Chapter 42 – Full Preparation and Project Launch

Chapter 42 – Full Preparation and Project Launch

After Yang Wendong left, Wang Zhixian immediately went to report to his superior, Zhao Chengguang.

"Glue boards? Are they really that amazing?" Zhao asked curiously.

Wang replied, "In theory, if a rat touches any part of this thing, it can't escape. It's more efficient than traditional traps or snap clamps.

More importantly, it's cheaper, easier to transport, and it avoids the disgusting part—people don't have to handle the rats directly. Just throw the whole board away."

Zhao tapped his desk thoughtfully. "You're saying this invention could have an impact not just on our port project, but across Hong Kong—and maybe even internationally?"

Wang nodded seriously. "Exactly. Yang Wendong isn't just clever. He patented the product before talking to anyone—probably to prevent people like us from getting any ideas."

Zhao chuckled. "So we underestimated him."

"Yes," Wang said. "After this port project, he'll likely have enough capital to truly expand. With the glue board alone, he could carve out a permanent spot for himself in Hong Kong's business scene."

Zhao nodded slowly. "It's not every day you meet someone like that.

Once this is over, I want to meet him in person. I'm genuinely curious."

"Understood. I'll focus on executing the extermination plan."

Wang paused, then asked, "Boss, are you thinking about buying his patent?"

Zhao shook his head. "No. Your analysis is solid. The glue board has commercial potential, but we're not experts in manufacturing. No point in interfering.

"I want to meet him because I might want to invest. I don't care about the board itself—I care about him.

"Think about it. Just months ago, he was broke in a shantytown. Now he's running a company. What do you think he'll be in a few years?"

"Probably something big," Wang replied honestly. "We've worked with a lot of contractors over the years. None of them left an impression like this."

Zhao smiled. "There's only one other person who made me feel that way—Li Ka-shing.

"A few years ago, I received a procurement order from Lane Crawford for plastic goods.

A bunch of factory owners came knocking—but one stood out. Young, articulate, sharp.

"That man was Li Ka-shing. I gave him the order. Later, I lost touch with him. But just this year, I saw his name in the papers—he partnered with an Italian luxury brand to launch plastic flowers, and now he's dominating the Hong Kong market.

"I knew back then he'd make it."

"Your instincts were right," Wang said with admiration.

Zhao waved it off. "Let's not talk about the future. First, let's finish the job in front of us."

"Yes, boss."

…

Back at the office, Yang Wendong wasted no time informing his team of the good news.

"We're officially cleared to begin operations at Kowloon Wharf," he announced.

Su Yiyi clapped her hands. "Then we should start large-scale production of the glue boards, right?"

"Exactly," Yang nodded. Then he turned to Lin Haoyu. "How's the wood situation? Can the shantytown supply enough boards?"

Haoyu thought for a moment. "If it's just a few hundred, we're fine. But if we need more, we'll have trouble."

Yang nodded. "We'll need to switch to plastic in the long term—it's better for mass production. But for now, we'll stick with wood.

"Start sourcing from other shantytowns too, and talk to some local carpenters. We can use scrap pieces—anything that's flat and light."

In the modern mainland, glue boards were usually made from specialized cardboard or plastic sheets.

But that material didn't exist in 1958 Hong Kong. So Yang had to improvise with what was available.

"Got it," Haoyu said.

Yang then turned to Liming. "Your job is to recruit more people to help us assemble the glue boards. Find people who can work inside the shantytown, close to the supply. We don't want too many outsiders in our current space."

Liming nodded. "Understood."

Yang turned to Su Yiyi. "You'll handle all finances and cost controls. This operation is growing fast. We need to keep a close eye on the books."

"Yes, Brother Dong," she replied.

"Alright. That's the plan. Everyone focus on your part. If anything comes up, let me know immediately."

"Yes, Brother Dong!" the three replied in unison.

…

Five days later, Wang Zhixian arrived at the office personally.

"Mr. Yang, we've finalized the agreement with Kowloon Wharf. You can start the extermination project immediately."

"Great," Yang replied, thrilled.

Yes, there was pressure—but this was also the biggest opportunity he'd had since coming to Hong Kong.

Wang glanced at a cart loaded with boxes. "Is all this glue boards?"

"Yep. Around five hundred," Yang confirmed.

Wang nodded. "We've arranged for you to use a small office in the corner of one of our warehouses. You can work and sleep there as needed.

"Once you unload everything, we'll take inventory and begin internal handover. I'll make sure payments are issued quickly."

"Thank you," Yang said sincerely. He knew this wasn't always the case. Just because a deal was signed didn't mean the client would pay promptly.

A courteous attitude could go a long way.

"Let's go. I'll take you to the port myself," Wang said with a smile.

Yang waved to Su Yiyi. "Come with me."

Downstairs, they saw a car waiting for them.

"We're taking a car today," Wang explained. "Rickshaws aren't allowed inside the port area."

Yang grinned. "This'll be my first time riding in a car."

They climbed in, and the vehicle rumbled toward Kowloon Wharf.

As Yang stared out the window, he realized that everything he'd been working toward—every sacrifice, every late night, every bit of glue—had been leading to this moment.

The most important project of his new life had officially begun.

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