A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Soon, Yan Zhiduo and Chen Guangliang took the lead in placing Yan's properties and securities into a trust supervised by Ping An Bank, with Du Weifan, another son-in-law of Yan Zhiduo, serving as the supervisor.

This move stabilized the Yan family's assets, but naturally weakened the power of Yan Zuhe, the eldest son.

This trust plan includes more than 20 expensive properties; those requiring reconstruction will be financed by loans from Ping An Bank, which will be repaid later after the securities generate profits.

On the other hand, these properties can only be rented out, not sold; even if there is a need to merge buildings, a rental property of the same value can be purchased at the same time as the property is sold.

Chen Guangliang calculated that these properties would be worth 10 to 20 billion yuan in the future, enough for the Yan family's descendants to enjoy wealth and luxury.

Of course, Yan Zuhe's defeat this time has had a huge impact on his future. He no longer has the right to inherit the largest assets of the Yan family, and he doesn't even have as much power as his half-brother Yan Zuxiao.

Yan Zuxiao also owns a textile factory and a plastics factory in Hong Kong. Over the years, he has steadily built his business and now owns a factory with hundreds of workers, which can be considered a small success.

“After this incident, you should not only learn from the experience, but also complete the family trust’s property reconstruction plan properly to atone for your mistakes, instead of being dejected and looked down upon.”

"Yes, brother-in-law!"

Chen Guangliang patted Yan Zuhe on the shoulder; he had done what he needed to do.

Without the support of Yan Zuhe and his wife, the Yan family's assets would have been halved due to the huge trouble Yan Zuhe has caused this time. It's not just a simple matter of collecting over 500 million yuan in loans; it's about having to sell assets at rock-bottom prices, and even potentially liquidate the stock holdings.

Not everyone has such a strong backing. People like Li Kangjie, who recently went bankrupt, and Chen Detai, who liquidated his holdings, how could they have such a good backing?
After returning home, Yan Renmei said, "It's all because you spoil them! If you ask me, they should be taught a profound lesson. They should cut their losses if necessary, otherwise they won't know the pain."

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "How could we bear to see our father-in-law heartbroken? Besides, it's just an investment loss, nothing serious. Moreover, our remedial measures this time have brought everything back to a complete state of stability."

In fact, Yan Renmei was still very happy, but she didn't want her family to cause her so much trouble.

“You’re too soft-hearted! If it weren’t for you, how would they have come back to Hong Kong, and how would they have thought of investing in so many properties? It’s precisely because of your help that my father and brother let their guard down and had no sense of risk.”

"Alright, this time, many companies in Hong Kong have gone bankrupt and suffered heavy losses. This shows that this is a normal situation. The key is whether there are benefactors to help. They are our relatives, and we should help them within our capabilities."

Yan Renmei then said, "In short, this matter should teach Wenjie and the others a good lesson."

So that's what she cared about.

Chen Guangliang said, "Forget it, Wenjie and the others already know about this. They've received enough education, there's no need to bring it up again. First, they are our children, and many of them are outstanding; second, we are in good health, there's no need to put too much pressure on the next generation."

The implication is that he's even planning to train a third generation!

"Yeah, that makes sense."

Yan Renmei gradually stopped interfering in the family business, since her two sons had already joined the family enterprise and she no longer needed to be involved.

Therefore, she is now in charge of managing the family's internal affairs.

On this day, Chen Guangliang arrived at the Times Cinema in Qingshui Bay, where his in-laws, Zhuang Zhujiu and his men, were already waiting for him.

With the retirement of Lu Hanzhang, the original head of film production, Zhuang Zhujiu took on the responsibilities of film production, theater chain, and distribution three years ago!

Zhuang Zhujiu's current status in the Chinese film industry is similar to that of Run Run Shaw in the 1960s.

In fact, throughout the 1950s, Hong Kong cinema was a battleground between the left and right factions. Since both sides regarded film as a propaganda platform, it was believed that films should have the positive role of "life textbooks", "student mirrors", and "clarifying public opinion" and "awakening the public".

Some independent producers are also pursuing the true meaning of art, vowing to create 'immortal works'.

At the same time, progressive people in society also have such demands on films.

However, it's clear that Era Films adhered to the principle of 'commercial films' and was solely focused on making money. As a result, it almost experienced a decline in the early 50s.

During this period, films from the left were more popular in the market, while films from the right failed.

However, starting in the mid-1950s, Era Films began to focus on high-quality productions, producing 20-30 films a year, which immediately improved their situation. At the same time, the Huangmei Opera films co-produced by Li Hanxiang and Lin Dai reached their peak not only at the box office but also artistically.

"How are things? Are you managing to keep up?" Chen Guangliang asked with a smile as soon as they met.

At this time, Zhuang Zhujiu was not only responsible for production, theater chain, and distribution; moreover, Times Pictures itself also entered the commercial real estate business.

"We can manage, thanks to everyone's help; we're a team."

"It's great to have this idea; it makes things easier for me."

Everyone chuckled obsequiously, for only this expert was qualified to comment on the general manager of Times Pictures.

Afterwards, everyone visited the Times Cinema in Qingshui Bay.

"Mr. Chen, this film and television base now employs more than 1500 staff members every day, with buses providing transportation day and night, and 10 nine-seater minibuses shuttling around the city. At its peak, it could shoot eight scenes a day, and also hire thousands of extras. Not only that, Times Cinema also receives visitors from major Asian film-producing countries such as Japan and India, as well as overseas tourists. It's a constant flow of vehicles and visitors!"

After eight years, the Times Cinema has finally been completed, including a four-star hotel that is now in use.

The entire Times Studio City comprises three parts: the filming base (including the administrative center), the ancient-style street (Songcheng), and the hotel and commercial area.

This area has become a commercial and art district independent of the city center, and has driven up land prices throughout Clearwater Bay.

Chen Guangliang nodded and said, "Although Hong Kong films have taken the lead in Asia, we must also admit that Hollywood is still a place we can learn from."

Zhuang Zhujiu immediately said, "Yes, compared to Hollywood, our sets are small and cramped due to the limited space and investment."

Chen Guangliang immediately said, "Then we should make a change, get some inspiration from Hollywood, and make a movie with a large scale and fast pace. This movie should have the characteristics of Chinese films, so martial arts films are the first choice. I think we should try making a movie called 'The World's Number One Fist'. It should not only cause a sensation in Hong Kong, but also overseas."

"it is good"

Everyone cheered; a true big boss can make an astonishing move!

Subsequently, Chan Kwong-leung paid attention to the overall situation of Hong Kong cinema.

Run Run Shaw returned to Hong Kong in 1955, but Shaw Brothers itself was clearly lagging behind, so his efforts were unlikely to make much of a difference. Key figures like Li Han-hsiang, Linda Lin Dai, and Raymond Chow had already joined Era Films.

After learning about the movie, everyone went to the Times Hotel in Times Cinema.

The hotel is not yet open, but is expected to open in October this year. It is currently in the final preparation stage.

This is a significant investment, primarily intended for tourists, though those vacationing in Clearwater Bay can also choose to stay there.

Overall, film production is only one part of Times Cinema's business, and its revenue ranks third; the first is real estate, the second is cinemas, and the last is amusement parks.

On the other hand, Times Pictures is the only listed company of the Chen family. It was initially listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and later on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The Chen Guangliang family has always controlled 60% of the shares, while the Zhuang Zhujiu family controls 22%, with only 18% of the shares held by outsiders.

end of June.

Chen Guangliang and Audrey Hepburn traveled to Düsseldorf on the Rhine River in Germany to meet their old friend, Yalma Schacht.

These two bankers are hailed as the smartest in the century. They led Germany out of its economic slump in the 1920s and were acquitted twice after World War II because they broke away from the Nazi government in 1933.

After the war, Yarma Shaht served as an economic advisor to Indonesia and Egypt. In 1952, he served as an advisor to Egypt during the Middle East war. After 1953, he returned to Düsseldorf and re-entered the financial world, where he founded his own bank.

Chen Guangliang's friendship with Al-Shakht was already known to the world during the Jeddah Agreement, when Al-Shakht was one of the people Chen Guangliang persuaded the Saudi royal family to agree to the agreement. The two held a private gathering at a villa on the banks of the Rhine River, where they talked freely on the lawn.

Schacht said, "Mr. Chen, I've heard you have three wives. I wonder how you plan to maintain your family's lineage?"

Audrey Hepburn, standing nearby, corrected him, "Mr. Schacht, he only has two wives. I am just his mistress, and I can leave him at any time!"

"Haha," Shacht laughed, "Mr. Chen's charm is such that even if I were a woman, I wouldn't leave him."

This is a private place, so please feel free to joke around appropriately.

Moreover, having a 'lover' is commonplace in Europe, even the British royal family does it!

Audrey Hepburn smiled happily; her personal charm was on full display in her man. Everyone who came into contact with him, whether Eastern or Western, was gradually infected by his charm.

This was a secret she discovered through careful observation.

Chen Guangliang then said, "It's about continuous investment, dividing the pie into many slices!"

Shacht shook his head and said, "Wouldn't that split the family? I personally think you should consider a family office."

He did not know the exact amount of Chen Guangliang's wealth, but believed that his greatest assets were the shipping group and the Monaco beach resort.

Little did people know that Chen Guangliang's investments had spread all over the world.

"Of course, I will consider a family office later. But the main thing is to divide the pie so that every child can get a piece. The family office is just a shared asset."

Mrs. Schacht said, "Won't the cake get smaller and smaller?"

The couple are 80 years old, and Shakht is 81. However, Shakht only started his business in 1953, so he can hardly be considered a wealthy family.

"Then let's make the cake bigger, or divide it into more pieces. Anyway, I'm still relatively young!"

"Ha ha"

Shakht laughed and began to admire Chen Guangliang.

At this time, Chen Guangliang was 47 years old, but he looked like he was only in his thirties, which was indeed considered young.

A moment later, Chen Guangliang said, "Mr. Schacht, to be honest, the reason I came to Germany to see you this time is to discuss a collaborative project with you!"

"Oh? Please speak."

Chen Guangliang said, "I heard that BMW in Germany is having trouble, so I want to invest in it. Just an investment!"

In 1956, BMW suffered a loss of 600 million West German marks (approximately US$150 million), and subsequently faced a series of financial crises, bringing it to the brink of collapse.

After a moment's thought, Schacht said, "BMW's major shareholders are mostly bankers, and they have indeed encountered a serious financial crisis. However, this is, after all, the German automotive industry, and it's difficult for Mr. Chen, as an overseas investor!"

Chen Guangliang immediately said, "That's why I want to cooperate with you. We can jointly establish a company and make investments in the name of this company."

Schacht asked, "Mr. Chen is so optimistic about BMW. You should know that in the German automotive industry, Mercedes-Benz is the leader, followed by Audi, while BMW is indeed facing serious problems at this time."

“I have always admired the German industrial spirit, and I believe that in the future, the German automotive industry will surpass the United States. Therefore, since BMW is also a German brand, the difficulties are only temporary. If Mr. Schacht is willing to cooperate, I believe this will bring huge benefits to your family.”

Soon, Shakht was persuaded by Chen Guangliang, who actually admired him quite a bit.

From some of his deeds, he also discovered that Chen Guangliang had solved some economic problems for the Republic of China government in the 1930s (importing silver, sugar, and the China Merchants Group, etc.).

“Okay, I’m willing to invest with Mr. Chen.”

After reaching an agreement, the two parties decided to establish a 'fund company', ostensibly represented by Shachte, but in reality, Shachte only held 30% of the shares.

It's very simple, Schacht is short of funds!

Investing in BMW is also simple: just buy up BMW shares on the market, and once you have a certain number, Schacht will join BMW's board of directors.

Finally, he persuaded BMW's board of directors to issue new shares, thus seizing the position of BMW's largest shareholder.

Chen Guangliang's representative was actually Audrey Hepburn, and he did not intend to hold shares himself.

After their trip to Germany, Chen Guangliang and Audrey returned to London.

Currently, although Audrey Hepburn's business is spread across the United States (Audrey Toys), Monaco, the United Kingdom, and Germany, she mainly resides in London.

The couple already had two sons, Chen Wen'ou, who is 6 years old this year, and Chen Wenxi, who is not yet 4 years old. They naturally live in London and are mostly cared for by their maternal grandmother. Every year, Audrey Hepburn would take her two children to Hong Kong for a vacation.

"Hello, Ella!"

Audrey Hepburn's mother, Ella, pretended to complain as soon as they met, "Chen, your two children are so smart that I can no longer answer their questions."

Chen Guangliang hugged Ella and said, "It seems you really enjoy taking care of your grandson. How about we have another one?"

Ella's face lit up with joy, and she said, "That's wonderful! But I hope this one is a daughter. However, from what I know, the proportion of your children is very high, especially sons. What kind of method is that?"

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "I only have two daughters, but now I have nine sons. I don't really know much about it!"

In fact, he also had two 'illegitimate children' who were sons, born to a Japanese woman named Yoko Tsukasa.

"Great"

Ella could only leave with one sentence.

The family then happily reunited, and Chen Guangliang took the opportunity to talk to his two sons and reconnect with them.

Not a moment.

Audrey Hepburn changed into a princess dress and appeared before everyone, making a stunning appearance.

Of course, this is a kind of pleasure, and only Ella, an adult, understands that this man knows how to enjoy himself. His daughter indulges him in everything.

Of course, following a man like that is not bad either. Audrey Hepburn was more famous in Monaco than Princess Grace, because the beach was the main economic center of Monaco, and wealthy people in Europe and America all knew that there was a beautiful shareholder or owner of the beach.

While dancing with Audrey Hepburn, she leaned on Chen Guangliang's shoulder and said, "Darling, you really like princesses that much? As far as I know, you and Princess Margaret are friends!"

"Stop messing around. I know my limits. There are some women I won't mess with!"

"Hehe, I didn't expect you to be afraid of something too!"

In Audrey Hepburn's eyes, her man was the most outstanding in the world, so even Margaret was not as noble as her.

That night, the two inevitably had a big battle. Although Audrey Hepburn was petite, she was very healthy.

Even an hour of reprimands wouldn't deter her! (End of Chapter)