Chapter 273: Reforging the Glory of Chinese Capital

Although Hong Kong was already filled with wailing and misery, the matter was far from over.

After the Chairman of the Stock Exchange, Zhan Yousen, announced his resignation, the Hang Seng Index fell by 45.8% for the entire month.

This situation was no longer something that could be salvaged by human effort.

Inside a private room at the Peninsula Hotel, the members of the Landlord Association gathered once again.

Their expressions were all different; some appeared very happy, while others looked grave.

"Damn it, it dropped again." Mai Shengyun looked at the news coming in on his phone with a chuckle, saying to everyone with a face full of joy.

Chen Zhan laughed: "How much did you earn this time?"

Mai Shengyun shook his head: "I haven't calculated it, but anyway, with what we've earned from this haul, our Big Boss could buy the entirety of Hong Kong."

"That's an exaggeration." Huang Shitong shook his head and said: "Don't forget that Citibank is also dunning us for payment."

"The lives of those United States Gweilo aren't easy either. I heard the Dow Jones Index has also fallen to a point that's unwatchable. These guys have lost all shame, coming to our Boss to demand payment," Chen Zhan said with a smile.

Seeing Luo Minsheng's grave expression, Mai Shengyun teased: "What's wrong with you, kid? Are you stupid from being too happy?"

Luo Minsheng shook his head and said: "Uncle Shengyun, is what we are doing..."

Luo Minsheng had also seen many families destroyed and people jumping to their deaths today.

He said this with some emotion in his heart.

Huang Shitong sneered: "You pity them? The stock market is a casino; not everyone can enter it. Since they entered the market, they should have been prepared. Some people took out usurious loans to play the stocks; they were already doomed from that moment on."

Compared to Sima Xiang and Luo Minsheng, Huang Shitong appeared even more cold-blooded.

But this was also consistent with the image of a Professional Manager.

Just as everyone was chatting, the door to the private room was pushed open.

Seeing Chen Jiajun walk in, everyone immediately stood up to greet him: "Big Boss."

"Sit." Chen Jiajun let everyone sit down with a calm expression, then asked: "How much have we earned these past few days?"

After Huang Shitong summarized everyone's information, he reported to Chen Jiajun: "Big Boss, after a preliminary calculation, we have earned approximately thirty billion."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiajun nodded immediately: "Not bad, although it doesn't compare to the haul we made in Japan last time."

Huang Shitong nodded and said: "Quite a few big bosses have already entered the market, following the trend to buy the dip. Should we..."

Before Huang Shitong could finish, Chen Jiajun waved his hand and said: "No need, let's repatriate the funds. First, pay back the money to Citibank; their manager, Li Ailun, is already on the verge of kneeling down to beg me."

At this point, everyone chuckled.

This maneuver by Chen Jiajun could be called a perfect operation of using someone else's chicken to lay eggs.

Moreover, he made the United States Gweilo beg him in a low-voiced and submissive manner; it could be said he gained both substance and face.

Hearing Chen Jiajun's words, Sima Xiang's heart stirred, and he asked: "Then what about the remaining funds?"

Chen Jiajun smiled and said: "You all should know my thoughts, right? I intend to use them to save the market, specifically to save those Chinese merchants."

Mai Shengyun said with some difficulty: "Are we really going to save them? It's so good to earn money."

Huang Shitong waved his hand and said: "Brother Shengyun, that is being short-sighted. If the stock market crash continues, our economy will suffer a heavy blow, and the financial sector will also wither."

"We are all people who make a living from this; if the plate is smashed, where will you go to eat? Besides, a vicious cycle has already appeared. If it isn't stopped now, and those England Gweilo bring out money to save the market, guess who they will save? By then, where will the Chinese in the Hong Kong business world have any room to speak?"

Hearing Huang Shitong's analysis, Mai Shengyun and the others could only shut their mouths.

Chen Jiajun clapped his hands and said with considerable appreciation: "A-Tong is right. Money is something you can never finish earning. What I need now is the right to speak—the right to speak for the entire Hong Kong financial world."

"A-Xiang, A-Tong, go select some data on Chinese-funded companies in the industrial and technology sectors and hand it to me. Then help them stabilize their stock prices. I want Chinese capital in Hong Kong to occupy the upper hand in this storm."

Hearing Chen Jiajun's words, Sima Xiang changed his previous grave expression and said with a smile: "The Big Boss is benevolent and righteous. We will go select the companies that need to be saved right away."

This storm was something Chen Jiajun had calculated long ago.

The impact caused by the October Stock Market Crash was global, and England would be no exception.

As long as he operated properly, he could deal the England Gweilo a heavy blow.

One must know that colonization is not just a matter of land, but also of economic conditions.

Generally, the economy in a colony is controlled by England.

Just like India back in the day, the local output was entirely extracted by the England Gweilo.

Moreover, all of India's enterprises were the capital of England Gweilo; local merchants had no day to get ahead.

Hong Kong is different; there is a group of left-wing hardliners, and Chinese Capital Merchants can even go toe-to-toe with those Gweilo.

Back then, Huo Yingnan was not broken even when his water and electricity were cut off; this is the backbone of Chinese capital.

And Chen Jiajun, taking advantage of this opportunity, wanted to inject another shot of adrenaline into the Hong Kong business world to completely overwhelm those Gweilo.

To avoid Hong Kong becoming an economic colony like South Korea or India.

Furthermore, this could also bring a certain degree of the right to speak to the Chinese people.

With the Landlord Association and others going to work, Chen Jiajun also had to bare his fangs.

He arranged to meet with big shots of the Chinese business world like Huo Yingnan and Bao Yugang, preparing to do this together.

"Xiao Chen, you guy have earned a huge sum recently," Bao Yugang said, squinting his eyes as he stared at Chen Jiajun.

Chen Jiajun smiled and said: "I was gambling, but fortunately, I won the bet."

"So you kid came here to show off to us?" The relationship between He Tian'er and Chen Jiajun was unclear, so He Xin spoke relatively casually.

Chen Jiajun said with a smile: "How could that be? How would I dare to act cocky in front of you all? The losses caused by this stock market crash will certainly deal a huge blow to Chinese Capital Merchants."

"I learned through some friends that the government's Exchange Fund and several financial institutions have contributed two billion to save the guarantee companies, but there isn't a single Chinese-funded enterprise on this list."

"So I came here today wanting to unite with you all to protect the Chinese bloodline of Hong Kong's economy."

Hearing Chen Jiajun's words, the eyes of big bosses like Huo Yingnan flashed with brilliance.

Huo Yingnan said directly: "So you want to use the money earned from the stock market to subsidize those Chinese merchants in Hong Kong?"

Chen Jiajun nodded and said: "That's right, that is what I want to do."

"Good." Bao Yugang slapped the table and said loudly: "I thought you, A-Jun, were like those heartless guys, planning to keep earning this black-hearted money. I didn't expect you to have such awareness."

Chen Jiajun said with a smile, "After all, I am also a Chinese."

"Since that is the case, count me in on this matter," Bao Yugang said directly.

Huo Yingnan, He Xin, and the Lin family were likewise unwilling to fall behind.

They were not people with short-sighted vision; although it would cost a large sum of money, the benefits brought about would also be obvious.

Regarding this proposal from Chen Jiajun, they were all willing to contribute money if they had money, and effort if they had effort.

With the support of these few, Chen Jiajun went ahead and did it without any misgivings.

Soon, Sima Xiang, Huang Shitong, and others collected information on a batch of Chinese-funded enterprises.

The coverage was very broad, encompassing almost every aspect of business in Hong Kong.

And all of them were Chinese-funded enterprises that were on the verge of bankruptcy.

If they were not saved, these companies could only be acquired by the Gweilo at extremely low prices.

By then, the losses to Hong Kong's Chinese capital would be far from trivial.

"I will only emphasize one point: I don't want anyone who isn't of one mind with us," Chen Jiajun said with a serious face.

Chen Jiajun did not want to spend his money only to raise a group of ingrates; that would be too disgusting.

Sima Xiang smiled and said, "You are overthinking it. At this time, anyone who has even the slightest way out has already leaned toward the Hong Kong Government. You can imagine what kind of people these desperate ones are."

Chen Jiajun nodded with satisfaction and said, "Very good. I have already contacted several Big Bosses, including Huo Xiansheng, Bao Xiansheng, Lin Xiansheng, and He Xiansheng from Macau, to protect the stock prices in their hands."

Hearing this news, Sima Xiang appeared very happy: "Now these Chinese-funded bosses will surely be deeply grateful to the few Big Bosses."

The next day, many Chinese Capital Merchants in Hong Kong received an invitation letter.

It did not say much on it, only that it could resolve everyone's current predicament.

These Chinese-funded bosses were already in despair, but still holding onto the attitude of treating a dead horse as a living one, they arrived at the invited hotel.

A lobby in the hotel had been booked, and after everyone had arrived, Sima Xiang and the others arrived fashionably late.

They were all Gold Medal Brokers, and many people recognized them.

However, no one could figure out what these Gold Medal Brokers wanted to do.

Sima Xiang smiled slightly and had his assistant directly pull back the curtain behind them.

It revealed a check that had been enlarged many times over.

Subsequently, Sima Xiang smiled and said to everyone: "The purpose of inviting you all here today is very simple. Several Big Bosses have brought out 15 billion in funds to save the market."

Hearing Sima Xiang's words, everyone present immediately widened their eyes.

Sima Xiang said with a smile, "The Big Bosses said that this move seeks no return. To recast the glory of Chinese capital, our generation is duty-bound."

Chen Jiajun's support could be called a timely rain.

This move was enough to make the Chinese Capital Merchants present feel deeply grateful.

Even in the future, whenever the circle of Chinese Capital Merchants is mentioned, Chen Jiajun's name will definitely be on it.

It could be said that Chen Jiajun was the leader of the leftist merchants following Huo Yingnan, Bao Yugang, and others.

When the time came, a single call would bring a hundred responses.

Because of the entry of funds from Chen Jiajun and a group of leftist merchants.

The Hang Seng Index, which had been falling continuously, actually stopped on this day.

This was a good thing for the whole of Hong Kong.

Added to the 2 billion thrown in by the Hong Kong Government later, it could be said that the stock prices were pulled up for two consecutive days.

Although it was still in a state of decline, it would take at least two or three years to return to the state before the stock market crash.

But at least the lineage of Hong Kong's Chinese capital had been preserved, and Chen Jiajun's move could be said to have even surpassed the English Gweilo.

"Sir Chen, thank you for extending a helping hand."

After the General Manager of Citibank, Li Ailun, received the banknotes from Chen Jiajun, he almost cried.

When he gave the loan to Chen Jiajun, he had not expected that "Black Monday" would happen in North America.

He had previously told Chen Jiajun that it was absolutely impossible for them to engage in the Withdrawal of Loan.

He did not expect to be slapped in the face immediately after turning around.

Fortunately, Chen Jiajun's attitude was different from when he faced HSBC.

HSBC was looting a burning house, while Citibank indeed had its reasons.

The nature of the two was different, which is why Chen Jiajun repaid the money so readily after he had earned it.

Looking at the joyful Li Ailun, Chen Jiajun said with a smile, "Just two dry sentences of thanks, is there no other gesture?"

Li Ailun said solemnly, "Sir Chen, as long as it is something our Citibank can do, you just have to speak, and there will be no second words."

Although Chen Jiajun did not pursue the matter, Li Ailun knew that it was impossible not to pay some price.

Chen Jiajun dared to short Hong Kong at this juncture; he was certainly no philanthropist.

So Li Ailun had long been mentally prepared to be extorted.

Chen Jiajun did not go too far either; he waved his hand and said with a smile, "Don't be so serious, as if it's a matter of life and death. In this October Stock Market Crash, I believe there must be many companies in the United States that have gone bankrupt, right?"

Li Ailun said with a bitter smile, "Who says otherwise? Our bank's bad debts are about to go off the charts."

"I want to enter some high-tech industries. I wonder if Citibank has any way to help?" Chen Jiajun said with a smile.

Li Ailun said with some surprise, "At this time?"

Chen Jiajun said with a smile, "Is it not possible?"

Li Ailun was right; this was indeed not a good time for investment.

But Chen Jiajun had his eye on this very point, intending to upgrade his own industries.

At present, the most important enterprises under Chen Jiajun were Guojun Group, Hongxing Group, Longteng Fund, and so on.

Apart from the recently acquired China Light and Power Company and Hongkong Electric, which belonged to the energy sector, the others were all low-end manufacturing.

If this were placed in my vast homeland, it wouldn't be much of a problem.

However, whether it is Hong Kong or Brunei, there are extreme restrictions on these industries, as well as significant bottlenecks for development.

Now that Chen Jiajun has a large amount of idle capital in his hands, he naturally intends to give his own industries a wave of upgrades.

Especially for the future hit industries like personal computers, smartphones, and the internet, Chen Jiajun is definitely going to get a foot in the door.

That is why he chose to enter the market and lay out his plans at this time.

Business is all about strategic vision; as long as it is precise enough, even selling screws can make money.

Chen Jiajun feels that in this world right now, there should be no one with more vision than himself.

Li Ailun hurriedly said, "Of course not... If you have a need, I can give you a list. I believe there are certainly many companies at this time that hope to obtain capital."

Chen Jiajun smiled as he looked at Li Ailun and said, "There won't be any other trouble, will there?"

"Of course not, Citibank can provide guarantee services in this regard," Li Ailun said with a smile. "This can also be considered a small compensation for our breach of contract."

Compared to nearly 1.5 billion US dollars in capital, what is a guarantee statement worth?

There is no need for the bank's top management to say anything; Li Ailun can agree to it himself.

Hearing Li Ailun pat his chest in assurance, Chen Jiajun nodded with satisfaction.

Before leaving, Li Ailun did not forget to say, "I hope this matter will not affect Sir Chen's view of Citibank."

They do not want to end up with a bad reputation like HSBC.

Chen Jiajun smiled and said, "It is completely two different things; Citibank did not kick me while I was down, don't you agree?"

Hearing Chen Jiajun's words, Li Ailun immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

He very politely saw Chen Jiajun out.

A few days later, Chen Jiajun received a list sent by Citibank.

Chen Jiajun only took one look and discovered that many of the world-famous technology companies of later generations were on it.

This made Chen Jiajun involuntarily reveal a smile.

There is no rush for the investment; Chen Jiajun plans to organize an inspection team to visit North America when he has time.

Last time he was in a hurry to find a Technical Director for his Gambling Hall and only stayed in Las Vegas for a few days, so he does not have enough understanding of the situation in the United States.

Since he wants to get their technology, mutual understanding is definitely essential.

However, this matter is not urgent; he must get Ao En transferred out first.

Ever since Chen Jiajun washed his hands of the underworld, the expansion of Hongxing has long since stopped.

Now it is mainly for some core industries; although he won't abandon them, his subordinates are already enough to manage things.

If something can't be handled, isn't there still Lao Yu to hold down the fort?

So he directly called Lao Yu and Ao En over and talked about his thoughts.

Upon learning that Chen Jiajun wanted him to go do research, Ao En was overjoyed.

Lao Yu did not object either; in any case, Hongxing's affairs are all minor matters.

Chen Jiajun wanting to upgrade the industries under his command is what matters.

Having settled Ao En's matter, Chen Jiajun became free.

After this period of high mental concentration, he must have A Zhi give him a good massage to relax.

After all, mature women are the best at pampering men.

Hongxing Film now has two major studios: one is the previous Diamond Hill Studio, and the other is the newly acquired Tseung Kwan O Studio.

One is responsible for period dramas, and the other is responsible for modern drama sets, so they don't interfere with each other.

However, one common point is that there are truly many stars in these two places.

Hong Kong is not very big to begin with, so even if you go out to buy groceries on the street, you can run into a big star.

For the people of Hong Kong, this has long been nothing out of the ordinary.

When Chen Jiajun passed by, he saw many stars he could previously only see on television, but now, they are all working for him.

After entering the studio, he found that the bastard Da Fei did not know where he had gone to mess around.

Chen Jiajun did not care and just read magazines in his office for a while.

After all, A Zhi is currently filming and cannot get away at the moment.

But after flipping through a few pages, Chen Jiajun helplessly threw the magazine aside.

"Damn pervert, it's all damn pornographic magazines," Chen Jiajun cursed while rolling his eyes.

Just as he was preparing to go out for a walk, Huang Baiming suddenly walked in with two directors.

Seeing the Big Boss here, Huang Baiming was also stunned, then smiled and greeted him: "Big Boss, why do you have time to come here for a stroll today? Did you take a fancy to some star? I will arrange it for you immediately."

Chen Jiajun said irritably, "Stop hanging out with Da Fei; that bastard is a sex maniac, how did you become a pervert too?"

In fact, these big shots in the entertainment industry can be said to have no good people among them.

The actresses under them are no different from prostitutes and can be gifted away at any time.

Especially in an environment like Hong Kong, it seems even more normal.

However, after joining Hongxing Film, this kind of thing is decreasing.

If both parties like each other, that is no problem, but Chen Jiajun does not allow his female actresses to be treated as gifts and sent away.

After all, these actresses are also employees under Chen Jiajun, and they are there to make money for him.

After being scolded and laughed at by Chen Jiajun, Huang Baiming hurriedly apologized and spoke to Chen Jiajun about the development of Hongxing Film.

It must be said that making movies in this era is still profitable; a movie takes only ten-plus days to shoot, and as long as it isn't too terrible, it can earn several million or ten million back once it hits the theaters.

With the scale of Hongxing Film, they can even start a new movie every week.

This kind of speed is already astonishing.

(End of this chapter)