Back to 1958: Creating a Century-Long Family Empire

Chapter 44 – Teaching the Art of Extermination

Among the dozens of "students" gathered at the site that morning, only one wasn't from the shantytown: Wang Zhixian.

The rest were young men from the slums who had jumped at the opportunity to take part in a temporary job that offered a halfway decent income.

And yet, when Yang Wendong announced that the best way to kill rats was to make them kill each other, the entire group was stunned.

No one said a word. Some looked confused, others curious. But no one raised their hand to question it—probably afraid of saying something wrong.

Except for Wang.

"Wait, what do you mean by making them kill each other?" he asked.

Yang smiled. "I'll explain. But for now, understand this—the key is to capture the rats alive, and not kill them immediately.

"Then we do something to them—cause them a little pain, nothing fatal.

In that state, when they return to their nest, they'll turn aggressive, and start attacking other rats.

"That's the outcome we want."

In his past life, Yang had read a detailed report about China's "Four Pests Campaign" during the 1950s and 60s.

One of the lesser-known tactics used for rat extermination involved surgically injuring a single rat, then releasing it.

It would return to its nest in a furious state and go on a rampage—killing dozens of other rats.

"Does that really work?" Wang asked.

He was the only one comfortable enough to ask openly. The others were still in awe of Yang, instinctively treating him like a boss, not a teacher.

Yang nodded. "Think about how we've handled rats in the past. We use traps, we use poison, we raise cats. These are all passive methods.

"Even poison is spread across large areas—inefficient, imprecise, and dangerous.

You never really know how much gets eaten or where it ends up. And environmental concerns? Let's not even start.

"But this—this method is different.

It uses the rats' own intelligence, their own instincts, against them."

Even with modern infrared sensors and night-vision cameras, rats were incredibly difficult to catch.

Once they fled into sewer pipes or walls, not even high-tech tools could track them.

Unless you planned to pour concrete over the entire dock, there was no way to completely eliminate them.

Wang nodded slowly. "You're starting to convince me."

Yang continued, "To maximize the effect, you should choose a larger rat. One that's easier to work with, and more dominant when it returns to the nest.

"But be careful. Wear thick gloves. A rat bite might not seem serious, but infection is no joke—especially with plague still a concern."

As he finished speaking, Zhao Liming began handing out rubber gloves to everyone, as instructed.

Most of the workers from the shantytown weren't squeamish. Many had gone hungry, worked dirty jobs, or lived in worse conditions.

To them, this was just another unpleasant but manageable task.

Yang continued, "Apart from internal aggression, we also need to find the nests.

"That's where they breed, store food, and hide. If we can destroy those, we reduce their numbers significantly."

As he explained, Wang began taking notes.

He had never imagined there was so much to learn about rat extermination.

This wasn't just traps and poison—it was psychology, biology, strategy.

After finishing his explanation, Yang addressed the group again.

"Now listen—these are all techniques, but theory is theory. Execution is different.

"Each of you will be paired with an experienced team leader. Learn from them. If you prove yourself—work hard, learn fast—you'll have a place here long-term.

"I'm offering more than a job. I'm offering you a chance at stability."

He wasn't exaggerating.

While his warehouse contracts were dwindling due to progress, Hong Kong was a big place.

Many more warehouses and factories still had no idea that professional extermination was even an option.

Once he finished this port project successfully, Yang planned to expand—showing companies the potential damage of ignoring rodent infestations and offering them a better way.

It would be like how Li Ka-shing once walked around with a plastic bucket, explaining to clients why it was better than their old metal ones.

And if the glue boards succeeded, Yang's production would have to scale massively.

He'd need a factory. He'd need workers. These men might become the first of many.

"Really? You mean we can keep working for you?" one of the young men asked, eyes wide.

"Absolutely," Yang said firmly. "Do a good job, and you'll have a place with me."

Excitement buzzed through the crowd.

In the slums, Yang Wendong had become something of a legend.

People said he'd gone from starving in the alleyways to running a business—in less than a year.

Now they had a chance to follow in his footsteps.

It was no surprise that motivation skyrocketed.

After Yang's speech, the ten veterans—Zhao Liming, Lin Haoyu, and others—led the new recruits out to scout the port.

Wang walked over and asked, "So, are they officially starting now?"

"Not yet," Yang said. "Rats are mostly active at night. For now, they'll just get familiar with the layout—especially the areas highlighted in the documents you gave me."

Wang nodded. "Got it. I've already arranged for the glue boards to be distributed free of charge to surrounding businesses and homes.

Staff from Kowloon Wharf are accompanying the volunteers, so people are cooperating."

"Perfect," Yang said. "Once people see how effective the boards are, they'll keep using them."

Wang added, "The port authority is taking this seriously. I just learned that a U.S. customs agency recently discovered rats on a cargo ship from Hong Kong.

"The shipowner had to hire an American exterminator, and it cost over $30,000."

"Thirty thousand?!" Yang was stunned. "Isn't that excessive?"

"They used military-grade fumigation, sealed the ship and pumped in poison gas. It was expensive and caused major delays.

"But if the cargo didn't arrive on time, the owner would've faced even higher penalties.

Worse, it would've ruined their reputation."

Yang nodded. "Makes sense. For big shipping companies, credibility is everything."

"And it's not just them," Wang added. "Even ports have reputations.

"Sure, Kowloon Wharf didn't pay that $30,000. But if these incidents keep happening, they will lose clients.

"Especially since Hong Kong has more than one port."

Yang thought for a moment. "That means Whampoa and Taikoo must be dealing with the same rat problems."

"Probably," Wang said. "They just haven't been caught yet."

He grinned. "But if you do well here, those ports might come looking for you too."

Yang looked out over the wharf, where dozens of ships bobbed in the distance.

"Maybe," he said. "But I think there are more opportunities than even we realize."

After finishing his lecture, Yang Wendong turned to his team leaders.

"Remember—rats mostly come out at night. For now, just get everyone familiar with the environment, especially the locations mentioned in the reports Mr. Wang gave us."

Wang Zhixian nodded. "I've already sent people to distribute the glue boards for free around the port area—shops, homes, small businesses. They're being escorted by Kowloon Wharf staff, so most people are cooperating."

Yang smiled. "Good. Once they see how effective the traps are, they'll be eager to keep using them."

Wang continued, "The port is taking this very seriously. I just found out that U.S. Customs in Los Angeles discovered a cargo ship from Hong Kong with rats onboard."

Yang raised his eyebrows. "What happened?"

"The shipowner had to hire an American extermination company. They used a military-grade fumigation system and charged over $30,000."

"Thirty thousand?!" Yang gasped. "Even for a developed country, that's outrageous."

Wang nodded. "They sealed the ship and filled it with toxic gas. It wasn't just expensive—it delayed the cargo significantly.

"But if the shipment didn't arrive on time, the owner would've had to pay even larger penalties for breach of contract.

And more importantly, it would've ruined their credibility."

Yang nodded in understanding. "Makes sense. In the shipping industry, reputation is everything."

"And not just for the shipowners," Wang added. "Ports have reputations to protect, too.

"Kowloon Wharf didn't foot that $30,000 bill, but if this kind of news spreads, shipping companies may choose other ports instead."

Yang looked thoughtful. "In that case, Whampoa and Taikoo ports probably have the same rat problem, right?"

"Definitely," Wang said. "They just haven't been flagged by foreign customs yet."

He gave a sly smile. "But if you do a really good job here, maybe Whampoa and Taikoo will come calling next."

Yang turned to look out over the vast expanse of cranes, cargo, and ships in Kowloon Wharf. The sun was starting to dip, casting orange light across the ocean.

"Maybe," he said with a calm smile. "But I think there's even more opportunity waiting out there."

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