Eighty-three Hesitation

“I’m not underestimating the creative abilities of our descendants of Yan and Huang, but rather, I have a clear understanding of the current political system at home. The present system is highly unfavorable for economic development. Given the unique status of the Rong family, investing in the mainland is not a good choice for me. Even if the political system in the mainland changes in a few years, it doesn’t necessarily mean your investments there will be worthwhile. You should know that Hong Kong’s economy is also developing rapidly—so why not start an electronics manufacturing company here in Hong Kong?” Rong asked.

“Although I have a Hong Kong ID, to people like you who are true locals, I’m still an outsider. Besides, Hong Kong is a tiny place, and there aren’t many worthwhile projects or areas to invest in. I don’t want to compete with too many people, especially not with my fellow Chinese. I have my own tech lab, and my philosophy is to lead with technology. If you have advanced technology, making money won’t ever be a problem. In fact, making money is no longer my main goal. My assets are already enough for a lifetime of extravagance, aren’t they? There’s an old saying in our country: ‘If you’re poor, keep your integrity; if you’re rich, help the world.’ I have some understanding of the domestic situation—just how scarce material resources are, I think President Bai can appreciate even more. I want to help our compatriots. I’m not here to make grand speeches or seek a good reputation; I’m simply following my conscience as an ordinary Chinese person. Now that I have the means to contribute to my country, why shouldn’t I do it?”

“Mr. Wei! I deeply admire your sentiment and resolve. If you ever need my help in Hong Kong, just ask, and I will do my utmost. Well, as the host, I should go and greet my other guests. Mr. Wei, let’s go together. I’ll introduce you to some of the renowned tycoons and celebrities here. After all, Hong Kong is currently witnessing a contest between Chinese and British capital—Chinese firms should cooperate whenever they can,” Rong Zhijian said with a hint of meaning.

Wei Hua and Bai Jianjun followed Rong Zhijian out of the study and into the main hall on the first floor, where Rong began introducing Wei Hua to members of Hong Kong’s high society. That evening, Wei Hua met most of the tycoons and luminaries of 1990s Hong Kong, such as Li Jiacheng, Huo Yingdong, Li Zhaoji, and Bao Yugang, among others. He exchanged greetings with them. These magnates all gave due attention to this low-key newcomer who had arrived in Hong Kong with vast funds. Wei Hua received dozens of business cards, most expressing keen interest in his Excellence Private Investment Company. Even when Bao Yugang chatted with Wei Hua, he inquired about the investment company, making no mention of the Deep Blue Ocean Shipping Company that Wei Hua had established in Hong Kong. Wei Hua couldn’t help but admire the composure of the future shipping king. He didn’t believe the Bao family was ignorant of Deep Blue Ocean Shipping—after all, with nearly 40 billion dollars at his disposal, no one could ignore him. With such capital, his shipping company would be a formidable rival to the Baos.

What surprised Wei Hua most was meeting another legendary figure at the banquet: the patriarch of the Shaw family, owners of the Shaw Brothers Company. The Shaw Brothers Film Company was the giant of Hong Kong’s film industry, and they also owned TVB, which wielded immense influence over the city. For now, Shaw Brothers could still support the film business, but Wei Hua knew that in just three or four years, the company would cease film production, and its cinema chains would be sold—he was already planning to acquire them. Wei Hua’s interest in acquiring Shaw Brothers was to prepare for the future VCD industry. In fact, his plans included not just Shaw Brothers but also Columbia Pictures in the United States. This was Wei Hua’s first appearance at a high society event since returning to Hong Kong, and after the banquet, his name began to circulate among the Chinese elite. Making 40 billion in eight years was truly unprecedented.

At the end of November, Jessie led her team back to Hong Kong from Shenzhen. The production line at Xuechi Company’s Shenzhen factory was fully installed and tested; the first flat-screen, right-angled color television had rolled off the line. Wei Hua’s Changbai Technology Laboratory had registered this new patented technology a month earlier, and he had already contacted the Kinoshita family. The first market for this new television would be Japan, with the Kinoshita family once again acting as Wei Hua’s sales agents. The retail price of the new TV was not expensive—just $1,200, which was about 4,000 yuan. For Japanese consumers, this was easily affordable. The televisions were ready, but Wei Hua was troubled, wondering whether to proceed with the next step of his plan.

According to his original plan, once the Xuechi Company’s production line was operational, the black-and-white TVs would be sold mainly in the domestic market, while the new flat-screen color TVs would be exported. The domestic sales would be handled through his own retail network, and for distribution, Wei Hua had considered using the military’s transport fleets. As payment, he would pay standard shipping fees plus provide the military with special steel materials, blueprints for the domestic Type 95 equipment, and fire control radar technology—all things he knew the military urgently needed. In his previous life, Wei Hua had studied the 1979 war in southern China in detail and understood the technical state of the units at that time. The items he was offering were ahead of anything comparable in the world, and the military would not refuse such gifts. With the military’s help, domestic transport of televisions would no longer be an issue.

Wei Hua’s main concern was how the authorities would view this. It was one thing to invest in the mainland—with hundreds of billions of dollars, he still had little influence, and the government could always adjust policies to keep his companies in check. But now, by establishing ties with the military, he wondered if those who had only just emerged from political struggles would become wary. He wasn’t afraid for himself, but his entire family was still on the mainland, so he hesitated about whether to proceed as planned and hand over these things.

Dear readers! I’m sorry! I haven’t made up for yesterday’s missed chapter yet! I broke my promise! I’ll make it up as soon as possible! Please keep supporting!