Return to Hong Kong Island for a Century

Chapter 327 The bigger the investment, the better
"Boss, I actually think we could film a small book about the war crimes committed back then," Liu Jiale asked tentatively.

"That's possible, but we'll have to do it differently. We'll find a foreign TV station to film it, not just in mainland China, but in other places too, like Ami, Southeast Asia, etc."

"The main issue now is international relations. Japan is the most important fulcrum of Aramco's Pacific strategy. Aramco may give Japan a warning, but it will never abandon Japan, after all, Japan contributes so much military spending to Aramco every year."

"Let's not rush things and wait and see." Li Song knew that even great powers needed wisdom, especially in the political arena.

What underpins politics?

It's really about military strength. If you have strength, no one will dare to breathe loudly when you speak. If you don't have strength, people will treat your words as nonsense.

America once took out a bag of laundry detergent, labeled a certain country, and then started a war, which other countries could not stop.

Making a film about Nanjing is just the first step; we'll take it one step at a time.

International standing is earned through one's own strength. If we are not strong now, we cannot talk about those useless things.

It's like a weak person being bullied by a strong person. If you keep talking about it, no one will sympathize with you. They will just laugh at you for being all talk and no action.

When you become strong, those who bullied you will naturally be afraid.

Moreover, countries are different. The struggle for discourse power between countries is even more intense. When you grow to a certain level, the other party will naturally stand on the opposite side.

Because the cake is only so big, if you don't get a slice, then you become the cake yourself.

"Let's shoot some other documentaries first to build up our reputation, and then we'll talk about the rest later," Li Song finally decided.

Li Song felt somewhat excited because he could witness firsthand how the vast red empire collapsed.

Li Song decided to make some documentaries so that future generations could see all of this.

The collapse of the Red Empire has been attributed to various factors, including faith and being misled.

In fact, the core issue is selfishness!
That's right. The outside world thinks they've been fooled by America, but it's really just a way for some people to divide up assets. Look at how many oligarchs have emerged in the north after the collapse of the Red Empire.

Greed is the biggest reason.

"Okay." Liu Jiale felt that Li Song's perspective on things was completely different from his own, and their angles were also different.

Anyway, I feel that all the decisions Li Song made were correct.

"We also need to pay attention to some details regarding the football matches. We need to buy the necessary insurance, and we also need to have contingency plans in place for the matches. It's best to have emergency medical personnel and ambulances ready for each match. In addition, we need to maintain order, as some people are jealous of our success and we need to prevent anyone from causing trouble," Li Song added.

There are some things that we must guard against, so we should take some precautions in advance.

“Boss, what do you think about inviting relevant government departments in Hong Kong to participate? Although it will cost some money, it would be more convenient for the government to step in if anything really happens,” Liu Jiale said.

"That's fine too, you can decide for yourself," Li Song continued.

Hong Kong Island has a small population and limited land area, which is its biggest weakness, making it relatively weak in sports competitions.

Of course, a small population does not necessarily mean weak sports. Look at the football in those European countries. Some of them have a population smaller than a city in mainland China, but their football is very good.

This mainly refers to bulk shipments from Europe.

Li Song doesn't plan to get involved in mainland football, but in the future, mainland teams will be allowed to participate in Hong Kong.

"Yes, boss, I'd like to separate the magazine's Shanghai office and make Phoenix TV's business a separate office," Liu Jiale said.

“Sure, it’s fine if each does their own thing.” Li Song knew that Phoenix TV’s business in Shanghai was growing.

That evening, Li Song invited Nick to dinner. Upon hearing that Li Song was going to make a documentary, Nick offered to recommend some people to Li Song.

Li Song said yes, but an interview would still be required.

After finishing his meal, Li Song went home.

On the one hand, Li Song couldn't accompany Nick to entertainment venues! (Even if they went, he couldn't write about it).

Besides, given Li Song's current status, being able to treat Nick to dinner is already sufficient.

Nick is going back to New York tomorrow to push forward with the crowdfunding for the yacht.

Nick is now focused on making the club bigger and stronger.

That evening, Arlene arrived at Li Song's Federal Garden.

Li Song frequently changed cars on Hong Kong Island, using them a few times before sending them to the mainland, since the mainland also needed vehicles.

Although this is somewhat troublesome, it ensures a high level of confidentiality.

Li Song plans to acquire a plot of land in two years, build a high-end residential community, and install a private elevator for himself.

Some people even arranged for their women to live in this neighborhood, just like some others did later.

At that time, everyone in the community's property management will be one of our own.

The next day, Li Song returned to Guangzhou. He left the affairs of the TV station and the magazine to Liu Jiale, saying that there was no problem with that.

As for the other industries, they are all in the mainland. Even Li Song did not go to the semiconductor research institute on Hong Kong Island because the two projects there were destined not to yield much result in the short term.

After returning to Guangzhou, Li Song first held a short meeting at the motorcycle factory and listened to their report.

"boss!"

"This is our 250cc twin-cylinder air-cooled tricycle design." Li Song had previously instructed BMW Motorrad to develop a tricycle.

Li Song's tricycle uses a twin-cylinder engine. This type of tricycle is mainly used for transporting goods, so a twin-cylinder engine is used.

Twin-cylinder engines offer more power for the same displacement, provide smooth output at low speeds, and have less vibration, making them suitable for heavy loads or complex road conditions.

Single-cylinder engines have outstanding low-end torque and strong burst power, but they also produce more vibration and noise at high speeds!
Of course, single-cylinder engines also have a great advantage, namely fuel efficiency.

"Hmm!" Li Song picked it up, looked at it, and nodded.

"Then let's start trial production." Li Song wasn't very knowledgeable about the technology, but since the technical department had provided it, there shouldn't be any major problems.

This is also an opportunity to test the design departments in mainland China.

"Good boss."

"Boss, the number of overseas orders for 250cc road bikes is increasing. Should we open another workshop?" The factory manager in charge of production handed Li Song another set of data.

"Then let's open another workshop!" This type of road bike belongs to the mid-to-high-end motorcycle category, and Li Song did not license the technology of this type of bike to other motorcycle factories.

Other motorcycle manufacturers are now fully booked with production orders.

The main reason is that motorcycle factories now have plans for producing motorcycles.

Of course, the plan prioritizes exports.

Only BMW's motorcycle factory has no production plan; it provides whatever materials are needed, whatever export quotas are required, and whatever parts are needed.

"Okay, I'll make a plan right after the meeting!" the production manager quickly agreed.

"Ok!"

"Next, I'll talk about the housing allocation. The first batch of 560 units has already been structurally completed and will be ready for handover in two months."

"These 560 households will be allocated to outstanding employees first."

"Among them, dual-income couples are assigned larger apartments, while single individuals are assigned smaller apartments." The larger apartments Li Song mentioned are three-bedroom, two-living room, and two-bathroom apartments, each with an area of ​​120 square meters!
A small apartment is typically two bedrooms, two living rooms, and one bathroom, and is about 80 or 90 square meters.

The square meters mentioned here refer to the usable floor area, excluding the shared area.

Of course, property management is still required and property management fees still need to be paid, because the ownership of most of these houses has been transferred to individuals.

BMW can no longer be responsible for the property.

A separate property management company will be established, and these houses are not yet renovated.

Li Song can deliver the renovation, but everyone has their own aesthetic sense!
So let everyone decorate it themselves, whatever style they like, decorate it like that!
"After you go down there, make a plan for this matter."

"The outstanding employees selected by each department must be recognized by the vast majority of employees in that department!" Li Song didn't say all employees because he knew that some people wouldn't accept it no matter who you selected, as long as they weren't chosen.

"In addition, the motorcycle factory will be able to distribute another 500 apartments this year!" Li Song added.

Two thousand more houses will be allocated this year, but it's not just for motorcycle factories, but also for outboard motor manufacturers and BMW car factories!
Although it seems that Li Song has invested a lot now.

But for Li Song, it was nothing at all; the money he simply had to share with those domestic licensees or joint venture partners was enormous.

Dozens of large domestic companies are helping Li Song make money.

After the meeting, Li Song met with Ma Shengli.

"Mr. Lee."

"Mr. Ma." Li Song always addressed Ma Shengli as Mr. Ma because other forms of address were considered harmonious.

"Congratulations, Mr. Li, on securing so many orders for the Panda brand mini-plane overseas!" Ma Shengli was incredibly impressed with Li Song's achievement!
They have exported motorcycles to dozens of countries around the world, which is unique in China.

No single product from China has ever been exported to dozens of countries simultaneously. Agricultural and sideline product exports are mainly concentrated in the north.

The main export destination for industrial products is Africa, while domestic industrial products follow the same pattern as those from the north.

This is the first time that civilian products have been exported in large quantities to dozens of countries!
And now they are even exporting aircraft to Aramco.

Although this aircraft is just a small fixed-wing plane, and it is inexpensive.

But ultimately, Aramco's customers will only buy the aircraft if they approve of it!
After all, airplanes are not ordinary commodities; a few flaws are acceptable.

“Thank you, Mr. Ma. I haven’t been to the BMW factory yet, so I don’t know how the relevant plans are going!” Li Song said.

"Mr. Li, the higher authorities have decided that all production materials and parts for the Panda miniature aircraft will be supplied with priority at the planned prices!"

"The higher authorities have formed a special coordination group, and several large enterprises have also been organized!"

"We will do everything in our power to help BMW complete its aircraft order!"

"In addition, Mr. Li's personal income tax this year will be waived!"

"The higher authorities also know that Mr. Li's aircraft order resulted in a loss!"

"The leader's exact words were: 'Being able to produce an aircraft that Aramco's customers approve of is enough; we can't let Mr. Li lose money anymore!'" Ma Shengli certainly knew how good news this was for his superiors.

The higher-ups are now mainly divided into two factions: the open faction and the conservative faction.

The better Li Song performs, the more it proves that openness is the right thing to do.

Therefore, the exemption of Li Song's personal income tax was approved by the higher authorities almost unanimously.

"Thank you so much!" you said, not expecting such a good thing to happen, considering that your income in mainland China is quite high.

Personal income tax is definitely the highest level.

"Furthermore, I wonder if Mr. Li has any other plans?"

"Any other plans you have can be brought up in advance!" Ma Shengli asked again.

"There are no other plans yet!" Li Song did not mention the next step of crowdfunding for a yacht.

Because if we tell people now, we might not be able to keep it a secret. The fewer people who know about something, the better. If people find out in advance, all our efforts might be in vain.

"I will inform Mr. Ma of any plans in advance."

"In addition, I am considering licensing the technology for 250cc station wagons."

"However, there is not much demand for this type of station wagon in China."

"On the contrary, BMW's motorcycle factory received more orders from other parts of the world."

"Therefore, I want to limit the number of authorized manufacturers to two." Li Song was well aware that the current sales volume of motorcycles of this displacement in China was insufficient to support several motorcycle companies manufacturing them simultaneously.

It now appears that licensing the rights to both companies was appropriate.

Once the domestic economic level improves, we can authorize a few more companies.

"Okay, I will report the relevant information!"

"Mr. Li, Phoenix TV has co-produced movies and TV series with mainland China!"

"Because Phoenix TV pays mainland actors high enough salaries, now the employees of these domestic film studios are also getting paid."

"The salary is more than ten times higher than that in China."

"This has caused a lot of problems!"

“Of course we are trying to make changes, but we haven’t been able to make up our minds. I wonder if Mr. Li has any good ideas?” Ma Shengli said.
The main issue is that film studios involve circles of cultural figures.

In fact, cultural figures make a lot of money; for a long time, writers were the highest earners.

With the increasing number of co-produced movies and TV series, the income of some actors is getting higher and higher. This is because some actors have good acting skills, and the combined income from several movies and TV series is a terrifying figure!

Now, various film studios are also feeling a bit overwhelmed!

There are also many voices within the film studio.

As everyone knows, there are all kinds of colleagues in a company.

Therefore, some people suggested that all this money should be handed over, with at most some allowances given to those who go out to film, and the rest used in the factory.

There are also some suggestions, such as adopting a revenue-sharing model!

"I think we can adopt the model of foreign brokerage firms."

"The film studio pays these actors' salaries, and then the film studio recommends actors to other film crews. The actors' earnings are then distributed to the film studio according to a certain percentage. If there are no opportunities to perform outside, they can simply receive their salary!"

"As for the specific proportions, I don't need to elaborate." Li Song also knew that these issues had piled up and needed to be resolved.

“Okay, I will report Mr. Li’s suggestion.” Ma Shengli also thought Li Song’s suggestion was good.

Ma Shengli knows this all too well: the service company under the Science and Technology Commission not only sells motorcycles, but also various electrical appliances.

Service companies are making a fortune right now.

A while ago, the Science and Technology Commission was in a mess because of how to distribute the money the service company had earned.

Because the service company is a tertiary industry enterprise under the Science and Technology Commission.

According to regulations, companies can only retain a portion of their profits, with the remainder being turned over to the government.

However, some people in the Science and Technology Commission believe that the service company originally belonged to the Science and Technology Commission.

All the money should be handed over to the Science and Technology Commission for distribution.

However, the service company was unwilling to accept this, since the money had already been paid and how much would be split up was entirely up to the higher-ups.

Later, this matter escalated to the level of higher authorities.

The higher-ups gave the Science and Technology Commission two options: the first was for the service company to keep a portion of the profits and hand over the rest to the Science and Technology Commission.

If the Science and Technology Commission is unwilling, then the service company should be spun off and established as a separate enterprise!
This was essentially a form of coercion, forcing the Science and Technology Commission to agree to the first condition.

If the service company were to be established as a separate enterprise, then the profits would have nothing to do with the Science and Technology Commission.

In film studios, actors with good acting skills naturally earn higher salaries, which is inseparable from their hard work and effort!

Some people sit in the office all day drinking tea, hoping to earn more money.

Those actors who are busy making movies and TV series must be resentful!

The money I worked so hard to earn, shedding tears and sweat, was given away to others for nothing.

The model that Li Song described is good.

Li Song always felt that what Ma Shengli said was not so simple.

Because given the wisdom of those leaders at the higher level, it's impossible that they didn't think of this method!

Li Song estimated that it was much better to say things himself and then have his superiors agree than for his superiors to say them directly.

"Mr. Li, the higher authorities are planning to build the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway. I wonder if you would be willing to invest?" Ma Shengli asked after noting down what Li Song had said.

"Of course I'm willing!" Li Song didn't know exactly how long it took to build the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway.

Li Song now wants to vigorously develop his heavy assets.

Otherwise, there would be nowhere to use the money earned later.

Patent fees from dozens of companies, as well as joint venture engineering machinery factories.

In addition to chips, there are also computers, mobile phones, and communication devices.

Now that I've agreed to build the highway, the initial costs aren't too high.

The initial exploration and planning are necessary, and it will take at least one or two years before construction actually begins. By then, my mobile phones and computers will have been sold everywhere.

"Actually, I think this highway could have been much bolder!"

"Build a line directly from Kyoto to Guangzhou!"

"They'll even extend the line to the Leizhou Peninsula!"

"If there's no funding domestically, I can provide it!" Li Song felt he should be even bolder!
Ma Shengli never expected Li Song to be so bold, because Ma Shengli didn't know how much money Li Song's semiconductor business would make once it took off!

"Of course, if I were to invest personally, I would only invest in highways with high traffic volume!" As a private business owner, Li Song would certainly not invest in highways with very low traffic volume.

This is actually an advantage of the system in mainland China. In the decades that followed, some highways had very little traffic, but they were still built!
Just like the power grid and communications, if it were a real private capitalist, they wouldn't lay several kilometers of lines for dozens of households. Who knows when they would recoup that investment!

(End of this chapter)