A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Time flies, and it is already 1985.

Friday, September 1st.

9 o'clock in the morning.

The 20-story office building in Phase 1 of Haifu Center is owned by Jia Hui Investment Company.

"Tick tock. Tick tock"

The sound of high heels was exceptionally crisp, and the employees of Jia Hui Investment Company and IT Apparel Retail immediately straightened their backs and focused their attention even more intently.

"Hello, Miss Guan"

A stunningly beautiful urban woman walked in. She was dressed in a business suit, white high heels, and her shoulder-length hair was slightly wavy. She appeared capable, but her breathtaking beauty was what everyone truly appreciated.

Guan Jiahui nodded slightly, her expression rather serious, and she only smiled once she returned to her office.

"The method my uncle taught me is really effective; it really keeps these people in line!"

It turns out that when Chen Guangliang was with Guan Jiahui, he taught her how to manage subordinates, which involved having a serious expression that made employees feel pressured.

This method is indeed very necessary for bosses.

Of course, the same style may not apply to professional CEOs.

Take Simon Murray, the CEO of Hutchison Whampoa, for example. He always has a smile on his face when dealing with any employee. Moreover, Murray is extremely busy and can hold meetings from morning till night, yet he never gets annoyed. He is truly a "workaholic."

In fact.

The reason why Guan Jiahui can keep her subordinates in the company is not just because of her seriousness, but because of her background.

With such substantial capital and such swift and decisive methods, everyone believed that Guan Jiahui had a powerful backer, and that he must be a true tycoon.

"Did you know that the securities department made a fortune?" a real estate department employee whispered among himself.

This immediately attracted the attention of two or three employees. At this time, Jia Hui Investment Company was thriving, after all, the bottom-fishing was perfect.

"Of course! The Ping An Index has already surpassed 1600 points today. I remember the securities department bought in around 900 points, which is equivalent to an appreciation of about 80%," a well-informed employee replied.

"The index has appreciated by 80%, but I heard that the company initially leveraged its investment by 100% and invested tens of millions!"

Everyone gasped; leverage meant doubling their profits, and then they beamed with joy.

The real estate department is under a lot of 'pressure,' with loans reaching as high as HK$3000 million!

Of course, Hong Kong real estate prices had also appreciated considerably by this time, so a property originally valued at HK$50 million would now be worth at least HK$60-70 million. As a result, the bank naturally wouldn't press for repayment.

Guan Jiahui's assistant, Ali, came in and handed her a document.

"Ms. Guan, this is the latest asset information compiled by the securities department and the real estate department, based on today's market value!"

"Okay, I'll check it later. By the way, tell all departments not to work overtime today and to leave on time."

Ali was puzzled for a moment, but didn't ask any further questions.

"Okay, I'll go and let them know. Thank you, Miss Guan!"

"go"

After her assistant left, Kwan Ka-wai smiled. Her uncle was coming to her company this evening, and she felt like she was doing something wrong.

If the Hong Kong media sees this, it will probably be a hot topic in Hong Kong tomorrow.

However, Kwan Ka-wai also noticed a problem: her uncle had been retired for five years, but he actually looked very young, so even if the media saw him, they might not be able to recognize him immediately.

Guan Jiahui usually delegates the work of investing in properties and securities to the managers of the two departments; she only needs to 'instruct' them on how to operate.

But in reality, Kwan Ka-wai has another business, which is IT apparel retail.

Last August, they opened a 500-square-foot IT apparel retail store in Causeway Bay, primarily selling British Dr Martens leather shoes and Levi's 501 jeans.

With its clear positioning and sponsorship of celebrities and DJs, this IT fashion store has become a 'fashion mecca' and is very popular among young people in Hong Kong.

At 9:30 a.m., Kwan Ka-wai held a meeting with the management of IT apparel retail in the office building of Ka-fai Investment Company. The two companies shared an office space of 2000 square feet.

Kwan Ka-wai asked directly, "The IT fashion store in Mong Kok is opening tomorrow. Are the preparations all in order?"

More than four months later, IT fashion retail's second store is about to open.

The manager surnamed Zhang immediately replied, "Ms. Guan, all preparations have been confirmed to be in order. Guests including Zhang Guorong will be there on time tomorrow. We have also made ample preparations to ensure smooth operations at the venue."

IT fashion stores in Causeway Bay have always been a 'trendy mecca' for young people in Hong Kong. There are so many shoppers every day that there are often long queues to get in.

That's why the Mong Kok store was opened quickly, in order to alleviate the pressure and open up a wider sales channel.

Guan Jiahui said, "Yes, I will be there in person tomorrow, barring any unforeseen circumstances!"

She added that Guan Jiahui thought it was necessary; if her uncle drove her crazy today, she would at least have a day off. The celebrities invited were actually arranged by her father, Guan Shan, since Guan Jiahui had never been in the entertainment industry.

"Ok"

After the brief meeting, the management team of IT Fashion quickly got to work.

They dared not be negligent. Although Miss Guan was a young woman, they believed she had powerful backers. After all, the success of IT fashion had been remarkably smooth.

Pairing British Dr. Martens leather shoes with American Levi's 501 jeans is indeed very fashionable, and crucially, the profit margin is extremely high. Young people in Hong Kong still have a tendency to idolize foreign brands, believing that foreign brands are always fashionable and cool, which has made these two brands highly sought-after clothing items in Hong Kong.

At 5 p.m., employees of Jia Hui Investment Company and IT Fashion Retail Company gradually left work, and even those who did not leave were urged by the president's assistant.

Soon after, the president's assistant, Ali, was also dismissed from get off work by Guan Jiahui.

Ali said with some concern, "Ms. Guan, isn't it safe for you to be alone at the company?"

Just then, Guan Jiahui's phone rang, and she said into the phone, "Okay, I understand!"

She then hung up the phone and said with a smile, "My friend Ahong is here. Go greet her and then go straight home. She'll be with me."

"Ok"

Ali soon ran into Chen Guangliang's female bodyguard, Ah Hong, at the company's front desk. She was a little puzzled as to why Miss Guan's friend had such sharp eyes and was even somewhat fierce.

"Miss Ah Hong, Miss Guan is already waiting for you!"

Ah Hong nodded and immediately said, "Then you can go home now. I'll stay with her."

Ali had no choice but to leave work immediately, because Ah Hong's words left her no room for argument.

Chen Guangliang entered the Haifu Center office building discreetly under the protection of two male bodyguards, and then went to Jia Hui Investment on the 20th floor.

He was wearing a casual suit, making him look very young, at most forty years old; you could even mistake him for a man in his twenties or thirties if you didn't look at his face. "Uncle"

Chen Guangliang put his arm around Guan Jiahui, who came to greet him, and said with a smile, "Can you feel it?"

Kwan Ka-wai said slyly, "Having an affair, it really feels like that! But if the Hong Kong media catches you in the act, Uncle, you'll be in trouble!"

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "What trouble! I'm a free spirit now, carefree and without official duties."

In fact, Hong Kong media photographed him and Donatella on a golf course. Of course, that reporter was clever; he ended up joining the Oriental Daily News, getting a promotion and a raise, rather than reporting that story.

In addition, there are indeed rumors about Chen Guangliang's romantic affairs; however, these are all fabricated by tabloids and there is no evidence to support them.

In this situation, if Chen Guangliang were to cause trouble for them, those scoundrels would be more than happy to oblige; they just want the publicity. As for trouble, poverty is the real problem.

Guan Jiahui invited Chen Guangliang to her office seat and said ingratiatingly, "Help me check on the company's situation first, and then I'll let you bully me however you want!"

Chen Guangliang placed his hand on Guan Jiahui's beautiful legs and said in a suggestive tone, "Without black stockings, how can I have the energy to help you with the financial statements!"

Guan Jiahui laughed and said, "I knew you would say that today. Luckily, I was prepared!"

Then, in front of Chen Guangliang, she took out a pair of black pantyhose from her bag and put them on seductively in front of him.

Chen Guangliang has been through a lot, otherwise he would have pounced on him long ago.

After that, Chen Guangliang regained his spirits.

I took a look at Jia Hui Investment's situation.

"They've all appreciated quite a bit! Of course, considering your performance today, I'll give you a big gift!"

Guan Jiahui was already dressed, her professional attire covering her black bodysuit. Having been "developed" by Chen Guangliang for seven years, she possessed a considerable amount of womanly charm. This wasn't just in appearance, but in her every move and her overall demeanor.

She deliberately sat on the desk, her beautiful legs in black stockings swinging back and forth, occasionally revealing a glimpse of her cleavage, sometimes closing the door behind her. She had already learned how to please this man.

Thank you, Uncle.

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "After the Ping An Index reaches 1600, the rate of increase should slow down. Next, your task is to sell half of these real estate stocks worth 3000 million, and then immediately buy Wheelock shares. Remember not to alert them."

"Wayndung stock? We've heard it's a blue lantern!"

Chen Guangliang lifted Guan Jiahui's foot, which was clad in high heels, then took off the heels, admiring her as he spoke:
"Just buy it, don't ask so many questions!"

"Um"

The young Kwan Ka-wai greatly intrigued Chan Kwong-leung. Her beautiful legs, though not the long legs of a top model, were perfectly proportioned and exceptionally sexy and alluring.

As Guan Jiahui lay perfectly on her desk, like a delicious dish waiting for Chen Guangliang to enjoy, Chen Guangliang stood up.

To truly savor such a delicacy, one naturally needs to "observe, smell, inquire, and palpate" the ingredients, proceeding step by step.

First, take a sip of this 23-year-old vintage; it's pure, mellow, and refreshing.
Try another exquisite, tender cherry; it's sweet and appetizing.
Next up is top-quality Wagyu beef, with a perfect balance of fat and lean; and king crab from the Bering Sea, with long, juicy legs.
2 month 15 day.

In Central, the Shangri-La Hotel Tower resembles a sail on the sea, giving people a sense of freedom and power.

This is the Chan family's first true skyscraper in Hong Kong, and it has always been the most beautiful landmark building in Victoria Harbour.

Since its opening in 1975, no building or complex in Hong Kong has been more iconic than the Shangri-La Hotel. Every visitor to Hong Kong invariably stops by or stays at the Shangri-La Hotel.

If the Peninsula Hotel is a gentleman's hotel in Hong Kong, then the Shangri-La Hotel is a luxurious hotel that combines culture and modernity.

at this time.

In a private room at the Shangri-La Hotel, Wheelock's major shareholder, Zhang Yuliang, met with Chen Wenjie, Chairman and CEO of CK Asset Holdings.

"Mr. Chen, are you interested in taking over Wheelock?" Zhang Yuliang asked directly, looking at the second-generation head of the Chen family with hope in his eyes.

Just yesterday, news suddenly came that the Chiu Te-pak Group from Kenzhou had purchased 14% of the shares from the Madden family and was preparing to acquire all of Wheelock's shares from the other shareholders, priced at NT$6 per A share and NT$0.60 per B share.

Zhang Yuliang nearly fainted from anger upon hearing the news.

He was a major shareholder of Wheelock Group, and the fact that Little Madden did this without informing him at all clearly showed that he regarded him as nothing.

As the saying goes, "What is tolerable and what is intolerable?" This is a direct humiliation of him.

Therefore, he had to fight back.

Upon hearing this, Chen Wenjie's expression remained largely unchanged, as if such a significant matter could not alarm him.

He considered the situation carefully. Wheelock Group's main businesses were real estate, shipping, and trade, which did not provide much supplement to Cheung Kong Holdings. In particular, Wheelock's Martin Young miscalculated in shipping, making a large-scale acquisition of shipping assets in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Fortunately, Wheelock Properties was very profitable at the time, but it also suffered considerable losses. Fortunately, Martin Young finally woke up in 1982, unlike the Tung and Zhao families.

Although it was useless to Cheung Kong Holdings, Chan Man-kit was happy to help Cheung Yuk-leung with this "favor" and act as a go-between.

He immediately said, "The Cheung Kong Group has no intention of taking over Wheelock. If Mr. Cheung needs me to make the connection, I do have someone in mind!"

Zhang Yuliang immediately said, "Mr. Chen, as long as you can defeat Qiu Deba, whoever it is, you can decide. Of course, I need to meet with you to discuss it!"

"Okay, I'll arrange to meet you tomorrow!"

The collaboration between Wheelock Group and Cheung Kong Holdings began in 1979, mainly because Wheelock Group lacked confidence in the real estate market, so it shared its land reserves with Cheung Kong Holdings for joint development.

As a result, Cheung Kong Holdings also profited handsomely, and Cheung Yuk-leung was the director of Wheelock Properties responsible for real estate business.

Chen Wenjie's "ideal candidate" was Bao Yugang, a fellow townsman from Ningbo.

In this life, although Bao Yugang also entered the shipping industry in 1955, his development was greatly limited because Japanese shipping companies preferred Chen Guangliang. Of course, Bao Yugang still had the support of HSBC, so at his peak, he had a fleet of more than 500 million tons, which was quite valuable.

In this life, Bao Yugang's decision to "go ashore" was inspired by the Chan Kwong Leung family. Because the Wharf Holdings Group was acquired by the Chan Kwong Leung family, Bao Yugang reduced his shipbuilding activities in 1980, but this did not count as going ashore.

Chen Wenjie first contacted his father and third son, as he needed to confirm that Chen Wenming's Global Group did not need Wheelock Group.

Since there is no Lane Crawford, Universal Group does not need Wheelock Group, even though Wheelock Group owns Wheelock House and Madden House in Central.

Taking on shipping burdens for the sake of two Central Towers and some real estate assets is not worthwhile. Moreover, the Global Group in this life is far more wealthy than the entire assets of the Bao Yugang family in the previous life.

Chen Guangliang suggested, "Go and contact Xiao Bao!"

Despite having been competitors with Bao Yugang, Chen Guangliang still gave him the opportunity to join Defeng Group out of consideration for their shared hometown. When Chen Guangliang called on Ningbo businessmen worldwide to contribute to the development of their hometown, Bao Yugang actively participated.

The Ningbo Chamber of Commerce still holds a significant advantage over the Chaoshan Chamber of Commerce, thanks to the behemoth that is the Chen Guangliang family. Moreover, when Chen Guangliang withdrew from Shanghai, many Ningbo natives followed suit, and today they have made significant achievements worldwide, including in countries such as Brazil, the United States, Canada, and Australia, wielding considerable influence.

In addition, apart from the Chan family, and Bao Yugang, it seems that no one else in Hong Kong can take over the Wheelock Group.

For major real estate companies like Sun Hung Kai Properties, New World Development, and Henderson Land Development, acquiring Wheelock Properties would mean facing financial constraints and unfamiliarity with the business. Therefore, even if it were offered to them, they wouldn't dare to take it on.

Before the early 1980s, shipping magnates were still the wealthiest. For example, the Zhao Congyan family in the 1970s were among the biggest spenders at auctions. (End of Chapter)