Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 220 Acceleration (Seeking monthly tickets, recommendations, and subscriptions!)

"This is Mr. Michael, our company's newly hired Director of International Affairs," Chen Bingwen introduced to Zhang Jianhua.

"Hello, Mr. Zhang," Mai Lisi greeted him in fluent Chinese.

“Mr. MacLeish’s Chinese is excellent.” Zhang Jianhua greeted him with a smile, but a thought stirred within him.

Chen Bingwen's introduction of a seemingly professional international figure at this time is of profound significance.

If Zhang Jianhua knew that an international figure had become the general manager of Watsons.

It will absolutely shock you.

At that moment, Cheung Kong Holdings' convoy arrived.

Li Jiacheng got out of the car with Zhou Jinqian and Hong Xiaolian, his face bearing his usual humble smile, and exchanged pleasantries with Zhang Jianhua, Wang Kuang and others.

But when his gaze turned to Chen Bingwen and he saw Mai Lisi standing next to Chen Bingwen, his smile paused almost imperceptibly, and a fleeting look of surprise and astonishment flashed in his eyes.

MacLeish?
How did he end up with Chen Bingwen?
Li Jiacheng's heart sank.

He had met Murray once in Singapore and was well aware of his abilities in international finance and asset management.

His original plan was to invite Michael McLeish to take over Hutchison Whampoa after completely acquiring the company and ousting Wayne Wong, so that he could leverage McLeish's international vision and capital operation capabilities to take Hutchison Whampoa to new heights.

He even privately hinted at his intention to do so to Sim Phillips.

But now, Meryl Streep has quietly stood beside Chen Bingwen?

Judging from his posture, he is clearly a core advisor.

A strong sense of frustration and crisis instantly overwhelmed Li Ka-shing.

Chen Bingwen, that kid, acted too quickly and ruthlessly!

Not only are they vying for projects and equity, but now they're even poaching the talent he has his eye on.

This made him feel like he was falling behind at every step, always being led by the nose by the other party.

The smile on his face faded slightly, and his greeting to Chen Bingwen carried a hint of coldness.

Chen Bingwen took in Li Jiacheng's subtle reactions, smiled inwardly, but remained outwardly calm, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with Li Jiacheng as usual.

MacLehose smiled and nodded to Li Ka-shing.

“Mr. Michael is a leader in the industry. Mr. Chen is truly fortunate to have you here,” Li Jiacheng said with a smile.

"Mr. Li, you flatter me. It's just a change of environment, a chance to try something new," McLeish replied politely.

Several bigwigs stood together, seemingly chatting and laughing, but beneath the surface, undercurrents were surging.

The reporters' cameras flashed incessantly; they had all spotted a news story.

The groundbreaking ceremony proceeded according to procedure.

Zhang Jianhua, Li Jiacheng, Chen Bingwen, and several other shareholder representatives, along with Hong Kong government officials, joined together to shovel and add soil.

The spotlights flashed everywhere.

At the reception following the ceremony, Chen Bingwen and Mai Lisi became the focus of attention.

Many people came over to chat and inquire about news from Yingni in Qingzhou.

The news that the Hongkan Crane Garden plot in Yingni, Qingzhou was to be developed for commercial purposes attracted a lot of attention.

When faced with the conversation, Chen Bingwen responded appropriately, neither overly enthusiastic nor cold. He mainly let MacLehose handle the questions about international business and finance, while he himself communicated more with Zhang Jianhua and other senior executives of China Resources, as well as several Hong Kong government officials.

A large crowd had also gathered around Li Jiacheng's side.

He appeared calm and collected, chatting and laughing with various people, but Chen Bingwen noticed that his gaze would occasionally sweep over him and Mi Lisi.

"George, did you figure anything out?" Chen Bingwen asked in a low voice to Maris during a brief moment of silence.

“It’s more complicated than I expected,” McLeish replied softly. “Li Sheng’s foundation is deeper than it appears.”

He has very close ties with HSBC and several officials. We face considerable challenges.

Chen Bingwen took a sip of champagne and smiled, "That's why we need professionals like you to help us break through this situation."

Halfway through the reception, Chen Bingwen saw Li Jiacheng walking towards Sir Michael Sandberg and several HSBC executives.

An idea struck him, and he said to Mary, "Let's go say hello too."

Shen Bizheng was chatting with Li Jiacheng and several other senior executives of foreign firms when he saw Chen Bingwen and Mr. MacLeish approaching. He smiled and said, "Mr. Chen, Mr. MacLeish, it's truly a gathering of distinguished guests today."

"Sir Sir Michael Sandberg," Chen Bingwen and Michael McLeod greeted at the same time.

“McLeigh, I heard you’ve joined Mr. Chen’s team?” Shen Bi looked at McLeigh, his tone tinged with inquiry. “It’s a surprising choice indeed.”

“Sir Sir Michael Sandberg, I believe Sugar Capital represents the future direction and is very challenging,” MacLehose replied frankly.

"Young people are energetic and driven."

Shen Bi smiled and turned to Chen Bingwen, "Mr. Chen, I heard you have some new developments in Yingni, Qingzhou? What are your plans for developing that piece of land in Hung Hom?"

"It's still in the planning stage," Chen Bingwen responded vaguely. "After all, it involves rezoning and supplementary land prices, so we need to fully communicate with all parties involved."

George is in charge of the financing for this project, and HSBC's support may be needed.

"Oh? Mr. MacLehose is in charge of financing?" Sir Michael Sandberg seemed intrigued. "It seems Mr. Chen is preparing to make a big splash."

HSBC has always been open to projects with potential.

"Then thank you in advance, Sir." Chen Bingwen raised his glass.

He knew that Shen Bi's words were just polite; the real negotiations would be anything but easy.

At this point, Li Jiacheng joined the conversation.

Several people stood together, discussing the economic prospects and real estate market of Hong Kong Island, their words laced with sarcasm.

Chen Bingwen could sense that Li Jiacheng cared a lot about the addition of Mai Lisi.

This made him even more convinced that poaching McLeish was the right move.

After the groundbreaking ceremony, on the way back to the city, MacLehose said to Chen Bingwen, "Mr. Chen, based on what I've observed today, I think we need to accelerate the pace of acquiring Hutchison Whampoa."

Li Ka-shing's relationship with HSBC is stronger than we imagined.

Although Shen Bi was outwardly polite, he clearly favored Li Jiacheng.

“I know,” he said with a smile. Even Michael Miu could see the relationship between Li Jiacheng and Shen Bi, which was enough to explain everything.

"Therefore, we need to take a two-pronged approach."

On the one hand, we should come up with a financing and development plan for Qingzhou Yingni as soon as possible, achieve tangible results, and enhance our credit and strength.

On the other hand, they continued to seek opportunities within Hutchison Whampoa, joining forces with Wyman Wong to create trouble for Lee Ka-shing.

Chen Bingwen added.

Mailis nodded. "I will immediately begin to refine the financing plan when I get back."

Additionally, I suggest we start contacting some international investment funds to prepare for potential future needs.

"Okay. You can do this secretly, and be careful not to overdo it."

Chen Bingwen approved Michael's suggestion without hesitation.

As Chen Ji Foods expands into more markets globally, it becomes essential to engage with international investment funds.

He needs more allies, or at least potential sources of funding.

Using other people's money to do your own thing is the highest level of capital operation.

Back at the Weiye Building, Chen Bingwen summoned Fang Wenshan and Huo Jianning.

"Director Fang, Jianning, the Tin Shui Wai development project has officially started."

With this 1.5 million yuan investment, Li Jiacheng's cash flow will be even tighter in the short term.

This is our opportunity.

Chen Bingwen got straight to the point.

"Mr. Chen, what do you mean?" Fang Wenshan asked.

"A faster opportunity to acquire Hutchison Whampoa!"

As he spoke, Chen Bingwen held up two fingers, “There are two things that need to be done as soon as possible. First, Jianning, you continue to work on reorganizing Qingzhou Yingni’s finances and improve its performance as soon as possible to cooperate with the financing plan from Mailis.”

When necessary, some positive news can be released.

“Mr. Chen, the financial restructuring has already shown initial results, and the financial statements for next quarter should look much better,” Huo Jianning replied confidently.

"Second, Director Fang, could you spread the word through some channels?"

Chen Bingwen continued, "Take Cheung Kong Holdings for example. With multiple projects underway at the same time, the company is facing enormous financial pressure and is seeking financing everywhere. It may even be considering selling some non-core assets."

Fang Wenshan laughed and said, "This is to put pressure on Li Jiacheng from the market."

“That’s right. But it has to be done subtly, making it seem like a natural market speculation, so that no one can guess that we’re the ones who leaked the information,” Chen Bingwen instructed.

"Don't worry, I know what to do." Fang Wenshan nodded.

While these actions will not cripple Cheung Kong Holdings, they can raise market concerns and affect its stock price and financing costs.

A little over a week later, the initial renovation of the villa at 75 Deep Water Bay Road was completed.

Chen Bingwen took some time to invite his parents to go and see.

As the car drove into the quiet Deep Water Bay Road, Wang Qiaozhen looked out the window at the rows of magnificent villas and couldn't help but exclaim, "The houses here are so beautiful, and the environment is so peaceful."

"Awen, is this your new house?" Chen Guofu asked, looking at the newly installed and particularly impressive gate in front of him.

"Yes, Dad, Mom, this is it."

Chen Bingwen told Zhao Gang to drive the car in.

The car drove along the newly renovated driveway, and the trees on both sides were also trimmed, making them look neat and tidy.

The exterior walls of the previously dilapidated villa have been repainted, and the windows have been replaced with new ones, giving the entire yard a brand-new look.

"Wow, it's so big!" After getting out of the car, Wang Qiaozhen looked at the large house and spacious garden in front of her and opened her mouth wide in surprise.

This is many times larger than their apartment in Golden Garden and the attic of Chan Kee Dessert Shop in Sham Shui Po.

Although Chen Guofu didn't speak, his eyes were filled with shock and relief.

My son has really made something of himself.

"The inside has been cleaned up and is ready for people to live in."

Chen Bingwen led his parents into the house.

The interior decoration has been restored to its original layout, but the walls, floors, and electrical wiring have all been redone, making it clean and tidy with bright windows.

Some of the necessary furniture has already been placed in place.

"This living room is huge, it could probably hold a banquet," Wang Qiaozhen murmured to herself, touching the smooth wall.

Chen Guofu paced slowly around the house, looking here and touching there, finally stopping in front of a huge floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the lush green garden outside and the distant, faintly visible sea view, remaining silent for a long time.

What Chen Guofu was seeing was something he wouldn't even dare to dream of doing.

But his son achieved it in less than two years.

“Dad, Mom, there are rooms upstairs with even better views,” Chen Bingwen said.

Upon reaching the second floor, the master bedroom's balcony directly faces the bay below.

Chen Guofu stood on the balcony and looked around for a while. Suddenly, he pointed to two houses that were vaguely visible diagonally below and asked, "Awen, are those two houses the homes of the shipping magnate that are often mentioned in the newspapers?"

Chen Bingwen nodded: "Yes, number 73 belongs to Sir John Paul Wong, and number 79 belongs to Li Ka-shing of Cheung Kong Holdings."

Chen Guofu turned around, looked at his son, his eyes filled with both pride and worry: "Isn't it too high-profile for you to live here?"

Chen Bingwen smiled and said, "Dad, that's how business is."

Only when you stand tall can others see you.

Living here is an attitude in itself.

He paused for a moment, looked at his parents, and said, "You should move here with us from now on. The environment here is nice and safe."

"We can just hire someone to manage the dessert shop."

(End of this chapter)