Rebirth of Hong Kong Island, leading the technology war

Chapter 630 The纨绔太子爷 (Wánkù Tàzizi, a spoiled and dissolute young master) is forced to accept the challenge! Can Young Master Hu pull off a stunning comeback?

Midway through the meeting, a topic was raised that invigorated Hu Jiangshan, who showed even greater interest than before.

This topic concerns the group's major investment in "Yute Technology".

It should be noted that at this point in time, although Yute Technology, as a company focused on the research and development and manufacturing of new energy batteries, has a widely promising technological prospect, the company as a whole is still in the investment period, and its financial statements show a loss.

Of course, any investor with a certain industry insight and judgment can clearly see the huge market potential and technological advantages of Yute Technology.

However, not everyone is optimistic, especially in Hong Kong Island, where the information environment is complex.

Many business leaders are easily trapped in a kind of information cocoon, influenced by the long-term negative public opinion of foreign media about the mainland's technology industry.

In Hong Kong, there are many people who are not optimistic about the development prospects of the new energy industry in mainland China, including some influential and experienced investors.

After the senior executive in charge of investment business gave a detailed report on the current progress, technological advantages, market analysis and future expectations of the Yute Technology investment case, Hu Wenxin, as usual, looked around the room and asked the directors for their opinions.

Hu Wenxin personally attaches great importance to this investment, regarding it as one of the group's most important strategic investments for the next few years. He even believes that the future development of Hezhong Group will likely be deeply intertwined with Yute Technology. This is because the group has already invested heavily in Yute Technology's new industrial park project, acquiring nearly half of the equity, which can be considered a significant bet.

Hu Wenxin said encouragingly, "Everyone has a basic understanding of the investment case in Yute Technology. Now everyone can speak freely about their thoughts. Don't hold back, let's have a full discussion."

Sitting diagonally opposite, Dong Jianming first glanced furtively at Tian Ziyi not far away, then turned his head slightly and asked in a low voice, "President Tian, ​​do you have any specific opinions on this case?"

Tian Ziyi seemed to have anticipated his question, and without even raising her eyelids, she retorted, "Why should I have an opinion?"

Dong Jianming was met with a rebuff, but he was not discouraged and continued to guide the conversation: "Don't you think... the group's investment in this project is a bit too rash? The decision-making process seems a bit hasty. Moreover, isn't the investment amount too huge? The risk concentration is very high."

Tian Ziyi then raised her eyes, glanced at Dong Jianming, and gave him a meaningful smile. Her tone was calm but sharp: "I think this is a very forward-thinking and excellent investment. If you really think there are any problems with this investment project, Brother Dong, you can bring them up in public and put them on the table for everyone to discuss. Truth always becomes clearer through debate, doesn't it?"

Dong Jianming was taken aback by her words. He hadn't expected Tian Ziyi to so readily pass the buck back, and with such a clear attitude. It seemed this woman was much smarter and more cautious than he had imagined; she had no intention of easily falling into his pre-set conversational rhythm, much less being used as a pawn.

However, Tung Kin-ming also understands that in order to gain influence on the board of directors, sometimes he has to step forward and be the "first to speak out" to set an example in order to win over potential allies.

So, Dong Jianming cleared his throat, sat up straight, faced Hu Wenxin and all the attendees, and began formally: "Chairman Hu, fellow directors, regarding the investment in Yute Technology, I do have some different opinions and concerns, which I would like to take this opportunity to raise for your reference and discussion..."

He began to methodically raise a series of seemingly professional questions about the investment proposal from Yute Times.

To be fair, although Tung Kin-ming may not be the most upright person, he is indeed quite capable.

Having spent many years navigating the boardroom, his experience and insight are exceptional. His remarks regarding the investment in Yute Technology were logically clear and well-organized, and the market data and industry cases he cited were all verifiable, not mere idle talk.

The potential risks he pointed out, such as the speed of technological iteration, intensified market competition, and the phasing out of policy subsidies, were indeed concerns that many directors present had to some extent.

Many of the directors present nodded slightly as they listened to his analysis, feeling that although Tung Kin-ming's words might have been driven by personal motives, they were indeed reasonable from a professional perspective and pointed out some issues that warranted attention.

At the end of his lengthy speech, Tung Kin-ming gave a brief summary. He spread his hands, his expression earnest, and his tone quite earnest: "Therefore, considering all these factors, I personally believe that the overall investment amount planned by the Group for Yute Technology is indeed too large, and the risk concentration is too high. Before proceeding with subsequent investment steps, we still need to be more cautious, even demanding, and conduct multiple rounds of in-depth evaluation and stress testing across multiple dimensions."

"Otherwise, if this project were to fail in the future and encounter major problems that we cannot foresee, the resulting huge losses would be difficult to make up for, and could even seriously drag down the normal operation and financial situation of the entire Hezhong Group."

Hu Wenxin, who was sitting in the main seat, frowned involuntarily upon hearing this.

He understood Dong Jianming's unspoken message. On the surface, this guy spoke in a grand and righteous manner, saying that he was not against it and that more caution was needed, but his core intention was clearly not to support the group's large-scale and continuous investment in Yute Technology.

It's important to understand that Hezhong Group's strategic investment in Yute Technology is planned to be implemented in several phases.

Only the initial capital injection of the first phase has been completed so far. There will be a second and third phase of larger investments, which will require further review and approval by the board of directors.

Tung Chee-ming's remarks now have a very clear purpose: to create obstacles at this crucial juncture, which could easily lead to this highly promising investment project being stuck in a stalemate or even failing.

Dong Jianming seemed to sense Hu Wenxin's displeasure and immediately changed the subject, adding a seemingly sincere smile: "Of course, Chairman Hu, fellow directors, I must emphasize that I am absolutely not denying the investment value of the Yute Technology project itself, much less opposing the investment plan entirely. My starting point is entirely out of responsibility for the safety of the group's funds; I simply feel that we should be more prudent and cautious in our decision-making."

"After all, we cannot be overly optimistic or wishful thinking about the future development prospects of Yute Technology. The market is constantly changing, and we must make full preparations."

The other directors, who had been observing the situation or had some doubts, exchanged knowing glances upon hearing Tung Kin-ming's righteous and stern statement.

Although Tung Kin-ming added this seemingly conciliatory remark at the end, everyone present knew perfectly well that he was actually not optimistic about the major investment in Yute Technology.

This is almost tantamount to publicly contradicting the strategic direction strongly advocated by Chairman Hu Wenxin.

After finishing his long speech, Tung Kin-ming leaned back in his chair, a faint, enigmatic smile on his face.

His mental fortitude is truly top-notch. Even in the face of potential controversy and Hu Wenxin's obvious displeasure, he remained calm and composed. He's not the kind of person who only schemes behind people's backs and can't be brought to the surface.

His initiative to step forward and voice his opposition is primarily aimed at stirring up the atmosphere of the meeting and guiding or even pressuring other directors who also have doubts but may be hesitant to express their opinions to do the same.

Based on his private understanding and judgment, there are indeed quite a few people on the board of directors who hold reservations or are not optimistic about emerging industry investment projects like Yute Technology, which require huge upfront investments and have long return cycles.

As expected, things unfolded exactly as Tung Kin-ming had predicted.

After he launched into this cautious speech, a brief silence fell over the meeting room, but it was quickly broken.

Following this, two or three other directors took turns speaking, echoing the topics initiated by Dong Jianming and the atmosphere he created. They expressed concerns about the future prospects of Yute Technology or offered suggestions that required greater caution.

Although none of these people spoke as directly and sharply as Tung Kin-ming, and left some room for interpretation, their implied meanings were quite clear.

That is, we hope that the investment in Yute Technology will be slowed down and reduced, especially that no more large sums of money will be invested, so as not to put the group under too high risk exposure.

Looking at the scene before her, Hu Wenxin felt a sense of helplessness and even some annoyance.

These directors usually seem amiable and supportive of the group's strategy, but when it comes to critical moments and they are required to take responsibility for and support forward-looking but high-risk projects, they tend to be hesitant and even hindrance.

This reminded him of an old saying: "Those who hold high positions but do not perform their duties"—those who enjoy high positions and generous salaries in ordinary times but are unable to shoulder important responsibilities at crucial moments.

Hu Wenxin's strong belief in and vigorous promotion of the investment in Yute Technology was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

He personally visited Yute Technology's headquarters and core production base in mainland China multiple times for on-site inspections, especially going deep into their factories and R&D centers, and having in-depth exchanges with front-line engineers and management.

Hu Wenxin even assigned the group's most professional technical team to conduct multiple rounds of in-depth communication and due diligence with the core technical personnel of Yute Technology.

It can be said that he has an extremely deep and comprehensive understanding of the company's technological strength, management team, production capacity planning, and market positioning, far exceeding that of most of the directors present.

Looking at the directors present who raised questions, Hu Wenxin was well aware of their limited understanding of Yute Technology.

It cannot be said that they are completely unaware, but it is certain that their understanding is far from in-depth, and is likely mostly limited to reading briefings and listening to reports from decision-makers.

Hu Wenxin had previously instructed the secretariat to send a thick stack of documents, including a detailed due diligence report, technical analysis, and market forecasts, to the board members. However, whether they had actually read and studied them carefully is a big question mark.

These people have numerous social engagements and regular vacations, so where would they find the time and patience to carefully study those lengthy and professional documents? They probably just glance at a simplified version of the PPT before the meeting.

Just as the atmosphere of the meeting became somewhat stagnant due to investment disagreements, and voices of support and opposition were silently vying for power, Dong Jianming's eyes suddenly darted around and his gaze fell on Hu Jiangshan, who had been sitting quietly in his seat since the beginning of the meeting and had hardly uttered a word.

A barely perceptible smile, tinged with a hint of mockery and provocation, flashed across his face. He then raised his voice and said, "By the way, Chairman Hu, fellow directors, while we've been having such a lively discussion, we've overlooked someone who might also have unique insights. I wonder if Mr. Hu is familiar with this investment proposal for Yute Technology? Perhaps he has some different, more detached perspectives? Why don't we ask him to share his thoughts so everyone can consider them and maybe it can bring some new ideas?"

As soon as he said that, everyone in the conference room turned their attention to him.

In an instant, all eyes were focused on Hu Jiangshan.

The expressions on the faces of everyone present immediately became quite varied.

Some directors looked surprised, seemingly not expecting Tung Kin-ming to suddenly steer the conversation toward Hu Kong-shan.

Some looked helpless, feeling that Tung Kin-ming's move was a bit too much.

"Even worse, some directors who didn't get along with Hu Wenxin even showed a hint of schadenfreude in their eyes, waiting to see a good show."

Of course, most people's first reaction was, "That Tung Kin-ming guy is really bad!"

Knowing full well what kind of person Hu Jiangshan was before, a notorious good-for-nothing, they still insist on putting him in a difficult position, forcing him to express his opinions in such a professional and serious setting.

Does Hu Jiangshan know what Yute Technology does?
He probably doesn't even know what this company produces, so what constructive opinions could he possibly offer?
This was clearly intended to embarrass him in public, and also to make Hu Wenxin, who had strongly advocated for this matter, feel awkward.

At the same time, many people quietly cast their gazes toward Chairman Hu Wenxin, who was sitting in the main seat, observing his reaction.

Logically speaking, Hu Wenxin should be looking very embarrassed or even angry at this moment.

After all, who would want to see their son humiliated and publicly challenged at such an important meeting?

However, to everyone's surprise, Hu Wenxin's face still maintained the same calm expression as before, even with a faint smile, as if she did not think that letting Hu Jiangshan speak at this time would cause any uncontrollable problems.

(End of this chapter)