Restarting life in Siheyuan

After practicing martial arts, Zhu Xuefeng was sweating profusely and took a hot bath. Although there was no beauty by his side, he still slept very comfortably.

But Minister Ding, who was far away in the capital, couldn't sleep. This matter was of great importance. He didn't understand it clearly at first and just thought that the decision was a bit hasty. Now he realized that there were big problems.

"No, I have to report to the chief. This matter cannot be delayed."

Minister Ding got up and started looking for his clothes in the dark.

"Old man, it's already past eleven o'clock. Why are you still making such a fuss? Can't we talk about it tomorrow when we go to work?"

"No, I have something on my mind and can't sleep at all. This matter is too serious and there might be trouble. I have to report to the chief tonight."

The minister's wife reached out and pulled the pull-cord switch at the head of the bed, and the light came on.

"I'm really impressed by you guys. Slow down, I'll call the driver team. It's so late and you won't let them rest. You, you."

"Don't call the driver. It only takes me half an hour to ride there."

"You don't rest yourself, and you don't let others rest. The chief said he would rest too. Besides, if you say it out loud, you will feel at ease and can sleep. Then it will be the chief's turn to be unable to sleep."

"The chief doesn't go to bed so early. I heard from Xiao Wu that the chief usually goes to bed at three or four in the morning. Oh, you're right. If this is reported to the chief, he won't be able to sleep."

Minister Ding hesitated. "Forget it. Let's talk about it tomorrow. Nothing will change overnight. I am too impatient."

Minister Ding did not take off his clothes and took out a cigarette from his pocket.

"I'll go downstairs and smoke a cigarette before coming back up."

"You are just craving for cigarettes. Go ahead. You have to smoke in the middle of the night. Your body is your own. It will be gone in a few years. Let's see what excuses you can have by then."

Minister Ding smiled, opened the door and went downstairs. Whenever he was in a state of confusion, he always lit a cigarette. His wife criticized him for many years, but when he really retired, he had no excuse.

Sir Paulridge, who was far away in Hong Kong, was also in a dilemma and had to get up. He was getting angry at the man in front of him with an impatient look on his face. The man was obviously a young guard, who was helplessly lowering his head to receive training.

"William, you'd better stay away from me. Don't you know that it is abominable to interrupt an old man's rest?"

"Sir, I apologize for my behavior. Mr. Charmain is waiting in the front hall."

"Damn Charlemagne, why did he bother me so late? If it wasn't something important, I would have told him to go back to the island and fish."

Sir Berridge hated to be disturbed during his rest. Because of the injuries he suffered when he was young, he had not had a very good rest. Today, he had just fallen asleep after being slightly drunk on the red wine, but he was woken up.

"Take him to the study and wait for me. Damn it, I need to take some medicine first. I will be judged for disturbing an old man's rest so late at night."

The guards had already left in disgrace, but Sir Burridge was still complaining. In fact, he knew very well that it was Charlemagne who asked him to report as soon as he had any news, so he could not blame him. The unbearable experience more than ten years ago had seriously affected his health, so he was extremely resentful about this awakening.

Seeing Sir Baldwin coming in, Charlemagne bowed respectfully.

"My dear Sir, I am sorry to bother you at this time."

"Tell me, what's the news? What did the Dongsheng Company do in Fuso?"

Sir Barrig motioned Charlemagne to sit down. He had been his assistant for almost twenty years, and the lord would not express his dissatisfaction with him as he had already vented his anger just now.

"Our people found out that Dongsheng Company indeed sent people to Fukuoka to negotiate with the Yakawa family. From the public information, they should have reached a preliminary agreement."

Jazz asked, adjusting himself uncomfortably in the luxurious chair.

"Do you know the content of the agreement?"

"I'm sorry, we can't see the agreement, but from the information released, we know that Fukuoka Wharf will be sold to Dongsheng Company for $1.5 million. Fukuoka Shipyard is said to have received a cargo ship order from Dongsheng Company, but the exact number is unclear. It is said that they will also build a wharf warehouse, expand the wharf, and build a fertilizer plant near the wharf."

Jazz's heartbeat quickened, the news giving him a headache, but he tried to remain calm and asked feebly.

“What is the estimated investment amount? How many jobs can be created?”

Mr. Charlemagne also noticed the knight's discomfort, and he sighed inwardly, slowed down his speech, and answered carefully.

"According to our estimates, including the construction of the factory, the expansion and renovation of the dock, and the warehouse, the investment should be no less than six million US dollars, and it is initially estimated that it can provide 3,000 jobs."

The Jazz couldn't hold back and slapped the rough armrest of the luxurious chair hard, his expression becoming excited.

"Three thousand jobs, three thousand jobs, and six million dollars, so many cute little things, damn HSBC, all of these should have stayed in Hong Kong."

Such a huge number made Sir Paulridge a little defensive. He originally wanted to agree to the acquisition of Dongsheng Company, but after being lobbied by HSBC, he became hesitant. He did not want Dongsheng to succeed so easily. Besides, there were many industries that needed to be developed in Hong Kong, and there was really no need to invest in the shipbuilding industry. The shipping industry had been in recession for some years, and he was not optimistic about Hong Kong's shipping.

HSBC's suggestion makes some sense. Hong Kong may not be able to accommodate the competition of two large ports. The future development of freight will inevitably be the aviation industry, and freight can only serve as a supplement.

Sir Berridge then agreed, hoping to induce Dongsheng Company to divert its attention or spend more money. Unexpectedly, Dongsheng Company turned around and ran to Fuso, which he hated the most, to help the San people build a port.

"Why, why? Dongsheng Company is obviously very optimistic about the development of the aviation industry, so why is it investing so much money in the declining shipping industry? Wouldn't it be more appropriate to use this money to develop more airlines?"

Sir Barridge stood up and walked back and forth. He was optimistic about the development of the aviation industry, but not optimistic about the prospects of shipping, which was also the reason for his investment.

"Dear Sir, the representative of Dongsheng Company said that the entire international business will develop rapidly, logistics will become extremely busy, and ocean shipping will also usher in a new revolution, which will greatly reduce transportation costs and form a perfect complement to expensive air transportation."

"A new revolution? What revolution?"

The old knight grasped the key point keenly and asked repeatedly.

Charles shook his head. "They didn't explain it, but they emphasized that they have technology that can significantly reduce the cost of shipping, enough to trigger a revolution in ocean shipping."

"Did they really say that? Why didn't they tell me that?"

"You did not meet them, my Lord. I reported to you, but perhaps my statement was not clear enough to catch your attention."

Charmain explained carefully, and the knight closed his eyes again. It took a while before he opened them and opened his mouth weakly.

"I remember now. You seemed to have reminded me that it was my arrogance that led me astray and I didn't notice this problem. It seems that they have indeed found a way to make money by shipping. Old Charlemagne, this is not your fault."

After a pause, he tried to sit up straight again. "Do you think what they said makes sense? Do you think they have really found a technology that can change the cost of shipping, or in other words, enough to cause a revolution? I seem to have some doubts. Is there still room for change in cargo ships now?" "I think what they said may have some truth. I have counted the data from the Port Authority. In the past three years, the number of ocean-going cargo ships traveling to and from Hong Kong has increased by about two percentage points each year, but the throughput has increased by 10%."

"Two percentage points? What does that mean?"

"Sir, I think this shows two things. First, it has reversed the continuous decline in the past few years. Second, the increase in throughput means that there are more and more large ships coming and going. In other words, large ships may become a breakthrough. If this is the case, Dongsheng Company's acquisition of the shipyard may indeed bring in some orders."

"You mean they might have mastered the key technology to produce large ocean-going cargo ships? And they can reduce costs by producing large cargo ships?"

"Dear Sir, I think this is possible. We already know that the transportation cost of large cargo ships is indeed lower. There may be some methods that we are not aware of that allow cargo ships to carry more each time. It may also be some engine technology that can greatly increase the speed. No matter which one it is, I think he is telling the truth because he seems very confident."

"Besides, this Dongsheng Company is so profitable. I don't think they would go to Fuso without the motivation of profit. We are worried that they are only interested in the land and it seems that they made a wrong judgment to use it for their real estate projects."

If Dongsheng Company could give up the two shipyards and turn to Fuso to continue investing in shipping, then it would not be that they were eyeing these two pieces of land. This seemed to have nothing to do with the two people's initial concerns.

Sir Berridge thought for a while, "Dear Charlemagne, I am convinced by you. Your analysis makes sense. Maybe our vision is not as sharp as these businessmen. Maybe they have made a great breakthrough in some technology. What should we do now? These damn rich people are so casual. Why do they go to the damn Fuso?"

Fukuoka is the closest Fuso port to Hong Kong, with a special geographical location. Although not as famous as Osaka, it is at a suitable distance from North and South Korea and the mainland. If it is to undertake ocean freight from Europe and the United States, it does have its convenient conditions. In addition, Fuso is now developing very fast, and there is a lot of cargo exchange with Europe and the United States. If it becomes a destination for ocean freight, it will bring a fatal impact on Hong Kong's shipping industry and seriously affect Hong Kong's development.

"The other party hasn't signed the formal documents yet. I think we should find an opportunity to talk to HSBC and then talk to Dongsheng Company. Although Fukuoka is good, it is definitely not as good as Hong Kong. They must have thought so when they first chose Hong Kong."

"Yes, we have to pay a price for our arrogance. Also, have you investigated the riots that occurred between the workers of the two shipyards today?"

"After investigation, it was found that they were just dissatisfied with the delayed salary and heard that the job opportunity they were about to get was lost, so they marched together to protest. I didn't find anyone instigating them. It seemed that they spontaneously took action after hearing the news. At the beginning, there were only a dozen people, but after a day, it evolved into a scene of nearly 3,000 people now."

"How did the two foreign companies deal with it? They are still unwilling to pay the salary. This is their legal obligation."

"Hutchison is a little shaken because no one is taking over. They think no one will pay for the money, and they are a little resentful of you. Swire Pacific has made it clear that they are short of funds and may have to delay the payment for a while."

"Damn it, they are unwilling to pay such a small amount of money. Isn't it just $150,000? How much can the two families share? These damn vampires don't even have the face to save themselves. They actually stopped paying their salaries together. This is a premeditated conspiracy. They won't succeed, I swear."

Sir Barridge has already made up his mind to bring Dongsheng Company back to the negotiation table. He can make some concessions, but of course he cannot sacrifice his interests. As for the Hong Kong government's regret, it does not exist. He did not attend the last negotiation, and Mr. Charlemagne cannot represent him.

"Mr. Charlemagne, let's put it this way. You can talk to someone from HSBC tomorrow. We have no choice."

Charlemagne had anticipated this when he arrived, and nodded to indicate that he would take on this troublesome task.

"We have to get HSBC to give in. There is no other way. Then we can contact Dongsheng Company..."

Zhu Xuefeng got up early and did a round of boxing. After washing up, Wu Qianqian took the early Tianxing Ferry back.

"Why don't you just go to work? What are you doing back here?"

"Of course I'm having breakfast with my husband. Besides, don't you care about the outcome of the negotiation? Besides, you have to go back today, so I have to take you home. It's okay to not go to work and take a day off."

"Haha, this little sweet-mouthed girl, let's go, let's have breakfast together, I'll leave after we finish eating, I have to hurry back today."

"Are you in such a hurry? Can't you stay a few more days? I don't want you to leave."

Wu Qianqian was reluctant to leave. This was the longest time the two of them had been alone. Although she was happy every day, she felt depressed when she thought that they would not see each other for another few months.

"Alright, alright, it's not a big deal. If love lasts forever, why would we need to be together day and night? The separation now is just for a longer companionship in the future. Why are you still crying like a little girl? Come and wipe it off. The servants will see and laugh at you."

"Who dares! But husband, if you leave me a child, I won't be so lonely."

The two of them haven't registered in Hong Kong yet, so Zhu Xuefeng certainly doesn't want to consider this matter now. He mentioned it last time when Wu Qianqian said she was getting stupider, but it's over now. Wu Qianqian has already said that she doesn't want children for the time being, so why is it brought up again?

Zhu Xuefeng was really stunned by what Wu Qianqian said, and Wu Qianqian seemed to realize that she had said the wrong thing.

"Honey, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked for this. I was impulsive last time, but just now, I really wanted a child to accompany me. But I know now is not the right time. Besides, my two sisters haven't given birth yet, so it's not my turn."

Wu Qianqian knew that the larger the family, the more appropriate it was for the first child to be a legitimate child. Seeing Zhu Xuefeng stunned, she thought that this had touched the master's bottom line.

Zhu Xuefeng pulled Wu Qianqian over and hugged her in his arms lovingly. The person who could help him the most now was the woman in front of him, and he indeed owed her too much.

"Don't overthink it. The reason I didn't let you have a child is because I feel bad for you. We can't do without you here now. How can we give orders with a big belly? Wait for me to find help for you. When we are free, we can have as many children as you want. It's not that we can't raise them. It's just that you will be the one who suffers if the children are born without a father by their side."

Seeing her husband's true feelings, Wu Qianqian no longer felt aggrieved. "Actually, I'm not in a hurry. A childhood without a father is not happy. I'm willing to wait."

Zhu Xuefeng rubbed Wu Qianqian's head distressedly, "Silly girl, why do you think so much? We still have a long life ahead of us. Wait a minute, in the future, I'll let you give birth to eight or ten children, and it would be best if we can put together a team. Haha, hurry downstairs and have breakfast. We're all hungry after practicing for a while."

"What do you think I am? You are so shameless..." Wu Qianqian blushed and turned her face away...

Breakfast was simple, according to Zhu Xuefeng's request, eggs, milk, some toast, some nuts and fruits, and two steaks.

"After getting used to this, I'm not used to eating steamed bread when I go back home. It's really easy to go from frugality to luxury."

"Hubby, bring more back home and eat it secretly at home. Is there anyone who can come to check on you?"

"I brought a lot, but I didn't have a chance to eat. Let's not talk about that. I left some things in the study. They are clearly written. They are all what I told you a few days ago. If you see a chance, go and implement it. If the time is not right, just wait."

"Well, husband, let me tell you about the negotiation with them."

The two companies reached a preliminary intention. The other party purchased grain through Dongsheng Company, using a small amount of US dollars, gold and silver to offset the amount for the first time, and then using funds from various specialty products to offset the amount.

As for the export of labor, they are also very interested, but they cannot make the decision. This will have to be discussed later. However, they are very interested in providing food and accommodation for 10,000 people and an additional annual salary of 500 tons of grain. According to the current international price, 500 tons of grain is only about 50,000 to 60,000 US dollars, which is not much.

But what they are concerned about now is not the US dollars, but the fact that these 500 tons of grain can be exchanged for corn, which can feed nearly 30,000 people. If they just want to stay alive, it can save almost 60,000 lives. This is a very suitable supplement for them who are now seriously short of food. Their funds, specialties and minerals are simply unable to support the planned purchase of food.

"That's it. Five hundred tons is not a small amount. The rest of the surplus grain will have to enter the country through Yunnan Province. Although the situation in the country has improved a little, it is still far from being able to avoid starvation."

"Honey, there's one more thing. There were commotions at both docks yesterday, and the police were dispatched. The commotion in Kowloon was quite serious, with thousands of workers and their families. I heard that both foreign companies were in trouble. Do you think there will be any changes? Will the Hong Kong government come after us again?"

"It's very likely. Isn't that what you thought at the time? The rest of the matter will be handled according to what we have discussed. By the way, the construction of the Fukuoka dock will continue according to the established plan. Don't worry about this. The Yakawa family has a strong control over the port of Fukuoka."

After thinking for a while, he emphasized again, "We will have to do shipping business with Fuso in the future. Let's occupy a wharf in Fukuoka first, get the upper hand, and get some benefits. Although we don't need to do it too big, we must have the loading and unloading capacity of 10,000 tons of ocean freight. You can send them a telegram to make this clear." (End of this chapter)