Return to 1958 and build a century-old giant

Chapter 828 The Opening of the Theme Park and the Hong Kong Government's Test

Yang Wendong knew that the first Chinese businessman to appear on the cover of Time magazine was Tung Chao-yung, who was known as "The Shipping Son".
Now, given his own existence and his influence in the United States and globally far surpassing that of Dong Haoyun, coupled with his recent high-profile investments in the United States and his appearance in Time magazine, it's only natural that he's involved.

Today, Time magazine's cover story for Yang Wendong reads: "From Self-Made to Asian Business Empire."

The cover, naturally, features a photo of Yang Wendong;
Whether in the United States or Hong Kong, over the years, with the extreme expansion of his capital, he has frequently attended public events. It is not difficult for top American newspapers to obtain his photos, which are even slightly retouched to make him appear younger.
The second page introduces Yang Wendong's entrepreneurial journey, from the initial hardships of surviving in a squatter in Hong Kong to gradually building his business.
The article, which spanned six pages, was reviewed by Yang Wendong. It was indeed largely consistent with his own rise to wealth, demonstrating the considerable effort Time magazine had put into its investigation.

That day, Yang Wendong received many congratulatory calls from his American business partners. At the same time, he received hundreds of interview requests from other TV stations and newspapers. This was normal, after all, Hong Kong, such a small place, has two TV stations and dozens of newspapers. It would not be surprising if the number in the United States were dozens of times higher.
However, Yang Wendong refused them all. His name could be widely publicized in the United States, which was unavoidable as the business conglomerate developed, but he still wanted to avoid showing his face in public.
Although Time magazine and a few other newspapers have already exposed it, unless the exposure is continuous, the public will gradually forget about it.
Just like the four major families of Hong Kong in the previous life, Li Zhaoji, Zheng Yutong, Guo Desheng and Li Ka-shing, their photos would inevitably appear in newspapers by chance, and even occasionally on television. However, apart from Li Ka-shing, who liked to be the most high-profile, the other three were known by name in Hong Kong society, but few people could recognize them accurately, even if they were standing in front of each other.
In the pre-internet era, it was not easy to find information about a non-public figure, which is exactly what Yang Wendong needed. At least doing so would maintain his safety in the United States, where there are firearms everywhere. Moreover, doing so would not affect his business, since he is not Steve Jobs, and his business does not need to "deify" its founder.

After a few days of media coverage in the United States, Yang Wendong's popularity began to decline. Time magazine is a weekly magazine, and the next week it will feature other important figures.
Yang Wendong was also gradually wrapping up his affairs. In the end, only the 336 Chrysler car retail centers needed to be reviewed for a period of time. Everything else was completed. So, at the end of August, Yang Wendong took a private plane and returned to Hong Kong.
While the buzz surrounding the event was fading in the United States, it became a sensation in Hong Kong. Being the first person from Hong Kong to appear on the cover of Time magazine was a tremendous honor, and countless media outlets published about it like a mad rush. Numerous interview requests were sent to the headquarters office of Changxing Group, but they were all rejected.
Yang Wendong also didn't want to be too high-profile in Hong Kong, because as the number of Vietnamese refugees increased, Hong Kong's public security also deteriorated. These brainless idiots didn't think too much and dared to do anything.

Hong Kong was also tricked by Western countries, forced to accept many Vietnamese refugees, which caused considerable trouble for Hong Kong's future chaos.

However, this is a matter for the government, and Yang Wendong cannot interfere. He just needs to make sure the safety of the people around him is safe.

On August 30th, Cheung Hing Amusement Park in Hong Kong officially opened.
In the morning, Yang Wendong also personally arrived at the scene, entering the Panda Hotel next to Changxing Amusement Park before the opening ceremony:

Li Haoran, the person in charge of Changxing Amusement Park, introduced the layout of the entire park to Yang Wendong: "Mr. Yang, Changxing Amusement Park is divided into two parts. The one on the east side is our zoo, which houses a variety of wild animals from all over the world."
To the right is a large amusement park for children and young people. Between these two parks is our Panda Hotel. It's named Panda because our guests are likely to be overseas visitors, and overseas visitors generally love pandas.

Locals from Hong Kong rarely stay overnight when they come here for tourism, and the hotels cater mainly to overseas tourists.

Yang Wendong asked, "How many pandas do we have?"

“There are only two in total. It took a lot of effort for China Resources to persuade the central government in mainland China to approve them. And it can only be considered a loan. Their food and lodging will have to be imported from mainland China and will have to go through their review in the future.” Li Haoran said, “Mr. Yang, as you know, the control over pandas in China is very strict.”

Yang Wendong nodded and said, "Yes, what about the South China tigers? How many do we have here?"

Pandas became famous internationally around the 1900s, which attracted the attention of the country in the early years. They were managed very strictly and could even be used as a diplomatic tool. Only countries with good relations could be given pandas as gifts.
After the 60s, pandas were only leased and not given away, and the ownership of all pandas in the world belonged to China.
The South China tiger was nearly extinct in its previous life, and its rarity far exceeded that of the giant panda. But unfortunately, its status is now far inferior to that of the giant panda.
It can only be said that they are not cute enough and are treated as harmful animals, deliberately slaughtered on a large scale.

Li Haoran said: "Currently, we have a total of 21 South China tigers here, 9 adults and 12 juveniles, including 4 cubs."
The adult tigers are too ferocious and can only be kept for visitors. We plan to gradually train the juveniles to form a circus, which will also increase the park's revenue.

"Okay, but be careful," Yang Wendong reminded him.

Li Haoran said, "I understand. Mr. Yang, don't worry. In fact, large zoos all over the world have people who train tigers and lions, and they also have such professionals and safety measures."

"Okay." Yang Wendong then asked, "Are they still hunting wild tigers on the mainland?"

There are probably still a few hundred South China tigers in the wild in China, but their habitats are fragmented, making it difficult for them to see each other. In addition, the mainland's future focus is on economic development, which has led to the neglect of wildlife protection.

If the South China tiger is left in the wild in inland areas, even if it is not killed, it will probably not have any offspring. Moreover, there may not be much food left in many places in the wild in inland areas, and even wild boars have disappeared from many mountainous areas.

It would be better to send them all to Hong Kong, where at least they can reproduce, have enough food, and be safe.

Li Haoran said, "They are still capturing tigers on the mainland. Three more will be sent to Hong Kong soon. But Mr. Yang, if this continues, our zoo may not be able to handle too many tigers. We can afford to keep them, but there is no need. Twenty or so is enough."

"You don't need to worry about that. Just keep it here for now. I plan to build similar amusement parks in other places later, and they will need it then," Yang Wendong said with a faint smile.

Large amusement parks are a big business in themselves, and they can be built in major cities like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Of course, they can also be built in mainland China in the future. Li Haoran naturally didn't dare to ask any more questions: "Okay, Mr. Yang, the opening ceremony has started, let's go over there first."

"Okay," Yang Wendong replied.
At the opening ceremony of the park, Hong Kong Chief Executive Sir Robert Ho Peck personally attended and cut the ribbon with Yang Wendong. The park officially opened in the presence of numerous media reporters.
Countless Hong Kong citizens who had been waiting for a long time crowded in, most of them aiming for the panda pavilion, while others came to see the tigers.

During the opening promotion, pandas and tigers were the main focus of Changxing Amusement Park;
While Ocean Park, which is already open on Hong Kong Island, does have land animals, it doesn't have pandas, and there are relatively few tigers, mostly Bengal tigers from India, which naturally can't compare to the authentic Chinese tigers.

“Mr. Yang, it seems you have acquired another very good business.” Luo Bishi said with a smile, “When I was young, I had only heard of a very cute animal in Asia called the panda, but I had never seen one. I think in the future, many overseas people will definitely come here to see it.”

"Haha, Governor, let's go see the pandas together." Yang Wendong smiled;
In his previous life, he had naturally seen pandas many times, but he hadn't seen any since transmigrating to Hong Kong. Of course, it was also because he hadn't paid attention; with his wealth, if he really wanted to see them, there were a few zoos outside of mainland China that did have pandas.
Pandas are extremely famous worldwide, but that doesn't matter to Yang Wendong. He knows that under such protection, pandas will not become extinct, but the fate of South China tigers and other rare animals is hard to say. These are the core purposes of his creation of this park.

Luo Bishi nodded and said, "Okay, let's go take a look together. When he has time, Mr. MacLehose will also come to take a look."

"Haha, I'm always welcome," Yang Wendong readily agreed.
There were too many people looking at the pandas. In this regard, Yang Wendong and Luo Bishi did not use their special privileges, but treated each other as ordinary people and followed the crowd.
Inside the panda enclosure, a few people were taking pictures with cameras. In this day and age, only wealthy families could afford cameras. Luo Bishi's assistant also had a camera and was snapping photos.

A few hours later, at noon, Yang Wendong brought Luo Bishi to a private room in the Panda Hotel and ordered a few normal side dishes and dessert.
The two chatted casually, and soon the topic shifted to another direction;
Luo Bishi asked, "Mr. Yang, I've heard some news that you're preparing for a major acquisition in England?"

"The Provincial Governor's information network is indeed excellent; it's true." Yang Wendong smiled.
Such a large-scale acquisition could not be kept secret from the Hong Kong government's top officials, after all, the UK would also initiate an investigation and would inevitably inquire about the situation from the Hong Kong government.
Luo Bishi then asked, "Mr. Yang, your investments in the United States are substantial, and you are also planning to invest in the automotive industry in the United Kingdom. Could it be that you have some considerations on this?"

“Mr. Chief Minister, I understand what you mean, but that’s not what I meant. I still have faith in Hong Kong’s future.” Yang Wendong shook his head and said, “As for investments in Europe and America, those are just business matters. With globalization, it’s normal to invest overseas.”

With 97 approaching, the future of Hong Kong has become a concern for many. To avoid risks, many people are considering emigration. Li Ka-shing's move to Canada to do real estate business was actually just a package deal for Hong Kong people who intend to emigrate.
Luo Bishi nodded, then asked, "Mr. Yang, given your current business achievements, investing overseas is quite normal. However, Hong Kong is just a small city after all. I think Mr. Yang could consider obtaining British citizenship; that would make things easier."

“Mr. Chief Executive, as a high-ranking official in Hong Kong, isn’t it inappropriate for you to advise me to acquire British citizenship?” Yang Wendong retorted.

Luo Bishi laughed and said, "This doesn't affect anything. Mr. Yang, after you become a British citizen, you can still invest in Hong Kong, just like Jardine Matheson, right?"

"Well, I don't have that plan for the time being. I invest not only in Europe and America, but also in Asia. My Hong Kong residency is more convenient," Yang Wendong said directly, declining the offer.

Good heavens, the Hong Kong government is really ambitious. They think that once they join British capital, the entire Cheung Hing Group will become a British enterprise, and the previous battle between Chinese and British in Hong Kong will be completely reversed.
Luo Bishi said, "As a British citizen, you will not have any problems with your investments in Asia."

"Haha, maybe, but I'm still not quite used to the British climate," Yang Wendong chuckled.

Luo Bishi paused for a moment, then slowly said, "Alright, I hope Mr. Yang can seriously consider this. In fact, it will be entirely beneficial for you."

"Thank you for the reminder," Yang Wendong said politely, acknowledging the importance of such courtesy.

Over the years, as his businesses have grown in scale in Hong Kong, Asia, Europe and the United States, many people have come to persuade him to immigrate or obtain a green card.

This is normal. In the past, countless people from Hong Kong and even mainland China made money and then immigrated. Many Hong Kong Chinese families today have obtained British citizenship, Canadian citizenship, or green cards, etc.

From the perspective of an ordinary businessman, this is normal; having citizenship of a powerful country is beneficial to business.

I've always refused, and it usually doesn't bother me;
However, now that the future of Hong Kong is about to be put on the table, Hong Kong's tycoons have become prey for many countries. Hong Kong officials, of course, also hope to join Britain. On the one hand, they are the same country, and on the other hand, if they become British, then Hong Kong's commercial rule will once again become British-owned.
"Good, I hope to receive good news from Mr. Yang soon." Luo Bishi raised his wine glass and smiled.

PS: Please give me a monthly ticket
(End of this chapter)