Chapter 380: When Everyone Knows
The biggest challenge in purchasing ships was financing. Just like in the real estate sector, as long as banks in Japan and Hong Kong were willing to cooperate, the only remaining variable was the interest rate.
For a regular shipping company, the interest rate was absolutely critical. Risk had to be carefully controlled—otherwise, if future profits couldn't even cover loan payments, bankruptcy was guaranteed. But for a time traveler like Yang Wendong, knowing the future allowed him to bet big.
Of course, even as a time traveler, Yang Wendong wasn't foolish. If he was offering banks high profits in the form of high interest rates, then those banks needed to reciprocate with larger credit lines or other equally favorable terms.
Everything had to be fair. The world of business had its own checks and balances, and Yang Wendong's strategy was to use his unique advantage to rapidly accelerate the expansion of his enterprise.
Changxing Shipping quickly split into two teams. Zheng Yuhua led one group to Japan to negotiate directly with shipyards and banks, while another deputy went to engage British banks in Hong Kong. Regardless of the location, Changxing Group's headquarters was involved in every negotiation. Because the scale of the investment was so large, Yang Wendong closely monitored the process, requesting updates every few days.
Mid-January arrived quickly. A wave of cold air swept through Hong Kong, bringing lower temperatures and some much-needed rainfall. The drought that had plagued the region was largely alleviated.
The patter of rain created gentle ripples in the pool as Yang Wendong sat beneath a poolside umbrella, staring into the water, lost in thought.
"What are you thinking about?" Bai Yushan walked over, using a napkin to wipe the light rain from her forehead.
Yang Wendong turned his head. "Why didn't you bring an umbrella?"
"It's just a drizzle," Bai Yushan smiled. "Feels kind of nice. Softer than a splash of water from washing my face—it's like a natural skin cleanser."
Yang Wendong replied, "Mhm, fine for short distances, but be more careful on longer outings."
"Alright. So, what's on your mind?" she asked.
Yang Wendong pointed toward the pool. "All this water. It's comforting to see. Looks like Hong Kong's drought is finally coming to an end."
"Winters are usually fine, but what about this summer? What if there's another drought?" Bai Yushan asked.
Yang Wendong shook his head. "Unlikely. Rainfall across South China this winter has already exceeded last year's. Summer probably won't be as bad as last year."
Although meteorological satellites weren't yet widespread in Asia, Chinese civilization had thousands of years of weather-related wisdom. While not always precise, historical patterns offered some predictive value.
"Let's hope you're right," she said, then changed the subject. "What are you going to do with those old ships you own?"
"Keep operating them," Yang Wendong replied with a smile. "Asia's economy is growing, and maritime trade is surging. My older ships will continue serving Southeast Asia routes."
By the 1970s, the Four Asian Tigers would rise, but that process didn't happen overnight. It came through steady development, and with it came a steady rise in trade volume.
Yang Wendong's job was to capitalize on the 1960s. Of all the regions in Asia, only Hong Kong had a well-established maritime infrastructure: shipping companies, fleets, talent, maintenance support, and supply chains. Once these reached scale, it would be extremely difficult for other countries to catch up.
And Southeast Asia was full of islands. Many countries were archipelagos, and given their large populations, demand for maritime logistics was high. Economically, older, cheaper ships were a better fit. Even in emergencies, coastal proximity made rescue easier.
"That makes sense," Bai Yushan said. "Second-hand ships have too much legal and safety red tape to do business in the West. But in Southeast Asia, they're ideal—plus, they can easily return to Hong Kong for maintenance."
"You know a lot," Yang Wendong said, a bit surprised.
In an age without the internet, it wasn't easy for ordinary people to gain deep knowledge of specific industries like shipping. One had to rely on asking experts or poring through print material.
"I wouldn't say a lot," she replied. "I had a university friend lend me some books on global shipping. I also spoke to Zheng Yuhua to understand more."
"Why the interest? Are you planning to get into shipping?" Yang Wendong teased.
"Not really," Bai Yushan shook her head. "I just wanted to understand more about your business."
"That's good," Yang Wendong nodded. "Knowing the basics is enough. Western regulations on ship age and maintenance are strict, and the routes are long. So it's more economical to run new ships there."
"Speaking of which, is it true you're buying new ships again?" she asked.
"Yes," Yang Wendong replied. "The deal isn't finalized yet, so I didn't mention it. But we're close."
Deals involving large vessels required coordination among banks, shipbuilders, and internal departments. Keeping it all under wraps was nearly impossible. When Changxing's executives visited Japanese shipyards, the industry had already caught wind.
Other companies purchasing ships were also visible to industry insiders.
"So you really do want to become the new King of Ships in Hong Kong?" Bai Yushan said with a teasing smile.
"Hong Kong's king?" Yang Wendong chuckled. "That's not enough. I want to be the King of Ships in Asia—or even globally."
In the next two decades, the shipping industry would be highly lucrative. The profits rivaled those of monopolies in high-tech industries. Yang Wendong was determined to reach the level of Bao Yugang, the world's most powerful shipowner in his past life.
Even though future years would bring crises, shipping would always be a core industry. And with his foresight, he could avoid downturns and even use them to his advantage—just like in real estate, where counter-cyclical strategies worked wonders.
Most importantly, each large ship order had geopolitical significance. At his peak, Bao Yugang received presidential receptions in small countries. In France, a G5 nation, he was welcomed by ministers. One shipping order could affect the livelihoods of thousands. That was real influence.
No matter how successful Li Ka-shing was in real estate, if he hadn't aligned with the mainland early on, local officials could have crushed him anytime.
"You really have big ambitions, Brother Dong," Bai Yushan laughed.
Any woman would be proud if her man became one of the world's top elites.
"Oh, speaking of ships," Yang Wendong said, "I'm planning a trip to Europe to order a large luxury yacht—one suitable for offshore cruising. It'll make family trips a lot more fun."
After years of building his fortune in Hong Kong, he finally wanted to enjoy life a bit.
He already had a luxury villa—not the biggest in Hong Kong, but more than comfortable. Sports cars? Sure, he had them. But he wasn't a fan, and from a safety standpoint, they weren't worth the risk.
Cosmetics, jewelry, designer goods—those were for his family. Yang Wendong himself had good skin, rarely tanned, and never used any beauty products.
When it came to the pinnacle of luxury, it was all about private planes and yachts. Aircraft weren't yet practical for private use, so a yacht would come first.
"A luxury yacht?" Bai Yushan asked. "How much bigger than ours?"
"About double the length," Yang Wendong said. "I'm thinking 40 to 50 meters."
"That's 130 feet!" she exclaimed. "Private yachts can be that big?"
"Of course. Some Western tycoons already own them," Yang Wendong replied with a smile. "It's just rare in Asia, that's all."
At this point, few owned private jets or large yachts. People still thought of yachts as leisure boats—good for a few kilometers offshore at most.
But with growing wealth, Asian elites were developing a taste for extravagance. Yachts were getting bigger and more advanced—just the way Yang Wendong liked it.
"I'm looking forward to it," Bai Yushan said. "But since both Yiyi and I are pregnant, we can't go to Europe with you to pick one out."
"No worries, I'll bring back photos," Yang Wendong chuckled. "These deals aren't finalized on a single visit anyway."
"Traveling to Europe is such a hassle," she sighed. "You should take Yujie. She's not pregnant, and she can move freely. If she's happy with the yacht, so are Yiyi and I."
Yang Wendong paused, immediately understanding her subtext.
Bai Yushan added, "Yujie told us everything. Yiyi and I both know. It's time you took responsibility—she can't stay in the shadows forever."
"…Alright. I understand," Yang Wendong nodded.
While they had kept things discreet, secrets like these never stayed buried. In situations like this, the only choice was to face it head-on.
The next day, Yang Wendong met with Bai Yujie at the Four Seasons. After a private moment of tenderness, she said, "My sister talked to me last night. She wants me to accompany you to Europe… to pick out the yacht."
"Yes," Yang Wendong said with a smile. "Her message was crystal clear."
Some things simply fell into place on their own.
"So, when are we going?" Bai Yujie asked.
Yang Wendong thought for a moment. "Let's leave the day after tomorrow. It's still a bit early before Lunar New Year, and we can be back in time."
"Okay. Do we have tickets yet?" she asked.
"Tickets?" Yang Wendong chuckled. "No need. We're chartering a flight. I've had a standing arrangement with Cathay Pacific for a while now."
He didn't own a private jet yet, but he certainly didn't line up at the airport either. That would be a colossal waste of time. For a billionaire, even a few hours lost to waiting were more expensive than chartering a plane.
That's why, in the future, so many tycoons and corporations would buy private jets—not just for comfort, but because private aviation created immense value.
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