Chapter 609
Another Family Tree
Time flies, and we've arrived in the 1990s.
Chen Guangliang is entering his eighties. For most people, this would be their eighties, but Chen Guangliang's body is still in the transition from middle age to old age—you can feel some signs of aging, but he is more like a young adult.
Ping An Bank Building.
Chen Wenjie arrived at his father's office and saw his father still working leisurely. He smiled knowingly. If it weren't for them, his children, always seeking his opinion, his father would probably be even more relaxed. Of course, they were "forced" to do so, because if they didn't use their father's accurate predictions, they would be "fools" no matter how smart they were.
“爸，加拿大化学公司Nova Corp公司已经将剩下的43%赫斯基股权，出售给我们。目前，赫斯基的持股情况是：和记黄埔持股51%、港灯持股15%、加拿大帝国商业银行持股5%、泽励持股7%、陈文杰父子基金持股12%、家族办公室持股10%。”
Chen Guangliang raised his head and said, "Husky's situation is very bad, which is why Nova Corp completely withdrew."
Although Husky Education's assets had increased by more than a cup when it was acquired in 1986, its debt ratio remained high, and its net assets did not increase much.
Therefore, Nova Corp was afraid that if things continued this way, the company would become insolvent and eventually go bankrupt. So at this point, it was better to sell it to Hutchison Whampoa and the Chen family at a low price.
Chen Wenjie nodded and said, "I often have a headache with Husky too! Oil prices have been low, and even if we inject capital, it's a long way from breaking even. Ma Shimin has been insisting on injecting capital into Husky, but he hasn't managed the finances well."
These few words reveal a lot of information.
Although Chen Wenjie knew that his father was optimistic about the energy market in the long term, he didn't know how long that long term would actually be. He hoped that Ma Shimin could improve Husky Energy, but it seemed that the effect was not significant.
At this point, Chen Guangliang said, "Even if it takes ten years of continuous investment, it is very worthwhile. This is a marathon of perseverance."
He then changed the subject, saying, "Of course, there is a clever way. I have recently been studying international affairs and found that Iraq's debt is very high, while its neighbor Kuwait is rolling in oil, which will inevitably cause trouble. I predict that Iraq will invade Kuwait this year, and the international crude oil market will experience a brief period of fluctuation, triggering the third oil crisis."
Chen Wenjie immediately realized what was going on and replied, "Father's analysis has always been accurate. In that case, I can have Husky stockpile oil and even get involved in oil futures. If we can make a considerable profit from this, it could alleviate Husky's financial problems."
Now that Husky is entirely owned by the Chen family and Hutchison Whampoa, it's natural that they can operate in this way.
Chen Guangliang nodded and said, "I think oil prices will surge in the second half of the year, and there's a chance they'll briefly rise to $40 a barrel, but that price will only stay there for a short time. After all, the US won't let anyone take away their share of the pie. You should arrange the timing accordingly!"
“Okay. I’ll arrange a team right away to take charge of this opportunity. Zeli happens to be in Canada, so I plan to have Siqi join him.”
"Yes, the third generation of the Chen family has also taken to the stage. I hope they can learn to be 'steady' instead of adopting our aggressive approach."
“I will give them some advice, after all, besides my father, who else in the family has such vision?”
If it weren't for his father's guidance, he would never have taken the risk of stockpiling crude oil and trading crude oil futures.
"By the way, Mahathir's intention is to strive for overseas development, but if the mainland deepens its reform and opening up, we may have to vigorously develop in the mainland. If there is a strategic conflict, he will either compromise or step down. Therefore, Mahathir's successor must be prepared."
Chen Wenjie said calmly, "Huo Jianning has always been good, and Ma Shimin is not without a replacement."
A commander must be prepared to replace generals; he cannot be without generals under his command.
After Chen Wenjie left, Chen Guangliang looked thoughtful.
With oil prices surging by over 100% briefly between July and October, their family naturally made some money as well.
Husky Oil's actions won't be significant, so it's not enough.
Global shipping's tankers can indeed be put to use, namely by storing oil directly at sea. Taking a VCLL of over 200,000 tons as an example, it can carry the equivalent of 1.4 million barrels of oil. And the price of an oil barrel will rise from 20 to over 40 between July and October, which means a profit of 20 per barrel. So a ship can earn more than 20 million US dollars, not including freight and other costs.
Just trading crude oil spot alone can generate hundreds of millions of US dollars in profit. Of course, this is only because Global Shipping has the capability in this area; otherwise, it would be questionable whether they would even sell to you.
Nearly six months later.
In mid-June, the summer heat was intense.
On the superyacht "Tranquility" in Hong Kong waters, the "small family reunion" created by Chan Kwong-leung was held, including his six lovers Donatella, Monica, Kwan Ka-wai, Lee Chi, Cheung Man, and Lee Ka-yan, as well as 10 "illegitimate children".
This wasn't the first time the six women had met. Li Jiaxin, for example, started meeting with the "sisters" of this small family frequently last October, going from initial resistance to now taking it for granted.
It's important to understand that this 'small family' is competitive; whoever gains favor gains more control over the finances. Ultimately, it's a game of money, but the difference is that Chen Guangliang is at least a very charismatic man.
Under the sunshade on the deck, Chen Guangliang teased the new generation of children, the oldest of whom were only six years old. They were initially unfamiliar with Chen Guangliang, but quickly became familiar with and close to him.
They may not have a concept of money, but the feeling that blood is thicker than water is still very obvious.
Looking at his children, Chen Guangliang is quite proud. This year, when he was eighty years old, Li Jiaxin gave birth to a son for him.
Of course, he is not an irresponsible father, so he will create 100 billion in wealth for each of his six lovers in the future, which will probably take until 2000 to 2010, just in time for these children to start working.
In fact, Kwan Ka-wai's wealth has already exceeded HK$10 billion, after all, she has been with Chan Kwong-leung for 12 years.
He told the maid to take the ten children away, and then Chen Guangliang came to the middle of the six women. All six women were wearing bikinis, and for a moment it was like a hundred flowers blooming, with waves rolling in.
"What are you discussing?"
Guan Jiahui said charmingly, "What else can women discuss without arguing? Designer brands and luxury goods, of course!"
"Haha," Chen Guangliang came between Donatella and Guan Jiahui, putting his arms around them from behind, immediately drawing disapproving and envious glances.
Clearly, these women's discussions might actually be quite heated.
Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "These things aren't worth much, so there's no need for you to argue. But many of you have been sisters for many years, surely it's not worth arguing!"
Guan Jiahui, Li Zhi, and Zhang Min turned their attention to Li Jiaxin.
Li Jiaxin immediately accused them, saying, "It was those three who isolated me. Donatella and Monica didn't do that!"
"cut"
Chen Guangliang mediated, saying, "Alright! Jiaxin is also willing to ease the tension with you all now. Only by uniting can we find a way forward. Besides, I have something important to announce to you all here today."
The women immediately became curious.
Chen Guangliang then said, “I plan to set up a family trust fund with 2 million US dollars. You six women and your children will be the beneficiaries, and we will pay you living expenses regularly. This trust fund will not conflict with your investments, but it will closely unite the six of you and lay the foundation for close relationships, business cooperation, and mutual assistance among your children in the future.”
Li Jiaxin immediately asked, "Won't the 2 million US dollars be divided up very quickly?"
It means you're way too stingy!
Goodness, this woman is unbearable!
Chen Guangliang said, "The $2 million will not only not be spent, but it will also grow by more than 10% every year. I will personally oversee the investment."
That's more like it.
At this moment, Donatella leaned into Chen Guangliang's arms and said seductively, "Darling, I don't care about money, I only care about my love for you!" Goodness, she's love-struck.
However, Donatella has always been very interested in this. She helped Monica win him over in the first place, and over the years, she has kept Monica with her and upheld her duty as Chen Guangliang's woman.
Monica is very young, and Chen Guangliang can't always be with her. Without Donatella watching over her, Chen Guangliang would be in some trouble.
As for these women in Hong Kong, it's quite normal. Having a mistress is a very common occurrence in Hong Kong society. After all, polygamy was only abolished in 1971, and given the prevailing social atmosphere, many parents are proud that their daughters are mistresses of wealthy men!
Li Jiaxin muttered to herself, "I don't care about money, it's all for the child!"
Good grief, you're the most troublesome one!
Chen Guangliang smiled and returned to the main topic: "In addition, you should arrange to cash out your securities as soon as possible. Utilize the next forty to fifty days to cash out 30-50% of your investments. After Donatella and Monica return, immediately go long on oil futures in the European market. Azhi and Amin, go to Singapore and double your funds to short the Nikkei 225. Jia Hui and Jia Xin, starting from mid-July, gradually short the August, September, and October flat index futures."
After making the arrangements, the six women were so eager to write them down in their notebooks that they realized how much money they were making.
During this oil price surge, Husky Energy was buying in North America, while Donatella and Monica were left to profit in the European market.
As for the Nikkei 225, it started to fall sharply in January this year, dropping from a high of 39000 points to 28000 points in three months, but then rose to 32000 points in April.
Chen Guangliang taught Li Zhi and Zhang Min the short-selling technique: keep shorting, but keep the margin and leverage the same every month. So there are profits and losses, and the final result depends on the index. For example, if the Nikkei 225 falls by nearly 20%, then with a 10x leverage, it would be 2x. They have each made about 30 million US dollars (more than 200 million Hong Kong dollars).
During this period, the Nikkei index rebounded by three to four thousand points, hovering around 32000 points; the third oil crisis was its second round of decline, and this time it was even more severe.
Moreover, in 1990, Japanese real estate prices did not decline; in fact, some securities funds flowed into the real estate market, driving a slight increase in prices.
three days later.
Li Jiaxin, wearing a spaghetti strap dress, a necklace, and carrying an LV bag, arrived at the office building of Jia Hui Investment, followed by a female assistant.
"Miss Li, this way please!"
Passing through the lobby of Jia Hui Investment, Li Jiaxin finally realized the gap between herself and Guan Jia Hui. She saw that there were many people working there, and they were genuinely busy.
As Li Jiaxin entered the office, she called out, "Sister Jiahui!"
Guan Jiahui immediately felt goosebumps rise on her skin and quickly said, "Stop! I feel like this title is going to kill me!"
Despite this, he led Li Jiaxin on a tour of the office building.
Jia Hui Investment Group has three major business departments: Fashion Retail (I·T), Real Estate Investment, and Securities Investment. It has more than 100 employees and occupies an entire floor of office space.
Moreover, the office building owned by Jia Hui Investment Group is located in Phase 1 of the Admiralty Centre in Central. The monthly rent is just over HK$30 per square foot, and the entire floor is just over 10,000 square feet, which amounts to more than HK$4 million in rent per year.
Back in the office, only Guan Jiahui and Li Jiaxin remained.
"Sister Guan"
"What's wrong with you today? You're usually so confrontational when we meet. I'm a little scared of you being like this!"
Li Jiaxin immediately took Guan Jiahui's arm and said, "What are you afraid of? We've just done it together!"
Guan Jiahui muttered, "You bring everything up like this, shameless!"
After saying that, she glanced at Li Jiaxin, somewhat afraid that she would argue with her in her office.
Unexpectedly, Li Jiaxin didn't care at all and said, "What's the big deal? From now on, you'll be our big sister."
"Speak, what is it? You don't need me to do anything important, just ask Mr. Chen; as for something trivial, I can help you without holding a grudge!"
Guan Jiahui was quite satisfied that she could make Li Jiaxin submit.
Li Jiaxin immediately said, "I want to invest in I·T Retail Apparel. I am very interested in the apparel industry."
"no"
Guan Jiahui immediately became alert. She knew that Mr. Chen planned to list I·T Retail Apparel on the stock exchange within the next few years, making her the chairperson of the listed company. Currently, I·T Retail Apparel already has 13 stores, representing over a dozen top European and American brands, and owning more than a dozen shops.
Why should women be allowed to participate, especially since Mr. Chen didn't say that?
Li Jiaxin persisted, saying, "Why not? I'll just invest money and take a 30% stake. Sister Guan, think about it. Lizhi moved to Singapore, and Zhang Min is also based in Singapore and mainland China. Hong Kong is basically just the two of us sisters. I don't want to take your power; I just want to invest and learn a bit about things."
Guan Jiahui was not so easily fooled. She immediately said, "Just be a pretty face and be favored by Mr. Chen. Sooner or later your assets will be the same as ours. Why bother?"
Li Jiaxin gritted her teeth and said, "I will not participate in the management of the 2% equity stake."
"It just won't work."
Li Jiaxin said angrily, "I'm going to find Mr. Chen to reason with him. With his guidance, I'm going to do this business too."
Guan Jiahui was starting to have a headache. She was worried that if she went to Mr. Chen about this, she would have another competitor.
After hesitating for a moment, she said, "A 2% stake is fine, but you can't interfere with the company's operations. After the IPO, I'll give you a board seat. From now on, you have to call me 'sister,' and you can't keep targeting me."
Li Jiaxin immediately laughed and said, "I agree. But you have to take me to see the world, you can't just brush me off."
It turns out that Li Jiaxin was interested in Guan Jiahui's network of connections.
Because Guan Jiahui is Guan Shan's daughter, and she also has connections in the clothing industry and the entertainment and business worlds, these are things Li Jiaxin envies. She has been with Chen Guangliang since childhood and has always been a flower in a greenhouse.
"Okay. But don't cheat on me, or you'll say I was the one who started it."
Li Jiaxin immediately said, "Sister Guan, what are you saying? I have Mr. Chen's son now, and I'm very satisfied with him."
That's more like it.
Guan Jiahui has deep feelings for Chen Guangliang, after all, they have been together for twelve years. Moreover, she can sense that although she has no contact with the Chen family, she has been treated well when cooperating with either Ping An Financial Group or Cheung Kong Holdings. Clearly, Mr. Chen's children are aware of her existence and have not made things difficult for her.
After discussing this matter, Li Jiaxin curiously asked, "Sister Guan, Mr. Chen is eighty years old this year, and he's still in such good health. Do you think he's ninety? Is that possible?"
Kwan Ka-wai joked, "Will you still be able to enjoy happiness ten years from now?"
Li Jiaxin, though exposed, was not angry and said, "Aren't you worried about Mr. Chen's health?"
Guan Jiahui said with a smile, "I'm not worried at all. He'll definitely still be able to do it in ten years, so don't worry!"
Li Jiaxin immediately understood. She was only twenty; ten years from now, she'd only be thirty. Any woman would have such worries. Of course, she knew Chen Guangliang was in excellent health; even at eighty, his body couldn't match that of someone in their prime. (End of Chapter)