1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 299 Another year

"I met this young man Zhai Yuan once at the National Day dinner in Yanjing."

Fanling, Royal Hong Kong Golf Club.

At six o'clock in the morning, just as the sky was getting light, several figures appeared on the green field.

Li Ka-shing was wearing a thin shirt and was sweating a little from swinging the club. He was resting his head with the club and chatting with Zou Wenhuai, who was one year older than him.

The subject of discussion is the boss of 1024 who has been in the limelight recently.

"A 20-year-old housing estate kid, starting from scratch, has grown to this point in just a few years..."

Li Jiacheng waved his hand, and the caddy holding the suit behind him stepped aside.

He turned to Zou Wenhuai and said, "Brother Wen, I don't know much about movies, but I do have some knowledge in the business world. Just looking at Zhai Yuan's current development speed, not to mention me, even Shark Dantong and Baochuan Wang don't have this ability."

Zou Wenhuai asked suspiciously, "You mean, there are other people supporting him?"

Thinking of the National Day dinner that Li Jiacheng just mentioned, Zou Wenhuai frowned: "People from above?"

Li Jiacheng smiled noncommittally, looked into the distance and said: "The city of Hong Kong is now a free port. After the handover, the port will still be there, but it may not be free. It may become the second Huangpu."

At this point, Li Jiacheng shook his head and said, "Once the two legs of trade logistics and financial business are crippled, this city may not even be as good as Huangpu, so the pillar industry will definitely change. Brother Wen, do you think Zhai Yuan's current business is movies?"

Zou Wenhuai was confused: "Of course it's the movies. Now in Hong Kong, except for my Jiahe, all other film companies are almost wiped out by 91 Entertainment."

Li Jiacheng did not keep the secret and said: "The movie is just a package. What really made him stand out is the recent VCD and CD."

Zou Wenhuai was puzzled and said: "These two products are indeed very sharp, but in the final analysis, they are still moving towards the direction of film and entertainment, and do not seem to be separated from his main business."

"I have been to the mainland for two meetings and have a better understanding of the future development of Hong Kong."

Li Jiacheng said: "One thing that is certain at present is that after the return, a technology-related fund organization will be established to develop and support science and technology-related departments. It seems that they are planning to build Hong Kong into a cyberport. Think about it carefully. Zhai Yuan's Qvod Technology Company appeared out of thin air. Our marketing department has studied that if CDs replace videotapes, Qvod will be at least a 10 billion-level industry in the future, with small land occupation, less pollution, and high output. Most importantly, the factory building with core technology can be moved at any time. There is no one to support such an enterprise. How can a 20-year-old young man do it?"

From a practical perspective, everything Li Ka-shing said stands up to scrutiny.

That makes sense, but Mr. Zhai is unreasonable.

Zou Wenhuai's eyes gradually showed enlightenment. It turned out that Zhai Yuan was not alone.

This way it all makes sense.

"Grandpa is supporting him from behind, no wonder, no wonder..."

Zou Wenhuai nodded secretly, and then he was a little confused: "Why not an old-fashioned film company like Jiahe or Zhaoshi?"

Li Jiacheng said, "How do you know that Uncle Zhao Liu was not informed? He and Zhai Yuan were both invited to the National Day dinner. Besides, the newspapers this morning also reported that 91 Entertainment spent 100 million Hong Kong dollars to acquire all of Zhao's film copyrights. The two sides must have started cooperation a long time ago."

Zou Wenhuai felt something was wrong instantly.

This morning's news broke that 1 Entertainment spent HK$703 million to buy the copyrights of films from Zhao's company. In the early days of Zhai Yuan's business, he also rented four leading theaters from Zhao's company, and even most of his company's actors were poached from Zhao's company...

It turns out that you two have been pregnant for a long time!

Zhao Laoliu can’t beat Jiahe in the film market, so he colludes with the imperial envoy to bully me?
Zou Wenhuai gripped the club and said, "Zhai Yuan sent someone to discuss the acquisition of Jiahe. Was it Grandpa's idea?"

Li Jiacheng did not comment, but asked: "What does Brother Wen think about returning?"

Zou Wenhuai narrowed his eyes and said, "You rich people are from Chaozhou, Shunde, Ningzhe, and all kinds of people. I am a native Hong Konger. I have never seen a passport since I was born. England is too far away, and I can't get used to the foreign language. I am closer to the mainland across the river."

"My old friend, let me tell you an immutable rule in the business world: don't put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your investments to reduce risk."

Li Ka Shing swung his club in the air a few times, making a whistling sound. "Last week, the Singapore government sent me an invitation letter, inviting me and 10 Hong Kong businessmen including Chinese shipping magnates Cao Wenjing, Shark Dantong, and Li Zhaoji to invest in their construction and development of Suntec City. I plan to build a few textile factories there. If you are willing to go with me, I will support you in building a new cinema chain."

Zou Wenhuai's eyes narrowed slightly, and after a moment's silence, he smiled and said, "Jiahe already has 15 theater chains in Xingjiapo. We can't afford to take over more. Let's talk more."

……

The end of the lunar year 1985.

Hong Kong media broke a bombshell.

Well-known Hong Kong businessman Li Chaoren "abandoned Hong Kong and joined Singapore" and obtained permanent residency in Singapore.

Same day.

Zhai Yuan received a call from Zou Wenhuai.

hang up the phone.

Zhai Yuan looked a little strange.

Shi Nansheng asked: "What's the matter, boss?"

Zhai Yuan scratched his head: "Zou Wenhuai called me personally and wanted to discuss cooperation with me again."

Shi Nansheng was startled when he heard this and asked, "What does Jiahe want to talk about?"

Zhai Yuan said: "He plans to invest 10 million yuan to buy shares in our new visual effects company."

"A counterattack against our previous acquisition of Jiahe?"

"No." Zhai Yuan shook his head and said, "He only wants 20% of New Vision's shares. It looks like he is giving money away."

Shi Nansheng was puzzled. When they discussed the acquisition, the other party had offered a sky-high price of 15 billion and had an attitude of disdain for cooperation. How could they suddenly change their intention in just over a month?

Although it is an investment in a new visual effects company, everyone can see that this is Zou Wenhuai showing goodwill to 91 Entertainment.

Otherwise, with Zou Wenhuai taking 10 million, Jiahe could easily open a special effects company on its own and there would be no need for them to come to us specifically to discuss cooperation.

The two thought about it for a long time but couldn't figure out Boss Zou's intention.

"Mr. Zhai didn't continue to talk to him about the acquisition of Jiahe?"

"He said he has enough energy now and doesn't want to sell the company for the time being."

"temporary?"

When Shi Nansheng heard the meaning of these two words, his brows furrowed even more tightly.

"Forget it, let's not think about it for now."

Zhai Yuan waved his hand and put aside the things he couldn't figure out.

He asked Shi Nansheng, "I currently own 60% of New Vision, and you and Lao Xu each own 20%. Whether it was dividends or housing funds, we are still shareholders of this company. Now Zou Wenhuai has taken the initiative to bring in money and wants a 20% stake. What do you and Lao Xu think?"

In Zhai Yuan's opinion, Xu Qi's talent was actually not worth 20%. However, the housekeeper was too dedicated, and it was difficult to find a second senior worker more suitable than Shi Nansheng in the Hong Kong film industry, so Zhai Yuan simply gave half of the shares to the couple.

When Shi Nansheng heard him ask, he didn't hesitate too much. After a little thought, he said, "Ah Xu and I will each pay 10% to him."

Zhai Yuan pondered and said, "Ten million is not a big deal for the company right now. It doesn't matter if we don't cooperate."

Shi Nansheng smiled and said, "Boss Zou came to us personally, so we have to give him some face. Mr. Zhai, don't worry about it being difficult for us. You don't think much of 10 million. I can retire directly with this money."

Zhai Yuan was also amused: "You want to retire with 10 million? 100 million, I will consider letting you go after you earn 100 million in the company."

Zou Wenhuai inexplicably became a shareholder of New Vision.

Chen Shilon, who had been clamoring to bring an army to bear to punish the culprit, suddenly fell silent.

The end of the year is approaching.

Although the heads of Jiuyi and Jiahe have not met, they seem to have reached some kind of tacit understanding, and the tension has dissipated.

at the same time.

There is new turmoil in the Japanese stock market.

1 month 24 day.

The appreciation trend of the Japanese yen continues, with the exchange rate approaching 1:200.

Japanese reporters asked Finance Minister Noboru Takeshita what he thought about this.
On TV, Takeshita looked relaxed in front of the camera: "Each industry is different, and there are some acceptable environments. Even if the yen falls below 200, so what? Even if it is 190, it doesn't mean anything."

The original intention was to give the market a boost, but one sentence ended up causing an uproar.

Reuters published Takeshita's speech that day, with the caption: "Takeshita said that he could accept an exchange rate of around 190 yen."

The exchange rate, which was struggling on the death line of 1:200, fell to 197 that day.

2 month 5 day.

The exchange rate of the Japanese yen against the US dollar broke through 190, reaching an exaggerated figure of 1:189.

There is no stopping trend.

At this point, it is completely meaningless to investigate whether Takeshita Noboru was a "big mouth" or the media misinterpreted his original intention.

Financial market traders believe that the Japanese yen still has huge room for appreciation and continue to buy the yen to raise the exchange rate.

Even if the Bank of Japan intervened and sold a large amount of yen, it would still be futile.

2 month 8 day.

The New Year’s Eve of the Lunar New Year has arrived.

……

This year's New Year's Eve, Zhai Yuan's home was bustling with activity.

Zhao Meizhen cordially invited Zhou Haimei and her entire family to come to Deep Water Bay Garden Villa for a reunion dinner.

Zhai Yuan has not returned yet.

"He said he had some work to do at the company. I don't know what he would be busy with during the Chinese New Year. What a loser!"

Zhao Meizhen grumbled and scolded Zhai Yuan.

Zhou's family members all said that it was okay: "Ayuan's business is big now, and he's often in the newspapers. It's good for young people to be busy..."

Zhai Yuan was busy running around.

Starting from the daytime, I accompanied Michelle Ye, Moon Lee, and Alan Tang on a tour.

When it got dark, he asked Chow Hui Man to come out again and set off fireworks on the river bank in North Point, which made the little girl's eyes sparkle and moist.

Then I rushed home without stopping.

"We have to find a time to show our cards. I am now a billionaire, pretending to be a thief."

Zhai Yuan sat in the car, wondering who to talk to first and who to talk to next.

In fact, it’s mainly because the two girls, Zhou Haimei and Zhou Huimin, are not easy to deal with.

Very annoying!

Zhai Yuan returned home with a sad face, and both families had been waiting at the dining table for a long time.

Father Zhou was still saying, "Don't start eating yet. Let's wait for A Yuan to come back."

As soon as Zhai Yuan showed up, Zhou Haimei jumped up from her chair, took three or two steps and threw herself into his arms, calling him "cousin" sweetly.

The two families finished their New Year’s Eve dinner.

Rows of fireworks were placed in front of the garden.

Zhai Yuan stood on the steps holding Zhou Haimei, while Zhai Yao held a stick of incense and couldn't wait to light the fireworks.

"Be careful, don't hurt yourself."

"I know! It's so annoying!"

The fireworks ignited, exploding into brilliant patterns in the air.

The firelight illuminated Zhou Haimei's pretty face in front of the steps, her eyes full of happiness and joy.

Zhai Yuan opened his mouth: "Um, Hai Mei..."

Zhou Haimei turned her head and stared at him with innocent eyes: "Huh?"

Zhai Yuan swallowed back the words he wanted to say to himself, his eyes melancholy: "It's okay, I just suddenly miss you a little bit."

Zhou Haimei was so moved that she buried her face in Zhai Yuan's arms.

Zhai Yuan stroked the girl's hair and sighed silently in his heart.

孽 孽!
…………

All of February.

Zhai Yuan basically did nothing serious.

Liang Zhichao called back from Japan: "Brother Yuan, Happy New Year! The cherry blossoms in Tokyo are about to bloom. I'm doing fine here, don't worry."

Zhai Yuan laughed dryly, he didn't expect that Brother Chao went to Japan and now he is pursuing the literary and artistic route.

The 14th is Valentine’s Day and my birthday.

Zhai Yuan divided his time into several parts and ran back and forth between several women.

Twenty-one years old.

That night.

Seeing that her legs were a little unsteady, Moon Lee propped herself up and, with a red face, covered the bed sheet with her hands and walked into the bathroom.

Zhai Yuan leaned against the head of the bed and sighed softly.

One year is approaching the return, and the situation is becoming more and more chaotic.

Fortunately, I now have some capital, and I have gradually established a firm foothold in Hong Kong. I can set up a new company to deal with the messy gangs, and the security company can deal with the dragons that will soon arrive...

There seemed to be no worries.

So this year we should roll the snowball into a big dumpling soup.

……

He bought the copyrights of more than 1 Zhao's films for HK$700 million.

The Yuen Long factory started burning the discs overtime and all production lines were put into operation. Every day, tens of thousands of discs rolled off the assembly line and entered the market.

A report of QVOD was quickly compiled at the beginning of the year.

Just over three months.

The market share of VCD has exceeded 20%, and the market share of CD rental has reached 37%.

For citizens, the price of renting a videotape is enough to rent dozens of CDs, and even if they are damaged and the compensation is not as expensive as a cassette.

"Walt Disney wants to cooperate with Qvod and offers 80 million US dollars in the hope of obtaining the distribution rights of VCDs and optical discs in North America."

When Zhai Yuan went to Yuen Long for inspection, Guan Weiming brought him a piece of news.

"Sony has raised the price to 1 million, so why is Disney so stingy?"

Zhai Yuan sneered and didn't talk much about it. He took a still warm CD from the track and looked at it. He asked Guan Weiming: "Can you do more spray printing on the CD?"

Current CDs are still relatively simple, with only the movie name printed in the hollow center.

Zhai Yuan briefly explained his requirements, hoping to spray a corresponding pattern on the newly produced CDs: "If there is a big golden cat on the CD, wouldn't it attract more people's attention when it is placed in the store?"

Guan Weiming understood immediately: "I'll discuss it with the technical department. It shouldn't be difficult to achieve."

Zhai Yuan nodded and inspected the area again.

He Zilang rushed over from Xiawan Village and reminded him of another thing: "Mr. Zhai, the council election is in April, it's time to canvass for votes."

(End of this chapter)