A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

The year was springtime in 1983.

La Spezia, Italy.

Riva, known as the 'Rolls-Royce of the water,' owns a large shipyard in La Spezia, a port city in north-central Italy.

Riva Yacht Shipyard in La Spezia is a superyacht manufacturing facility that was established after Riva Yachts was acquired by Rongchang Yachts. Yachts over 20 meters is classified as a superyacht.

In fact, in the more than ten years since being acquired by Rongchang Yachts, Riva Yachts has received a great deal of support and trust in the local management and manufacturing teams.

Except for the equity, everything else about Riva Yachts is Italian. It employs Italian engineers and workers, and its management team is also Italian (with only three Hong Kong residents appointed as supervisors). It even received financial support from Rongchang Yachts to build a second shipyard.

Because of the pleasant cooperation, this company has become a model of cooperation between Italy and Hong Kong.

this day.

Chen Guangliang arrived at Riva Yachts' second manufacturing plant to prepare for the construction of a new 'superyacht'.

Riva Yachts has always built superyachts ranging from 20 to 35 meters, with a production capacity of approximately 35 to 50 vessels per year. Building a 96-meter superyacht for Chen Guangliang will undoubtedly require considerable effort, but it will certainly not affect other production volumes.

In addition, Riva Yachts has invited other generations of Italian boat manufacturers to work together to achieve this goal, given that the order is worth as much as 1 million US dollars.

Riva Yachts CEO Rosati, along with several other shipbuilder executives, introduced the superyacht to Mr. and Mrs. Chen Guangliang:

"Sir Chan, this superyacht boasts five decks, 11 cabins, a cinema, and outward-sloping exhaust chimneys to facilitate easier helicopter landings on the helipad. This gem of the shipbuilding industry features a spacious 'beach club' of over 100 square meters at the stern of the lower deck, whose entrance transforms into a large swimming platform at sea level; the leisure area extends indoors, featuring a fitness area, a spa with sauna, bathing, and massage facilities."

Chen Guangliang had been making demands regarding this new superyacht, and today's proposal has satisfied him greatly.

"How many people can be accommodated in private mode?"

Rosati knew that this ultra-wealthy individual had a large service team and would throw parties on the superyacht. He confidently stated, "In private mode, this yacht can accommodate 22 crew members and 16 service staff. Up to 22 guests can be accommodated overnight in 11 cabins (king and twin) and a master suite. It also features six suites with balconies and several terraces overlooking the sea on the main deck, providing the owner with a truly luxurious 'nest'."

Chen Guangliang was very satisfied; his heart was set on the future, and he naturally knew how to enjoy life.

It would be a joyful thing to have a warm reunion with family on a yacht like this, or to bring happiness to the girls.

"Great, I'm very satisfied with the plan!"

Rosati breathed a sigh of relief.

This is the first world-class superyacht built by Riva Yachts. Of course, the order was placed by Chen Guangliang, the "boss". In any case, it not only boosted local employment and the economy, but also brought a new milestone to Riva Yachts.

"Sir Chen, tonight we have invited many Italian shipyard owners and Italian ministerial officials. Everyone is eager to have a pleasant chat with you. After all, you are the world's shipping magnate and can offer some guidance."

Chen Guangliang naturally wouldn't refuse. Although he has now moved behind the scenes, it doesn't mean he doesn't attend some private social events. He still has a vast network of contacts globally and occasionally needs to socialize.

As night fell, Chen Guangliang became the focus of the banquet.

Italian shipbuilders surrounded Chen Guangliang, hoping to glean some information from the "World Shipping King".

Someone asked, "Sir Chen, the world shipping industry is currently in a slump. Do you think it will recover quickly, or will it continue to worsen?"

Chen Guangliang said with an air of elegance, "In my fifty years in the shipping industry, I haven't actually made any predictions about shipping cycles; I've simply kept my debt very low. This way, when shipping is in a downturn, we have enough strength to withstand the risks. Of course, my answer to this question is that the downturn may continue, and this cycle needs time to recover."

Many people took his words to heart, and Chen Guangliang held a rather pessimistic view.

Then, a middle-aged Italian man brought a young girl to Chen Guangliang.

This young girl caught Chen Guangliang's eye; she gave him a sense of familiarity.

"Sir Chen, this is our Deputy Minister of Labour, Antonio Damiani, and this is his daughter, Donatella, who is also an outstanding Italian actress!" Rosati introduced Chen Guangliang.

Chen Guangliang was surprised. Wasn't this the "Eight-Foot Lady" from the internet of later generations? It was no wonder she was so sexy and charming.

He was surprised that her father was a high-ranking executive in Italy, and even more surprised that she would be making films of that genre. However, he quickly realized that this was Italy, a country even more romantic than France, so making films about art was nothing unusual.

Antonio immediately said, "Sir Chen, thank you very much for bringing so many jobs to Italy this time. You are the best example of cooperation between Italy and foreign investment."

At the time, Riva Yachts was already in the late stages of traditional wooden yachts. After being acquired by Hong Kong capital, it was quickly given technologies such as fiberglass, composite cockpits, and flybridge systems, transforming it into a manufacturer of a new generation of Italian luxury yachts.

Moreover, over the years, Riva Yachts has also become a yacht engine manufacturer, supplying some of Rongchang Yachts' engines. Therefore, Riva Yachts has grown into a shipyard with thousands of engineers and workers.

Chen Guangliang said with a smile, "Italy has always been a powerhouse in Europe in the fields of automobile and shipbuilding, and I am very happy to be here."

"Haha, thank you!"

Chen Guangliang extended his hand, his gaze falling on Donatella, with just the right amount of appreciation and a smile: "Miss Donatella, your temperament is truly unique—it's like the sea breeze of La Spezia, both passionate and refreshing, and it also carries the unforgettable charm of Italian films. No wonder you can become such an outstanding actress."

Donatella is 28 years old. She is wearing a burgundy velvet dress. She is tall and slender. The magnificent bosom and white snow on her chest are the ultimate in Italian romance. Her face with its distinct features makes her look both beautiful and alluring.

She had just curiously sized up Chen Guangliang. This top tycoon was about the same age as her father, but his temperament and charm far surpassed those of his peers, which made her feel inexplicably good.

"Thank you for your praise, Sir Chen. Actually, I have always admired you—to be able to turn a yacht into a 'Rolls-Royce on the water' and to give new life to an Italian shipyard in your hands, you are a true 'legend'."

"I wouldn't presume to call myself a legend; I'm just a businessman who enjoys 'dreaming'."

At this point, Rosati and Antonio voluntarily left, allowing Donatella to chat with Chen Guangliang, without seeming to find anything wrong with it. That's how cocktail parties are; you can chat freely.

Chen Guangliang chuckled, his tone tinged with humor, "Like this 96-meter yacht I commissioned, everyone said I was crazy, but I think life is short, so you have to build a boat that can hold all your happiness. By the way, Ms. Donatella, I've vaguely heard of the movies you acted in. Are they the kind of films that... leave the audience feeling, 'Italian romance truly lives up to its reputation'?" He deliberately spoke vaguely, neither revealing the "special subject matter" nor avoiding a hint of teasing.

Donatella paused for a moment, then understood and couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Sir Chen, you're so good with words! Actually, the films I make are more like exploring the 'light within humanity'—of course, sometimes I use some bold methods. But in Italy, art never needs to be hidden, does it?"

"Well said!" Chen Guangliang nodded approvingly. "Art should be honest. By the way, I heard you're very tall?"

Donatella blinked, somewhat surprised that he would ask this: "Yes, I'm about 178 centimeters tall. My friends all say I'm the kind of person who can 'look down on the whole place when I wear high heels'."

“Then you’d better be careful when you board my new yacht.” Chen Guangliang deliberately lowered his voice, his tone joking. “Although the terrace on the yacht is spacious, I’m afraid that if you stand there and the sea breeze blows, people will think it’s a ‘goddess descending’ and stare at my crew so much that they forget to start the boat, which would be troublesome.”

These words made Donatella burst into laughter.

She smiled and said, "So, Sir Chen is planning to invite me?"

"That would be my honor!"

Chen Guangliang changed the subject, his eyes becoming more serious, "By the way, once my yacht is finished, would you like to be the 'Chief Experience Officer'? There's a 100-square-meter beach club on the yacht. You can stand on the swimming platform and take a set of 'sea photos,' which will definitely be more stunning than in the movies."

"Really?" Donatella's eyes lit up, her face full of anticipation. "That's wonderful! I've always wanted to take some photos at sea, but I haven't had the right opportunity. If I could board your superyacht, it would be a dream come true!"

"of course it's true."

As the banquet music began, many people started dancing.

Chen Guangliang looked at Donatella and made an inviting gesture: "Miss Donatella, I wonder if I have the honor of inviting 'Feast for the Eyes' to dance? But I must declare in advance that I am old (to lower her guard), and my dance steps may be a little slow. Please don't mind me."

“How could I!” Donatella readily extended her hand. “It is my honor to dance with someone like you. And I believe your dance moves are as precise and captivating as your business acumen.”

The two walked onto the dance floor, and Chen Guangliang gently took her hand, his steps steady and elegant.

His movements weren't fast, but he always kept up with the rhythm perfectly, not at all like someone who was "old".

Donatella couldn't help but ask, "Sir Chen, you look only forty years old, how can you say you're old?"

"Actually, I'm 73 years old this year, older than your father!"

"what"

Donatella looked closely at Chen Guangliang. There was no trace of makeup on his face, and there were almost no wrinkles. He didn't look like a 73-year-old man at all. He looked like he was 40 years old because of his mature charm.

She became curious and couldn't help but ask, "Could you share your secret to staying young?"

"I don't think you need to. You're young enough already. If you get any younger, you'll lose a woman's beauty, leaving only a youthful, naive charm!"

Donatella burst into laughter, saying, "You're so good with words! But I still need the secret to staying young forever, can you tell me?"

"Of course, but there's a lot to cover. I happen to be traveling in Italy, so if you'd like to be my guide..."

"I do"

Donatella didn't hesitate. After all, she couldn't find a reason to refuse an invitation from such a super-rich man, especially since he was so charming.

That night.

Donatella did not leave with her father, but instead rode in Chen Guangliang's car, and the two arrived at the hotel where Chen Guangliang was staying.

Without much talk, Chen Guangliang kissed Donatella, and the whole world seemed to consist only of the two of them.

The next day, Chen Guangliang had a petite and affectionate Italian lover.

Chen Guangliang took Donatella on a train, which headed towards Milan.

"This is a romantic trip."

On the train, Donatella nestled in Chen Guangliang's arms. She had been completely captivated by this man the night before, and now she felt that he was charming.

She laughed and said, "Is it because of me, or because of the train?"

Chen Guangliang passionately kissed Donatella on the spot, drawing envious glances from some Italian men, but a glance at the group surrounding Chen Guangliang revealed that he was no ordinary man.

"Of course it's you! You're so young, you've brought back so many wonderful memories!"

Donatella said sweetly, "But I don't think you're 73, I think you're 35!"

How did this man manage to completely submit to himself in an hour and a half?

"The secret to staying young is that I don't like to be bound by worldly constraints, I never waste my energy, and I maintain a young and happy heart."

Donatella immediately asked, "Is it because you have money?"

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "Money is just one way to solve problems, but it's not everything, although its importance cannot be denied!"

Soon, Chen Guangliang and Donatella started talking about philosophy and art. The little girl quickly discovered that Chen Guangliang not only spoke Italian, English, French, and German, but he was also well-versed in art, film, and philosophy. He was practically a perfect man.

Little did people know that Chen Guangliang had lived for over a hundred years across his two lifetimes, and his experiences in this life, in particular, allowed him to easily appear omniscient and omnipotent. (End of Chapter)