A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Chapter 319 Hong Kong Base
Chan Kwong-leung is relatively low-profile in Hong Kong, not involved in any political activities, and operates purely as a businessman.

The reason was simple: he knew that Britain and the United States at that time were actually somewhat "pro-Japan," and if he engaged in political activities in Hong Kong, he might be expelled or placed under surveillance one day.

Chen Guangliang's work in Hong Kong mainly focuses on companies such as Ping An Bank (Hong Kong), Xinfeng Textile (Hong Kong), Cheung Kong Properties, and Vitasoy.

He had very little involvement with companies like 'Times Pictures' and 'Oriental Daily News'. He was even less involved in the activities of 'Oriental Daily News'.

Of course, Chen Guangliang still has connections with these two companies.

In particular, although Zhuang Zhujiu is now the general manager of Times Pictures, Chen Guangliang still serves as the chairman and controls a significant portion of the shares.

In October, the Chinese army suffered setbacks on the Shanghai battlefield, and foreign aid began to decrease; until the emergence of the Eight Hundred Heroes, international aid increased again.

On this day, Chen Guangliang convened a meeting of Era Films at Studio 2 (Mingyuan Hill, North Point). Attendees included General Manager Zhuang Zhujiu, Assistant General Manager and Production Manager Lu Hanzhang, as well as directors and screenwriters.

By selling its film studios and cinemas in China ahead of schedule, Times Pictures avoided the biggest losses and was even able to pay off the debts incurred from the initial purchase of Phoenix Pictures.

With total assets exceeding 500 million, Times Films has become the undisputed 'King of Film' in China. Its assets are mainly concentrated in Hong Kong (two large film studios and several cinemas), as well as a number of cinemas in Southeast Asia. Of course, the cinemas in the concessions are also significant assets.

"Currently, we have two markets. The first market is the concessions. I think the cinemas in the concessions will be booming. However, only commercial films can be shown in the concessions. Films involving the War of Resistance against Japan will inevitably be banned in the concessions. The second market is Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. I hope there will be some films with the theme of the War of Resistance against Japan in these markets, especially in Southeast Asia where the demand is high."

After this "relocation", everyone admires Chen Guangliang immensely. The losses of Times Pictures are negligible, while film companies such as Star and Lianhua have suffered devastating blows.

At this point, only Shaw Brothers' Tianyi can barely compete with Era Films, and even then, it's only by a narrow margin.

Lu Hanzhang said, "We started filming anti-Japanese war films in July. They were made with the fate of Phoenix Films. Two films have been completed so far. These films are very popular in Southeast Asia, but the regulations in Hong Kong are also quite strict. In addition, Times Films is currently very strong in all aspects and can produce a lot of films a year."

Making twenty films a year is a piece of cake, after all, there are two major production bases, especially the Second Studio, which has excellent equipment in all aspects.

Zhuang Zhujiu said, "We only have 32 cinemas in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, which is far less than Tianyi's scale. Should we take this opportunity to expand?"

Shaw Brothers' Tianyi Theater likely owned over a hundred theaters in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. Of course, many of these were probably rural theaters, with investments mostly around ten or twenty thousand dollars.

Chen Guangliang then said, "Investment is possible, but the investment ratio should not be too high. We should invest in a model that allows for low construction costs and quick action. Perhaps in three or four years, Japan will invade Southeast Asia again, after all, Japan is too powerful in Asia."

These words sent chills down everyone's spines.

Some even asked, "Mr. Chen, will this war be won?"

This October, many people had this pessimistic thought, and this idea continued to spread in the days that followed; otherwise, how could there be so many traitors and lackeys?

On the other hand, according to later historical records, the situation during the War of Resistance against Japan caused the Chinese commanders to often shout and yell alone, which obviously indicated that they were under great pressure.

Only Chen Guangliang confidently stated, "The Chinese nation will never be defeated; victory is only a matter of time. Moreover, if a country ceases to exist, how can any egg remain intact when the nest is overturned? Therefore, during this period, we filmmakers must remain steadfast in our beliefs and create better works so that everyone can strengthen their confidence through the screen. Therefore, I plan to immediately begin filming 'The Eight Hundred,' based on the Sihang Warehouse Incident. The Oriental Daily has relatively complete materials on it. I hope Phoenix Pictures can produce a good film; the action must be swift, and the production must be excellent. These are my requirements."

"it is good"

The Sihang Warehouse is not only a story of the Eight Hundred Soldiers resisting the Japanese invaders, but also a story that showed the world China's determination to resist. Because of this event, aid that had been greatly reduced began to increase, and many small European countries (Belgium, Czech Republic) started selling weapons to China in a steady stream. Aid from Britain, France, the United States and the Soviet Union also began to increase.

If Phoenix Pictures were to produce a film called "The Eight Hundred" and release it in Southeast Asia, it would greatly increase the confidence of overseas Chinese in the War of Resistance against Japan and their donations. This demonstrates the importance of filmmaking.

Previously, Chen Guangliang avoided films with GM or anti-Japanese war themes because of the South Korean government's censorship system; now that the Chinese government no longer prevents such things, he naturally wants to fully support them. Anyway, if Hong Kong falls, the Japanese won't let go of period films either, so why be timid?

Next, Chen Guangliang added, "We also have the Times Cinema (one of the five major cinemas in Shanghai) in the concession, as well as some third- and fourth-run cinemas. This will be one of our important sources of revenue in the future, and the management there needs to be improved."

Zhuang Zhujiu nodded and said, "I made all the arrangements when I left Shanghai. The management personnel are all the company's elites, so there won't be any problems."

Chen Guangliang said, "We need to consider raising prices. The population of the concession will increase by one or two times. Wealthy people from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai will go there to live a life of debauchery, so prices need to be raised."

Zhuang Zhujiu and the others were taken aback. The boss's words seemed to be a dig at them, but they quickly realized that it was true. Everything in the concession would be more expensive in the future.

"Okay, I'll have them investigate right away, and then we'll discuss raising the price."

We're not worried about low attendance; on the contrary, we're seeing even higher attendance.

The only regret was that cinemas in the concessions could not screen films about the War of Resistance against Japan; they could only screen commercial films and mainly Western films.

At their villa on Conduit Road, the Chan family invited Zhuang Zhujiu, Sheng Qi and his wife, and their two children to their home. They gathered at a table and chairs on the lawn.

Sheng Qi said with a smile, "Thank you for preparing this villa for us, so that we wouldn't be homeless in Hong Kong."

After arriving in Hong Kong, the couple and their children immediately moved into a villa in the Mid-Levels of Causeway Bay. The land area was not large, only a little over 3000 square feet, but it was still a detached three-story house.

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "You are also senior executives of Times Pictures, so I will naturally take care of you. Not to mention that you are also our elders."

His use of "Mr. Zhuang" and "Seventh Miss" was not considered presumptuous and was a sign of respect. Of course, both of them also respected Chen Guangliang greatly, which was based on Chen Guangliang's social status.

Sheng Qi said, "But how long can we stay in Hong Kong? The Southern Whale government has already moved to Chongqing."

Chen Guangliang said, "We can have a few years of peace. Of course, when we go to Chongqing, it will be on the eve of Japan declaring war on Britain. I have also invested in a lot of properties in Chongqing, so there will be a place for everyone to settle down."

Zhuang Zhujiu and Sheng Qi were very surprised. It turned out that this guy had planned everything. They heard that Chen Guangliang had also invested in factories in Sichuan, producing sugar, alcohol, textiles, and food, and that the factories were mostly located in the concessions. His foresight was truly unmatched.

At this moment, Zhuang Zhujiu and Chen Guangliang began discussing the international situation. He asked, "Japan has always been afraid of the Western powers; I'm afraid they won't dare to start a war, right?"

Chen Guangliang said, "Europe has Germany, a militaristic country, which is equivalent to Japan in Asia, so the international situation is not optimistic."

He wanted to preserve 'Times Film Studio'. First, he planned to purchase land in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, which would quickly become capital for its rise after the war. Second, in the first half of 1941, he planned to move film equipment and other supplies to a warehouse in Macau, so that the studio could resume operations as soon as possible after the war.

If these two things are done well, Post-war Era Films will become the number one film company in Hong Kong, and Shaw Brothers will be able to become number two.

Zhuang Zhujiu then said, "Since it's unavoidable, why does Era Pictures still want to invest in Southeast Asia?"

Chen Guangliang said firmly, "Absolutely, because my sights are already set on the post-war period. As long as Japan is defeated, we can get all our land and properties back. For this investment, I hope you will mainly purchase land in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. When building cinemas on them, the construction will be economical and fast. After one year, I will stop investing in Southeast Asia."

Zhuang Zhujiu has become his right-hand man. The development of Era Films in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia in recent years is inseparable from his efforts. He himself comes from a prominent family in Changzhou and is very capable, which is why Chen Guangliang values ​​the couple so much.

Today, Times Pictures' assets are worth over 500 million, which is quite substantial, so Chen Guangliang naturally values ​​it highly.

Zhuang Zhujiu said seriously, "Okay, I understand what you mean!"

After finishing their business, Chen Guangliang held Sheng Qi's two-year-old daughter, and seemed to be considering having a daughter himself.

Sheng Qi deliberately said, "Since we came to Hong Kong together to escape the war, how about we arrange a marriage between our children?"

She and Zhuang Zhujiu have a son and a daughter. The daughter is the younger one, and she usually plays with Chen Wenjie and Chen Wenming when they are in Shanghai.

Sheng Qi really wanted to get married, after all, she knew that Chen Guangliang had a long-term vision and that his family would definitely become very powerful in the future.

Yan Renmei did not speak, but instead looked at Chen Guangliang.

Chen Guangliang said, "What era are we living in? Stop with that old stuff. I personally support free love. If they find each other attractive in the future, of course I'll support them. What do you say, Mr. Zhuang?"

Zhuang Zhujiu nodded and said, "Mr. Chen is right. We need to let the children communicate more so that they can have this kind of thinking."

What could he say? Naturally, he had to express his opinion while avoiding offending his wife.

Sheng Qi then said, "What are you saying? Back then, you and Renmei were no different."

Yan Renmei said in a sweet voice, "Godmother, why are you bringing up something you don't want to talk about!"

Her current feelings for Chen Guangliang are naturally somewhat tinged with the past. After all, she was somewhat reluctant to marry Chen Guangliang back then, not because he wasn't good enough, but because she wanted to focus on her studies.

Knowing he was in the wrong, Sheng Qi tried to change the subject and said, "Anyway, we're very good friends!"

She and Yan Renmei had a good relationship, but it became even closer after the couple joined Times Pictures. After all, Times Pictures symbolized her and Zhuang Zhujiu's career and gave Zhuang Zhujiu and Sheng Qi a high social status and honor.

The next day, Chen Guangliang arrived at the Xinfeng Textile Factory in Kowloon.

Factory director Zhang Fangshuo was transferred from Shanghai and was a textile talent who had studied in Japan. In fact, many of the management, technical personnel, and even outstanding female textile workers at Kowloon New Fung Textile Factory were transferred from Shanghai.

With the arrival of these talented individuals, Xinfeng Textile was not only able to start operations smoothly, but its business also improved steadily.

During the visit, Zhang Fangshuo introduced to Chen Guangliang: "Mr. Chen, our factory now has 3.62 spindles and 1520 textile workers, and operates on a three-shift system. 50% of our products are sold to Southeast Asia. In particular, our 'Crocodile' brand fabrics are very popular in Southeast Asia."

At this time, all the management and technical personnel in the Xinfeng system held the boss in the highest esteem.

Looking at the bustling scene in the factory, Chen Guangliang said with satisfaction, "We will soon receive the military's gauze order. The two factories in the concession, the Hong Kong factory, and even the Chongqing factory will all be busy for a long time. The Hong Kong factory has an advantage, which is that it is the most convenient to transport to the rear, but it also has a greater advantage in production than the Chongqing factory."

The Chongqing factory only gradually started operations in the second half of this year, and its production capacity has not yet been fully released. Moreover, the Chongqing factory has faced numerous difficulties since its establishment, including negotiating with landlords to purchase land, cooperating with Chongqing Power Company to complete the power connection project, building a public wharf, laying iron pipes to draw water from the Yangtze River to solve the problem of 1.5 gallons of water per month, building public roads, building air-raid shelters, shopping malls, medical clinics, consumer cooperatives, funding police to maintain order, and setting up a primary school, all of which required financial and labor contributions.

The only advantage there is that the cost of living is lower, and an investment of 100 million is equivalent to an investment of more than 150 million in Shanghai. Moreover, an additional 50 loan was later added to the investment, so the Chongqing factory has a similar production capacity to the Hong Kong factory, but on a larger scale.

Fortunately, with the addition of talents like Tong Runfu and Li Shengbo, Chen Guangliang didn't have to worry too much about these matters.

Zhang Fangshuo said, "No problem. Our products are already being sold domestically via the Yuehan Railway. We can also increase our production capacity quite a bit."

Compared to Chongqing, it was much more convenient to open a factory in either the concession or Hong Kong.

No wonder many people are quite negative or even resistant to this industrial relocation to the west, including well-known enterprises like Shenxin No. 4 Factory.

Of course, this westward industrial relocation was already a "traffic jam" at this time, and Chen Guangliang's initial investment of 100 million in shipping for Lu Zuofu also played a significant role in this process.

Afterwards, Chen Guangliang stood in the factory for a long time.

At this time, the four factories of Xinfeng Textile were mainly managed by professionals such as Tong Runfu and Li Shengbo, and there were no problems with their operation.

Especially in terms of technology, it is far superior to factories in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province.

Shanghai's industrial technology is unparalleled in the country, and its textiles are considered high-end products in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province, and are very popular in Southeast Asia. Therefore, with its investment and technology based in Shanghai, Xinfeng Textile basically has no worries about selling its products.

Making a breakthrough in a short period of time is a natural progression.

(End of this chapter)