A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Chapter 304 Japan's Defeat

The 'buying frenzy' for cotton has expanded further, with some small and medium-sized textile factory owners joining in, and even counterparts in the Yellow River Basin and North China hearing the news and joining in as well.

To Chen Guangliang's surprise, the Japanese textile factory hadn't noticed yet. It seemed they were overconfident, or perhaps it was due to language and environment.

The pre-purchase price of major textile factories is basically between 43 and 50 yuan per dan (a unit of weight), with 30% paid as a deposit first and the remainder paid upon delivery. There is a written contract as proof, and the "Jiangsu-Zhejiang conglomerate" provides credibility, so neither farmers nor intermediaries dare to breach the contract.

at the same time.

In order to facilitate Xinfeng Textile's cotton acquisition, Chen Guangliang did not convert the silver deposits held by Yan Renmei and Jiang Meiying into silver, but instead directly exchanged them for gold. Naturally, this money needed to remain in Shanghai as Ping An Bank's "trump card".

Furthermore, the South Korean government and the US government reached an agreement—the US would no longer purchase silver from China, and the South Korean government formulated strict "no melting of silver from the ocean" rules.

While being converted into gold, it also leased a vault from Ping An Bank, so there was no need to worry about it becoming legal tender; at the same time, gold is also a good investment, and it retains its value better than silver.

Silver has seen such a high price increase in recent years, but that's only on paper (e.g. against the US dollar and the British pound). In reality, the 'gold-silver exchange rate' still remains above 55.

Therefore, Yan Renmei's 350 million silver dollars (another 150 million of which needed to be used to repay a loan from Citibank) were equivalent to 245 million taels of silver, which could be exchanged for 4.4 taels of gold.

Jiang Meiying's 200 million silver dollars were exchanged for 2.5 taels of gold.

Not much, just over two tons of gold.

In early August, there was still a month to go before the cotton harvest season in the Yangtze River basin.

As is customary, textile factories would begin to mobilize at this time, and this year the Japanese textile factories in Shanghai were no exception; the Japanese would naturally entrust the purchase of cotton to "compradors and traitors".

But this year, they miscalculated!
A comprador rushed to Yamada Hideichi and said urgently, "Mr. Yamada, we're out of cotton!"

Yamada Shuichi frowned, then said, "No cotton?"

The comprador, panting, said, "Yes, the Jiangsu and Zhejiang consortium, in conjunction with Chinese-owned textile factories, began purchasing cotton from the Yangtze River basin more than a month ago through 'pre-purchase.' Many farmers have already signed 'pre-purchase' agreements and received a deposit. Only a small number of cotton farmers have not yet been purchased. Now, the price of cotton has been driven up to over 50 silver dollars per dan (a unit of weight), and it is extremely scarce."

Yamada Hideichi slammed his fist on the table and shouted, "I understand! It was Chen Guangliang who did this!"

The last time Chen Guangliang invited Chinese textile tycoons and financial bigwigs, it was to prepare for this event, but in order to cover it up, he disguised it as a factory visit and celebration.

hateful!

Then, Yamada Hideichi quickly asked, "No, even if they can buy a lot, there's still so much cotton in the Yangtze River basin."

The comprador said, "This year there has been widespread drought and flooding, resulting in reduced cotton production. There isn't much cotton in the Yangtze River basin. I've even heard that many textile bosses in the Yellow River basin and even North China heard the news in advance and their families were scrambling to buy cotton."

Yamada Hideichi slumped down. Without enough cotton, how could he defeat the Chinese-owned textile factories? This greatly diminished the prestige of this leading textile company in Shanghai, and more importantly, it disappointed the Great Japanese Empire.

"Go and buy cotton right now, buy as much as you can!"

"Ok"

Afterwards, Yamada Hideichi quickly made several phone calls to discuss solutions with everyone.

The joint venture between the "Jiangsu and Zhejiang conglomerates" to "pre-purchase cotton" was quickly reported by major media outlets.

Newspapers mostly praised Chinese-owned textile companies for learning their lesson this time, preemptively purchasing cotton resources to avoid large-scale acquisitions by foreign companies.

Of course, some Z-affiliated newspapers criticized the "Jiangsu-Zhejiang consortium" for taking advantage of farmers' lack of market knowledge and their eagerness to make a profit, and for "pre-purchasing" them at even lower prices.

The criticisms weren't entirely wrong.

The average price for this 'pre-purchase' was around 46-48 yuan per dan (a unit of weight), but cotton prices have now risen to over 52 yuan, so those cotton farmers who sold early have suffered considerable losses.

Especially in the early stages, people had no idea whether the total cotton production this year would increase or decrease; but as August approached, everyone basically knew one thing—this year's cotton production reduction was very serious.

At this point, some people had already started predicting in newspapers that the price of cotton this year should be between 52 and 55 yuan to be considered reasonable.

But in any case, many Chinese-owned factories have survived temporarily thanks to this "battle"; without this early purchase, the days ahead would have been difficult.

this day.

Chen Guangliang and the owners of more than 20 large and medium-sized textile factories in Shanghai continued their discussions in the executive conference room of the Shangri-La Hotel.

During this time, a textile business owner suggested, "Japanese textile mills are currently rushing to buy cotton at high prices. Should we take this opportunity to raise our prices?"

Rong Zongjing immediately said, "No, if the price is too high, the chances of farmers and middlemen defaulting will increase. Let the Japanese set the price too high themselves!"

The business owner who made the suggestion nodded in agreement.

At this point, Chen Guangliang said, "We do need to consider the possibility of breach of contract. At this time, we need to be united enough to avoid it as much as possible. At the same time, we should also present this conflict in the media as a war between Chinese-owned textile companies and Japanese textile companies. Japanese textile companies have been suppressing us with government subsidies. We have finally seized an opportunity, so we should naturally promote it more."

The nine Japanese textile companies listed in Shanghai are likely to have a major headache over cotton.

Rong Zongjing said happily, "That's right, we should publicize it extensively to severely damage the confidence of Japanese textile companies in Shanghai."

He also benefited from this. Although the cotton he acquired could not change the status quo of the 'Shenxin Group', it still had a significant impact on one or two factories.

Afterwards, everyone shared their opinions.

Everyone wore a look of pride this time, after all, they had tricked the Japanese.

However, Chen Guangliang remained relatively calm. Although they had placed orders for cotton from the Yangtze River basin in advance, the cotton production in Northeast China and Inner Mongolia, which were controlled by Japan, accounted for 40% of China's total cotton output.

On the other hand, it is certain that someone will sell cotton to the Japanese next, driven by the trend of high profits.

Therefore, although this was a victory, it was only a partial victory.

Without a strong nation, there can be no strong business.

Soon, public opinion in the Yangtze River basin rose up, and anyone who sold cotton to the Japanese was a traitor. Naturally, some groups cheered for the Jiangsu and Zhejiang conglomerates on this issue, since this was what they wanted to see.

At the same time, some Chinese-owned textile merchants took the opportunity to speculate on cotton, first buying cotton from farmers at high prices, and then selling it to the Japanese at even higher prices.

These developments indicate that Japanese textile manufacturers in the Yangtze River Delta region are facing serious trouble.

this day.

The Japanese consul in Shanghai held a meeting with representatives from the textile industry.

Consul General Ishigami Ishigami immediately launched into a tirade: "Are you all pigs? It took you so long to find out about the pre-purchases. Now we're getting news from Inner Mongolia and the three northeastern provinces that cotton production has also plummeted this year, and we still have to supply the Japanese Empire's homeland. What are you going to do about that?"

The dozen or so heads of Japanese textile companies from the Yangtze River Delta region were bowing their heads, looking extremely ashamed.

At this point, someone suggested, "Continue to buy cotton at high prices. The Chinese are greedy and profit-loving; they won't pass up a chance to make money!"

Ishigaki Ichitaro retorted angrily, "Then what price will you use to dump cotton yarn? Do you really think the Ministry of Commerce will give you any more subsidies?"

On one hand, Japan is buying cotton from China at high prices, and on the other hand, it is dumping textiles at low prices. Isn't this like Japan supplying clothes to the Chinese people?
Things suddenly became difficult, but this was the situation of Japanese textile factories in Shanghai, not the situation of the entire Japanese textile industry in China.

At this point, Yamada Shuichi stepped forward and said, "It was our oversight this time, and we will take full responsibility. We can find a solution ourselves."

Ishigami Ichitaro glanced at Yamada Hideichi and couldn't help but say, "I know your plan; it's nothing more than continuing to buy their cotton at high prices. But that would be too costly. I've already called Manchukuo and asked them to help you as much as possible. As for the rest, you'll have to figure it out yourselves!"

"Thank you, Consul Shi Shezhu."

With the cotton situation largely settled, Chen Guangliang was finally satisfied and could shift his focus to other matters.

Xinfeng Textile also profited handsomely from this cotton purchase, earning approximately 50 silver dollars from the appreciation of the cotton alone. Of course, this cotton would not be sold, but rather spun into yarn and further processed into fabric.

Only in this way can the benefits be maximized.

Xinfeng Textile Factory No. 2

Chen Guangliang, along with Tong Runfu, Li Shengbo, and others who were in charge of the Xinfeng Textile Factory, were inspecting the production workshop.

Tong Runfu pointed to one side and said, "Mr. Chen, these are the first batch of textile machines imported from Britain. They are among the most advanced textile machines in the world. With such machines, we will no longer be at a disadvantage in competing with the Japanese textile industry. In recent years, major manufacturers have been trying to replace their machines with better, more advanced ones to reduce costs and improve their competitiveness."

Technology truly changes the world!

Although the textile industry in China has a history of thousands of years, the modern textile industry rose to prominence thanks to imported textile machinery, including power equipment, which is also an essential facility for textile factories.

Looking at the brand-new textile machines spinning yarn at high speed with better quality, Chen Guangliang said in high spirits, "This machine looks like a money printing machine!"

Tong Runfu replied, "You could say that."

As a business owner, valuing efficiency is perfectly understandable; after all, those who don't understand efficiency are basically going out of business this time.

In China, running a business could yield profits of several hundred percent in a year, or only a few percent. Take the Nanyang Cigarette Factory as an example—its sales increased from 2500 million yuan to 3200 million yuan between 1920 and 1923, a growth of 28%, with average annual profits exceeding 400 million yuan. However, starting in 1927, due to intensified competition from domestic and foreign cigarette manufacturers, lack of protection for national capital, coupled with poor internal management and escalating family conflicts, the company suffered losses year after year. In 1928, Nanyang lost 225 million yuan, and in 1929, it lost 320 million yuan. After these severe losses in the late 20s, between 1930 and 1935, Nanyang's average annual profit was only 70 yuan, a mere fraction of its early annual profit of 400 million yuan.

Chen Guangliang continued, "I've properly maintained and stored all the obsolete equipment. I plan to use it in the new factory later!"

Tong Runfu immediately said, "The conditions in Hong Kong are very poor, so using the old equipment is fine."

He and Li Shengbo did not recommend opening a textile factory in Hong Kong, given the deficiencies in Hong Kong's water and electricity systems.

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "This is not for Hong Kong, but is intended for the Chongqing factory later. We will not consider this matter for now and will talk about it next year."

"Ok"

In this regard, Tong Runfu would not disagree with Chen Guangliang's opinion, after all, he was truly farsighted.

In Chen Guangliang's mind, the Chongqing factory was merely a means of 'supporting the War of Resistance,' and he had no intention of making any money. But precisely because of this, he was still calculating, and the scale of the investment in Chongqing would not be too large.

Finally, Chen Guangliang added, "By the way, with our Xinfeng Textile Factory establishing a specialized textile institute to train more textile talents, would you two be willing to do this?"

"willing"

They both answered at the same time.

I'm more than willing. I didn't expect that this boss would have such a long-term vision even before Xinfeng Textile has made a profit.

Chen Guangliang then said, "You can decide this matter yourselves. Next year, the factory should be able to gradually allocate funds to train textile talents."

Tong Runfu nodded quickly and said, "Okay, we must not affect the factory's normal operations."

The textile talents trained by Xinfeng Textile Institute were naturally employed by our factory. After the war, Chen Guangliang would definitely open a textile factory in Hong Kong, and they would all be needed.

Tong Runfu and Li Shengbo were both talented individuals who possessed both ideals and technical skills. Chen Guangliang didn't need them at that time, as they would have either started their own businesses or entered politics.

At the end of August, Chen Guangliang came to Hong Kong again, accompanied by his "second uncle" Yang Qingshan and his wife. When they arrived at the house on Conduit Road, Yang Xiuying was already waiting with her son. She was very affectionate to see Yang Qingshan and his wife, but she held back her tears and comforted them.

My second aunt said aggrievedly, "Xiuying gave birth here without knowing a single person. She suffered so much! Besides, the weather here is really hot. I was sweating profusely as soon as I got off the boat."

Yang Xiuying immediately said, "Actually, it was alright. During that time, my second cousin took leave to rest and accompany me, and his colleagues and friends also came to visit."

She is now resolute because she is destined not to return to Shanghai, having received a clear answer from her husband.

The fact that the husband could give such a clear answer means that his elder brother must have already made arrangements.

Compared to the petty remarks made by the mother and daughter, Yang Qingshan had finally come to understand things a little over the years and said to his son-in-law Chen Guangcong, "Guangcong, have you adapted to your work in Hong Kong?"

Chen Guangcong said frankly, "I've already adapted to it. I really like life here, especially the beautiful sea. My father-in-law and mother-in-law are here this time, so I can take you to see it."

Yang Qingshan said with satisfaction, "It's good that you can adapt. A woman should follow her husband wherever he goes, and besides, Xiuying is a rich wife here, so how bad can her life be!"

At this moment, Chen Guangliang said with a smile, "Let Xiaohu come to Hong Kong to work next year too."

Next year, Yang Xiaohu will be 18 years old. Although he is his cousin, he was also raised by him and sent to school for eight years, which has changed many things.

My second aunt jumped up immediately and said, "Guangliang, you have so many businesses in Shanghai, can't you just give Xiaohu a place! Our Xiaohu may not be as good at studying or doing things as Guangcong, but he's still strong and has some education, so he can do something!"

Chen Guangliang sat on the sofa and said, "Speaking of which, it depends on what you want. Working in Shanghai is fine too."

There was no rush to arrange for them to come to Hong Kong immediately. In fact, the second uncle and his wife and Yang Xiaohu could live in the concession until 1940 before coming to rely on their son-in-law's family in Hong Kong.

In the afternoon, Chen Guangliang arrived at the Ping An Bank Building.

Upon seeing this building, Chen Guangliang knew that if he brought his whole family to Hong Kong to develop their careers, the starting point would be far too high.

Of course, among the wealthy Shanghai residents who sought refuge in Hong Kong in their previous lives, there were certainly many rich people. For example, all the descendants of Rong Zongjing went to Hong Kong, taking with them at least a million US dollars in wealth; Liu Hongsheng's younger brother, Liu Jisheng, also came to Hong Kong with his children, and they had at least several hundred thousand US dollars in wealth; and 'Little Hardoon' also came to Shanghai.
The wealth these people brought was enormous, but they lacked a 'stable mindset,' always feeling that Hong Kong could be taken back at any time. Coupled with investments that were not adapted to the local environment, their later development was not as good as that of the Cantonese.

"boss"

The main people in charge here, Li Hongsheng and Zhang Shounian, were already waiting for him with the management team. Everyone sat down in the conference room.

Tell me about the situation in Hong Kong.

"it is good"

At this time, Hong Kong's economy was linked to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and the situation was actually quite similar.

Ping An Bank is considered a Shanghai-listed bank, and its local business here isn't particularly strong. However, its overseas foreign exchange business is gradually taking off. This business involves overseas Chinese remitting funds to the mainland via Hong Kong.

Zhang Shounian also reported on the investment situation: "Ping An Bank purchased a 12-square-foot warehouse site in Causeway Bay, a 20-square-foot industrial site in North Point, and two warehouses in Sai Wan, covering an area of ​​more than 3 square feet."

The warehouse was also industrial land, but Chen Guangliang was familiar with Hong Kong's land laws in the future. Changing industrial land to commercial and residential use would not cause any problems except for paying some money to the government.

Ping An Bank invested approximately RMB 100 million (about HKD 140 million) to purchase industrial land and warehouses; the former can be used to build factories, while the latter can be rented out for income now.

"Good, everything is progressing smoothly. This year, Ping An Bank has not only not been greatly affected, but has actually made even greater progress in investment. The difficulties are only temporary. I think the South China Sea will soon introduce relevant currency reforms, and Hong Kong will follow suit."

At that time, Hong Kong was also on the silver standard and its economy was closely related to that of Shanghai.

"Yes"

Subsequently, Chen Guangliang inspected the Ping An Building, which has become an important branch of Chen's enterprises such as Yangtze River Real Estate, Global Shipping, Xinfeng Textile, and Vitasoy.

The building also has a 'collection room' where some documents from the Chen family's businesses have been brought over. For example, there is a complete record of Cheung Kong Real Estate's history from its inception, presented in text, photographs, and film.

The next day, Chen Guangliang went to the 'Era Film Studios Hong Kong II' in Mingyuan Hill (Seven Sisters Road) in North Point for inspection. Zhuang Zhujiu happened to be in Hong Kong as well, so he accompanied him on the inspection.

Meanwhile, the original cast and crew of Phoenix Pictures are already lining up to wait for Chen Guangliang to come and inspect their work.

Ko Man-yuen, the head of Hong Kong Studio 2, introduced the cast and crew present to Chan Kwong-leung.

"Mr. Chen, this is Director Hou Yao, actor Wu Chufan, director Li Yingyuan, Mo Kangshi, actors Wang Yuanlong and Wang Cilong, and technicians Li Wenguang and Wan Dihuan."

Chen Guangliang shook hands with everyone one by one, then said, "There are colleagues from Hong Kong and colleagues from Shanghai, and now we are all contributing to the Chinese film industry. Our Times Films has always focused on commercial films, but before acquiring Phoenix Films, we also started making some art films, not for awards or profits, but to support the dreams of talented people. Of course, we will absolutely not make films that export to GM, after all, we don't know people who understand me, and we know my philosophy in running a newspaper, which is the same as my philosophy in running a cinema. We should learn from American films."

He doesn't particularly like films that lean towards either the left or the right, either commercial films or art films.

Films like "Song of the Fishermen," which won an award in Moscow last year, are unlikely to be made by Time Pictures.

Those present were surprised to find that the new boss had drawn a clear line for everyone as soon as he arrived, causing them to feel uneasy – meaning that if their philosophies differed, they were free to leave.

Hou Yao then said, "Mr. Chen, you are also a patriotic industrialist. I would like to ask if it is possible to make films on the theme of the War of Resistance against Japan, such as the Northeast Anti-Japanese War or the January 28th Incident?"

Chen Guangliang wasn't very familiar with the early directors and screenwriters, but he had heard that Hou Yao was a good film director and screenwriter.

“You can film it, but if you want it to be released, it can only be released in Southeast Asia, you understand that. Fortunately, we are currently increasing our investment in Southeast Asian cinemas. If we can recoup our costs there, then of course you can film it.”

The South Korean government originally did not allow the screening of anti-Japanese war films!
Hou Yao immediately felt relieved and said, "I understand."

Subsequently, Chen Guangliang visited the film studio, where the equipment was indeed very advanced and complete, which made up for the shortcomings of Hong Kong's No. 1 Studio.

On that day, the main responsible persons of the two film studios listened to Chen Guangliang's speech. The first thing he said was that the two studios should begin a formal merger, and Lu Hanzhang from Shanghai would be responsible for the integration.

In the evening, as is customary, Era Films held a banquet at its own production studio, where Chen Guangliang even saw Ruan Lingyu.

“Mr. Chen, I’ve settled down in Hong Kong!” Ruan Lingyu greeted him proactively.

"That's great news! Congratulations, Miss Ruan, on finding your new life goal!" Chen Guangliang said with a smile.

The feeling of saving a life is still quite good.

Ruan Lingyu then invited Chen Guangliang to dance, and the two blended into the crowd without drawing attention.

“Mr. Chen, actually I don’t have any new goals in life yet, but I think what you said makes some sense. We women can’t do without men.”

"You should set new goals in life, such as continuing to act and achieving greater success; take time to study screenwriting and directing, and maybe you'll become a female director in the future. In short, set your career goals first, and true love will naturally come."

"Thank you, you're such a kind person!"

He's willing to be a "good guy" to those he's dealing with.

Afterwards, Chen Guangliang and Ruan Lingyu separated. He still avoided suspicion, especially since Zhuang Zhujiu was also present.

Over the next few days, Chen Guangliang mainly investigated the situation of various companies in Hong Kong.

For example, Cheung Kong Property Holdings Limited, after five months of acquiring residential land and old buildings, has purchased approximately 50 square feet of land in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island (old buildings are calculated by land area), and has spent almost all of its HK$200 million investment.

Chen Guangliang said to Yan Kuan, the person in charge here, "Next, you should organize things properly. The construction funds are expected to arrive in port in October, and then construction will begin in batches."

Yan Kuan immediately said, "When we acquired the land, we planned for each plot and the old buildings, and we prepared the old buildings for rental. In fact, we are now able to start construction in batches. Ping An Bank in Hong Kong can support us, and they also need business."

Chen Guangliang was taken aback, not expecting that he had overlooked this point.

However, he was a man who would listen to advice, and immediately said, "Okay, then let's get ready to start construction, with Ping An Bank providing loan support. But we need to compile all the land and building plans for the old buildings into documents later and have someone take them back to Hong Kong for me, and we also need to make copies here."

Most of the buildings were 3-5 story tenement buildings (planning permits were required), and the first batch was expected to be available for rent around October 1936. The completion of all the construction coincided with the first wave of wealthy people coming to Hong Kong for refuge.

Yan Kuan replied, "Yes, we are working on that."

Unlike other real estate companies, Cheung Kong Real Estate has always been a modern real estate company. Even if Chen Guangliang trusts a management team, the job responsibilities of each department are different.

For example, Yan Kuan, although in charge of real estate in Hong Kong, was supervised and assisted by Wu Xinhe, the financial manager of Cheung Kong Real Estate, in terms of finance. Even the payments were directly transferred from Ping An Bank. Yan Kuan and others did not directly take over the finances.

The same applies to Chongqing, where Ping An Bank also has an office.

Of course, in this era, many capable people, once they reach a certain level, hope to go solo and start their own businesses. Some of Chen Guangliang's subordinates have done this, but it's relatively rare. At this time, Chen Guangliang wouldn't obstruct them; on the contrary, he would offer his support.

In fact, Chen Guangliang's company has always had one of the lowest turnover rates among large companies of this era, and many veteran employees have followed him all the way and become his "retainers".

Because for every company he runs, Chen Guangliang designs a 'pension' system for everyone. This pension not only covers the salary payment after retirement, but the company also organizes family gatherings and exchanges for employees from time to time, forming a big family.

This is a chaotic world, and everyone thinks that if something unexpected happens to them one day, it would be very good to have a company to support them and their families.

In this way, Chen Guangliang's subordinates and their families were actually firmly bound to the Chen Guangliang family. When their children grew up, they would basically serve the Chen Guangliang family. Conversely, the Chen Guangliang family would also value these "retainers". After all, times have changed, and such retainers and descendants are more trustworthy.

What's the latest news from Hong Kong?

Yan Kuan immediately said, "The brothers Hu Wenhu and Hu Wenbao, wealthy oil tycoons from Southeast Asia, are building a luxurious Tiger Balm Villa near Tai Hang Road in Causeway Bay. It's enormous in scale and has a unique design that's truly breathtaking. Speaking of which, these people all like to live in super-large houses. This is true for the wealthy in Shanghai, for overseas Chinese, and for the wealthy in Hong Kong. Actually, compared to you, Boss, their achievements in the business world are far inferior, but you, Boss, are never too extravagant when it comes to your residence."

Chen Guangliang didn't care about these things and chuckled, "No matter how well it's done, the Japanese will requisition it all when they occupy the country, so I'll just do what's appropriate."

Yan Kuan was taken aback and said, "Japan dares to interfere in Hong Kong?"

Chen Guangliang said, “I observe the domestic politics of Germany and Japan and believe that there will be a real world war. At that time, Germany will be in Europe and Japan will be in Asia. But don’t worry, no matter how chaotic things get, I will help you and your family to make a living. Otherwise, what would I be doing all this for? It’s not just for my family, but for everyone.”

Yan Kuan was deeply moved and said, "The boss has always been very good to everyone, and we are willing to work wholeheartedly with the boss."

Chen Guangliang waved his hand and said, "The pension system is originally your welfare. War is not terrible. We must have confidence that it will end one day, and it will be a victorious end."

"Um"

Companies such as Sin Fung Textile and Vitasoy have also opened branch factories in Hong Kong. Chen Guangliang visited the factory sites of these companies, which are currently under construction.

Chen Guangliang's principle is: take away legal assets if possible, and don't give any group a chance to get their hands on them, since they are the money he worked so hard to earn.

Therefore, every company has already prepared for a 'phased relocation'. If there is really no other way, they will stop production ahead of schedule and store the equipment in a safe place.

The factories of Sin Fung Textile and Vitasoy are both located in Kowloon Bay, occupying large areas of land at relatively low prices. These plots of land will be extremely valuable in the future.

Of course, Chen Guangliang is sincere about opening a factory in Hong Kong.

Xinfeng Textile's factory in Hong Kong is expected to have an investment of HK$150 million, making it one of the largest textile factories in Hong Kong. The textiles produced in Hong Kong are naturally intended to be imported into the anti-Japanese war zones on the mainland during the war, so as to both support the war effort and make money.

By 1941, Chen Guangliang would have immediately stopped production and transported the equipment to Macau for safekeeping, thus preventing the Japanese from occupying the city.

Soon, Chen Guangliang ended his trip to Hong Kong. By then, he already knew that the assets of his various businesses in Hong Kong were in the tens of millions, with real estate and properties accounting for a large proportion.

No wonder people in Shanghai are saying that Chen Guangliang really likes to invest in Hong Kong; obviously, this couldn't have been kept completely secret. At first, everyone thought it was just a natural progression to Hong Kong, but now everyone knows that Chen Guangliang values ​​Hong Kong highly.

(End of this chapter)