A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Golden autumn October.

On the waters off Aberdeen, the Jumbo Ferry celebrated its opening day.

It is completely modeled after the palace design. The traditional handicrafts and murals alone cost 6 million yuan. The dragon throne that everyone envies took two years to complete.

Upon its opening, Jumbo-Française immediately overshadowed the nearby Tai Pak Fong and Cape Palace, becoming a landmark of Hong Kong.

Stepping aboard the Jumbo Floating Restaurant is like entering an ancient palace. The golden dragons flanking the main entrance are gleaming and lifelike. Each of the ship's rooms is named after a royal palace, such as the Dragon Tower, Phoenix Pavilion, Golden Palace, and Hall of Supreme Harmony. Furthermore, each deck features an emperor's throne flanked by two palaces on the east and west sides, allowing guests to ascend the throne for photos while enjoying their meal – a truly unique experience.

Chen Guangliang was invited to attend the opening ceremony.

Of course, he wasn't representing the shareholder, Cheung Kong Holdings, since Jumbo Ferry doesn't have that kind of influence.

Jumbo Fong belongs to the Cafe de Coral Catering Group, which owns luxury catering brands such as Jumbo Fong, two upscale restaurants, more than 40 fast food outlets, and more than 40 shops, with assets worth approximately HK$100 million.

Although CK Asset Holdings owns a 35% stake in Cafe de Coral Catering Group, not even CK Asset's General Manager, Chan Man-kit, attended the opening of Jumbo Fung. At most, they appointed the General Manager of Vitasoy Group.

Therefore, Chen Guangliang came purely in a private capacity and declined the invitation to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

At this time, Chen Guangliang appointed his son as the general manager of all four of the Chen family's conglomerates, while Chen Guangliang began to move behind the scenes. Of course, he remained the chairman of the board of directors of the four conglomerates, and could regain power at any time if his son made many mistakes.

Therefore, at this time, the four sons of the eldest son's family were like "crown princes overseeing the country." Chen Guangliang planned to pass on the chairmanship of the board to his four sons when he was 70 years old, and completely retire behind the scenes to become a "retired emperor."

After all, his children were very receptive to his advice, and his use of a 'father-son trust' was actually a good way to pass on the family business; as long as he lived, he would still control half of the shares in the 'father-son trust,' and with the shares held by the 'Chen Guangliang Foundation,' he would still have real power.

Chen Guangliang wasn't reluctant to give up his 'power,' but he worried that his children would blindly pursue diversification and expansion without following his 'analysis of the overall situation,' which would be a major taboo.

Chen Guangliang and Zhuang Zhujiu toured and chatted on the Treasure Boat. The two were in-laws, friends, and business partners.

Of course, the partnership is gradually heading towards a 'breakup'. With Chen Guangliang's daughter, Chen Mengyi, working and being promoted at Times Pictures, it also means that the Chen family is going to take back control of the management of Times Pictures.

Zhuang Zhujiu understood this as well. Fortunately, he had no intention of vying for power. This was mainly because his son had been unambitious and had gone to Singapore to work in real estate. Secondly, the Chen family had always been a major shareholder of Times Film Industry and had always sent people to manage Times Film Industry's real estate and hotel businesses, so he couldn't compete with them.

Of course, Chen Guangliang also said back then that if Zhuang Zhujiu's son was suitable to take over, it would be considered for the future.

"The influence of Hong Kong films in Asia has also boosted Hong Kong's tourism and retail industries. If Hong Kong television can also become a cultural icon, it will be even more beneficial to Hong Kong's economy!" The two chatted casually while touring the Jumbo Ferry.

Zhuang Zhujiu said with a smile, "Although TVB currently dominates the market, we wouldn't dare say that Hong Kong television has become Hong Kong's cultural icon. However, overall, the quality of Hong Kong television is top-notch in Asia, and we also export some drama series copyrights every year."

Does this in-law want to run a television station?

This was the first time Zhuang Zhujiu had such an idea.

Since Mengyi joined Times Pictures, he noticed that his in-laws had started to show some interest in film and television matters.

Of course, Zhuang Zhujiu felt that his in-laws' plans would likely fall through this time.

Running TVB is definitely impossible, since TVB's three largest shareholders are all foreign (two of which are British), the fourth largest shareholder is the Li family, and the fifth largest shareholder is Zhuang Zhujiu.

Furthermore, Zhuang Zhujiu has already made TVB an important business. (Since Li Xiaohe is still alive, it won't be his only business.)

If his in-laws wanted to take over two television stations, it would seem very difficult and unlikely; even if it were possible, they still couldn't compete with TVB, he was confident of that.

Chen Guangliang nodded and said, "I hope you will do better and better and make greater contributions to Hong Kong's cultural image."

Zhuang Zhujiu, acting like a subordinate, replied, "Definitely."

There's no way around it; which Hong Kong Chinese businessman doesn't act this way in front of their in-laws?

The in-laws' status is far too high, and their influence is far too great.

Just as the two were talking, a fragrant breeze wafted over, and the newcomer had a pair of foxy eyes and a charming face.

"Sir Zhuang, this must be Sir Chen. Only he would ask you to stay here and accompany us instead of going to the front for the ribbon-cutting ceremony!"

As the general manager of TVB, Chong Chu-kau held great power and was naturally familiar with the woman in front of him. She was Diborra, a host who had recently made a name for herself on TVB's "Enjoy Yourself Tonight" and was a very eloquent woman.

He smiled and said, "Of course, it's Sir Chen."

However, he didn't introduce Diborra to Chen Guangliang because, as far as he knew, Chen Guangliang wasn't interested in women in the entertainment industry. His decision not to introduce her was naturally intended to discourage Diborra from pursuing him further.

Deborah is a shrewd person and naturally understands this principle, but she still smiled and said, "I'm also filming a movie for Time Pictures this year."

Her statement was vague, but it implied that Times Pictures should also be a Chen-owned enterprise, and she was an employee there. However, she couldn't quite distinguish whether Zhuang Zhujiu was the real boss of Times Pictures, since she knew that Chen Guangliang was the main founder of the company back in Shanghai.

Just when both of them thought that Chen Guangliang wouldn't respond to this kind of topic and wouldn't be interested in Diborah.

Chen Guangliang suddenly laughed and said, "I've watched you host 'Enjoy Yourself Tonight,' and you did a great job. Your career is sure to be very successful in the future."

Deborah's face immediately lit up, and she quickly became friendly: "It's truly an honor to leave an impression on Sir Chen! I've grown up listening to his stories since I was a child, and it's so lucky to actually meet you today!"

Chen Guangliang jokingly said, "No need to exaggerate like that, it makes me look old!"

Deborah showed none of the nervousness one might expect. As if it were a recent encounter, she immediately complimented him, saying, "If you weren't standing next to Sir Zhuang, and if I hadn't seen your picture in the newspaper, I wouldn't have believed you were Sir Chen at all, because you look so incredibly young!"

"Haha," Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "Thank you for the compliment, but I'm getting old!"

In reality, he is 65 years old this year. If you remove his "old man's clothes," he would be about 37 or 38 years old, which is the prime of a man's life. At least in terms of physical function, he is indeed in his prime.

After a brief chat, Chen Guangliang left, leaving Dipola somewhat reluctant to part.

Just as she was feeling a little disappointed, a man in his thirties walked up to her.

"Ms. Deborah, I'm Mr. Chen's assistant. This is my business card. Please feel free to contact me if you have the chance!"

Deborah was instantly elevated to a heavenly level. Knowing such a big shot would not only make her career smoother, but might also elevate her social connections to a whole new level.

"Okay, Assistant Li, here's my contact information. Please feel free to contact me in the future!" Li Ming smiled, put the business card in his pocket, and then turned to leave.

Just now, he saw his boss give him a look, and he immediately understood, taking the opportunity to hand his business card to Dibora.

Actually, he was a little curious. Apart from his four wives and concubines, there seemed to be no other rumors about the boss. Why was he interested in such a woman today?
Of course, he just thinks about it, and doesn't even think about it much.

His father was the boss's subordinate, having followed him from Sheung Ho Tan to Hong Kong; so after returning from his studies abroad, he naturally joined Cheung Kong Holdings, and was later recommended to the boss as an assistant, a position he has held for ten years. He naturally understands how to handle many things.

the other side.

Yan Zuhe was in high spirits, mingling with the guests. Because of his brother-in-law, Governor MacLehose had come to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony today.

Of course, the brother-in-law did not appear in person. Instead, he instructed him to make the 'Jumbo Ferry' a calling card and landmark building for Hong Kong's tourism industry, and then invite Governor Murray Ho to cut the ribbon.

As expected, the Hong Kong government readily agreed, as it was indeed an affirmation of Hong Kong's economy and image.

Of course, Yan Zuhe is now considered a 'well-known' figure in Hong Kong's business world, with two listed companies under his control—Ho Shing Properties and Cafe de Coral.

Among them, Ho Shing Properties joined forces with Cheung Kong Property this year to acquire a number of industrial land parcels at government land auctions, and also bought some industrial land at bargain prices in the market, waiting for opportunities.

Cafe de Coral Catering Group has become a large catering group in Hong Kong and has been acquiring shops in Hong Kong.

The spring breeze is proud.

Some say that the Yan family is showing signs of recovery under his leadership. At least compared to the once-famous Rong and Liu families of Shanghai, the Yan family is now considered to have 'rejuvenated'.

In recent years, members of the Yan family overseas have gradually established Hong Kong as their base and have been holding regular gatherings.

Three days later, Chen Guangliang invited Diborah to dinner in a private room at the Furama Hotel in Causeway Bay.

It was only when Chen Guangliang saw Deborah last time that he remembered some things; his heart hadn't grown old after all. Of course, he wasn't 'very interested' in Deborah, but rather he felt that Deborah could become a pawn in his game.

Sir Chen

"Just call me Mr. Chen. People who know me well know that I don't like that title!"

Deborah was taken aback. She knew that the title of 'Sir' in Hong Kong was equivalent to the honor of 'Governor', and only a very few people received it. She did not expect Mr. Chen to have such an attitude.

However, she quickly realized: "Mr. Chen is a world-class entrepreneur, while a knight is only a member of the Commonwealth. From now on, I will call you Mr. Chen!"

After speaking, Deborah displayed her excellent social skills and chatted happily with Chen Guangliang.

After the banquet began, Diborah stood up to pour wine for Chen Guangliang, making no attempt to hide her graceful figure and charming face.

Chen Guangliang then said, "Miss Deborah, do you know why I invited you here today?"

Dipola sat down next to Chen Guangliang and said sweetly, "I don't know, but I was so excited to receive Mr. Chen's invitation. It's such an honor to meet you!"

Chen Guangliang remained calm. He had seen too many women. Perhaps Dipola was somewhat novel to him, but he wouldn't bother with her.

"It's not a big deal, really. I just need a female assistant."

Dipola was taken aback. Was she being invited to be an assistant? This made her hesitate—how much did an assistant earn? Even if it was a big shot's assistant, she'd need real skills. With her limited skills, she probably wouldn't be able to make a living. And now, she was starting to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry.

Of course, she wouldn't refuse. Smiling, she picked up her glass and said, "That would be my honor! Mr. Chen, let me toast you first."

Chen Guangliang picked up his wine glass, and Dibora stretched out her hand, then they played the game of drinking from the same glass together.

After finishing her drink, her face flushed slightly as she said, "Mr. Chen, what exactly does my job as your assistant entail? I'm so afraid of delaying your important business!"

Chen Guangliang said, "You'll do whatever I tell you to do! Of course, you don't need to quit your current job. Just wait for my orders at any time. But there's only one condition—absolute secrecy and absolute obedience! There will be plenty of benefits!"

Dipola's eyes lit up. This was a perfect opportunity! She immediately went to Chen Guangliang's side, put her delicate hand on his shoulder, and said coquettishly, "Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Chen. From now on, if you tell me to go east, I will never go west!"

To say such explicit things, that's typical of Dipola.

Of course, Chen Guangliang also understood that he treated all women the same way. He had conquered Princess Margaret and the two had slept together; however, given his status, their relationship was merely a fling.

As for a minor character like Deborah, she is indeed someone you can get into bed with just a snap of your fingers.

That was indeed the case. After dinner, Chen Guangliang took Diborra to a suite in the hotel.

Without any proper training, Chen Guangliang directly executed Dibora, and quite violently at that.

Afterwards, Chen Guangliang got dressed and sat on the sofa. Dibora, wrapped in a bath towel, couldn't hide her allure and lay limply on the sofa.

"Mr. Chen, you are truly amazing! This humble woman is no match for you!"

Chen Guangliang ignored the flattery and said, "Later I'll have A-Ming take you to see a house. I'll come to you whenever I need you. But one thing is certain: our relationship must be kept absolutely secret."

"Yes, I swear."

"No need for oaths. I believe no one in Hong Kong dares to go against me. Besides, you're quite well-off!"

Dipola immediately leaned closer and said seductively, "Mr. Chen, I'll do whatever you ask me to do from now on!"

All she knew was that if she could get on that list, her life would be worry-free. Besides, this man was simply too captivating; there was no indication that he was already famous in Shanghai during the 1920s and 30s.

Chen Guangliang stroked Dibora for a moment before getting up and leaving, leaving Dibora on the sofa, chuckling to herself, savoring the moment.

In fact, if it were just about Diborah's body, Chen Guangliang wouldn't have been tempted at all.

But Deborah possessed a quality that Chen Guangliang needed: interpersonal skills. He wanted to cultivate a 'female assistant' to help him find girls in the future.

Chen Guangliang understood that while his body was still full of energy, his wives and concubines were gradually losing their youth. If he didn't adjust his lifestyle, his health might suffer. (End of Chapter)