A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Times Pictures has developed into a comprehensive enterprise.

Even the revenue from real estate business has exceeded that from film production and distribution; it owns a Grade A commercial office building in Central, Hong Kong, a Grade A office building and a cinema building in Tsim Sha Tsui, a cinema building in Mong Kok, and so on. It also owns a large number of properties in Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries.

But this still doesn't prevent it from firmly holding its position as the leader in Hong Kong cinema, because Era Films always manages to grasp the trends of the times.

Era Films' cinema chain business spans Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, encompassing a total of 192 cinemas of varying sizes, as well as 12 amusement parks.

This is such a large conglomerate, and everyone in Hong Kong knows that its owner is surnamed Chan, even though Zhuang Zhujiu is the actual operator of the company. The reason is simple: the founder of the company is Chan Kwong-leung, and Sheng Aiyi is a partner. Moreover, the Chan Kwong-leung family still holds the largest share of the company.

this day.

Times Pictures held a board meeting, and because 60% of its shares are held by Ping An Investment, Zhang Shounian still attended the meeting.

At the meeting, Zhuang Zhujiu said, "Today we need to pass two resolutions. The first resolution is: I propose that Raymond Chow serve as the general manager of Times Film Productions and be in charge of the actual operation of all businesses. After all, my main focus is now on TVB, and I no longer have the energy to serve as the general manager of two companies."

Upon hearing this news, the management team led by Raymond Chow was overjoyed.

Slightly disappointed were Tang Jiaxuan and others in charge of the real estate business, who believed that Times Pictures should be considered a diversified real estate enterprise, with real estate contributing more than other industries. More importantly, Tang Jiaxuan was promoted by Chen Guangliang.

Surprisingly, Ping An Investment, represented by Zhang Shounian, voted in favor, and the motion passed smoothly.

Later, Zhuang Zhujiu continued, "Tang Jiaxuan will serve as the deputy general manager, still in charge of the real estate business."

Adding another deputy general manager won't cause much of a stir.

Next, Zhuang Zhujiu dropped a bombshell: "After discussions with Mr. Chen, we've decided to issue a batch of new shares, valued at HK$5 million, in recognition of the significant contributions many have made to the development of Times Film Industry. However, senior management will be allowed to purchase these shares at a 40% discount. In other words, you'll already have a substantial profit simply by subscribing; and if Times Film Industry's stock continues to rise, you'll profit even more. This is a measure to incentivize senior management, and the list of subscribers, i.e., the subscription percentage, is already publicly available."

Raymond Chow looked at the list in his hand, and his name was the first on it. Moreover, his subscription amounted to 50, which was actually worth 80 Hong Kong dollars.

He was immediately excited. Promotion and wealth—today was truly a day of good fortune!

Recently, he has indeed been somewhat dissatisfied with Sheng Aiyi's tendency to meddle in everything, which led to some outbursts of discontent within the company. However, he has never actually considered leaving Times Pictures, mainly because he feels that Hong Kong cinema is already monopolized by Times Pictures and Shaw Brothers, making it too difficult for independent films to break free from these two giants.

But after today's two events, even his slight dissatisfaction has vanished.

Similar to Raymond Chow, Leonard Ho also received a subscription share of 30, and his joy was hard to contain.

Tang Jiaxuan, as the person in charge of the real estate, subscribed for the same amount as Zou Wenhuai, which made his dissatisfaction disappear without a trace.

Nine senior executives were successfully subscribed, and everyone was all smiles!

After the resolution was passed, Zhuang Zhujiu said with a smile, "From today onwards, I will no longer participate in the work of Times Pictures except for board meetings. So the new management team is actually a professional management model, and I hope everyone will lead the company to a higher level."

"Yes"

After the meeting, everyone understood that Zhuang Zhujiu would focus on his work at TVB, while Sheng Aiyi would step down to the second line, and Times Pictures would actually usher in the era of 'professional managers'.

Afterwards in the chairman's office, Zhuang Zhujiu said to Zou Wenhuai, "Do you think there's anything about today's events that's hard to discern on the surface?"

Raymond Chow recalled that Zhuang Zhujiu had said that Mr. Chen Guangliang had discovered him by chance and then asked Zhuang Zhujiu to bring him into Times Film Industry; and that with such boldness today, even Zhuang Zhujiu would not dare to make a decision without the major shareholder's approval.

So Raymond Chow excitedly asked, "Is it Sir Chen?"

Zhuang Zhujiu nodded and said, "Mr. Chen has heard about the recent management issues at Times Pictures, and has decided to implement a 'professional manager' system. After all, neither the Chen family nor our Zhuang family currently has a suitable successor. Since we are implementing a 'professional manager' system, we hope that your management team can continue to lead Times Pictures to success!"

We will do our utmost.

Raymond Chow also had great respect for Zhuang Zhujiu, after all, Zhuang Zhujiu was a key figure in the creation of Era Films.

Later, Zhuang Zhujiu said, "As Times Films opens a new era, we have two suggestions: First, you should invite Bruce Lee, the Chinese-American martial artist, to return to Hong Kong to make movies and make Chinese Kung Fu a calling card for Hong Kong films; Second, when the time is right, Times Films can implement the 'satellite film company' model. For example, after Bruce Lee makes three movies for us and becomes a big star, we can cooperate with him instead of simply hiring him."

Upon hearing this, Raymond Chow immediately felt fortunate that he hadn't considered leaving; otherwise, if Times Pictures had lowered its standards, the industry would have become even more invincible.

"Okay, I'll arrange to go to the United States as soon as possible."

On the eve of the Spring Festival, Chen Guangliang appeared at the Huatai Group Building.

This is the production workshop of Wah Tai Toys, a 12-story building totaling 36 square feet. This is typical of Hong Kong factories, which are mostly 12-story industrial buildings, given the high cost of land here.

Huatai Toys is a large-scale company that not only manufactures Barbie dolls for Mattel in the United States, producing tens of millions of Barbie dolls every year, but more importantly, Huatai Toys owns its own brands and products, such as Rubik's Cubes, claw machines, and building blocks.

Chen Guangliang arrived at the workshop where claw machines are produced and looked at the busy figures inside, feeling very proud.

"Manager Su, how do we deal with companies that infringe on our patents?"

Su Dongsheng chimed in, "Mr. Chen, Huatai Toys has established a comprehensive legal mechanism and partnered with many overseas law firms, enabling us to effectively regulate infringement. Currently, the patent fees and compensation we receive annually are quite substantial. For example, regarding claw machines, we average two or three lawsuits in Japan each year, and we always receive compensation."

Chen Guangliang nodded in satisfaction; the patent fees were the biggest expense!
In its previous life, the world's first invention of a 'video game console' was not Atari, but in 1972, a company called Magnavox launched the first home video game console in human history—the Odyssey. This machine was priced at $99 and only 35 units were sold, but during its patent period, it earned a whopping $1 million in patent fees and compensation.

Huatai Toys also holds numerous patents, so it naturally places great importance on collecting patent fees. At the same time, Huatai Toys exports a very large volume of toys.

Later, Chen Guangliang, Chen Wenkai, and Su Dongsheng invited several core R&D engineers from Huatai Toys to the conference room.

Chen Guangliang then produced a document and said, "This is a new toy development project, codenamed 'Transforming Toys.' There are two toys: one is a transformable vehicle, and the other is a transformable robot. This series centers on an armed combat force that can transform into vehicles or dinosaur robots, and revolves around their fight against the alien invaders of the Valuda Empire. The elements in its design, such as robotic insects and dinosaur robots, are named Diakron and Microman."

"The Diaclone's main body is made of plastic, with internal springs and tires underneath. When I gently press a button on top, the Diaclone unfolds its wings, revealing a cockpit with a pilot inside. Diaclone is the name of the armed combat unit appearing in the story. The word 'Diaclone' comes from the English words 'diamond' and 'cyclone,' symbolizing the team's 'diamond-like friendship and cohesion' and 'cybernetic-like comrades.'"

"Both toys revolve around a storyline where, in a corner you're unaware of, the Okro aliens are reaching out their evil clutches, attempting to conquer Earth."

Everyone seemed to have entered a new realm, carefully examining the information with great interest.

The toy engineers present were all experts in plastics, machinery and other technologies, and were part of Huatai Toys' R&D capabilities.

As for why Chen Guangliang didn't propose to directly develop 'Transformers', it's because he felt that it would be more suitable to hand over 'Transformers' to Mattel. After all, if you want Americans to buy it, it's better to consider an American company/American (Audrey Hepburn had dual British and American citizenship).

After reviewing the materials, a toy engineer remarked, "This is IP! However, to create such a sophisticated and technologically advanced toy, it requires investment of research and development time and capital."

Chen Wenkai said with a smile, "Don't worry, Engineer He, this project is one of Huatai's main toys in the 1970s, and we will give it a lot of support."

It may look like a small toy, but it involves a lot of technology. Just like the Rubik's Cube, its internal structure initially required the investment of experts in structural engineering and mechanics to develop, which took more than a year.

Su Dongsheng also said, "Indeed, Huatai Toys hasn't had any new outstanding products for some time. If this could be launched in the 1970s, it could be another world-class toy."

The meeting went smoothly, and the team of five core R&D members quickly began their research and development.

After the meeting.

"Mr. Chen, the sales of 'Comic World' have exceeded 4 copies. That's a six-cent weekly comic book. 'Fist of the North Star' has become a very popular comic in Hong Kong. Even Japanese comics have faded away in Hong Kong." Su Dongsheng reported to Chen Guangliang with a smile.

Chen Guangliang said, "Yes. In short, we must continue to invest, invest regardless of cost. We are not just throwing money away, but incubating IP. Comics will become big IPs sooner or later, and we need to have a forward-looking vision."

"clear"

Su Dongsheng probably doesn't understand how comics can become a major IP.

He visited Mattel, the parent company of Barbie, many times. They started with toys and then developed the IP around Barbie, working hard to manage and develop related products to increase its influence.

Chen Guangliang didn't say anything else. When the 1970s arrived, he planned to take out the detailed outline of the "Mobile Suit Gundam" manga and let the Comic World magazine start creating it. Coincidentally, it had some connection with Diakron and Microman.

Of course, the most important role of Diakron and Microman is to spawn the later Transformers. However, it's probably best to leave the Transformers franchise to Mattel.

The Spring Festival is approaching.

The entire Chen family gathered in Hong Kong for a week, including those who had joined the workforce, those still in school, and of course, the daughters-in-law. Married daughters, however, were not included.

It wasn't that Chen Guangliang was wary of his son-in-law or grandson, but rather that he wanted to save face for his in-laws and teach his daughter that once she got married, she should prioritize her husband's family.

Take Chen Leyi for example. After she married Tang Wensheng, without Chen Guangliang's knowledge, she even discussed with Tang Wensheng that their future children would have one surnamed Tang and the other surnamed Chen.

Upon learning of the situation, Chen Guangliang immediately summoned Chen Leyi and persuaded her to abandon the idea. Regardless of whether the children bore the Chen surname, he had already given this daughter a fortune no less than that of his son. Even if they did bear the Chen surname, he would not treat her as his own grandson.

After a generation gap, Chen Guangliang no longer loves his daughter as much, which is inevitable.

Spring Festival.

79 Deep Water Bay was bustling with activity as thirty or forty family members gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year together.

Of course, the properties at 80, 79, 77 and 75 Deep Water Bay all belong to the Chan family, so everyone will still go back to their own villa at night.

"What are you two brothers doing?" Chen Guangliang asked Chen Wenhai and Chen Wenying.

Chen Wenhai immediately said, "Grandma said his radio isn't working well, so my brother and I will fix it for him! I didn't expect Wenying to know about these things too!"

Chen Wenying humbly replied, "Myna is the real expert."

Chen Wenhai was born to Jiang Meiying in 1952 and was the eighth among his brothers; Chen Wenying was born to Si Yezi in 1953 and was the ninth among his brothers.

"Let Wenying give it a try."

Chen Wenhai immediately replied, "Hmm."

Chen Wenying didn't back down and quickly figured out how to repair a radio, eventually managing to fix it.

Chen Guangliang left the scene satisfied.

Although Chen Wenying did not receive encouragement, he was indeed very happy.

Chen Wenhai immediately said, "Ninth Brother, do you want to study electronics in college?"

Chen Wenying said happily, "Yes, I heard from my brother last time that you were also going to study this major, so I want to learn from you!"

The two brothers, with their arms around each other's shoulders, walked towards their grandmother, Yang Hui, having accomplished something 'remarkable' together.

After Chen Guangliang left, he found paper and pen with a heavy heart and called Chen Wenkai and Si Yezi over.

"Wen Kai, go to Japan for me after the Spring Festival and set up a joint venture with your fourth aunt, mainly engaged in the research and development of game equipment. The long-term employee only needs to take a 1% stake, and the key is to give your fourth aunt some guidance in the early stages of starting the company."

Chen Wenkai nodded and said, "Yes, I'll write it down. But does Father have any research directions? Should we license the claw machine and try producing such game equipment first?"

Si Yezi was getting anxious. She knew nothing about running a company, especially one with such advanced technology. However, she remained silent, waiting for the father and son to discuss it further.

Chen Guangliang began drawing on the paper and asked, "This is a laser gun shooting system. The game is set in an American Western-style shooting game with a cowboy theme. In front of you is a pre-recorded projection screen. Players hold a revolver laser gun and face a real cowboy on the screen. When the cowboy's eyes flash with murderous intent (white light), you have to draw your gun and shoot faster than your opponent, otherwise you will be knocked down and ridiculed. There are many technologies involved. First, you need laser gun technology, and second, you need sensing equipment. We'll have Japanese engineers in these fields handle the specifics. We'll just invest money and ideas. Of course, Changgong Group will only assist your fourth mother in setting up the company, and we'll withdraw when the time is right."

"Okay, I understand Father's thoughts a bit better now. This is the world's first live-action interactive movie game, so the technology is indeed quite advanced. However, recruiting Japanese engineers shouldn't be too difficult to develop it! The question is, once it's successfully developed, how should we operate it, or should we just sell the equipment directly?"

"Of course, it's about leasing some closed bowling alleys and then running them yourself. Coin-operated technology can also be used!"

Chen Guangliang had already written down a sketch and some ideas, and then gave them to Chen Wenkai.

He was too busy with work, so he could only entrust Chen Wenkai, who was proficient in technology, to go to Japan.

At this moment, Si Yezi finally said, "I'm afraid I'll mess it up?"

Chen Guangliang immediately said, "If it's a mess, it's a mess. Consider it the foundation for Wenying to build a company. I think he likes electronic devices and such, so he can take over the company in the future."

Chen Wenkai also advised, "Fourth Aunt, Father's idea is definitely very promising. You just need to invest money and recruit technical engineers, and the chances of success are very high."

Si Yezi then said, "Okay, then I'll spend more time studying hard!"

Chen Guangliang thought for a moment and said, "When Wenying goes to university, he can do an internship at a company to cultivate his awareness of doing business and making products."

"Yes, he usually likes to study these things. If it weren't for the fact that it doesn't affect his studies, I would definitely teach him a lesson!"

"Having this hobby is a good thing." (End of Chapter)