In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 763: Putting Huifeng to the brink of destruction!
Li Jiacheng sat on the large leather sofa, calmly staring at Mr. Tyron, the tycoon of Standard Chartered Bank, whose face was ashen.

"Impossible! Mr. Li, this is absolutely impossible!" Tyron suddenly stood up from his seat, his voice trembling with excitement.

This is enough to show that Tyronn has lost his mind at this moment.

He strode to the large mahogany desk, pulled open a heavy drawer with a clatter, took out a beautifully bound document, and slammed it onto the coffee table between them with a dull thud.

"A deep partnership agreement between Huifeng Bank and Mr. Li! It's in black and white, and Mr. Li signed it himself!"

Tyron slammed his finger on the document cover and continued, "Huifeng and Cheung Kong Holdings are not just partners, they are strategic allies! They are inextricably linked! And now you want to terminate the agreement? This is a blatant breach of contract!"

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and tried to exert pressure with a more "professional" but colder tone: "According to Article 8.3 of this agreement, any unilateral termination of core cooperation without justifiable reason will be considered a serious breach of contract."

Huifeng has the right to immediately freeze all funds in Cheung Kong Holdings' accounts within the Huifeng system until both parties clarify their responsibilities through legal procedures.

At the same time, the penalty for breach of contract would be enough to cripple Cheung Kong Holdings and even affect the cash flow of your carefully planned projects, something you are well aware of!

Mr. Li, in the turbulent world of business, reputation and the spirit of contracts are fundamental. Please think carefully before you act! Huifeng is not a burden you can easily get rid of!

Tyron knew that Li Jiacheng's trip was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Just an hour ago, Standard Chartered Bank received an official letter from Hutchison Whampoa: Hutchison Whampoa Group will initiate a systemic transfer process for all account funds to Hengsheng Bank, effective immediately.

As for Hutchison Whampoa's debt to Hui Fung Bank, it will be repaid on time.

This is tantamount to cutting off the fuel supply!

Hutchison Whampoa, a behemoth once supported by Huifeng and with intricate connections, has now been swiftly acquired by Lin Haoran. Its massive cash flow and settlement business spanning Hong Kong and even Southeast Asia have always been vital to Huifeng Bank's survival.

Lin Haoran severed this bloodline immediately after taking over, and Tyron could not stop him, nor did he have any standing or power to do so.

Lin Haoran's current influence in Hong Kong's business world is so great that even Standard Chartered headquarters is wary of him. How can a small-time Hong Kong business tycoon like him possibly stand in the way of Lin Haoran's will?
That sense of powerlessness is now transforming into an even stronger pressure on Li Jiacheng.

Because after being acquired by Standard Chartered, Huifeng Bank's situation had already deteriorated significantly and was on the verge of collapse!

When Standard Chartered acquired Huifeng after it was attacked by Lin Haoran and its stock price plummeted, it was because it valued Huifeng's vast customer network and market influence in Hong Kong accumulated over decades and intended to use the shell company to quickly expand Standard Chartered's local market share.

Indeed, after acquiring HSBC, Standard Chartered quickly partnered with major British companies in Hong Kong to transfer their financial business from HSBC to Standard Chartered, effectively siphoning off HSBC's profits.

However, since the news of the acquisition broke, especially after Standard Chartered Bank's internal assessment revealed its apprehension towards Lin Haoran and its decision to abandon direct confrontation, coupled with the continuous loss of major clients of Huifeng Bank, Huifeng Bank's status in Hong Kong's business community has plummeted.

Large corporations and conglomerates with keen business sense, especially those that had cooperated with Lin Haoran or did not want to offend the newly crowned "King of Hong Kong," began to sever ties with Huifeng, which was "controlled by Standard Chartered and had offended Lin Haoran."

Their financial businesses either switched directly to Lin Haoran's thriving Hengsheng Bank and Bank of East Asia, or they moved to Standard Chartered Bank headquarters or other international banks.

During this period, Huifeng's large, deeply-connected clients in Hong Kong have been lost like a receding tide.

Therefore, today's Huifeng Bank is no longer the glorious bank it once was.

On the surface, it is still the same brand with a century-long history, but in reality, seven or eight out of ten of its core clients have left.

Hutchison Whampoa and Cheung Kong Holdings were the super giants that practically sustained Huifeng's Hong Kong business until the very last half of its life was gone!
With the loss of Hutchison Whampoa, a large chunk of Hui Fung Bank's business empire in Hong Kong has been ripped out, leaving it in a state of deep financial loss.

If, at this very moment, Huifeng were to lose Cheung Kong Holdings, a top real estate giant that, despite being temporarily hampered by the property downturn, still possesses a deep foundation, vast assets, astonishing land reserves, and remains one of the undisputed top three in Hong Kong, it would be a complete catastrophe for Huifeng!

The deep binding agreement signed between Li Ka-shing and Huifeng means that as long as Cheung Kong remains under Li Ka-shing's control, Cheung Kong's core financing, settlement, cash management, and even some investment businesses will continue to be highly dependent on Huifeng.

This is the only remaining "ballast" in Huifeng's existing business, possessing immense strategic value.

However, once it loses Cheung Kong Holdings, Huifeng will become a complete empty shell in Hong Kong, a "zombie bank" with only a century-old historical name but no substantial core business clients to support it.

Its market share will plummet, rendering Huifeng's acquisition worthless to its parent company, Standard Chartered Bank, and even a huge financial and reputational burden.

This is Tyrone's deepest fear, and the root cause of his fierce counterattack like a trapped beast.

Li Ka-shing's "defection" is not just about losing a major client; it will directly mean that the century-old brand of Hui Fung Bank in Hong Kong has completely lost its meaning!

Huifeng's stock price was already sluggish due to previous blows. If it were to suffer the fatal blow of losing Hutchison Whampoa and Cheung Kong Holdings, it would inevitably trigger a new round of panic selling, and the loss of market value would be unimaginable.

This happened shortly after he replaced Mr. Brown as the head of Standard Chartered Bank in Hong Kong.

This will not only severely damage Standard Chartered Bank's interests as a major shareholder, but will also become an indelible disgrace and failure in Tyron's career!
"Mr. Li!" Tyron's voice carried a hint of pleading, but it was quickly masked by an even stronger sense of force.

He pointed to the agreement, making a last-ditch effort: "The legal validity of this agreement is beyond doubt! Huifeng is backed by Standard Chartered Bank's global legal resources!"
Once legal proceedings are initiated, funds will be frozen, and exorbitant penalties will be pursued. The lawsuit could drag on for three to five years. Can Cheung Kong Holdings' reputation and cash flow withstand that?
During a property downturn, every penny of cash is precious! You're risking Cheung Kong's foundation!

Tyronn wanted to use the agreement to threaten Li Jiacheng.

He stared intently into Li Jiacheng's eyes, trying to find a trace of hesitation or wavering: "Think about the consequences, Mr. Li! Huifeng and Cheung Kong have been cooperating for many years and have always supported each other."

Market fluctuations are normal, and Huifeng remains Cheung Kong's most supportive banking partner! Why bother with one...one..." Tyron almost blurted out "Lin Haoran's" name, but forcibly held back.

He learned from Brown's experience during his trip to Hong Kong and was unwilling to offend Lin Haoran.

"Why destroy our own Great Wall and tear apart the unbreakable trust and contract between us just because of the outside world's opinion? As long as you take back what you just said, everything can be pretended that never happened."

Huifeng Bank, and even Standard Chartered Bank, will always be your strongest support!

These words sounded grand and dignified, but they revealed a weakness beneath the surface, a blustering facade.

Despite Tyrone's barrage of threats and implicit temptations, Li Jiacheng remained completely unmoved.

He slowly picked up the teacup on the table, which had already cooled slightly, and took a small sip. His movements were unhurried, as if Tyron's intense words were just background noise.

This unusual calm only intensified Tyron's ominous premonition.

Li Jiacheng put down his teacup, looked at Tyron and said, "Mr. Tyron, you are right. The spirit of contract is very important. Huifeng has indeed given Cheung Kong a lot of support in the past."

He abruptly changed the subject: "However, Mr. Tyron is well aware of the background to the signing of this deep binding agreement. It was during the Huifeng era, when Huifeng was at its zenith and controlled the financial lifeline of Hong Kong!"

This is based on the premise that Huifeng has committed to providing CK Asset's real estate business with unique and irreplaceable in-depth support through its powerful network and resources!

At that time, Huifeng represented stability, strength, and the future.

Tyron opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately decided to let Li Jiacheng continue.

Li Jiacheng continued, "However, what about now? Is Huifeng Bank still the same Huifeng it was back then? It has become a subsidiary of Standard Chartered Bank, and its strategic direction and resource allocation are no longer centered on Hong Kong, but are more subject to the global strategy of Standard Chartered headquarters."

More importantly, what is its strength? What is its stability? And what does its future hold?

“Look at the data from the past few months, Mr. Tyron.” Li Jiacheng’s tone was calm, but every word was like a knife. “Huifeng’s churn rate of large corporate clients in Hong Kong has long exceeded your bottom line, hasn’t it?”

Swire, Wheelock, Wharf Holdings, CLP Power, Hong Kong Tunnel Engineering, HONG KONG, Hang Lung Properties, Sun Hung Kai Properties, New World Development... Of these former VIPs of Huifeng, how many still have their core financial businesses within the Huifeng system?
As far as I know, the Hutchison Whampoa board of directors has just announced its separation from Huifeng and the complete transfer of its financial business from Huifeng to Hengsheng Bank.

Today, besides relying on Cheung Kong Holdings, which is forcibly tied to Huifeng through agreements, and some small and medium-sized clients who are temporarily unable to extricate themselves, what else can Huifeng maintain its dignity as a 'big bank'?

"A bank that has lost most of its core clients, whose market influence has plummeted, whose parent company's positioning of it is ambiguous, and whose situation in Hong Kong's business circles is even precarious due to offending Mr. Lam..."

“Mr. Tyronn, tell me, can a bank like this still provide the ‘unique’ and ‘irreplaceable’ support that it promises to a company like Cheung Kong Holdings?”
The foundation of this agreement was shaken, even collapsed, the moment Standard Chartered's acquisition was completed and Huifeng began to suffer continuous financial losses!

"Are you threatening me with legal provisions?" Li Jiacheng's lips curled into an almost mocking smile, which stood out starkly against his usually composed face. "Freeze my funds? Pursue exorbitant breach of contract penalties? Engage in a protracted lawsuit?"

Mr. Tyronn, do you really think that this is something your Huafeng Bank, or Standard Chartered Bank, can withstand now?

According to the agreement we signed, if one party encounters difficulties, the other party must provide full support.

However, when I was in business competition with Lin Haoran, how did Huifeng Bank and even Standard Chartered Bank act?

You watched helplessly as Hutchison Whampoa, which was originally under my control, fell into Lin Haoran's hands without paying the slightest price. Is this what you call going all out?

It is clear that you broke the contract first, not me, Li Jiacheng. What face do you have to bring up the matter of breaking the contract?

Moreover, Mr. Lin Haoran now holds a full 38.4% of Cheung Kong Holdings' shares and is also the vice chairman of Cheung Kong Holdings. Today, Cheung Kong Holdings is not just a place where I have the final say!
By the way, to tell you the truth, I met and had a conversation with Mr. Lin Haoran just half an hour ago.

Tyron's brow furrowed, his expression growing increasingly grim. Li Jiacheng no longer concealed his intentions: "I'm not here today to ask for your permission."

I'm here to inform you that Cheung Kong Holdings will, in accordance with business rules and the current situation, terminate this nominal 'bond' that poses a potential risk to Cheung Kong Holdings.

I'm here to give you and Standard Chartered Bank a chance to handle this matter gracefully.

This time, Li Jiacheng is really going all out, even if it means offending Standard Chartered Bank.

In any case, for him, how serious could the consequences be now?
Moreover, he believed that Lin Haoran would definitely give him his full support this time, which gave him enough confidence.

This is completely different from Li Ka-shing, who previously embraced British-funded conglomerates.

Perhaps it was because of the loss of Hutchison Whampoa, coupled with the persuasion of Paul Y., that he realized the era of British-owned conglomerates was over.

His continued reliance on British capital will only lead to his complete elimination from the game in this new era.

Tyron's face turned from ashen to deathly pale. He understood the resolute tone in Li Jiacheng's words and also discerned the undisguised subtext: behind Li Jiacheng stood Lin Haoran.

That sense of confidence and fearlessness stems from this.

Li Jiacheng didn't continue speaking, but just stared meaningfully at Tyron.

In an instant, Tyron's face turned ashen.

At this moment, Li Jiacheng softly uttered his last words: "Mr. Tyron, the once glorious century-old brand of Huifeng Bank is now nothing but an empty shell. In Hong Kong, it will completely lose its last support, and its market value will instantly plummet to the bottom."

Are you sure you want to drag Standard Chartered Bank into a deeper predicament and suffer the cruel punishment of the market for an empty shell of 'Huifeng' that has been ruthlessly abandoned by the times, for an agreement that has no weight in the face of reality, and let your own career be tainted with an indelible stain of failure?

Can you and Standard Chartered Bank really afford this price?

The moment the words left his mouth, Tyron was struck dumb, frozen in place.

The "legal weapons" and "frozen funds" he used to threaten Li Jiacheng appeared so pale and laughable in the face of Li Jiacheng's analysis, which nakedly exposed the weakness of Huifeng and pointed directly at Standard Chartered's core interests and the Achilles' heel of its stock price.

His confidence in maintaining a tough stance was backed by Standard Chartered Bank, which has now become his biggest weakness and burden.

The reception room was deathly silent, with only Tyrone's heavy, disordered breathing and the faint sounds of city noise coming from outside the window, as if tolling a death knell for him.

He could almost see the apocalyptic scene unfolding when news of Cheung Kong's termination of the partnership broke: Huifeng's stock price would completely collapse, Standard Chartered's stock price would plummet, shareholders would be furious, and headquarters would hold them accountable.

Even a cornered beast will fight, but faced with overwhelming strength and unmistakable devastating consequences, its fighting spirit has been completely shattered.

Tyron's obese body sank into the expensive leather sofa, and Li Jiacheng's words, "I'm here to inform, not to request," left him speechless.

No matter what, he was the top executive of Standard Chartered Bank in Hong Kong, and even among the entire senior management of Standard Chartered Bank, he was one of the top five figures with real power.

Li Jiacheng's words certainly made him feel very embarrassed.

But he didn't know how to reply.

"Li Sheng, you, you're trying to kill Huifeng!" Tyron wanted to say a lot, but in the end, he could only say this.

Indeed, that statement is not wrong.

Huafeng Bank, once the largest bank in Hong Kong, has now fallen to fifth place in market share among Hong Kong banks. This is only because Cheung Kong and Hutchison Whampoa's businesses are still with Huafeng Bank.

The reason for the sharp drop is mainly because Standard Chartered Bank bleeds us dry, and Bank of East Asia poached many of our major clients.

If Huifeng Bank hadn't signed these agreements with Li Ka-shing, Li Ka-shing might have had to relocate the financial business of his companies.

Now that Hutchison Whampoa and Cheung Kong Holdings have both withdrawn from HSBC, the bank will truly only have a handful of nobodys left as customers.

More importantly, once this news spreads, it could trigger a chain reaction among more customers, who will choose to transfer their funds from Huifeng Bank to other banks.

If this continues, Huifeng Bank may truly become nothing more than an empty shell on Hong Kong's financial landscape.

At that time, let alone maintaining its position as the fifth largest bank in Hong Kong, it will probably not even be able to break into the top ten.

It's truly lamentable that the once-powerful financial giant of Hong Kong has fallen to such a state.

Looking at Tyron's dejected appearance, Li Jiacheng felt little pleasure, but rather a sense of sympathy for his fellow human beings.

Once upon a time, Huifeng Bank was incredibly powerful. Its tycoon, Sir Michael Sandberg, held sway over the Hong Kong business world, and even Li Ka-shing had to defer to him and try to curry favor with him.

Now, the once behemoth has fallen to such a state, and all of this is closely related to that young man who suddenly appeared out of nowhere—Lin Haoran.

This further solidified Li Jiacheng's resolve that abandoning the alliance with the British consortium and choosing to align himself with Lin Haoran was the right thing to do.

Now, he no longer dreams of becoming Hong Kong's richest man.

With Lin Haoran standing as a formidable obstacle in his path, he knew that instead of futilely resisting, it was better to go with the flow and use his strength against him, which might allow him to secure a broader future for Cheung Kong Holdings.

Tyron held the agreement in his hand, then helplessly put it down.

The scene described by Li Jiacheng—Huifeng becoming an empty shell, Standard Chartered's stock price collapsing, and market confidence being completely lost—swept over him like a cold tide, leaving him feeling suffocated.

The consequences of Huifeng losing Cheung Kong Holdings as its last pillar client are unimaginable. This not only concerns Huifeng's survival but will also spread like a plague, severely undermining Standard Chartered Group's reputation and foundation in Asia and even globally.

But the name Lin Haoran is like the sword of Damocles hanging over Standard Chartered's head. His taking over Cheung Kong Holdings and becoming its vice chairman makes any threat seem pale and laughable.

Lin Haoran's style of doing things has been fully demonstrated in the process of defeating Jardine Matheson, Huifeng, and Li Jiacheng. He will never tolerate any strong interference in Cheung Kong's decision-making, especially from a "defeated opponent" like Standard Chartered.

Standard Chartered did try to resist by joining forces with Jardine Matheson and others, but the result was obvious: they lost.

Tyron felt a wave of dizziness.

He knew that Li Jiacheng had made up his mind to come here, and it was difficult to change his mind.

Continue the hardline confrontation?

It is a fact that Huifeng failed to fully support Li Jiacheng in fighting against Lin Haoran's breach of contract. If a lawsuit were to actually take place, Standard Chartered would not be confident of winning. On the contrary, it might completely expose the scandal and accelerate its own collapse.

At that point, Standard Chartered Bank will have no credibility whatsoever, and who would dare to cooperate with their company?

More importantly, the price of angering Lin Haoran is something that Tyron cannot afford, and the entire Standard Chartered Bank cannot afford either!
Having witnessed Brown's fate after numerous confrontations, he had already seen it for himself.

He put down the agreement text in his hand and waited a while before speaking: "This matter is too big! Mr. Li, this has far exceeded my decision-making authority, and even the decision-making authority of the Hong Kong branch and the Asia-Pacific region!"
I must report this to London headquarters immediately! The group's board of directors will make the final decision!

He nodded slightly, his face still calm and expressionless: "Master Tyron, please go ahead, but time is precious."

He didn't say another word, and his calm and composed demeanor made Tyron feel even more ashamed.

Li Jiacheng knew perfectly well that Tyron's so-called "reporting to headquarters" was just a way to pass the buck and give himself a way out.

The final outcome was already predetermined the moment he played Lin Haoran as his trump card and thoroughly analyzed the inherent weakness of Huifeng.

Tyrone, almost frantically, pressed the intercom on the table and shouted urgently to his secretary, "Immediately! Connect me to London headquarters right now, top priority!"

Notify all rotating directors that an emergency meeting will be held in one hour! Tell them that this concerns the life and death of Huifeng Bank in Asia!

Seeing Tyron's distraught state and eagerness to shirk responsibility, Li Jiacheng couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

In fact, he was not afraid that Standard Chartered Bank would not leave any room for negotiation and would resolutely refuse to allow Cheung Kong Holdings to relocate.
After all, all Li Ka-shing has left now is Cheung Kong Holdings.

If Standard Chartered Bank continues to block Cheung Kong Holdings, there's nothing he can do.

Perhaps, we really can only place our hopes on Lin Haoran.

However, judging from Tyronn's reaction, this paper tiger, which was just bluffing, has been completely exposed.

(End of this chapter)