Rebirth of Hong Kong Island, leading the technology war

Chapter 561 Catherine's Advice on Not Choosing Singapore

Kathryn Guise is a very important figure in the Guise family, and could even be considered the second most important person after Bill Guise.

That's not an exaggeration at all.

Despite being very young, only in her early twenties, Kathryn Guise was hailed as a child prodigy a few years ago.

Catherine wielded considerable influence within the Guise family.

It is said that Catherine plays an important role in the high-level investment decision-making meetings of the Guise family.

Catherine's words carry significant weight and decision-making power, an effect that cannot be achieved simply by her father, Gus, or others spoiling her.

It is well known that the United States practices a happy education system for the lower classes, but the upper class is not happy at all. They educate their children in a very aggressive way, and the elite education implemented in their private schools is even more demanding than education in mainland China.

Catherine's recognition by others is due to her own hard work, talent, and perseverance.

Anne Donald of the O'Leary Group is so interested in Catherine because the Guise family is a major financial backer of the O'Leary Group, and can even be considered a major shareholder, holding several seats on the board of directors.

That's right, the O'Leem Group is an investment group in Europe, but the whole West follows the lead of the United States and regards it as its leader. It's perfectly normal for investment groups to have companies from the United States involved.

Anne Donald had always wanted a deeper relationship with the Guise family, rather than just business dealings, so she especially wanted to have more private conversations with Kathryn Guise to make a better impression on her.

Everyone could see that Anne Donald, who had been aloof and indifferent just moments before, was now constantly circling around Katherine Guise.

Anne chatted with Catherine, all smiles, and kept clinking glasses with her.

This approach is no less sophisticated than Eastern drinking culture; in fact, it's even more blatant and obsequious.

The idea that only the East has a drinking culture and only Easterners know how to toast is a complete stereotype.

“Ms. Catherine, I have long admired you, and it is a great honor to meet you today.”

Catherine smiled without saying a word, exuding an air of nobility.

Anne adopted such a humble posture, but no one felt she was losing face, because everyone present had a similar attitude towards Katherine Guise.

The Li family, in particular, has frequent contact with Westerners and has even come to regard themselves as a Western family. When they meet people from upper-class families like the Guise family, they have to go up and curry favor with them.

In this respect, the Li family's experience is far superior to that of other prominent families on Hong Kong Island; they are on a completely different level.

Lee Jae-gil kept trying to get closer to Catherine and say a few words, but he rarely had the chance to speak because he and Catherine didn't have many topics to talk about.

Li Changxi, on the other hand, seemed more composed. He had connections with Catherine because the rocket launch site project that the Li family was collaborating on with Speth X and the Guise family on in Hong Kong Island was in full swing.

“Ms. Guise, the rocket launch site on Hong Kong Island is now mostly completed. If you have time in the next few days, you can go and take a look. I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised.”

Catherine nodded. "Okay, I'll go if I have time. Thank you, Mr. Li."

At this moment, Li Changxi added, "By the way, our Changhe Group and Songming Group are in talks with Oulaim Group about cooperation. We're having a very pleasant discussion, and there's a very high chance that we'll reach an agreement."

As he spoke, Li Changxi glanced at Anne Donard.

Anne nodded in agreement.

Upon hearing this, Catherine looked up and glanced, seemingly unintentionally, at Hu Jiangshan sitting in the distance.

Catherine is a very intelligent person, and the Guise family has a very powerful intelligence network. They collect relevant intelligence wherever they go, leaving no stone unturned.

This time was no exception; Catherine had already obtained the general situation while on the private jet.

Although this matter sounds complicated, it is actually quite simple upon closer analysis. It is nothing more than a few forces and the investment projects of the Oulaim Group.

One of the forces is related to Hu Jiangshan, namely the company owned by Hu Jiangshan's father.

When Catherine looked at Hu Jiangshan, he also looked at her.

Their eyes met, then they looked away, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally.

At this point, the Singaporean team certainly wouldn't just stand by and watch.

Liang Gaoyuan came over with a wine glass and exchanged a few polite words with Catherine.

“Ms. Guss, we hope to have the opportunity to cooperate. The Singaporean government looks forward to this very much.”

Catherine nodded, offering only a brief response.

Li Changxi chuckled and said, "Commissioner Liang, I believe this wish will come true soon."

Li Changxi's meaning was clear: if Cheung Ho Group and Songming Group really established a joint venture with a Singaporean company and set up their headquarters in Singapore, then they could seize control of the O'Lem Group's investment projects.

At that point, the Singaporean government will have a connection with the Gas family, and further cooperation will be just around the corner.

Liang Gaoyuan perked up and quickly agreed.

Liang Gaoyuan's boss, Courtney, also came over with a wine glass in hand.

“Ms. Guss, Ms. Donald, I hope our collaboration can go even more smoothly.”

With that, Courtney clinked glasses with Catherine and Anne, laughed heartily, and downed his drink in one gulp, appearing quite hearty.

Everyone was stunned. The cooperation hadn't even been finalized yet, and they were already celebrating.

This shows a complete disregard for the Hong Kong government.

However, as a Singaporean of Bharat descent, such behavior is quite normal.

They are so bold, even a little carefree, that they don't consider what would happen if they failed, let alone whether it would be shameful to draw such a conclusion now.

This is both the weakness and the strength of the Balat people.

The Barat people never suffer from mental anguish; they are very optimistic and not overly cautious in their actions, which sometimes allows them to achieve more.

For example, in the United States, a large number of people of Bharat descent can access more resources than people of Chinese descent.

Although they are not as capable as the Chinese individually, they have formed groups and gangs, and now they have completely trampled the Chinese underfoot.

Fang Chenyang's face turned ashen. These people were so blatant, completely ignoring him, the Hong Kong government's business commissioner, as if he didn't exist at all.

This behavior is extremely rude. You should know that the people from Singapore were brought here by Fang Chenyang.

The Singaporean team was indeed very unreasonable. They came to Hong Kong Island under the guise of a business visit, but they were completely indifferent to it.

They're not even pretending anymore; they're openly trying to undermine Hong Kong Island's development, making no attempt to hide it. It's infuriating.

Fang Chenyang was furious and was about to speak when Hu Wenxin stopped him.

Hu Wenxin said casually in British English, "Mr. Courtney, it seems you're celebrating a bit too early. Your cooperation hasn't even been finalized yet."

Courtney raised an eyebrow: "Do you think there's still any suspense?"

"Why is there no suspense? The O'Leem Group's investment project was originally intended to be located in Hong Kong Island, and has nothing to do with your Singapore."

Hu Wenxin glanced at Fang Chenyang and continued, "Didn't you come here for a business visit? I think you should focus your energy on that. As for the negotiations with the Oulaim Group, that has absolutely nothing to do with you."

As expected, Liang Gaoyuan showed an embarrassed expression after Hu Wenxin finished speaking.

Liang Gaoyuan was indeed embarrassed by the fact that his Singapore team had so openly revealed their thoughts. Fang Chenyang gave Hu Wenxin a grateful look; if Hu hadn't stopped him and stepped in, he probably would have blurted it out himself.

It's fine if Hu Wenxin says this, but if Fang Chenyang says it out loud, it will be very disadvantageous for him.

Fang Chenyang was, after all, a high-ranking official in the Hong Kong government, and business reception was also one of his responsibilities.

If Fang Chenyang offends the people of Singapore too badly, it means he is not qualified, which may affect his work and even his future promotion.

That being said, Hu Wenxin's words were very harsh, and the people of Singapore were clearly very unhappy.

Li Ziji and Guo Pingjiang exchanged a smile, not annoyed at all, and even began to whisper among themselves.

Hu Wenxin has finally become a "red-hot" celebrity, but what can that change?

Nothing can be changed.

The Oulaim Group has now basically finalized its strategy: to have Changhe Group and Songming Group establish joint ventures with companies in Singapore, and then the Oulaim Group will implement the projects in Singapore.

This is the most perfect solution, and all parties can benefit.

Moreover, the O'Leem Group can also obtain the largest share of the profits.

Hu Wenxin spoke in British English, which Courtney could understand.

Courtney said, “Interesting. I don’t think there will be any surprises. Our partnership is unbreakable, Ms. Guss. Am I right?”

Everyone's attention turned to Catherine, who smiled slightly.

"Although I've just arrived and don't know the specifics, I believe anything is possible, and things may not turn out the way you all think."

Everyone was stunned, not expecting Catherine to say such a thing.

Although Catherine's words were not very clear, it seemed as if she was refuting Courtney's statement.

Li Ziji and Guo Pingjiang exchanged a glance.

Guo Pingjiang asked in a low voice, "What did Ms. Guss mean just now?"

Hu Wenxin shook her head and said, "Perhaps it doesn't mean anything else, it's just casually expressing her thoughts. She just said that she doesn't know the specific situation and won't make any decisions."

Guo Pingjiang nodded: "That makes sense."

Although they said that, their expressions didn't show any ease; they both sensed that something was amiss.

Both of them are seasoned veterans in the business world, and they are very sensitive to any clues.

Katherine Guise's attitude was somewhat lukewarm, as if she did have other ideas.

Anne asked, "Ms. Guss, do you have anything to say about our cooperation negotiations? Or do you have any other opinions? We would like to hear what you have to say."

Catherine said calmly, "I think your negotiations need to be more pragmatic. You can't just focus on short-term gains. Our Gas Group values ​​long-term benefits more, and we hope that the O'Leem Group can do the same."

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment after hearing this.

Katherine Guise's words had a hidden meaning.

No one spoke. Catherine continued slowly, "I think the cooperation with Hong Kong should be strategic. No matter how great the benefits, we should not deviate from this path or the original intention. Ms. Donald, I hope you understand what I mean."

Anne was momentarily confused. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Ms. Guss, do you mean we should prioritize cooperating with Hong Kong Island? Am I right?"

I think so.

Fang Chenyang's eyes lit up. This was a pleasant surprise. Catherine Guise was clearly speaking up for Hong Kong and endorsing it, which was good news for Fang Chenyang.

But why did Catherine do that?

Fang Chenyang was also a little confused.

Hu Wenxin and Huo Jiangting exchanged a smile, feeling relieved and happy.

Huo Jiangting said in a low voice, "I told you that Ashan's arrival would definitely be useful, and you see, it was incredibly useful!"

Hu Wenxin smiled without saying a word, quite pleased.

Hu Jiangshan quickly said, "It has nothing to do with me?"

Fang Chenyang was still puzzled, wondering what role Guo Jiangting was referring to in Hu Jiangshan's case.
Could Hu Jiangshan influence Kathleen Guise's decision-making?
On the Singapore business team's side, Liang Gaoyuan's expression changed, clearly sensing that something was wrong.

Courtney looked completely bewildered, not yet understanding what was going on or what was happening.

Just then, Li Ziji quickly said, "Ms. Donald, we can consider cooperating with Hong Kong. For example, our Changhe Group and Songming Group are the best partners. Our strength can be said to be the strongest in Hong Kong, without any rivals."

Anne nodded: "That makes sense, Ms. Guss. Changhe Group and Songming Group are excellent partners, we..."

"No, listen to me."

Catherine interrupted Anne, continuing, "I don't think they are necessarily the most suitable. When choosing a partner, you should choose someone more reliable. Reliability is the real strength."

"You mean... Hezhong Group and the Huo family are the best partners?"

"Ah."

Catherine didn't say much, and calmly took a sip of her drink.

The entire room fell silent; people looked at each other, speechless for a moment.

Guo Jiangting smiled and said to Hu Wenxin, "This matter is probably settled."

Hu Wenxin nodded.

Fang Chenyang glanced at Hu Wenxin, then at Hu Jiangshan, and asked in a low voice, "Mr. Hu, are you very familiar with Ms. Guss?"

"Yes, we have some overlap."

Guo Jiangting said, "Doesn't Mr. Fang know? Tenglong Island Resort is operated by Ms. Guise."

Fang Chenyang suddenly realized what was going on.

Fang Chenyang laughed heartily, raised his glass and said, "Then I must toast you all, thank you very much!"

The four clinked glasses and drank happily in one gulp, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

On the other hand, Li Ziji, Guo Pingjiang, and Li Changxi were not in such a good mood.

They all wore bitter expressions, their hearts filled with mixed feelings.

With Catherine saying that, the O'Leem Group will definitely reconsider its previous plan.

Lee Ja-gil wanted to try one more time and strike up a conversation with Catherine.

Unexpectedly, Catherine got up and left, heading towards Hu Jiangshan's side.

(End of this chapter)