Back to 1958: Creating a Century-Long Family Empire

Chapter 60: Walking on Two Legs

Afterward, Elena followed Yang Wendong into the small office.

"Miss Elena, would you like some tea?" Yang Wendong asked, suddenly realizing he didn't have any coffee. He had never needed it before, and it was expensive, too.

"No worries, just a glass of water will be fine," Elena said with a smile. "And there's no need to call me 'Miss.' Just call me Elena."

Yang nodded. "Alright."

Soon, two glasses of water were poured.

After taking a sip, Elena asked, "Those workers just now… are they all from the squatter huts?"

"Yes, most of them are people I used to know," Yang said with a nod.

Now that he had a bit of ability and needed people to work for him, of course he reached out to those he was familiar with. Of course, it was only basic acquaintance — not deep relationships. If anyone underperformed, they'd be kicked out like anyone else.

Hong Kong, after all, was a capitalist's paradise right now — jobs were scarce and people were abundant.

Elena smiled. "That's good. Looks like everything you said before was right. I hope your factory continues to grow bigger and bigger."

"I hope so too. If your friends can help bring my products into Europe, I could easily create ten times more jobs than now," Yang replied.

"I'll do my best," Elena promised.

Yang then asked, "So today, you came just to check out my factory?"

Elena shook her head. "Not only that. There's something I'd like to ask you."

"Ask me?" Yang was a little surprised. Although he was starting to achieve some small success, he didn't think he had the kind of resources to help others with much. Aside from a few thousand dollars, a modest business, and a couple of patents for his glue boards, he had no real connections — his network barely extended past Zhao Chenguang and An Yongqiang.

Elena explained, "It's about the rat extermination you carried out at the Whampoa and Taikoo docks — it was very effective. Other ports followed your methods and have seen good results. Because of that, the government wants to reward you with $100 as encouragement."

"A reward of $100?" Yang blinked. It seemed incredible, but then again, he didn't know the Hong Kong government well enough to say it was impossible.

The money itself wasn't a big deal — he didn't care that much about $100 — but it was still a kind of honor. Still, he asked, "Just a $100 reward?"

Elena shook her head. "Not just that. Someone is hoping you can publish a book about how to eliminate rats."

"A book about exterminating rats? Why would the colonial government want that?" Yang asked in return.

Elena explained, "You're well aware of how dangerous rats can be. A few decades ago, Hong Kong suffered a major bubonic plague outbreak — over a thousand people died. Mainland China had similar cases, and so did many parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Responsible governments take this kind of threat seriously.

The British government is asking all its colonies to submit reports on local rat extermination efforts. The Hong Kong government wants to include a summarized guide, and they'd like you to provide that material."

"I see." Yang nodded in understanding.

In the 21st century, especially in mainland China, most people heard the word "plague" and thought of it like smallpox — something from the ancient past, with no relevance to modern life.

But in this era, it was still a major threat. Plagues could be just as deadly — if not more so — than large-scale wars. In the 1950s, smallpox hadn't yet been eradicated, and plague outbreaks still occurred frequently. These two diseases, with their high mortality rates and extreme contagiousness, were like swords hanging over the heads of many.

The British government — and colonial administrations like Hong Kong's — took these threats seriously. That they would request a report was entirely logical.

"So, do you agree?" Elena asked.

Yang Wendong replied, "If it's something that helps the government, I'm certainly willing. But as you know, my main business has been exterminating rats in warehouses. If I publish those methods, others will learn them, and that will hurt my business."

Elena nodded. "I understand. But the government really doesn't have the funds to compensate you properly."

Yang shook his head. "That's fine. I'm not looking for money from the government. But what I do hope is to take on some extermination contracts under government agencies — warehouses, departments, anything."

"You want to take on that kind of work?" Elena thought for a moment, then said, "Didn't you just say that once the methods are published, others will know how to do it too?"

Yang chuckled. "Well, English has always been public and accessible. There are more resources than you can imagine. But how many Chinese in Hong Kong can actually read English?

Even if all the information is made available, how many people will actually take the time to study it and put it into practice?"

In truth, even if someone wanted to learn this trade, Yang's personal knowledge wasn't essential — there were plenty of professional pest control experts around the world, some even more specialized than him.

Learning ultimately depends on the person, not the information. Yang himself had started out with no knowledge but had learned a great deal through observation and self-study.

Elena nodded. "That's true."

Yang pressed his advantage. "Rodents are a serious social issue. They don't just eat grain — they chew on electrical wires, destroy furniture, and even shred documents.

Over the years, government departments have probably suffered their fair share of damage from rats. Even with the best extermination manuals, will the people in those departments actually do the work?

Instead, why not leave it to me? I can organize a team and handle the rodent control. If we partner long-term, I can guarantee a significant reduction in rodent issues across government offices. I won't even charge high rates — it'll be a win-win for everyone."

After several months of warehouse pest control, and the subsequent wave of clients backing out, Yang had realized he needed to push forward again.

He'd shelved the idea temporarily while setting up the glue board factory — which had taken up much of his energy.

Now, with Elena bringing up rat extermination again, it was the perfect time to revive that side of the business.

The glue board business was profitable enough to sustain him — but who ever complained about making too much money? Pest control was still his original trade, and he had a small, experienced team ready. Of course, he wanted to keep that arm of the business alive.

With two operations running in parallel — manufacturing and services — he could walk on two legs and provide employment for even more people.

Elena considered this and said, "What you're saying makes sense, but I don't have the authority to approve that."

Yang nodded. "That's okay. All I ask is that you put in a word for me with your superiors. I'm not expecting to take over all government contracts immediately — even one department to start would be enough. We can take it step by step.

Besides, if the government gives us more business, it'll help create jobs and reduce social harm from rodents at the same time."

"Alright, I'll try when I get back," Elena finally agreed.

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