A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Spring has come again.

Clearwater Bay, Times Cinema.

The film studio covers an area of ​​80 square feet, or about 130 acres.

More importantly, this is the foundation of Hong Kong cinema.

Era Films came to Hong Kong in the 1930s and became a giant in Chinese cinema after World War II.

Because many film companies' equipment and studios were damaged in the war, while Era Films' equipment had been stored in warehouses in Macau, it was able to develop immediately after the war.

After the war, Time Pictures went through three phases:

In the first phase (1945-1952), quantity was king, and each film had a small investment scale;
The second phase (1952-1960) prioritized quality, reducing the number of films produced from around 80 per year to around 30 per year, and supporting young directors like Li Hanxiang, as well as measures such as producing films in the style of Huangmei Opera.

The third phase (1960~) saw the addition of Hollywood-style big-budget productions, further improving the quality of films, and the commencement of martial arts films.

To this day, among Hong Kong's right-wing films, Era Films stands out, while Shaw Brothers is merely a junior player.

this day.

When Chen Guangliang arrived at the Times Cinema in Clearwater Bay, he did not go to the film set or the administration building, but instead went to the Times Hotel in Clearwater Bay.

This is a four-star hotel, belonging to the Times Group.

The Times Group is now a diversified conglomerate spanning film production, distribution, cinema chains, real estate, and hotels. It owns many valuable properties, including a Grade A office building on Des Voeux Road in Central, the Times Cinema in Clearwater Bay, the Times Hotel in Clearwater Bay, and two valuable office buildings in Tsim Sha Tsui. It wouldn't be wrong to say that Times Film Group is a real estate company.

This background of Zhuang Zhujiu, the actual manager, determined the comprehensive development of Times Pictures. Zhuang Zhujiu came from a prominent family in Changzhou, Jiangnan, and was exposed to business from a young age, and also studied abroad.

Of course, it was also related to some of Chen Guangliang's guidance.

He and Zhuang Zhujiu sat in the hotel lobby and had afternoon tea together.

"I heard that Yuan Rui left the company. What happened? The Times Group is so huge, why is there still no place for him to use his talents?"

Zhuang Zhujiu is the second largest shareholder of Times Cinema, with his family holding over 20% of the shares, making them billionaires in Hong Kong.

Moreover, Chen Guangliang trusted Zhuang Zhujiu and entrusted him with the development of Times Pictures. Within the group, Zhuang Zhujiu's influence far exceeded that of Chen Guangliang.

Chen Guangliang is more like a 'figurehead' chairman, which is common in joint ventures. They invite a famous person to serve as chairman, while the actual person in charge is the general manager.

At the same time, the two families are also related by marriage. Zhuang Zhujiu's son, Zhuang Yuanrui, is, to put it bluntly, Chen Guangliang's eldest son, Chen Wenjie's brother-in-law.

With this relationship, it is entirely feasible for Zhuang Yuanrui to succeed his father in the future.

After all, the Chen family had no interest in managing Era Films.

Zhuang Zhujiu said helplessly, "My original intention was for him to develop well in the real estate department of the Times Group, but after a few years, he became too independent and said he wanted to do things on his own. I'm not going to interfere anymore, let's see how he manages to cause trouble!"

He developed the Times Group into what it is today, and surely he would like his only son to join him so that he can take over his position in the future.

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "I heard you're wary of your son and don't let him get involved in the glamorous world of the film industry. I'm afraid Yuanrui thinks you're not genuinely trying to raise him."

Zhuang Zhujiu said seriously, "I know more about this circle than he does, and getting involved with it won't do him any good."

Unlike Run Run Shaw, although Zhuang Zhujiu had many female stars under his wing, he was henpecked and dared not act recklessly. Moreover, Sheng Aiyi was a director of Times Film Company and would participate in many events.

"That's good! It's good for young people to go out and explore, which will help them grow."

Thank you for your concern, Mr. Chen.

"Why are we being so polite?"

Regardless of the circumstances, Chen Guangliang changed the fate of the Zhuang family and can be considered their savior.

In their previous life, Zhuang Zhujiu and Sheng Aiyi met a tragic end. Their son, Zhuang Yuanrui, only left mainland China in 1981 to apply for a job in the United States. He worked odd jobs in different places, rented a place to live, and struggled until retirement. During the mask-wearing period, Zhuang Yuanrui suffered a relapse of his stomach disease and was hospitalized for more than ten days. The little money he had saved for retirement was taken by the part-time caregiver. After discussing it with some friends, they sent him to a nursing home to settle down temporarily.

Although Zhuang Zhujiu was unaware of these things, he knew that if it weren't for Chen Guangliang, he and his wife would definitely have chosen to stay in the mainland; especially his wife, who had a deep affection for Shanghai and was unwilling to leave.

"Mr. Chen, I am now 61 years old, and my health is not particularly good. However, the Shidai Group is a large and powerful enterprise, and it cannot function without an heir!"

In his previous life, Zhuang Zhujiu had already been dead for several years at this time, and must have died a miserable death.

"Even if there's nothing seriously wrong with your health, and Yuanrui really doesn't want to take over, then we'll have to adopt the Western-style 'professional manager' system in the future. Of course, you should just focus on your work, delegate more tasks, and don't worry too much yourself! Even your wife can help you!"

Zhuang Zhujiu said, "Yes. The professional management system is indeed a very good approach for modern enterprises."

Chen Guangliang thought of a problem and said, "We could consider issuing a batch of new shares and selling them to senior management at a low price as a benefit for everyone. This way, the management will feel a greater sense of belonging to the company."

Zhuang Zhujiu was taken aback; he hadn't expected Chen Guangliang to bring up such a 'sensitive topic'. In reality, although he was a manager at Shidai Group, he was also essentially an 'employee,' as the Chen family controlled 60% of the shares and could reclaim management control at any time.

Issuing new shares now would naturally dilute some of the Chen family's equity, a topic he is very sensitive about.

However, now that Chen Guangliang has brought it up, Zhuang Zhujiu has carefully considered the implications. The management of Times Pictures has indeed lightened his workload considerably.

"Okay, I'll take a look at it later and come up with a plan to discuss at the board meeting. Times Pictures is a large company, so even if we issue new shares, we don't actually need that many new shares."

"Um"

Chen Guangliang made this suggestion in the hope that the group could stabilize.

As for considering having someone from the Chen family take over, he doesn't have that many ideas and doesn't think much about the business for the time being.

"Mr. Chen"

Just as Chen Guangliang and Zhuang Zhujiu were finishing their conversation, a familiar voice rang out.

"It's Miss Ruan! It's been a long time!"

It was Ruan Lingyu, a woman who should not have appeared in this era. Every time Chen Guangliang saw Ruan Lingyu, he was quite happy and treated her as his friend.

Ruan Lingyu was with her husband, and at this moment she generously approached Chen Guangliang and Zhuang Zhujiu.

"That's for sure. It's been a long time. These days, you're not someone we can just see whenever we want."

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "Seeing Miss Ruan like this always makes me happy for you!"

Zhuang Zhujiu knew the inside story. Back then, Ruan Lingyu was troubled by love, and it was Chen Guangliang who woke her up; otherwise, she might have really lost her life. After that, Ruan Lingyu joined Times Film Company and worked as an actress. In the late 1950s, she even became the Best Actress in Asia-Pacific Films for her role in Li Hanxiang's film "The Back Door".

Ruan Lingyu bowed slightly to Chen Guangliang and then said, "If it weren't for Mr. Chen inviting me to Hong Kong back then, I, Ruan Lingyu, would not exist in this world, and I would not have the fulfilling life I have now."

Chen Guangliang waved his hand and said, "Alright, we've been friends for decades. Please sit down." After inviting the couple to sit down, Chen Guangliang asked, "Mr. Yang, how's your business? Is it enough to support our Era Film Studio's Best Actress?"

Ruan Lingyu's husband was someone she met while seeking refuge in Hong Kong in the late 1930s. He was also an employee of the Times Film Company in his early years, and started doing business in the 1950s. The couple also had a son, and could be considered a happy family.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Chen. I'm just doing a small business, but it's enough to support my family!"

I didn't ask you to raise it.

"Ha ha"

Chen Guangliang laughed; wasn't this also a merit of his?

After a brief chat, Chen Guangliang got up to visit the Times Cinema, since as the big boss behind the scenes, he rarely went there more than once a year.

Ruan Lingyu offered, "I also need to go to the company, so why don't I act as Mr. Chen's guide?"

"walk"

Ruan Lingyu's husband, however, voluntarily did not go.

Along the way, Ruan Lingyu became very talkative, and Chen Guangliang did not get tired of her, after all, he had always been very loyal to his friends in Shanghai.

Today, the Times Film Studio employs over 1500 staff members daily. Furthermore, it has been developed into a tourist attraction—a complex of antique-style buildings—receiving many overseas visitors who seem to seek a connection to their homeland or to admire the ancient charm of China.

"Mr. Chen, I'm getting older now, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable film roles. I'm planning to retire from the entertainment industry. However, my husband's business hasn't been very successful. I'd like to ask you, the God of Wealth, what kind of investments I should make!"

After holding it in for so long, it turns out it was about this.

Come to think of it, Ruan Lingyu was also over fifty years old. Chen Guangliang hadn't even been interested in her when she was young, so she must have been aware of her own limitations. Chen Guangliang helped her because the two had been friends for a long time.

Chen Guangliang smiled at Ruan Lingyu beside him and said, "Why don't you divorce Mr. Yang? Business is so bad, and you still have to support the family."

Another Shanghai film star, Hu Die, had a husband named Pan Yousheng. Although he was also in business, he worked in the film industry. He didn't make a fortune, but he was unlikely to lose money either.

Ruan Lingyu had always longed for wealth, but after being heartbroken, she finally realized her mistake and married a decent man in the same industry. However, she never expected that her husband, after more than ten years in business, would not make much money and would even lose some.

She was desperate. She couldn't get any acting roles anymore, her son had graduated from university, and her husband had lost money in his business. That's why she swallowed her pride and asked the God of Wealth for advice.

“What can I do? I’m too old now, and I can’t expect a rich man like Mr. Chen to adopt me.”

Chen Guangliang shook his head. After experiencing life and death, Ruan Lingyu's personality also changed, and she became a fiery woman.

"I don't really have any investment recommendations for you, since you might not be cut out for business. However, if you have money, you could invest in CK Asset Holdings or Times Property Holdings shares and enjoy long-term dividends. Of course, dips are normal in the meantime, but from a long-term perspective, it's definitely a worthwhile investment. Alternatively, you could invest in real estate. The same applies to real estate; there might be significant drops in prices, but you still need to consider the long-term implications."

Ruan Lingyu readily replied, "Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Chen."

She actually saved some money; after all, she had made films for Times Cinema for over twenty years and had accumulated quite a bit of wealth.

He was about to retire and wanted to leave himself a way out, so he shamelessly approached the God of Wealth.

Seeing that Ruan Lingyu had achieved her goal, Chen Guangliang said, "Alright, thank you for accompanying me. I should go to the administration building now."

Ruan Lingyu tactfully took her leave.

half a month later.

The board of directors of Time Pictures agreed to issue some new shares, allowing senior management and key directors to purchase them at a low price.

The news was met with the greatest joy by key figures at Era Films, including Raymond Chow and Li Hanxiang. However, the ones who benefited the most were not the film division, but rather the management of the real estate division.

After all, real estate contributes the most to the revenue of the Times Group.

That day, Chen Guangliang arrived at the Ping An Bank Building.

He first learned about the situation of Ping An Investment Bank. Since the run on Liu Chong Hing Bank, Hong Kong real estate and securities experienced a slight decline. Then in 1962, Hong Kong securities experienced another sharp decline due to the previous excessive increase, and the trading volume also dropped significantly.

Ping An Investment took the opportunity to buy shares in some high-quality companies, becoming the largest investor in the Hong Kong stock market, holding 5% to 10% equity in many companies.

At the same time, Ping An Investment Bank controlled 60% of the shares of 'Times Group' and also purchased 3% of the shares of 'CK Asset Holdings', gradually strengthening its ties with the Chen family's enterprises.

Chen Guangliang's ultimate goal was to have Ping An Investment control about 5% of the shares of most of the high-quality listed companies in Hong Kong. Since he wouldn't need to withdraw funds, the rental income and dividends from the real estate trust, as well as the small profits from Ping An Bank, could all be used to achieve this goal. He would even invest overseas and gradually form a huge 'investment group'.

As for the commercial banking sector, Chen Guangliang understands the shortcomings of a 'family bank'. Despite his hard work over the years, it is currently only the largest Chinese-owned bank; it can pose some threat to HSBC, but that's about it.

Moreover, outside of Hong Kong, Ping An Bank has found it even more difficult to achieve significant growth.

Therefore, the prospects of Ping An Investment are crucial.

Later, Chen Guangliang convened a meeting of Ping An Bank's management team.

He has long since stepped down as general manager of Ping An Bank, as he now manages the three major subsidiaries—Ping An Bank (commercial bank), Ping An Investment (investment bank), and Ping An Insurance—from the group—Ping An Financial Group.

As for Ping An Securities, it falls under the investment banking business.

"Have you noticed that since last year (1962), Hong Kong's funds have been pouring into the real estate market?"

When the boss brought up the topic, everyone fell into thought, knowing that the boss wouldn't bring it up abruptly.

Later, Du Weifan, a senior advisor to the bank, said, "Not only that, many banks are directly investing in real estate, treating depositors' money as their own. This phenomenon is very common!"

Everyone nodded.

Since Ping An Bank and Ping An Investment separated, Ping An Bank has become more standardized and will no longer directly participate in investments in real estate and shipping.

Of course, the loan amount is still somewhat high, but this is based on the fact that it has a strong backer.

Ye Ximing also said, "No one has learned from the lessons of Liao Chuangxing Bank. After all, you don't know the pain until it happens to you. Fortunately, our Ping An Bank is very well-regulated, although our current loan-to-deposit ratio is slightly high at 60%."

In fact, Chen Guangliang has a lot of personal funds deposited in overseas banks, which is both a way of putting his eggs in one basket and a way of not wanting to put too much loan pressure on Ping An Bank.

Later, Chen Guangliang said, "When Ping An Bank arrives in 1965, it would be reasonable to lower its loan-to-deposit ratio to below 50%; the most important thing in this process is to reduce real estate loans."

"it is good"

Everyone understood that the boss had foreseen the disaster and taken preventative measures.

Chen Guangliang nodded. If the loan-to-deposit ratio was 50%, plus his personal cash flow, he wouldn't be afraid of a bank run causing trouble. (End of Chapter)