Rebirth of Bloody Romance

"Mr. Yu, I have long heard of your great name. It is a great honor to meet you today."

Yu Guodong quickly extended his hand and shook hands with Luo Dingbang. "Mr. Luo, you are too polite. Your reputation is well-known in the industry. It is an honor for me to be favored by you."

The person Yu Guodong shook hands tightly with was Luo Dingbang, who was well-known in the Hong Kong textile industry and was known as the "Textile King".

Luo Dingbang's life trajectory is like a magnificent epic of struggle.

It was the 20s, when the domestic situation was still in a complex and changing period. With a vision and ambition for the future, Luo Dingbang resolutely embarked on a journey from the mainland to Hong Kong, a land full of opportunities and challenges. As a newcomer, he quickly devoted himself to the textile and garment industry with his keen business insight and perseverance.

In the difficult early days of entrepreneurship, Luo Dingbang took care of everything himself, starting from the purchase of the most basic textile raw materials, carefully selecting each batch of high-quality cotton and yarn, and strictly controlling the quality.

During the production process of the garment factory, he always pays attention to every production link, from cutting, sewing to ironing and packaging, and strives to achieve perfection. He knows that only high-quality products can stand out in the fierce market competition.

After years of hard work and struggle, Luo Dingbang's career gradually got on track.

In the 70s, with his outstanding leadership and accurate grasp of the market, he officially established Luo's Knitting. The establishment of Luo's Knitting marked the further expansion of Luo Dingbang's business territory and his career also ushered in a new peak.

Time passed and it was 1987. This year was a milestone for Luo's Knitting. After years of preparation and development, Luo's Knitting was successfully listed in Hong Kong. At that moment, the entire Hong Kong business community paid attention to it, and Luo Dingbang's name became more famous.

The Luo family, with its outstanding achievements and profound influence in the field of textile and garment manufacturing, has become one of the four major families with the four major garment quotas. This honor is not only a recognition of the Luo family's hard work over the years, but also a symbol of their status in the industry.

Looking back at history, the world situation has changed dramatically after World War II. The once glorious Japanese textile industry was hit hard by the baptism of war. Many textile factories were forced to stop production and the industry fell into depression. At this time, Hong Kong Island keenly captured this rare development opportunity.

At that time, Hong Kong Island was just a commercial port mainly engaged in re-export trade.

However, with the decline of Japan's textile industry, a large number of textile orders from all over the world began to flow to Hong Kong. Taking this opportunity, Hong Kong's textile industry economy flourished, gradually transforming from a simple re-export port to a vibrant industrial production and export city.

In this process, the garment industry undoubtedly played a vital role. Garment factories have sprung up in every corner of Hong Kong Island.

Advanced production equipment was introduced, a large number of skilled workers gathered here, and clothing technology was constantly innovating and improving. The prosperity of the clothing industry not only promoted the development of related industrial chains, such as textile raw material supply and clothing accessories production, but also created a large number of employment opportunities for Hong Kong, attracting countless people with dreams to join in.

Driven by the garment industry, Hong Kong gradually moved towards industrialization. The industrial structure, which was originally dominated by agriculture and fisheries, gradually changed, and the proportion of industry in the economy became larger and larger.

As one of Hong Kong's major export commodities, garment products have always occupied the leading position in Hong Kong's commodity exports.

Since the 60s, the garment industry has become the industry with the largest export revenue in Hong Kong Island. In that era, Hong Kong's port was always a busy scene, with cargo ships loaded with exquisite garments sailing to all parts of the world.

According to statistics, the garment industry accounted for more than 30% of the total local exports at that time.

Except for the heyday of 1957% in 44.6, this proportion has generally remained stable between 30% and 36% for most of the other time, becoming an important pillar of Hong Kong's economic development.

After the 60s, the global trade arena was undergoing dramatic changes, and the development of Hong Kong's garment industry became more tortuous and complicated.

Textile giants in Britain and the United States began to worry that imports from Hong Kong were like a flood that could cause a devastating blow to local textile factories.

This concern is not groundless, as Hong Kong's garment industry has won wide recognition in the international market with its low costs, efficient production capabilities and excellent quality.

During the period when President Kennedy was in office, a wave of trade protectionism swept the world. In order to cope with the competitive pressure from Hong Kong and other regions, the US government introduced a far-reaching quota system aimed at limiting the import volume of ready-made clothing to protect the domestic textile industry from the impact. This quota system lasted until 2005 and had a profound impact on the global textile industry.

However, surprisingly, despite facing such severe challenges, Hong Kong's garment industry has not stagnated.

On the contrary, under the pressure of the quota system, Hong Kong's garment industry showed amazing resilience and creativity. In the 1970s, Hong Kong quickly emerged as a famous garment sourcing center in the Asia-Pacific region, attracting orders from all over the world.

Whether it is mass production of simple goods or customized needs for small quantities of high-priced garments, Hong Kong can meet them one by one.

During this period, Hong Kong still maintained its position as the world's largest garment exporter. This was not only due to its advanced production technology and efficient supply chain system, but also inseparable from the Hong Kong people's unremitting pursuit of quality and innovation. They constantly innovated and designed fashionable styles that met the needs of the international market, winning the favor of consumers around the world.

When Yu Guodong faced Luo Dingbang and the many bigwigs in the clothing and textile industry behind him, he shook hands with them one by one with a sincere attitude and without the slightest disrespect.

"Mr. Luo, you are too polite. My little reputation is really not worth mentioning in front of you all." Yu Guodong responded to Luo Dingbang's compliment with a smile, and at the same time greeted Mr. Lin, Mr. Tian, ​​Mr. Fang and others, showing his humility and politeness.

Mr. Lin's attitude towards Guodong was a little subtle, with a hint of dissatisfaction and a bit of respect. He said, "Our Garment Industry Chamber of Commerce has invited Mr. Yu several times, but Mr. Yu always refused to honor us."

Yu Guodong heard this and tried to figure out Mr. Lin's intention. He knew that it was no accident that these bigwigs gathered together. They might have common interests or want to discuss the future development of the industry. As a leader in the mainland textile industry, he naturally became the focus of their attention.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Lin, I've been very busy in the mainland and really can't spare the time. But please believe that if I have time, I will definitely attend your chamber of commerce's activities." Yu Guodong tactfully responded to Mr. Lin's invitation and expressed his apologies.

Yu Guodong knew that he was not interested in the reputation of the Chamber of Commerce. He valued more the actual business cooperation and the development of the industry. Although Mr. Lin was not the president of the Chamber of Commerce, his influence in the industry should not be underestimated. Therefore, he did not directly reject Mr. Lin's invitation, but gave a relatively tactful reply.

"Mr. Yu, we invited you here today to discuss with you the future development direction of our garment industry. As you know, the international situation is complex and changing, and we need to unite and face challenges together."

"Let's stop chatting and change our clothes first. Then we can compete a few rounds." Luo Dingbang's words were filled with unquestionable majesty. He did not like this tense atmosphere, but it was obvious that he was accustomed to his leadership position in the textile industry, and this tone was natural to him.

Yu Guodong smiled as he followed everyone into the golf cart, but he was secretly alert in his heart. He knew that this golf game was not just a simple sports competition, but also a test of his strength and attitude by Luo Dingbang and others.

Arriving at the venue, Yu Guodong took the club from the caddy and exchanged a few words with Luo Dingbang. He grabbed the club, held it, and swung it with smooth and powerful movements, and then hit the hole in one, winning everyone's admiration.

"Not bad. I've been practicing this course for more than 20 years, but I'm still not as good as you. It seems you've put in a lot of effort."

Luo Dingbang smiled and praised Yu Guodong, but his words were suggestive. He was a frequent visitor to this golf course, a top high roller, while Yu Guodong was a newcomer who had only emerged in the past two years.

Luo Dingbang also scored a hole-in-one, with his quick and efficient movements, demonstrating his strength and experience.

However, Yu Guodong was not intimidated by this. He smiled and responded, "Mr. Luo is still strong and healthy."

Although this sentence sounds like a compliment, Yu Guodong's words also have a meaning. He is not a soft persimmon, but clearly told Luo Dingbang that when you are old, you should accept your age and there is no point in playing the old horse waiting in the stable.

Everyone played a few rounds casually, but no one really cared about the outcome on the golf course. They were more concerned about the next highlight - the competition and cooperation in the business and textile industries. This round of golf was just an opening, and the real competition was still to come.

Luo Dingbang looked at Yu Guodong with deep eyes, and there was a hint of amusement in his tone. "Mr. Yu, you are now in the limelight. It can be said that young people are to be feared."

Yu Guodong smiled, placed the golf club under him, and looked into the distance, sighing, "As the saying goes, a man knows his destiny at fifty. But I'm only one year away from being fifty, so I can't still be considered a young man. Mr. Luo is too kind." His tone was both humble and confident, showing the steadiness and wisdom of a mature businessman.

Luo Dingbang shook his head slightly, with a meaningful smile on his face. "No, no, for businessmen and politicians, fifty is the golden age of life. People at this age have both rich experience and abundant energy. It is a good time to make great achievements."

Yu Guodong couldn't help laughing after hearing this. "This statement is very novel. I haven't heard it before. However, since Mr. Luo said so, I must seize this 'golden period'." His hearty and infectious laughter instantly brought the two closer.

Changing the subject, Yu Guodong looked at Luo Dingbang with a sharp gaze. "I wonder what advice Mr. Luo has for inviting me here?"

Luo Dingbang habitually waved behind him, and the person next to him skillfully helped him light the cigar. He took a deep puff of the cigar and blew out a perfect smoke ring.

"I heard that Mr. Yu is very successful in the mainland. It is said that the monthly exports are more than 100 million US dollars. Mr. Yu is involved in textiles, clothing, shoes and hats, and even rubber shoes and plastics. It's really a big deal."

Yu Guodong lit a cigarette, took a deep breath, and responded with a smile. "I don't have such a large garment factory like Mr. Luo and the others. I can only purchase inland and be a middleman to make a profit from the price difference. That's all I can do."

Luo Dingbang smiled lightly and changed the subject. "When doing business, we need to help each other, make money together, and drink soup together. Mr. Yu should understand this principle, right?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Guodong frowned slightly and said seriously, "I wonder what Mr. Luo means?" He felt the sharpness in Luo Dingbang's words and knew that the following conversation would not be so easy.

At this time, the short and fat Mr. Lin, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up. "You, Sitong, have pushed the price of ready-made clothes so low, and it is 30% lower than the market price. How can we do business?"

Luo Dingbang flicked the ash off his cigar and looked at Yu Guodong sharply, his tone serious. "Mr. Yu, our garment industry emphasizes fair competition and common prosperity. However, your recent practices at Sitong have troubled many of your peers. It is really inappropriate to lower the price of ready-made clothes to 30% lower than the market price."

Yu Guodong frowned, he knew that Luo Dingbang's words were not groundless. But he also had his own difficulties and considerations. "Mr. Luo, market competition is cruel. We, Sitong, face many challenges and difficulties in developing in the mainland. In order to gain a foothold in the market, we have to take some extraordinary measures. But please believe that we do not intend to disrupt the market order."

Mr. Fang next to him also interrupted at this time. Although his voice was low, his tone was firm and unquestionable. "Mr. Luo is right. What you did at Sitong really makes it difficult for us colleagues to survive. We are all in this circle. We meet each other every day. In business, harmony brings wealth. Why make the relationship so stiff?"

He couldn't stand Yu Guodong pretending to be ignorant when he knew the truth. If he wanted to stop pretending to be ignorant, the simplest way was to make things clear so that he couldn't continue pretending.

Yu Guodong ignored their direct questioning and focused on Luo Dingbang. "What does Mr. Luo mean?"

In Yu Guodong's world, he only respects the truly strong, and Luo Dingbang's attitude will determine the direction of this conversation.

Luo Dingbang cleared his throat, speaking with some confidence. "We still hope that you can raise the price and leave some soup for everyone. I am entrusted by my colleagues to come and discuss this matter with Mr. Yu."

Yu Guodong smiled, he had finally waited for this day. He was not surprised, because in fact, all this was within his expectations. To be more precise, it was within Zhong Yuemin's expectations, because Zhong Yuemin had reminded him long ago.

Yu Guodong nodded slightly. "Then how much does Mr. Luo want us to raise?" There was a hint of teasing in his tone.

Luo Dingbang nodded slightly to Mr. Lin, indicating that he should answer. Seeing this, Mr. Lin immediately spoke up. "Of course, it will return to the same price as ours."