Restarting life in Siheyuan

When Jazz heard Fuso, his calm mood seemed to waver a little, and he gritted his teeth.

"We should earn the money from the Japanese and bring it back to Hong Kong. Haha, this young man is very good, I like him very much. You go ahead. They will probably contact us soon, so I won't show up."

"I see, my lord. Are you really willing to delay this? The dock workers who can't get paid seem to be getting impatient."

"Don't worry about them. That's the trouble of the two foreign companies. It's not our responsibility. Damn it. They are very active in making money. They pretend not to know when encountering such things. I hate such pure businessmen."

"By the way, if nothing unexpected happens, Mr. Zhu will use the job creation as a bargaining chip. Ignore him. As long as the nature of the two plots of land does not change, he can only maintain the shipyard and ocean freight, which will require a large number of workers. It is his duty to create jobs. We are not begging him. Don't follow his baton."

"Understood, my lord."

Mr. Charlemagne had left. The knight stayed in the study for a long time, looking at the map of Hong Kong on the table with countless symbols. This was his conception and plan, his vision for the past few years.

"The plan is grand and requires so many little cuties, so many."

Jazz left the desk, returned to his luxurious chair, and closed his eyes again. No one knew what he was thinking.

...

Looking at the letter in front of him, Zhu Xuefeng was speechless. He didn't expect that old man Jin was so alert. He actually found out something was wrong and sneaked away. The letter was full of gratitude and apology. Old man Jin said that he had not taken good care of his niece-in-law and was ashamed to face his employer. All the money in his hands was managed by his niece-in-law, so he could only stuff a few scattered Hong Kong dollars, totaling eighty yuan, into the letter to express his apology.

He is indeed a loach. None of the old people who could survive the founding of the country were simple people.

"Let him be. Just don't provoke us. This kind of person is not worth it."

Zhu Xuefeng didn't take this matter to heart and rejected Wu Qianqian's suggestion to ask Chen Dong to find someone. He didn't steal the cloth in the store, so he still had some bottom line. As for the previous things, there was no evidence, so he just threw them away.

"Hurry up and make arrangements. We have to go to the Hong Kong government today. This is a big deal. Let him go for this small matter."

We finally made an appointment with the Hong Kong government to discuss the two shipyards today. This is very crucial. Even if both companies agree to sell, it will not be done without the Hong Kong government's consent.

The better territories in Hong Kong are now controlled by white people. These two pieces of prime locations are still full of variables if you want to take them over. In Hong Kong now, Chinese capital is still very weak and they have no status. If it weren't for the airline company's matter, Dongsheng Company would not have had the opportunity to communicate with the Hong Kong government.

The Hong Kong government was indeed not so easy to meet. Although they had met twice before, this time the two of them talked for a long time at the Governor's House with an old man and several economic advisers, and the Governor did not show up.

Zhu Xuefeng, dressed in a suit, was very depressed. Wasn't it said that the Hong Kong government's attitude was very vague? There was no opposition, so why was it so unsatisfactory? However, he still patiently described his thoughts after the successful acquisition.

"We will cooperate with Fuso's shipyard, borrow their technology, and speed up the technological innovation of the shipyard. According to preliminary estimates, it can solve the employment problem of at least 2,000 people. We will also renovate the dock. In the early stage, it will mainly be used for loading and unloading our own fleet. Later, it will provide loading and unloading services for cargo ships traveling to and from Hong Kong. It is expected to solve the employment problem of no less than 1,000 people."

In Zhu Xuefeng's view, his guarantee to absorb the original workers and provide employment for 3,000 people should have exceeded the initial needs of the Hong Kong government and should have been smooth. However, some inexplicable changes occurred.

"Dear Mr. Zhu, we understand your needs, but we don't think you will succeed. This is not in line with the development needs of Hong Kong, nor with the wishes of Her Majesty the Queen. I'm sorry, you are not qualified to take over these two docks."

The impolite old man interrupted Zhu Xuefeng's statement rudely. His words were not polite and he was arrogant in his heart, as if to remind him: If the yellow race wants to get their hands on these two docks, they can only dream about it.

The old man's words made Zhu Xuefeng understand that there was a reason why the two freight terminals did not meet the needs of Hong Kong's development. If they were to develop, it might affect the monopoly of HSBC's Wharf Terminal, which HSBC certainly did not want to see.

Combining his own observations at the three docks, Zhu Xuefeng had a glimmer of understanding. It seemed that HSBC was playing tricks. On the one hand, it was estimating its assets, on the other hand, it was tripping him up behind his back, without taking into account the close cooperation between the two companies in the airline industry. This was very much in line with the Anglo-Saxon tradition.

It seems that the reason why the other two shipyards and docks gave up the shipping industry and docks should be the result of internal communication among their foreign companies. The four major foreign companies do have both competition and cooperation, and they can be said to be the most solid allies when dealing with capital outside the foreign companies.

Thinking of this, Zhu Xuefeng felt a little depressed and his words became sharp.

"Mr. Charlemagne, you thought the same thing when we talked about airlines last time. Can you really represent the Governor's opinion? Don't say it's not in line with Her Majesty's wishes. I believe that if Hong Kong can develop rapidly, it will be in line with the wishes of all those who care about its development. Her Majesty will be no exception. Unfortunately, I don't think you can represent Her Majesty."

Although Zhu Xuefeng spoke neither fast nor slow, and was not aggressive, he had been on the battlefield after all, and had killed countless people under his command. His aura rose involuntarily along with the anger in his heart. Mr. Charlemagne could not stand it anymore and subconsciously leaned back.

"Now that Hong Kong already has the Wharf Wharf, there is no need to build a new one. Duplicate construction is a waste. Mr. Zhu, this is for your own good. We appreciate your desire to contribute to the development of Hong Kong. Your intention this time may lead to a loss in your investment, which is something none of us want to see. You can focus on other industries, or make your existing industries better. This is more in line with our needs, isn't it?"

Charlemagne calmed himself, changed his tone, and put on a smile, but his words and actions still showed that he wanted Zhu Xuefeng to give up.

The scene that Zhu Xuefeng expected, where someone unexpectedly pushed the door open, did not happen. Zhu Xuefeng was very disappointed. He already knew that he could not fulfill his wish today and could only retreat in order to advance.

"Mr. Charlemagne, I am so sorry. I am very optimistic about the development prospects of this industry and would like to contribute to the shipping industry of Hong Kong Free Port. Since you made this decision on behalf of the Governor, we have to leave with regret. But I will not give up this industry. We will acquire Fuso Yokohama and Fukuoka shipyards and docks and try to build the largest logistics port in Southeast Asia. I believe that with the rapid economic development of Fuso, there will definitely be demand in this area. As for these two docks, I regret that I can only respect your wishes and give up."

Zhu Xuefeng looked at the bag that Wu Qianqian was carrying with regret. Inside was traditional Chinese clothing specially prepared for Sir Barridge. Unfortunately, for some reason, the knight changed his mind and did not want Dongsheng Company to take over. He could not see the bag and had no chance to send it out.

"It is indeed a pity, Mr. Zhu. I hope we can cooperate in other areas and contribute to the development of Hong Kong together."

Zhu Xuefeng stood up and shook hands with Mr. Charlemagne across the table.

"I hope that day comes. I doubt it..."

Charlemagne did not seem to expect Zhu Xuefeng to give up so easily, and was a little distracted, but Zhu Xuefeng did not want to stay any longer. That arrogance made him very unhappy. Making money was very easy for him. He had the advantage of a prophet in any industry that others did not have. Shipyards were not only in Hong Kong, so it would be better not to earn such a pittance of money.

Zhu Xuefeng did not continue speaking. He said something bland, turned around with a smile, and left with Wu Qianqian. Mr. Charlemagne was somewhat dissatisfied with Zhu Xuefeng's behavior just now, but did not say anything and watched the two leave.

"Honey, don't worry. Negotiations can't be successful in one go. The unexpected situation this time must be caused by HSBC. The last time I met with the Governor of Hong Kong, he didn't object so clearly. Let's go down and communicate with HSBC again. There is still a chance."

"Qianqian, don't think the foreign companies are too kind. Since they have taken actions that can make the Hong Kong government change its mind, there must be major conflicts of interest. Now it seems very difficult. We can not give up, but we can't be spineless, and we can't put our hopes on them to change on their own initiative. Either wait for the right time, or think of other ways."

I didn't explain too much to Wu Qianqian. I didn't want this kind of frustration to affect her. After all, she had to make her way in Hong Kong. If I were like this, I would not be able to move forward. After all, Hong Kong is now a world ruled by white people.

Wu Qianqian felt very uncomfortable. This was something the man had proposed a long time ago. Wharf didn't see any hope. The two companies originally thought that it would be a dispute over the transfer fee, but who knew that the Hong Kong government would suddenly change its mind. "What should we do now? If they really don't want to sell, what about the bird droppings? There will be no place to store them next year."

"There's nothing we can do. It looks like we won't be able to eat this piece of fat meat for a while. Maybe the timing is not right yet. Let's contact the Yakawa sisters first. We need to use their port to build a warehouse and a fertilizer plant. It will take at least three years before we can move."

Wu Qianqian was also helpless. She was sure that HSBC was behind the scenes, but the current Dongsheng Company had no way to deal with HSBC. Dongsheng Company still had no foundation and lacked allies in Hong Kong. In the foreign circle, it still needed the help of HSBC to open up the situation.

"What about the freighters? Will they also be produced by their family's shipyard?"

Zhu Xuefeng really didn't want this to happen. Although the Yakawa family was currently under control, in the final analysis, this was to help the revival of Fuso. He got the ship, but it was to solve the employment problem of the Fuso people. His plan to pave the way for the future through the Xiangjiang Shipyard had to be put on hold to see if other places could be used as alternative options.

What Zhu Xuefeng was thinking about all the time was taking advantage of the Hong Kong government's land reclamation opportunity to participate in it, accumulate experience, use the shipyard to explore the sand-dredging ships, and the ultimate goal was to blow sand to reclaim land and create a few more islands in the Nanhai in advance, so that the trip would not be in vain.

After thinking about it, he still had some hope. "Let's contact them first, gather some people, and pretend to be ready to go to Fuso for negotiations. I'll see if there will be a turnaround here. I don't believe that Sir Berridge will watch us go to Fuso to invest in shipping. The old man was arrested that year, but he was tortured badly by the Fuso people. He will never forgive the Fuso people in his life."

During the last airline negotiations, Zhu Xuefeng discovered that Sir Barridge's attitude towards launching the route to Fuso seemed a bit strange. After careful investigation, he found out that the Sir had such an experience of being captured. Although Sir Barridge finally agreed to the first phase construction plan of Eastern Airlines because it would benefit the development of Hong Kong, it can be seen that the old Sir was quite resentful about this matter.

This time Dongsheng Company turned to Fukuoka to invest directly in shipping, which would only benefit Fuso, and Hong Kong would definitely not get any benefits. Would he be able to resist? Zhu Xuefeng was very skeptical.

"Also, spread the word that the original plan to build a shipyard and dock that would have provided employment for 5,000 people has been aborted. I want to see the attitudes of the two foreign companies and contact the former shipyard and dock workers. I need them to put some pressure on the Hong Kong government."

After leaving the Governor's House, Zhu Xuefeng slowly calmed down. He thought that he had not behaved like a rational businessman just now. There was nothing he could do. He had never considered becoming a real businessman. There were some things he just couldn't do. Although he knew he should do it, Zhu Xuefeng had his own bottom line.

A life that can break even the bottom line is not what Zhu Xuefeng wants. He was a coward all his life in his previous life. Although it was a coward because he stuck to the bottom line, it was also the only thing he could be proud of in his previous life.

"Okay, sir, this is a good idea. This will probably make the two foreign banks unbearable and they will actively lobby and pressure the Hong Kong government. No matter how big HSBC is, there is only one of them. The Governor of Hong Kong cannot ignore the interests of the other two foreign banks. Maybe it will work, and maybe we can even lower the price."

Wu Qianqian quickly understood the key. Now the two foreign companies wanted to sell off their shares and cash out so that they could invest in other industries, especially Swire. Now, under the pressure of China Eastern Airlines, they also wanted to add larger aircraft and open new routes, which required even more money. They were the weakest in capital among the four foreign companies, and they had just acquired 48% of Cathay Pacific's shares. They had no funds to spare, but Chinese capital was still very weak, and no one could take over except Dongsheng Company.

It seems that the Angolans are still reluctant to give up these two pieces of prime land. This was originally one of the most important things for this trip. Now the future is uncertain. Feeling the arrogance of the white people, Zhu Xuefeng can only feel regret. Fortunately, Master Yang's research mistake was an unexpected surprise.

Thinking of the unexpected surprise, Zhu Xuefeng also cheered up.

"By the way, Qianqian, the "happy water" will not be sold in Hong Kong for the time being, but will be shipped directly to Kyoto (the ancient capital) in Fuso and sold by ourselves."

Wu Qianqian tilted her head and asked, "Master, you are worried that they will sell it on consignment again."

Zhu Xuefeng did not deny it. Seeing many foreigners peeping at Wu Qianqian eagerly, he held Wu Qianqian's body tighter. Wu Qianqian understood and leaned closer, and then she heard the man say.

"Well, the foreign companies are too greedy. We have no say here and are in a passive position. I would rather not have the sales profits in Hong Kong for the time being than let them take advantage. These foreign companies will definitely be our rivals in the future."

Wu Qianqian understood the man's feelings very well. He flew all the way here, but was flattened. No one would be happy about it, so she hurriedly whispered to comfort him.

"Okay, sir. Don't be angry with these foreign companies. They are just like that. How about this, sir? The "Happy Water" can be repackaged in Kyoto and sold from Fuso to Europe and North America. Even if it is sold back to Hong Kong, it should be no problem."

Wu Qianqian reacted quickly and came up with an idea immediately.

"This method is good, but it will definitely not last long. The various forces in Fuso will not allow such a huge benefit to be left out. If they have an idea, they will definitely do more than the foreign companies in Hong Kong. Let the Yakawa family watch over it first. After we have enough say, we will still return to Hong Kong."

Wu Qianqian had always been skeptical that this failed experimental formula would become as popular as the man imagined, but she still tried hard to keep up with the man's thinking. Zhu Xuefeng was very satisfied with this.

As for Swire's decision to add aircraft after selling the dock and shipyard, Zhu Xuefeng didn't care at all. He was full of marketing tricks and didn't believe that Swire could hold on. Besides, at most they could buy one aircraft, which would not affect China Eastern Airlines' strategy.

"Master, if you want to increase your voice, you need more than money. Now Mr. Hu and his team have established a radio industry association. If we can take the lead in this association, we can increase our voice."

Zhu Xuefeng pinched Wu Qianqian's nose, then lifted her chin and stared into her eyes.

"Don't use your little tricks on me. Is Mr. Hu asking you again?"

Wu Qianqian really enjoyed this kind of eye contact and did not avoid the burning gaze.

"I can't hide it from you, Master. Yesterday, Mr. Hu asked you again when you would come over. They are a little overwhelmed and are now making radios at a loss. They have agreed with you, Master, and just want to meet you and hear your ideas for other electronic products."

Zhu Xuefeng put down his hands and thought about the schedule for this time.

"You can arrange your time accordingly. The dock issue may not be resolved for a while. I have a lot of free time now, and there's nothing urgent to do later. By the way, how is the auction going?"

"Mr. Zheng and his team have already made arrangements. The scale of this promotion is larger than before. Mr. Zheng is very confident. He has already brought people there and is waiting for the auction to start next month."

"That's good. The failure of this negotiation is a good thing. If it had succeeded, we wouldn't have been able to raise six or seven million dollars in a short time. It's a good time to slow down and wait until the funds are in hand."

“Is the grain trade with the mainland going smoothly?”

"It's going pretty smoothly. Wheat is the staple food in Europe and America, and they are eager for us to buy large quantities of paddy and rice. Even the Bald Eagles turned a blind eye to our large-scale purchases and did not stop us. We brought back food on cargo ships sent to North America and Europe to avoid empty trips. Although we didn't make money, it was quite suitable."

"That's good. In fact, sometimes it doesn't matter if we lose a little. That stuff is cheap. There is still a serious food shortage in the country. Many people are hungry. If we can help buy the food back, it will be a good deed. At the same time, it can further strengthen our relationship with the higher-ups, which will be very helpful for our future development."

"I understand, sir. We have helped you buy equipment several times, but we are not able to get some of the more sophisticated ones. Our foundation in Europe and the United States is too shallow."

"It will get better. Your business will grow bigger and bigger. When the aviation industry reaches a certain scale, no one will look down on your Dongsheng Company."

"Master, it's your Dongsheng Company, okay..." (End of this chapter)