A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

In May 1962, the rainy season in Hong Kong had just begun.

Despite the dark clouds over Victoria Harbour, the bustling scene at the Wing Cheong Yacht Factory in Tseung Kwan O was still undiminished.

Inside the largest dock, a sleek, silver-gray yacht is undergoing final assembly. The four large golden characters "Poseidon No. 1" on the hull gleam under the lights.

"Engineer Chen, the gravity system test is complete, and the flybridge is functioning normally." The engineer, covered in sweat, crawled out of the cabin and reported to the young man standing on the dock.

Chen Wenkai nodded and casually closed the notebook in his hand.

The 24-year-old Chen family scion was dressed in a simple white shirt and trousers, with a pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, making him look more like a university lecturer than the heir to an industrial tycoon.

Only his sharp eyes, so like his father's, revealed his inner ruthlessness.

"Tell General Manager Liu that we will conduct sea trials tomorrow," Chen Wenkai said, then turned and walked towards the factory office.

After three years of dedicated research and development, Rongchang Yachts' revolutionary product is finally about to be launched.

Inside the office, Liu Zhaoxian, General Manager of Rongchang Yachts, nodded into the phone: "Yes, Chairman, I understand. Wen Kai did a great job. Make sure everything goes perfectly."

Seeing Chen Wenkai enter, Liu Zhaoxian hung up the phone with a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his brow: "Wenkai, the chairman is very concerned about the progress."

Chen Wenkai smiled knowingly and said, "This product can be considered another revolutionary patented product of the Yangtze River Industrial Group, and the progress of the father-son relationship is only natural. Of course, we have lived up to expectations, and Poseidon 1 is already ready for sea testing. I believe there will be no problems."

Upon graduating from university, he joined the research and development team for the 'new type of yacht' project, and he even served as the chief engineer. Although he was young, his father had provided him with a lot of reference materials, and he was the chairman's son, so naturally no one had any objections; not to mention, he was a graduate of a prestigious university.

Liu Zhaoxian said happily, "Great! This news is so exciting! The chairman was just saying that he was wondering if we could bring some advanced samples to the Monaco Yacht Show in July. Now it seems we'll have enough time!"

Chen Wenkai also got excited and said, "Monaco exhibiting is a great opportunity!"

Monaco, isn't that their family's 'territory'?

Liu Zhaoxian nodded and said, "The boss said he's cleared out the east side of the beach pier specifically for the 'Poseidon I' display. The Monterey and Ferretti booths are on the main pier, about 500 meters from us."

Chen Wenkai said, "Perfect. Far enough that they can't see the details, yet close enough that they can't ignore our presence."

A bolt of lightning flashed past the window, followed by a deafening clap of thunder.

Chen Wenkai walked to the window, watching the torrential rain pour down: "If the weather is like this tomorrow, that would be even better. Our flight bridge system and composite cockpit will show their advantages in bad weather."

The heavy rain continued the next day.

White waves rolled on the sea outside Tseung Kwan O, and visibility was less than 100 meters, but the sea trial of "Poseidon 1" proceeded as planned.

Chen Guangliang personally arrived at the dock. This business tycoon, who had been in the business world for more than 30 years, was dressed in an impeccable suit and held a black umbrella, standing like a statue in the wind and rain.

“Father.” Chen Wenkai hurried to meet him, rain immediately soaking his shoulders. “The weather was too bad; you didn’t need to come in person.”

Chen Guangliang shook his head slightly: "It's precisely because of the bad weather that I had to come."

His gaze fell on the "Poseidon 1," which was making its final preparations, and he said, "Wen Kai, remember, the real opportunities often lie hidden in the risks."

This statement, brimming with modern business acumen, startled Chen Wenkai. His father always seemed to utter such thought-provoking words, as if he possessed insights far ahead of his time.

"Let's go, father and son, board the boat ourselves and witness the new product!"

"Yes, father!"

After boarding the "Poseidon 1", Chen Guangliang took over the controls from the bridge and prepared to test it himself.

He himself can drive a yacht and is quite familiar with the cockpit of the Poseidon 1, so naturally he is not in China.

Accompanied by torrential rain, Poseidon 1 began to travel at high speed on the sea surface.

Later.

Chen Wenkai ordered: "Test the switching between the dual-mode control consoles."

Another test pilot's excited voice came over the radio: "Control of the lower cockpit has been transferred to the upper cockpit in 3.2 seconds. The system is responding perfectly!"

Chen Guangliang's lips curled up slightly—the flying bridge system and the composite cockpit were products that only appeared in the late 1960s and early 1970s of his previous life.

After the sea trial, Chen Guangliang called his son to his office.

"We've received the invitation to the Monaco Yacht Show," Chen Guangliang said, taking a gold-embossed envelope from his drawer. "Both Monterey and Ferretti will be launching new models this year."

Chen Wenkai took the envelope: "Father, our technology is at least five years ahead of theirs."

“Technological advantage does not equal market advantage.” Chen Guangliang walked to the window. “Americans control the North American market, and Italians monopolize the old money class in Europe. They will not easily let a Hong Kong brand share the pie.”

However, in recent years, Rongchang Yachts has also exported some of its products to North America, mainly due to their low prices.

But things are clearly different now!

"Therefore, we need a stunning debut." Chen Wenkai's eyes gleamed with determination as he continued, "It's not just a static display, but a way for everyone to witness the exceptional performance of 'Poseidon' firsthand."

Chen Guangliang turned around, a rare smile on his face: "That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Go, and etch the name 'Made in Hong Kong' into the history of world yachts."

Two months later.

The sunlight in Monaco's port poured onto the sea like molten gold.

Audrey Hepburn stood on the deck of the superyacht "British American," her white linen dress swaying gently in the Mediterranean breeze. She removed her sunglasses, her world-famous eyes slightly narrowed as she gazed at the royal palace perched on the distant cliffs.

"Honey, do you think our 'neighbor' might be spying on us again?" she said to the man beside her with a mischievous smile.

Chen Guangliang followed her gaze and saw a window of the Monaco Palace.

He chuckled and casually placed his hand on Hepburn's slender waist: "Let them watch, the tickets have already been paid for."

Hepburn was amused and burst into laughter; her clear, bell-like laughter echoed across the sea.

Since Chen Guangliang bought the Monaco beach resort in 1955 and invited her to become a partner, the social landscape of this small Mediterranean country has been completely changed.

The once-obscure beach has now become a must-visit destination for European celebrities, contributing 70% of Monaco's government revenue annually. Audrey Hepburn, as the "soul" of the beach, is privately referred to by European nobles as "the true queen of Monaco."

The British American superyacht cannot dock directly at the Monaco marina because it is too large and too conspicuous.

Later.

The older model yacht from Rongchang Yachts arrived at the foot of the British American Superyacht, where Chen Guangliang and Audrey Hepburn slowly boarded.

Upon arriving at the dock, a reporter immediately snapped a photo.

He had already planned out tomorrow's news—the world's shipping magnate and his lover Audrey Hepburn arrived at the dock on a rare yacht, once again attracting everyone's attention.

“Darling, when can we get our beach back? That shipping magnate openly brought his mistress Audrey Hepburn to Monaco, and all the media are reporting on them. This makes our royal family's presence extremely low!”

The Monaco Palace was decorated in a lavish and opulent manner, but Princess Grace was not happy.

Prince Rainier III said with a stern face, "Of course I know all this, but Monaco's economy has only been improving for a few years. If we rashly take back the beach, it will inevitably cause a crisis of confidence. Of course, taking back the beach is inevitable, but we have to wait for a better opportunity!"

Grace felt like her heart was on fire, but she could only calmly ask, "Then when would be a better opportunity?"

King Rainier III said, "Let them manage it for ten years, until Monaco's economy is fully stable and developed. At that time, I will use my royal power to make the shipping magnate give it up voluntarily." Grace parted her lips and said, "Four years already? I can't wait to get rid of that woman as soon as possible!"

Ultimately, it was because of a woman's jealousy, not because of Chen Guangliang.

A moment later, the palace steward came in: "Your Highness, Your Highness, a banquet will be held at the beach tomorrow night. We have sent you invitations and hope you will attend!"

After the butler left, Grace said, "We can't go! Chen Guangliang and Audrey Hepburn came to Monaco and didn't visit our royal family first, but instead held some kind of banquet. Obviously, they don't consider us the masters of this country. Darling, let's give them a taste of their own medicine. We'll show the people of Monaco on the streets, but not attend their banquet, so that the media can see who the real masters of Monaco are!"

Rainier III was a 'henpecked husband', and although he felt that it was not good to break off relations like this, or that it was too early, he still agreed.

"it is good"

The next day.

The banquet hall at the bathing beach was brightly lit.

Princess Margaret of England arrived as promised. This royal, known for her rebellious nature, embraced Hepburn warmly upon seeing her: "Audrey, darling! You're even more beautiful than last year!"

“Your Highness flatters me,” Hepburn said with an elegant bow, then winked playfully. “You are also more free than last year.”

Princess Margaret laughed heartily. Now that she had given birth to her son last year, wasn't she finally free?
This woman was no pushover; after marriage, she and her husband each pursued their own separate lives.

Later, Margaret took the initiative to say to Chen Guangliang, "Sir Chen, did you perhaps not invite Prince Rainier and Princess Grace to this banquet?"

Chen Guangliang said frankly, "Perhaps the Prince and Princess were too tired from inspecting the people today, so they were absent from the banquet tonight. However, Her Highness the Princess's presence has already elevated this banquet to the highest level."

“Haha,” Margaret laughed, “This is not an official visit for me. I am just attending the banquet as Audrey’s friend. So, my only identity is Audrey’s friend.”

Chen Guangliang shrugged, gesturing for Margaret to look around. There was a lot of attention from European nobles and celebrities, meaning that even if she wanted to keep a low profile, she couldn't.

“Okay. Sometimes it’s rare to want more freedom! But I heard that Hong Kong yacht brands are actually participating in this yacht show?” Margaret asked curiously.

Firstly, Hong Kong was still a British colony at that time; secondly, Hong Kong yachts had a very low profile, while the exhibitors were all world-renowned yacht brands.

Chen Guangliang's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately said, "Yes, our Hong Kong yacht brand has mastered some of the world's most advanced technologies, revolutionizing the next generation of yachts. If Princess Margaret has the time, I hope you can witness this moment!"

Margaret readily agreed, saying, "Yes, I'm very willing, and if it's really as powerful as Sir Chen says, our royal family is willing to purchase one."

This is a real endorsement.

Of course, there's no need to buy them; giving them directly to the royal family would be a very cost-effective option.

That evening, the banquet was a great success. Although Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace did not attend, many European nobles were present, and Monaco's celebrities were also all there.

The following day, the front page of the *Monaco Morning Post* predictably ignited a frenzy across European social circles. On the left were photos of a glamorous dinner at the beach, with Hepburn and Princess Margaret chatting happily; on the right, King Rainier III and Princess Grace appeared alone. The headline was even more scathing: "Who is the real monarchy of Monaco?"

Immediately, a wave of discontent erupted within the Monaco royal family.

After reading the morning paper, Chen Guangliang, although he didn't really want to see these opinions, wasn't too worried!
He had already calculated that the Monaco royal family would not allow them to control the beach for long, after all, it was a matter of national dignity; the Prince of Monaco would eventually use his power to take it back, and Chen Guangliang could not stop it.

Therefore, no matter how high Audrey Hepburn's reputation was in Monaco, Chen Guangliang was happy to see it.

The Monaco Yacht Show has also officially opened, with Princess Margaret personally unveiling the 'Poseidon No. 1' from Hong Kong's Wing Cheong Yachts.

Originally, the reporters and guests had a lot of prejudice against 'yachts made in Hong Kong'. If Princess Margaret hadn't come to unveil the mystery, no one would have wasted their time on it, no matter how mysterious it was.

Today, media, yacht manufacturers, yacht enthusiasts, and dignitaries from around the world are flocking to Rongchang Yacht Marina, mostly to catch a glimpse of Princess Margaret.

at the same time.

In the Monterey Group's inner circle, Vice President Mark Williams is speaking with several potential clients.

This American businessman in his forties had the typical East Coast elite demeanor—tailored suits, a meticulously groomed beard, and a slightly arrogant smile.

"Mr. Williams, what do you think of yacht clubs in Hong Kong?" a British client asked.

Williams smiled dismissively. "Chinese building yachts? They're probably just trying to copy our designs."

“I heard their yachts have some kind of ‘flying bridge’,” another guest interjected.

“Yachts are not toys, gentlemen,” Williams said, swirling his whiskey. “A true yacht requires centuries of craftsmanship and design philosophy, which cannot be replaced by a few fancy gimmicks.”

Just then, gasps of surprise erupted from the crowd at the port.

Williams turned to look at the sea and saw Princess Margaret, with the help of others, lift up a huge cover, revealing a futuristic silver-gray yacht.

“My God, what is that?” the British customer exclaimed.

Williams' face instantly turned ugly: "Damn it. That's a yacht built by the Chinese!"

The "Poseidon I" revealed its mysterious face to the public. The flybridge system adds at least 30% more area to the entire yacht, something that all yacht enthusiasts dream of.

Then, the yacht began a series of breathtaking maneuvers—sharp turns, high-speed spins, and even near-right-angle changes of direction, maneuvers that are impossible on traditional yachts, yet the "Poseidon 1" performed them with ease.

It's very simple. The 'Poseidon I' used fiberglass material from the United States to complete the hull, and the perfect curves allowed it to move so smoothly.

The crowd at the port began to surge towards the bathing beach.

Reporters rushed to snap photos, while the wealthy whispered among themselves, inquiring about the origins of this remarkable yacht.

Standing on the flybridge of the "Poseidon One," Chen Wenkai watched the approaching crowd, a slight smile playing on his lips. He picked up the megaphone: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the global premiere of the Hong Kong Rongchang Yachts' 'Poseidon Series'!"

The following demonstration was flawless.

Chen Wenkai personally explained the principles and advantages of the flybridge system and the duplex bridge, and invited several guests to board the ship for a experience.

When the "Poseidon 1" carrying the first batch of passengers sailed out of the port, remaining as steady as Mount Tai on the slightly turbulent sea, all doubts vanished.

“This is impossible.” Williams stood on the dock, his face ashen. “How did they do that?”

What shocked him even more was that Giancarlo Ferretti, the heir of the Italian Ferretti family, actually walked towards Rongchang's exhibition area.

The usually arrogant Italian nobleman now had a gleam of excitement in his eyes.

That evening, the banquet hall at the beach was brightly lit.

The celebration banquet for Rongchang Yachts attracted almost all the important figures who participated in the exhibition.

Dressed in a formal evening suit, Chen Wenkai moved among the guests in fluent English, French, and Italian.

Rongchang Yachts conquered the world, and Princess Margaret's help enabled the product to spread rapidly in the Western world.

Rongchang Yachts suddenly became famous worldwide, and orders poured in.

Of course, yacht manufacturers in the United States and Italy also placed orders, intending to study the technology before purchasing the patents.

Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, the entire city was in an uproar, never expecting that Hong Kong-made products could be so amazing.

Of course, in terms of influence, instant noodles still have the greatest influence. After all, it is related to people's livelihood and ranks among the top inventions of this century.

After receiving a large number of orders, Rongchang Yachts decisively applied to the Hong Kong government to build a new shipyard on Tsing Yi Island, intending to expand its scale. (End of this chapter)