Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 29 Foundation (Please add to your favorites, vote for monthly tickets, recommend this book, and keep reading!)

On the way back to the Kwun Tong factory.

Chen Bingwen walked steadily, his mind focused on the key tasks to be done next.

Gao Zhenhai remained somewhat silent, his gaze occasionally glancing at Chen Bingwen, who was not much older than him but already as composed as a mountain.

Not long ago, when Brother Wen calmly told him that the seemingly risky investment in Wharf Holdings stock had ultimately yielded a net profit of over two million Hong Kong dollars, Gao Zhenhai felt his heart was about to leap out of his chest.

More than two million!

The number exploded in his mind like a thunderclap, making him dizzy and almost unable to stand.

He witnessed firsthand how Man Gor strategized and made a huge profit of HK$260,000 during the seven-day Lunar New Year fair in Victoria Park, which he thought was an astronomical figure at the time.

Compared to the two million or so that can be easily found in the stock market, it's nothing!
Brother Wen's courage, vision, and grasp of timing have once again pushed the limits of his understanding.

“Brother Wen,” Gao Zhenhai finally couldn’t help but speak, his voice slightly hoarse, but more so filled with awe at the enormous sum of money, “Two hundred and sixty thousand in Cheung Sha Wan, and seven hundred and ninety-six thousand in Kwun Tong, including the factory and warehouse, just like that. This money…”

He paused, struggling to organize his thoughts. He knew that the money was earned by Brother Wen, thanks to Brother Wen's abilities, but the number 960,000 was still enormous enough to make his heart tighten.

"Isn't this spending a bit too reckless? Although I know I've made a lot of money from stocks, this is still real money after all."

What he didn't say was that if he were in charge of this money, he probably wouldn't dare to touch even a fraction of it.

Chen Bingwen didn't stop walking, a calm yet unwavering smile playing on his lips. "Ah Hai, you can't just look at the surface of the accounts; you have to see the iceberg beneath the surface."

Buying a factory is not consumption, it is investment, and even more so, it is a strategic move.

This money wasn't spent; it was transformed into something more valuable, firmly anchoring the foundation of Chenji Foods.

"I've seen how many large companies operate before... well, I've observed." Chen Bingwen paused.
"In the eyes of capital, the depth of a real industry's foundation is determined by its fixed assets on its balance sheet, especially land and factory buildings."

These are not just cold, lifeless bricks and cement; they are levers that can mobilize ten or even a hundred times more resources!

Chen Bingwen's tone carried a hint of the certainty and analytical insight characteristic of an investment banking elite from his previous life:

"First and foremost, there's the issue of financing ability. Who are banks willing to lend money to? The top priority is companies with tangible collateral, such as land and factory buildings!"
This is what we call hard currency. Having these two plots of land and two factories is like holding two tickets in our hands.

In the future, whether it's expanding production, developing new products, or dealing with unexpected situations that require working capital, the credit lines we can get from banks and the loan interest rates we can negotiate will be several levels higher than when we only had a bunch of lease contracts and mobile food trucks.

This is what is meant by "those who have stable property have stable trust."

"Secondly, there's the company valuation. That's what Accountant Fang pointed out."

Leased assets are represented as usage rights on the financial statements, which is intangible.

Owning your own factory buildings represents substantial ownership and net assets!

This is a real plus when evaluating a company's value.

If we want to bring in new investors in the future, or even further ahead and consider going public one day, this amount of capital could directly increase Chen Ji's valuation several times over.

Investors are seeing a solid foundation, not castles in the air.

"Finally, there is the fight against risk and inflation. Land, especially valuable industrial land, will only become increasingly scarce on Hong Kong Island."

Holding it is itself a way to preserve and increase its value.

This amount of 960,000 may seem like a lot now, but looking back in a few years, it might be an extremely worthwhile deal.

Moreover, with our own factory, we don't have to worry about landlords raising rents or taking the factory back. Production stability is in our own hands, which is a peace of mind that money can't buy.

He watched as Gao Zhenhai's eyes widened, and finally concluded, "So, Ah Hai, in the long run, this deal is only profitable!"

What we are buying now is not a burden, but something that Chenji must do for its future growth.

The money spent will be recouped a hundredfold in the future through improved financing convenience, brand premium, and enhanced risk resistance!

Gao Zhenhai nodded as if he understood, but the heavy sense of shock in his heart lingered.

Nine hundred and sixty thousand! This number felt like a boulder pressing down on his chest.

He recalled that a year ago he was still working hard in a hardware factory, sweating profusely, and working overtime for a monthly salary of just over 800 yuan.

Back then, ten thousand yuan was an unattainable fortune.

And now, Brother Wen has casually spent 960,000 to buy two factory buildings! The gap between them makes him feel like he's dreaming.

When we returned to the Kwun Tong factory, it was lunchtime.

The workshop was filled with a faint sweet aroma and the residual warmth of the machines, and the workers gathered in twos and threes to eat.

Zhong Qiang was squatting next to a huge stainless steel steamer, using a wrench to tighten a loose connection.

"Brother Qiang!" Gao Zhenhai shouted, his voice trembling with excitement, drawing the attention of the surrounding workers.

Zhong Qiang looked up and saw Chen Bingwen and Gao Zhenhai. He quickly put down the wrench and stood up: "Boss, Hai, you're back? What about the accounting firm?"

"It's done!" Gao Zhenhai strode over, his face flushed with excitement and shock. He grabbed Zhong Qiang's arm. "Brother Qiang! Brother Wen!"

Brother Wen bought out the entire Cheung Sha Wan factory, our Kwun Tong factory, and even the warehouse next door at the R&D center! He bought it! He bought it! Not rented it!

"You bought it?"

The wrench in Zhong Qiang's hand fell to the ground with a "clatter".

He stood frozen in place, his eyes wide open and his mouth slightly agape, as if he hadn't understood what Gao Zhenhai meant.

As a key technical member of the factory, he understood the value of these two industries better than anyone else.

He was working at that preserved duck factory in Changsha Bay last year. In his eyes, the factory buildings and equipment were a fortune he never dared to dream of in his entire life.

And now, Chen Bingwen has actually bought both of them?

How much money would that cost? He dared not think about it, nor could he imagine it.

"Yes! We bought it! 260,000 in Cheung Sha Wan, and 700,000 in Kwun Tong, including the factory and warehouse! 960,000 in total!"

Gao Zhenhai almost roared it out, as if only in this way could he vent the raging waves in his heart.

"Nine hundred and sixty thousand?" Zhong Qiang gasped, feeling his legs go weak. He instinctively grabbed the scalding hot pot beside him, only to be burned and quickly pull his hand away.

960,000?

That must be a huge pile of money.

He looked at Chen Bingwen, who was standing behind Gao Zhenhai with a faint smile on his face, and felt that the young boss's figure appeared incredibly tall under the workshop lights, even somewhat unreal.

This...this was simply beyond the scope of his life experience.

"My God! Nine hundred and sixty thousand?!"

"Buying the factory? Our factory has become the boss's own?"

"Seven hundred thousand! Did I hear that right? How much money is that?"

"Boss Wen is really something!"

The surrounding workers had already gathered around, and when they heard the numbers announced by Gao Zhenhai, they immediately erupted in a commotion.

Exclamations, gasps of shock, and incredulous murmurs rose and fell.

Most of them work in factories year-round, accustomed to working, receiving wages, and supporting their families in a routine manner.

For them, the operation of capital of hundreds of thousands or millions is a completely different story.

At this moment, the protagonist of this story is the young boss who works alongside them in the workshop every day, and he has just bought their workplace "nest" with a huge sum of money that they could never have imagined!
The shock this brought was revolutionary.

A tall, thin young worker, clutching half a half-eaten char siu bao in his hand, had forgotten to swallow the food in his mouth and asked blankly, "Brother Hai... so... so from now on, we'll be working for the boss in his own factory?"

His question sounded somewhat bewildered, yet it captured everyone's most immediate feeling. It seemed like nothing had changed, yet everything was different.

The change in identity and the dramatic shift in their sense of belonging in the workplace left them feeling somewhat bewildered, yet also filled with an indescribable excitement, as if they were sharing in someone's pride.

Although the owner hasn't changed, there were no factory buildings or land before, so the owner could leave at any time.

Now that the factory and land have become Chen Bingwen's assets, the workers subconsciously feel at ease.

“That’s right!” Gao Zhenhai nodded vigorously, looking around at the faces filled with shock and awe. A sense of pride in fighting alongside Brother Wen welled up in his heart. “From now on, this Kwun Tong factory and this Cheung Sha Wan factory will be the foundation of our Chen Ji!”

This empire was built with real money by the boss! We're no longer just working for someone else; we're building Chen's brand, building our own reputation!

These words brought the workers back to their senses from the shock, and an unprecedented sense of belonging and security welled up in their hearts.

The factory where I work now has a real owner, and this owner is so powerful and decisive!

"Boss Wen is sharp!"

"You must work even harder from now on!"

"Nine hundred and sixty thousand! I've never even seen ninety-six thousand before!"

"You're set for life! Following Boss Wen will lead to a bright future!"

The initial murmurs gradually turned into excited discussions and exclamations of admiration.

Zhong Qiang picked up the wrench from the ground and gripped it tightly.

He looked at Chen Bingwen with a complex expression, a mixture of lingering shock, awe at the enormous wealth, and above all, excitement at having found a reliable backer.

"Boss!" Zhong Qiang stepped forward, his voice hoarse with excitement, but filled with unprecedented determination. "Don't worry! Now that we've bought the factory, we're even more determined to do a good job! We won't let your hard work go to waste! I guarantee the equipment will be maintained perfectly! As for production, I, Zhong Qiang, will use my own hands to oversee it for you!"

Behind him, a group of technical experts and workers also gathered around, their eyes burning with enthusiasm, chiming in with their own opinions:

"Yes! Don't worry, boss!"

"Work hard! We can't let Chen's down!"

"This factory is ours now! We need to put even more effort into it!"

Chen Bingwen's gaze slowly swept over the faces flushed with excitement before him, the light in Gao Zhenhai's eyes, and the heavy promise in Zhong Qiang's eyes.
The workers' faces still showed lingering shock and burning enthusiasm, and a sense of security arose spontaneously.

That's the charm of running a real business!

He nodded slightly, the faint smile on his face deepening slightly. His voice, though not loud, clearly overpowered all the noise and reached everyone's ears:

"The roots have been planted, but whether the Chan Kee brand can stand firm and become well-known on Hong Kong Island depends on this land alone."

He turned his gaze to Zhong Qiang, "Brother Qiang, equipment maintenance is important, but the most crucial thing is to get those two new things out for me!"

“Coconut milk sago pudding! Mango pomelo sago!” Chen Bingwen pronounced these two names clearly, with undeniable weight, “These are the sharp knives that will break through the ceiling and penetrate Causeway Bay and Central!”

Taste, appearance, and texture—none of them can be lacking!

"Understood, boss!" Zhong Qiang straightened up abruptly, gripped the wrench tightly, and his eyes blazed with fighting spirit. "I've tested the standardized production process! All the raw materials are ready. We'll start the first batch this afternoon!"

As night falls, the Kwun Tong Food Factory remains brightly lit.

The original rich sweet aroma of red bean paste and sesame paste in the factory air has been replaced by a fresher, richer, and even slightly tropical sweet aroma.

The sweetness of coconut milk, the rich aroma of mango puree, the subtle tartness of grapefruit segments, and the unique grain aroma of translucent sago pearls intertwine and blend together, creating distinct yet harmonious flavors that make your mouth water just by smelling them.

On the stainless steel workbench, two series of new product trial samples are lined up in a row.

On the left is coconut milk sago pudding: countless round, plump, and crystal-clear sago pearls float in the delicate, white coconut milk.

The coconut milk has just the right consistency—neither too bland nor too sticky—and is topped with a few bright red goji berries, creating a striking and refreshing contrast.

On the right is Mango Pomelo Sago: a base of golden mango puree, with cooked sago pearls evenly distributed inside, and bright, plump, and distinct grapefruit segments.

A ring of snow-white coconut milk is gently drizzled on top, creating a striking visual impact with its interplay of gold, white, and red, exuding an indescribable sense of luxury.

Gao Zhenhai, Zhong Qiang, and several veteran workers selected to participate in the trial production surrounded the control panel, barely daring to breathe, their eyes fixed on Chen Bingwen.

Chen Bingwen picked up a small white porcelain spoon, scooped up a spoonful of coconut milk sago pudding, and put it into his mouth.

The cool coconut milk instantly coats the tip of your tongue, sweet and smooth, with a natural coconut aroma, completely free of the cloying taste of artificial flavorings.

The sago pearls are cooked to perfection, resulting in a chewy and soft texture that bursts open gently between your teeth, creating a wonderful chewing experience.

A subtle, perfectly balanced sweetness spreads through the mouth, leaving only a refreshing aftertaste and a lingering hint of coconut flavor after swallowing.

"Good!" A hint of satisfaction flashed in Chen Bingwen's eyes. He put down the small spoon, picked up another spoon, and reached for the golden mango pomelo sago.

A richer, more complex aroma wafts over you.

He scooped up a spoonful, and the thick, sweet mango puree first took over his taste buds. The natural fruity aroma was so rich and mellow that it was hard to forget. Then came the chewy texture of the sago pearls. Next, he bit into the plump grapefruit pulp, and a bright and refreshing sourness and a faint bitterness of fruit burst forth instantly!

The perfect balance of tartness and slight bitterness is not at all jarring; instead, it enhances the sweetness of the mango, making it more sophisticated and layered! The grapefruit segments bring an explosive sense of freshness.

Finally, the drizzle of coconut milk on top provides a smooth texture and a warm, creamy finish, perfectly bringing all the flavors together.

Intense, refreshing, mellow, crisp, and a blend of sweet and sour flavors, ultimately culminating in a lingering aftertaste that leaves one feeling utterly satisfied.

Chen Bingwen put down his spoon, a genuine, appreciative smile spreading across his face: "It's done! That's the taste! That's the level!"

He looked at Zhong Qiang, "Brother Qiang, write down the parameters! The sweetness, the ratio of mango and grapefruit, the amount of coconut milk—not a single detail can be changed! This is the golden standard of our Chen Ji!"

Zhong Qiang rubbed his hands together excitedly and nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, boss! I've memorized all the parameters! This is exactly the taste! This mango pomelo sago is absolutely amazing!"

However, when Chen Bingwen announced the prices of the two new products, the workers, who had just been enjoying the delicious food, felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over their heads.

"Coconut milk sago pudding, priced at two dollars and eight cents a bowl." Chen Bingwen's voice was very calm. "Mango pomelo sago, three dollars and five cents."

"hiss--"

A collective gasp filled the workshop.

"Three and a half dollars?" The tall, thin young worker who had been holding the char siu bun stared wide-eyed, counting on his fingers. "I... I only earn thirty-something dollars a day, and a bowl of sweet soup costs three and a half dollars? That... that's enough for a meal!"

"Yeah! Red bean soup is only one yuan a bowl, that's...that's way too expensive!" A middle-aged female worker next to her couldn't help but mutter under her breath, her face full of disbelief. "Who could bear to eat that?"

"Brother Wen, isn't this price too high?" Even Gao Zhenhai couldn't help but frown, his tone filled with worry. "Our sesame paste set meal used to cost only one dollar and eight cents, but this mango pomelo sago has doubled in price. I'm afraid ordinary workers won't be able to afford it."

Chen Bingwen looked around at the faces filled with confusion and doubt, but a confident smile appeared on his lips.

He picked up the glass of golden mango pomelo sago and swirled it in the light, the water droplets condensing on the glass reflecting a dazzling luster.

"Expensive?" he retorted. "Think about it, how much does it cost for white-collar workers in office buildings in Causeway Bay and Central to have a char siu rice with milk tea for lunch?"
A price of twelve or thirteen dollars is normal! For them, spending three and a half dollars to enjoy such a high-end dessert—unique on Hong Kong Island, rich in flavor, exquisitely presented, and meticulously crafted with fresh mango, grapefruit, and coconut milk—is it expensive, or is it excellent value for money?

He put down his cup, his voice not loud but deafening: "Our coconut sago and mango pomelo sago desserts have never been sold to the workers who line up at the factory gate to buy red bean paste sets!"

Their target audience is customers who value quality, novelty, prestige, and are willing to pay for a better experience!

They are the white-collar workers who can eat a char siu rice dish costing a dozen or so yuan for lunch without batting an eye!

It's for ladies who are tired from shopping and want to find a place to rest and enjoy delicate desserts! It's for young people who pursue trendy flavors!

"In the factory area, we have established ourselves by offering classic products with large quantities, competitive prices, convenience, and solid flavors."

But in prime locations like Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Central, where land is incredibly valuable, what we're aiming for is precisely this premium! This is the reason why it's expensive!

He glanced at Gao Zhenhai and Zhong Qiang: "Remember, pricing isn't something you can just decide on a whim."

Pricing is strategy! It's positioning! Selling mango pomelo sago for three and a half dollars is to tell everyone that Chan Kee not only makes desserts that everyone in the neighborhood can afford, but also creates a brand that stands at the top of Hong Kong's dessert scene!

　Thank you all for your support!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)