’, ‘Komsomolsk Foundry Machinery Plant’, and ‘Khabarovsk Oil Processing Plant’.”

After looking around, Baldin asked, somewhat puzzled, "I don't see the Magadan Gold Mine Union, this..."

"Then let's talk about the core of our goal this time, and how to maximize our profits." Wang Yaotang coughed lightly. "The core is advanced technology, and the way to maximize profits is to transfer assets and talent."

“Take the Magadan gold mine as an example. Its core is the gold mine itself, a real ‘immovable’ asset. If left unattended, it will automatically decompose internally. We only need to purchase the finished gold at half or less of the market price, or directly exchange it for materials. We do not need to bear any costs or responsibilities, and the profits are higher.”

"There are other companies in the same category, including mining companies, forestry companies, agricultural companies, and light industry companies."

"Then isn't the Khabarovsk oil processing plant on your form also a resource company?"

"Oil is the core industry for Soviet G and Russia's future export earnings, and a long-term industry for the next few decades. I have been investing in the oil industry for two or three years, and I am very optimistic about it."

Well, with attention coming from a billionaire worth tens of billions of dollars, everyone was naturally convinced.

Seeing that everyone had seen enough, Wang Yaotang continued with a smile, "To convince you, and also to convince the original company's senior management, the reason why I believe the most profitable way is to transfer assets is primarily due to the climate issue."

"The Far East is too cold. Take the 'Eastern Shipyard' as an example. The heating costs alone to ensure the company's normal operation amount to as much as $3000 million per year. The construction and maintenance costs of the factory in this climate are as high as $4200 million. If these costs were moved to the warmer southern regions, they would all turn into profits. This is the most obvious example."

"Not to mention the costs of equipment lifespan and maintenance under such extreme weather conditions, and the costs incurred during shutdowns. I had someone calculate it, and it exceeds $6000 million."

"Oh, right, there are also employees. With the same monthly salary of $1000, in the Far East, he has to spend 20% of it on heating and clothing for the whole family, which greatly increases the cost of living. In the South, however, this would be a family surplus."

"Look, without changing anything, just by changing the location, $1.3 million can be turned into profit."

A collective gasp rippled through the small meeting room. Damn it.
"More convenient transportation, more orders, and with the military technology of the 'Eastern Shipyard,' the potential for profit is simply enormous!" Wang Yaotang spread his arms wide, his voice becoming increasingly loud. "You think that's all? No, no, no! As long as the Eastern Shipyard is relocated, we can poach the technology and talent from the 'Amur' and 'Dalzavo' shipyards!"

"This is a shipyard capable of building the world's most advanced technologies, such as nuclear submarines and cruisers. Once the technology is integrated and upgraded, it will be the best shipyard in the world, and its annual profit will definitely not be less than 10 billion US dollars!"

"This is an affirmation from a self-made billionaire!" Wang Yaotang waved his hand emphatically, and the small conference room was filled with heavy breathing.

$10 billion—just hearing about it gets your blood pumping, your heart pounding, and you just want to take the whole industry right now.

"I think you all deserve this," Wang Yaotang said, his voice softening.

Wang Yaotang then began to analyze their psychological problems, "Besides, these companies would have died if they had stayed in the Far East. Their previous existence and development were due to the 'public property' system, driven by demand rather than profit. But with the rise of the Russian Empire and Russia's embarkation on the capitalist path, as I said before, it's too wasteful. From a profit perspective, they will either go bankrupt or relocate. The coal saved for heating can be exported to earn foreign exchange..."

"You see, from any perspective, these companies have no chance of continuing to exist."

“Take back what is rightfully yours, preserve the decades of hard work of our ancestors, and ensure that the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on these industries for their livelihoods are not impoverished due to unemployment.”

"From a moral and rational standpoint, and from both a public and private perspective, we should do this!"

"Yes!" Khvatov waved his hand vigorously, "Take back what is rightfully ours."

"Preserve the hard work of our predecessors!" Sidorov shouted.

"Long live!" the three roared in unison.

"Hurrah!" everyone shouted in unison.

Wang Yaotang: Hurrah! Long live! (End of Chapter)