Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 190 Special Advisor (Seeking monthly votes, recommendations, and subscriptions!)
In the office on the top floor of the Weiye Building.

Chen Bingwen is listening to Fang Wenshan's report.

The extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of Qingzhou Yingni concluded without any major incidents, and Fang Wenshan and Ling Peiyi successfully joined the board of directors.

However, this did not change Chen Bingwen's idea of ​​acquiring more shares of Qingzhou Yingni.

Fang Wenshan has just finished reporting on the progress of the acquisition of Qingzhou Yingni.

The situation was roughly as he had anticipated.

With the continued absorption by both Sugar Heart Capital and Cheung Kong Holdings, the number of Qingzhou Yingni shares circulating in the market is decreasing, like water droplets in the desert.

The stock price was driven up by the back-and-forth between the two sides. Now, retail investors who hold stocks have become more shrewd and are holding onto their shares, with very few sell orders being placed.

On the contrary, there was a backlog of orders, and although prices went up, those who actually had the goods were unwilling to let go easily.

The plan to acquire absolute control is unlikely to be realized in the short term.

“No rush,” Chen Bingwen said to Fang Wenshan, but it sounded more like he was saying to himself, “Li Jiacheng can’t afford to delay any longer than we can.”

Arrange the right people, maintain pressure, and collect whatever amount is available, but there's no need to forcefully drive up the stock price.

"Now we need to shift our focus to another area," Chen Bingwen paused, "This matter requires you and Ling Peiyi to handle personally."

As directors of Qingzhou Yingni, you should contact the minority shareholders who hold 1% to 3% of Qingzhou Yingni's shares, one by one.

To sound them out and see if there's any possibility of reaching an agreement on concerted action, or to directly acquire their shares at a premium.

The terms can be more favorable, such as a promise to share the profits from future land development, or priority cooperation rights.

"Understood, Mr. Chen."

I will get on it as soon as possible.

Fang Wenshan closed the folder and then reported, "The Christensen team at Citibank is making good progress."

Hutchison Whampoa's shares are dispersed, making acquisition relatively easy; their current stake has risen to 5.3%.

Chen Bingwen nodded. "Tell Christensen to continue accumulating Hutchison Whampoa shares, but be more careful."

Price isn't the primary concern; secrecy is key. We absolutely mustn't arouse the suspicion of HSBC or the market.

Leave professional matters to professionals; this commission is well worth the money.

Christensen's team is shrewd and has handled the situation very well, so so far it seems they have not alerted HSBC or Cheung Kong Holdings.

But the real key piece of the pie is HSBC's 22.4% stake in common stock and 11.25% stake in preferred stock.

That is the key to gaining control of Hutchison Whampoa.

Li Jiacheng was able to obtain it in his previous life because of the right timing, location, and people.

First, HSBC is subject to banking regulations and must divest its non-financial assets.

Secondly, after Margaret Thatcher came to power, the question of Hong Kong's future came to the forefront, and British capital was eager to find reliable local agents.

The final factor was that Li Ka-shing had done favors for HSBC tycoon Sir Michael Sandberg and shipping magnate Y.K. Pao during the Kowloon Wharf battle, as well as the capabilities he demonstrated.
A combination of factors led to HSBC's "half-sale, half-gift" deal, transferring 22.4% of Hutchison Whampoa's ordinary shares to Li Ka-shing, a classic case of a small fish swallowing a big fish.

Now that Chen Bingwen has intervened, the situation has changed.

What will HSBC choose?

How would Sim Phillips view this challenger who suddenly appeared out of nowhere?
Should we go directly to their door to negotiate?

The time has not come yet.

The chips I have aren't substantial enough.

There is still a lack of an opportunity that will force HSBC to take itself seriously.

He needs to create an opportunity, a situation that forces HSBC to consider him, or even prioritize him.

"Tell Christensen to continue accumulating Hutchison Whampoa shares, but to be more careful."

Price isn't the primary concern; secrecy is key. We absolutely mustn't arouse the suspicion of HSBC or the market.

Chen Bingwen gave the instructions.

After Fang Wenshan accepted the order and left.

Chen Bingwen picked up the internal phone and asked his secretary, Ali, to invite Gu Yongxian over.

A few minutes later, Gu Yongxian knocked on the door and came in.

“Attorney Gu,” Chen Bingwen said, “draft a letter as soon as possible in the name of an anonymous ‘minority shareholder of Hutchison Whampoa.’”

The core issue is this: citing the Banking Ordinance, they questioned whether HSBC, as a licensed bank, has complied with its long-term holding of a 33.65% stake in Hutchison Whampoa.

They are required to clarify their handling plan within a reasonable timeframe.

The tone should be formal, and the legal provisions cited should be accurate.

Once completed, send a formal copy to the HSBC Secretariat, and also send a copy to the Securities and Futures Commission.

Gu Yongxian's eyes flickered, and he immediately understood the deeper meaning: "Chen Sheng, this is a warning shot!"

I will handle it so that it leaves no trace.

"Ok.

Give HSBC a formal reason that requires immediate action, narrowing down the pool of potential buyers to a small number of those with the financial strength to acquire the entire company in one go.

Chen Bingwen said with a smile.

After Gu Yongxian left, Chen Bingwen leaned back in his chair.

As he was pondering, his secretary, Ali, knocked on the door and came in, her expression somewhat unnatural: "Mr. Chen, these are the financial sections of today's newspapers."

Chen Bingwen took it and quickly glanced at the title.

An analytical article in the supplement of the Commercial Daily has a cryptic title: "Is the rapid expansion of emerging Chinese capital raising concerns about high leverage?"

A short news item in the Sing Tao Daily mentioned: "It is understood that a food and beverage manufacturer has ventured into the real estate industry, and rumors of pressure on its cash flow have resurfaced."

The article didn't name names, but those in the industry immediately knew who it was alluding to.

The content is speculative, emphasizing the current high interest rates and real estate volatility, implying that some companies that rely on loans for rapid expansion may face risks.

"When did you come out?" Chen Bingwen asked calmly.

“It’s from this morning’s newspaper,” Ali replied. “Manager Li Weiming, who just returned from the United States, has already seen it; he’s outside right now.”

"Oh? Let him in."

Upon hearing that Li Weiming had returned, Chen Bingwen knew that the matter of finding Prince to be the spokesperson must have been resolved; otherwise, Li Weiming would not have returned from the United States before the matter was completed.

Li Weiming quickly pushed the door open and came in, a hint of excitement on his face.

"Chen Sheng, I'm back."

"Thank you for your hard work. How's the situation in the US?"

Chen Bingwen gestured for him to sit down and asked directly.

"It's done."

Li Weiming took a document out of his briefcase and placed it on the table. "The endorsement contract with Prince has been signed."

Two-year exclusive, covering functional beverages and potential future related products.

The total endorsement fee is $500,000, payable annually.

He is willing to cooperate in filming commercials and participating in promotional activities.

Chen Bingwen picked up the contract, quickly flipped to the key terms page, glanced at the numbers and constraints, and a satisfied look appeared on his face.

“Did it go smoothly?”

"It went more smoothly than expected."

Li Weiming said with a smile, "His team is very interested in our products."

“Very good. This money was well spent.” Chen Bingwen closed the contract. “His musical style is unique and fits well with the core brand message that ‘Pulse’ wants to convey.”

Next, we need to start filming the advertisement and promoting it across various channels as soon as possible.

"Before I came back, I had already arranged for my team to liaise with the advertising company."

Li Weiming nodded in response.

Then, changing his tone, he pointed to the newspaper on the table and said, "Mr. Chen, I saw these as soon as I got off the plane. The wind direction seems a bit off."

"Hmm." Chen Bingwen pushed the newspaper over. "The method is old-fashioned, but effective."

It will affect market confidence and financing costs.

What do you think? "

"Although no names were mentioned, people in the industry can tell at a glance that this is aimed at us."

Li Weiming frowned. "Emphasizing high interest rates and expansion risks is clearly an attempt to undermine the confidence of partners and banks."

On my way back, I made some initial inquiries and learned that the author of the article has close ties with several financial reporters closely associated with the real estate industry.

"Although we can't be sure, it's very likely that they leaked the information over there," Chen Bingwen sneered.

This is typical of Li Jiacheng's style: when things are at a stalemate on the front lines, he uses underhanded tactics to put pressure on you and disrupt your rhythm.

"Do we need to issue a statement?" Li Weiming asked.

"There's no need to respond directly; explaining this kind of thing will only make things worse."

Chen Bingwen thought for a moment, then said, "You need to do three things now:
First, contact several newspapers with which we have good relations, such as the Oriental Daily News, and have them publish several positive reports tomorrow, highlighting the sales growth of our "Pulse" brand in Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, its healthy cash flow, and the smooth integration of Watsons. Let the facts speak for themselves.

"Second, have Director Fang work with you to prepare a concise financial summary that highlights our controllable debt ratio and strong profitability."

This isn't for public release; it's something we've prepared so that we can present it anytime important partners or banks ask about it.

"Third, you should personally go to Huodoli and Citibank, talk to President Zheng Jinhua and President Li De, inform them of the situation, express our indifference to it, and reiterate the stability of our business. Stabilize morale."

After Li Weiming left, Chen Bingwen picked up the newspapers and glanced through them briefly.

The propaganda war is just an appetizer; the real contest lies in who can come up with a solution that HSBC cannot refuse and acquire the 33.65% stake that will determine Hutchison Whampoa's fate.

He knew that for Chenji, which was not yet listed on the stock market, this kind of media offensive, though not fatal, was like a toad jumping on his foot—it didn't bite, but it was still annoying.

In the long run, this will inevitably have a subtle erosion on the brand image and consumer confidence.

"Once the matters of Hutchison Whampoa and Qingzhou Yingni are settled, we must free up our resources to acquire a newspaper or media organization."

Chen Bingwen thought to himself, "Hong Kong Island is a small place with many evil spirits and shallow waters with many turtles."

Having your own voice will be much more convenient in the future.

Just as I was pondering this, the phone on my desk rang.

Chen Bingwen picked up the phone, and the voice of Zhang Jianhua, general manager of China Resources, came through.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhang Jianhua said, "The group has officially adopted the development plan for Tin Shui Wai, and the project development preparation team was established today."

"Congratulations, Mr. Zhang. China Resources is indeed efficient and decisive," Chen Bingwen said with a smile.

"It's all thanks to Chen Sheng's good ideas."

Zhang Jianhua smiled and offered a compliment, then formally invited, "After discussion by the group's leadership team, we would like to formally appoint you as a special advisor to the Tin Shui Wai project development preparation team. What do you think, Mr. Chen?"

Chen Bingwen's heart stirred.

This is a step further than he had anticipated. Although the advisory role does not involve direct decision-making, it is an excellent channel for information and a point of entry for exerting influence.

"Mr. Zhang and China Resources are really too kind."

I was just offering some immature ideas.

"Mr. Chen, there's no need to be modest."

Zhang Jianhua interrupted, "This consultant doesn't need you to be in the office; they just want to hear your professional opinions at key junctures."

Regarding consulting fees, the group will pay the highest possible rate.

“Since Mr. Zhang trusts me, it would be ungrateful of me to refuse,” Chen Bingwen readily agreed. “Excellent! I’ll send the letter of appointment and agreement over immediately,” Zhang Jianhua said, sounding very pleased. “We’re planning to hold a project preparation meeting next week, and we’ll invite representatives from Xinhua News Agency and the Hong Kong banking sector to attend. We would also appreciate your presence and guidance!”

"I will definitely be there on time."

Chen Bingwen put down the phone and smiled slightly.

The appointment as a consultant to China Resources came at just the right time, allowing him to be more deeply involved in the Tin Shui Wai project, obtain first-hand information, and exert influence at critical moments.

Moreover, judging from the information revealed by Zhang Jianhua, people from Xinhua News Agency and the banking industry will attend the preparatory meeting next week, and it is possible that HSBC personnel will be among them. This is undoubtedly an excellent platform to contact HSBC's senior management and demonstrate strength.

6 month 6 day.

Tuesday.

Grain in Ear.

Jackie Chan's new film "The Young Master" held a blessing ceremony at the film set in Kowloon Tong to mark the start of filming.

Since this was the first time Jackie Chan had taken full control of the production team after going independent, many celebrities from Hong Kong who were on good terms with him came to show their support, making the scene quite lively.

Chen Bingwen also personally visited the set and presented a flower basket to congratulate them.

His appearance immediately attracted the attention of the media present.

Everyone knows that this young business upstart is now Jackie Chan's most important sponsor and partner, and the two have a close relationship.

"Mr. Chen, what brings you here to visit Ah Long on set today?" a familiar reporter squeezed through the crowd and asked.

"Since Ah Long's new film has started filming, of course I had to come and share in the joy," Chen Bingwen replied with a smile. "And, I'd also like to take this opportunity to announce some news to everyone."

As soon as the news was announced, reporters swarmed around him, their cameras pointed at him.

"Our Chenji Foods will officially launch a brand new product at the beginning of next month - 'Pulse' electrolyte water."

Facing the camera, Chen Bingwen smiled faintly and said, "This product is mainly designed for situations where water and electrolytes are rapidly lost after exercise or sweating, and it can replenish the body's needs more scientifically and quickly."

It will be available simultaneously at Watsons, ParknShop, convenience stores, and grocery stores throughout Hong Kong.

"Electrolyte water? What's the difference between this and 'Pulse' energy drinks?"

A reporter pressed for an answer.

“Good question,” Chen Bingwen explained. “Functional drinks focus more on replenishing energy and refreshing the mind; while electrolyte water focuses more on hydration and maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance.”

One is for 'refueling,' the other for 'hydration'; they serve different purposes but complement each other.

The simple introduction clearly outlined the positioning of the new product, and the reporters took notes.

At this moment, Cheng Long also walked over, stood next to Chen Bingwen, and smiled at the camera, saying, "Everyone must try Mr. Chen's new product when it comes out!"

I sweat a lot when filming action scenes, and I've tried the sample; the effect is top-notch!
It's much easier to drink than salt water!

The interaction between these two influential figures naturally attracted a lot of attention.

Slightly off the edge of the crowd, several female celebrities who came to show their support were also talking in hushed tones.

"Wow, Mr. Chen is so young and promising, and so handsome too."

Hu Huizhong looked at Chen Bingwen, who was surrounded by reporters, and whispered to Michelle beside her.

Michelle smiled and said, "Yes, I heard his company is developing very fast, and now he has acquired Watsons."

On the other side, veteran actor Guan Shan also brought his daughter Guan Jiahui, who had just finished school, to the scene.

Guan Shan's restaurant business failed last year, leaving him with a lot of debt and financial difficulties.

After learning about his situation, Jackie Chan specially invited him to help out on set, where he was responsible for some on-site coordination and management of extras, which also provided him with some income.

Guan Jiahui was only seventeen years old at the time. She had inherited her parents' good looks and was already beginning to show the beginnings of an unparalleled beauty.

She curiously surveyed everything on set, her gaze eventually settling on Chen Bingwen, who was calmly dealing with the media in the crowd.

"Dad, who is that person?"
Why are all the reporters surrounding him?

Guan Jiahui asked her father in a low voice.

Guan Shan glanced at him from afar and replied, "Chen Bingwen, the owner of Chenji Foods, the one that makes your favorite Chenji sweet soup and 'Pulse' energy drink."

He's young, but his business is huge; he's quite a figure.

Guan Jiahui nodded as if she understood, her gaze lingering on Chen Bingwen for a while longer. She felt that this young boss was quite different from the boys she had met at school and her father's friends in the industry; he possessed a special composure and demeanor.

Chen Bingwen didn't pay much attention to these little incidents on the sidelines.

He has achieved his goal for this trip: he both supported Jackie Chan and successfully generated buzz for the new product.

After giving brief interviews to several media outlets, he took his leave early and departed from the noisy film set.

The launch of "Pulse" electrolyte water at the start of filming for Cheng Long's new movie is just a side move in the marketing strategy for the next phase of electrolyte water's market launch.

After the integration of Watsons was basically completed, only the best-selling products such as soda water, tonic water, sarsaparilla, and distilled water were retained.

Other niche product categories will be phased out through gradual production reductions.

He plans to use all the freed-up production capacity and distribution channels to support Chenji's own core products.

The first to be affected is the "Pulse" electrolyte water, which has already completed product testing.

Chen Bingwen has high expectations for this product.

It targets a relatively untapped market, positioned between traditional soft drinks and functional beverages, focusing on replenishing fluids and electrolytes after exercise and sweating, with a novel concept.

Watsons' existing products, such as soda water and tonic water, can serve as a supplement within the channel to meet traditional needs, but they are not the main drivers of future growth.

Electrolyte water, along with functional beverages, will be a core product driving Chenji's revenue growth for some time to come.

Following this, Chen Bingwen also plans to utilize Watsons' existing production lines to produce bottled purified water.

The bottled purified water market in Hong Kong Island is still practically a wasteland.

People are used to drinking boiled tap water or buying distilled water.

But Chen Bingwen knew that with economic development, faster pace of life, and increased health awareness, the demand for convenient, safe, and pure drinking water would explode.

This is a blue ocean market with even greater potential than the electrolyte water market.

The technical threshold is relatively low; the core lies in the water source, filtration technology, and brand marketing.

Once you have access to high-quality water sources, you can then cultivate the concepts of "pure" and "healthy".

It's safe to say that success is almost inevitable!

"step by step."

Chen Bingwen knew that the current task was to ensure that the launch of "Pulse" electrolyte water was an instant success.

This is related to Chenji's most important profit growth point for a long time to come.

If we win this battle, we will have a solid foundation and enough confidence to launch purified water and even more functional beverages in the future.

The next day, Chan Ping-man was reviewing information related to Tin Shui Wai.

The preparatory meeting for China Resources will be held on June 9 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

As a special advisor for the China Resources Tin Shui Wai development project, I will definitely have to speak at the meeting.

Therefore, Chen Bingwen needs to make some preparations in advance to avoid any unexpected events.

Just then, Ali, the secretary, called into the intercom.

On the phone, Ali's voice sounded hesitant: "Mr. Chen, there's a Miss Guan Jiahui at the front desk. She says she's Mr. Guan Shan's daughter and wants to see you."

She didn't have an appointment.

Guan Jiahui?
Chen Bingwen quickly searched his memory and soon matched the strikingly beautiful girl who had been following Guan Shan at the start of filming for "Junior Brother Takes the Field".

What did she come to me for?
To be honest, he and Guan Jiahui had never exchanged a single word, let alone known each other.

His surprise was indeed that they had come to him directly.

After thinking about it, he decided to meet with them to see what was going on.

"Please invite her to the small meeting room, I'll be right there."

Chen Bingwen said.

Upon entering the small meeting room, Guan Jiahui, who was already waiting inside, immediately stood up from the sofa.

She looked somewhat nervous, but tried her best to appear calm:

"Mr. Chen, hello. I apologize for bothering you. I am Guan Jiahui."

"Miss Guan, please have a seat." Chen Bingwen sat down opposite her and asked with a smile, "Did you need something from me?"

Guan Jiahui placed her hands slightly clenched on her knees, took a deep breath, and said as if she had mustered up her courage, "Chen Sheng, I... I graduated from junior high this year and don't want to continue studying."

I want to go out and do something.

I met you at Brother Long's launch ceremony yesterday, and I think your company's products are very interesting and have a promising future.

Moreover, I also really like Chen Ji's bottled sugar water and energy drinks.

I used to dream that if I could work at Chen's Restaurant, I could drink sweet soup all the time.

After seeing you yesterday, this feeling became even stronger.

So, I came directly to them today.

Do you have any positions that would be suitable for me?

I can learn anything, and I can start from the bottom!

Chen Bingwen raised his eyebrows slightly, looking at the stunningly beautiful girl in front of him who was only sixteen or seventeen years old.

Does he not want to rely on his father's connections to develop a career in the entertainment industry, but instead wants to join a business company?

This was somewhat unexpected for him.

"Miss Guan, I understand your feelings."

Chen Bingwen neither immediately refused nor agreed, but instead asked, "However, why do you want to join our company?"
Instead of acting, or doing something more glamorous?

Guan Jiahui raised her head and said very seriously, "I think doing business, especially like Mr. Chen, is very fulfilling. You can make a product known throughout Hong Kong and even sell it overseas."

Acting is a career that relies on youth, but doing business is about creating something tangible.

I want to learn something practical and earn more money!

Chen Bingwen looked at the clarity in her eyes that was different from that of her peers, and his heart stirred slightly.

Beauty is a scarce resource, but those who possess both beauty and intelligence, and are willing to work hard, are even rarer.

Perhaps we can give her a chance.

“Our company is indeed developing rapidly and needs a lot of manpower.” Chen Bingwen pondered for a moment, “How about this, if you are really interested, you are not afraid to start from the bottom.”

You can start with an internship, beginning as an administrative assistant or a regular clerk in the marketing department, to learn about the company's basic operations.

The internship lasted three months and was unpaid, with only a travel allowance.

If both parties are satisfied three months later, they can discuss formal positions.

what do you think? "

Guan Jiahui's face immediately lit up with joy, and she nodded quickly: "Okay! Thank you, Mr. Chen!"
"I'm willing! When can I start work?"

"Next Monday."

"Just contact my secretary, Ali, to handle the formalities."

Chen Bingwen said.

"Okay! Thank you, Mr. Chen! I will definitely do my best!" Guan Jiahui stood up, bowed solemnly, and then left the meeting room with light steps.

Chen Bingwen watched her retreating figure and shook his head.

Whether it's a rough gem or just a pretty face, it takes time to polish and observe.

(End of this chapter)