A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Chapter 243: Hong Kong Planning
Chen Guangliang came to the HSBC Building on Huangpu Beach and used part of his bid money to repay debts and interest.

At first, he wanted to borrow 20 pounds from HSBC with an annual interest rate of 8.5%, to invest in spot gold and store it in the HSBC vault.

Therefore, HSBC was not worried about Chen Guangliang having difficulty repaying his debts. Instead, it watched Chen Guangliang borrow money from them and make a fortune.

First, the British pound has now depreciated by 30% (1 pound to 3.4 US dollars);
Secondly, the standard gold value increased from 640 to 765, an increase of about 20%.

In the manager's office of the HSBC project department, George entertained Chen Guangliang while waiting for his subordinates to calculate the accounts.

George sighed and said, "Mr. Chen, you're really good at using chickens to lay eggs. Could it be that you knew the British pound would depreciate?"

Some suspicion, but not much.

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "I'm just betting that the bid price will rise to 800 or 900. I'm not betting that the British pound will depreciate. After all, that's too far away."

I still have some doubts. After all, the bid price has increased to 800, which is only a little over 20% profit; and the interest rate is 8.5%, so the profit is not much.

Of course, HSBC did not suffer any losses in this transaction. They directly used pounds to pay for the bid price, and the commission generated was also counted towards Chen Guangliang's account.

"That makes sense, but you made a lot of money this time."

Chen Guangliang said: "It's all thanks to the help of HSBC!"

Although he is also a banker, he naturally wants to strive for a good relationship with HSBC.

After a while, a staff member had prepared Chen Guangliang's "bill".

Various exchange rates are changing nowadays, so you need to do some calculations.

In the end, after repaying the loan and interest, Chen Guangliang still had a deposit worth over 260 million ocean dollars (worth 190 million taels of silver) left.

Calculated in this way, Standard Chartered's pound loan also generated a net profit of 195 million taels of silver (more than 140 million taels of silver).
It was much higher than expected. Chen Guangliang did not make a serious calculation at the beginning - the pound depreciated, the silver depreciated, but gold rose. There was a cumulative effect here.

"There's no problem with the bill. Please keep the remaining deposit in the safe."

"Okay, we'll issue you a certificate right away."

Chen Guangliang originally wanted to exchange it for silver, but then he changed his mind and decided to be more cautious.

Anyway, the price of the gold will not fall this year. By around October, the Ping An Bank Building will be completed. By then, Chen Guangliang will transport the gold back to the safe of his own bank and let Ping An Bank exchange it for silver.

After speculating on gold, it is natural to speculate on silver.

After speculating on silver, it is natural to exchange it against the US dollar.

At this time, the net assets in his hands had reached nearly 700 million oceans, or 500 million taels of silver.

In addition, Ping An Bank paid him another 60 yuan (land plus preliminary construction) to purchase the Ping An Bank Building under construction.

In the office of Ping An Bank, Chen Guangliang received the visiting Liu Hongsheng.

Recently, he put forward a 'business' to the Coal Industry Association - expressing his intention to sell 30% of the shares of Jiawang Coal Mine.

As the news came out, it attracted a lot of attention and inquiries.

Before the "January 30 Incident", Jiawang Coal Mine provided nearly 80 tons of coal to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, making a profit of about oceans; since the "January Incident", train transportation has become difficult, so now it is accumulating coal again.

However, coal is not afraid of accumulation. As long as transportation is freed up, it can be transported out and sold for money.

Liu Hongsheng asked tentatively, "Why did Mr. Chen think of selling the Jiawang Coal Mine?"

This young man never does business at a loss. Although he is generous in donating money, he is also very good at making money.

Jiawang Coal Mine is now in good momentum and occupies a place in the coal supply of Shanghai. Even if it misses the supply this summer, there will still be considerable inventory to supply the Shanghai market in winter.

Chen Guangliang said generously, "I'm annoyed that he's making money too slowly, so I want to withdraw my funds. Besides, the Jiawang Coal Mine is already on the right track, so I don't need any more advice."

Last winter, Jiawang Coal Mine not only made a fortune, but also established sales channels and gained a good reputation in the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Success and fame!

But in fact, Chen Guangliang knew one thing - once the armistice agreement was signed, Fushun Coal and Luanping Coal Mines would definitely move their coal mines to Shanghai because they had too much inventory; at the same time, with so many factories in Shanghai bombed, the demand for coal mines would also decrease.

Therefore, the coal business in Shanghai will fall into a trough in the short term.

Seeing Chen Guangliang's generous admission that the coal business was too slow to make money, Liu Hongsheng could only smile bitterly and said, "As a fellow industrialist, Mr. Chen always finds better ways to make money and go hand in hand with industry. I can't do that!"

Chen Guangliang said: "Risks and opportunities coexist. Finance is like the blood of industry, providing it with necessary capital, resource allocation and risk management services."

"Thank you for your advice," Liu Hongsheng said sincerely.

How can we not envy a genius like Chen Guangliang? Fortunately, Liu Hongsheng knows his own weight and is not sure about benchmarking against gold, government bonds, futures, etc.

So, it’s better not to touch those!
Chen Guangliang then said, "I invested in the Jiawang Coal Mine for a year. The total capital was 40 yuan borrowed from the bank, with an interest of 4 yuan. My original intention was not to make money, so I can sell it for 50 yuan."

His original intention in coal mining and sugar production was not to make money, but rather to believe in "saving the country through industry."

However, he cannot make a loss in business, which is the professional ethics of business.

Liu Hongsheng said in surprise: "Really?"

This price is very reasonable. After all, Jiawang Coal Mine still has a cash flow of 50 in its account and mining is normal.

Beforehand, he even thought about Chen Guangliang's offer of 60.

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "Of course it's true! But I remind Mr. Liu that the coal industry is risky, and the advantages of foreign coal are obvious, so after I sell it today, no matter what the future holds."

Say it clearly.

Invest if you are willing to invest.

Of course, the Jiawang Coal Mine couldn't lose money; it could make money by storing coal during the winter peak season, avoiding the dumping season of Fushun and Kailuan coal.

If you don't make money one year, you can make money the next year. This is actually a "market business".

Liu Hongsheng said directly: "Of course. The price Mr. Chen offered today was beyond my expectation. The risks of business should naturally be borne by oneself."

"Okay, we'll officially sign the contract tomorrow."

"Okay, Mr. Chen is a straightforward person."

Chen Guangliang called Xia Gaoxiang and Ye Ximing to his office.

"My personal deposits with Ping An Bank have reached 110 million taels (60 from the sale of the Ping An Bank building under construction, and 50 from the sale of my shares in the Jiawang Coal Mine). Ping An Bank is required to pay me 6% interest annually. Furthermore, the 150 million taels of capital invested by Ping An Bank has now appreciated to 168 million taels and can be sold. These two large sums of money can be invested entirely in government bonds; together with the 100 million taels I originally planned to invest in government bonds, a total of 380 million taels will be invested in government bonds."

Ping An Bank's deposits have climbed to around 480 million, its loans have reached around 70, and its capital is just over 100 million.

Today, government bonds alone account for about 80% of deposits, and it is obvious that Chen Guangliang is taking a gamble.

Xia Gaoxiang also understood this, but who asked his boss to have a deposit slip with a gold stamp of 250 million yuan to back up Ping An Bank?
So, he just said: "It's just that the working capital is only about 300,000. Isn't it too tight?"

Chen Guangliang said, "Don't worry about that. Once the Japanese troops withdraw from Shanghai, there will be a surge of 'hot money,' and the bank will no longer be short of money. So, we just need to continue to actively attract deposits. Also, my 250 million yuan in deposits are all in the safe, so they count as liquid capital that can be lent to the bank. If the Ping An Bank Building hadn't been built yet, these funds could be kept in our own safe outside."

Ye Ximing then said, "The Nanjing government has strictly ordered the bond exchange to open on May 5st. We can start buying at that time."

Chen Guangliang said, "That's right, and you don't need to buy all of it right away. No one expects government bonds to rebound in the short term, and panic is still there. So buying over two or three months is not a big deal, not all at once."

In this way, funds are also flowing.

Xia Gaoxiang continued, "There is indeed panic. Everyone is worried about the credibility of the Nanjing government."

Chen Guangliang leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs, and said, "When others panic, we should go crazy; when others go crazy, we should panic. Because, only a few people make money! The Nanjing government's regime is still very stable. They won't risk disrupting the financial market, otherwise they will have no supporters."

Xia Gaoxiang and Ye Ximing were shocked. They carefully recalled Chen Guangliang's "golden words" and remembered that their boss was a perennial winner in the financial market and a major industrialist with almost no debt.

"Understood"

After the two left, Chen Guangliang stretched his body and a smile appeared on his face.

This bank would become his most core industry. Before the issuance of the "legal currency", he wanted to establish Ping An Bank within the "Shanghai and Hong Kong" area and complete the Hong Kong registration and asset transfer in 1937.

That's why he invested in government bonds to increase his capital and credibility as quickly as possible.

As for before 1941, he could deposit his assets in American banks to preserve his wealth to the maximum extent.

In the evening, after getting off work, Chen Guangliang refused some unnecessary social engagements and rushed home.

On the way home, Chen Guangliang asked Zhou Xinggao to sit in the back seat, while Lin Feng still sat in the passenger seat and watched carefully.

"Brother Zhou, take your men to Hong Kong soon and establish a base. Also, I'll give you the contact information for the Oriental Daily News."

Zhou Xinggao asked, "Boss, are you planning to develop your business there, or is this a backup residence?"

During the "January 28 Incident", many people went there to seek refuge. After all, who knew whether Japan would completely occupy Shanghai and a nationwide war would break out.

Chen Guangliang said, "Both. Anyway, you should go over there and get familiar with it first. I'll let Guangcong go over there and play this summer."

Familiar with what?
Naturally, it is local transportation, architecture, and familiarity with local gang forces, etc.

Today, Chen Guangliang's security company has been used in all aspects, including security on ships, truck fleets, warehouses, communities, etc., and it already exists in the form of a company.

The entire team has more than 50 official bodyguards and some reserve bodyguards. The official bodyguards are fully armed - guns, bulletproof vests, daggers, etc.

The company has strict rules and regulations, a sound welfare system, and even psychology courses.

Chen Guangliang prioritized psychology, teaching it to everyone in his spare time. He never directly emphasized loyalty, but every word he said was implicit. All bodyguards' families lived in "family housing," and all enjoyed a pension system. Once a member of the Chen family, always a member.

Zhou Xinggao immediately said, "Okay, I'll take some people there to make the advance."

Chen Guangliang added, "Once everything is arranged, you can return. Leave a few smart people to continue familiarizing themselves with the local situation. It would be best if they could learn some Cantonese, build relationships with the locals, and recruit them into the company."

Zhou Xinggao nodded and replied, "Okay, I understand!"

Even his own brother was sent over, it seems the boss has predicted something.

At this time, Zhou Xinggao had only one belief - to sell himself to the Chen family for the rest of his life, and go wherever the boss went.

The reason now is very simple - the boss is a reincarnated Zhuge Liang, who seems to be able to predict future events, such as this time asking himself and Lin Feng to notify those factories to reduce China's losses by 50 to 60 million.

If I don't keep my loyalty to a person like this, I don't know whether my family of four can survive if war comes in the future!
Zhou Xinggao actually guessed one thing correctly: in the future, the number of people he would bring to Hong Kong could be hundreds or even thousands.

Of course, given the Chen family's wealth at the time, Hong Kong was merely a headquarters, with branches overseas as well. In this era, "retainers" were the most trustworthy individuals, potentially serving the family for generations to come.

Return to home on Weihai Road.

In early March, Chen Guangliang had already moved his family from their residence on Xiafei Road back to their large villa on Weihai Road.

After all, it is relatively safe.

What's more, in February, there were actually Japanese spies wandering outside his villa.

But it was obvious that the villa had tight security and the Japanese spies did not do anything.

Hearing the noise in the yard, Yan Renmei came out wearing the skirt of Zhongxi Girls' School, with a spring-like smile on her face, and walked towards Chen Guangliang.

Her steps are naturally those of a lady from a noble family, yet she also has a pure air.

"Brother Liang, don't you have any social engagements today?"

"They were all unnecessary social engagements, so I turned them down. Spending time with my family is more important."

With his current status, he had a lot of social engagements, but he was able to refuse many things. Even if Du Yuesheng invited him, he didn't always have to give face. For example, if he wanted to watch a play, he would refuse because he was not interested.

"Hehe, aren't you afraid that people will say you're indulging in the pleasures of life? It's inevitable for a man to have lots of social engagements!" Yan Renmei said deliberately.

It is certainly a good thing for a man to be home-loving, but her father is a negative example.

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "Whether it's a social event or a romantic getaway, I can certainly manage it. I'll skip useless social events. As for the romantic getaway, I'm afraid my little wife won't be able to handle it."

Yan Renmei blushed, took Chen Guangliang's arm, tiptoed lightly, and whispered coquettishly: "My mother-in-law asked me about the child, and it's you!"

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "Okay, we'll take it now!"

Yang Hui is a traditional woman after all, but she didn't dare to mention this matter in front of Chen Guangliang, and could only tell it in front of Yan Renmei.

Yan Renmei already wanted a child at this time, after all, the situation was like this - not to mention her mother-in-law was anxious, even her father and stepmother were anxious.

After a while, the family of four had dinner together.

During the dinner, Chen Guangliang gave a rare compliment: "Guangcong did a great job in helping the refugees this time!"

Chen Guangcong immediately put down his chopsticks and said respectfully, "It's all thanks to my brother's teaching. I'm just borrowing your wealth and power to do what I can."

Chen Guangliang gestured for him to continue eating and said, "This summer, you will go to Hong Kong for me to get familiar with the local customs and people. You will also do some research on the local economy, politics, and ports. In short, you will stay there for two months."

In 1914, Chen Guangcong was already 18 years old and it was time for him to have more contact with society.

Yang Hui was stunned and couldn't help asking, "Where is Hong Kong? Why haven't I heard of it?"

Chen Guangcong quickly said: "In Guangdong Province, it is equivalent to our concession, and it is managed by the British."

Yang Hui said worriedly, "It's so far away, and your brother has never been far away. Will it delay your work?"

Chen Guangcong knew what to say without Chen Guangliang saying much.

"Mom, I'm already eighteen. My brother came to Shanghai to work when he was fourteen. Besides, he has a business there!"

As far as he knew, the Oriental Daily had a branch in the local area and the shipping company also had an office there, so he could go there and join these two companies first.

Chen Guangliang was pleased with his brother's performance and said to Yang Hui, "I've arranged for the security company to go there first to familiarize themselves with the situation. Guangcong will have someone to pick him up when he gets there. Besides, I can't leave right now. If he doesn't go, if the Japanese attack Shanghai again, we won't even have a place to stay."

Yang Hui was startled and said, "The Japanese are going to attack Shanghai again?"

Chen Guangliang said: "I am just using an analogy. A cunning rabbit has three burrows. This time many people also knew to seek refuge in Hong Kong."

Yang Hui said, "Oh, then Guangcong, go over there and study hard, and don't cause trouble!"

What does it mean to not cause trouble!
He is the one who works hard at this family, otherwise how can he raise his younger brother?

Chen Guangcong immediately said, "Mom, don't worry, I'm an adult now!"

After dinner, Chen Guangliang took Yan Renmei to the third floor.

"Brother Liang, I still have homework!"

"Okay, I'll wait for you!"

Yan Renmei took out the textbooks from Zhongxi Girls' Middle School and did her homework in Chen Guangliang's study.

The study is also her study, and they both have a desk. It’s not that there is not enough space on the third floor, but that Chen Guangliang is also Yan Renmei’s tutor.

Although Chen Guangliang had never been to school in this world, he only needed to take a look at the textbooks of Zhongxi Girls' Middle School and learn them thoroughly.

"Brother Liang, please help me with my English. I'm good at everything else!"

"Um"

Yan Renmei is the top student in the class, but her English is not so good.

Chen Guangliang had a certain foundation in English in his previous life, but his real English level was acquired through learning in this life "due to the pressure of life". In that time, he learned in three months what was equivalent to three years of learning in his previous life.

“The headmaster hurried to the concert hall only _________ the speaker”

A. to find; left B. to find; gone
C. finding; left D. finding; gone
"Brother Liang, is B the right choice?"

"Yes, when the infinitive expresses a result, B conforms to find + object + adjective (complement), which expresses a state."

"That's right. Read it to me again so I can hear if I'm reading it correctly."

Chen Guangliang’s pronunciation must be accurate, and he is now preparing to learn speech-style English.

But while he was tutoring Yan Renmei in English, he couldn't help but put his hands into Yan Renmei's clothes. The youthful Republic of China uniform skirt made him want to make some mistakes.

"Brother Liang, wait a little longer!"

"Just do your thing. If you don't understand, ask me."

Yan Renmei was helpless. This man was really one person outside and another at home, but she enjoyed it very much.

It’s different. Yan Renmei is already in a state of confusion and can’t learn English at all.

"Brother Liang, shall we go back to the room?"

"No rush. I think a couple should have some romance occasionally. Let's continue checking the English."

Yan Renmei suddenly became shy. She saw that the man was already sitting on her chair, and she could only sit in the man's arms.

After a while, the two of them had completed their reconciliation in the study;

After a while, the two returned to the bedroom to continue making love;
"Brother Liang, was I pregnant just now?" Yan Renmei felt the impact from deep inside for the first time and couldn't help but ask with joy.

"Given my physical condition, I should be pregnant!" Chen Guangliang said confidently.

"My health has improved. I don't know why, but since I started living with you, I feel like my health is getting better and better."

Is there such a thing?

However, Chen Guangliang had already discovered that Yan Renmei's skin was getting better and better.

Apparently, his genes also improved Yan Renmei's genes through saliva and the like.

"Well, this is your husband's secret, don't tell your friends!"

Yan Renmei said shyly: "Who wants to talk to them about this? They are just curious!"

Women of every era are like this!
Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "It's better not to talk about it anyway."

Yan Renmei lay in his arms and asked curiously, "You arranged for Guangcong to go to Hong Kong. Will we all go to Hong Kong in the future?"

Seeing this, Chen Guangliang, considering that Yan Renmei might soon become pregnant with his child, said, "I have a feeling that Japan will fully invade China one day. Given our national strength, we'll probably have to mobilize the entire nation to resist. If we can't hold the coastal areas, the Central Plains will also have to mobilize the entire nation to resist. Then, we'll have no choice but to avoid war. So, I'll settle my family in Hong Kong, Chongqing, and even the United States."

Yan Renmei knew that her husband's analysis was always accurate, so she asked worriedly, "What if we can't defeat Japan?"

Chen Guangliang said: "No, we Chinese will not become slaves of a conquered nation. We will definitely be able to resist successfully."

Yan Renmei looked at her confident husband and felt relieved. She said, "It's great to have you here!"

Chen Guangliang stroked her smooth lower body and said, "In short, the war of resistance is our men's business, but you have to protect yourself and our children and support what I want to do."

Even though Yan Renmei was filled with endless worries at this moment, she said firmly, "Well, I can do it."

Chen Guangliang comforted him again: "Don't worry, I'm just worried and taking precautions. This time, we may be able to have peace for several years, and we can have and raise children in peace."

Yan Renmei then asked, "Four?"

"Um"

“You need a son.”

Yan Renmei also made mistakes. She was the victim of her father's preference for boys over girls, but now she takes the initiative to bring up this topic.

"Whether to have a boy or girl is determined by a man's genes, so it's none of his business. By the way, since we're going to have a child, I have something special to say to you. Just remember it."

"Um"

"Remember, if one day you want to take your children to settle down in Hong Kong, real estate investment is the most stable. Don't leave under any circumstances. At most, invest in overseas locations. Don't ask why, this is my secret."

Yan Renmei saw Chen Guangliang's serious expression, and although these words were a bit strange, she still nodded seriously.

"I'll listen to you. But where are you going?"

"Silly girl, of course I will go with you, but you just have to remember what I just said!"

"Yeah, I took note of it!"

If he didn't have children, Chen Guangliang wouldn't be so worried.

But now that he was starting to have children, he naturally had to arrange things perfectly. After all, there were risks in this era. If he suddenly passed away one day, he would already have bloodlines in this world, and the situation would be different.

(End of this chapter)