Chu Shijian (right)
According to the Chutian Golden News, citing reports from the 21st Century Business Herald and Southern Weekly: Chu Shijian, once known as the "King of Tobacco" for his leadership at Yuxi Cigarette Factory in Yunnan, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1999 due to a corruption case. In 2002, at the age of 74, Chu Shijian was granted medical parole due to severe diabetes and began growing oranges in the Ailao Mountains of Yunnan. Recently, it was reported that in 2011, Chu Shijian's orchard made a profit exceeding 30 million yuan, with fixed assets surpassing 80 million yuan. This means that at the age of 85, Chu Shijian has become a billionaire.
Not wanting to be too poor, he embarked on a second career. At the age of 85, Wang Shi’s most admired business tycoon, known as the "King of Oranges," continues to shuttle between his orchard in Yuxi City and the Ailao Mountains.
After nearly two hours of driving through the mountains, the interview vehicle finally arrived at a hillside covered with orange trees, stopping in front of a yellow two-story building, which is Chu Shijian's home in the mountains. Chu slowly walked towards the reporters, shook hands one by one, and then invited everyone to eat oranges.
Indeed, "Chu Oranges" have an exceptional taste and are widely recognized as the "best-tasting oranges." Chu Shijian introduced: "Our oranges are divided into three grades. The top grade sells for 10 yuan per kilogram, and in the market, they sell for more than 10 yuan per jin, with demand far outpacing supply."
When asked why he decided to take over the orchard, Chu Shijian said: "Firstly, I didn't want to live in poverty in my later years. Secondly, after being released from prison in my seventies, I needed to find something to do to make my life more fulfilling."
Determined to grow world-class oranges, Chu pointed at the oranges on the table and recounted how each year he solved a specific problem: improving soil structure, developing unique mixed organic fertilizers, solving irrigation issues, pest control problems, and enhancing flavor. Market feedback indicates that "Chu Oranges" now rival the quality of American Sunkist oranges.
The reporter couldn’t help but ask Chu Shijian: "How did you know there would be such a result today? Did you consider failure?"
The elderly man replied slowly: "I didn't really think about failing. When I was at the cigarette factory, I proposed a loan of 230 million USD to the Yunnan provincial government to introduce the world's most advanced cigarette production equipment. Some people said if the performance wasn't good and we couldn't repay the money, I might end up in jail. But I thought that improving the quality of cigarettes would allow us to repay the loan within a year."
Regarding how great oranges are produced, Chu Shijian explained: "To ensure high-quality oranges, we must remove part of the fruit early on, which farmers are reluctant to do. As the trees grow, they compete for sunlight and nutrients, so we must cut down a third of the trees, which farmers also hesitate to do. However, we have strict quality standards for harvesting fruits. Those who follow our company's requirements see significantly increased income, and others gradually follow suit."
Now, in Chu Shijian's orange grove, a family of two can earn over 60,000 yuan per year with just their two hands, while technicians earn more than 100,000 yuan annually, comparable to civil servants.
Rejecting the idea of going public for quick money
In 2011, Chu Shijian's orchard made a profit exceeding 30 million yuan, with fixed assets surpassing 80 million yuan. However, apart from using profits to pay off debts, the rest has been invested in water conservancy construction and other fixed assets. Recently, Chu Shijian rented another 400 mu of mountain land, where the trees have just been planted, and it will take a few years before they bear fruit.
A domestic investment company with substantial resources specifically approached Chu Shijian through intermediaries to inquire about his interest in going public. This company sees potential in the reputation and profitability of "Chu Oranges" and intends to list them on the stock market. Chu, upon hearing this, repeatedly declined. "I don't have the intention to play along with them. Besides, investment companies will take a portion of the money from shareholders after going public. I'm 85 years old and won't be able to manage for many more years. If I go public, I might get the money, but it would harm the shareholders. I'm afraid of what others might say behind my back."
[News Background]
Chu Shijian, born in 1928, was the former chairman of Hongta Group in Yunnan and the factory manager of Yuxi Cigarette Factory. During his tenure, Yuxi Cigarette Factory transformed from an obscure small factory into a "money-printing factory" generating nearly 20 billion yuan in annual tax revenue and profit. Due to a corruption case, Chu Shijian was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1999. In the case, Chu was charged with embezzlement and unexplained sources of huge amounts of property, involving over 13 million USD. Chu defended himself, arguing that given the substantial profits he created for the state, the involved funds could be considered "reasonable remuneration." This sparked widespread controversy on January 17, 2009.