Rebirth of Hong Kong Island, I, the rice class leader

Chapter 255 Chapter 255: The first man to acquire a foreign company!

In fact, foreigners at that time were not very tall.

For example, why does Gui Lao like to recruit Shandong Chai?

Because Shandong is tall and strong, standing in front of me feels so safe, really!
Anyway, it was Gao who wanted to pay, so John naturally had no objection. Instead, he said another piece of news: "BOSS, Claward wants to sell his shares in Lane Crawford."

Gao Yao was about to leave, but after hearing this, he turned around and approached: "Lan Crawford?"

Lane Crawford was founded in 1850. From the beginning, this company only sold foreign goods. Its positioning was to serve foreigners and wealthy people. It was a high-profile and unconventional department store in Hong Kong Island.

Its vitality was severely damaged during the war, but it quickly recovered after reopening and is still the preferred shopping destination for celebrities on Hong Kong Island.

Theoretically speaking, Lane Crawford will not be sold.

You must know that since the opening of Hong Kong Island a hundred years ago, Lane Crawford's influence has always been at the forefront of large companies controlled by British businessmen.

"Yes."

John said slyly: "Klavod is already here."

"Take him to the study and be quiet."

The shopping mall is like a battlefield, and Gao Yao is very satisfied with John's move of bringing people here when he is holding a salon. However, Lane Crawford is well-known in both places and is the well-deserved overlord of the department store industry in Hong Kong Island.

If people knew that it wanted to sell, and the target of the sale was still a Chinese, it would definitely cause an uproar!
Gao Yao first consider his own silver paper, which is definitely enough.

He then considered the impact. If he came forward directly, would it arouse the vigilance of Westerners?
It has been a hundred years since the opening of Hong Kong Island. Although Chinese businessmen are striving to take the lead, foreign companies still have a monopoly on Hong Kong Island, such as Jardine Matheson, Land, Whampoa Dockyard, Milk and Ice Company, Wharf, Hong Kong Electric Company, and China Light and Power Company. , Swire & Company, Lane Crawford Department Store, telephone company, etc.

A smile suddenly appeared at the corner of Gao Yao's mouth. He was now the president of the Chaozhou Chamber of Commerce and a Chinese representative. Couldn't he afford it?

"Chairman Gao."

Zhou Xinian finally took the opportunity to toast Gao Yao in person, yes, toast.

He had to admit that there were indeed geniuses and wizards in this world, and there were even more true waves from the Yangtze River that pushed the waves ahead.

He first became a doctor to gain fame, and then entered politics, and then step by step he got to where he is today.

How long did it take?

More than 20 years!
As a result, in less than half a year, he has achieved the results that he has worked hard for more than 20 years. It is really infuriating that people are more popular than others.

"congratulations."

Zhou Xinian smiled heartily and said: "With Chairman Gao here, I will speak louder from now on."

"Don't dare, don't dare."

Gao Yao laughed. The advantage of becoming a celebrity is that he will rarely encounter dirty things in the future and will not be targeted by Westerners.

But if you really want to say what changes can be made, it’s actually very difficult…

After all, the Westerners are the rulers, and they are just promoting you as a card. If your proposal touches their rule, how can they be polite?
You must know that in the past hundred years since the port was opened, except for the squires in the New Territories, all the positions available to the Chinese in other places were unofficial.

An appointed position can be taken away at any time.

What real power can there be?It's just a false title, if you are serious, you will lose.

"There will be more opportunities for us to meet in the future."

Zhou Xinian smiled and said: "My wife said that we will have more opportunities to be together in the future than when we were with her."

Gao Yao also smiled: "Then I have to apologize to my sister-in-law."

This is true, because there are only a few chambers of commerce and charitable organizations on Hong Kong Island, and generally in order to develop, they will invite celebrities to join as directors or members.

Take Po Leung Kuk for example, Zhou Xinan has been the chairman for two terms. If Po Leung Kuk had any meetings, how could he be missed?

Another example is the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce. Zhou Xinian is the honorary consultant. If there is a meeting or something, doesn’t everyone have to meet together?
“It’s time to lay the foundation stone for the sanatorium.”

Zhou Xinian is the chairman of the Tuberculosis Prevention Association. He naturally takes the initiative to do things in his position, and he is also willing to do things.

"Director Gao, don't forget to come and participate when the time comes."

"You deserve it, you deserve it."

Gao Yao was smiling. There were many places in need of disaster relief after the war. At this time, as a Chinese representative, he really had to take the lead and do what he could.

"You are the master today."

Zhou Xinian smiled heartily: "I'm going to see Lao Jian for a drink."

Gao Yao smiled slightly. With this identity and status, there is no pretense, and they show their true nature to each other.

Most of the people who came here today were Chinese celebrities. Although Gao Yao was anxious to discuss with Claward, he still had to go to Zhouxuan one by one.

When he turned to the circle of detectives, a group of talking detectives immediately stopped talking.

"High student."

Yao Mu, Chen Li, Chen Qiang, Liang Zhonghui, Zhao Quan, Lei Luo, Yan Tong...

All Chinese detectives!
Except for Liang Zhonghui, all the others are from the Chaozhou Gang.

Gao Yao noticed that Liang Zhonghui was a little embarrassed, so he took the initiative to shake hands with Liang Zhonghui and said, "I'm very happy that you can come."

"High...high student."

Liang Zhonghui's blood boiled and he stammered: "Yes... it's my honor. I wish you success."

Gao Yao laughed: "Thank you."

He then shook hands with Yao Mu, Chen Li and others one by one.
"Poor reception."

"Everyone is free."

Gao Yao said: "You don't have to be so restrained."

"Everyone who can come here today is my friend Gao."

"It won't hurt to meet more rich people."

To be honest, except for Yao Mu, everyone else is actually not qualified to participate in the dance in Mid-Levels, so these people are a bit restrained.

Hearing this, a group of people rushed over and said, "Gao Sheng, I know you are busy, so don't worry about us."

"Mr. Yao."

Gao Yao specifically said to Yao Mu: "You are their leader, so you must take the lead."

"Excuse me."

As soon as Gao Yao left, the group of people obviously relaxed a lot. One of them, Yan Tong, said: "Zhong feels like his heart will jump out of his throat."

"I haven't felt this way before."

"Yes."

Chen Qiang and Zhao Quan also agreed. They had met Gao Yao several times in person, especially Chen Qiang. He had visited the Gao family in Wan Chai several times.

At that time, Mr. Gao was just a little handsome and a little rich, but not so powerful.

"Silly boy."

Yao Mu is actually very humorous and cheerful in private. He said: "High school students now have all kinds of fame and fame. This is destiny, how can they not be prestigious?"

He gave an example: "An ordinary Westerner, a Westerner as a police superintendent, both of them are showing off?"

A few people laughed and laughed: "That's definitely not as good as a high school student."

"I think those chambers of commerce would like to move the giant Buddha of Gao Sheng to sit there."

Yao Mu smiled slightly, and then said to Chen Li: "Old Chen, we can't do it without taking the lead."

"Let's go, take these young people to meet the rich guys."

In the crowd, Lei Luo unconsciously glanced back and couldn't see Brother Yao anymore. He thought to himself that Brother wanted to be a hidden dragon before. Once he gained power, he would be like a flying dragon in the sky and he wouldn't be able to catch up with him.

As for Gaoyao?Of course he went to see Claward.

Claward is a surname. His ancestors, Nien Claward and Thomas A. Lamb, were small ship merchants and they came to the Far East for adventure.

At that time, Hong Kong Island was just beginning to open as a port, and foreign businessmen were keen on import and export trade and disdained such small businesses as retail.

At that time, the Chinese shops in Chinatown mainly sold domestic products, which was quite inconvenient for Westerners. Most of the daily necessities they needed had to go to Tianzhu or even the mainland to buy them in person, or have others bring them to them.

Thomas A. Lamb and his friend Nien Claward were both small and profitable people. They believed that they were not qualified to participate in trade sales, so they set up a simple wooden hut on the beach in Central to sell British goods and Western cakes. .

They were the first one at that time, so they were crowded with guests, Westerners came in droves, and the business was very prosperous.

This beach became known as Des Voeux Road.

And that simple wooden house has gradually developed into the dominant retail industry on Hong Kong Island.

In addition to department stores, Lane Crawford also operates restaurants. Its Western food is famous in Hong Kong Island. If upper-class Chinese want to eat Western food, their first choice is to go to Lane Crawford to eat Western food.

As for Jian Qiang, he often mentioned it to Gao Yao, saying that it was the first time he went to Lane Crawford to eat Western food, and he realized that the beef was so tender...

"MR. High."

Clavod of this generation is probably less than 30 years old, and his face is a little sickly green.

He looked very anxious, and even said without any concealment: "Lan Crawford is preparing to liquidate."

"I know you are a person of high moral character. If possible, I hope you can take over Lane Crawford and let this name be passed on."

Gao Yao's thoughts suddenly crossed his mind. Could it be that something happened here?

Then he went to the wine cabinet, picked up the brandy and poured three glasses of wine.John took the initiative to take the wine glass and gave it to Claward: "Dear Claward, Mr. Gao is already here, don't be impatient."

"He's clueless, Mr. Gao Hui doesn't understand the situation."

John was very alert. After drinking, he left first, leaving only Gao Yao and Claward in the study.

After drinking a glass of orchid, a bright red appeared on Claward's face. He smiled bitterly: "MR. Gao, I admire your quality, so I won't hide it from you."

"Actually, we at Lane Crawford are now strong on the outside but weak on the inside."

That's right, that's it!
Most of the decline of foreign companies originated from the Japanese occupation!

During the Japanese occupation, the Japs replaced the local currency with military coupons and declared the Hong Kong dollar an "illegal currency." Citizens who hid Hong Kong dollars would be severely fined, and they also opened exchanges between the two.

1942年1月，港元和军票的兑换率为2兑1，同年7月24日起兑换率变为4兑1。

With just this move, a large number of Hong Kong people became poor after the transaction, including foreign devils.

By the time Japan surrendered in 1945, the total value of military notes that had been forcibly exchanged exceeded the then currency value of HK$57 billion.

The beauty and essence of Hong Kong Island have been lost in one day!
The vast majority of Hong Kong people went bankrupt and were left penniless after the war.

Even Crawford was no exception. It was forcibly requisitioned by the Japanese during the war. It was renamed Matsuzakaya and continued to operate, but all the profits went to Toyo.

Needless to say, most of the inventory in the warehouse was shipped back to Japan, because at that time, Japan was almost running out of money.

Lane Crawford really can't survive, and its only way is to raise money.

In fact, HSBC was willing to lend money, but Clavod's body, which had been tortured during the war, was no longer able to support himself. Ram, who was far away in London, respected Clavod's suggestion after full consideration.

"MR. High."

Claward said sincerely: "We can only rest assured if Lane Crawford is handed over to you."

Of course he wasn't looking for just anyone.

Claward's decision was well-argued.

On the one hand, MR. Gao has been very popular in Hong Kong Island recently. He is very famous and has good moral character.On the other hand, the whole world knows that MR. is unparalleled in his arrogance and has excellent relationships with banks. Moreover, his family already has a bank and has plenty of money.

On the other hand, of course, it was because Claward had gone to Causeway Bay to see the Gao Yue Building. After he saw the design drawings, he judged that MR. Gao actually had the ambition to enter the department store.

Based on the above, Claward believes that the most suitable buyer for Lane Crawford is MR. Gao!
Who else?

What else can Gao Yao say?He could only hold Klavard's right hand, and then said sincerely: "Don't worry, the name Lane Crawford will never disappear."

“It will continue to shine in the world.”

Gao Yao really needs Lane Crawford. His commercial complex in Causeway Bay needs a big-name department store to be the flagpole, and Lane Crawford is the big flag.

But at that time, Gao Yao's idea was to attract investment, but he didn't expect that it would suddenly become a purchase?
Life is full of surprises.

Claward breathed a sigh of relief and murmured: "That's good, that's good."

At present, there has not been any Chinese-owned acquisition of foreign banks in Hong Kong Island, and the acquisitions are still flagpole companies such as Lane Crawford.

Gao Yao knew very well that the opportunity would never come again before it was missed. The longer this matter was delayed, the more trouble would be in the future, so he said to Claward: "Mr. Claward."

"Is your company's equity structure still clear?"

Klavard said: "Ram and I hold the absolute majority of the shares, please rest assured MR. Gao."

"And I also got Ram's authorization."

He was a well-prepared person, so he took out a document from his pocket and handed it to Gao Yao for viewing.

The timing of Lane Crawford's entry into Hong Kong Island was very lucky. At that time, they were doing exclusive business, which was called smooth sailing.

Moreover, Westerners are accustomed to spending money at Lane Crawford and often do not choose a second store.

Therefore, Lane Crawford did not suffer much setbacks in its development process. It was not until the Japanese occupation period that the stick was struck down and almost broke Clavod's spine.

That's easy.

The two seemed to be in love with each other. Gao Yao said, "We in the East have a saying that it is better to meet by chance than to invite."

"Since we are destined, why don't we make an intention today."

Huang Dawen is the director of Gaoyao's legal department, and he is at the scene.

After obtaining Claward's permission, Gao Yao immediately called Huang Dawen to draft the agreement first. As for the valuation, it would require a specialized accounting firm, so there was no rush.

The agreement is actually very simple. It is nothing more than determining the first purchase right and confirming the default status of both parties in the transaction.

Although it was simple, it took more than half an hour. After the contract was signed, Gao Yao greeted Claward with a smile: "Today is a good day for everyone. Let's go out for a drink."

It was indeed a good day for Gao Yao. He found that it made sense for Gui Lao to like to hold salons. This kind of happy occasion was really the most suitable for the exchange of interests under the table.

Axia and Bai Yuechang were keenly aware of Gao Yao's joy, because Gao Yao was obviously very excited.

Bai Yuechang asked directly: "Why are you so happy?"

"Tell me! Which wife have you fallen in love with again?"

In the conscience of heaven and earth, Gao Mou has only found Liu Meiren after such a long time since his debut.

"you guess."

Gao Yao said with a smile: "Your husband is working on a big thing. We will talk about it after it is completed."

This is how Mr. Gao does things. He will never reveal anything to anyone until it is truly finalized.

"Tch, what's the big deal."

Bai Yuechang pouted: "I'm also doing big things."

Gao Yao thought: "Taishan let go?"

Bai Yuechang said proudly: "If I take action, what can't be done? Isn't it, Axia?"

"When the time comes, Axia and I will run the business together."

Axia pursed her lips and looked at Gao Yao with soft eyes: "Honey, Yue Chang will definitely pull me over."

"Good thing, good thing."

Gao Yao does not object to this. Judging from the current situation, the prototype of the Gao family empire has already appeared. It is impossible for these wise wives to go out to play mahjong and socialize every day.

You still need to have a career, so using Taishan's money to practice is the most appropriate thing, since he can't afford to lose money anyway.

"Of course it's a good thing."

Bai Yuechang said enthusiastically: "Maybe Axia and I can get a JP like Mrs. Zhou."

"Ambition."

Gao Yao smiled and said, "But this is a matter of course."

"cut."

Bai Yuechang said: "I don't want to rely on you, I want to get it myself."

She clenched her fist and said, "It will definitely work!"

Gao Yao applauded: "No problem."

He then hugged the two women and said, "Madams, I suggest you to seriously improve the public housing in Lei Uk Estate. Just do this well."

"JP and OBE are just trivial matters."

Gao Yao said: "What we want to build is a new town of 5 people, which is unprecedented."

He said meaningfully: "There must be a sword in Tai Shigong's writings."

What Gao Yao said at the groundbreaking ceremony was not just random talk. He really wanted to spend money to build a public housing project for 5 people.

Fame and fortune are on the one hand, but on the other hand, Gao Yao really hopes to lead by example and promote the construction of public housing on Hong Kong Island.

Judging from the current conditions of the residents that he has learned about, he can only use four words to describe them, shocking!

No water, no electricity, dirty and messy, it is an absolute slum!

In this environment, the atmosphere will not change for the better, and most people will just muddle along.

Only by giving them hope can these people become the driving force behind the development of Hong Kong Island.

In his new life, Gao Yao hopes that he can be a true representative of the Chinese people and the light of the Chinese people. While making money, he can also do what he can definitely do.

"Do you really need to build so much?"

Bai Yuechang hugged Gao Yao and rubbed her little head against Gao Yao's chest: "My husband is so powerful, he is a great hero."

Axia was a little envious of Bai Yuechang's free and easy attitude. She felt that she couldn't do it.
"Husband, Yue Chang and I will go there often."

Gao Yao said: "A community of 5 people is a big project, and all aspects must be mobilized."

"When the time comes, you should get Mrs. Jane and use her to get Ms. Gamulian to participate."

"This matter must be completed with sufficient planning from the Hong Kong government."

Yes, Gao Yao is building a new town on his own. The public facilities involved in sewage, lighting, water, education, medical care, transportation and other related aspects require the participation of the Hong Kong government.

If everyone can work together to complete the Sheung Lei Uk Estate public housing project, we can set a good example for future generations!

Gao Yao hopes to try to avoid catastrophic fires in squatter areas in future generations!

(End of this chapter)