A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Chapter 254 Brother-in-law, I’m Tired
The "share expansion" operation of Times Pictures was successfully completed. 1000 new shares were issued, raising 20 yuan in funds. At the same time, Chen Guangliang invited Kong Xiangxi to subscribe and invited him to serve as a director of Times Pictures. Kong Xiangxi readily agreed.

This move is aimed at adding bureaucratic capital to Times Pictures. In this way, Times Pictures has become the background of "Jiangsu and Zhejiang consortium" and "bureaucratic capital".

After the IPO was completed, Times Pictures formed a new board of directors with a total of 11 members, including Chen Guangliang, Zhuang Zhujiu, Sheng Qi, Kong Xiangxi, Lu Hanzhang, Wang Tianbei, Ren Pengnian and others.

Of course, Kong Xiangxi would not attend the board of directors, but he had an agent for the family business, so he could naturally delegate someone, and what Times Pictures wanted was just this title.

On this day, Chen Guangliang convened a high-level meeting of Times Pictures to determine the next development direction.

He began by saying, "Before major developments, we must first clarify the principles and slogans of Times Pictures to ensure our overall development direction. Therefore, I would like to propose sixteen words for everyone to discuss: Revitalize Chinese films, promote business, promote culture, and enlighten the people."

Ren Pengnian, the renowned director, then asked, "Isn't there a conflict between promoting business and promoting culture?"

Chen Guangliang said: "Culture is not art. I don't pursue art. What I mean by culture is our traditional Chinese culture - including martial arts, drama, etc."

Everyone suddenly realized that Times Pictures was preparing a new type of movie recently - a drama movie, and was going to shoot "Xi Shi" and present it in a dramatic way (of course it was also chosen by Chen Guangliang).

In fact, the so-called sixteen-character policy can be summed up in two words: "business", but it cannot be so direct to the outside world.

Lu Hanzhang said, "Okay, I think these sixteen-character guidelines and slogans can be made public."

Facts have proven that no one understands movies better than the boss. "Huo Yuanjia" and "Fist of Fury" have become representative works in the history of Chinese cinema.

Everyone agreed, after all, Chen Guangliang had the most say in this matter.

Lu Hanzhang then said, "If Times Pictures wants to develop into a dominant force in the film industry, it needs to vigorously recruit talented individuals. I hope this aspect will receive greater attention. I suggest that we also establish a branch in Peking and set up actor training classes."

The success of the two films and the support of the foundation have enabled everyone to take bigger steps.

Of course, Chen Guangliang said directly: "I think it is more comprehensive to have Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong as bases. We can also set up a branch in Hong Kong to attract outstanding talents and even shoot Cantonese films."

Currently, some of the professional talents of Times Pictures were acquired through the acquisition of film companies, some were hired with high salaries, and some were trained by themselves.

Lu Hanzhang said: "The Nanjing government prohibits Cantonese films from being released outside of Guangdong Province. They can only be released in Hong Kong, Guangdong Province and overseas markets."

Chen Guangliang nodded and said, "It's enough. What's more, Hong Kong's geographical location is relatively good. During the January 28 Incident, didn't the people from Mingxing and Tianyi flee to Hong Kong? Therefore, Hong Kong's status should be higher than that of Beijing. In fact, we should be ranked third in Beijing."

Everyone was shocked. It seemed that the boss had decided to establish a large-scale film company spanning Asia.

Of course, we have the ability.

"Huo Yuanjia" and "Fist of Fury" are invincible in Southeast Asia, and the buyouts are getting higher and higher.

This year, Times Pictures has plans for three more films - "Once Upon a Time in China 1", "Hung Hei-gun" and "Diao Chan". The first two will continue to be kung fu films, while the latter will be a drama film.

Times Pictures takes the path of commercial films, which is obviously a bit different in this era full of art films.

However, Chen Guangliang felt that if "Burning of the Red Lotus Temple" could be a huge hit, then kung fu movies would definitely be even more popular.

What's more, these films incorporate national and ethnic elements and should be more popular.

Next.

It’s the cinema division’s turn to plan.

Zhuang Zhujiu said: "Times Cinema is currently focusing on 'differentiated' expansion, pursuing investments in third- and fourth-run cinemas. We were particularly keen to invest in areas like Zhabei, which were left with significant market vacancies after the bombing. We anticipate having five third- and fourth-run cinemas soon."

A three- or four-run cinema requires little investment; tens of thousands of dollars is enough to invest in one.

Chen Guangliang nodded and said, "The differentiation strategy is correct. In fact, we don't have much of a problem with cinemas. After all, Lu Gen, a Guangdong businessman, owns a number of cinemas across the country, and we could strengthen cooperation. However, he lacks a film studio. So, when it comes to cinema expansion, I will manage the funds. The most urgent task is to expand the film division."

"it is good"

Currently, the asset value of Times Pictures is about two million, but it is still not as good as that of Lianhua and Mingxing Film Company.

But it doesn’t matter. We will catch up with them next year. Chen Guangliang has many tricks up his sleeve.

Next year, we will go to Hong Kong to purchase land and set up a branch factory.

The first weekend of August.

Chen Guangliang brought Yan Renmei to the Shangri-La Hotel to spend the weekend. Yan Renmei also invited a group of young ladies with her, which made Chen Guangliang feel very lucky.

It was obvious that the eight beautiful girls from Zhongxi also liked him as their "brother-in-law", so it was normal for them to invite him to dance.

Surrounded by beautiful women, Chen Guangliang remained calm, his eyes focused on Yan Renmei. What was the point of thinking about that? The girls here all advocated "modern marriage," so who would be willing to be a concubine?

During this time, Shen Youfen suddenly said, "Hey, why didn't anyone invite my brother-in-law to dance today? In the past, everyone always rushed to invite him first!"

Could it be that this woman really turned from love to hate?

When Chen Guangliang first met the "Four Beauties", Shen Youfen was indeed the best to him and seemed to be close to him.

But Chen Guangliang just happened to fall in love with Yan Renmei, the girl who had the least interest in him at that time.

Zhang Hanfen smiled and said, "He's tired of it. My brother-in-law only has eyes for Renmei, and dancing with us is just for show. Besides, we often come to the Shangri-La Hotel, and the band has never changed. Oh, it's getting a bit boring!"

Originally, Chen Guangliang would not care about such topics, nor would he get involved. He would sit for a while and then chat with the management and inspect the hotel.

But Zhang Hanfen's words made Chen Guangliang alert. The Shangri-La Hotel had been open for a year and a half. Could it be that the same old jazz band would make people tired?
"Are you really tired of it?"

Zhang Hanfen quickly said, "I'm kidding. Business here is so brisk. It's a very interesting place in Shanghai. How could I get tired of it?"

Chen Guangliang said, "I want to hear the truth. Just think of me as doing market research."

Now, everyone started to participate with great interest, and the feedback was indeed a bit tiresome.

"Okay, I've taken your feedback into account. We'll have some improvements soon, so stay tuned."

Zhang Hanfen quickly asked, "What kind of change is it? Can you tell me?"

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "Just wait and see. After all, I can't possibly have a perfect solution right now."

He needed a gimmick, and the last thing he lacked was gimmicks.

When the girls heard this, they didn't take it seriously.

Chen Guangliang then stood up and went to the hotel's administrative office.

He first wrote furiously the lyrics to "Rose, Rose, I Love You"—Rose, rose, most beautiful, rose, rose, most gorgeous, blooming on branches in the long summer, rose, rose, I love you; rose, rose, deep in affection, rose, rose, deep in affection, blooming among thorns in the long summer, rose, rose, I love you; the heart's vow, the heart's affection, its holy light shines upon the earth.
After humming it for a bit, I felt like I was missing some of the lyrics. After all, this is too old and my memory might not be very good.

But it should be enough, after all, this is the style and melody we want.

"Boss, look for me!"

Soon, Gao Zhichao arrived at the office. As a manager, it was the busiest weekend, so naturally he couldn't rest.

"Well, I think our hotel should proactively seek breakthroughs. After all, the International Hotel on the 'Northern Four Banks' has already begun construction and is expected to open by the end of 1934. The Yangtze Hotel has also begun construction and will likely open in 1934. In two years, the hotel industry will be packed with strong players!"

Currently, among the luxury hotels in Shanghai, the Chinachem Hotel ranks first, the Shangri-La Hotel ranks second, and the third and fourth are the Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai and the Hui Hotel.

The 1930s was the most prosperous era for Shanghai, with four major dance halls emerging one after another and luxury hotels also making their debut.

The high competitive pressure also reflects the economic development of Shanghai in the 1930s. Although there were some minor fluctuations, the overall economic development was still strong.

Gao Zhichao immediately said, "We will strive for excellence in service. We will also strictly control quality. Some time ago, Americans visited our hotel's kitchen and gave it high praise, deeming it a good choice for American dining."

Americans have a characteristic when choosing a restaurant. They will send people to visit and inspect the restaurant's kitchen and check whether the tap water is up to standard. If their random inspection finds that the water is unqualified, they will directly notify all overseas Chinese - this restaurant is on the dining blacklist.

Chen Guangliang said with satisfaction: "We emphasized these when we opened the business. Persistence is our original intention. But what I said is that I want to promote Shangri-La. Look, this is a song."

After a while, Gao Zhichao picked up the manuscript and started reading it.

"The lyrics are well-written, but the tune still needs to be composed by professionals. The Mingyue Song and Dance Troupe, founded by Li Jinhui in Shanghai, might be able to accomplish this task."

Chen Guangliang asked, "Is it the song and dance troupe with Zhou Xuan?"

He asked the question simply from memory.

Gao Zhichao nodded and said, "Yes, but Zhou Xuan is only twelve or thirteen years old. I'm afraid she can't sing this song."

awkward.

Fortunately, Zhou Xuan had already released songs and was somewhat famous, otherwise Gao Zhichao would not have known about this matter.

Chen Guangliang said directly: "Then you can just find someone to sing. Now I will teach you the style of the melody. Remember it well. Rose, rose is the most beautiful, rose, rose is the most gorgeous."

Before Gao Zhichao could react, he heard the boss singing. Just listening to this song was like a king bomb in this era.

After a long while, Gao Zhichao said, "Boss, has the music for this song been composed?"

Chen Guangliang said, "That's about right. Anyway, let's commission Li Jinhui to compose it, have a female singer sing it, pay her some money, and use it as our hotel's signature song."

Gao Zhichao replied, "Boss, the music for this song has already been composed, so of course the ownership should belong to us. We can hire someone from Li Jinhui to sing it, and we'll only pay the singing fee, but they can't perform the song elsewhere. Besides, the melody is already there, so we can just have the band play it directly. And then, once it's recorded, it'll still be ours."

Chen Guangliang was too lazy to bother and said, "You can do whatever you want. I'll teach you, and then you can figure out how to do it. But don't mention me. Just give Li Jinhui the credit for the lyrics and music!"

It's a bit awkward to teach a man to sing, but fortunately the melody of this song is simple.

Gao Zhichao also learned it quickly and said, "I'll play it for you after I finish recording the record."

"Row"

For this song, the female singer will be invited to perform at the Shangri-La Hotel, and then the Shangri-La Hotel will become a "net celebrity place" in Shanghai.

When Chen Guangliang went downstairs again, the sisters were chatting happily. Seeing Chen Guangliang coming, they did not hesitate to greet him.

This fully demonstrates that as long as a best friend’s boyfriend is handsome and talented enough, he will definitely be liked by all the best friends.

Chen Guangliang took the initiative to invite Yan Renmei to dance, as she was three months pregnant and needed proper exercise.

"Brother Liang, did you come up with any good idea just now?" Yan Renmei leaned against Chen Guangliang and asked curiously.

"A song I wrote for you. I plan to invite a female singer to perform here later. I'll sing it for you."

Since it has been plagiarized, in addition to making money, you naturally need to show off.

The more Yan Renmei listened, the more delighted she became. Her beautiful eyes showed tenderness and love, like a little girl who had been coaxed into letting herself be manipulated.

"Brother Liang, is this really a gift for me?"

"Well, it's for you, but you have to take it out for everyone to enjoy."

"Thank you, Brother Liang. I love this song so much. I knew you were talented, but I didn't expect you to be this talented. I don't know what else you can't do!"

"Haha, no rush. You have plenty of time to get to know me."

The two walked off the stage in a loving manner and returned to their seats. The other girls couldn't help but feel envious and jealous.

In the new week, Chen Guangliang came to Zhabei and inspected the Vitasoy factory under construction.

Because the factory on Yuyuan Road was bombed, Vitasoy bought more than 20 acres of land here at a low price (6 yuan) after the Japanese left Zhabei and built a larger factory.

Currently, Vitasoy's factory in southern Shanghai produces 'Vitasoy' and 'soy milk powder', but the output has been reduced significantly.

The new factory covers an area of ​​23 acres of land and will be built into a one-story factory building as quickly as possible. The entire construction period is expected to be 4 months. In addition, after the mechanical equipment is debugged, it is expected to be put into production at the beginning of next year.

"We have reached an agreement with a foreign company on the purchase of relevant equipment, and it is expected to arrive in Shanghai in the fall. The new equipment and machinery can produce 24 bottles per day 5 hours a day. At that time, we can directly supply cities within kilometers; at the same time, the production of soy milk powder can be doubled." Chief Technical Engineer Wu Guangsheng reported on the side.

Vitasoy has accumulated a lot of wealth over the years, and the losses from this bombing were less than 80,000 oceans. Not only can they recover immediately, but they can also expand their scale directly.

Today, Vitasoy has become a popular beverage. Before the January 3 Incident, daily sales reached 15 bottles (including in surrounding cities, with a shelf life of 400 days). Soy milk powder has also become a must-have gift during festivals and is popular among families with an annual income of over yuan.

Of course, after the January 172 Incident, there were wage cuts everywhere. The average annual salary of ordinary workers was originally 133 yuan, but now it has dropped to only yuan. (Some prices are also falling)
Vitasoy has just experienced layoffs, laying off 2 employees at once. However, Chen Guangliang agreed to subsidize two months' salary (24 yuan), making it the most generous factory among many companies in laying off employees. Even the Commercial Press only compensated 15 yuan.

In this era, there are various labor unions, and if you are not careful, protests and strikes will occur.
Entrepreneurs also have a difficult time. Foreign companies are frantically lowering prices, and Chinese companies can only follow suit. But where does the money come from? The best way is to cut wages, otherwise they will go bankrupt.

On the one hand, there is oppression from foreign companies, and on the other hand, the Chinese people are cursing the capitalists, so there are quite a few factories that have closed down in this wave, and so many workers have become unemployed.

Ultimately, it is the fragility of China Industrial.

Vitasoy's new factory did not purchase much machinery and equipment, so they organized a "cost-saving" method, which was to divide the work into three shifts - the machines kept running and the workers took turns to work. In this way, they could save a lot of money on machinery and equipment.

After all, the relocation was to take place in 1937, so Chen Guangliang had to make some plans.

"The reason the new factory is so large is because I want to develop new products. Have you ever tried British milk candy? I plan to develop a White Rabbit milk candy. Later, you can organize a project team to research this product."

Chen Shiyuan nodded and said, "Okay, the price of domestic sugar is bound to fall now, and the Chinese people will no longer be short of sugar."

"Huaxia Sugar Industry", founded by Chen Guangliang, not only provides the strategic product of white sugar, but also provides a strategic product - alcohol.

The alcohol factory is a supporting facility of the sugar factory, and alcohol can be used as gasoline. It was an important strategic material during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

After the Chinese had sufficient experience in sugar production, even if the equipment was bombed, they could quickly organize and set up sugar-making enterprises in the rear. Not to mention, the Sichuan region was rarely affected by the Yangtang, so the sugar industry was also very good.

(End of this chapter)