A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Chapter 238 Saving Culture and History

"How dare you lie to me!"

Just a few days later, Huang Jinrong learned that seven second-run cinemas in Shanghai would be showing "Huo Yuanjia", all ten days after the Cathay Grand Theatre. His Jinrong Grand Theatre was just the first one.

It's not care at all, and it's not for my own good.

One disciple said angrily, "I'm going to grab the tape! It's showing at the Jinrong Grand Theater today!"

The other disciples also volunteered to help the old man regain his face, but Huang Jinrong was slow to give the order.

The reason is very simple. Chen Guangliang is not just a "businessman". His network of connections is much more extensive than that of Liu Hongsheng and others.

"Jiapeng, I heard that you and Chen Guangliang have had the longest dealings. Tell me about it!"

Tang Jiapeng, originally a disciple of Gu Zhuxuan, now switches to Huang Jin's school and becomes the manager of Rong Ji World, where he is highly valued.

He said seriously, "Chen Guangliang is a businessman who climbed up from the bottom of society. He also has a loyal security team under him. There's no need for the boss to get angry over such a trivial matter. After all, Jinrong Grand Theater was originally just a three-wheeled cinema."

He used to dislike Chen Guangliang, but he was also afraid of Chen Guangliang, a person who had played Gu Zhuxuan around when he was still very weak; now, he had made reporters report on Gu Zhuxuan's embarrassing stories for more than a year, and Gu Zhuxuan still didn't dare to do anything.

What's more, he doesn't manage the Jinrong Grand Theater. His territory is Rongji Grand World. What does it have to do with him?
"What? Tang Jiapeng, do you think the boss still needs to be afraid of Chen Guangliang?"

"Tang Jiapeng, what are your intentions?"

Several subordinates made indignant accusations.

Of course, there were also a few people who advised Huang Jinrong not to make a big fuss over such a trivial matter.

Huang Jinrong pressed it down with his hand, then said, "Alright, I know what to do about this matter, you all can go away!"

After all, he was still afraid of one thing - that was that Chen Guangliang had dared to take the initiative to participate in the shooting when attacked by six gangsters, and caught all six gangsters in one fell swoop, while he himself was unharmed and not even any of his bodyguards were seriously injured.

Just as Mr. Du said, Chen Guangliang is a young industrialist who dares to fight and kill, so don't mess with him.

Little did he know that it was Huang Jinrong's idea that allowed him to live twenty more years; because Chen Guangliang always had a motto in his heart that he would assassinate anyone who showed signs of threatening his life, even if it meant changing the fate of a country.
In the administrative office building of Ping An Bank, Chen Guangliang looked through the bank's deposit and loan situation: as of December 1931, 12, Ping An Bank had absorbed a total of 31 million oceans in deposits and 392.65 oceans in loans.

This result is very good. You should know that Hua Xia Enterprise Bank (founded by Liu Hongsheng) which was established at the same time only has 180 million in deposits, while Ping An Bank has twice as much.

Even if the deposits of Chen Guangliang's four companies are deducted, there will still be millions more.

First, Chen Guangliang's credibility and strength have surpassed Liu Hongsheng;

The second is that Ping An Bank has come up with many clever strategies to attract deposits.

At this time, Ping An Bank's loan-to-deposit ratio was very low, even so low that it could not pay interest on deposits.

But Chen Guangliang was not worried. After all, he had already invested 150 million yuan in the bid. If this part of the funds was included, the loan-to-deposit ratio would be around 50%, which was normal.

However, the bid money can be used as a 'cash reserve', so you can continue to borrow and invest.

But, no rush!
The January 28 Incident is about to happen, and everything will have to wait until after this incident to be decided.

Chen Guangliang is not keen on loans, but prefers investing. He has set his sights on government bonds.

At the beginning of last month (December 1931.12), the value of government bonds had fallen to 50% of the face value due to the impact of the September 23th Incident; by the 40rd of last month, the value of government bonds had fallen to % of the face value due to rumors spread by the Sun Ke government - the government refused to pay interest on government bonds and that the bonds would be invalidated.

Because of such rumors in the government, Jiangnan Group, financial institutions holding government bonds and other teams across the country called Nanjing one after another.

It can be said that the Sun Ke government had completely offended the Jiangsu and Zhejiang financial groups and was doomed to fail; it was very simple, a government without economic capabilities, if it directly robbed, would be ready to fall.

Chen Guangliang was ready to buy the government bonds at the bottom, but he had to wait until the "First Battle of Shanghai" was over. That was the best time, after all, basically no one would react.

What's more, the bond market will also be closed during war.

"boss"

Xia Gaoxiang and Ye Ximing walked into the office.

"Um"

Xia Gaoxiang asked tentatively, "Boss, our deposits are growing rapidly, and the investment capital counts as cash reserves. Should we be more lenient with loans, especially for factory owners? For example, raw materials and goods can be used as collateral?"

Chen Guangliang said directly, "Wait another month, don't rush. Also, right now we only accept mortgages for properties and land within the concession. Tell customers that our bank isn't stable yet."

Ye Ximing quickly said, "It's just that I've offended the factory owners. I'll think about it later."

Chen Guangliang waved his hand and said, "It's okay. I have my own plans. We need to be more stable this month."

Seeing that they couldn't persuade him, the two men had no choice but to give up.

Deep down, he probably felt that Chen Guangliang's bank operation was "feudal patriarchal" and must have had some complaints.

However, the boss's recent "clever tricks for attracting deposits" have indeed made the two feel that the boss is very knowledgeable about finance.

Then let’s wait another month and come back to give advice!

On this day, Chen Guangliang came to the "Times Cinema" on Nanjing West Road to inspect the project, and Zhao Jingru, the founder of the "Gongji Construction Factory" that contracted the project, accompanied him on the inspection.

After 9 months of construction, the building work has basically been completed. The next step will be interior decoration, etc. It is expected to be open for business in May this year.

Chen Guangliang asked with a smile: "When will the renovation phase begin?"

Zhao Jingru replied, "It's expected to start at the end of the month. Don't worry, Boss Chen, it won't delay your opening in May."

Recently, Times Pictures' "Huo Yuanjia" has set off a movie craze in Shanghai, and Zhao Jingru is also aware of it.

He admires Chen Guangliang very much. Whatever business he does can make a big splash and he is already a tycoon in many industries.

"Great, with this theater, we at Time Pictures don't need to hand over the rights to a round of films to others."

Zhao Jingru said, "Well, I heard that 'Huo Yuanjia' ran for ten consecutive days at the Cathay Theatre, with five shows a day, and every show was packed. It seems that the Cathay Theatre has benefited from the reputation of Times Pictures."

Chen Guangliang replied, "We benefited from each other. If it weren't for the Cathay Theatre, there wouldn't be many single-run cinemas in Shanghai suitable for showing "Huo Yuanjia," and foreign theaters wouldn't show it." This is true, and they truly benefited from each other's success.

Recently, Cathay Cinema has been making 5000 yuan a day, which means 5 yuan in ten days. More importantly, this cinema has become an instant hit.

Ten days later, Cathay Cinema was still able to continue showing films, but seven second-run cinemas had joined the competition.

Of course, Times Pictures is the biggest winner. With the movie "Huo Yuanjia", it has established a firm foothold in the film industry where there are many masters, and will become one of the "Big Four".

Next, Chen Guangliang will prepare to use financial means to establish his dominant position.

At the construction site, Chen Guangliang inspected it carefully and thought in his mind about the purpose of "temporary requisition" here.

Cinemas can open later, the most important thing is to stick together.

On the afternoon of January 1, the so-called "Japanese monk incident" occurred;
In the early morning of January 1th, dozens of members of the Japanese Youth Comrades Association set fire to the Sanyou Industrial Society and hacked to death and injured two Chinese police officers from the Municipal Council who came to help put out the fire. That afternoon, Tanaka Takayoshi instigated a rally of 20 Japanese expatriates at the Japanese Residents' Association on Wenjianshi Road (Tanggu Road). They then marched along North Sichuan Road to the Japanese Marine Corps headquarters at the road's northern end, demanding the Marines intervene. As they neared Qiujiang Road, they began rioting and attacked Chinese businesses.

On January 1, Commander of the 22st Japanese Expeditionary Fleet in Shanghai, Yukichi Shiozawa, issued a threatening statement, claiming that if the mayor of SH did not give a satisfactory response to the four demands raised by Matsui, the Japanese Navy would take "appropriate action."

The next day.

Chen Guangliang visited the Commercial Press headquarters on Baoshan Road in Zhabei, accompanied by its chairman Zhang Yuanji.

During this time, in a quiet place, Chen Guangliang said to Zhang Yuanji solemnly: "Mr. Xiaozhai, do you know that the Commercial Press is in danger?"

Zhang Yuanji was stunned for a moment, then asked, "Mr. Chen, why do you say that?"

Chen Guangliang immediately said: "Japan may be preparing to launch a war against Shanghai, and their first bombing targets will be the Commercial Press and the Oriental Library, destroying our Chinese history and culture!"

Zhang Yuanji looked at Chen Guangliang in disbelief. You know, many people at that time believed that Japan's provocation was just a cover-up for the establishment of the puppet Manchukuo in the three northeastern provinces, and it was impossible for Japan to actually launch an attack on Shanghai.

"Is Mr. Chen's information source accurate?"

"I don't have any information channels, but based on recent events, I've made an analysis that Japan needs a small-scale war of aggression to establish the puppet state of Manchukuo in Northeast China in order to divert international attention and enable Japan's invasion and control of Northeast China to proceed smoothly. So I suggest that the important assets here be transferred to the concession immediately and returned after this incident has subsided."

Zhang Yuanji hesitated for a moment, then said, "The total collection here is 46 volumes, including over 3700 rare ancient books, totaling more than 35000 volumes; and over 2600 of China's most comprehensive local gazetteers, totaling 25000 volumes. Is it risky to move such a large and precious collection?"

"Mr. Xiaozhai, you're so confused! You know it's perfectly legal, don't the Japanese know it? If I were Japanese, the first thing I'd do would be bomb this place. Besides, I predicted a global financial depression back then, don't you believe me? Even if we take a step back, we should choose the lesser of two risks. If this place really goes to waste, wouldn't you be a sinner for the nation?"

Zhang Yuanji was stunned. Given Chen Guangliang's social status, there was no need for him to lie to him. His way of dealing with people was even praised by others.

"But where is the space to store so many books at this time? Mr. Chen, do you have any ideas?"

Chen Guangliang felt relieved, as he was afraid that no one would believe him. Fortunately, his character and reputation were worthy of people's trust.

"I have a fleet of twenty trucks under the Yangtze River Taxi umbrella that you can sponsor. My Times Cinema has just been completed, and the space there is quite large. We can rent it to you for one month, and we'll transport it back when we're done. The key is that you have to make secret arrangements. Japanese spies are already keeping an eye on this place, and they might even sabotage it."

Zhang Yuanji immediately said, "Okay, thank you Mr. Chen for your help. I'll make arrangements right away. I'm also one of the people in charge of the Oriental Library, and I'm also preparing to move."

Chen Guangliang said decisively, "Okay, I'll have my convoy on standby. My convoy is also equipped with armed security, so the road is absolutely safe. Later, you guys arrange for more guards, and I'll have the construction team over there withdraw immediately."

"Ok"

Zhang Yuanji took emergency action, and Chen Guangliang had also arranged for a truck fleet to be on standby.

Seeing that Zhang Yuanji believed in him, Chen Guangliang felt fortunate - if this person was stubborn, it would be a disaster for the nation.

As far as he knew, the Commercial Press had lost over 1630 million yuan in assets, representing 80% of its total assets. Most devastatingly, the Oriental Library's entire collection of 46 books, including over 3700 rare and ancient books totaling 35000 volumes, and China's most comprehensive collection of local chronicles, totaling 2600 volumes, were destroyed. The library, then known as the premier library in East Asia, vanished overnight, leaving priceless rare and unique books forever lost. This was undoubtedly a devastating disaster in Chinese cultural history. Some scholars believe that the burning of the Old Summer Palace and the bombing of the Commercial Press are the most heartbreaking tragedies in modern Chinese history.

Even if Chen Guangliang didn't know this history, as long as he knew about the "January 28 Incident" and had witnessed the importance of the Commercial Press in this life, he would have made suggestions.

On January 1, the Japanese secret service sent people to set fire to the residence of Japanese Minister to China Shigemitsu Mamoru in Shanghai, falsely claiming that it was done by Chinese people.

Time is coming step by step.

Chen Guangliang accompanied Zhang Yuanji, Wang Yunwu and others to inspect the building of Times Cinema, which was urgently cleaned yesterday.

Looking at the huge cinema space, everyone is very satisfied with it.

Wang Yunwu said to Chen Guangliang sincerely, "Mr. Chen, you are a very far-sighted person. Your early predictions about the international economic situation had a huge impact on our country's economy. This time, you are one of the few clear-headed people in China who predicted that Japan would bomb Shanghai and start a war, and warned us at the Commercial Press and the Oriental Library. Thank you very much!"

Everyone was already half-believing and half-doubting at this point, but they were willing to take the "small risk" to transfer important books.

Chen Guangliang said, "I don't deserve it! As long as everyone trusts me, I will be grateful for your decision. It is reported that Japan's aircraft carrier has arrived in the waters off Shanghai. Everyone should know that the greatest function of an aircraft carrier is to be a mobile airfield. Bombers taking off from it can quickly reduce Zhabei to ruins."

Everyone was shocked.

Zhang Yuanji quickly said: "Zhabei is Shanghai's industrial center. If this is true, then..."

Chen Guangliang said: "This can't happen 100%. Books are easy to transport. Why would those factories gamble?"

The crowd was speechless.

Zhang Yuanji immediately said, "We will start the transfer today. We must not waste any more opportunities."

After saying that, he immediately went to arrange it.

Yesterday, he told his colleagues about the matter, and after another round of discussion, he was finally preparing to take action.

at the same time.

All of Chen Guangliang's factories and film studios in southern Shanghai had their valuable equipment dismantled and shipped to the concession.

Chen Guangliang originally thought that southern Shanghai would not be bombed, but his cautious nature made him make the decision to dismantle all the equipment of factories such as Vitasoy and Times Cinema and transport them to the concession.

Little did he know that it was his cautious character that reduced a lot of losses for him - the "South of Shanghai" he mentioned, also known as the South City District, was also within the scope of the bombing, but not as tragic as Zhabei.

Moreover, Chen Guangliang knew that his factory in the Chinese area might be within the range of the bombing, and he was a staunch anti-Japanese.

(End of this chapter)