In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 749 Li Ka-shing goes everywhere to negotiate

"Mr. Li, what should we do?" In Li Jiacheng's office, the last important shareholder burst in. This shareholder was Chen Qizong, one of the veterans of Cheung Kong Holdings, and one of the few core partners of Li Jiacheng who had not yet been confirmed to have defected.

Xu Yuhui did not have any evidence against him, so Xu Yuhui did not contact him.

The other person's face was deathly pale, and his forehead was covered in cold sweat, clearly indicating that he had also been running all the way here.

Clearly, they had seen that breathtaking scene on television beforehand.

“Mr. Li! What, what exactly happened? Xu Yuhui and the others, how could they…” Chen Qizong’s voice trembled with shock and anger. He looked at Li Jiacheng, who was slumped in a chair with a pale face, and the last half of his sentence was stuck in his throat.

Li Jiacheng seemed to be pulled back to his senses by this call, which seemed to pull him out of his enormous shock.

His empty gaze slowly focused, and when he saw it was Chen Qizong, a bitter smile spread across his lips, making him look particularly desolate.

"What happened? Ah Zong, don't you understand yet? We've been sold out, completely sold out." Li Jiacheng's voice was hoarse.

He sat up straight, and Chen Qizong quickly went forward to help him.

"How dare they?! Just two days ago, at the dinner table, they swore they would always stand with us..."

Ronnie Chan still finds it hard to believe that the drinking and making promises that night were all an act.
"What do promises matter when there are enough benefits or threats?" Li Jiacheng's eyes gradually regained a hint of the sharpness of a business tycoon, but more so, they were filled with weariness and coldness.

"Lin Haoran really has some tricks up his sleeve, some really tricks up his sleeve! He delivered a fatal blow to me without saying a word."

“Ah-Zong,” he suddenly grabbed Chen Qizong’s arm, the force so strong it hurt Chen Qizong, “how many shares do you still have? You have none, even if you don’t have any…”

Ronnie Chan immediately shook his head and said firmly, "Mr. Li, I, Ronnie Chan, am not that kind of person! My shares are still there, untouched!"

Then, with a troubled expression, he continued, "But even with me, it will be difficult for us to stop Lin Haoran. 38.4%, he's just a little bit away from us!"
Moreover, after this commotion, when the stock market resumes trading tomorrow, Lin Haoran will inevitably frantically acquire shares. He has the capital to easily surpass our shareholding.

At that time, Lin Haoran will be the largest shareholder of Cheung Kong Holdings. Although the control will still be in your hands, Mr. Li, as long as he remains the largest shareholder of Cheung Kong Holdings, he may even hold more than half of the shares in the future.

"At that time, even if you, Mr. Li, as the founder, have more privileges, the other party will still seize your controlling stake!"

This is the most deadly.

Lin Haoran has a large cash flow, controls several large groups, and Hong Kong's largest financial group, Hengsheng Group. He has no shortage of money and can continue to launch price wars and frantically acquire Cheung Kong shares.

As for them, Li Ka-shing paid too much of his wealth and incurred a lot of debt in order to swallow the behemoth that was Hutchison Whampoa.

In this situation, even with Standard Chartered Bank as a backer, can they really compete with the other party in this price war?
This is simply like throwing an egg against a rock.

Li Jiacheng listened to Chen Qizong's words in silence.

He knew all this perfectly well!

"Moreover," Chen Qizong's voice grew heavier, tinged with despair, "Ma Shimin's words at the press conference were utterly scathing! 'Financial crisis,' 'excessive leverage,' 'inability to protect interests'—once the stock market opens tomorrow, a panic sell-off will be almost inevitable!"
Those minority shareholders and institutions, in order to protect themselves, knowing that it is difficult for us to keep up, may also rush to sell their shares to Lin Haoran while the stock price is still high!
We didn't even have time to organize an effective defense!

As Li Jiacheng listened, his face grew even more ashen, but the flame of resentment in his eyes burned even more fiercely.

He released his grip on Ronnie Chan's hand, staggered to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, and looked down at the still bustling Victoria Harbour.

This is his territory, the core of the business empire he built from scratch.

Are we really going to hand it over to someone else?

No! no way!

He strode back to his desk, grabbed the phone, and called Mr. Tyron, the PB of Standard Chartered Bank.

"Mr. Li, I already know about this. What do you want to do?" Mr. Tyron said as soon as the call connected.

"Immediately, right now, I implore Mr. Tyron to go see the Governor as soon as possible and request that he urgently halt Lam Ho-yin's takeover of Cheung Kong Holdings, or at least, restrict Lam Ho-yin's further acquisitions, citing the need to maintain stability in Hong Kong's business community!"

Now, Li Ka-shing is pinning all his hopes on Standard Chartered Bank and Governor Murray.

He was completely out of options on his own.

He couldn't believe what kind of apocalyptic scene would unfold once today passed and trading of Cheung Kong Holdings' stock resumed tomorrow.

Now, the shares of Cheung Kong Holdings held by Lin Haoran are getting closer and closer to him.

Without sufficient funds, he simply cannot compete head-on with Lin Haoran in the secondary market!
But Li Jiacheng's indomitable spirit made him absolutely unwilling to sit idly by and wait for his doom.

Therefore, he hopes that Tyronn will go to see Merrih today to persuade him to intervene in this matter.

On the other end of the phone, Standard Chartered Bank tycoon Tyronn was silent for a moment.

“Mr. Tyronn, if you don’t step in today, you will completely lose Cheung Kong Holdings’ financial cooperation. Hong Kong’s real estate industry cannot remain sluggish forever; it will take off again sooner or later,” Li Jiacheng said again.

After Li Jiacheng finished speaking, Tyron finally spoke up.

“I’m going to see the Governor right now, but Mr. Li, you should be prepared to pay a price. Even if the Governor’s Office intervenes, they can’t go too far. If they want the other party to give up the acquisition of Cheung Kong Holdings, they will definitely ask for an exorbitant price.” Tyron’s voice came through the phone with an undeniable seriousness.

Li Jiacheng gripped the phone tightly. Although he didn't want to admit it, he knew it was true.

He replied, “Mr. Tyron, I am willing to pay any price as long as Cheung Kong Holdings can be saved. Please do your best to persuade the Governor.”

After hanging up the phone, Li Jiacheng turned to Chen Qizong and continued, "Qizong, we can't put all our hopes on Tyron and the Governor. We must immediately develop a self-rescue plan and take a two-pronged approach."

Chen Qizong nodded vigorously: "Mr. Li, what do you say we should do? I'll do whatever you say!"

After a moment of contemplation, Li Jiacheng said, "First, we need to stabilize the company internally. You should immediately convene an emergency meeting with all loyal senior executives and core employees to explain the current grim situation to them and emphasize that Cheung Kong Holdings is the result of our collective efforts and must not be easily lost to others."

We must unite everyone, stay at their posts, and encourage them to actively contribute ideas and solutions to jointly address the crisis.

I will personally go to see Mr. Bao Yugang, hoping he can act as a peacemaker!

At this moment, all he could do was try to find as many people as possible to negotiate with Lin Haoran.

Previously, after the business battle between Huifeng Bank and Lin Haoran ended, Li Jiacheng specifically went to Bao Yugang, hoping that he could mediate the relationship between them.

Bao Yugang did offer some advice out of consideration for their long-standing friendship, but unfortunately, Li Jiacheng did not agree to any of them at the time.

If he had agreed to Bao Yugang's mediation back then, he wouldn't have ended up in this situation today. Not only would Cheung Kong Holdings be safe, but Hutchison Whampoa would still be under his control.

It would be a lie to say I don't regret it.

However, there's no going back now, and dwelling on it won't change anything.

However, now that things have come to this, he plans to visit Bao Yugang again, hoping that he can intervene once more and that Lin Haoran will not go too far for Bao Yugang's sake.

Chen Qizong accepted the order and left.

Li Jiacheng took a deep breath, as if he wanted to inhale all the desolation and despair in the room into his lungs and then exhale it violently.

He straightened his slightly disheveled suit, trying to regain his usual composure.

Despite the turmoil raging within him, he knew he had to hold on, even if it was just outward appearances.

He picked up his mobile phone and dialed Sir John Paul Wong's private number directly.

The phone rang for a moment before being answered; it was Bao Yugang's secretary.

"Hello, this is Li Jiacheng from Cheung Kong Holdings. I have a very urgent matter and would like to speak with Brother Bao." Li Jiacheng tried to keep his voice steady.

After a while, Bao Yugang's steady, slightly weathered voice came through the receiver: "Brother Li, I already know about the press conference."

One sentence made Li Jiacheng's heart sink even further.

Bao Yugang's information network is always incredibly accurate.

Of course, it's estimated that almost everyone in Hong Kong knows about this, since it was broadcast live on television.

“Brother Bao,” Li Jiacheng’s voice carried an undisguised earnestness, even a hint of pleading, which was extremely rare for someone as proud as him, “I, I’m really on the edge of a cliff this time.”

Lin Haoran's methods are too ruthless. Cheung Kong Holdings is my lifeline; I can't just stand by and watch it be taken away like this.

He paused, then continued with difficulty, "I know that I did not fully appreciate your kindness last time. I, Li Jiacheng, was arrogant and ignorant of the times. I apologize to you and beg you to help me one more time."
Please arrange a meeting with Mr. Lin. We are open to discussing any terms as long as he is willing to let Cheung Kong Holdings go.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, and only Bao Yugang's soft breathing could be heard.

This brief silence felt like an eternity to Li Jiacheng.

“Sigh…” On the other end of the phone, Bao Yugang sighed deeply, his voice filled with complex emotions. “Brother Li, we have known each other for many years, and I have watched you build this business in Hong Kong step by step.”

Seeing you in this state now, I cannot bear it.

He paused for a moment, as if he were making a difficult decision, but in the end, the old friendship prevailed.

"Alright, I'll go to the Kang Le Building myself to meet Hao Ran. But Brother Li, I must make this clear beforehand: I can only try my best to mediate and sound out his opinion."

Hao Ran is a man of great ambition and unfathomable methods. Since he has laid out such a grand scheme, he will not give up easily. You must prepare for the worst.

Bao Yugang had a good relationship with both Lin Haoran and Li Jiacheng. He had been friends with Li Jiacheng for over twenty years.

Lin Haoran, though young, was not only a business partner to him, but also someone who had saved his life.

If Lin Haoran hadn't reminded him, he wouldn't have known that he actually had cancer.

Fortunately, the warning came early, and after examination, it was still in the early stages. With active treatment, it has now basically recovered.

Bao Yugang has always kept in mind this life-saving grace.

Therefore, at most, he will act as a peacemaker in this matter and will not take sides.

Hearing Bao Yugang finally agree, the huge weight in Li Jiacheng's heart seemed to ease slightly. Although Bao Yugang's words were still not optimistic, this was the last straw he could grasp at this moment.

With the Governor-General and Bao Yugang involved, Lin Haoran shouldn't go too far.

“I understand, I understand! Brother Bao, I can’t thank you enough! No matter the outcome, I, Li Jiacheng, will never forget this kindness!” Li Jiacheng’s voice choked with emotion.

"Wait for my news," Bao Yu said before hanging up the phone.

Hearing the busy tone on the phone, Li Jiacheng slowly put down the receiver, feeling as if all the energy had been drained from his body, and slumped back into his chair.

He covered his face with his hands and rubbed it vigorously, trying to dispel the exhaustion and despair that was almost consuming him.

Although the hope is slim, there is still a glimmer of light.

Meanwhile, in the chairman's office of the Prince's Building Global Shipping Group, Bao Yugang put down the phone, his brows furrowed with seriousness.

He instructed his secretary to prepare a car.

He then personally called Lin Haoran.

"Haoran, where are you? I'd like to visit you," Bao Yugang said directly after the call connected.

"Oh, it's Uncle Bao. I'm in my office on the 51st floor of the Kang Le Building. You can come anytime." Lin Haoran's voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Okay, wait for me for about ten minutes, I'll be right there." Bao Yugang said and then hung up the phone.

Shortly after, Bao Yugang's Rolls-Royce slowly drove into the underground parking lot of the Kang Le Building.

Although the press conference at the Kang Le Building had ended, many reporters were still there.

Bao Yugang's appearance instantly attracted the attention of many reporters, who all crowded around him, wanting to interview him.

After all, his appearance at the Kang Le Building at this sensitive juncture has certainly sparked much speculation.

Bao Yugang smiled and waved to the reporters, indicating that he would not be giving interviews for the time being. He then quickly entered the elevator under the escort of his bodyguards and went straight to the 51st floor of the Kang Le Building.

Upon receiving the notification, Lin Haoran personally went to the elevator entrance on the 51st floor to greet him.

On the surface, Lin Haoran showed sufficient respect to this shipping magnate and senior figure from Hong Kong, especially to an elder who had shown him kindness.

Bao Yugang did indeed provide considerable assistance in his rise to prominence.

As human beings, we must never forget our roots!
"Uncle Bao, I've already had tea prepared." Lin Haoran smiled warmly and personally led Bao Yugang into his luxuriously decorated office with a great view.

"Haoran, you're too kind. It's me who's been intruding." Bao Yugang waved his hand, not bothering to stand on ceremony, and found a single sofa to sit down.

The two sat down in the reception area, where the secretary served them top-grade Longjing tea.

Instead of getting straight to the point, Bao Yugang started talking about Wharf Holdings.

After all, one is the largest shareholder of Wharf Holdings and the other is the second largest shareholder, making them legitimate business partners.

Today, Wharf Holdings’ most important project is the Harbour City project, which is currently under construction.

According to the planned target, next year, 1982, Harbour City, together with the already completed Ocean Terminal, as well as the later-built Marco Polo Harbour Hotel, Ocean Centre, Gateway Tower and other buildings, will form the huge Harbour City commercial complex.

At that time, it will become a famous shopping, dining and entertainment center in Hong Kong.

Although Lin Haoran is the second largest shareholder and the vice chairman of Wharf Holdings, he rarely pays attention to things there and basically leaves all the management to Bao Yugang, without interfering in anything.

Of course, he still sent his own people to supervise and even participate in these financial matters.

Even close brothers keep clear accounts, let alone him and Bao Yugang, who were just business partners, not his subordinates. He couldn't judge whether Bao Yugang wanted to cheat him based on loyalty.

The two chatted for a long time. After asking about Bao Yugang's recovery, Bao Yugang put down his teacup and looked a little more serious: "Haoran, the reason I came here this time is actually about Li Jiacheng and Cheung Kong Holdings."

Lin Haoran seemed to have expected this, his smile unchanged, as he refilled Bao Yugang's tea: "Uncle Bao, are you going to act as an intermediary for Mr. Li?"

“I wouldn’t call myself a lobbyist.” Bao Yugang shook his head and said sincerely, “I have known Li Jiacheng for more than 20 years, and I really can’t bear to see him fall to this state.”

Of course, I also know that in the business world, everyone has their own methods, and there are reasons for both success and failure. I have seen Li's previous behavior, and he has only himself to blame.

My purpose in coming here is not to persuade you to abandon the acquisition; that's neither realistic nor in accordance with regulations.

He paused, looked into Lin Haoran's calm eyes, and continued, "I just hope that, for the sake of our past relationship and for the sake of my old face, if things ultimately come to a conclusion, could you give him some decency in terms of terms?"

Don't push them to the brink; after all, Cheung Kong Holdings represents half a lifetime's worth of his life's work.

Lin Haoran listened quietly, his fingers gently caressing the warm teacup.

After a moment, he slowly spoke, his tone respectful yet with a clear sense of boundaries: "Uncle Bao, you have been kind to me. If it weren't for your help back then, I, Lin Haoran, wouldn't be where I am today. I will definitely give you face."

Bao Yugang felt somewhat relieved.

But Lin Haoran changed the subject, his eyes becoming sharp: "However, business competition is like two armies facing off. Once the truth is out, there is no room for mercy."

Mr. Li's current predicament is a direct result of his past actions. When he attempted to swallow Hutchison Whampoa like a snake trying to swallow an elephant, he should have considered the potential risks of choking. When he colluded with British capital to suppress me, did he ever show any mercy?

Bao Yugang listened quietly, without rushing to speak.

Lin Haoran continued, "I have devoted a lot of effort to Cheung Kong Holdings. From the initial covert acquisition of shares to the current situation, I have been cautious at every step and paid a great price. It is impossible for me to give up so easily."

Unless he pays the price he deserves, I can give him a plan. As for the conditions, let him negotiate directly. I offered him my terms yesterday, but he wouldn't listen. I think he's calmed down by now!

He wasn't interested in a controlling stake in Cheung Kong Holdings, but he was determined to make Cheung Kong Holdings completely withdraw from Hutchison Whampoa.

He will naturally take over the 40% stake in Hutchison Whampoa held by Cheung Kong Holdings, and he will need to acquire it at a low price.

This is where Cheung Kong can pay a heavy price.

Besides, he does not intend to completely give up his shares in Cheung Kong Holdings.

You can reduce your shareholding, but you must continue to hold a portion.

After all, he knew that Li Ka-shing was truly capable. Holding shares in Cheung Kong Holdings meant that he wouldn't lose money if Li Ka-shing made money for him.

Most importantly, holding a certain number of shares and occupying a certain seat on the board of directors of Cheung Kong Holdings is a way to check and supervise Li Ka-shing!
This time, the two sides have completely broken off relations.

In order to prevent Li Ka-shing from rising again in the future, if the other party wants to deal with him again, he can rely on his CK Hutchison shares and board seats to effectively suppress Li Ka-shing.

At the same time, he wanted to let the other party know that he was not without worries, but that a Damocles' sword was always hanging over his head.

Bao Yugang nodded slightly. He understood Lin Haoran's meaning and was well aware of the stakes involved.

Although Lin Haoran cherished past friendships, he would never easily back down in the struggle for business interests.

He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Haoran, I understand what you mean. I will convey your words to Li Jiacheng verbatim. As for his decision, that's up to him."

Lin Haoran stood up and said with a smile, "Uncle Bao, thank you for your understanding. I hope you can mediate and help resolve this matter properly."

I don't want to see Hong Kong's business community descend into chaos. I never imagined that I would have a business dispute with Mr. Li, but as you know, I didn't start this.

That's just how I am: I won't offend others unless they offend me; but if they do, I'll make them pay the price.

Bao Yugang gave Lin Haoran a deep look. The young man in front of him spoke calmly, even with a smile, but the determination and power in his words were undeniable.

He seemed to have already foreseen the future landscape of Hong Kong's business community, which was being quietly laid out on this ordinary day.

Previously, Bao Yugang had a high opinion of Li Jiacheng. After all, Bao Yugang could see from him that Li Jiacheng's business acumen was in no way inferior to his own.

However, when facing Lin Haoran, Bao Yugang felt that Li Jiacheng's actions were somewhat muddled.

A moment of folly caused Mr. Li to lose more than half of the business he had painstakingly built up. Whether he can ever stand at the pinnacle of Hong Kong's business world again remains to be seen.

“I understand what you mean. I will convey it word for word. I also hope that Brother Li can see the situation clearly and make the wisest choice.” Bao Yugang stood up and shook hands with Lin Haoran.

After seeing Bao Yugang off, Lin Haoran stood alone in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the towering buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

His expression was calm and composed, but deep in his eyes gleamed a confident light of complete control.

(End of this chapter)