A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Beginning of November.

A young man arrived at the Wing Cheong Heavy Industrial Base in Tseung Kwan O and found a factory near the pier – Wing Cheong Yachts.

"Manager Liu, Chen Wenkai reporting for duty!"

Liu Zhaoxian, the general manager of Rongchang Yacht, said happily, "Wenkai, with a top student like you from MIT joining our Rongchang Yacht Manufacturing Plant, it's like adding wings to a tiger!"

Chen Wenkai quickly said, "Manager Liu, I'm here for an internship. I only have theoretical knowledge from school, but no work experience whatsoever. Besides, my major isn't mechanical engineering, so please don't flatter me."

Liu Zhaoxian smiled and said, "I believe you can do it! You can be my assistant; we need manpower right now."

"Okay, Manager Liu!"

Subsequently, Chen Wenkai took office, and Liu Zhaoxian also took him to inspect the Rongchang Yacht Shipyard.

"Thanks to Hong Kong's solid shipbuilding industry foundation, and the introduction of some American yacht technology, we are now able to build such yachts. We just don't know if the market will accept them. Our immediate goal is to sell these."

“I have done some research on the yacht industry in the United States, and after looking at our yachts, I think they are quite suitable for sale in Asia.”

"Okay, having confidence is a good thing."

Hong Kong has a long history of shipbuilding. As early as 1843, Hong Kong successfully built its first small steamer, the "Tianchao". However, the real development of the shipbuilding industry began after World War II.

As shipping and shipyards across Southeast Asia were largely devastated by the war and had not yet recovered, a steady stream of ships came to Hong Kong for orders and repairs, bringing unprecedented development opportunities to Hong Kong's shipbuilding industry.

By the end of 1958, Hong Kong's total industrial investment in shipbuilding amounted to approximately HK$6000 million, accounting for 3% of Hong Kong's industrial investment. This included shipyards such as Swire Shipyard, Whampoa Dockyard, and Tai Ping Island (American-owned), as well as some Chinese-owned shipyards, such as China Shipbuilding.

British and American shipyards are few in number but involve large investments; Chinese-owned shipyards are numerous but involve smaller investments, and should not be underestimated.

In fact, Wing Cheong Yacht Factory was not even the first yacht manufacturer in Hong Kong. During this period, Hong Kong produced not only cargo ships and fishing boats, but also wooden yachts.

Even at that time, the Rongchang Yacht Factory was using marine plywood.

The next day, Chen Guangliang also parked at Rongchang Yacht in Tseung Kwan O and personally tested the Rongchang Yacht.

In its previous life, Hong Kong's yacht industry started in the 1970s and developed very well; by the 1980s, it had even reached the world's first-class advanced level.

It's undeniable that components like fiberglass and engines are imported. However, Hong Kong is undeniably an excellent region for yacht manufacturing.

In this lifetime, Hong Kong not only wants to develop the yacht industry, but also strives to reach the level of cutting-edge technology. This is Chen Guangliang's idea.

On Rongchang Yacht, Chen Guangliang was testing a yacht made of nautical plywood materials at sea. He himself is a fun-loving person, so driving a yacht is naturally no problem for him.

After testing it, Chen Guangliang said with satisfaction, "The fact that we were able to produce such a yacht in less than two years shows that everyone has really put in a lot of effort."

Liu Zhaoxian quickly replied, "Besides everyone's hard work, the company's introduction of overseas yacht technology, and the strong support of the Yangtze River Industrial Group, we have achieved our small success today. Next, we plan to sell these yachts in Asia."

"Okay, our advantage is definitely the price. We should give it a try in Europe and America too!"

"Yes"

Subsequently, Chen Guangliang went ashore and held a management meeting at Rongchang Yacht, where several foreign managers and technicians were also present.

Also present at the meeting were Sun Dehe, General Manager of Rongchang Heavy Industry, and relevant technical personnel.

Of course, Chen Wenkai, who had only been in office for two days, also listened in as a recorder.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the yacht industry is very promising, but high-end yacht technology is still controlled by places like the United States, Sweden, and Italy. However, Hong Kong is not without its advantages, namely its cheap labor force and its decent shipbuilding foundation."

With the establishment of Rongchang Yachts, some shipbuilding technicians were poached from Swire, and significant investment was made in research and development.

Sun Dehe, general manager of Rongchang Group, said: "Rongchang Yacht is just getting started, and of course, the world yacht industry is also just getting started."

He is a metallurgical expert, but over the years he has also become an excellent manager.

Liu Zhaoxian also said, "So we have a great opportunity, as long as we cultivate this area deeply!"

Everyone's confidence is good.

It seems that those who have followed Chen Guangliang for a long time all share the same style of doing things—confidence.

However, Chen Guangliang remained calm. He was unwilling to accept that Hong Kong's yachting industry had only developed in the 1970s and 80s, at most ten years ahead of schedule. What he wanted was to become a world-class yacht brand.

So he then said, "That's not enough; we must innovate!"

Everyone's spirits lifted, and recalling the current state of the Yangtze River Industrial Group, they suddenly felt hopeful.

For the first time, Chen Wenkai felt his father's authority and influence in this matter. His subordinates raised no questions, nor did they voice any concerns about the difficulties.

Chen Guangliang continued, “I believe that if yachts adopt fiberglass technology, not only will the hull curves be better, but more importantly, it will allow for the development of double-decker yachts, significantly expanding the usable area. I call this double-decker yacht a ‘flybridge system.’ The flybridge deck is primarily designed for leisure and entertainment, complete with outdoor sun loungers, dining areas, outdoor bars, and barbecue grills. For yacht enthusiasts in Europe and America, the deck is the perfect choice for holding outdoor parties and banquets at sea, enjoying the sea breeze while listening to hip-hop and rock music, and indulging in freedom; occasionally, they can also speed along, conquering the blue sea with speed and passion, experiencing exhilaration. Some flybridge decks will also be equipped with an additional open-air helm, providing a wide field of vision and breaking through the tradition of operating yachts only in the limited indoor helm.”

He described in detail the future development of yachts, which indeed involves many patents and technologies.

Everyone was stunned, and two ideas immediately came to mind.

Sun Dehe then said, "Fiberglass technology is only possessed by the United States, but we can import the materials. The 'flybridge system' is a major innovation, and once successful, it will change the landscape of the world's yacht industry. This is also our patent."

Liu Zhaoxian said, "That's right. Once we succeed in our research and development, we will definitely become one of the world's top yacht brands, and exporting to Europe and America will be a given. Of course, this is a huge project that requires research and development personnel and funding."

Before even starting to make money, a large amount of capital needs to be invested, which is impossible in other companies, including those in Europe and America. But for Chen Guangliang, the goal is correct, the prospects are bright, and there is plenty of capital, so he naturally won't miss the opportunity.

“These are not problems! This project is listed as a key project of the Yangtze River Industrial Group, and resources will be allocated to it, so funding is not an issue. Similarly, we can also bring in technical experts from Europe and the United States to strengthen our R&D capabilities in this area.”

"Ok"

Suddenly, everyone was energized and worked hard.

After the meeting, Chen Guangliang told Chen Wenkai, "Work hard." Chen Wenkai straightened his back and said, "Yes, Chairman!"

"You brat, you're acting like nobody knows you're my son!"

Yes, Dad.

Clearly, Chen Guangliang still makes all his sons call him "Dad" at the company, instead of the cold "Chairman".

After inspecting Rongchang Yacht, Chen Guangliang then inspected the "dock dismantling" at Tseung Kwan O Pier, where an oil boom was used to surround a warship, and then cranes and lifting machinery were used to dismantle it.

Currently, there are two methods of ship dismantling in Rongchang: 'beachhead dismantling' is used in the Kwun Tong area, and 'dock dismantling' is used at the Tseung Kwan O pier.

Dock dismantling is not something that small companies can afford, but it is indeed quite efficient and has minimal environmental pollution.

Qiao Guanchang chimed in, "Boss, Britain has sent us another aircraft carrier, and they've also specifically requested that we dismantle it. They highly value our ship dismantling technology, and they think that while we're thinking about making money, we also consider industry standards."

If you do well, you will eventually gain recognition!
Although, at first Chen Guangliang considered the impact on Hong Kong's environment.

"Hmm, have the regulations for the shipbreaking industry been submitted to the port government?"

"Yes, the Chief Secretary personally named Hong Kong's shipbreaking industry, requiring it to operate in accordance with regulations."

"This is a good thing!"

at the same time.

Liang Qiuju urgently summoned He Shanheng, He Tian, ​​and others from Dachang Trading.

Tai Cheong Trading is currently the second largest trading company in Hong Kong in the rice and grain products trade, but it lags far behind Global Trading.

However, with Hang Seng Bank as its backer and the people at Dah Chong Trading working together, it was able to succeed.

However, in this life, Dah Chong Hong lost its car dealership rights. Currently, more than half of the car companies in Hong Kong are controlled by Global Trading, while less than half are controlled by British capital.

Liang Qiuju asked impatiently, "Do you know where the ships at Rongchang Shipyard come from?"

At first, everyone thought that Rongchang Shipyard was just a collection of old ships dismantled by Huanqiu Shipping, and Hong Kong businessmen didn't take it seriously.

But as time goes by, someone will eventually discover it first.

He Shanheng said, "Could it be Europe or America?"

Liang Qiuju, general manager of Dachang Trading, who travels the world frequently, said, “I’ve noticed an increase in vacant ships in ports around the world this year, probably due to the sluggish shipping industry. These ships are now available for sale. Many ships are priced at only US$7, with a loan of US$5 available for them. Jeddah Port alone has hundreds of vacant ships. This is thanks to Rongchang Shipbreaking Yard’s foresight; they started purchasing in small batches from the end of last year to avoid price fluctuations and have been scrapping them ever since. They continue to use the usable ships.”

The news caused a stir among the public.

He Shanheng immediately said, "Dachang Trading will soon enter the ship dismantling industry, and you should also buy in small batches!"

“Okay, I’ve already sent people to inquire at several ports. I can make one phone call and they’ll buy in.”

"Um"

He Shanheng later sighed, "In business, who can outdo Chen Guangliang!"

A mountain weighed heavily on all Hong Kong businessmen.

Although Chan Kwong-leung has always been a pioneer in Hong Kong business, making great contributions to Hong Kong's economy and bringing about many emerging industries, Hong Kong businessmen are naturally quite envious, since they can only ever get a piece of the pie.

Not only Dachang Trading learned of the news, but also shipowner Zhao Congyan.

Upon discovering that major ports were filled with secondhand ships for sale, he immediately instructed his eldest son, who was studying abroad, to purchase vessels from various ports. The good ones would be used to expand his fleet, while the bad ones would be prepared for scrapping.

In a short time, the second batch of pioneers began to take the plunge, which also meant that a storm of rapid development in the ship dismantling industry was about to sweep through Hong Kong!

When everyone entered the site, they discovered that Wing Cheong Shipbreaking Yard had established standards for the industry, meaning that dismantling could not be done casually; the key point was that the Hong Kong government strongly supported these standards.

Every summer, members of the Chan family gather in Hong Kong, and university students also return to Hong Kong.

Of course, Jiang Meiying's eldest son, Chen Wenjin, is currently working hard in the United States and will only come to Hong Kong for a few days during the summer vacation before having to go back to work. This year, Jiang Meiying's eldest daughter, Chen Leyi, although she still has a year of school left, will also stay in Hong Kong to intern at her mother's investment company.

Even Yan Renmei's three sons, who have joined the workforce, travel overseas on business trips.

But since the core of the family is in Hong Kong, they still keep in touch and strengthen the bonds between family members.

On this day, the superyacht "British American" was cruising in the waters off Hong Kong, where Chen Guangliang and his three wives and concubines were on vacation, along with their children who didn't have to work.

While cruising on Lantau Island, Chan Kwong-leung looked out onto the shore from the railing and suddenly had an idea.

In his previous life, Discovery Bay was still a wasteland. He planned to acquire all the land here immediately, initially developing a golf course and clubhouse, as well as a marina to dock his superyacht. In the future, he would gradually develop it into his Chen family's super villas and a 'city within a city'.

After all, this land was offshore, and in the 1960s and 70s it could have been a 'private estate'. It wasn't until the 1980s that it was gradually developed and allowed outsiders to live there.

After having this idea, Chen Guangliang did not rush to purchase land from the Hong Kong government, but planned to wait until next year.

Life on the ship was enjoyable; we played with the children, played soccer together, went fishing, and played games together.

In the evening, they enjoyed a blissful married life.

The three wives and concubines, in particular, had endless fun when they got together. Although they were all "old married couples", as long as they had a variety of activities, they still had a lot of novelty.

Not to mention, Chen Guangliang also found a fresh Si Yezi in Japan, so he's never short of novelty.

Over time, even the conservative Yan Renmei would eventually give in to Chen Guangliang's ideas. (End of Chapter)