A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Chapter 263 Anticipation of War Profits
It was already December, the coldest month of the year, but in the Chen family villa, there was a warm gas stove, and the house was cozy.

The rich of this era have already enjoyed the scientific revolution of "warm in winter and cool in summer".

Heating in the modern sense originated in Europe. As the Industrial Revolution unfolded, the invention of the steam engine spurred the development of the boiler manufacturing industry. Central heating systems, using boilers as heat sources and steam or hot water as heat media, emerged in 19th-century Europe. The first person to install heating systems in their homes was the renowned Scottish inventor James Watt. Yes, the same Watt who invented the steam engine. Watt installed a high-pressure steam pipeline throughout his home and constructed a radiator from welded copper plates.

In 1925, Lu Xun talked about the hard work of serving people in his article "Smart People, Fools and Slaves", saying that they had to "burn gas stoves in winter and use fans in summer", which shows that gas stoves had become a common heating appliance used by the rich.

Of course, this era also had central air conditioning systems and used deep water wells as cooling systems.

In the evening, a family of four had dinner.

Yang Hui suddenly said, "Guangliang, you're a well-known figure in Shanghai now. Isn't it time for you to go back to Cixi and build a large ancestral hall or a family home to bring honor to your family?"

There is some truth in this statement. After all, in this era, people value returning home in glory. But in fact, Chen Guangliang has never returned to Ningbo.

Chen Guangliang said bluntly, "In wartime, if you build an ancestral hall, you're a sitting duck. If you build an ancestral home, it's a weapon others can use against you. So it's better not to build it! As for what mother said about bringing honor to our family, I donated over 100,000 yuan to my hometown this year to benefit the folks. That's all for now."

When it comes to charity, such as building roads and bridges in his hometown or disaster relief, he never misses any of them, because he believes that these are things that can benefit the people of his hometown right now and should be done.

As for the ancestral hall and ancestral house, Chen Guangliang didn't believe they could have survived until 1978. The ancestral graves had to be dug up, that was certain.

Yang Hui didn't understand why her son thought so for a moment, but after all, she was not the head of the family, so she just said, "If your first child is born, you will have to return to your hometown to worship your ancestors. Having a decent ancestral house or ancestral hall is always a good thing."

Chen Guangliang insisted on his opinion and said, "Don't bother. Besides, if my hometown cares about me, we will naturally be welcomed when we return. It has nothing to do with the ancestral home and the ancestral hall. Now is a time of national poverty, so it is not appropriate to start large-scale construction. But don't worry, mother. If there is any need in my hometown, I will always donate."

With an attitude of putting public interests above personal interests, Yang Hui didn't dare to say anything more!

She actually wanted to return home in glory and show off.

In fact, when his fellow townsmen came to Shanghai, Chen Guangliang would always help them - at least they could find a place to stay and a job.

Chen Guangliang has lived up to his country and his hometown, and can be said to have a clear conscience.

Almost no industrialist can afford to donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to charity every year.

Of course, industrialists provide jobs, which is also a kind of return to society.

Yan Renmei suddenly said, "Of course, large-scale construction is wrong, but some minor repairs are acceptable. How about having Guangcong return home this year to help with the project, and then commissioning someone to build it? It doesn't need to be extravagant, but it's still acceptable."

Chen Guangcong immediately sat up straight and waited for his elder brother to speak!

"Alright. Guangcong, when you return, keep a low profile and don't get complacent. Also, I'll entrust a few mature and reliable fellow villagers to help me, so be sure not to waste money."

Chen Guangliang changed his attitude, which surprised Yang Hui. She realized that her mother's words were no longer as effective as her wife's.

"My wife is the one who speaks so well. I don't want to be extravagant."

"What my mother said makes sense, and what my husband said makes sense, so if we compromise, it will work out in the end."

These words made Yang Hui very happy.

Chen Guangliang was actually happy to see this scene, and the tens of thousands of dollars were worth it.

Chen Guangliang himself is not particularly fond of ostentatious wealthy businessmen, otherwise the Chen villa should be built bigger and more luxurious.

But he is by no means a "stingy" person. He is very generous in helping his compatriots and fellow townsmen.

night.

Yan Renmei lay in Chen Guangliang's arms and said, "Brother Liang, will you blame me for acting on my own today?"

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "Why are you surprised? What you said makes a lot of sense. In fact, I oppose large-scale construction of ancestral halls and ancestral houses because I know that China's environment is unstable. Not to mention that the world is not peaceful, we have the hungry wolf of Japan surrounding us, and there is also the struggle between the two factions in our country. Therefore, building these things will only make us targets of attack."

Yan Renmei suddenly thought of something and asked, "Will this really develop?"

Chen Guangliang asked, "Do you think there are more poor people or more rich people?"

“Naturally, there are more poor people.”

"That's right, I always feel that way. Of course, this is a possibility, but maybe I'm thinking too far ahead."

Yan Renmei asked curiously: "Wouldn't it be great if the country was like this? The poor could also have it."

Chen Guangliang nodded directly and said, "Of course, such a country is good, but it's not good for us rich people, because we have to share our wealth with them, and we also have to... You just remember this, and don't say anything nonsense outside. In short, we are not bad people, but we are not saints either."

Yan Renmei hugged him tighter, and said with a trembling voice: "It's great to have you around."

Ping An Bank Building.

In the office building of Global Shipping, Chen Guangliang was looking through the assets of Global Shipping.

At present, Global Shipping (including Jinshan Shipping) has a total of 9 ships, of which three are registered in Guangzhou Bay (Zhanjiang French Concession), namely two 5000-ton second-hand ships and one 950-ton second-hand ship; of which six are registered in Shanghai, namely four 5000-ton second-hand ships, a 16-year-old 5050-ton ship, and a 3030-ton second-hand ship.

There are nine ships in total, six of which are second-hand ships with a value of 300 million oceans (10 to 12 US dollars), and the remaining three ships are worth less than 60 in total. The value of the ships alone is as high as 360 million oceans.

From September last year to now, the profit will be over 9 million. After deducting the three ships purchased, there is still a cash flow of 100.

At first glance, the rate of return is around 50% (calculated based on a total investment of 200 million), but you can’t be too happy too soon.

First, hauling sugarcane in Guangdong Province is the biggest source of profit. However, starting in the second half of this year, they will only use a single 5000-ton vessel from Jinshan Shipping, with all other business allocated to other shipping companies. Apparently, they believe Chen Guangliang has earned his fair share. By next year, it's likely that even a single vessel will be less busy, as sugarcane plantings begin and imports decrease.

Secondly, the first and second routes have maintained stable profits, but with the upcoming entry of a new competitor, China Merchants, this will inevitably be affected. Finally, the two coal-hauling ships, while not making much money, are at least busy. However, the dumping of Kailuan coal is almost over, so the business is not expected to be as busy.

Due to various reasons, the shipping situation next year (1933) is not optimistic!

"Boss, it's time for the meeting!"

"Okay, I'll come right away"

After a while, Chen Guangliang walked into the conference room, and some management of Global Shipping and Jinshan Shipping were already seated.

"How's the situation over in Guangzhou Bay?"

Wu Hao, the manager of Jinshan Shipping, immediately reported: "The Jinshi (950-ton vessel) has established itself on the regular route between Guangzhou Bay and Hong Kong, and business is showing good growth."

Chen Guangliang interrupted and asked, "What is the situation of the main competition?"

Wu Hao immediately said, "This route is a new one. After all, they are all part of the concession, originally a direct trade zone with other cities. Now that new routes have been opened, the newcomers are basically Chinese capital (foreign capital is looked down upon). A local entrepreneur named Xu Aizhou bought a ship, the Jewel, and has also started a regular route. He is our main competitor. However, everyone is living in peace. After all, now is the time for each of us to conquer the city. Others."

Chen Guangliang has been to Guangzhou Bay twice.

The reason for choosing this place was mainly due to the relationship between Japan and France, which could last until 1941; secondly, Guangzhou Bay could facilitate transportation to the southwestern provinces. When the southeast fell one after another in 1938, the southwest was short of supplies, and Guangzhou Bay was an ideal transportation hub.

Since 1938, China's periphery has been blocked, and the southwestern provinces have become the best transportation routes. Even going from Hong Kong to Chongqing requires sea and land transportation in the southwest.

Therefore, Chen Guangliang is determined to open up this road, and land transportation must be prepared in advance.

"Go on"

Wu Hao nodded and continued, "The ships on the route from Guangzhou Bay to the southwest and then to Southeast Asia are currently operating poorly and can only barely operate. The other ship transporting sugarcane is operating normally and making good profits, but Guangdong Province now mostly rents its own ships and will probably cancel our transportation business in the future. Essentially, there's no problem with the route; it's mainly because our ships are too large. If the ships from Guangzhou Bay to the southwestern provinces were one or two thousand tons, they could operate very well."

Chen Guangliang also understands these principles!

At present, supplies for the southwestern provinces are mainly transported by ships departing from Shanghai, Qingdao and Tianjin, and it is not yet the turn of Guangzhou Bay to become a transportation hub.

He immediately said, "Then we will purchase two more ships of one to two thousand tons. The large ships will be used for transportation on non-fixed routes first, and I will make my own arrangements later."

In general, after transporting this batch of sugarcane, the capital of the two 5000-ton ships has been recovered (calculated at a cost of US$6.5 per ship).

This return efficiency is extremely high, thanks to business opportunities and the discovery of ships.

Wu Hao said happily: "Okay"

Two ships of one to two thousand tons, with a fixed route from Guangzhou Bay to the southwestern provinces, are just right.

Next.

Zhao Tieyi reported, "Global Shipping is mainly concerned about the challenges on the first and second routes. If China Merchants Group really arranges four 3,000-ton ships, we'll be affected by at least 20% to 30%. If we can replace two of the ships and use 3,000-ton ships as fixed vessels for one of the routes, the situation may be better."

They all thought the boat was too big.

Regarding fixed routes, there is generally greater competition and more stable business, so 3,000 tons is sufficient for coastal transportation.

As for ships of more than 5000 tons, they are naturally the best choice for non-fixed routes. Sometimes when we receive a job, we wish our ship could carry double the load.

Chen Guangliang then said, "Let's keep it running for now. Once China Merchants Group joins these two-day routes, we'll decide on adding two 3,000-ton ships. Large ships are never a burden. Once the European and American economies recover, our large ships can also go to Europe and the United States."

Everyone was surprised, and Zhao Tieyi said directly, "I'm afraid it will be difficult. Our own coastal routes are not advantageous, and Europe and the United States will not trust our fleet."

This is true and not an exaggeration.

But Chen Guangliang asked in return: "If I lease the ship to European and American shipping companies on a one-year or three-year lease, do you think they would be willing?"

Everyone thought about it seriously, and then their expressions began to change.

One manager said: "Our ships are all good, high-quality, large ships, and our seafarers' salaries are very low. As long as the price is right and the European and American economies recover, this kind of leasing method can be used. However, in this case, the rent will definitely not be very high!"

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "It's better than nothing. This is a workaround. Our primary goal now is to improve the quality and skills of our seafarers and train senior Chinese seafarers. It's very necessary."

This was a long-term plan: in the 1930s, he would rent the ships cheaply to British shipping companies to open up this channel; when Britain entered the Second World War, the six ships in his hands could be immediately rented to the British government and shipping companies at high prices. By then, he would have made money and gained favors.

Making money from war is definitely a very profitable business. In his previous life, Onassis really rose to prominence at that time.

Although there are risks, British insurance companies and the British government will definitely protect his interests because this is a "godsend".

Therefore, these six ships are the "foundation" of his shipping empire.

Zhao Tieyi said: "At present, our seafarer training has made good progress. If we don't need to consider transoceanic voyages, our own seafarers can form an all-Chinese crew along the coast of China."

Wu Hao added: "I think Southeast Asia is also possible. An all-Chinese team is no problem."

When Global Shipping was founded, it also had a training course for "senior seafarers". These colleges all have very high academic qualifications. Now that Global Shipping has been in operation for almost two years, it is inevitable that it has achieved such results.

Chen Guangliang nodded and said, "Then we should strive to be able to sail across the ocean in two years. We must train China's senior ocean-going seafarers. This is inevitable."

"Yes"

Purchasing new second-hand ships and training senior seafarers have become the next focus of work.

(End of this chapter)