Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire.

Chapter 247 Director 5K (Seeking monthly votes, recommendations, and subscriptions!)

After Lin Zhiwei left, Chen Bingwen turned his attention back to the report on the state of education in mainland China on the table.

The children's clear yet slightly timid eyes in the photo, along with the dilapidated school buildings and muddy playground, lingered in his mind.

He was not a sentimental person, but this incident touched one of the few soft spots in his heart, as well as an indescribable sense of responsibility to his roots.

He knew that this investment in building the school was a pure expenditure in the short term, but in the long term, it would bring social reputation and potential for building goodwill.

In the early days of China's opening up, such sincere feedback, without harsh commercial conditions, often opened up many avenues that money couldn't buy.

Since we've decided to do it, let's do it thoroughly.

So he called Fang Wenshan over to discuss it together.

Chen Bingwen pushed Lin Zhiwei's report in front of Fang Wenshan and said, "Wenshan, I have read Manager Lin's report. The situation is more specific and more difficult than we expected."

Our initial idea of ​​donating and building school buildings may not have been enough.

Look at these photos. The children lack even decent desks and chairs, and the teachers' salaries are pitifully low.

"If the school buildings are built, but children still drop out due to poverty, and teachers can't be retained, then the purpose is greatly diminished."

Fang Wenshan quickly browsed through the report and photos, his expression becoming serious: "Indeed—both hardware and software are lacking."

"Mr. Chen, what do you mean?"

"Add more budget," Chen Bingwen said decisively. "In addition to the original plan to donate and build ten primary school teaching buildings, we should not only build the school buildings, but also provide complete toilets and drinking water facilities. If conditions permit, we should try to install electric lights in each school."

In addition, the amount of the education fund has been increased accordingly.

In addition to subsidizing students and rewarding teachers, a special fund for teaching materials will be established to regularly purchase basic stationery such as textbooks, exercise books, pencils, and chalk for these schools.

A small medical fund will also be established to handle sudden illnesses or accidental injuries to students while they are at school.

Fang Wenshan did some mental calculations and replied, "Based on the current prices and labor costs in mainland China, if we follow this standard, the total budget for the construction and supporting facilities of the first batch of ten schools, plus the investment in the education and medical funds in the first year, will be approximately HK$2.00 to HK$2.5 million."

"Two and a half million is acceptable." Chen Bingwen did not hesitate. "If we're going to do it, we should do it properly and truly solve the problem."

Based on this idea, you should quickly develop a detailed budget and implementation plan.

The key is fund supervision; it must be transparent to ensure that every penny is spent wisely.

"Understood. I will work with Manager Lin to come up with a detailed plan as soon as possible." Fang Wenshan noted down the key points and then raised another question, "Mr. Chen, regarding the name of the donation, should it be under Sugar Heart Capital's name or the personal names of the elderly gentleman and lady?"

After a moment's thought, Chen Bingwen said, "Use my parents' names. This matter means more to them. Sugar Heart Capital can act as an investor and supporter behind the scenes."

This approach is more humane and aligns with the original intention of giving back to one's hometown.

"Okay, I understand." Fang Wenshan nodded and then pointed to Lin Guowei's report, saying, "Mr. Chen, Manager Lin mentioned a detail in the data that may need attention."

He mentioned that children in rural areas are more prone to parasitic diseases, such as roundworms and hookworms, which affect their health and development. Could our newly established medical fund also include regular deworming?

The cost is low, but the results will be significant.

"Parasites?" Chen Bingwen was taken aback; he hadn't considered this detail.

In his previous life, he was born in the city and had little understanding of the sanitation conditions in rural areas.

But after Fang Wenshan brought it up, he immediately realized the importance of the issue.

In rural areas of mainland China during the 1970s and 80s, sanitation was poor and parasite infection rates were extremely high, especially among children, which affected not only their health but also their studies.

He immediately said, "This suggestion is excellent! It must be incorporated."

Purchase some safe and effective deworming medications and organize students to take them uniformly each semester.

This money was well spent. When Manager Lin follows up, he should focus on understanding the common types of parasites in the area and effective medications, making sure safety is ensured.

Evening, at home in Deep Water Bay.

During dinner, Chen Bingwen told his parents about the adjustments to the school donation plan.

After listening, Chen Guofu nodded repeatedly: "Good, good! Awen, you've thought of everything!"

Having a house isn't enough; the most important thing is that the children are healthy and have access to education.

"Adding deworming is a good idea! Your grandfather used to say that children in the countryside who had worms in their stomachs looked pale and thin."

Wang Qiaozhen's eyes reddened as she picked up a piece of steamed fish that her son loved, saying, "Awen, Mom thanks you on behalf of the children back home."

This is a virtuous act.

"Mom and Dad, this is what we should do." Chen Bingwen smiled. "The plan will need a few more days to be finalized. After Director Fang finishes it, you two may need to sign it. Or when we return to our hometown to start construction, you can go back and preside over the groundbreaking ceremony."

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"No problem! We'll definitely take care of it!" Chen Guofu agreed readily, his face beaming.

He was genuinely happy to be able to do something practical for his hometown.

The next day, Chen Bingwen had just arrived at his office when he received a call from Zhang Jianhua, the general manager of China Resources, inviting him to have tea at the China Resources Building.

Chen Bingwen guessed that Zhang Jianhua must have something he didn't want to say over the phone, so he readily agreed.

During this meeting, Zhang Jianhua's attitude was more enthusiastic than before, even showing a hint of solemnity.

"Mr. Chen, please have a seat." Zhang Jianhua personally poured Chen Bingwen a cup of tea. "First of all, the handover of the Qingzhou Yingni Cement business went very smoothly. The headquarters is very satisfied with this cooperation and specifically asked me to convey their gratitude to Mr. Chen."

This deal is crucial for us to solidify our building materials supply in South China.

"Mr. Zhang, you're too kind. It's just a win-win situation," Chen Bingwen said with a smile, knowing in his heart that this was just an opening remark.

Sure enough, Zhang Jianhua changed the subject, his tone becoming more formal: "There's another, more important matter I've invited Mr. Chen here today, and I'd like to hear his opinion."

He lowered his voice slightly, "I wonder if Mr. Chen has heard that the country is preparing to establish an international trust and investment company?"

Chen Bingwen's heart skipped a beat, but he remained outwardly calm: "I've heard a little about it. I heard that it was spearheaded by Mr. Long and aims to introduce foreign investment, advanced technology and management experience. It is an important window for the country's opening up to the outside world."

"Mr. Chen is well-informed." Zhang Jianhua nodded and continued, "The preparatory work is nearing completion, and the selection of board members is underway."

Considering the company's future international nature and the need for communication with Hong Kong and Macau, the board of directors needs to include representatives from the Hong Kong and Macau business communities who are familiar with international markets and possess strong business capabilities and influence.

He looked intently at Chen Bingwen: "When the leaders at headquarters were discussing this, someone mentioned your name, Mr. Chen."

We believe you are young and promising, having built a vast empire from scratch in a short period, successfully acquiring a British-owned company, actively contributing to the development of mainland China, and maintaining a good working relationship with China Resources. You demonstrate outstanding business acumen and patriotism, making you an outstanding representative of the new generation of Chinese businesspeople, perfectly meeting the expectations of the International Trust for a business leader in this new era.

Chen Bingwen took a deep breath to suppress his excitement.

He knew what this meant!

This is not just an honor, but a passport to the highest levels of the business world in mainland China, a recognition and endorsement at an extremely high level!

Its value far exceeds imagination.

He quickly calmed down, knowing that he must not lose his composure or act rashly at this moment.

He paused for a moment, then said humbly and sincerely, "Thank you for your kindness and trust."

International trusts are of great significance, and it is a great honor and responsibility to participate in them.

I am just an ordinary businessman who has done some insignificant work; I am afraid I am not up to the task of holding such an important position.

Zhang Jianhua waved his hand: "Mr. Chen, you are too modest. Your abilities and achievements are obvious to all."

What the leaders value is your ambition and ability to consider the big picture – that of a rising force.

This matter is currently in the consultation phase, but I hope Mr. Chen will give it serious consideration.

If this ultimately comes to fruition, it will be of great benefit both to your personal career development and to strengthening economic ties between Hong Kong, Macau, and the mainland.

"I understand." Chen Bingwen nodded solemnly. "I am very grateful to General Manager Zhang for informing me of this matter, and even more grateful to the leaders for their kindness."

I will definitely consider this matter carefully and prove myself with concrete actions, and I will never let this trust down.

"Good, good!" Zhang Jianhua smiled with satisfaction. "With Chen Sheng's words, I can rest assured."

More formal notification will be given regarding specific details at that time.

We stay in touch.

Leaving the China Resources Building and getting into his car, Chen Bingwen leaned back in his seat, his heart pounding with emotion.

He hadn't expected this step to come so quickly!

The acquisition of Qingzhou Yingni and the sale of the cement business to China Resources were clearly observed and highly praised.

The honor that Li Jiacheng had won in his previous life has now fallen on his own head.

That was the right move!

At almost the same time, in North Point, Hong Kong Island, at the headquarters of Tao Fa Tai Tung Limited.

Headquarters of Tao Fat Tai Tung Limited, North Point, Hong Kong Island.

General Manager Li Mingyao was looking at the latest sales report on the table with a gloomy expression.

In the conference room, the managers from the marketing and sales departments didn't dare to breathe.

"It's dropped another 15 percent!" Li Mingyao slammed the report on the table, his voice filled with suppressed anger. "Last month it dropped 10 percent, and this month it's even more outrageous!"

Can anyone tell me why our energy drink sales have plummeted so drastically?

We spent a lot on GG fees!

The marketing manager wiped the sweat from his brow and forced a smile as he explained, "Mr. Li, it's mainly because—mainly because Chen's Pulse GG is too potent."

In addition, their marketing campaign for leaping over the Grand Canyon made the whole city and even the world talk about it, completely stealing the spotlight from them.

Our GG was thrown in, like a pebble dropped into the ocean, leaving no ripple.

The sales manager added, "It's not just GG."

Chen Ji's side has been conducting blind taste tests and on-the-ground promotional activities, distributing small bottles for free at the gates of many office buildings and schools. The taste is indeed better than ours, and they have many repeat customers.

Many convenience stores that used to sell our products now display Pulse in the most prominent positions.

Another manager muttered under his breath, "Their formula might actually be something special. I heard it's super high in caffeine and sugar, and it's very effective at keeping you alert."

Li Mingyao became increasingly irritated as he listened.

Tao Fat Tai Tung is a long-established food and beverage company in Hong Kong Island. It started with soy sauce and canned goods. Seeing the rise of the functional beverage market, it followed suit and launched the "Energy" beverage, hoping to take a share of the market by leveraging its existing channel advantages.

Initially, there were indeed some profits, but since Chen Ji's Pulse series, especially "Pulse Thunder," broke through with a series of sharp marketing moves and excellent product strength, the sales of "Jin Neng" have been declining.

Following trends and imitating others can never match the focus and dedication of the original creators.

Whether it's formula development, marketing, or financial strength, Taohua Datong was completely suppressed.

"Are we just going to stand by and watch them rob the market?" Li Mingyao said unwillingly.

Having invested so much in production lines and GG expenses, he couldn't accept withdrawing in such a disgraceful manner, nor could he explain it to the board of directors.

Silence fell over the meeting room.

At this moment, a relatively young product manager hesitated for a moment before speaking up: "Mr. Li, perhaps—we can try a different approach?"

"What's your strategy? Tell me!" Li Mingyao looked at him. "We've always wanted to imitate Chen Ji's Pulse and make a mass-market energy drink, but we can't compete head-on."

We can emulate Chen Ji's Pulse Thunder and their electrolyte water. Chen Ji's Pulse Thunder sells very well in North America. It has a strong flavor and is marketed as an extreme energizer, but not all consumers can accept it.

Some office workers, especially women, may need a pick-me-up but dislike overly stimulating tastes and worry about consuming too much caffeine.

The product manager paused for a moment, then continued, "Could we give up competing head-on with them on mass-market products and instead develop a lighter-tasting, more refined-packaged, and perhaps even vitamin- or herbal beverage?"

Is it primarily targeting office workers, especially women?

Could the price be set a little higher, emphasizing the concepts of health and taste, and targeting the high-end market?

Upon hearing this, Li Mingyao fell into deep thought.

This idea is interesting.

Avoid the strongest points of your competitors and create a differentiated niche market.

"High-end? Light functionality? Tell me more about it."

Seeing that the boss was interested, the product manager became bolder: "For example, we can reduce the caffeine content, but increase the addition of B vitamins or vitamin C, use a lighter fruit flavor to balance the taste, and design the packaging to be more minimalist and stylish, focusing on the concept of supplementing the daily vitamin needs."

In terms of distribution channels, the focus can be on convenience stores located in office buildings, high-end supermarkets, and business centers in hotels.

The marketing manager thoughtfully chimed in, "This direction might be feasible."

Chen Ji is currently enjoying great success, focusing on extreme sports and the youth market. There may indeed be a market gap for white-collar workers, especially women, who pursue a stable and healthy image.

We can give it a try.

Li Mingyao thought for a long time. Although he felt that this was still an adventure, it was better than sitting and waiting to die.

At least this is a new direction. "Great!" he finally decided, "Let's go with this idea and immediately set up a project team to develop new formulas and packaging designs."

I'll approve a budget of 100,000 first, and I need it fast!

We must launch new products as soon as possible to turn the tide!

"Yes, Mr. Li!" The attendees seemed to see a glimmer of hope and quickly responded.

A conference room in Yanjing.

A discussion is underway regarding the selection of board members for the newly established "International Trust and Investment Company".

The attendees were of high rank, and the atmosphere in the room was somewhat serious.

A preliminary list of board candidates was laid out on the table, containing the names of several business representatives from Hong Kong and Macau.

A leader in charge of economic work looked through the list and slowly said, "The establishment of Guoxin is an important step in the reform and opening up."

It should not only serve as a window for attracting foreign investment and technology, but also as a reliable and trustworthy bridge connecting the domestic and international markets.

The selection of board members is of paramount importance.

They need to understand economics and international rules, be patriotic and reliable, and be able to work together with us.

Another official from the ministry added, "Regarding the selection of representatives from Hong Kong and Macau, we have initially considered several patriotic business figures who have strength and influence in their respective regions and have always been devoted to the motherland."

At this point, a participant familiar with the candidates from Hong Kong and Macau added, "Leader, I'd like to add something."

Recently, a businessman named Chan Ping-man has risen to prominence in the Hong Kong business community at a very rapid pace.

He started from scratch and, in just a few years, first built a large-scale sugar water and beverage business, and recently successfully acquired the British-owned Qingzhou Yingni Company, demonstrating extraordinary business acumen and capital operation capabilities.

"Oh? Acquiring a British company?" The leader looked up, seemingly interested. "Tell me more about it."

"Yes. After acquiring Qingzhou Yingni, he did not stick to his old business. Instead, he decisively sold its traditional cement business to China Resources, raising a large amount of funds. At the same time, he transformed and planned to develop the high-quality land he owned, demonstrating a forward-looking strategic vision."

More importantly," the reporter paused, then emphasized, "he proactively sold his core cement production capacity to China Resources at a fair price with clear procedures, effectively supporting the building materials demand in the mainland and demonstrating a strong commitment to cooperation and support for national development."

"Moreover, the beverage products produced by his Sugar Heart Capital have not only performed well in the Hong Kong market, but have also successfully entered the North American market, competing with international giants such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi. They have initially established our own national brand, and their marketing methods and brand building capabilities are also worth paying attention to."

The leaders exchanged glances.

In the early stages of reform and opening up, the mainland desperately needed a new generation of industrialists and businessmen who possessed both international vision and business acumen, and who could proactively cooperate with economic strategies.

"He sounds like a very energetic and innovative young man." The leader who spoke first pondered, "Compared to some established businesses with deep roots and complex relationships, this new force may be more in line with the spirit of reform and opening up, and can better represent a positive and upward image."

His collaboration with China Resources also proves its reliability and collaborative nature.

Another leader nodded: "Indeed."

The board of directors of Guoxin needs fresh blood, and it needs to involve truly dynamic and internationally competitive entrepreneurs, not just those with seniority and reputation.

Chen Bingwen's achievements, especially his successful management of international business and his excellent cooperation with China Resources, demonstrate his capabilities.

I think we should include him in our list of key candidates.

After in-depth discussions and deliberations, the meeting reached a preliminary consensus: to extend an invitation to Chen Bingwen, a young Hong Kong businessman who has demonstrated outstanding business talent, has a good track record of cooperation with the mainland, and represents an emerging force, to join the board of directors of Guoxin Group.

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