Building a Conglomerate in Another World - Chapter 46 - Departing Siam

Two months later, in the Kingdom of Siam, at the Hesh Rubber Plantation Company, Matthew stood under the shade of a broad palm tree, surveying the progress of the operation. The plantation was a bustling hub of activity, with laborers deftly tapping rubber trees and collecting latex in small, neatly aligned buckets.

Matthew’s eyes scanned the rows of trees, noting the precision and orderliness of the plantation. His vision was coming to life. Though the humid air clung to his skin, his spirits were high. The operation was running efficiently, but there was still room for growth.

He turned to his foreman, a local man named Somchai, who approached carrying a clipboard.

“Mr. Hesh, the workers have managed to tap nearly 80% of the trees in this section today,” Somchai reported. “The latex yield is higher than expected.”

“That’s excellent news, Somchai,” Matthew said, glancing at the clipboard. “What about the new storage facility? Is it operational yet?”

“Yes, sir. The storage tanks are ready to process the latex, and the drying racks will be fully operational by the end of the week,” Somchai replied with a nod.

Matthew smiled, satisfied. “Good work. Ensure the workers are properly compensated for their efforts. A happy workforce is a productive workforce.”

Somchai nodded again and hurried off to relay the instructions.

As Matthew walked further into the plantation, his thoughts wandered to the future. This was only the beginning. The rubber harvested here would soon be used in his manufacturing ventures, fueling the production of tires for his automobiles and other industrial applications.

His reverie was interrupted by the sound of a horse drawn carriage pulling up near the plantation office. He turned to see Niran stepping out of the car, waving cheerfully.

“Mr. Hesh,” Niran called out, striding toward him. “I’ve just returned from Bangkok with some important updates.”

Matthew extended a hand in greeting. “Niran, good to see you. What news do you bring?”

Niran handed Matthew an envelope. “This is from the Ministry of Commerce. They’re impressed with the plantation’s progress and want to discuss potential tax incentives for expanding your operations. Also, there is a letter for you that just arrived at the post office.”

“Give it to me,” Matthew said, taking the envelope from Niran’s outstretched hand. He carefully opened the sealed letter and unfolded the parchment, scanning the neatly written lines.

As his eyes darted across the page, his expression shifted to one of mild surprise, followed by a thoughtful nod. The letter bore the familiar handwriting of Amber Fitzwilliam.

“Is everything alright, Mr. Hesh?” Niran asked, noticing the subtle shift in Matthew’s demeanor.

Matthew folded the letter neatly and tucked it into his coat pocket.

“Yes, Niran. Just news from a friend back home.” He paused, his lips curving into a faint smile. “And she wanted me to come back now. Which is something that I will do now because my job here is completed and I believe I have left this plantation in good hands.”

“Don’t worry about the plantation, Mr. Hesh,” Niran assured him. “Somchai and I will ensure everything continues to run smoothly in your absence. Your systems are solid, and the workforce respects your leadership.”

Matthew nodded, his gaze sweeping over the plantation one last time. “I trust you both completely. This place has the potential to become one of the most significant rubber suppliers in the region. Keep it on track, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you encounter any issues.”

Somchai approached just then, a curious look on his face. “Mr. Hesh, will you be leaving soon?”

Matthew smiled at the foreman, his respect for the man evident. “Yes, Somchai. I’ll be returning to Amsterdam to tend to other ventures. The rubber that we are making here was already refined now and I will bring it back along with me.”

He glanced at the neatly stacked crates of processed rubber near the storage facility, ready for transport.

“Somchai,” Matthew said, turning to his foreman, “ensure these crates are loaded carefully onto the ship.

“Understood, Mr. Hesh,” Somchai replied. “Everything will be handled with care.”

Matthew extended a hand toward the foreman, who took it firmly. “Thank you, Somchai. Your leadership here has been invaluable. Continue to guide the team with the same dedication.”

Somchai bowed slightly, a gesture of respect. “It has been an honor, sir. We will not disappoint you.”

Niran, standing nearby, gestured toward the waiting carriage. “The ship to Amsterdam departs this evening. Shall we head to the port, Mr. Hesh?”

Matthew took one last look around the plantation, imprinting the image of its orderly rows of rubber trees, hardworking laborers, and bustling activity into his memory.

“Yes, let’s go.”

As the carriage rolled away from the plantation, Matthew leaned back against the seat, allowing a moment of reflection. The past few months had been a whirlwind of challenges and accomplishments. From securing the land to setting up operations and now exporting their first shipment of rubber, the journey had been nothing short of transformative.

Arriving at the bustling port of Bangkok, Matthew was met with a flurry of activity. Longshoremen loaded cargo onto massive steamships, merchants haggled over goods, and officials barked orders to keep the flow of commerce smooth.

Niran accompanied Matthew to the ship, ensuring the crates of rubber were loaded securely.

As the ship’s horn sounded, signaling its impending departure, Matthew turned to Niran.

“Thank you for everything. Your assistance and guidance have been instrumental.”

“It was my pleasure,” Niran said with a slight bow. “Safe travels, Mr. Hesh. And may your ventures continue to thrive.”

Matthew ascended the gangplank. Standing at the ship’s railing, he watched as the port of Bangkok grew smaller and smaller, fading into the horizon. As he reached into his coat pocket, he retrieved Amber’s letter, rereading her familiar handwriting under the golden glow of the setting sun.

He wasn’t able to keep his promise of returning home in just two months, after all the trip alone would take one and a half months, plus two months stay in Siam, and one and a half month back. Surely, she would be angry but if one were to think about it, who cared about her feelings? He just wants to make his automobile to roll out like soldiers where it will dominate the battlefield across Amerathia and beyond!