Shen Dong briefly explained how Li Ka-shing monopolized building materials to fund his own venture, saying, "The cement and sand in the inland areas are of good quality, cheap, and the transportation costs are even lower. As long as I can obtain a license from the Foreign Trade Department, I can break the monopoly of these tycoons like Li Ka-shing, and even turn the tables and bring them down."
Ou Yongen exclaimed, "Honey, I never imagined you'd reach a point where even Li Ka-shing would try to suppress you. It's truly beyond my expectations."
Shen Dong said coldly, "Li Ka-shing is nothing. Damn it, I used to respect him quite a bit, but now I realize that this guy is just a despicable, shameless, and unscrupulous old bastard."
Ou Yongen said, "Merchants are all driven by profit. Should I ask my godfather to arrange a meeting with Zhuang Wenfa for you?"
Shen Dong smiled and said, "Okay."
Ou Yongen smiled and said, "I thought you would refuse."
Shen Dong was taken aback and said, "Why would I refuse such a good opportunity?"
Ou Yongen said, "Many men are somewhat chauvinistic and unwilling to accept help from us women."
Shen Dong said dismissively, "Men like that are either too proud, lack confidence, or suffer from impotent rage syndrome. Luckily, I don't have that problem."
Ou Yongen kissed Chen Dong and said, "Yes, my husband is the best."
Shen Dong patted her shapely buttocks and said, "Stop talking nonsense and hurry up and call your godfather."
The call connected quickly.
Ou Yongen briefly explained the situation, hoping that he could introduce Zhuang Wenfa to Shen Dong.
Jian Aowei agreed without hesitation.
The next day at noon, Shen Dong arrived at a Western restaurant.
Jane Aowei had arrived long ago and was sitting by the window reading a newspaper.
"Mr. Jian, I'm sorry I'm late."
Shen Dong walked over and apologized to Jian Aowei.
Jian Aowei raised his head, looked at Shen Dong, and said, "Given your relationship with Yong En, you should be able to call me godfather."
Shen Dong said, "My parents passed away early, so I really can't bring myself to call you that. How about this, if you don't mind, I'll call you Uncle, okay?"
Jian Aowei laughed and said, "How could I mind if a billionaire worth hundreds of billions of Hong Kong dollars calls me uncle?"
Shen Dong said, "It seems that Yong En has told you everything that happened to me in New York."
Jian Aowei raised an eyebrow and said, "She is my daughter, and there are no secrets between us. Despite being worth billions, she still has not a trace of arrogance. Adong, you are truly remarkable."
Shen Dong said, "Thank you for the compliment, Uncle Jian."
Jian Aowei said, "It's very good that you left Hung Hing and started a legitimate business. If you need anything in the future, you can call me directly. There's no need for Wing-yan to act as an intermediary."
Shen Dong nodded and said, "As long as you don't find me annoying."
Jian Aowei said, "Adong, I came half an hour early mainly because I wanted to hear your plans for the future."
Shen Dong said, "My goal is to create a top-tier wealthy family like Li Ka-shing and Li Zhaoshan. But there is still a long way to go to achieve this goal."
Jian Aowei smiled and said, "That's ambitious. But do you know where you're lacking?"
Shen Dong replied without hesitation: "Connections and resources."
Jane Aowei said, “Smart. In a while, I’ll introduce you to some people in the Legislative Council.”
Shen Dong nodded and said, "Thank you, Uncle Jian."
After the two chatted for a while, a man in his thirties with strong features walked over. He was Zhuang Wenfa, the deputy director of the Foreign Trade Department whom Shen Dong wanted to meet.
"Teacher, it's been a long time." Zhuang Wenfa bowed to Jian Aowei, showing him the utmost respect.
Jian Aowei patted him on the shoulder and laughed, "I used to think you were a genius in the legal profession, and it was a pity that you entered politics. Now it seems I was wrong. Even in politics, you are still a genius."
Zhuang Wenfa said, "It's all thanks to the teacher's guidance."
Jian Aowei said, "I can't cultivate a deputy director of the Foreign Trade Department. Ah Fa, let me introduce you. This is Yong En's boyfriend, Shen Dong."
Shen Dong extended his hand and greeted him with a smile.
"Director Zhuang, hello."
Zhuang Wenfa shook Shen Dong's hand and said, "Mr. Shen, hello. I've heard of you. You've bought a lot of real estate in Pengcheng, and you've also built a garment factory and an instant noodle factory. You're doing very well."
Shen Dong's eyes flashed, and he tentatively asked, "Director Zhuang seems to be very concerned about the development in the north?"
Zhuang Wenfa gave him a deep look and said, "Those who do foreign trade naturally need to pay attention to the economic situation of various countries, especially since we share the same roots as the inland regions. Mr. Shen, wouldn't you agree?"
Shen Dong smiled broadly and said, "Of course. We and the Inland share the same bloodline of the Yellow Emperor, so naturally we should be closer."
Zhuang Wenfa laughed heartily and said, "That's absolutely right."
After confirming that the other party's heart was with the north, Shen Dong and Zhuang Wenfa both felt that they were much closer to each other.
Jian Aowei had already heard from Ou Yongen that Shen Dong was a thorough Northerner, but he didn't know about Zhuang Wenfa's faction.
Now it seems that he is just like Shen Dong.
Perhaps Zhuang Wenfa's sudden entry into politics was orchestrated by the North.
The three of them ate and chatted.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Chen Dong got down to business.
"Director Zhuang, I'm in the real estate business and I'd like to import cement and river sand from inland areas. What do you think?"
Zhuang Wenfa put down his knife and fork and said, "It's difficult. The Foreign Trade Department has never opened this door."
It turns out that after the date of Hong Kong's return to China was set, the U.S. government tightened its trade controls between Hong Kong and the mainland.
They weren't unaware that building materials were cheaper and easier to transport inland, but they simply disagreed with real estate developers buying directly from there.
Ultimately, it comes down to the relations between countries.
Shen Dong frowned and said, "Is there really no way at all?"
Zhuang Wenfa said, "Yes, we'll get Director Wilson on board."
Shen Dong said, "I heard that Wilson has good relationships with various wealthy tycoons."
Zhuang Wenfa said meaningfully, "Wilson has a younger brother who does business in Malaysia, dealing in cement and sand. I heard he's made a lot of money."
Upon hearing this, Shen Dong immediately understood what he meant.
No wonder Wilson was so adamant about not buying these things from the inland.
It turns out that he and Li Ka-shing and other real estate tycoons profited from building materials.
Shen Dong said with a wry smile, "It feels like I've stumbled into a dead end."
Jian Aowei said, "Afa, stop keeping me in suspense. You should have a way, right?"
Zhuang Wenfa said, "The Foreign Trade Department is directly under the jurisdiction of Mr. Raul, the Financial Secretary of Hong Kong Island. Over the years, it's not that Raul didn't want to extend his reach into the Foreign Trade Department, but Wilson always blocked him. Hehe, Wilson's biggest problem is that he's too greedy. After he gets the benefits, he keeps them all for himself. Ah Dong, if you were Wilson's superior, how would you feel?"
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