Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 38 First Encounter on the Silk Road (Please add to your favorites, vote for monthly tickets, recommend this book, and keep reading!)
The following morning, at the Bangkok Stock Exchange.

As the opening bell rang, Jinxiang Food Industry Co., Ltd., which had been suspended from trading for nearly two weeks, officially resumed trading.

Inside the trading hall, countless eyes were fixed on the huge price list.

Golden Elephant's share price had fallen to a low of 1.05 baht before trading was suspended, reflecting a generally pessimistic market sentiment.

However, the first transaction at the open gapped up, opening at 1.25 baht!

Immediately afterwards, a surge of buying orders came in, with large buy orders quickly pushing the stock price up.

1.30
1.35
1.40
Trading volume surged dramatically, with the turnover rate exceeding 5% in just half an hour.

The panic selling had already been cleared out by Sugar Heart Capital before the trading halt and during its accumulation of shares at low prices, leaving only a few sell orders in the market at this moment.

Besides some astute speculative funds, the main force driving up stock prices is a strong and continuous buying force.

It was Fang Wenshan, under the instruction of Chen Bingwen, who used the remaining funds of Sugar Heart Capital for market value management.

The purpose of doing this is clear: to reverse market expectations and reshape the value of Golden Elephant.

The previous acquisition of 51.3% of Golden Elephant's shares cost HK$238.5 million.

This time, Chen Bingwen used the remaining HK$160 million to support the Golden Elephant market.

At 10:30 a.m., the share price of Golden Elephant had steadily climbed above the 1.50 baht mark, with an increase of over 42%.

The entire exchange was abuzz with discussion, speculating about what had happened behind the scenes at Golden Elephant.

Just then, explosive news spread rapidly throughout Bangkok and the entire Thai financial sector via the exchange's official news agency, major financial newspapers, and radio stations:
"Golden Elephant Food Industry Co., Ltd. announced that it will hold a press conference at 2:00 PM today at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok to explain matters such as the change of controlling stake, major future development strategies, and the introduction of important strategic investors!"

At the press conference, journalists from Thai local and international financial media based in Thailand gathered together.

Although Golden Elephant's market value is only a few million Hong Kong dollars, it is still one of the twenty-odd listed companies in Thailand, and it should be given the attention and media attention it deserves.

At 2 p.m. sharp, Chen Bingwen, accompanied by Fang Wenshan, Wirayu, and an unfamiliar middle-aged man dressed in the uniform of a senior manager of Pangu Bank, walked steadily onto the stage.

The flashbulbs from the audience instantly went off one after another.

Chen Bingwen didn't waste time with pleasantries and went straight to the point. His voice carried clearly through the microphone, followed closely by a Thai translator:
"Good afternoon, friends from the media. I am Chen Bingwen, representing Sugar Heart Capital Co., Ltd. First of all, on behalf of the newly appointed board of directors of Jinxiang Food Industry Co., Ltd., I would like to thank you all for your attention to Jinxiang."

"As you all know, Sugar Capital has acquired 51.3% of the equity of Jinxiang Food through legal and compliant secondary market transactions, becoming the controlling shareholder of the company."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room, before dropping his first bombshell:
"Today, I am very honored to announce a major collaboration that will be a milestone for the future development of Golden Elephant."

Bangkok Bank, Thailand's largest financial institution, has officially become a strategic shareholder of Golden Elephant Food Industries, holding a 30% stake in the company!

The moment he finished speaking, the entire audience erupted in uproar!
Reporters raised their hands, and the sound of camera shutters clicked even louder.

Pangoal Institution's investment in a food company that had just experienced a sharp decline and was in dire straits is nothing short of an amazing reversal!

Chen Bingwen raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, and continued: "Pangu Bank's investment is a strong endorsement of the core asset value, future development potential, and the capabilities of the new management team of Golden Elephant."

This not only provides Jinxiang with valuable credit support, but will also bring the company abundant financial resources and localization experience.

We are confident that, with the support of Pangoal Institution, Golden Elephant will be able to overcome its difficulties more quickly and achieve steady development.

He gestured to the Pangoal Institution representative beside him.

The middle-aged manager stood up and, in a concise and forceful manner in Thai, confirmed the shareholding and emphasized Bangkok Bank's confidence in the new management team and strategic plans of Golden Elephant.

Immediately afterwards, Chen Bingwen released a second piece of positive news, directly addressing the business fundamentals that the market is most concerned about.

"Currently, Jinxiang's production and operation activities have fully resumed and are being accelerated."

The coconut milk and syrup production capacity of the Rayong factory has returned to normal levels and is being continuously optimized and improved.

More importantly, we have secured stable and high-quality raw material supply channels, ensuring the continuity of production.

"Hereby, I am pleased to announce to you:"

Golden Elephant has signed a long-term and stable strategic supply agreement with our key associate, Chan Kee Foods Limited, a rapidly growing company in Hong Kong.

Over the next three years, 70% of the premium coconut milk and syrup production capacity of Golden Elephant's Rayong plant will be prioritized for supplying Chan Kee Foods, supporting its rapid expansion in Hong Kong and the Asian market.

Change of controlling shareholder, investment from Pangu Bank, resumption of production, and securing large long-term orders.

Four major positive developments followed one after another, instantly reshaping the market's perception of Jinxiang.

The press section erupted in cheers, with questions flying one after another.

At the press conference, a middle-aged man from the Somchai family, after hearing Chen Bingwen talk about the future of Golden Elephant Foods, glanced at Chen Bingwen on the stage and the representative of Pangu Bank next to him with complicated eyes.

He closed his notebook, got up quietly, and left the venue.

The official announcement of Pangu Bank's investment and the overwhelmingly positive public opinion at the press conference completely extinguished any thoughts the Somchai family might have of retaliating or causing trouble.

They had no choice but to accept reality.

One week later, at the Golden Elephant Rayong factory.

In his office, Chen Bingwen listened attentively to the Jinxiang management team's report on the progress of their work.

"The supply points for the six cooperatives in Phang Nga and Chumphon in the north have all been established, and the quality has consistently reached the first-class standard."

Golden Elephant Purchasing Manager Chawa handed over the report.

Chen Bingwen nodded, his gaze sweeping over the procurement data in the report.

Pongchai added from the side: "Daily production capacity has stabilized at 5 tons, which is fully met by Chen Ji's dedicated line. The settlement channel established by Director Wirayu is very efficient."

As soon as Peng Cai finished speaking, Fang Wenshan chimed in, "The settlement currency is based on the US dollar."

"Very good." Chen Bingwen nodded in satisfaction.

The meeting ended, and the management of Golden Elephant left the office.

When it was just Chen Bingwen and Fang Wenshan.

"Mr. Chen, Jinxiang has truly made a comeback." Fang Wenshan said with a sigh of relief. "With the stock price stabilized, the banks providing support, and the raw materials and sales channels secured, all that's left is to optimize management and improve efficiency step by step."

Chen Bingwen nodded, "The foundation is solid, but it's far from time to relax."

Pongchai and Chawa are reasonably capable, but their vision is limited.

Wirayu is professional enough as the CFO, but he needs time to work out.

For Jinxiang, the core focus for the next year is twofold: stabilizing production and reducing costs.

"By ensuring a flawless supply to Chen's kitchen and improving internal operational efficiency, profits will naturally follow."

He put down his water glass. "Mr. Fang, please ask Dexin to take good care of Jinxiang's daily supervision and financial audit. Send someone over to check on it once a quarter."

I will review the reports regularly.

In addition, we are looking for a professional manager who is fluent in Thai, familiar with the local business environment, and has strong execution capabilities to serve as Sugar Heart Capital's resident representative in Golden Elephant, at a level higher than Pongchai, to oversee the execution of our strategy.

Keep an eye on the candidates; background and ability are paramount.

“Understood, Mr. Chen.” Fang Wenshan immediately agreed. This was a necessary step to bring Golden Elephant back on track. “The more than HK$160 million allocated for market support has been released in batches after Golden Elephant’s share price gradually recovered.”

Not only did I recover my principal, but I also made a profit of over 50,000 yuan, all of which is now in my Sugar Heart Capital account.

"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Fang. The money is fine in the Sugar Heart Capital account. I will make arrangements for the rest."

Maintain a good relationship with Pangoal Institution.

The directors they appoint must be given sufficient face, but the core decision-making power cannot be relinquished.

"If you encounter any problems you can't solve, contact me again." Chen Bingwen nodded and added.

He knew that the honeymoon period with Pangu needed to be carefully maintained.

After dealing with all of this, Chen Bingwen let out a soft sigh of relief.

My month-long stay in Thailand felt like going through an intense battle.

Now that the smoke of war has cleared, the time for return has arrived.

Thinking of my parents in Sham Shui Po, of Gao Zhenhai and Zhong Qiang working busily in the Kwun Tong factory, and of Chen Ji Dessert, which had just begun to make a name for itself on Hong Kong Island, a faint sense of longing welled up in my heart.

"My flight back to Hong Kong Island is tomorrow afternoon," Chan Ping-man said to Vincent Fang. "I don't have any plans this afternoon. Want to come with me for a stroll? I'll bring some gifts for my family and Ah-hai."

Fang Wenshan readily agreed: "Okay. I know a few good specialty shops; Thai silk, crocodile leather goods, and essential oils are all good."

The Bangkok sun remained blazing in the afternoon.

The two left the hotel with the translator and strolled through the bustling streets.

Chen Bingwen chose an exquisite crocodile leather wallet for his father, Chen Guofu, a set of high-quality jasmine essential oil and handmade soap for his mother, Wang Qiaozhen, and a practical leather tool bag for Gao Zhenhai.

Passing by a gem shop, he paused for a moment and picked out a simple yet elegant sapphire and silver bracelet for Gao Meiling. The young girl had helped her family a lot, so she deserved a decent gift. Having bought most of the items, the two returned to the Oriental Hotel carrying their bags.

As Chen Bingwen walked through the lobby, his gaze inadvertently swept over a relatively quiet corner on one side of the lobby.

There, an inconspicuous shop caught his attention.

The shop sign features elegant Chinese calligraphy: "Jintai Silk".

Through the bright glass windows, you can see that what is displayed inside are not ordinary tourist souvenirs, but bolts of silk with warm colors and delicate textures.

“A silk shop?” Fang Wenshan noticed it too. “Located in a place like this, it’s probably catering to high-end guests and foreign visitors, and the prices are quite high.”

Chen Bingwen's gaze, however, lingered on the plaque.

“Jintai Silk,” he murmured. “To open a silk shop like this in Bangkok with a purely Chinese style, the owner must either be obsessed with traditional culture, or…”

A thought flashed through his mind: "They are Chinese, or of Chinese descent."

"Accountant Fang, shall we go in and take a look?" Chen Bingwen stepped forward.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, the copper bell hanging on the door frame rang out with a clear and melodious "ding-a-ling" sound.

A middle-aged woman with a gentle demeanor, dressed in a modified cheongsam, is carefully arranging the shelves.

Upon seeing the guest enter, she looked up, a perfectly timed smile on her face, and greeted him with "Sawasdee ka".

Chen Bingwen nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on the silks, and replied in Chinese, "Hello. These silks are very special, unlike the styles commonly seen here."

Upon hearing fluent Chinese, the woman immediately switched to equally fluent Mandarin: "Sir, you have excellent eyesight."

Our Jintai silk is made from carefully selected mulberry silk from northern Thailand, but the weaving techniques and designs are inherited from the old craftsmanship brought from Chaozhou by our ancestors.

"Chaozhou?" Chen Bingwen's heart skipped a beat. The Chaoshan merchants had a huge influence in Southeast Asia, which permeated multiple fields such as economy, politics and culture.

He picked up a piece of plain crepe satin that felt exceptionally smooth and delicate to the touch, and looked at it under the light; its luster was as warm and gentle as flowing water.

"Good material. This craftsmanship cannot be achieved without years of experience."

“Sir, you are an expert.” The woman’s smile deepened. “My ancestors were weavers in Chaozhou Prefecture in their early years. Later, they went to Southeast Asia and settled in Chiang Mai. This craft has been passed down from generation to generation.”

It's a pity that fewer young people are willing to learn these days.

There was a hint of regret in her voice.

Just then, the shop door was pushed open again.

A tall, well-tailored young man walked in.

He was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old and had a handsome face.

What's even more eye-catching is that he was also holding the hand of a little girl who looked to be about eleven or twelve years old.

The little girl wore a pretty floral dress, with curved eyebrows and fair skin, like a delicate porcelain doll.

“Mom, Yingla and I are back,” the young man said to the woman in Thai, his voice gentle.

"Xin, you're back." The middle-aged woman's smile instantly warmed. "Yingla, are you tired?"

"I'm not tired, Mom! My brother made me eat delicious coconut ice cream!" The little girl Yingla's voice was clear and melodious, and her bright eyes looked at Chen Bingwen and Fang Wenshan, the two strangers.

The young man, referred to as "Xin," also noticed the two customers in the shop.

His gaze lingered on Chen Bingwen for a moment, with a professional scrutiny, but quickly turned into a polite nod and a greeting in Thai: "Sawasdee kabu".

Chen Bingwen put down the silk in his hand, smiled and replied in Chinese: "Hello. Your mother's silk is truly breathtaking."

Upon hearing Chen Bingwen's fluent Chinese, a hint of surprise flashed in Xin's eyes, and he then said in Thai, "Thank you."

My mother's cooking skills are the foundation of Jintai's business. He seemed unaccustomed to talking much in front of strangers, but his attitude was not arrogant.

Having understood the contents of the letter from the translator, Chen Bingwen proactively extended his hand: "My surname is Chen, Chen Bingwen, and I am from Hong Kong."

This is my colleague, Mr. Vincent Fang.

Xin paused for a moment, then naturally extended his hand to shake hands with Chen Bingwen: "Nice to meet you. Thaksin Shinawatra."

This is my sister, Yingla.

He introduced himself and his sister.

Upon hearing these two names and seeing Xin's appearance, Chen Bingwen instantly recognized the siblings before him.

These are the Shinawatra siblings who will profoundly influence Thai politics in the future!
At this moment, Taxin is clearly still working in the police force, and his competence is a quality honed in the police profession.

“Mr. Shinawatra.” Chen Bingwen readily switched to the more respectful form of address, then turned his gaze to Yingla, who was secretly observing him, and smiled gently. “Miss Yingla is very cute.”

Hearing the praise, Xiao Yingla shyly hid behind her brother, but her big eyes were full of smiles.

"Mr. Chen, you flatter me." Ta Xin said politely, then seemed unwilling to exchange any more pleasantries and said to his mother, "Mom, I brought Yingla back to put some things away. I have to go back to the station later."

His mention of "the bureau" further confirmed Chen Bingwen's judgment.

“Okay, work is the priority.” Tashin’s mother nodded lovingly.

Chen Bingwen knew he shouldn't bother them too much, but he didn't want to miss this opportunity to establish initial contact.

He picked up the plain crepe satin he had just seen and said to Taxin's mother, "Madam, could you please wrap up this plain crepe satin and that light blue Xiangyun gauze for me?"

Taxin's mother was somewhat surprised, as both of these pieces were high-end materials from the shop and were quite expensive.

"Mr. Chen has a good eye; these are all our best pieces this year."

"Your wife must have excellent taste." She complimented with a smile as she skillfully picked up the fabric.

Chen Bingwen smiled frankly: "It's a gift for my mother. She's worked hard all her life, so she deserves some nice things."

He paid, accepted the beautifully packaged silk, glanced at Thaxin and Yingla who were waiting quietly beside him, and had already made up his mind.

He took out a simple business card from his briefcase, which only had the three Chinese characters "Chen Bingwen" in regular script and a Hong Kong phone number on it, and handed it to Thaksin: "Mr. Shinawatra, it's a pleasure to meet you. I apologize for the intrusion."

This is my business card.

I run a food business on Hong Kong Island and occasionally make investments.

Jintai's silk was impressive; I hope to have more opportunities to exchange ideas if I have the chance to meet them again.

Ta Xin took the extremely simple business card, hesitated for a moment, and then took out a business card from his suit pocket and handed it to Chen Bingwen: "Mr. Chen, you are too kind."

This is my business card. We'll have plenty of time to exchange ideas in the future.

The business card displayed Thaksin's full name and title: Deputy Chief of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Department.

Although his position wasn't top-tier, he was already a powerful mid-level officer in the Bangkok police force, with a promising future.

Chen Bingwen carefully put it away: "So it's Director Shinawatra, my apologies."

He understood that the value of this business card far exceeded what could be measured by a single shopping trip.

This may be a hidden path leading to the future of Thailand's political and business elites.

"It's my duty." Taxin nodded slightly, seemingly accustomed to the title.

He turned to his mother and sister: "Mom, Yingla, I'm leaving now."

He then nodded to Chen Bingwen and Fang Wenshan, saying, "Goodbye, Mr. Chen and Mr. Fang."

As Chen Bingwen watched Ta Xin's figure disappear outside the shop, a slight ripple stirred in his heart.

Who would have thought that this young police chief would one day hold the reins of a nation's government?
And will that innocent and carefree little girl, Yingla, also walk the same path to the top in the future?
Sometimes, the turning points of history begin with such an unexpected encounter.

“Mr. Chen, would you like to see anything else?” Taxin’s mother’s voice pulled Chen Bingwen back to reality.

"Not for now, ma'am."

"Your silk is very good. I'll come again next time." Chen Bingwen smiled and said goodbye, leaving Jintai Silk Shop with Fang Wenshan.

On the way back to his room, Fang Wenshan couldn't help but whisper, "Mr. Chen, that Director Shinawatra has quite the presence."

That was a brilliant business card you handed out.

In Thailand, family influence is ubiquitous. Knowing Chief Shinawatra can help us build connections within the police system.

When Fang Wenshan first saw Chen Bingwen and offered him his business card, and later learned that Ta Xin was the deputy director of the police station, he mistakenly thought that Chen Bingwen was trying to build connections.

Chen Bingwen stroked the smooth silk packaging in his hand and smiled, "Accountant Fang, this is just a casual move; it's good to plant the seed first."

After saying that, he checked the time: "Let's go back to our room and pack up. There's still a lot of work waiting for us in Hong Kong."

　Thank you everyone for your support! Special thanks to XiaohugeKK, Yunhaishuyoushitongzhou, Xiaokaige_eB, and book friend 20211029205019021 for their generous donations! Thank you so much!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)