Restarting life in Siheyuan

These two families are large and powerful, and they have basically invested in all the most profitable projects in Hong Kong. Although Wu Qianqian explained the bank's operating rules, Zhu Xuefeng still didn't quite believe that a mere tens of millions of dollars would be so overwhelming that they actually made such a shameless request.

"Master, at the end of last year, there was a rumor that the mainland was going to take back Hong Kong, which caused some well-informed people to withdraw their investments first. Some people have already secretly taken away all their assets."

"Is this true?" Zhu Xuefeng was a little surprised. If that was the case, then it was possible.

"Well, sir, although these people are few in number, they are all rich people, and they carry a lot of wealth."

"I understand. We all made money here, so we're afraid of accidents." Every time there's a disturbance, the first people to run away are the rich. It has been like this since ancient times and will be so in the future. There's no need for those without money to run away. Besides, they can't run away even if they want to.

Wu Qianqian continued, "Now many real estate projects have been affected. First, a large amount of funds were withdrawn from these two companies, and then problems arose in the loan projects. I think their tight liquidity is not a fabrication."

Zhu Xuefeng just smiled. There was indeed such a thing in history, but he couldn't remember when it was. He thought it would be next year, but he didn't expect it to come this year.

This rumor seemed to have spread among a few people for a while before the Hong Kong government was forced to come out to clarify it. However, the result of the clarification was even worse. The middle class, who were not very clear about the situation to begin with, were now frightened, and more people fled with their families. This means that the collapse of real estate projects in Hong Kong is imminent.

"Master, this is a rumor, right?" Wu Qianqian had a lot of contact with the domestic situation and had never heard of such news. However, there was indeed a large-scale replacement of senior military officials on the other side of the strait, which made her a little unsure.

"Of course it's a rumor. If they really wanted to take it back, they would have done it more than ten years ago. Forget what I told you. Don't worry about it. Control the funds on hand. I think the next few years will be the time for us to buy at the bottom and pick up bargains."

Wu Qianqian still remembered that her husband had reminded her that Hong Kong's real estate began to plummet around 1965 and continued for several years, causing many banks to face the risk of bankruptcy. It seemed that this might be the source.

"Then how should we respond to these two foreign companies?"

"You decide for yourself. You can make your own decisions on matters like this in the future, including the bank acquisition you've been talking about." Zhu Xuefeng did not make any suggestions and directly returned the decision-making power to Wu Qianqian.

Wu Qianqian didn't dwell on this issue. Having worked in this position for several years, dealing with such matters was not a problem for her. She knew that the master was training her, but since the master meant to completely delegate power, she would let the master see what she was capable of.

"There are still a few things that the master needs to decide. I'm not sure about this one." Putting aside the matter of the foreign company, Wu Qianqian felt the master's emotions and continued to report.

"Tell me, from now on, unless you are really unsure, just make your own decision. It's okay if you are wrong."

Zhu Xuefeng's mind is no longer on building Hong Kong's business model. This time he didn't even plan to visit the newly opened shopping mall. He still used the land in Tsuen Wan to build a comprehensive building complex that integrates commercial storage supermarkets, electrical appliance city, clothing supermarket, food city, as well as catering, accommodation, various entertainment venues and office buildings. There are three buildings in total with a leisure plaza in the middle. In fact, it is the model of commercial plazas in later generations, but it seems very novel now.

In fact, it is a bit inappropriate to start this project at this time, because this rumor will have a negative impact on Hong Kong's economy for many years and consumption capacity will decline. But after Wu Qianqian heard Zhu Xuefeng's description of the plaza-style real estate project, with the support of the Governor of Hong Kong, she got a suitable piece of land in Tsuen Wan and had always been eager to try it, so she was allowed to do so. Tsuen Wan is now developing rapidly and indeed lacks a landmark business center.

"Master, this is what happened. After the Spring Festival this year, a new type of motorcycle appeared on the market in Hong Kong. We checked and found that it was produced in Shanghai..."

It turned out that Shanghai's motorcycles wanted to expand into the international market with the help of the Ministry of Commerce. They had now contacted many third world countries, but the demand was very small, so they turned their attention to the Hong Kong market.

This matter was discovered by Chen Dong's younger brother. Chen Dong took it upon himself to let Inspector Liang come forward to strictly control the Kowloon area and not allow them to sell in this area, with the reason being that there was no after-sales service.

Hong Kong's commercial areas are mainly concentrated in the main island and Kowloon. This time, the Ministry of Commerce should be unable to sit still.

"The Ministry of Commerce is looking for you?" This news was really unexpected. Zhu Xuefeng almost forgot about this matter. He didn't expect that the drawings he handed over would now become his competitor.

"Well, they found me a few days ago and wanted us to take on their after-sales service." Zhu Xuefeng had to admire the brains of these people. Dongsheng Company was selling Dongsheng motorcycles while also helping its competitors.

This is to make Dongsheng Company fight against itself, but Dongsheng Company seems to have no choice but to accept it. After all, you have the title of a patriotic businessman and have received countless conveniences and support in the country. Zhu Xuefeng understands Wu Qianqian's dilemma.

"Then take it over. We don't count on the Hong Kong market, so it's harmless to give them some market share. They also earn foreign exchange for the country."

Dongsheng Company's motorcycle sales market is mainly concentrated in economically developed regions such as North America and Europe. The other party will definitely not be able to enter. Dongsheng Company has already laid out its layout in the more economically developed areas of Southeast Asia, and is preparing to expand into some countries with small demand. Since the Ministry of Commerce has stepped forward, they will just give in.

Besides, the profitability of small scooters is far lower than that of heavy motorcycles, so giving up a part of the Hong Kong market will have little impact.

"Master, are you really going to give in like this? This is our base camp?" Wu Qianqian was still a little unhappy. Although it was for the country, the other party's move was too unkind.

"It's okay to give way. Let's just leave it at that. The largest market in Asia is Japan. We can't get into it, so they can't have a chance either. Then there are Taiwan and South Korea. We have already occupied these places, so they can't go there either. Let the development of the other small countries take its course, and focus more on the peninsula and Eastern Europe."

With the active participation of the prince, the two cooperating trading companies in the trade between the Middle East and Eastern Europe have now achieved some good results, and a new trade route has been opened up. Wu Qianqian is in charge of this matter. Wu Qianqian understands that the master is giving in, so she closed her eyes silently and did not object.

"Then I'll have someone remind Chen Dong not to cause trouble."

...

Zhu Xuefeng was very satisfied with the research progress of several research laboratories in Hong Kong. With the strong support of domestic high-end talents, the progress was indeed very fast, especially the breakthrough in battery technology, which enabled many subsequent ideas to be realized ahead of schedule.

"Boss, I need to go down and digest what you said, and then find someone to implement it."

Hu Yuhang could only marvel at his boss's creativity. With a breakthrough in battery technology, his boss actually came up with so many new electrical appliance applications. He was greatly inspired.

"Don't just focus on those electrical appliances. The power tools and electric shavers I mentioned are just a few examples. You can think about where else they can be used. I'm just helping you expand your thinking." During this study abroad, Zhu Xuefeng unexpectedly met the originator of the electric shaver. Only then did he learn that this thing had already existed in Germany in 1915. Although it was clumsy and crude, it was very popular among European men. There was no way around it because their hair grew too fast.

Now that there has been a breakthrough in battery technology, Hu Yuhang can explore the market for these power tools and should be able to make good profits.

Zhu Xuefeng was ready to leave as he had no plan to stay in Hong Kong for too long. However, an unexpected invitation forced him to stay and rush to the Governor's dinner with Wu Qianqian. It must be said that the Governor was very well-informed. The old knight got the news after he had just taken a walk outside.

The rapid development of Dongsheng Company made Zhu Xuefeng's status in the heart of the Governor of Hong Kong rise rapidly. This was the second time that the Governor, who had never shown up when asked for a meeting before, took the initiative to invite him.

The old knight was as humorous as usual and expressed a warm welcome to the two people. Zhu Xuefeng looked at the respectful servants and realized that there were no other guests except an old man. This was a typical private dinner.

"Honey, that's Mr. Charlemagne." Wu Qianqian introduced in a low voice, and Zhu Xuefeng understood that this was the economic advisor who once served as his own.

Perhaps to show respect to Zhu Xuefeng and the other person, the old Governor wore a traditional Chinese dress, looking dignified and elegant. Zhu Xuefeng was a little surprised, as the workmanship was too familiar. However, it was not the two sets given by the other person, as those were suitable for summer wear. His old advisor was dressed in a suit and tie, looking energetic.

"Oh, my God, welcome, good evening, dear Miss Qianqian, and our mysterious Mr. Zhu, thank you for taking the time to attend today's dinner, I hope to enjoy this wonderful evening with you two."

The friendly smile and warm words seemed to show the elegance of this old knight. Wu Qianqian bowed in return. Zhu Xuefeng and his partner were also wearing designer suits. Zhu Xuefeng just took a step forward, keeping a suitable distance, and handed over a small gift box. According to Scottish etiquette, it is best to bring some suitable gifts to a dinner party. This is a snuff bottle selected by Zhu Xuefeng himself. He should like it.

The Sir took it unexpectedly, and Zhu Xuefeng extended his hand again, "Hello, Sir, it's an honor to see you again." The two hands were gently clasped together.

“I didn’t expect that the mysterious Mr. Zhu, who I haven’t seen for a few months, has actually learned our Scottish etiquette.”

"I have been in Europe for the past few months. This is a great opportunity for me to learn about the culture of your hometown."

Just one sentence aroused the emotions of the two people. The Jazz no longer had the elegance he had just had, but laughed heartily.

The lights in the dinner hall were bright, but there were only four people in the huge dining room. The servants were waiting far away, and the long dining table was filled with Scottish cuisine.

"Old Charlemagne, please introduce them to the two distinguished guests."

Old Charlemagne also stood up with a smile and introduced them one by one. It seemed that the Governor had really put a lot of thought into it.
Haggis, known as the "national dish" of Scotland, as well as Scottish salmon, a Scottish pie made with lamb, nutmeg and gravy, several plates of steaming roasts, and some desserts and wine.

Wu Qianqian was worried as she looked at the table full of meat dishes. Except for one fish dish, the rest were made of chopped lamb and beef mixed with onions, oatmeal and spices. They smelled spicy, and the dessert even had a scent of whiskey. As a woman from Guangdong Province and living in Hong Kong, these delicacies were a bit beyond her scope.

"Ms. Wu, don't worry. As long as you taste them, I think you will like them."

As if he could see that Wu Qianqian was feeling a little embarrassed, Mr. Charlemagne said with a smile.

"Old Charlemagne is right, beautiful lady, you will love them, I promise." The old knight seemed to be very confident in his own national cuisine and strongly recommended it.

Wu Qianqian also realized that she seemed a little rude and quickly expressed her feelings with a smile.

"Your Excellency, I am also envious of these delicacies, but I suspect that they are too rich for the four of us."

Jazz happily invited the waiter to serve the food, while explaining, "I have missed the taste of my hometown for a long time. Thanks to your airline, I can taste the taste of my hometown in the far east."

"Sir, I have to remind you that this is our airline." Zhu Xuefeng's rude interruption did not cause any disgust from the two old men. Instead, he once again gained the friendship of the Sir and started a pleasant communication.

The old Governor shared his deep feelings and unique insights into Hong Kong over the years, which inspired the two men. Old Charlemagne, with his rich experience and wisdom, provided the two young people with some valuable advice.

The group reviewed Hong Kong's historical changes and prosperous development, and looked forward to future opportunities and challenges. The dinner came to a close amid laughter and joy.

After bidding farewell to the two old men, they walked leisurely on the street, with the Silver Cloud car following not far behind them. There was no need to worry about the security of Hong Kong Island at this time, even though it was already night.

"Hubby, it's such a shame. We just got along well with the Hong Kong government, but I didn't expect him to leave."

"Yes, I didn't expect that the old knight invited us here to say goodbye."

Zhu Xuefeng could not remember how many years this old knight had stayed in Hong Kong. He only heard of his name when he visited Hong Kong later, and it seemed that the people of Hong Kong had a good opinion of him.

Looking at the colorful neon lights and a few vehicles around me, and then looking at the moonlight and lights on the opposite bank shining together, and the shadowy figures, there is only Victoria Harbour between us, but they are two different worlds. What is missing is a bridge. The old knight was the bridge connecting Hong Kong planned by Zhu Xuefeng, but unfortunately he had to leave before it was built.

"It's okay. Our current wealth is far beyond what it was before. No matter who comes, it is impossible for them to ignore our existence."

Zhu Xuefeng has the confidence. Although many things seem to be easier to communicate with the old knight around, the current size of Dongsheng Company determines that they have a say in many things.

The Governor of Hong Kong will be replaced in two months at the earliest, but Mr. Charlemagne will stay. He will have to supervise the operation of the airline as the representative of the Sir. Although the Sir did not make additional investments and did not mind the dilution of his shares, the Sir was still very optimistic about his largest asset investment and believed that this investment would definitely allow him to enjoy his old age. (End of this chapter)