A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

mid-December.

The Spring Festival of 1934 arrived, and this year's Spring Festival was fully liberalized. After several years of struggle, the Nanjing government was no longer able to suppress the people's desire to celebrate the Spring Festival.

For the New Year’s Eve dinner, the Chen family still chose to have it in a private room at the Shangri-La Hotel.

This year, the protagonist is Chen Wenjie, who has become one year old and is loved by everyone.

After a while of excitement, Yang Xiuying looked around and asked, "Hey, where's my second cousin?"

Yan Renmei jokingly said, "You're still calling me second cousin, now you can open your mouth!"

The couple's wedding has been scheduled for September this year.

Yang Xiuying said carelessly: "We haven't gotten married yet. And after we get married, we can still call him that. He is my second cousin anyway!"

Chen Guangliang immediately said seriously: "After you get married, you are a member of our Chen family. You can't do anything nonsense."

Yang Xiuying suddenly shrank her neck and dared not make another sound.

The second cousin spoils her, but the eldest cousin does not spoil her.

Although she will become his brother's wife in the future, Chen Guangliang treats his younger brother like his "son", and Yang Xiuying is also Chen Guangliang's cousin, who he watched grow up.

Then Chen Guangliang said, "I've arranged for him to work for me. He has to go to Hong Kong. He'll have to work hard this Spring Festival and won't be able to celebrate."

When everyone heard this, they did not think that Chen Guangliang was unreasonable, because in everyone's opinion, the fact that Chen Guangcong could recommend Chen Guangliang to do things showed that his younger brother had been recognized.

You know, over the years, everyone has figured out Chen Guangliang's temper. When it comes to relatives and friends from Ningbo who come to Shanghai for refuge, he always relies on their abilities. Those with poor abilities will be made ordinary workers and employees; those with good abilities will be promoted slightly to become small managers; if anyone relies on being a relative of Chen Guangliang to do evil, he will be fired directly, and Chen Guangliang himself does not care.

Chen Guangcong could not celebrate the Spring Festival at this time because of the special nature of this transportation. He had to transport 400 million taels of silver to Hong Kong during the Spring Festival, divided into two ships.

Chen Guangcong, who just turned 20 this year, is naturally still very young, but Chen Guangliang wants a "representative", so ability is secondary.

Afterwards, everyone sat down to enjoy the New Year’s Eve dinner.

During the meal, my second aunt asked, "What kind of place is Hong Kong?"

Chen Guangliang knew that she was worried that her daughter would suffer in Hong Kong, so he said, "It can't be compared with Shanghai, but it can at least be compared with Hangzhou. It's not really a rural area. If you want to travel, you can wait until they get married and go to Hong Kong!"

My second aunt immediately shook her head like a drum and said, "I don't want to go so far. After Guangcong and Xiuying get married, they will have to return to Shanghai."

Chen Guangliang did not say anything else. After the fall of Shanghai, whether his second uncle's family would go to Hong Kong or not would depend on their own choice. Chen Guangliang would at most persuade them, but would not force them to leave. After all, some people had grown tired of life and did not want to leave their hometown and die outside.

At the same time, a "conflict" broke out in the Jiang family.

At the New Year's Eve dinner, Jiang Zhenhua brought up the past again, saying, "Meiying, you're planning to stop filming now, so it's time to find someone to marry. Last time, I told you about Zhou Junwu. You've known each other since childhood. His family is also in business, and he's a handsome man. So, I plan to agree to his request to marry me!"

Jiang Zhenhua has always been active in Shanghai's upper class society and knows that the longer his daughter stays in the film industry, the more likely she is to be targeted.

The last incident with Dai Li is the best proof.

Seeing that her father was going to follow the tradition of "matchmaker's words", Jiang Meiying quickly said, "Father, I'm pregnant!"

Jiang Zhenhua and his wife, as well as Jiang Meiying's brother and sister-in-law, were all shocked.

"what are you saying?"

Jiang Zhenhua was anxious. The thing he was most worried about had happened. He had been warning his daughter to keep herself clean, but he didn't expect it to happen now.

Jiang Meiying raised her head and said, "I'm already pregnant, so I can't agree to my father's marriage arrangement!"

My heart is firm and I have nothing to fear anymore.

Jiang Zhenhua calmed down and said, "Whose is it? Why don't you tell us earlier so we can arrange the marriage. I'm not an old-fashioned person who has to interfere with your marriage. As long as the other party has a clean background, everything will be fine."

Jiang Meiying hesitated for a moment and said, "The child's father is called Chen Guangliang!"

Hearing the name "Chen Guangliang" was naturally a familiar name to Jiang Zhenhua's family, who were from a merchant family.

"Nonsense, do you want to be someone's concubine?"

Jiang Zhenhua became angry.

Of course he knew Chen Guangliang, and he had met him at a party. Not only did he look young, but he was also tall and handsome (178cm tall) and had a dignified appearance. More importantly, Chen Guangliang's status in the business world was comparable to that of many older generation businessmen, such as Rong Zongjing, Yu Qiaqing, and Chen Guangfu.

However, he also knew that Chen Guangliang married the legitimate daughter of the Yan family, which was a common knowledge in Shanghai.

"I'm no longer his concubine. I'm his financial secretary now!"

Jiang Meiying's position is essentially a formal one, or rather a more flexible one. She is currently studying business with Chen Guangliang. Of course, she has a solid foundation, having graduated from Shanghai's most prestigious St. Mary's School, also attended by the renowned modern Chinese author Eileen Chang. With a strong learning environment and a privileged living environment, Jiang Meiying is not only versatile but also speaks fluent English.

Jiang Zhenhua felt his head buzzing. This "financial secretary" was the same as the situation of Zhang Xueliang and Miss Zhao Si. It meant that the wife did not allow her daughter to marry into the family.

What is this?
"You've wasted all my years of teaching. Our family situation, the education you received since childhood, which one of these things could have led you to make such a decision?"

"He's too good. I didn't keep up. I'm useless. If my father gets angry, he can beat me or kick me out of the house."

Jiang Meiying rarely showed her stubbornness in front of her father.

Jiang Zhenhua pointed at Jiang Meiying and wanted to say some cruel words, but he couldn't bear it because his daughter was pregnant.

He was not like other parents. If he heard his daughter doing this, he would drive her out of the house regardless of her life or death, and pretend that she did not exist.

Although deep down, he couldn't possibly agree with his daughter doing this, but after weighing the pros and cons, he didn't do anything too cruel.

“You’ll regret it”

"I won't regret it"

In the end, the mother sympathized with her daughter and said to ease the atmosphere, "What kind of job is your financial secretary? Do you usually work in the Ping An Bank Building and accompany him?"

If this is the case, it means that the daughter is favored, and the main wife can only guarantee her status in the family.

Jiang Meiying lowered her head and said, "I'm still studying business. He said he hopes I can live in the United States and help him manage his business there."

"What? You are going to be exiled to the United States? This..." Jiang's mother was anxious.

Of course, the United States is more developed than China, but daughters there have no relatives and friends, so they will either be exiled or something.

"It's not exile, it's to manage a business. It's a very lucrative one, bigger than the business of ten fathers!"

Jiang Zhenhua couldn't sit still and said, "This is not about the money. It's about you going to the United States alone. Who will help you if something happens?"

Jiang Meiying brought up another issue and said, "He also said that Japan is determined to destroy China and that China will have to go to war with Japan sooner or later. Overseas countries will be relatively safe. He has people in the United States and he will go there on business."

Jiang Zhenhua and others were shocked, but they did not dare to deny Chen Guangliang's prediction. After all, Japan had launched wars for three consecutive years - 918, 128, and the Great Wall War of Resistance. This was definitely a wolfish ambition.

"You take care of yourself." In the end, Jiang Zhenhua didn't want to kick his daughter out of the house during the New Year's Eve dinner.

Seeing her father's disappointed eyes, Jiang Meiying felt a pang of pain in her heart.

She could only pray in her heart that Chen Guangliang would not let her down again in the future!

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, Chen Guangliang came to the villa he and Jiang Meiying lived in on Xiafei Road.

In addition to her elegant and decent temperament, Jiang Meiying also reveals the talent and gentleness of a Jiangnan woman.

After the meeting, she said calmly and gently: "I had a showdown with my father."

Chen Guangliang immediately asked, "Did you and your daughter have a falling out? Can your relationship be mended?"

He asked this question out of genuine concern. Chen Guangliang hoped in his heart that Jiang Zhenhua would not take this matter too far and completely disown his daughter.

In this way, he can repay Jiang Meiying's "trust" in the future.

Jiang Meiying shook her head and said, "Because I was pregnant, he didn't say anything extreme, but I know he was very disappointed."

After saying this, she showed a worried expression. From childhood to adulthood, she had always listened to her father and admired him very much.

But now, she has gone against her father's teachings since childhood and embarked on a path of no return.

Chen Guangliang saw Jiang Meiying's mood, immediately put his arm around her waist, and then came to the sofa.

Then, he took Jiang Meiying's hand and said, "Don't worry, there will be a chance to repair your relationship in the future. Time will prove one thing. You won't be wrong in choosing me. Besides, you have a child in your belly now, so you should be happy. We can only look forward!"

"Um"

At present, it seems that Jiang Meiying is not suitable to go to the United States this year, after all, she is going to give birth. It is also not suitable next year because the child is too young.

"I've thought about it. There's no rush for you to go to the United States. Wait three years until the child is a little older."

When Jiang Meiying heard this, she said in surprise, "Really?"

After saying that, she looked at Chen Guangliang worriedly, afraid that Chen Guangliang would blame her for her little thoughts.

If she didn't go to the United States and stayed in Shanghai, she could see Chen Guangliang often.

If you go to the United States, you may not see him once a year.

Chen Guangliang didn't think much about it and said, "Well, I'm sorry, but you still don't have the right to be with me."

Jiang Meiying said sympathetically, "Alright, I've let it go. Don't keep it in your mind. It's fine now. At least your wife won't cause me any trouble."

When saying this, Jiang Meiying felt somewhat resentful towards Yan Renmei.

Chen Guangliang suddenly had a headache. Is there no possibility of reconciliation between these two women?
Wait, maybe there will be a chance to shake hands and make peace in the future.

Then, Chen Guangliang suggested: "Meiying, are you interested in starting your own business? I will give you 100 million yuan to specialize in investment business!"

Jiang Meiying needs to develop some business skills, otherwise it will be difficult for her to gain wealth in the future.

Jiang Meiying nodded immediately. She had originally wanted to say that her title of financial secretary was not worthy of her status.

But she asked doubtfully, “What to invest in?”

Chen Guangliang said, "Invest in whatever makes money. I'll give you advice. The important thing is, we have 100 million yuan in capital, so we can choose a lot of investments."

Jiang Meiying finally felt relieved. After all, with the advice of Chen Guangliang, the "God of Wealth", she would not lose money.

She said coquettishly: "Just think of it as you giving it to the child in your belly. I won't take your money!"

It is true. The two have been together for so long, and she hardly spends Chen Guangliang's money on her daily life. Of course, this house was given to her by Chen Guangliang.

"It's for you. I have my own plans for the child's future!"

After talking for a while, Chen Guangliang took Jiang Meiying out. He never hesitated to take Jiang Meiying shopping, so naturally he was not afraid of anything now.

The next day, Chen Guangliang listened to the report on the transportation of 400 million taels of silver, and Chen Guangcong also returned from Hong Kong.

Zhang Shunian reported, "After arriving in Hong Kong, we immediately arranged for Standard Chartered and Luckin Bank to receive the vaults. The documents were stored in the vault of Ping An Bank's Hong Kong branch and standard procedures were required to open them for security reasons."

Chen Guangliang was somewhat concerned about the 900 million taels of silver stored in a Hong Kong vault. Fortunately, he had first deposited the money into his Ping An Bank account, which then deposited it into the Hong Kong vault. This way, there was a comprehensive procedure to ensure the safety of the funds.

Afterward, Chen Guangliang said, "Well, everyone completed this mission very well. Shunian, it's time for you to go to Hong Kong to take up your post. Ping An Bank's Hong Kong branch is crucial and has a bright future."

Zhang Shunian nodded firmly and said, "Okay, I'll set off as soon as possible!"

In less than two years, he had become the assistant manager of Ping An Bank in Hong Kong, thanks to Chen Guangliang's cultivation.

Of course, Zhang Shunian not only has a high level of education (Master of Economics from the United States), but also has a strong background (the eldest son of Zhang Yuanji), which are also crucial.

Although the Ping An Bank in Hong Kong does not have a large business at present, it will surely have great credibility once the "Bank Building" is completed, and the savings business will naturally come in.

After the meeting, Chen Guangliang left Chen Guangcong alone.

"Get ready and study hard for your last semester. Don't let your emotions get the better of you. Stay calm. Whether it's work or marriage, just let things take their natural course."

Although Chen Guangcong's face was still very childish, it gradually became more calm. He nodded and said, "Yes, brother, I will definitely proceed step by step."

There is really no need to rush. With the big brother to protect everyone from the wind and rain, I can walk out of it step by step.

In the second half of the year, Chen Guangcong went to work at Global Sailing in Hong Kong. There are two second-hand 5000-ton ships there. They are currently doing some short-term rental work, which is not very profitable.

In the second half of the year, Chen Guangliang was preparing to transport silver to New York, USA (the senior seaman was British), so this shipping company was very important.

"Did you have any feelings about what you saw and heard during your trip to Hong Kong?"

Chen Guangcong thought for a moment and said, "Discrimination against Chinese people is very serious in some places over there. If our captain and senior seamen weren't British, I don't know how much we would have been extorted. In Hong Kong, the British are the absolute boss. Ordinary people may not feel it very obviously, but in business and other things, it is very obvious. Even the living quarters are clearly divided into different levels."

This is normal. The concession is still a "concession of all nations", and Chinese businessmen are included; but in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong government is very protective of the interests of the British, even if the Americans are not fully aware of it.

"Well, that's why we hired a lot of British captains and senior seamen for those two ships in Hong Kong. Now the operation of the ships basically only covers their salaries. Do you know why I am losing money to gain publicity?"

The British sailors on those two ships were treated very well and received high salaries.

Chen Guangcong said, "We need to adapt to the local business environment first. After all, we're unfamiliar with the area. I've also heard that these British captains bring business to the fleet, which is quite good. This time, it was these captains and senior seamen who negotiated our entry into the port, saving us a lot of trouble."

Chen Guangliang nodded. Although these British people were paid high salaries, they were responsible and would help the company if they could.

The truth is quite simple: a few senior British seamen were worried about the company going bankrupt, and they were reluctant to part with such a fine ship, so they offered to help the company. (End of this chapter)