Chapter 202: Industrial Park Site Selection and the 1961 Lunar New Year
Early February, 1961.
Yang Wendong and Su Yiyi visited the Changxing Industrial factory.
The Lunar New Year was just around the corner, yet the entire facility was still a hive of activity.
Wei Zetao personally accompanied the boss and his wife through the production floor, offering introductions along the way.
After walking through one of the workshops, Yang asked, "I remember in the past six months we've had seven or eight complaints from overseas regarding product quality. How are we planning to address that?"
Changxing Industrial was now exporting to multiple countries. Even though the products were relatively simple, the sheer volume made defects inevitable.
Many of the items were outsourced to suppliers, and despite a final layer of quality control at Changxing's assembly plants, substandard goods still occasionally slipped through.
Yang usually overlooked minor issues, but significant complaints got his attention. The HQ team responsible for overseeing Changxing Industrial compiled quality reports and submitted them directly to him.
Last year, some of the more serious complaints had been about Post-it notes.
Wei replied, "We've already analyzed each complaint in detail and taken corresponding corrective actions to prevent similar problems from happening again."
"But that only works for problems we already know about," Yang said. "What about the unknowns? We can't just wait for them to show up, right?"
Managing a factory was complex. Building a great enterprise required not only a market-defining product but also strong management and strict quality control.
Otherwise, even something as successful as Apple in the previous world could be destroyed by a flaw. A single product out of 100,000 exploding could ruin a brand—Steve Jobs' brilliance wouldn't save it.
Though his own products like Post-its and suitcases didn't carry physical risks, the company needed a culture of quality. Hong Kong would soon develop its electronics industry, and Yang had no intention of missing out on that opportunity.
Wei grinned, "We've hired six Chinese engineers from Toyota and Honda in Japan. They'll help us build a formal quality control system.
We might be far from making cars, but a lot of their methodology still applies."
"Good," Yang nodded. "Learn from the automotive industry and develop a proper framework—a full system of standards and culture.
And once we've got it running internally, we'll assist our suppliers in upgrading their own processes. Their quality is our responsibility too."
Changxing Industrial was now a sizable manufacturer even by Asian standards, and several of its products were bestsellers in various markets.
Recruiting from large companies in Japan, Europe, or the U.S. had become much easier—nothing like the early days.
"Understood, Mr. Yang," Wei said. "We'll continue pushing the suppliers on this."
A few minutes later, Yang asked, "What are we giving employees for New Year gifts this time?"
From his past-life experience, Yang knew that many companies gave gifts to employees during the big four holidays. For instance, mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival, sticky rice dumplings and salted duck eggs for Dragon Boat Festival, and of course, generous packages ahead of the Lunar New Year.
Since founding Changxing Industrial, even in its early days, he had ensured staff received at least some essentials. It had since become a tradition across all of Changxing Group.
Wei replied, "This year, every factory worker will get a HK$50 red envelope, along with 20 catties of rice and flour, 5 catties of salted pork, one salted chicken, a barrel of cooking oil, and a bag of salt."
"That's quite a haul," Yang chuckled. "More than last year."
Wei laughed, "The company made a lot more this year. You approved twice as much in the budget, so we converted most of it into staple goods."
"Good. Practical gifts are always better than fluff," Yang said. "By the way, will such a large procurement affect the local market?"
The factory now employed over 3,000 people. Buying that much food in one go might not shake all of Hong Kong, but it could certainly impact the Tsim Sha Tsui area.
"No issues," Wei shook his head. "We coordinated with China Resources. They'll import everything directly from the mainland and deliver it to our factory."
"China Resources?" Yang raised an eyebrow—it was a familiar name. In his previous life, most people in the mainland knew that state-owned enterprise.
"Yes," Wei explained. "A large portion of Hong Kong's food supply actually comes from the mainland. China Resources handles import/export business."
"Understood," Yang said.
At this time, the mainland had no source of foreign currency beyond Hong Kong. Most of its hard currency came through material exports.
They walked around the facility a bit longer. Yang took this opportunity to reacquaint himself with the factory layout. Along the way, several employees greeted him respectfully.
Those who recognized Yang showed expressions of sincere gratitude and admiration. Working here had given them a sense of hope for the future.
...
Back in his office, Yang asked, "So how's the site selection for the Kwun Tong industrial park going?"
Although the project was far from finalized—it still needed to go through government negotiations—he wanted to shortlist a few locations first.
As for Changxing Real Estate, they could continue their acquisitions. Even if the industrial park never materialized, real estate investments at this stage were unlikely to lose money.
"I've identified three promising locations," Wei said, pulling out a map and pointing to three circled areas. "All three are fairly close to the water, have decent transport access, and the terrain is relatively flat—ideal for building a large-scale industrial park like those in Japan."
Yang examined the spots. "Aren't people already living in these areas?"
"Yes," Wei said. "Each location has village settlements. If we want to build factories there, we'd need to clear them.
The smallest site would involve relocating about 200 households; the largest, over 600. The largest one, of course, is also in the best location.
Ultimately, it'll depend on negotiations with the government."
Yang nodded, absorbing the implications. The project was massive and sensitive, but potentially transformative—for both Kwun Tong and Changxing Group.
"That's normal—everyone always prefers better locations," Yang Wendong said with a smile. Then he asked, "When are we planning to approach the government about this?"
Wei Zetao replied, "That depends on your timing, Mr. Yang. Mr. Zheng is still acquiring properties in Kwun Tong."
Yang shook his head. "He won't have that much time. Many of the properties now on the market have been listed for a while—they've built up over time. He's doing a concentrated sweep.
Once the good ones are bought up, there won't be many new listings coming out quickly.
If you're sure these three locations are it, I'll let him know to wrap up his acquisitions by the end of February. Then you can prepare to initiate talks with the government."
"Understood," Wei nodded. "I'll aim for late February. Negotiations will likely be confidential in the beginning anyway, which will buy Mr. Zheng some more time.
But Mr. Yang, since this initiative was proposed by your friend, I think it's best to go through her when dealing with the government."
"Of course. It was the government that first brought up this issue, after all," Yang agreed. "It's just that my friend originally hoped I'd make a small investment, and we're now preparing something much bigger."
The colonial government needed a solution for widespread unemployment among displaced residents. Meanwhile, Yang needed a centralized location for his growing manufacturing empire. The two sides were aligned in interest.
Still, like any courtship—whether romantic or business—whoever makes the first move risks losing leverage.
As for Elena, her priority was helping the homeless. She wouldn't care how the government and Yang struck their deal, so this wasn't using a friend for gain—it was mutual benefit.
"Alright, then I'll begin preparing the necessary documents," Wei said.
"Good," Yang nodded.
February 14th.
It was both Western Valentine's Day and Lunar New Year's Eve.
Most of Changxing Group had closed for the holidays, but Changxing Industrial remained in full operation. To meet deadlines, the company had implemented a generous holiday work policy: double pay, year-end bonuses, and time off after the holidays.
Not everyone cared about spending New Year's at home. Many workers in Hong Kong were alone—immigrants from the mainland with no family here. They just wanted to earn money. For them, a few days off didn't matter; higher pay during the holidays was more appealing.
Others, with families to support, needed the extra income. Yang's policies might have been assertive, but they were fair—and even welcomed.
...
That morning, Yang, Su Yiyi, and his longtime friends and business partners Lin Haoyu and Zhao Liming took a trip to Kwun Tong.
The four strolled the local streets, sampling street food and taking in the atmosphere.
"This place doesn't quite compare to Tsim Sha Tsui," Su Yiyi remarked.
"It's a bit behind," Yang agreed.
Tsim Sha Tsui was destined to become Hong Kong's premier commercial hub—even without Yang's involvement.
Kwun Tong, on the other hand, had a very different trajectory. In the '70s and '80s, it would become one of Hong Kong's main industrial zones.
By the 2000s, much of it would be filled with abandoned factory buildings.
Still, that made it a perfect fit for Changxing Industrial. The area had dense population, open land, and decent infrastructure. If he could turn it into his manufacturing base, the local economy would thrive.
Tsim Sha Tsui, meanwhile, would continue to grow as a commercial center. Yang already owned multiple plots there, and his Post-it factory would remain for now. It made sense to maintain a footprint in both areas.
Zhao Liming asked, "Dong-ge, are you planning to invest in real estate here? I heard Changxing Real Estate has been buying up properties lately."
"Sort of," Yang replied, offering no further details.
The Ten-Thousand-Person Industrial Park was a top-secret project, but real estate activity couldn't be hidden.
That said, outsiders wouldn't suspect much—after all, property developers were always looking for new investment zones.
Yang's interest in Kwun Tong might seem unusual, but it didn't raise alarms.
Lin Haoyu chuckled. "Why, Liming—you thinking of buying a flat here too? Dong-ge has a great eye. Since you're not planning to marry anytime soon, why not follow his lead and invest?"
"No way," Zhao Liming shook his head. "I want to buy on Hong Kong Island. I'll wait for Dong-ge's next residential project."
"Alright, I'll give you the best discount," Yang laughed.
Su Yiyi asked, "Haoyu, when are you planning to get married?"
"When the units at Ti Xiang Shijia are ready for move-in," Lin said. "That's my timeline."
"Great. I'll prepare a special wedding gift for you," Yang said, smiling. Then he looked at Zhao Liming. "What about you, Liming? Are you seeing anyone?"
"Uh…" Zhao Liming hesitated. "Sort of?"
"Sort of?" Su Yiyi raised an eyebrow. "Either you are or you're not. What do you mean 'sort of'?"
Lin laughed. "You don't know, Yiyi-jie. Liming here is courting two girls at once. Real player."
"Cut it out," Zhao protested. "I haven't made a decision yet."
"Be careful," Su Yiyi teased. "Don't go breaking any hearts."
"Don't worry. I'm a good guy," Zhao said with mock solemnity.
Yang added, "Just pick one and settle down. Once you have kids, our group gatherings will be even livelier."
Marriage changed friendships—unless everyone had children, those bonds often faded. But shared family life could bring people back together.
At noon, they had lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, Yang and Su Yiyi went to inspect a few of the areas Wei Zetao had marked for the industrial park.
Only Su Yiyi knew the real reason for the visit.
By late afternoon, the sun began to set. Yang had his security team arrange for cars to send everyone home.
Back at their villa, Auntie Guo had already instructed the chef to prepare a full Lunar New Year's Eve dinner.
Helping her daughter inside, Auntie Guo muttered, "Yiyi's belly is getting big. You shouldn't be walking around so much."
Before Yang could reply, Su Yiyi said, "Ma, I can't just stay cooped up every day. Didn't you go into hiding while pregnant with me?"
"Well, fine. You win," Auntie Guo sighed in defeat.
Yang chuckled. "Alright, time to relax. Let's enjoy the New Year together."
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