Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 210 Huo Jianning (Seeking monthly votes, recommendations, and subscriptions!)

In the sweltering heat of July, the Hong Kong stock market is even hotter than the weather.

Qingzhou Yingni's stock price soared like a runaway horse for several consecutive days, becoming the most dazzling star in the market.

Chen Bingwen's name subsequently appeared frequently on the front page of major financial newspapers.

Previously, the market's attention was mostly focused on Chen Ji Foods' products and acquisitions, and there was no clear concept of Chen Bingwen's personal wealth accumulation.

But this capital feast in Yingni, Qingzhou, has left some busybodies speechless after a rough calculation.

Based solely on its over 70% stake in Qingzhou Yingni held through Sugar Heart Capital, and at the current share price of nearly nine yuan, its paper wealth has easily exceeded HK$500 million.

This does not include his holdings in Hutchison Whampoa, the unlisted assets of Chan Kee Foods, and businesses such as Watsons.

In Hong Kong Island at the end of the 1970s, having a net worth of hundreds of millions was enough to be considered one of the top Chinese businessmen, far beyond the concept of the wealthy in later generations.

The sudden exposure of his wealth instantly thrust Chen Bingwen into the spotlight.

That afternoon, Chen Bingwen was talking to Fang Wenshan in his office when the phone on his desk rang.

It was brought from Chan Kee Dessert Shop in Sham Shui Po by my mother, Wang Qiaozhen.

“Ah Wen,”

The voice on the other end of the phone carried the usual concern, but also a hint of fear. "Recently, a lot of unfamiliar faces have come to the shop with cameras, asking all sorts of questions, saying that your company's stock is amazing and that you've made a lot of money."

Is it true? Are you alright?

Chen Bingwen could imagine his mother's anxiety when faced with the cameras and microphones.

He reassured her, "Mom, it's nothing. The company is operating normally, and stock price fluctuations are normal. Don't pay attention to those reporters."

"Take care of yourselves, Dad. Don't go to the shop for a while. I'll have Ali arrange for someone to watch over it for a few days. Also, I'll send two people over to check on things back home."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Bingwen rubbed his temples.

Seeing this, Fang Wenshan asked in a low voice, "Mr. Chen, are reporters harassing our home?"

"Hmm." Chen Bingwen nodded. "The bigger the tree, the more the wind blows. Reporters went to Chen's Dessert Shop to interview my parents."

However, this also reminded me.

The apartments in Jindu Garden are too crowded and noisy; looks like I'll have to find somewhere else.

Fame has its advantages and disadvantages. Now, for the safety of my family and my personal privacy, it's time to move to a more private and secure place to live.

Seeing this, Fang Wenshan said, "Mr. Chen, that's how the media is; they chase the highs and sell the lows."

Should we have the PR department issue a simple statement to downplay the issue?

"No need," Chen Bingwen waved his hand. "The more we respond, the more enthusiastic they become."

Let's just let it cool down. Let's focus our energy on the important things.

"clear."

In a small accounting firm in the Alexandra House in Central, Hong Kong Island, a young man of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, wearing black-rimmed glasses, was carefully cutting out newspaper articles about Chen Bingwen and Qingzhou Yingni and neatly pasting them into a thick scrapbook.

His name is Fok Kin-ning. He recently returned to Hong Kong after obtaining his degree from St. John's University in Minnesota, USA, and passing the professional accountant qualification exam. He is currently looking for opportunities to develop his career.

Looking at Chen Bingwen's photo in the report and comparing it with previous news about Chen's acquisition of Watsons and expansion into the North American market, he quickly calculated in his mind: "Starting from a dessert shop, in just two years, he has acquired a controlling stake in a listed company and is operating across borders."
His methods are swift, accurate, and ruthless; his grasp of market timing and his vision for capital operations are far beyond those of an ordinary person.

With his business so extensive, encompassing food and beverages, retail, and now real estate, financial control and capital operation must be at the very core.

He needs people right now.

Huo Jianning judged that this was a rare opportunity.

Compared to those long-established foreign firms or Chinese-owned companies with deep-rooted networks and seniority-based structures, Chen Bingwen's company is in a period of rapid expansion with more opportunities. Therefore, it should place more emphasis on actual ability and performance rather than seniority or background.

With that thought in mind, he no longer hesitated, picked up a carefully prepared resume, got up and went out, heading straight for the Weiye Building.

When Chen Bingwen received an internal call from Ali, who said that a young man named Huo Jianning claimed to be an accountant who had returned from the United States and wanted to meet him without an appointment but with his resume, Chen Bingwen was indeed a little surprised.

He never expected that this "King of Hired Managers," who had assisted Li Jiacheng in building a business empire in his previous life, would take the initiative to come to him at this time and in this way.

"Please invite him to the small reception room." Chen Bingwen nodded to Fang Wenshan. "Director Fang, let's stop here for now."

I'm going to see someone.

A moment later, Chen Bingwen met Huo Jianning in the small reception room.

At this time, Huo Jianning looked much younger than I remembered, but his capable and calm demeanor was already beginning to take shape.

When Huo Jianning saw Chen Bingwen enter, he immediately stood up and respectfully handed over his resume: "Mr. Chen, hello."

My name is Huo Jianning. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to recommend myself to Mr. Chen.

I saw a report in the newspaper about you, Sugar Heart Capital, and Qingzhou Yingni. I greatly admire Mr. Chen's capital operation methods and the speed of the company's development.

I believe your company is in a period of rapid expansion and has a great need for financial management and capital operations. Therefore, I am volunteering my services in the hopes of having an opportunity.

Upon meeting, Huo Jianning immediately explained why he had come to see Chen Bingwen.

Chen Bingwen nodded noncommittally, then took the resume and quickly glanced at it. St. John's University, Minnesota, USA; Accounting degree; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification…

The resume is clean and solid.

He gestured for Huo Jianning to sit down: "Mr. Huo, please sit down."

After Huo Jianning sat down, he looked at Chen Bingwen and introduced him, saying, "Mr. Chen, I've been following you and your company for a long time."

From Chen Ji Dessert to the North American listing of functional beverages, and then to the acquisition of Watsons and the controlling stake in Qingzhou Yingni, every business decision you make is impressive.

I believe that a company's ability to expand so rapidly and precisely must be supported by extremely strong financial planning and capital operation capabilities.

I majored in accounting in college and obtained my U.S. CPA license. I am very interested in financial management and capital operations and am confident that I am capable of doing so.

I believe that Sugar Heart Capital and Chen Ji are in a period of rapid development and need to recruit more professional talents in this field.

I can prove my abilities by starting from any position.

Chen Bingwen looked at the sharp-eyed, confident young man in front of him, his mind racing.

Huo Jianning's abilities are clearer to him than anyone else.

This person's initiative to come to us is a godsend.

Fang Wenshan has been serving as the CFO of Chen Ji Foods, but as the company expands, especially with the potential for more complex capital operations and listing arrangements in the future, a top-notch specialist is indeed needed to take charge.

However, even if Huo Jianning is to be hired, there will still be necessary tests.

Thinking of this, he asked calmly, "Chen's Foods is indeed expanding rapidly, and the finance and investment departments have a heavy workload."

You've just returned from overseas. Are you familiar with the business environment and accounting standards in Hong Kong?

"The core of accounting standards is the same."

Huo Jianning looked at Chen Bingwen and answered seriously, "Although I am studying abroad, I have been closely following the market dynamics and financial news in Hong Kong."

I believe that with my learning ability, I can get started quickly.

Moreover, my international accounting experience might be exactly what a rapidly growing company needs.

Chen Bingwen nodded, agreeing that what he said was true.

What he needs is someone who is both knowledgeable in their field and adaptable, and who can keep up with his pace.

Putting down his resume, Chen Bingwen looked at Huo Jianning and said, "Mr. Huo, I have seen your qualifications and courage."

Sugar Heart Capital and Chen Ji are indeed short of people, especially financial specialists.

I can give you a chance right now.

A hint of surprise flashed in Huo Jianning's eyes, and he quickly thanked him, "Thank you, Mr. Chen!"

"No need to thank me too soon."

Chen Bingwen said in a calm but slightly pressured voice, “I’m giving you the opportunity, but how much you can seize depends on your own ability.”

Sugar Capital currently holds a controlling stake in Qingzhou Yingni, a stake in Hutchison Whampoa, and also owns Chen Ji Foods, Watsons Retail, and an expanding business in North America.

The financial system is complex, with huge sums of money flowing through it.

He paused briefly, then continued, "I'll give you two choices. First, start with financial analysis at Chen's Food Investment Department, familiarize yourself with the situation, and take it one step at a time."

Secondly, go directly to Yingni in Qingzhou. I will arrange for you to join the finance department and give you the position of deputy director.

But within three months, you need to thoroughly sort out the complex accounts and asset relationships I just mentioned, and establish an effective financial monitoring system.

Which one do you choose? "

Huo Jianning answered almost without hesitation: "Mr. Chen, I choose the second one."

I'm willing to go to Yingni in Qingzhou and accept the challenge.

“Good!” Chen Bingwen’s eyes showed appreciation. “Director Fang Wenshan is leading the integration of Yingni in Qingzhou. I will have him take you there and give you the necessary support.”

Three months from now, I want to see clear reports and effective control processes.

"Understood! I will definitely do it!"

Huo Jianning stood up and made a solemn promise.

He knew that this was a huge challenge, but also an opportunity to rise to the top.

Chen Bingwen nodded and asked Ali to notify Fang Wenshan to come over.

After handing Huo Jianning over to Fang Wenshan, Chen Bingwen returned to his main office with a slight smile on his lips.

The addition of Huo Jianning undoubtedly brings a crucial and powerful general to his business empire.

In terms of finance and capital operations, they will be able to handle things more skillfully in the future.

(End of this chapter)