A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

this day.

Chen Guangliang and Guo Deming, deputy general manager of Yangtze River Industrial Group, arrived at Huatai Plastics Factory. Su Dongsheng and his men were already waiting for them. After all, it was a rare occasion for the big boss to come, so it was naturally important to pay the most attention.

In Chan Kwong-leung's plan, his eldest son, Chan Man-kai, will inherit the Cheung Kong Industrial Group. This son is only 19 years old and is currently studying at Princeton University in the United States, and will not return to Hong Kong for another three years.

On the other hand, the prospects of Cheung Kong Industrial Group are not like those of Hong Kong's industry in the previous life; in this life, it will definitely become a behemoth, whether overseas or in the mainland, and it will make plans in the future.

"We've already started full-scale construction on the hula hoop production line, and our major distributors in North America are very supportive of our idea. Now we just need to see if hula hoops will become a hot trend in the United States!" Su Dongsheng reported.

Deep down, he was puzzled—why did the boss believe that this hula hoop would become a sensation in America, or even the world?

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "Whether hula hoops will become popular depends entirely on the marketing strategies of those distributors. On the other hand, I have already arranged for 'Audrey Toys' to participate in the toy exhibition next March, which will include hula hoops."

The hula hoop was just something Audrey Toys casually brought to the exhibition; it wasn't patented. If there was any patent at all, it was for a type of wooden hula hoop made in Australia.

Su Dongsheng nodded and said, "Those distributors are also happy to help market hula hoops because it's a win-win situation. Moreover, each distributor has stocked up on a large number of hula hoops, and everyone is full of confidence, feeling that they won't have unsold stock."

The agents he mentioned were the agents of Huatai Plastic Flowers.

Currently, Huatai Plastic Flowers has distributors all over the world.

Hong Kong accounts for 90% of the world's plastic flower production, and Wah Tai Plastic Flowers accounts for more than 30% of Hong Kong's plastic flower production. It is estimated that this year (1957), the output value of Hong Kong's plastic flowers will exceed 1 million.

Chen Guangliang then said, "This market is huge, and we need to make ample preparations to quickly build up a large inventory of this product in the United States. Because the cycle is very short, once we miss it, the market will become saturated."

Everyone's expressions turned serious.

Su Dongsheng said seriously, "Yes, we have already shipped 200 million hula hoops and plan to ship another 300 million, continuing to distribute them to North America and Europe. To this end, we have promised those distributors the principle of 'refund if they don't sell.'"

Only the Yangtze River Industrial Group has this capability.

A hula hoop is estimated to cost $1.5 in the United States, equivalent to HK$7.5. However, the ex-factory price in Hong Kong is less than HK$3, but this still represents a production value of tens of millions.

"Okay, the answer will be revealed soon!"

Subsequently, a meeting was held at the Huatai Plastics factory, attended by both the group's management and Huatai Plastics' management.

At that time, Huatai Plastics Factory mainly produced plastic flowers and toys. The output value of plastic flowers was about 3500 million yuan a year. The toys were also very good. Now, it produces 5 Barbie dolls every month. In addition, with the addition of hula hoops and other toys, the output value is also tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars.

"As you can see from the annual output value charts of the toy industry in Hong Kong and Japan, the prospects for the toy industry are very promising. Therefore, Huatai Toys cannot be satisfied with OEM manufacturing; it needs to develop its own patented products. The hula hoop doesn't count, since it's not exactly a patent. We currently have a patent for a toy called the Rubik's Cube. It's a 2x2x2 Rubik's Cube where players need to scramble the colors and eventually make all six faces the same color. This is an educational toy. We'll first develop it using magnets, and then consider using mathematical methods, such as interlocking joints, which involves architectural principles. So, we need to get this project approved as soon as possible."

Everyone looked at the information carefully and soon realized that it had great potential.

Of course, it is also very difficult. How can the inside of a twisted Rubik's Cube maintain its mobility?

Just like the boss said, this is a study involving architecture, mechanics, and other related fields.

"Okay, we'll set up a project team immediately and assemble a research and development team as soon as possible."

Chen Guangliang nodded. Huatai Toys couldn't possibly create a "cultural toy" phenomenon in the US, like Barbie dolls. However, things like Rubik's Cubes and hula hoops would be no problem.

This hula hoop is a $3000 million market, equivalent to a global demand of 3000 million. Even if one-third of it is produced in Hong Kong, it would still be an industry worth tens of millions.

Chen Guangliang's idea was simple: to make Hong Kong earn more money from the world in order to change Hong Kong.

Master Kong instant noodles, produced by Vitasoy Foods Group, started its advertising campaign with the slogan "It can be cooked in three minutes," which immediately sparked heated discussions in Hong Kong.

At the same time, Master Kong instant noodles were also being promoted extensively throughout Hong Kong by offering free samples.

The world's first instant noodles, an invention of Hong Kong people, quickly became a topic of media hype.

"The taste is good, and it's really convenient. I won't have to worry about not having food when I work overtime anymore."

"It's very cheap, only 50 cents a bag, enough for a meal!"

"The key is that these are products invented by Hong Kong people themselves, they're really amazing!"

"That's right! In recent years, Hong Kong has invented plastic flowers and rolling suitcases, and now we've invented instant noodles. It's really boosting morale!"

"Have you noticed that these products, including wigs, were invented or introduced by companies under the Yangtze River Industrial Group? It seems that this company attaches great importance to research and development!"

Yes, yes.

It was inevitable that instant noodles would successfully penetrate the Hong Kong market!

In Hong Kong, you'll find this phenomenon: flight attendants and captains carrying Travelpro suitcases; people eating instant noodles invented in Hong Kong on the streets; and middle-class homes displaying plastic flowers invented by Hong Kong people.
Gradually, Hong Kong people began to gain confidence. This place was no longer synonymous with counterfeit factories, but also a place of creativity and imagination.

Of course, there's nothing inherently wrong with being synonymous with a knock-off factory; the key is whether they can be creative while copying others.

In the conference room of Hong Kong Airlines, when Chan Kwong-leung decided to order two Boeing 707s, it caused a huge uproar.

After all, the management present today are mostly British, and they have strong opinions about Hong Kong airlines not supporting the British aviation industry.

As the president of Hong Kong Airlines, Mike McLachner, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, questioned, "Mr. Chan, the Boeing 707 has not yet obtained its airworthiness certificate, and it hasn't even had its maiden flight yet. I wonder if you are taking a gamble."

Since acquiring Hong Kong Airlines, shareholders and management have maintained a peaceful coexistence, and Chen Guangliang has continued to heavily rely on these British managers. Even his conflicts with Jardine Matheson have not manifested in direct confrontations within the Hong Kong Airlines conference room.

But now, it is a clash between the Chen brothers and the management, as well as representatives of Jardine Matheson's shareholders.

Chen Guangliang gave Chen Guangcong a look.

Immediately afterwards, Chen Guangcong said:
“We have conducted some research and there is reason to believe that jet airliners are the future trend. Whoever can switch to this new aircraft first will gain an advantage on routes. At present, Hong Kong Airlines urgently needs to have this advantage on routes to Japan and Taiwan.”

"After the failure of the British Comet, Hong Kong Airlines could only set its sights on Boeing in the United States. The Boeing 707 had received an order for 15 aircraft from Pan Am in 1955, and was scheduled to make its maiden flight this month. It was expected to be put into use in the second half of next year, which fully demonstrates that the Boeing 707 was an ideal choice."

"Once we have such aircraft, we will have a significant advantage on routes to Japan and Taiwan."

Upon hearing this, the British management team was immediately speechless, and some even wavered.

The British were simply not up to par. Although they were the first to invent the jet aircraft, and even ahead in jet airliners, the continuous crashes of the Comet aircraft inevitably shattered the country's prospects for airliners.

At this point, a representative from Jardine Matheson stated, "Hong Kong Airlines' finances are insufficient to support the purchase of two jet airliners. Continued poor performance would be a devastating blow!"

At this moment, Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "I'm afraid none of you here are willing to admit that the aviation industry is a money-losing business. More people believe it's a long-term investment that will eventually yield high returns. Therefore, if Jardine Matheson, as a shareholder, is unwilling to continue investing, then it can only dilute its shareholding or sell its shares to us." "This..."

Seeing the unfriendly looks from the management, the Jardine Matheson representative felt helpless.

The HSBC representative was actually aligned with the global group.

"That's settled then. We must secure the investment for two Boeing 707s and seize this advantage."

He was forcing Jardine Matheson to sell its shares, or at least dilute their stake.

HSBC benefited from Chen Guangliang's efforts, not only establishing a joint venture shipping company, but also gradually becoming familiar with the shipping industry, which greatly influenced their subsequent shipping loans.

This cake is enough for HSBC to support him, rather than supporting the British-owned Jardine Matheson.

Late May.

Zhuang Yuanzhen gave birth to a son for Chen Wenjie, marking the emergence of the third generation of the Chen family.

As the 'clan head', Chen Guangliang assigned the generational name 'Ze' to the third generation.

The eldest grandson's name was given to his father, and he was eventually named Chen Zerui.

A few days later, Zhuang Yuanzhen and Chen Zerui returned to 79 Deep Water Bay from the hospital, and the whole family came to congratulate them. Audrey Hepburn also happened to be returning to Hong Kong from Europe with her two sons, so all three families gathered together.

Jiang Meiying hugged Chen Zerui and said enviously to Yan Renmei, "The eldest brother is indeed the eldest brother. He has set a good example for his younger brothers and sisters. It's just that Wenjin is not as steady as his older brother. He has changed girlfriends twice and still doesn't have a stable one."

Yan Renmei laughed and said, "What are you envious of? Wenjin is only 23 years old. People who don't know her would think she's 32. Choosing a girlfriend is also a process. What's wrong with comparing options? As long as she behaves well after marriage, none of this will be a problem."

This is Chen Guangliang's viewpoint, and gradually it also becomes their viewpoint.

Chen Wenjie and Zhuang Yuanzhen had known each other since childhood, so there was no need to determine whether they were compatible before establishing a relationship. If they could get along, then they were definitely compatible.

"That makes sense, but I'm worried about potential problems later on!"

At this moment, Chen Wenjie said from the side, "My second brother isn't that kind of person. I know him. Don't worry, Mother Meiying!"

Jiang Meiying was immediately delighted, after all, the two brothers had known each other for almost five years in the United States and had a good relationship since childhood.

Yan Renmei laughed and said, "You're relieved, but I'm worried about Wenming. He recently said he wants to move out."

Chen Wenming felt a little guilty, then said, "Isn't it for work convenience?"

At this moment, Chen Guangliang patted Chen Wenming on the shoulder and said, "If you're going to move out, then move out. Don't be so timid. It's just about dating."

"Thank you for your support, Dad. Actually, it's not entirely about my girlfriend; it's really about work."

Chen Guangliang didn't care. His son was already 22 years old, his older brother was married, and his sister-in-law was moving in. It was normal for him to feel inconvenienced.

Everyone laughed.

Although Yan Renmei was reluctant, she knew that apart from her eldest son Chen Wenjie, who could stay in the villa, her other children would probably move out one after another once they started working.

These children are all very opinionated, so what can she do if she feels reluctant to part with them?

She and her husband were two different kinds of people. Her husband appeared gentle on the surface, but was hard on the inside; she appeared tough on the surface, but was gentle on the inside.

It was a very interesting conversation among the family, and even the working children could express their opinions.

“Brother, Jardine Matheson is willing to sell their shares in Hong Kong Airlines, and the price isn’t too high. They probably understand that we would rather dilute their equity stake than buy their shares at a high price.”

Chen Guangcong walked in happily and reported some news.

Chen Guangliang then said, "They understand, of course. Let's arrange for the joint venture to buy it!"

Chen Guangcong asked doubtfully, "If the joint venture buys it, wouldn't that mean it's 50/50 with HSBC again? What if there are problems in the future? Wouldn't we be at their mercy?"

"For HSBC, we only have interests. Since it's a 50/50 split, there's no need for them to make trouble, let alone fight for management control, otherwise it wouldn't be in their interest. On the other hand, the Chen Group can't afford to fall out with the British capital; only through cooperation can they operate smoothly. Don't forget, we are also the envy of Chinese capital."

It is so large that it cannot be matched by others; this principle is very simple.

Just like Cheung Kong Holdings' dominant position in the real estate sector, it has also caused dissatisfaction among some Chinese-owned real estate companies in Hong Kong. They dare not do anything to your face, but they resort to some underhanded tactics behind the scenes.

For example, when the Jeddah Agreement came into effect, not only Jardine Matheson, but also some Chinese-owned companies betrayed it by spreading rumors, such as the United States wanting to block the Chan family conglomerate and the Hong Kong British government wanting to expel the Chan family.

Although many people know it's a rumor, it still caused some impact.

Therefore, it is not advisable to fall out with British capital at this time, because many Chinese capital owners also want to see the largest conglomerate collapse, so that everyone will have more opportunities.

"Yes, I understand your good intentions, brother."

Chen Guangcong then realized that the difference between him and his elder brother was not only in their planning and vision for the future, but also in their overall perspective.

My brother is right. The Chen family business is too large, and countless people are jealous of it.

Finally, Chen Guangliang brought up something: "How is Wenbo's internship going overseas?"

Chen Guangliang arranged for his nephew, Chen Wenbo, to intern at a shipyard in Europe and America to improve his professional skills. Chen Wenbo is 22 years old and has just graduated from university.

Chen Guangcong said, "This kid says he's almost done his internship at the Gothenburg shipyard and is planning to switch to an internship at a British shipping company. He has no patience!"

Chen Guangliang said, "This is my idea. Let him intern at several companies, not to study anything in depth, but to familiarize himself with the various environments of shipping. Shipyards don't really need long internships!"

Chen Guangcong was speechless for a moment, and could only say, "Wenming performed very well, has strong business skills, and is very talented in the market."

Chen Guangliang waved his hand and said, "Let him take his time. By the way, I think there's still a year left before shipping enters a short-term downturn. On the other hand, there will be more old and second-hand ships in ports around the world. Have Wenbo keep an eye on this, but don't rush to make a decision. Let's start looking at it next year. If that's the case, we'll buy them at a low price, keep using the ones that are usable, and scrap the ones that aren't."

"Okay, I'll have Wenbo keep an eye on it."

Global Shipping Group not only builds new ships but also continues to use second-hand vessels, not caring if they are old, as long as they can make money. (End of Chapter)