Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 16 First Day in Victoria Park
Chen Bingwen stood at the entrance of the food factory's makeshift office, looking through the glass window at the bustling production scene, but his heart was as taut as a taut string, without any sense of relief.

A thousand threads above, a single needle below.

The plan includes the product design, production process, raw material supply, temporary worker recruitment and training, and the layout and decoration of the four booths.
Information and decisions from all sides are like thousands of crisscrossing threads, which must ultimately be accurately summarized onto the product.

Only by ensuring the quality of the products can "Chen's Dessert" successfully debut at the Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair.

Of all these countless lines, the most crucial and sensitive one is undoubtedly food safety.

After the incident of Inspector Lin's obstruction, Chen Bingwen knew that in the chaotic Lunar New Year market, under the spotlight of the media, any slight disturbance regarding food hygiene could destroy everything he had painstakingly built up.

Chen's Dessert Shop is still in its early stages and cannot withstand any food safety issues.

Therefore, before the Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair officially begins, he needs to take the initiative to obtain an authoritative certificate with absolute credibility and irrefutable authority, namely a "Product Inspection Certificate" issued by the Department of Health.

"Ah Hai!" Chen Bingwen called out.

Gao Zhenhai, who was checking production records, immediately put down his folder and came over.

"Come with me to the Eastern Branch of the Department of Health this afternoon."

Gao Zhenhai was taken aback: "Brother Wen, to the Department of Health? Wasn't that just a short time ago?"

“They did investigate us, but they investigated us.” Chen Bingwen smiled meaningfully. “This time, we asked them to investigate.”

I need a written product certification report as our 'passport' and 'protective charm' for the Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair.

Gao Zhenhai immediately understood Chen Bingwen's deeper meaning and said admiringly, "I understand! With an official report, those who want to cause trouble will have to think twice!"

Department of Health, Eastern District Branch.

"Mr. Chen, didn't your food factory just undergo our routine inspection? How come you're applying for another inspection just a few days later? And it's even a proactive request for inspection?" Inspector Ma emphasized the word "proactive," as if to confirm that he hadn't misheard.

In this era, whether it's a food processing plant or a family workshop, the general attitude of the owners towards the Department of Health inspections is to avoid them if possible. If they really can't avoid them, they are extremely cautious and trembling, fearing that they will be found out about some problems and be fined, required to rectify, or even have their licenses revoked.

It's unheard of for someone like Chen Bingwen to come forward right after dealing with what could be described as a difficult inspection, requesting the Department of Health to conduct an even more rigorous and comprehensive official commissioned test, which would also incur a hefty fee.

This is practically like paying someone to "find fault" with you.

“Inspector Ma, it was because of the last inspection that we realized more deeply that food safety must be kept in mind at all times and there can be no slackening.”

Chen Bingwen showed no sign of panic, but rather a solemn and honest expression. "The reason we took the initiative to apply for commissioned testing this time is not because we are guilty. On the contrary, it is because we have absolute confidence in the quality of our products!"
We believe that only products that withstand the most rigorous testing can earn the widest trust.

“At the Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair, countless citizens, young and old, came to the event. In such an environment of crowds and media attention, any doubts about food safety could be magnified infinitely, causing an irreparable crisis of trust.”

I want to use the most authoritative and irrefutable method to prove to all citizens who will visit our stall and taste our sweet soup that every bowl of sweet soup and every food item at Chen Ji, from raw materials to finished products, can withstand the most discerning eye and the most rigorous scientific testing!
The "Product Inspection Certificate" issued by the Department of Health is the best quality declaration of Chen Ji Desserts and the strongest pass for us to enter the Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair!
It is also our shield against all storms, protecting consumers and our own reputation!

After Chen Bingwen finished speaking in one breath, the office fell into a brief silence once again.

The surprise on Inspector Ma's face had been completely replaced by a deep contemplation.

Chen Bingwen's approach and thinking were so clear and strategic!
Actively seeking official endorsement and turning test reports into a dual weapon for marketing and defense is beyond the thinking of most bosses. This clearly demonstrates a business mind that deeply understands market rules and brand building!

“Mr. Chan,” Inspector Ma said slowly, his tone unconsciously carrying a hint of sincere admiration and appreciation, “your ideas are very visionary. This courage and confidence are unique in the entire food industry of Hong Kong Island.”

He then changed the subject, offering a slightly friendly reminder, "However, Mr. Chen, the test results from the commissioned inspection are legally binding official documents, and once..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but Chen Bingwen understood instantly.

That means if the test fails, it's a disgrace, and you have to bear the consequences.

“Inspector Ma!” Chen Bingwen replied without hesitation, “Our Chenji products will only have one outcome: they will fully comply with food hygiene and safety standards!”

I'm not here to gamble; we're here for results! Chenji is determined to get this report!

This unwavering confidence struck Inspector Ma's heart like a resounding bell.

He had seen far too many manufacturers who were timid and hesitant when faced with inspections, trying to get away with things. Chen Bingwen was the only one who actively "asked for the test" and was so confident about the outcome!

This confidence stems either from arrogance and ignorance, or from absolute control over every aspect of their business, from raw materials to processes to quality control!

Recalling the exceptionally high level of standardization demonstrated by Chen's factory during the last inspection, far surpassing that of its competitors, and Chen Bingwen's clear, logical, and to-the-point explanation just now, Inspector Ma was completely won over by Chen Bingwen.

More importantly, Chan Ping-man's actions cleverly aligned with the Department of Health's urgent need to rebuild public trust and establish positive role models in the industry following the Lam Inspector incident.

Isn't a food company that proactively requests the strictest testing and is full of confidence a perfect example of the Department of Health's regulatory work?
This is of great significance for improving the Department of Health's image in the eyes of the public and the media!

"Excellent!" Inspector Ma slammed his hand on the table, his face showing genuine appreciation, even a hint of excitement at meeting a like-minded person. "Mr. Chen's sense of responsibility, his extreme pursuit of quality, and his highly responsible attitude towards consumers are truly admirable! He has foresight and a grand vision! The Department of Health will fully support this kind of proactive and self-disciplined corporate behavior!"

Victoria Park, 6:00 AM, February 1st.

The chilly morning mist had not yet dissipated, but the stalls of Chen Ji Dessert, with their uniform design of four red backgrounds and gold characters, were already brightly lit and bustling with people.

Chen Bingwen stood in front of the stall, took a deep breath of the slightly chilly, salty air, and felt a little excited.

After nearly ten days of continuous work, the moment to test the results has finally arrived.

The workers, wearing brand-new aprons with the "Chen's Dessert" logo, were making final preparations with practiced ease.

The aroma of tangerine peel red bean paste, sesame paste, and almond tea is rich and fragrant; golden salted water dumplings and crispy fried dumplings are also present; steaming hot Malay cake, white sugar cake, and curry fish balls are also available.

The unified visual image, clean environment, and enticing aroma instantly attracted the attention of the first group of vendors and citizens who entered Victoria Park to set up their flower stalls and exercise in the morning.

Today marks the first day of the Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair. To kick off the full-scale launch of Chan Kee Desserts, Chan Bing Man personally oversaw the event at the Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair.

"Awen!" Gao Zhenhai nervously rubbed his hands when he saw Chen Bingwen coming over to check the preparations.

He was in charge of coordinating stalls number two and three. It was the first time he had managed so many people and dealt with such a large scene, and his mind went completely blank.

"Stay calm, Ah Hai, you'll be fine!" Chen Bingwen patted him on the shoulder, encouraging him.

"Do it according to our prior agreement. Remember to provide excellent service and never skimp on the portions! Chen's reputation depends on this first battle! You can do it!"

Feeling the strength in Chen Bingwen's hand and the trust in his words, Gao Zhenhai took a deep breath and nodded heavily, "Understood! I will definitely not let you down."

At 7:00 AM sharp, the Victoria Park Lunar New Year Market officially opened!
Many Hong Kong Island residents, young and old, flocked into Victoria Park from various entrances.

Soon, the crowd began to surge.

The aroma emanating from Chen's Dessert Stall attracted a large number of tourists in the chilly morning air.

"It smells so good! Mommy, I want some sweet soup!" A little girl tugged at her mother's hand, her eyes fixed on the savory dumplings bubbling in the oil. "Huh? Chen's? Isn't that the one in the newspaper?"

"Hey buddy, a bowl of red bean paste, and two salted dumplings!"

"I want a sesame paste set meal!"

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Within just ten minutes of the market opening, long queues had formed in front of the four stalls.

The workers were divided into several groups, and they worked quickly and in perfect coordination.

Chen Bingwen personally oversaw operations at stall number one, making adjustments based on the actual situation on-site.

"Chen's Secret Recipe Sweet Soup! Red bean paste warms the stomach, sesame paste nourishes the lungs, and freshly fried savory dumplings are crispy and delicious! Enjoy Chen's sweet soup during the Lunar New Year Fair, and may good fortune come your way!"

The workers were busy working and shouting as they went.

Since the first Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair was held in 1960, visiting the fair market during the Lunar New Year has become a tradition for Hong Kong Island residents.

In addition to Victoria Park, Lunar New Year markets are also set up in Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po.

However, the number of attendees and the level of excitement were far less than one ten-thousandth of the Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair.

Hong Kong Island residents visit the Lunar New Year market to buy flowers, hoping for good luck in the new year.

The vendors' shouts drew the attention of the citizens strolling through the Lunar New Year fair.

All four Chen's Dessert stalls were packed with people.

The men were sweating profusely, and they didn't dare to stop working for even a moment.

"Slot number one, the red bean paste is almost sold out!"

"Stall number three, the salted water dumplings are almost sold out!"

"Counter number four, we're out of change! Ah Hai, bring over the spare change box!"

"The queue for stall number two is too long, so we're directing some customers to stall number three!"

Chen Bingwen moved quickly between the four stalls, and wherever the queue was too long, he immediately went over to guide and divert the flow.

Where raw materials are in short supply, he also needs to contact food factories to replenish their stock as quickly as possible.

When the staff were too busy, he would roll up his sleeves and go up to help serve the sweet soup and collect money.

At noon, the number of people at the four stalls reached its first peak.

The workers at the four stalls were so busy they didn't even have time to drink water. Seeing this, Chen Bingwen decisively ordered: "Shift work! Fifteen minutes per group, eat, drink, and go to the toilet. Quick in and out!"

At the same time, Chan Kee Food Factory, 38 Cheung Sha Wan Road.

Zhong Qiang directed everyone to continuously fill the produced sugar water into insulated containers.

As the technical director designated by Chen Bingwen, he not only had to adjust the types of sweet soups produced in real time according to the actual sales situation in the Lunar New Year market.

They also need to keep a close eye on the equipment in the factory to ensure that it is operating normally.

Buckets of piping hot sugar water and baskets of golden, crispy pastries are loaded onto food delivery trucks, which race against time to shuttle between Cheung Sha Wan Road and Causeway Bay, ensuring that the stalls have an uninterrupted supply.

The flow of people came in waves.

As dusk falls and the lights come on, Victoria Park is illuminated with colorful lights, and the four stalls of Chan Kee Dessert welcome the peak of the day's crowds.

The stall of Chen's Dessert Shop was brightly lit and bustling with people.

Including Chen Bingwen, the men were already soaked to the bone.

Time flies by in the midst of busyness.

When the lights in Victoria Park went out at midnight and the announcement that the first day of the Lunar New Year Fair had ended came over the loudspeaker, Victoria Park, which had been bustling all day, gradually quieted down.

"That's a wrap! Inventory the goods and clean up!" Chen Bingwen's voice was hoarse, but still steady and powerful.

He personally oversaw the final finishing touches.

Only after the last stall was cleaned up did Chen Bingwen, along with Gao Zhenhai and several employees, escort the empty buckets and four metal money boxes filled with cash back to the food factory on Cheung Sha Wan Road.

Chen Guofu and Wang Qiaozhen were already waiting anxiously there. The factory was brightly lit, and the day shift workers hadn't left yet. Everyone wanted to know how the first day of this do-or-die effort would go!

Inside the food factory office.

A long table was cleared out, and four heavy metal money boxes were opened one by one.

In an instant, a mountain of banknotes and coins poured out.

Hong Kong dollar banknotes of ten, five, two, and one dollars, along with coins of five cents, two cents, one cent, and even one cent, are mixed together, forming a colorful little mountain under the light.

A collective gasp of astonishment erupted from the warehouse.

Chen Guofu's eyes widened, and his lips trembled slightly.

Wang Qiaozhen covered her mouth, her eyes instantly reddening.

Gao Zhenhai, Zhong Qiang, and others watched with their breathing quickening.

They had never seen so much money piled up together in their lives!
"Begin the inventory!"

Chen Bingwen took a deep breath and was the first to roll up his sleeves and sit down.

We'll soon see what results our efforts over the past period have yielded.

Time passed by, and the mountain of money was gradually sorted, categorized, and counted.

It took a full hour for the inventory to be nearly finished.

　I'll update first and then revise later. Thank you for your support! Please read on, add to your favorites, vote with monthly tickets, and recommend!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)