Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 52 Testing the Waters (Second Update of 10,000 Words)

The bottle was quickly placed into the cooling water tank.

Every second of waiting for it to cool down felt incredibly long.

Finally, the bottle cooled to room temperature.

Professor Zhou took a deep breath, picked up a bottle, and placed his fingers firmly on the raised diamond-shaped patterns.

He twisted it gently, "Snap!"

A crisp, clean click!

The bottle cap popped open!

The whole process was incredibly easy!

There was absolutely no sluggishness or stiffness like before, where you had to exert all your strength!
Professor Zhou quickly checked the bottle opening and the inside of the cap; clean and dry!
There was no trace of sugar stain seepage!
"Perfect seal!" Professor Zhou's voice trembled with ecstatic joy!
"Open another bottle!" Chen Bingwen ordered.

"Slap!" "Slap!" "Slap!"...

I opened ten bottles in a row, and without exception, they were all easy to open and perfectly sealed!

The bottle opening and the inside of the cap were spotless!

"The loss rate is zero!" the student in charge of statistics shouted excitedly!

A deafening cheer erupted in the laboratory!
The gloom of the past few days has been swept away!

The technical barriers that had been troubling the bottling project were completely and perfectly overcome by a seemingly simple structural innovation!

Chen Bingwen picked up an opened bottle, looked at the intact sealing gasket around the bottle mouth, and then looked at the bottle cap in his hand with its diamond-shaped anti-slip texture, comfortable grip, and easy opening and closing. He was equally excited!
In manufacturing, even the slightest error can have disastrous consequences.

This is more than just a bottle cap!
This is the key to the success of Chenji Bottled Sugar Water Project!
It will also be a huge competitive advantage and source of profit in the future!

Thinking of this, Chen Bingwen immediately returned to his office and dialed Fang Wenshan's number.

"Mr. Fang!" Chen Bingwen said urgently, "Please come to the Kwun Tong Factory R&D Center immediately!"
I have an extremely important invention that needs to be patented globally as quickly as possible! I need it fast!

Just as Chen Bingwen was elated by the success of the anti-slip bottle cap, the atmosphere in the top-floor office of Shaw Brothers Studio was somewhat subtle.

Shaw leaned back in his large leather chair, toying with a warm, smooth jade in his hand, his gaze fixed on Mona Fong, who sat elegantly opposite him.

On the table lay a detailed report about Chen Bingwen's investment in "Drunken Master," in which he waived revenue sharing in Hong Kong and Taiwan and exclusively acquired the Japanese copyright.

"Yihua, what do you think of Chen Bingwen?" Shaw's voice was not loud, but with his usual composure. However, upon closer listening, there was a hint of doubt that was not easily detected. "Giving up the readily available revenue share from Hong Kong and Taiwan, but holding on tightly to the copyrights in Japan and Southeast Asia, this move is strange."

Fang Yihua put down her teacup, a thoughtful look on her exquisitely made-up face: "Sixth Uncle, this young man is indeed not simple."

In just a few months, he went from a nearly bankrupt dessert shop in Sham Shui Po to a business with stores covering Kowloon and even starting to produce bottled beverages. His skills, vision, and courage are all top-notch.

He invested in Ng See-yuen's "Drunken Master," taking 200,000 yuan without hesitation—a considerable sum.

“That’s the problem.” Shaw tapped his fingers lightly on the table. “What were his conditions for investing in ‘Drunken Master’?”
Giving up revenue sharing in Hong Kong and Taiwan, only wanting the rights from Japan and Southeast Asia? That doesn't make sense.

Fang Yihua nodded: "It is indeed strange."

Hong Kong and Taiwan are the core markets. Although the Japanese market is large, Hong Kong films have historically performed poorly, making it a high-risk market.

Southeast Asia is even more fragmented.

Why would someone who makes sweet soup suddenly become so interested in overseas distribution of a film?

And it only requires copyright in these two places?

“Something unusual must be going on.” Run Run Shaw narrowed his eyes slightly, his shrewd gaze flashing. “Our Shaw Brothers is making every effort to expand into the Japanese market. Films like ‘The One-Armed Swordsman’ and ‘Come Drink with Me’ are being rolled out.”

This Chen Bingwen, of all people, at this crucial moment, used such a practically free method to seize the Japanese rights to Wu Siyuan's new film. Don't you think he's targeting Shaw Brothers?

Fang Yihua frowned slightly: "Does Sixth Uncle mean that someone is behind him? Or that he himself wants to get involved in film distribution, starting with Japan to avoid a direct conflict with our Shaw Brothers?"

“Anything is possible.” Shaw’s voice turned colder. “This young man has risen too quickly and his methods are too unconventional.”

His dessert business was thriving, and then he suddenly ventured into the film industry, specifically targeting Japan. It made me think a lot.

Our Shaw Brothers has cultivated deep roots in Southeast Asia for many years, and he dares not touch us.

Hong Kong and Taiwan are our hinterland, and he dares not touch them.

"Only Japan, when we were still in the development stage, he really made the right choice."

Run Run Shaw was known for his suspicious nature and stinginess. He once refused a subordinate's request to buy 100 steamed buns for HK$20, which eventually led to a staff strike.

He would not allow anyone to threaten Shaw's interests, especially in the Japanese market, which he saw as an important growth driver for the future.

Chen Bingwen's seemingly illogical and unconventional actions, which he saw as far-fetched, were full of provocation.

"Sixth Uncle, then what about us?" Fang Yihua asked tentatively.

"Go and meet him," Shaw decisively ordered. "In the name of Shaw, find a pretext, such as... congratulating him on his prosperous business."
Or, how about exploring his 'interest' in film investment?
Try to find out what he's really up to by subtly probing him!

The key question is: how much does he actually understand the Japanese market? What are his intentions?

"Understood." Fang Yihua stood up gracefully. "I'll make the arrangements right away. I'm also very curious about who this 'Sweet Soup King' really is."

In the conference room of Dexin Accounting Firm, Vincent Fang and a gray-haired patent lawyer were carefully reviewing the last document.

After identifying the patent gap for anti-slip bottle caps, Chen Bingwen designed all the relevant bottle caps he could remember from his previous life.

There are a total of thirty types, covering aspects such as sealing and leak prevention, convenient opening, and functional integration.

That's why Vincent Fang specially invited Robert, a senior patent lawyer from London, to help verify and process so many patents.

"Mr. Chen, congratulations!" Patent attorney Robert put down the documents, a professional smile and a hint of genuine admiration on his face. "The core claims of all thirty bottle cap patents you applied for have been verified."

"You designed all the technical specifications and relevance descriptions, and your novelty, inventiveness, and industrial applicability are impeccable," Fang Wenshan added. "Once the verification is complete, the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) international application process will be initiated simultaneously."

The priority application for Hong Kong Island will be submitted today.

Subsequently, within 12 months, it will enter the national phase in Japan, the United States, major EU member states, major Southeast Asian countries, and Australia.

Preliminary estimates suggest that completing the global market layout will cost approximately HK$15.

HK$15 million!
This is by no means a small amount.

But in Chen Bingwen's eyes, the money was well spent!
This small bottle cap design will become Chenji's bottled sweet soup's weapon to sweep the market, and will also be a "gold mine" for collecting patent licensing fees from other beverage companies in the future!
It will create a technological barrier that competitors will find difficult to overcome!
“Money is not a problem.” Chen Bingwen said without hesitation, “Mr. Robert, the Hong Kong Island application must be submitted today!”

PCT programs must also start as quickly as possible!

I want to ensure my patents receive the most timely and comprehensive protection worldwide!

“Understood!” Fang Wenshan and Robert replied in unison.

They could sense how much importance Chen Bingwen attached to this patent, although they didn't understand why such a small bottle cap would cause Chen Bingwen to make such a fuss.

But when the sponsor speaks, they naturally have no reason to question it.

Just as the patent matters were being carried out intensively, Chen Bingwen received a phone call from Fang Yihua herself.

"Mr. Chen, hello, this is Mona Fong from Shaw Brothers." An elegant and pleasant female voice came from the other end of the phone.

Chen Bingwen's heart skipped a beat. Shaw Brothers? Mona Fong? Run Run Shaw's confidante and capable assistant.

"Ms. Fang, hello! I've heard so much about you." Chen Bingwen's tone was warm and polite. "Shaw Brothers is a pillar of the Hong Kong film industry. It's my honor to receive your call."

"Mr. Chen, you're too kind." Fang Yihua chuckled. "You, the 'King of Dessert Soup,' are truly a force to be reckoned with. In such a short time, you've made Chen's business incredibly successful. Even our Sixth Uncle has heard of your name and praised you as a business genius."

"Uncle, you flatter me. I was just lucky, plus a little bit of cleverness," Chen Bingwen said modestly, but his vigilance was even greater.

Would Run Run Shaw praise him? Take that with a grain of salt.

“Mr. Chen, you are too modest.” Fang Yihua changed the subject and got to the point. “Actually, the reason for this unsolicited visit is firstly to congratulate Mr. Chen on his prosperous business on behalf of Shaw Brothers.”

Secondly, I heard that Mr. Chen is quite interested in film investment, and has even invested in director Ng See-yuen's new film, *Drunken Master*.

“Ms. Fang is well-informed,” Chen Bingwen readily admitted. “I did invest a small amount of money, mainly because I am optimistic about Director Wu’s talent and Jackie Chan’s potential, and it can also be considered as supporting Hong Kong films.”

"Oh? You just have your eye on Director Wu and Jackie Chan?" Mona Fong's voice carried a hint of amusement. "I heard that Mr. Chan's investment terms were quite special. He gave up the revenue sharing from Hong Kong and Taiwan, and only wanted the copyrights from Japan and Southeast Asia?"

That's quite ingenious.

Mr. Chen seems quite confident about the Japanese and Southeast Asian film markets?

The test has begun!

Chen Bingwen sneered inwardly; Shaw Run Run's suspicions were indeed quite profound.

His tone remained unchanged, still carrying a touch of "outsider's" candor and a hint of "gambler's" excitement:

"Ms. Fang, you flatter me. I am indeed a layman when it comes to movies. My investment in 'Drunken Master' was more out of confidence in the combination of director Wu and Jackie Chan, and I thought the film would be a box office success."

As for copyright, although the Hong Kong and Taiwan markets are large, the competition is fierce, the revenue sharing ratio is low, and the risks are considerable.

I think Japan and Southeast Asia have great potential!
Japan, in particular, has a developed economy and a large consumer base.

I thought, instead of sharing the meager profits with the big shots in Hong Kong and Taiwan, why not take a big gamble and try my luck in Japan and Southeast Asia!

What if we bet right? We can consider it an international advertisement for the Chen Kee brand!

"Young people should be bolder; consider losing as paying tuition!"

Chen Bingwen's words were half true and half false, portraying himself as a bold, gambler-like young entrepreneur who had a smattering of knowledge about the film industry but was full of ambition.

He deliberately emphasized taking a gamble and paying the price, downplaying his understanding of and ambitions regarding the Japanese market.

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds.

Fang Yihua seemed to be processing Chen Bingwen's words.

"Chen Sheng is indeed bold!" Fang Yihua's voice rang out again. "It's a good thing that young people dare to think and act."

However, while the Japanese market is large, its tastes are unique, making it difficult for Hong Kong films to gain traction. Mr. Chan should be prepared for this.

"Thank you for your advice, Miss Fang!" Chen Bingwen said "gratefully." "There are opportunities only when there are risks! Consider it as gaining experience."

If I have the opportunity in the future, I hope to learn more about film investment from Shaw Brothers and Ms. Fang.

"Hehe, Mr. Chen, you're too kind."

Shaw Brothers' doors are always open to potential partners. Fang Yihua gave a few formulaic replies before gracefully ending the call.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Bingwen smiled faintly.

Fang Yihua's phone call was both a test and a veiled declaration.

In the Hong Kong film industry, Shaw Brothers is the boss. As a newcomer, you'd better behave yourself.

Although Mona Fong was temporarily fooled by her naive and impulsive image, there will likely be further intersections with Shaw Brothers in the future.

However, his most important battleground right now is the research and development center in Kwun Tong and the bottled sugar water project that is about to be produced.

　Thank you everyone for your support!! First order reached 1280. Absolutely perfect!
　　Many thanks to Brother Tiger KK and Brother Kai_eB for their generous and long-term support!

　　Thank you so much, Big Green Duck, for the generous donation!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)