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?"

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!