A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Chapter 236 Dividends Must Be Shared
On December 12, the commander-in-chief was forced to resign and Song Zaiwen also resigned. These were concessions made under pressure from Guangdong Province.

On this occasion, the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Consortium also dispatched Fang Jiaobo to Guangdong Province to discuss the distribution of profits from the First Sugar Refinery. After all, they had invested two million yuan and built up Guangdong's sugar industry, so how could they let their money go to waste?

Now that Guangdong Province's white sugar is already being sold in the Shanghai market, it naturally has to rely on the Jiangsu and Zhejiang financial groups, which is just right for negotiations.

After Fang Jiaobo and his men arrived in Guangdong Province, they immediately negotiated with the sugar production managers headed by Feng Rui.

"Mr. Feng, we at the Jiangsu-Zhejiang consortium know that the First Sugar Refinery is producing sugar daily and has begun selling it in the Shanghai market. In light of this, we would like to discuss dividends."

Feng Rui also knew that if there was no dividend distribution, if the Jiangsu-Zhejiang consortium was the above-mentioned Shanghai court, then as soon as their Guangdong Province's sugar arrived in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai, it would be seized and used to repay debts, and their future sales in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai would also be excluded, after all, they were not trustworthy.

Even Chen Jitang understood this point and gave great support to this negotiation.

"Alright, we're also planning to formulate a dividend plan to reassure our shareholders. Since Mr. Fang is here to audit the accounts on behalf of the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Financial Group, we naturally welcome him!"

Afterwards, Feng Rui took out some "fake information" and handed it to Fang Jiaobo, saying that it was the sugar-making record of the First Sugar Refinery.

"Mr. Fang, starting from mid-November, the entire sugar production period is expected to last seven months, with a daily production capacity of approximately 11 tons, for a planned output of 7 tons. Based on an ex-factory price of 200 yuan per ton, the total value is approximately 4.2 million yuan. Therefore, during this production period, we plan to distribute a dividend of 200 million yuan to all shareholders, and the Jiangsu-Zhejiang consortium will receive 840 million yuan as a return on investment."

A return on investment of one year is not an exaggeration at all. (In the previous life, it took only two quarters to return on investment.)

Fang Jiaobo immediately said, "It seems that the alcohol revenue from this package is not included in the calculation?"

Who knows if something unexpected will happen in Guangdong Province after a year, so they invested 200 million yuan, not only to recover the cost, but also to earn back the interest.

Sugar refining is a high-profit industry, after all, there are tariffs to protect domestic products.

Feng Rui immediately smiled and said, "I'm just giving you a rough idea. Anyway, next year, we'll definitely give investors the returns they deserve. I'd appreciate your help with sales in the Shanghai market!"

Without the support of the Jiangsu and Zhejiang financial groups, Guangdong's sugar would not have been able to successfully seize the Shanghai market.

Only after the sugar from Guangdong Province occupies the market in Shanghai will the two sides break up.

Fang Jiaobo then said with satisfaction: "Cantonese sugar will definitely be very popular in the Shanghai market. After all, everyone supports domestic products now. In terms of sales, cantonese sugar will receive our full support."

Feng Rui said: "Well, the rise of the national sugar industry is inseparable from the joint efforts of our Guangdong Province and Jiangnan."

At this time, the sugar industry in Guangdong Province had already risen, but the credit mainly went to Chen Guangliang, and Feng Rui was just here to pick the peaches.

However, the remaining five factories in Guangdong Province are managed by Feng Rui.

After discussing the general profit-sharing plan, Fang Jiaobo and the others returned to the First Sugar Mill, where the machinery was already rumbling and humming non-stop. Since the mill was built right by the river, the sugarcane could be hoisted directly into the juicing workshop upon arrival.

The only drawback of this sugar factory at present is that all the required sugarcane is imported from Southeast Asia.

But this is also normal. Even the Swire Sugar Refinery imports sugarcane from Southeast Asia and refines sugar in Hong Kong.

Today, the sugar-refining equipment in Guangdong Province is the most advanced sugar-refining machine from an American machinery factory. The sugar extraction rate is higher than that of the Swire Sugar Refinery, so the cost is naturally not high.

Once the sugarcane in Guangdong Province can be used by factories, Yangtang will no longer be competitive.

When Fang Jiaobo and the others reviewed the factory, they couldn't help but admire Chen Guangliang's foresight and genius. Don't underestimate the proposal; the failure of the Shanghai National Sugar Factory was a classic example of poor leadership.

The "National Sugar Factory" once tried to import sugarcane, but due to poor site selection and the fact that the machinery used to extract sugar from beets, it paid millions of dollars in tuition in vain and missed the opportunity for the rise of China's sugar industry.

Feng Rui said, "Guangdong Province's sugar industry coincided with the Great Depression in Europe and the United States. The price of sugar-refining equipment was originally slashed from $110 million to a minimum of $66 per set. The Nationalist government also happened to introduce tariffs, which created a great opportunity."

Fang Jiaobo said directly, "Mr. Chen Guangliang had already analyzed what you said from the very beginning. At that time, the Great Depression in Europe and the United States had just begun, and the Nationalist government had not even introduced tariffs. He had already anticipated it. If he had waited until the right time came, wouldn't the Chinese Sugar Industry have been two years behind?"

Feng Rui was suddenly speechless. He had thought that if he went to work in Guangdong Province, it would take at least two or three years to make this career.

"Mr. Fang is right. We in Guangdong Province will never forget the contributions made by Mr. Chen and the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Financial Group to the sugar industry in Guangdong Province!"

"Mr. Feng, this isn't Guangdong's sugar industry, it's China's sugar industry. Even without our Jiangsu and Zhejiang consortium supporting Guangdong's sugar in the Shanghai market, Yangtang will still be competitive."

Sugar from Guangdong Province is only slightly cheaper than that from Yangtang.

It is with the support of fellow Chinese compatriots that white sugar from Guangdong Province has now entered the Shanghai market and begun to occupy Yangtang's market share.

Fang Jiaobo came this time to clarify the interests of their Jiangsu and Zhejiang consortium, and his attitude was also quite tough.

"Yes, our Huaxia Sugar Industry is inseparable from the efforts of everyone."

After Fang Jiaobo and others left, Feng Rui immediately reported his work to Chen Jitang.

After hearing this, Chen Jitang said, "Looks like we really can't afford to offend the Jiangsu and Zhejiang financial groups. So, we'll distribute the profits next year. All the profits from sugarcane production will be distributed as dividends."

The Jiangsu and Zhejiang consortium is not so easy to bully.

Fang Jiaobo came this time with this momentum.

In contrast, Chen Guangliang did not have a clear dividend plan last time because sugar production had not yet begun.

Feng Rui stopped arguing and said seriously, "Well, the dividends from sugarcane sugar production are normal. As for the smuggled portion, we naturally don't need to share it with them. As long as our other five factories are established, we won't need to rely on the First Sugar Refinery anymore."

Chen Jitang immediately asked enthusiastically, "How are the preparations for the remaining five factories going?"

Feng Rui immediately said, "Next year, we plan to build three factories first. The capital required is about 1000 million yuan. The profits from smuggling white sugar and the profits from the first sugar refinery can cover more than half of the funds. The rest can be repaid in the second half of next year while we refine sugar, and the Construction Department will not have to spend a penny."

"Okay, okay," Chen Jitang said happily. "I won't touch a cent of your profits from smuggling sugar. As long as you build the remaining sugar mills, I will credit you with a great achievement, and the position in the Construction Department will be yours from now on."

"Thank you for your cultivation, Marshal"

Chen Jitang nodded slowly. He had already imagined that Guangdong Province's sugar would occupy the national market, with an annual output value of tens of millions of oceans and a profit of tens of millions. Military expenses would no longer have to rely on donations from the Southern Whale.

Thinking of this, he said, "You haven't missed out on the sugarcane transportation Mr. Chen requested, have you?"

One should never forget the person who dug the well when drinking water. Chen Jitang still remembers the kindness of Chen Guangliang!
Feng Rui said: "No, they can provide 1.5 tons of sugarcane transportation to the sugar mill every month, and the freight alone costs them about 12 yuan."

The monthly output value is more than 120 million, with freight accounting for one-fifth and sugarcane cost accounting for one-quarter, which is almost half of the profit, because there is also a supporting alcohol factory.

Chen Jitang smiled and said, "In that case, I won't owe you this favor."

Then, Chen Jitang asked with concern, "By the way, if Shanghai also builds a factory, do you think it will have a big impact?"

Feng Rui immediately said, "The sugarcane growing conditions in Shanghai are definitely not as good as those in Guangdong Province. As long as we can find the raw materials, we will have the greatest advantage in the country. Moreover, we are already ahead. Marshal, there is no need to worry!"

"Um"

It was another weekend, and Chen Guangliang brought Yan Renmei to his "home hotel" - Shangri-La Hotel, which became the place where they had the most dates.

But it is really fun here. Activities such as eating, dancing, and reading are enough to make people linger.

Now that the Shangri-La Hotel's "Hotel Tower" has opened, business has exploded, with occupancy rates reaching 70% in a short period of time. Of course, this is also related to the current situation - after the September 18th Incident, many wealthy people moved to the concessions.

After the hotel building opened, the fourth floor of the Shangri-La Hotel was immediately replanned.

First, we need to add an "administrative office" on the fourth floor. The original administrative office was located in a street-facing building in New Town Garden, which was not very convenient.
Secondly, we are planning to add a place for afternoon tea on the fourth floor, which will be the first time that the concept of "afternoon tea" has been introduced in Shanghai.

This makes the Shangri-La Hotel even more unforgettable.

"Lingyi, Hanfen."

Yan Renmei happily greeted her classmates when she made an appointment with them.

But speaking of the "Eight Beauties of China and the West," only Kong Lingyi and Zhang Hanfen are seen now and then; the others seem to be rare. It seems that even within a close circle, there must be a smaller circle.

"Brother-in-law, Renmei," Kong Lingyi walked up to the two of them and greeted them first.

Chen Guangliang was stunned. It was the first time he heard Kong Lingyi call him "brother-in-law".

Seeing this, Kong Lingyi smiled and said, "Renmei calls my mommy mommy when she sees her. She's older than me, so naturally I should call you brother-in-law. I can't always call you Mr. Chen, right?"

I have to admit that Kong Lingyi is probably the most likable person in the Kong family and she has a relatively good personality.

"Oh, fine, whatever you want to call me is fine! Why don't you just sit down and talk first, I'll be right back!"

"Ok"

After Chen Guangliang arranged the three girls, he went to inspect the hotel. It was not that he wanted to work on the weekend, but he wanted to leave some time for the "sisters group".

After a while, Gao Zhichao, manager of the restaurant department, and Li Xinli, manager of the hotel department, came to him.

“What’s the hotel occupancy rate like today?”

Li Xinli immediately replied, "90%! After all, it's the weekend, and many rooms are booked."

Yes, the Shangri-La Hotel became an instant hit. Before the opening of the International Hotel invested by the "Four Northern Banks" (December 1934.12), it was the only high-end hotel for Chinese people.

Gao Zhichao took the opportunity to say, "All the private rooms have been booked, and the reservations for the other halls are also very good."

The biggest feature of the Shangri-La Hotel is its large scale of business. Its dining area is even larger than that of the Cathay Hotel. The first floor is the banquet hall, which is usually divided into several small halls by screens; the second floor is the private rooms and buffet restaurant; the third floor is the Western restaurant, executive meeting room, etc.; the fourth floor will be used as administrative offices and a tea restaurant.

"By the way, I'd like to allow some clients with social prestige and financial resources to sign contracts and settle them in the first quarter. What do you think?"

Both of them are top talents in this industry and naturally understand the "benefits" here.

Gao Zhichao said, "This will certainly give major clients and regular customers more face, and they'll definitely feel a strong sense of belonging to the Shangri-La Hotel. The only downside is the risk and slow return on investment, but the advantages are more obvious. The key lies in our assessment of the client's strength and reputation." Li Xinli nodded and said, "As long as we manage it well, reduce the risks, and increase the benefits, I think it's feasible."

"Then you guys will be in charge of this, especially training the waiters. They must remember what to say to the customers!"

"Ok"

By gradually improving its services, the Shangri-La Hotel will become one of the most "bright pearls" in Shanghai in the 1930s and 1940s.

After chatting for a few more words, Chen Guangliang came to the table where Yan Renmei, Kong Lingyi and Zhang Hanfen were sitting.

"Ladies, have you ordered yet?"

Zhang Hanfen smiled and said, "Just wait for my brother-in-law to come."

Chen Guangliang asked the waiter to order for Kong Lingyi and Zhang Hanfen first, then passed it to Yan Renmei, and finally ordered two more.

This scene made Kong Lingyi and Zhang Hanfen extremely envious!

Like Kong Lingyi, who came from an extraordinary family, she did not pursue power and wealth, but she was obsessed with looks and talent.

Obviously, Chen Guangliang meets her standards for a partner very well, because Chen Guangliang's height has now grown to 178 cm, with a tall and straight figure, and his handsome face always carries a confident charm.

Of course, he was her good friend's husband after all, so she naturally wouldn't have the idea of ​​destroying his family.

The key issue is that Chen Guangliang is not someone that politicians can manipulate at will - his roots are in the concession and he is not very interested in power.

Just as Chen Guangliang was chatting and laughing with the three women, Tang Yulou and his wife Tan Duan walked towards Chen Guangliang. Fortunately, Chen Guangliang's bodyguard recognized him (and was sitting at the same table), otherwise they would definitely have stopped him.

"Mr. Chen, Ms. Yan, Ms. Kong"

Seeing this, Chen Guangliang also stood up and said, "Secretary Tang is free today. Is he coming to Shanghai with his wife for vacation?"

Tang Yulu immediately said, "My boss lost his job recently, and I lost my job too, so I brought my wife, sister, and brother-in-law here to have some fun."

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "Minister Song is just taking a break. I believe he will be able to take over the national financial power again soon!"

Recently, after Song Zaiwen stepped down with the commander-in-chief, there were rumors that the Southern Whale was preparing not to pay the interest on public debt.

This move immediately aroused the opposition of entrepreneurs across the country, especially Shanghai bankers, and the strongest resistance came from the Jiangsu and Zhejiang financial groups. It can be said that President Sun Yat-sen's move offended the Jiangsu and Zhejiang financial groups and made it difficult for him to maintain his position.

In this era, the status of the Jiangsu and Zhejiang financial groups cannot be controlled by a second generation; even the commander-in-chief and Song Zaiwen have to avoid it.

Tang Yulu thought that Chen Guangliang disliked the current leader of Nanjing because of this incident, but he didn't think much about it. Instead, he said, "I heard that Mr. Chen has retired to the second line at Oriental Daily?"

This matter was widely circulated. After all, the head of the Oriental Daily was a prominent figure in Shanghai and a powerful figure who could influence public opinion. After Chen Guangliang announced his resignation as chairman and management, it did cause a great shock.

"Well, I don't have the ability to clone myself, so I'll just let professionals do their professional work."

At this time, Tan Duan said sincerely: "If it weren't for the reporter from Oriental Daily last time, I wouldn't dare to imagine what would happen today!"

Tang Yulou nodded on the side. After this incident, his father asked him to leave Song Zaiwen.

Because of the situation at that time, he and his family analyzed it afterwards and concluded that he was the one who should have died that day!

Chen Guangliang waved his hands and said, "You can't thank me for this. After all, I wasn't there. Haha! Secretary Tang will surely have good fortune after surviving such a disaster!"

In fact, the Kuomintang's secret service department also analyzed the incident afterwards and felt that Wang Chunhua's reminder on that day was rather strange. After all, the killers were so well disguised that no one at the station noticed them, but it was so easy for a reporter like Wang Chunhua to discover them. What's more, how did Wang Chunhua think that the murderer was targeting Song Zaiwen?

However, afterwards, Wang Chunhua had the care of Song Zaiwen and Tang Yulou, and because of his identity as a reporter, he did not pursue the issue.

Chatted for a few words.

Tan Duan even invited Chen Guangliang to dance with him.

I think she was afraid of the consequences. She almost became a widow just after getting married.

After receiving the invitation, Chen Guangliang looked at Yan Renmei.

Yan Renmei said coquettishly: "I asked you to dance, why are you looking at me?"

Chen Guangliang then smiled and walked into the dance floor with Tan Duan. Tang Yulou smiled and said goodbye to Kong Lingyi, Yan Renmei and the other two girls, then returned to her own table.

"Brother, why is my sister-in-law dancing with others?" Tang Ying asked curiously.

"Why, you are only allowed to go out for one day for socializing. He is my savior. Your sister-in-law was frightened last time, so this is a good opportunity to thank him!" Tang Yulu said unhappily.

He prefers his brother-in-law Li Zufa.

Tang Ying immediately said in dissatisfaction: "I just asked a question, and you are lecturing me. What kind of society is this now? We women can also have our own social lives."

Li Zufa said on the side: "It's better to click on it appropriately."

"you"

Tang Ying immediately looked at her husband with dissatisfaction, but Li Zufa ignored her. He was already very annoyed with this marriage.

On the other side, Chen Guangliang and Tan Duan danced a song properly, and then walked her to the dining table.

"Everyone, have fun today!" Chen Guangliang greeted them gracefully.

"Mr. Chen, this is my eldest sister Tang Ying, my second sister Tang Weihong, and my eldest brother-in-law Li Zufa." Tang Yulu introduced,
"Excuse me, they are all well-known figures in Shanghai!"

Li Zufa quickly stood up and said, "Mr. Chen is the man of the hour in Shanghai."

After an introduction, we got to know each other!

Then, Tang Ying said in a familiar manner, "Mr. Chen, I heard that your Times Films has produced a movie called 'Huo Yuanjia'. Also, your company's song 'The Great Wall Will Never Fall' has been circulating in the Shanghai market recently. It's really inspiring."

Recently, "Huo Yuanjia" has started to be promoted on a large scale, and one of the plans is to take advantage of the popularity of "The Great Wall Will Never Fall"!
"That's right. I'm just one of the investors. You guys can enjoy it slowly. I'm leaving now!"

Tang Yulu and Li Zufa immediately said politely: "Please"

Only Tang Ying looked at Chen Guangliang uncomfortably, as if she was a little disappointed at being ignored.

Chen Guangliang quickly returned to his table.

Zhang Hanfen smiled and said, "That person over there seems to be Tang Ying, a senior from Zhongxi Girls' High School. The women's magazine Linglong encourages young women to emulate her and use her as a role model!"

Kong Lingyi said, "It's not that good. It's not as good as Renmei's fashion sense. Is it brother-in-law?"

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "If you say it is, then it must be."

He doesn't speak ill of others behind their backs, although he doesn't like socialites like Tang Ying.

In fact, it is true that Chen Guangliang likes modern women, but he is definitely not a socialite.

There has to be a scale mark, and that day Yan Renmei also understood his thoughts.

However, today's situation does confirm one thing - Chen Guangliang is indeed suave and charming.

In the evening, Chen Guangliang took Yan Renmei to experience the presidential suite of the Shangri-La Hotel.

He opened a bottle of red wine, intending to be romantic, but noticed that Yan Renmei seemed a little emotional.

Little girl, you're jealous!
It seems that jealousy is a woman's nature, no matter if she is a lady from a noble family, she is the same.

"I saved Tang Yulu's life. If his newlywed wife loses her husband, won't she become a widow?"

When Yan Renmei heard this, all the smoke in her eyes immediately disappeared. She quickly took the bottle of red wine and poured it for Chen Guangliang.

"Little girl, you're quite jealous. I didn't notice it outside all day."

Yan Renmei said coquettishly, "What? How could I be jealous? You're so nice. When Tang Ying spoke to you, you should just respond simply."

Wow, he's still being called here!
However, it seems that Yan Renmei was Tang Ying's cousin in her previous life. At that time, both of them were remarried and married into the Li family of Xiaogang, Ningbo.

The Li family was a remarkable family, already in its fourth generation. The first generation, Li Yeting (1807-1868), was widely recognized as one of the giants of the Shanghai money industry, building a vast family business encompassing shipping (sand ships, docks), money banks, and trade. He became the owner of the most sand ships in Shanghai at the time, and held unparalleled prestige.

The family was quite prosperous in the fifth and sixth generations, and the sixth generation also produced a musician named Li Weiren.

Such a family was one of Chen Guangliang's targets, but it was only a partial reference. Of course, the family's wealth declined later.

In Chen Guangliang's plan, the first three generations should focus on business, the fourth generation can enter politics or academia, and it would be fine if the fifth generation could be an artist or something like that.

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "You, I've always been the one who worried about you, but today you're the one who's worried about me!"

Yan Renmei immediately said happily: "What? My husband is talented and handsome. It's normal for girls to admire him. I'm not worried."

The two of them already admire each other to the extreme, so how could they really be affected by external factors?

So it quickly became romantic.

That night, they stayed in the hotel all night.

(End of this chapter)