In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 715 Reconciliation? Forget about it!
While Laurence Kadoorie was filled with anticipation, Lin Haoran was inwardly disdainful.

When the other party targets him, he goes all out.

When they lose, they put on this pathetic act to beg for peace.

If in this world, you don't have to bear the consequences of doing something wrong, and all you have to do is admit your mistake, then what's the point of rules and consequences?
He raised the corners of his mouth slightly, looked up at the down-on-his-luck nobleman in front of him who was trying hard to maintain his composure, and slowly said with a hint of mockery: "Mandarin Oriental has countless top hotel management talents from around the world. CEOs of world-class hotel management groups often come here to learn and exchange ideas."

Our Mandarin Oriental Hotels Group is no less powerful in the hotel industry than Xiangjiang Hotel. Moreover, as one of the future flagship brands of Mandarin Oriental, I believe that with the strength of the Mandarin Oriental Group itself, it will be elevated to an even higher level.

As for its so-called unique history and culture, I agree with that. However, this "culture" has belonged to the Kadoorie family for the past 60 years, and for the next hundred years or even longer, it will be branded as "Mandarin Oriental," or more precisely, as the "Lin family."

There's no need for Mr. Kadoorie to trouble himself with that.

Upon hearing this, Laurence Kadoorie was so angry that he wanted to turn on the spot, but he managed to calm himself down.

He took a few deep breaths, forcibly suppressing the anger that was about to erupt, and forced a smile that looked more like a grimace onto his face, but his voice trembled with resentment: "Mr. Lin, you are far too confident."

The Peninsula Hotel's rich history and cultural heritage cannot be easily erased or arbitrarily altered with a few words. It was cultivated by generations of the Kadoorie family with their blood, sweat, and tears, and holds an irreplaceable position in Hong Kong and the world.

Lin Haoran raised an eyebrow slightly, his eyes full of disdain, and said, "Mr. Kadoorie, times are changing, and so is the market. The past may be glorious, but that only represents the past."

Today, Mandarin Oriental Hotels Group possesses more advanced concepts, more innovative models, and broader resources. With the Peninsula Hotels under our management, they will only be revitalized and thrive, rather than gradually decline and become stagnant under yours.

Every word he uttered was like a heavy hammer, striking Laurence Gartner's heart and shattering all his illusions.

Lin Haoran not only rejected his management proposal, but also blatantly declared the "change of government" at the Peninsula Hotel, severing the last substantial connection between the Kadoorie family and "family glory"!
Do they want to regain control of the Peninsula Hotel?
Don't even think about it!

Laurence Kadoorie's face turned pale and then red: "Mr. Lin, the Hong Kong business world is not a place where you can call the shots. I, Laurence Kadoorie, have been in Hong Kong for so many years, and my connections and resources are beyond your imagination."

"Aren't you afraid of making too many enemies and ultimately reaping the consequences of your aggressive approach?"

Lin Haoran threw his head back and laughed loudly, the laughter echoing in the spacious office, full of arrogance and confidence: "Make enemies? Mr. Kadoorie, the business world is like a battlefield, and enemies are always found by oneself."

When you joined forces with others to surround and suppress me, did you ever imagine that things would turn out this way? I, Lin Haoran, have never been afraid of making enemies, because I believe that as long as I am strong enough, no enemy is worth fearing.

Don't forget, when Huifeng Bank led you to besiege East Asia Bank, I think you know better than anyone the final outcome.

In one sentence, he directly exposed all of Laurence Kadoorie's pretense and wishful thinking!
They trampled the last shred of dignity he was trying to maintain underfoot.

The meaning of this statement is quite clear: once you've chosen to start a war, don't expect to emerge unscathed.

Laurence Kadoorie was so angry that he trembled all over, feeling a rush of hot blood to his head, and his face turned pale instantly.

He didn't expect that the other party would show him no mercy.

No matter what, they were all respectable people. He thought that by personally visiting them, he had already been very considerate, and that the other party would surely give him a way out, considering that they were all business tycoons in Hong Kong.

However, Lin Haoran was unwilling to even grant him this much dignity. He had never suffered such humiliation before.

Even Governor Merrih treated him with great respect.

However, the young man sitting opposite him seemed to completely disregard him.

He took a deep breath, struggling to suppress his surging anger, barely maintaining his last bit of aristocratic composure, and said in a deep voice, "Mr. Lin, in the business world there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. I have come here today to seek cooperation in good faith, not to listen to your humiliation."

In business, it's important to leave room for maneuver. Hong Kong is only so big; we all run into each other all the time. Mr. Lin, why be so ruthless? Don't forget, the Kadoorie family still holds 12% of the shares in Hong Kong Grand Hotel. If you want to privatize it, you need our consent. If we don't agree, Hong Kong Grand Hotel will never be delisted from the stock exchange!

"Leave a way out?" Lin Haoran chuckled, his eyes full of disdain: "When you were plotting in the meeting of the luxury hotel alliance how to squeeze the market share of Mandarin Oriental and how to trip me up, did you ever think about 'leaving a way out'?"
When you were overjoyed to see the Mandarin Oriental's occupancy rate decline, did you ever think about leaving yourself a way out? Some lines, once crossed, have no turning back. Mr. Kadoorie, from the moment you joined Li Ka-shing's alliance, some outcomes were already predetermined.

Mr. Kadoorie, let me be frank: I will never sell my shares in the Xiangjiang Hotel to you, and I will certainly never relinquish control of the Peninsula Hotel to you.

I would suggest that your Kadoorie family sell your 1023 million shares of Hong Kong Grand Hotel to me, and I can acquire them at market price.

Of course, if you are unwilling to sell, that's fine too, because the trigger point is 35% equity, and we have to apply for privatization. If you are unwilling to sell, then Xiangjiang Hotel will continue to maintain its status as a listed company, and your Kadoorie family can remain long-term shareholders.

As for the company's management, don't even think about interfering!

The Kadoorie family holds a 12% stake in Hong Kong Grand Hotel, and they can continue to increase their holdings, but Lin Haoran estimates that they will not do so.

Today, Galaxy Securities continued to increase its stake in Xiangjiang Hotel and has already applied to the China Securities Regulatory Commission for delisting.

In other words, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he now holds more than 50% of the shares in Xiangjiang Hotel.

Even if the Kadoorie family objects, it doesn't matter. They'll just maintain the listed company status of Hong Kong Grand Hotel. Lin Haoran really doesn't care.

He doesn't necessarily need to own 100% of all the companies under his control.

Companies like Hong Kong Electric Holdings, Hong Kong and China Gas, Hong Kong Telephone, and Kowloon Motor Bus still maintain their status as listed companies, except that Lam Ho-yin holds absolute controlling interest.

The Kadoorie family has become the target of his "killing the chicken to scare the monkey," so how could he let them off easily?

Under normal circumstances, Lin Haoran would indeed not want to offend the Kadoorie family.

After all, he was well aware of the Kadoorie family's immense power.

But now, the whole of Hong Kong is watching him.

If he were to easily let the Kadoorie family go, sell the shares of the Hong Kong Grand Hotel to them, or allow the Kadoorie family to continue controlling the Peninsula Hotel, in other people's eyes, this would definitely be seen as a sign of weakness.

At that time, those covetous rivals will surely pounce on us like hungry wolves.

So, if anyone's to blame, it's the Kadoorie family for walking right into the line of fire.

"Bang!" The immense anger and extreme humiliation finally overwhelmed Roland Kadoorie's aristocratic restraint.

He slammed the coffee cup down on Lin Haoran's large desk, splashing hot coffee onto the clean surface and leaving a mess.

"Lin Haoran!" He stood up abruptly, his face contorted, pointing at Lin Haoran's nose, his voice sharp and distorted with rage, "You will regret this! You have gone to such lengths to destroy me, trampling on the century-old honor of the Kadoorie family!"

Hong Kong isn't yours to call the shots! We won't just let this go!

Lin Haoran leaned back in the large leather sofa, arms crossed, his face expressionless, his eyes indifferent as if watching a farce that had nothing to do with him. Only his slightly raised chin revealed extreme contempt.

"Walk slowly, don't send."

Is he afraid of retaliation from the Kadoorie family?
It seems like they're really not afraid.

The Kadoorie family's main business is CLP Power, which covers Kowloon, the New Territories, and outlying islands. These areas are designated by the government and cannot be touched by Hong Kong Electric Group, which is under the control of Lam Ho-yin.

However, the Kadoorie family will not be able to touch Hong Kong Electric Group in the slightest.

As for Kadoorie's other businesses? They're not even worth mentioning.

Besides CLP Power, the Kadoorie family also controls two other listed companies: Hong Kong Grand Hotel and Tai Ping Carpets.

Now that Lin Haoran has inevitably seized control of the Xiangjiang Hotel, the Kadoorie family is left with nothing but Taiping Carpet, apart from CLP Power.

What is there for Lin Haoran to be afraid of in these industries?

Roland Kadoorie wasn't afraid of Lin Haoran before because he wasn't worried about Lin Haoran seizing control of his CLP Power.

Today, isn't Lin Haoran in the same boat?
Laurence Kadoorie was trembling violently. He dared not linger for another second, for fear that he would lose control and do something even more outrageous.

He turned abruptly, filled with rage and unspeakable shame, like a runaway bull, and charged out of Lin Haoran's top-floor office, a symbol of absolute power and victory.

However, he did not expect that the media downstairs in the Kang Le Building had an astonishingly keen sense of smell.

Perhaps someone leaked the information from within, or perhaps reporters had been lying in wait there for some time.

When Laurence Kadoorie, looking disheveled, with bloodshot eyes and a button popped off his suit jacket, rushed out of the building's revolving door, the reporters who had been waiting for a long time swarmed him like sharks smelling blood!

"Mr. Kadoorie! May I ask why you are here at the Recreation Building? Are you here to seek reconciliation with Mr. Lam?"

"Judging from your angry expression, has Mr. Lin refused to let the Kadoorie family continue to manage the Peninsula Hotel?"

How do you feel about losing control of the peninsula?

Do you regret joining the luxury hotel alliance?

What are your plans for the future of the Kadoorie family?

"..."

Countless flashes were aimed at him, and the clicking of camera shutters created a cacophony of annoying noise.

Countless microphones were practically poking him in the face.

Lord Kadoorie, who had once been treated with respect by reporters, now felt like a monkey in a circus, stripped naked and exposed to everyone for judgment.

Laurence Kadoorie was completely devastated.

His face turned from crimson to ashen, and then from ashen to deathly pale.

All restraint and decorum vanished in that moment. Laurence Kadoorie waved his arms wildly, as if avoiding a plague, trying to push away the cameras and microphones, roaring hoarsely, "Get out of the way! Get out of the way! All of you, get out of the way!"

His voice was hoarse and distorted, and he staggered as his bodyguards struggled to clear a path for him, almost scrambling on their hands and feet to squeeze into the black Mercedes waiting on the street.

The black sedan sped away as if fleeing a disaster scene.

He hadn't expected that so many reporters were already waiting for him downstairs.

Failed.

Although Laurence Kadoorie managed to escape the scene despite being surrounded by reporters.

But those clear photos and videos capturing his rage, loss of control, and disheveled state have been regarded as priceless treasures by journalists.

In less than half a day, news and photos of the scene, such as "Lord Kadoorie's attempt to make peace was rejected, and Mr. Lam coldly dismissed him!" and "Lord Kadoorie lost face! Lawrence Kadoorie left the Connaught House in a rage!" spread rapidly.

In teahouses, shopping malls, and stock brokerage firms, people were talking about it: "Tsk, the Kadoorie family used to be so prestigious, but now they've completely lost face."

"Sigh, that's the business world for you. Lin Sheng is ruthless!"

"Just telling the reporters to get lost? Is that all the pettiness you have?"

"Even noble lords can't withstand a blow, haha..."

"The way he yelled at the reporters, tsk tsk, was exactly the same as Li Ka-shing yesterday."

"Isn't this a classic case of trying to steal a chicken but losing the bait instead? Or even losing a family heirloom?!"

"Two tigers cannot share one mountain. It seems that in Hong Kong, this tiger king surnamed Lin has completely established himself! Even a veteran king like Kadoorie has fallen. Who else dares to pluck his whiskers?"

"Actually, that's quite normal. Even if the top ten listed companies joined forces, they might not be able to beat Lin Sheng, right?"

"What you're saying is ridiculous. Among the top ten companies, Hong Kong Electric Group and Hong Kong Telephone are both owned by Mr. Lin. Not to mention Hongkong Land Group and Wanqing Group, which have already been delisted. If you include Hong Kong and China Gas, Kowloon Motor Bus, Galaxy Securities, and now he also controls the giant Hong Kong Hotel, what can the top ten companies do to fight against Lin Haoran? Fight with their lives?"

……

Laurence Kadoorie's humiliating and failed reconciliation attempt not only failed to recover any losses, but also permanently cemented his and the Kadoorie family's place on the pillar of shame, becoming the most tragic yet most eye-catching footnote to the complete reshuffling of Hong Kong's business power structure and the road to a new king's ascension to the throne.

His furious and disheveled photo became irrefutable proof of Lin Haoran's unshakeable strength, following Li Jiacheng's outburst at the airport, and was deeply imprinted in everyone's minds.

A challenge to Lin Haoran?
The price is too high for anyone to bear.

As night falls, the neon lights of Hong Kong remain as dazzling as ever.

But in the Kadoorie family’s century-old mansion on Victoria Peak, the atmosphere was so heavy it was suffocating.

Laurence Kadoorie slumped in a mahogany chair in his study, with a dozen or so evening newspapers spread out in front of him, all of which featured photos of his disheveled escape that day.

The old butler stood trembling to the side, barely breathing.

"Master..." The old butler finally couldn't help but speak cautiously, his voice so low as if he were afraid of disturbing something.

Laurence Kadoorie abruptly raised his head, his eyes filled with rage, and roared, "Get out! All of you, get out!"

The voice seemed to come from the depths of hell, carrying endless resentment and unwillingness.

The old butler trembled with fright; he had never seen Laurence Kadoorie so angry.

The old butler quickly bowed and withdrew, gently closing the study door behind him.

The moment the door closed, Laurence Kadoorie seemed to have all his strength drained away, slumping into his chair and staring blankly at the ceiling.

At the age of 82, Laurence Kadoorie never imagined that he would one day be driven to such a predicament by a young man in his twenties.

At that moment, besides anger, he felt mostly regret.

Lin Haoran understood what Lin meant. It was because the Kadoorie family, together with Hutchison Whampoa, Standard Chartered Bank, and others, had targeted the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group that the other party retaliated so ruthlessly and suddenly seized control of the Hong Kong Grand Hotel.

If he hadn't joined that anti-Lin alliance back then, perhaps none of this would have happened.

But now, regret is useless.

Given the other party's tough stance, Laurence Kadoorie saw no hope in Lin Haoran that he could regain control of the Peninsula Hotel.

At this moment, his face was filled with regret and resentment.

……

Kang Le Building, Lin Haoran's office.

At that moment, he was also looking at the newspaper in his hand.

The newspaper photo of Laurence Kadoorie fleeing in such a disheveled state was now right in front of him.

He knew that paparazzi were frequently lurking around the Kang Le Building during this period.

He just didn't expect that Laurence Kadoorie would lose his composure so easily and completely lose his composure in front of the reporters.

This is a bit of a challenge for this elderly man in his eighties.

However, Lin Haoran showed no mercy whatsoever.

If he is his enemy, why should he show him any mercy?
Lin Haoran put down the newspaper and gently tapped the table with his slender fingers.

The lights of Victoria Harbour outside the window reflected on his cold profile, outlining a sharp contour.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Please come in."

It was Ma Shimin who entered.

"Boss, the application for privatization and delisting of Xiangjiang Hotel has been approved by the Securities Regulatory Commission. Today, Galaxy Securities acquired more than one million shares of Xiangjiang Hotel. However, it will be quite difficult to successfully privatize the company. The Kadoorie family may not be willing to give up their 12% stake!" Ma Shimin reported with a frown.

Privatization and delisting are not 100% acquisitions; the conditions are more lenient.

However, the privatization proposal needs to obtain the support of at least 75% of the independent shareholders' votes at a court meeting.

Moreover, there is a very crucial requirement: the voting rights of those who oppose the motion cannot exceed 10%.

The Kadoorie family's voting rights in the Hong Kong Grand Hotel clearly exceed 10%.

In other words, if the Kadoorie family blocks it, Hongkong Land Group really won't be able to successfully delist Hong Kong Hotel from the stock exchange.

"If we can't get a refund, then we can't. You've probably seen what's in the newspaper; I've already broken ties with Laurence Kadoorie," Lin Haoran said with a smile, putting down the newspaper.

It was as if this was just a trivial matter.

Ma Shimin nodded: "Boss, what should we do next? Should we continue to increase our stake in Xiangjiang Hotel?"

"If we can increase our holdings, then we should. If we can't privatize, then we can't privatize. Next, we'll see if Kadoorie will sell their shares. If they do, then privatization won't be a problem. If they're unwilling to sell, then let them continue to hold their 12% stake."

"Anyway, we already have a controlling stake in the Xiangjiang Hotel, so they can't cause any trouble. Whether it's privatized or not, it doesn't really matter," Lin Haoran said with a smile.

They have plenty of money and confidence in the future of the acquired companies, so they can privatize a listed company they control at any time.

However, he did not insist on privatization since it was not possible.

He turned around, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "Sometimes, it's more painful for your opponent to watch as their once-proud assets are completely transformed than to have them taken away outright."

Ma Shimin smiled knowingly: "I understand. After the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group takes over the Peninsula Hotel, it will immediately launch a comprehensive renovation plan to give this century-old hotel a new lease on life."

“I have an idea. The Peninsula Hotel is still too small. If we could add a skyscraper that is dozens of stories high to the north wing of the Peninsula Hotel, it would definitely give the Peninsula Hotel a new lease on life!” Lin Haoran suddenly said.

Thirteen years later, in 1994, the Peninsula Hotel underwent a large-scale renovation and expansion project, adding a new 30-story wing to the north.

This new wing not only increases the number of hotel rooms, but also has a helipad on the top floor, making it convenient for important guests to use helicopters to travel directly to Hong Kong International Airport or to enjoy the skies over Hong Kong.

This expansion project is a significant milestone in the Peninsula Hotel's development, further solidifying its position in the Hong Kong and global luxury hotel market.

Now, Lin Haoran plans to bring this event forward.

Ma Shimin's eyes lit up and he said, "Boss, your idea seems pretty good. I'll discuss this with the general manager of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel."

"Mm!" Lin Haoran nodded without saying anything more.

Just then, his mobile phone rang.

Lin Haoran picked up the phone, glanced at the screen, and saw that it was Laurence Kadoorie, who had stormed out that morning, calling. So he answered it in front of Ma Shimin.

(End of this chapter)