A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

1940 October.

Chen Guangliang escorted Jiang Meiying, Chen Wenjin, and Chen Leyi, a mother and her three children, to New York.

Because after this, their family would not be able to reunite for another five years, Chen Guangliang personally escorted them, and the voyage lasted 21 days.

Although the journey was long, Chen Guangliang didn't feel anxious because his family was together. Besides, he had been semi-secluded in Hong Kong for more than three years and was quite used to having free time.

When he arrived in New York, Jack came to the port with a convoy to pick him up.

"Boss, it's so nice to see you again!"

"Jack, it's been a long time."

The two sides felt very cordial upon meeting, and it seemed that Jack was a decent person.

After they met at the end of 1934, Jack went to Shanghai and Hong Kong once each. This was not at Chen Guangliang's request, but rather Jack took the initiative to find Chen Guangliang to report on the situation. You should know that this round trip would take at least two months, not to mention the risks of the journey.

After exchanging pleasantries, the convoy headed towards the villa on Long Island. Jiang Meiying and her son were accompanied by a female bodyguard and a maid when they came to New York to stay.

Upon arriving at the villa, Chen Guangliang immediately noticed how well it was maintained. Even the flowers in the garden were blooming brightly, and the plants were well-trimmed. It seemed that Jack was a reliable person.

But thinking about it, it makes sense. Jack takes nearly $2 in revenue from Chen Guangliang every year. Of course, Chen Guangliang doesn't know if he has any extra income, but in any case, the property, currently worth about 300 million, is all handed over to him for rent.

"Boss, Madam Chen, this place is cleaned and maintained regularly, and all the household items inside are newly purchased. Please feel free to let me know if you have any needs!"

Chen Guangliang patted Jack on the shoulder and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Jack! My brother's family is also coming to New York to escape the war. Could you prepare another apartment for them?"

Jack asked curiously, "Boss, why didn't you come to New York to escape the war?"

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "I still need to go back to China to support the country in winning this war as a businessman."

"Can you beat me?"

That's a very American question!
Chen Guangliang stated frankly, "I believe China will definitely win."

Jack nodded and didn't discuss the matter further.

After a while, Jack left behind the two middle-aged maids, one in black and one in white, and then departed.

Chen Guangliang looked at Jiang Meiying and the children and said with a smile, "Cheer up, everyone. This will be our home from now on."

Jiang Meiying leaned on Chen Guangliang's shoulder and said, "We are very happy, after all, you have found us a safe home."

She quickly composed herself. Before leaving, Chen Guangliang told Jiang Meiying that this separation might last three or five years, but if the war wasn't won within five years, he would definitely find a way to come to the United States. Chen Guangliang also told her that in five years, flying would be faster and safer, and they looked forward to the future together.

In short, Chen Guangliang calmed Jiang Meiying down.

Even when Jiang Meiying and her two children came to live in New York, Chen Guangliang changed his mind and decided to settle Chen Guangcong's family in the United States for a few years as well, naturally with the aim of having more relatives there.

As for other aspects, with Jack as a local friend, there shouldn't be any major problems.

“I will stay in New York for another 20 days. We must keep a positive attitude, especially since the child is our support. If it weren’t for the child, I would have kept you by my side forever.”

At this moment, Chen Wenjin and her younger sister Chen Leyi were already running and playing happily in their new home. The two children had naturally suffered a bit on the boat, and now their natural instincts were being released.

Jiang Meiying looked at her children, then whispered in Chen Guangliang's ear, "I think I can definitely conceive our third child in these 20 days!"

Chen Guangliang hesitated for a moment and said, "Mei Ying, I'm worried that it might be inconvenient for you to be in an unfamiliar place while you're pregnant."

Jiang Meiying immediately said, "You've arranged everything so well, what's inconvenient about it? And don't forget, my English is already very good, and I can handle these things."

Without further hesitation, Chen Guangliang said, "Okay, then let's do our best!"

In recent years, Chen Guangliang has also discovered a secret: his two women seem to have been "infected" by him, with their cells undergoing certain mutations, mainly manifested in: smoother skin, and presumably, very anti-aging properties. Although Jiang Meiying is only 27 years old this year, she really hasn't changed much from six years ago, even though she's a woman who has given birth to two children in that time.

For this reason, Chen Guangliang, Yan Renmei, and Jiang Meiying were full of hope for the future. Although they would be separated for some time, it was not too long if they considered it as a lifetime.

That night, in the new home.

Chen Guangliang lay on top of Jiang Meiying and said, "I heard that DuPont made stockings from nylon in May this year, and sold more than 70,000 pairs in one day. Let's go see if we can buy some tomorrow. I think someone with your figure would be even sexier!"

"Fine, I'll let you do whatever you want!"

"I don't want to manipulate you, I want you to take the initiative."

"Yes, my lord."

That night, Chen Guangliang released the energy he had accumulated over twenty days of abstinence.

On the third day, Chen Guangliang took Jiang Meiying to the headquarters of Citibank in New York. He transferred all of the $300 million deposited at the end of 1934, along with $82 in interest, to Jiang Meiying's name.

The gold that Jiang Meiying originally possessed had already been deposited into Datong Bank under the name of Ping An Bank, and Jiang Meiying no longer needed it.

Back at the Long Island villa, Chen Guangliang said to Jiang Meiying, "This $382 million is the asset of your branch of the family. Of course, compared to the assets of the first branch, you don't get much. But as long as you follow my arrangements, this asset will exceed $1000 million in five years."

Jiang Meiying asked curiously, "That amazing?"

Chen Guangliang nodded and said, "Remember this: First, become a U.S. citizen as soon as possible and bring your child with you. Jack will help with that. Second, in the second quarter of 1942, invest $350 million in U.S. military stocks, such as DuPont, Lockheed, Boeing, and General Dynamics. Then just leave it alone until the end of World War II."

His initial stock investment has appreciated to over $400 million, and he plans to cash out and deposit the money in a bank. After all, US stocks may fall next year (due to threats of war, Pearl Harbor, etc.).

Therefore, we simply let Jiang Meiying trade US stocks.

Chen Guangliang was certain that 1942 was the right time to buy stocks because he considered that the attack on Pearl Harbor would cause a sharp drop in US stocks, and that the war might also be unfavorable in the early 1942 period, causing stocks to fall as well.

After buying in 1942, US military stocks were bound to skyrocket in the following years. It seems that Yu Fengzhi, Zhang Xueliang's first wife in a previous life, made a fortune by speculating in US stocks during this event.

Jiang Meiying no longer asked Chen Guangliang 'why he was so certain', because she knew this man was mysterious.

Why are you writing this down?

"I was afraid you wouldn't remember it, so I locked it in a safe. Besides, other people might not be able to understand it either."

"Oh"

Chen Guangliang put his arm around Jiang Meiying and said, "I am very sorry that the children will lack a father's love. But I promise you that I will bring you back to Hong Kong after the war, and the children can come to the United States to study when they grow up."

After 1945, we still need to bring Jiang Meiying to Hong Kong, since a couple can't be separated for so long; there's no other way now. The children can come to the US to study high school, university, and start their own businesses, fostering greater independence.

Jiang Meiying immediately said with deep emotion, "You don't need to apologize. I know this is in the best interests of the family and the best arrangement. I will definitely educate the children well."

In fact, six-year-old Chen Wenjin is already quite sensible and has many memories of her family; five years later, when everyone reunites, they can cultivate their relationships effectively. Night.

Jiang Meiying changed into black stockings made by DuPont and wore a camisole nightgown, looking so sexy that Chen Guangliang almost had a nosebleed. Although they had been married for many years, this newfound excitement was enough to make their blood boil.

Chen Guangliang lingered on Jiang Meiying's lap, kissing her repeatedly.

Jiang Meiying said coquettishly, "Is something from abroad more alluring than me?"

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "Why be jealous of a pair of stockings? If an ugly person wears this, it will look ugly. Only when a truly beautiful woman wears it will it enhance her beauty."

Jiang Meiying immediately said, "Then remember to take some back with you, your sister might really like them!"

Over the years, Yan Renmei and Jiang Meiying have become a classic example of the "first wife and second wife" relationship. The two women treat each other with respect, with Jiang Meiying taking the initiative to be modest and Yan Renmei being generous and composed.

During these three years, Chen Guangliang spent four days a week with Yan Renmei and three days a week with Jiang Meiying. Although it was not absolutely fair, it was the best way to handle the situation.

"That's true. If you two ever wear them together, my life will be complete!"

Jiang Meiying blushed and said, "What are you thinking? That's outrageous! This isn't how you enjoy the blessings of having two wives! Besides, my sister is so dignified, how could she agree to such a thing as you?"

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "I just said we should wear stockings together and show them to me, what were you thinking!"

After the joke, a storm naturally followed.

Chen Guangliang, along with Jiang Meiying, also met Benjamin Graham and Jerome Newman.

Upon hearing that Chen Guangliang wanted to withdraw his investment funds, Benjamin readily agreed, saying, "No problem. We haven't let Mr. Chen down. In the six years since the end of 1934, we have more than doubled Mr. Chen's funds."

Even after deducting commissions, the profit doubled, and Chen Guangliang could recoup approximately 230 million yuan; while the stocks he invested in himself only brought back a little over 180 million yuan.

The main reason was that Chen Guangliang was far from the United States; otherwise, he would have definitely cashed out his stocks before the European theater of war in 1939.

During this period, the Dow Jones rose from over 90 points to 190 points, but fell considerably in 1937. It rose again to 150 points in 1938, and is now only over 140 points.

The key is choosing good stocks!
"Of course, I am very satisfied with this collaboration."

At this point, Jerome tried to ask, "Why did Mr. Chen withdraw his funds?"

Chen Guangliang thought for a moment and said, "I think the United States will also be drawn into the war, so there is still risk in the US stock market."

In interpersonal interactions, how can you make friends if you don't bring up topics that interest everyone?

Sure enough, Jerome exclaimed in surprise, "Impossible! The battlefields in Europe and Asia are far from our Americas, and we Americans have the strength to fight against Germany and Japan!"

Chen Guangliang said with a smile, "No, Japan will definitely launch a surprise attack on the United States for resources, so that it can control the Pacific Ocean."

In fact, in a previous life, some Chinese people warned the United States that Japan would launch a surprise attack, but the Americans did not believe it. It seems that their confidence was ingrained in their bones—"I only care about selling weapons, and no one will dare to attack me."

Benjamin then laughed and said, "The probability of such a thing is too small to be a source of shame for stocks. Besides, value investing is a long-term investment, and I also believe that no country can beat the Americans."

Since the topic of value investing came up, Chen Guangliang took the opportunity to bring it up as well, expressing his views on value investing and compound interest. This move naturally surprised and impressed the two men.

Everyone was in a good mood. Upon hearing that Chen Guangliang's wife, Jiang Meiying, was preparing to immigrate to the United States and wanted to learn about stock trading, the couple said that Jiang Meiying was welcome to come to the company to consult with them at any time.

Having more friends means having more options.

However, after returning, Chen Guangliang seriously warned Jiang Meiying: "In the stock market, you can't trust anyone, including Jack, or even Guangcong. The only person you can trust is me. In front of me, those so-called Wall Street elites are nothing but children."

Jiang Meiying was immediately amused and said, "Yes, yes, of course I'll listen to you!"

Chen Guangliang said seriously, "Don't laugh. Now that you have enormous wealth, there will always be people who want to take advantage of you and invite you to invest. But you must remember, you can know a person's face but not their heart. As for investments, just follow my instructions, and that will be absolutely the right thing to do."

The $382 million given to Jiang Meiying was already a huge sum of money. Investing in US stocks would require about a year and a half later (April 1942.4).

During this period, Chen Guangliang was also worried that Jiang Meiying would be misled into making reckless investments.

"Oh, I see!"

This time, Jiang Meiying gave a serious answer.

This time, Chen Guangcong and his family came to live in the United States and naturally stayed in a high-end apartment in Manhattan. In addition, Chen Guangliang planned to leave the annual rent of more than 100,000 US dollars to Chen Guangcong.

Five years from now, whatever Chen Guangcong saves will be his start-up capital. Of course, if he has the ability to start a business here, Chen Guangliang would also be happy to see it.

After spending a full twenty days in the United States, Chen Guangliang boarded a ship to return to Hong Kong.

On the docks of New York, Jiang Meiying, with Chen Wenjin and Chen Leyi in tow, fought back tears as she prepared to say goodbye to her husband.

How many three- to five-year periods does one have in a lifetime? This parting has lasted so long!

Chen Guangliang comforted him, saying, "Given our physical condition, we've only lived three-tenths of our lives. Even if it's five years, it's only one-twentieth of our lives. So, there's no need to be sad. And if possible, I'll try to come see you in the meantime."

Jiang Meiying immediately said, "No, don't take the risk, I'm willing to wait five years."

Chen Guangliang nodded, then went to the servants and picked up his two children.

"Dad will come to pick you up soon."

Chen Wenjin vaguely knew that her father was going on a long trip, and said in her childish voice, "Dad, be careful!"

A sensible child.

Only their only daughter, Chen Leyi, cried and said, "Dad, I want to go with you too!"

These words almost broke Chen Guangliang's composure. After all, he had four sons and only one daughter, who was truly the apple of his eye.

"Le Yi, be good. Go home with Mommy first. Daddy will be back soon."

Then he kissed his children on the cheeks, knowing that he would eventually have to let go.

This is the scourge of war, the fault of the Japanese. Chen Guangliang even wanted to personally kill a few Japanese soldiers.

After leaving his children behind, Chen Guangliang walked towards the boat. Jiang Meiying kept waving, but Chen Guangliang could only coldly refuse to turn back.

But Jiang Meiying knew that if Hong Kong hadn't been on the verge of falling to the Japanese, her husband would never have been willing to leave them in the United States. A few years ago, her husband had considered sending her to the US, but he couldn't bear to part with her.

Now, Hong Kong is about to fall; my husband says it will probably be in a little over a year. (End of Chapter)