A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

As Chen Guangliang predicted, Hong Kong's futures companies suffered a loss of 23 billion, all of which were debts owed by fund companies or securities companies that should have replenished their margin.

The largest debtor is Ng Chi-cheung of Sino Land, who has become the largest debtor of 'Hong Kong Futures Company'.

However, Huang Zhixiang used the excuse that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange had violated regulations by suspending trading for four days, causing a market crash, to justify dragging out these 'margin deposits'.

So Hong Kong futures companies suddenly owed huge sums of money (i.e., the funds from short selling profits). As a result, it was predictable that people like Kwan Ka-wai and Cheung Man, who made HK$70 to 80 million from shorting the index futures, could not get their money back in a short period of time.

Fortunately, the cost was not high, only tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars.

Chen Guangliang still disliked people shorting stocks extensively in Hong Kong, so he didn't let the two women get too involved.

On the contrary, the Nikkei 225 futures in Singapore earned the three women a whopping HK$3 million, making Lee Chi famous in the Singapore futures market.

This day.

Chen Wenming arrived at the Ping An Bank Building and then went into his office on the 70th floor.

"Dad. Times Square in Singapore is completed and is expected to be operational in the second half of next year."

Times Square in Singapore is a large-scale mixed-use development located on Orchard Road. Spanning 12 square feet, it comprises a shopping mall, an office building, and a five-star hotel.

Moreover, this project belongs to Marco Polo Group, a Singapore-listed company under Wharf Holdings Limited. This listed company was originally the listed company of Marco Polo Hotels in Singapore.

Since the Chen family acquired Wharf Holdings, Wharf Holdings has used the listed company Marco Polo Hotels in Singapore as its flagship development enterprise in Singapore.

"Um"

Chen Wenming couldn't help but ask, "Father, the Global Group is currently facing development problems. Because it tries to avoid developing real estate in Hong Kong, it has plenty of funds but no suitable channels."

When Worldwide Shipping landed, it amassed at least US$10 billion in wealth. The acquisition of Wharf Holdings cost only HK$25 billion, which, at the exchange rate at the time, was just over US$5 million. In addition, it invested approximately US$3 million in properties and securities in New York and Tokyo.

Of course, the privatization of Wharf Holdings later cost several hundred million US dollars.

However, the profits generated by these assets over the years have also been substantial.

Chen Guangliang nodded. He had indeed given Chen Wenming, Chen Wenkai, and Chen Wensheng a "decree" to avoid developing real estate in Hong Kong, lest they become "unparalleled" and "become the object of envy."

For example, the Universal Group was the largest asset inherited by Chen Wenming among the 11 sons of the Chen family. In 1979, for instance, its total assets already exceeded US$20 billion.

How is the shipping situation this year?

Seeing his father ask the question, although it wasn't the topic he wanted to discuss, Chen Wenming still answered seriously: "This year (1987), countries such as Japan, Greece, and Liberia have significantly reduced their ships. For example, Japan has reduced its ships by at least 300 million tons this year. Norway went against the trend and added several million tons of ships this year; Panama is also increasing its ships. Overall, compared to the 1200 million tons of merchant ships that were reduced globally last year (1986), it is estimated that only one or two million tons of merchant ships will be reduced this year, and the total number of merchant ships worldwide will still remain above 4 million tons."

Liberia and Panama have the most registered vessels globally because they operate under an open registry system (see Ship Registration), resulting in a large number of flag-of-convenience vessels owned by foreign shipowners in their merchant fleets. These two regions alone account for approximately one-quarter of the global fleet.

Listening to these figures, Chen Guangliang understood that shipping had reached its lowest point globally in 1985, and while the situation wouldn't improve in the following two years, it wouldn't continue to deteriorate either.

"How much profit will World Wanderers make this year?"

Worldwide Shipping has virtually no debt, so it's in a very good position overall.

"It is estimated to be around US$1500 million, after all, it has a fleet of 850 million tons and no debt interest."

If the fleet has bank loans, then the $20 million profit may be lost and could even become negative.

Global shipping has reduced its cargo volume by another 50 tons, clearly indicating that it has been adjusting its operations to minimize losses. Even for a ship without debt, if there is no business for a year, the port fees, maintenance costs, personnel costs, and insurance premiums alone will amount to a huge expense, much like the cost of 'maintaining a car' in modern times.

It's good if we can maintain our current situation; we'll be able to make money normally in the 1990s.

The Worldwide Group comprises five major companies: Wharf Holdings, Worldwide Shipping, Worldwide Trading, Worldwide Properties, and Hong Kong Airlines.

Global Realty primarily holds properties in Manhattan, Tokyo, and Osaka, with a total value now exceeding US$10 billion.

After a moment's thought, Chen Guangliang said, "The mainland's comprehensive reform and opening up is expected to take another four or five years, so it's unrealistic to invest heavily in the mainland now. But Singapore is a good option, and you can continue to increase your investment there."

Overall, the Chen family has invested a considerable amount in Singapore, owning five expensive properties on Orchard Road alone, four of which belong to CK Asset Holdings and one to Wharf Holdings.

In addition, the Chen Guangliang family has also invested in Singapore in sectors including petrochemicals, industry, and finance.

“Singapore is indeed a good place, and I will increase my investment as soon as possible. By the way, Dad, Thailand and Malaysia.” Chen Wenming had great faith in his father’s strategic vision because his father had never made a wrong judgment.

“It can be strengthened, but Singapore is clearly more suitable for the long term.”

"Ok"

Real estate, shipping, trade, and aviation constitute the core businesses of the Global Group.

The 'Tranquility' superyacht.

In the swimming pool, Chen Guangliang embraced Li Jiaxin and used a series of lies to coax her, causing her to forget what had happened before. Of course, the key factor was that her family couldn't do without Chen Guangliang now; otherwise, for Li Jiaming to harass her in front of her would clearly be an insult.

"Mr. Chen, Mommy told me that you're planning to invest in us and teach us how to invest?"

Goodness, so that's why this little girl submitted so quickly.

But it doesn't matter, as long as my goal is achieved.

"Yes, I should have taught you how to invest in securities a long time ago. It's easier to make money in the stock market. You can easily make tens of millions or hundreds of millions at once. Now that you and Jiaming are with me, I naturally have to teach you this good thing."

His words were aimed at breaking down Li Jiaxin's psychological defenses.

Li Jiaming isn't particularly beautiful, but when Li Jiaming is with Li Jiaxin, their happiness is doubled.

Li Jiaxin was instinctively furious. What did he mean by "sister also followed him"? He had clearly forced her to do it. However, she remembered Mommy's instructions and that she also wanted to earn more money, so she could only pretend not to hear.

Thank you, Mr. Chen.

Chen Guangliang smiled, and then he invited Wu Guofang and Li Jiaming to the pool so that everyone could enjoy the pleasure of bathing together.

Of course, he cleverly steered the conversation toward 'teaching the art of investing'.

During this time, Chen Guangliang said to Li Jiaming, "Come and massage my shoulders."

Li Jiaming happily approached Chen Guangliang and then reached out her delicate hand to pinch Chen Guangliang's shoulder. Li Jiaxin glared at her fiercely, warning her sister not to cross the line.

Chen Guangliang didn't care about these petty tricks; he was determined to gradually break down the family's psychological defenses and bottom line.

At this moment, Wu Guofang asked, "Sir Chan, this global stock market crash has had the biggest impact on Hong Kong. Wouldn't it be a bad time to buy Hongkong Land's shares?" "Are you questioning me?"

Wu Guofang quickly said, "No! I was just being nosy. Anyway, it's Mr. Chen who's paying for it."

"Then you can massage my shoulders."

Wu Guofang blushed slightly, but still obediently replaced Li Jiaming.

Li Jiaxin tried to break free from Chen Guangliang's embrace, but was held firmly, and then she was drawn into Chen Guangliang's words.

"It's actually quite simple. The more the Hong Kong stock market crashed in 1987, the higher the subsequent rebound will be. This is because Hong Kong doesn't have any major economic problems; it's just affected by the external environment. This is the best opportunity to buy at the bottom. As for Hongkong Land, it has abundant assets and has already escaped the debt crisis. In addition, with Chinese capital eyeing it, it will rise quickly."

Wu Guofang said from behind, "I see."

She was originally a simple salaried employee, but after her meteoric rise in March of this year, she also began to learn about investing in real estate and securities, and gained some basic knowledge.

Chen Guangliang leaned back, making skin-to-skin contact with Wu Guofang, and then continued, "I'll give you HK$1000 million, and then I'll have the bank give you five times leverage, which means you can buy HK$5000 million worth of Hongkong Land shares. If nothing unexpected happens, making ten or twenty million a year will be no problem at all."

Li Jiaxin turned around and said, "So little?"

Then her face flushed slightly, and she saw her man lying on her mother's back.

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "This is just the first opportunity. There will be many more to come, little girl. Don't worry! Also, you will receive five million in living expenses every month, and Jiaming will receive five hundred thousand."

It was all a scheme!

Crucially, Li Jiaming, completely unaware of the situation, quickly replied, "Thank you, Mr. Chen."

Under Li Jiaxin's angry glare, she calmed down considerably.

Chen Guangliang knew when to stop, so he hugged Li Jiaxin's young body and whispered in her ear, "Jiaxin, you're still young. There's no need to be too hasty. Steady development is the right way."

Under the man's warm, moist breath, Li Jiaxin's body gradually softened. She then said, "I just wanted to help my family as much as possible! Seventy million in debt, the interest alone is so much every year!"

Chen Guangliang's hand had already climbed inside, and he said with a smile, "You only see your huge debts, but you don't see how many times these properties and securities will appreciate in value in the future. By the 1990s, you'll be worth more than a few hundred million."

Sure enough, upon hearing these words, Li Jiaxin became obedient.

Then, Chen Guangliang carried Li Jiaxin into the cabin and had Wu Guofang and Li Jiaming follow.

The two women hesitated for a moment, but still followed them in.

In fact, Chen Guangliang was not so 'reckless'. He simply led the three women into a house filled with luxury goods and jewelry, and there were several sales clerks there.

"If you're too lazy to go shopping, we've brought all the luxury goods here. Pick whatever you like!"

"Really?"

Li Jiaxin was instantly attracted. At this moment, she was certainly interested in assets such as real estate and securities, but what could truly make her feel the allure of money were these designer handbags.

"Whatever you like."

Afterwards, Chen Guangliang left, leaving several sales clerks to explain things to everyone. They were actually also the ship's service staff, but they had just been introduced by the sales clerks of various luxury goods stores.

"Miss Jiaxin, this is a limited edition LV bag. It will look beautiful on you."

Li Jiaxin immediately felt extremely pleased.

Wu Guofang and Li Jiaming were naturally sensible and let her choose first.

Then Li Jiaxin said, "Can I choose more?"

The sales clerk said with a smile, "You're the host today, you're in charge!"

Li Jiaxin immediately became unceremonious. Of the items in the room, worth millions of Hong Kong dollars, she only picked the best ones; and she had Wu Guofang and Li Jiaming pack up the rest, taking almost everything.

"Okay, we'll pack it up for you later and deliver it to your home."

"Thank you"

Seeing the ship's crew, Li Jiaxin even had a slight feeling that if she didn't serve Sir Chen well, she might not be able to stay for long.

late at night.

Some of the crew members on the superyacht 'Tranquility' began to rest, while others remained on duty. Some lights on the yacht were also turned off, but the bodyguards remained vigilant.

Wu Guofang was resting in a bedroom with a smile on her lips. She understood very well that even if Jiaxin stayed with Sir Chen for five or even ten years, once Sir Chen got old and could no longer work, Jiaxin would be free.

By then, their family will be wealthy, and their daughter will be able to choose to get married.

Therefore, her move was not a mistake.

Wu Guofang was just worried about one thing: Sir Chen seemed to like taking medicine, and she wondered if this might cause an accident, and if the Chen family would blame them.

Of course, it's also possible that it wasn't from taking medicine, but rather that Sir Chen was exceptionally gifted, given that his body appeared very robust.

With these miscellaneous questions in mind, Wu Guofang closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Suddenly, the door was quietly opened, but Wu Guofang remained unaware, as she had complete faith in the ship's security.

Immediately afterwards, a man came to her side.

"woohoo"

the next day.

Li Jiaxin didn't sense anything unusual. Even though she knew Chen Guangliang had gone outside, she assumed he was looking for Li Jiaming.

Since the deed was already done, she naturally acquiesced to Chen Guangliang's absurdity.

Meanwhile, the millions of Hong Kong dollars in gifts they received were the real deal.

Step by step, they became slaves to money! (End of Chapter)