Hong Kong Tycoon: Starting from Delivering Dongfeng Express

Chapter 135 Ni Yongxiao in Action
At the entrance of the Luohu Joint Inspection Building in Jinghai, a group of Dongfeng Express employees walked out in an orderly fashion, dragging boxes with them.

"Ren-ge, I wonder what good food the restaurant has today? Roast duck, braised goose, or ham... It's a pity I can't bring any for my godfather to try!"

Fat Cat now passes through checkpoints every day, and what he looks forward to most is the blissful time of having a big meal at the Sea Lion Restaurant.

Chen Yongren patted Fat Cat's bulging belly: "Fat Cat, eat less, you should lose some weight!"

Fat Cat immediately shook his head: "Brother Ren, my mom says being able to eat is a blessing! If I lose weight, I can't be called Fat Cat anymore, I'll be called Skinny Cat! Skinny Cat doesn't sound good!"

"Hey, what you said makes a lot of sense! Who said you're stupid!"

A group of people chatted and laughed as they walked out the door toward the delivery truck.

Not far away, a middle-aged man was watching them with his hands behind his back, while a young woman beside him couldn't help but remind him:

"Godfather, it's from Dongfeng Express!"

"I know!" Chen Tai said in a low voice, but there was clearly some resentment in his eyes.

He also has a significant connection with Dongfeng Express, because the Luohu store they are currently operating belonged to Chen Tai just a few months ago!
When the joint inspection building was first completed, Ye Dongsheng approached him wanting to buy the shop. Chen Tai gritted his teeth, asked for 50 yuan, and reached a deal with the other party.

Chen Tai was quite pleased with himself when he closed the deal, after all, it was 50 yuan! In Jinghai these days, that's a huge sum of money! In his eyes, he had really made a fortune!
However, as time went on, Chen Tai watched as the number of visitors to the joint inspection building increased day by day, and the property prices of the shops near the joint inspection building rose steadily, changing every day. His pride gradually disappeared and was replaced by regret.

He's now heard that the price there has tripled, meaning his initial investment of 500,000 has now increased to 1.5 million. He's absolutely kicking himself!
His original plan was to use the 50 yuan to open several more video arcades and earn over a million yuan within a year. But now, only a few months later, the value of his original shop has increased from 50 yuan to 150 million yuan. In other words, he could have easily earned that million yuan without doing anything, but now, after all his fuss, he's lost his money!

Moreover, last month, all of his video arcades were raided. It was obvious that his rivals had targeted them, and they were forced to close for more than half a month. He went to great lengths to pull strings and spent a lot of money to get the arcades back open.

This stark contrast makes it all the more apparent how foolish he was to sell the shop in the first place.

Therefore, Chen Tai was naturally uncomfortable when he saw Dongfeng Express!
However, he didn't dare to actually make any moves. After all, the other party was a Hong Kong businessman, and judging from the situation, his business was doing very well. Nowadays, Hong Kong businessmen have a higher status than them in the Special Administrative Region, so they can't be messed with!
For example, if Chen Tai wanted to meet with some officials, he would have to wait in line and they wouldn't even give him a second glance. But if he were a Hong Kong businessman, he would receive a warm welcome immediately. That's how different they are!

To be honest, Chen Tai also felt a strong sense of envy. If he had the identity of a Hong Kong businessman, would his video arcade still be subject to such inspections? Would he still have to worry about those various departments that could launch surprise attacks at any time? He would definitely be able to do things without feeling so constrained!
However, upon thinking of the person he was waiting for, Chen Tai felt a surge of excitement.

This time, a friend said he would introduce him to a Hong Kong businessman who is very powerful and has made great achievements in the entertainment industry, which could help Chen Tai's career reach new heights!

He asked his goddaughter, Chen Ting, "Have we arrived yet?"

Chen Ting glanced at her watch: "They said this time, they should have arrived by now!"

Chen Taiping calmed himself down, but he still craned his neck to look inside, afraid of missing any figure.

About fifteen minutes later, a man in a casual suit walked towards them with a bodyguard. Chen Tai immediately greeted him with a smile and extended his hands.

"Mr. Ni! Welcome, welcome!"

Ni Yongxiao shook hands with Chen Tai and said with a smile, "Sorry to keep you waiting. I didn't expect the line to be so long!"

"Oh, Mr. Ni, you're too kind. We didn't wait long. It's you who has had a long and tiring journey. I've already arranged a banquet to welcome you back!"

Ni Yongxiao smiled and nodded.

This Chen Tai was introduced to him by a friend; he was a business partner. The other party was a local bigwig in Jinghai, with quite a few men under his command and a certain reputation in the underworld.

Previously, Ni Yongxiao had specifically investigated the details of Hutchison Express's collapse and knew that the direct cause was the hijacking of their packages in mainland China. Needless to say, Dongfeng Express was definitely behind it!
Therefore, if he wants to make his express delivery business successful, he will need local powerful figures on the mainland to provide protection, and Chen Tai is the partner he has chosen.

During the meal, amidst clinking glasses and exchanging toasts, Chen Tai patted his chest and assured Ni Yongxiao, "Mr. Ni, rest assured, as long as I, Chen Tai, am here, your goods in mainland China will absolutely not have any problems!"

"Brother Tai, I have complete faith in your abilities. From now on, all security matters for Lightning Strike will be handled by you, Brother Tai!"

Ni Yongxiao also toasted with Chen Tai.

After putting down his wine glass, Ni Yongxiao asked Chen Tai, "Brother Tai, is there any progress on the matter I asked you about before?"

Chen Tai looked troubled: "Mr. Ni, although I've been in Jinghai for quite some time, I haven't really dealt with customs much, so I can't make any connections right now!"

Ni Yongxiao sighed inwardly. He understood very well that when doing business in a new place, one must have a protective umbrella, and one must have someone who could speak to one's superiors.

In the cross-border express delivery business, the person you deal with most is customs, so he really wants to have a good relationship with them. Unfortunately, it seems that Chen Tai isn't very helpful...

But the next moment, Chen Tai said, "Although I don't know anyone in customs, I can introduce you to someone in the political and legal system!"

Ni Yongxiao immediately became interested. As far as he knew, the political and legal system had considerable power, comparable to the courts and police in Hong Kong. If he could have a powerful figure in this field protecting him, he wouldn't have to worry about a repeat of what happened with Hutchison Express.

Ni Yongxiao asked with a smile, "Who is it, Brother Tai? Tell me~"

Even though they were in a private room, Chen Tai unconsciously lowered his voice: "Zhao Lidong, a political and legal official from Luohu District!"

Ni Yongxiao's eyes lit up, and he raised his glass again, saying, "I'd appreciate it if you could introduce me, Brother Tai!"

……

In the office, Zhao Lidong was reading a newspaper when his trusted secretary, Wang, walked in and leaned down to whisper in his ear:

"Secretary Zhao, that Chen Tai contacted me again."

Zhao Lidong didn't even raise an eyebrow: "What's wrong with him now?"

He remembered Chen Tai. Last month, several video arcades were shut down, and they came to him with 20 yuan. Zhao Lidong asked Secretary Wang to resolve the problem.

To be honest, he couldn't be bothered to associate with someone like Chen Tai; his level was too low. He only helped him because of the generous sum of money offered.

Secretary Wang, knowing her thoughts, immediately smiled and said, "Secretary Zhao, he said a Hong Kong businessman wants to have dinner with you." Only then did Zhao Lidong put down her newspaper: "A Hong Kong businessman? What does he do?"

"It seems he has dabbled in real estate and entertainment. Chen Tai said he's very powerful, with businesses all over Hong Kong and Macau!"

Zhao Lidong was now truly interested: "Alright! Let's meet!"

……

In 1985, the 160-meter-tall China World Trade Center was completed. With a construction speed of one floor every three days, it became a landmark building in the history of China's reform and opening up, and is now the tallest building in Beijing!

When discussing the China World Trade Center, one cannot overlook its rooftop revolving restaurant. This restaurant, the first of its kind in China and renowned as the highest in the city, offers panoramic views of Beijing while diners enjoy their meals, attracting countless visitors.

At this moment, Ni Yongxiao and Zhao Lidong sat facing each other at a dining table by the window.

Ni Yongxiao remarked with emotion, "I never imagined that the mainland would develop so rapidly, with buildings like the China World Trade Center already standing tall, rivaling even Hong Kong Island!"

Zhao Lidong said with a smile, "Although Jinghai can't compare to Hong Kong Island, its development is progressing rapidly. We warmly welcome compatriots like Mr. Ni from Hong Kong Island to come back and visit more often!"

"Hehe, Jinghai's rapid development is inseparable from the effective leadership of people like Secretary Zhao." With that, Ni Yongxiao raised his glass of red wine in a toast.

After setting down his wine glass, Ni Yongxiao took out a gift box and gently placed it in front of Zhao Lidong.

Zhao Lidong smiled, not particularly surprised. After opening the gift box, he found a watch inside, but the brand was unfamiliar to him.

Ni Yongxiao said with a smile, "Secretary Zhao is very busy and his time is precious, so he needs a good watch to help him manage his time."

As if sensing that the other party didn't appreciate the quality, Ni Yongxiao continued, "Only a watch like a Patek Philippe is worthy of Secretary Zhao's status!"

Upon hearing Patek Philippe, Zhao Lidong's hand holding the watch tightened involuntarily. He had heard about this brand from some Hong Kong businessmen at a previous gathering; it was extremely expensive! The Patek Philippe that the Hong Kong businessman was wearing cost 20 Hong Kong dollars!
He never expected that Mr. Ni would give him such a valuable gift as soon as they met!

Zhao Lidong's smile grew even brighter: "Mr. Ni, I really like this watch, but I can't accept something for nothing..."

Ni Yongxiao interrupted Zhao Lidong with a smile:

"Secretary Zhao, please don't overthink it. My father always taught us that we must show our friends the utmost respect. I'm here today hoping to make friends with the local officials. Please accept this small gift!"

Although our Ni family isn't a large clan, our business is still quite decent. Besides real estate, I also operate some entertainment venues in Hong Kong Island and a casino in Macau. If Secretary Zhao would like, you are welcome to visit anytime; I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Zhao Lidong felt even more excited upon hearing this. He was a very materialistic person and had long yearned for the glamorous world of Hong Kong and Macau.

Not only was Ni Yongxiao generous, but the power he exuded in his words also made him want to befriend him.

Zhao Lidong took out the watch, put it on her wrist, and then raised her glass with a smile: "Then I shall accept your kind offer. Thank you, Mr. Ni!"

However, he knew that the other party must have something to ask of him, so after a drink, he asked with a smile, "Mr. Ni, I wonder what projects you plan to investigate on your trip to the mainland?"

Ni Yongxiao said with a smile, "Secretary Zhao, I am actually preparing to start a business: cross-border express delivery!"

……

Downstairs at the China World Trade Center, Zhao Lidong, her face flushed, shook hands with Ni Yongxiao:
"Mr. Ni, thank you for your hospitality today! I will definitely come to support your Lightning Plaza when it opens!"

"Then I'll have to trouble Secretary Zhao!" Ni Yongxiao said with a smile.

Zhao Lidong saw Chen Tai standing by the car, smiled, and went over to pat him on the shoulder:

"Chen Tai, right? Work hard under Mr. Ni, and you'll definitely rise to great heights in the future!"

Chen Tai felt his bones soften. Before, he could only contact Zhao Lidong's secretary and was not even close to Zhao Lidong. But now he had made her remember him!
He quickly bent down and grasped Zhao Lidong's hands with both of his: "Secretary Zhao's words of wisdom will be remembered by me, Chen Tai!"

Chen Tai was thrilled. It seemed that getting in touch with Ni Yongxiao this time was a real opportunity. It would be worth it just to expand his network of contacts through him!

A moment later, after Zhao Lidong got into the car and watched the vehicle disappear into the distance, Ni Yongxiao thought to himself that he had achieved his goal for this trip!
He then looked at Chen Tai beside him and said with a smile, "Brother Tai..."

Chen Tai quickly replied, "Mr. Ni, I can't accept the title of Brother Tai. Just call me Ah Tai!"

Ni Yongxiao chuckled and said, "You're older than me. Since we'll be working closely together from now on, I'll call you Old Chen!"

Chen Tai quickly agreed.

Ni Yongxiao continued, "Old Lu said before that you were in the entertainment industry..."

Chen Tai waved his hand with a smile: "We're just a few video arcades, begging for a living with our underlings. How could we dare call ourselves the entertainment industry?"

Ni Yongxiao nodded: "I have some experience in the entertainment industry. Video arcades are still a bit low-class."

Chen Tai nodded repeatedly: "My vision is limited, I can't compare to Mr. Ni, please give me your guidance."

"Old Chen, if you really want to do this, I suggest you switch careers and open a nightclub! Our Ni family has its own establishment in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Island. I can take you there for a visit sometime~"

Chen Tai was excited. He had heard a lot about nightclubs from Hong Kong businessmen. If he could really make a success of it, it would be much more profitable than video arcades!
But the next moment, a look of difficulty crossed his face: "Mr. Ni, of course I'm willing. However, my current strength might still be a bit lacking..."

Ni Yongxiao smiled and said, "You can figure out the money yourself. If you're willing, we can set up a joint venture."

Chen Tai was overjoyed. If this joint venture really existed, he, Chen Tai, would be wearing the skin of a Hong Kong businessman! This was exactly what he had been working so hard for Ni Yongxiao to achieve!
Moreover, with Zhao Lidong's support, it would be difficult for his nightclub not to become a hit!
Chen Taizhen felt that she had met a true benefactor this time!

(End of this chapter)