In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 793 The Crazy Stockholders and the Soaring Stock Price of Huifeng Bank!
“Mr. I.M. Pei is indeed a very suitable candidate. His reputation in the international architectural community is beyond doubt, and as a Chinese architect, he has a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s cultural background and geographical environment,” Ma Shimin agreed.

I.M. Pei's reputation in the architecture industry is so great that he is even hailed as "the last master of modern architecture".

Even though I.M. Pei has no works in Hong Kong yet, and the world-famous Bank of China Tower has not yet been built, Simon Murray, as the head of Hongkong Land Group, a super giant mainly engaged in the real estate industry, naturally knows top international architects like I.M. Pei.

After thinking for a moment, He Shanheng said, "Mr. Pei's design style is modern and elegant, which not only conforms to the international financial image, but also incorporates Eastern aesthetic elements. I have actually met him in person. His wife was born in Hong Kong and often comes back to Hong Kong. However, his design fees may be relatively high."

Lin Haoran waved his hand: "Excellent designers deserve corresponding compensation. A good architectural design can not only enhance the company's image, but also create a comfortable working environment for employees, improve work efficiency, and increase occupancy rates."

In the long run, this investment is worthwhile.

He stood up, walked to the window, looked at the bustling cityscape of Hong Kong outside, and continued, "The new headquarters of Huifeng Bank should become one of the new landmarks of Hong Kong, showcasing the strength and vision of our Hengsheng Group, while also reflecting the rebirth of Huifeng Bank, a century-old institution."

“I completely agree.” He Shanheng nodded. “Then I will find some time to contact Mr. Pei Yuming and invite him to participate in this project.”

Lin Haoran nodded, not in a hurry about it.

After all, times have changed. Today's Huifeng Bank is no longer the glorious bank that almost monopolized Hong Kong's financial industry. Its business volume has shrunk significantly, and only a fraction of its original size remains.

Under these circumstances, the plan to build a new headquarters naturally lost its former sense of urgency.

However, the new headquarters still needs to be built.

By building a new skyscraper, one can have a very stable income solely from rent collection in the future.

After all, Lin Haoran knew how hot the commercial office leasing market would be in Hong Kong for the next few decades.

For example, the IFC Phase 2, which will be the second tallest building in Hong Kong in the future, is said to generate a staggering HK$94 billion in annual rent, nearly HK$10 billion in annual rental income.

Therefore, it is clear that Hong Kong's commercial office rental market is undoubtedly a sector with significant investment value.

Moreover, the location of the Huifeng headquarters building is one of the most prime locations in Central.

Even if you don't consider using it yourself, it's an excellent investment option.

Ma Shimin added, "Moreover, the construction period for a new headquarters usually takes three to four years. Although Huifeng Bank's business scale has been greatly reduced, we can use this time to gradually restore and expand Huifeng Bank's business, especially its overseas market business."

When the building is completed, it will be ready to welcome the business recovery with a brand new look.

"I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Ma's statement. Now that we have acquired Huifeng Bank, which has a solid overseas foundation, we must do our best to make it bigger and stronger."

Putting everything else aside, it would be quite satisfying to make Standard Chartered Bank regret selling off Huifeng Bank so casually after all the effort they had put in to acquire it! He Shanheng laughed loudly.

This time, Standard Chartered Bank took the opportunity to hand over Huifeng Bank, which had lost its usefulness, to Hengsheng Group, with a hint of contempt, believing that Chinese capital would be unable to manage this century-old British bank that had already declined.

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran smiled and said, "Uncle He is right. Standard Chartered Bank has indeed miscalculated this time. They thought Huifeng Bank was a thing of the past and treated it as trash, but little did they know that it is a treasure in our Hengsheng Group."

He crossed his legs and continued, "Huifeng Bank's overseas network is its most valuable asset, and we must make full use of this advantage when restructuring our business."

Uncle He, I'll trouble you to research how to integrate Huifeng Bank's overseas branch network with Hengsheng Group's existing international business to create synergy.

He Shanheng nodded solemnly and replied, "Haoran, rest assured, I will do my best in this matter. Acquiring Huifeng Bank is extremely important for the future development of Hengsheng Group."

Huifeng Bank has a much stronger foundation in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, and the United States than the other three banks under our Hengsheng Group. If we can make good use of these networks, they will greatly benefit our entire group's internationalization strategy.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Immediately afterwards, John Bao walked in.

At this moment, he had long lost his former sharpness.

Six months ago, John Paul, as the second-in-command of Huifeng Bank, was full of vigor and influence in Hong Kong's financial world, and he was always the one receiving compliments.

However, as Huifeng Bank changed hands several times, his status plummeted.

Now, he's been reduced to working for Chinese businessmen.

It has to be said, fate is cruel!
"Boss, Chairman He, Mr. Ma," John Bao greeted the three men respectfully, adopting a very humble posture.

Lin Haoran gently gestured for him to sit down: "Mr. Bao, you've come at the right time. We were just discussing Huifeng Bank's future development plans."

John Bao sat down somewhat awkwardly on the edge of the sofa, placing his hands on his knees, before saying, "Boss, I've come here to report something important to you."

Huafeng Bank's stock price fluctuated after the market opened today. In just half an hour, its market value has doubled, and the upward trend is still continuing. Currently, Hong Kong Radio and TVB are broadcasting the news live from the Securities and Futures Commission!
The stock exchange called to inquire whether trading should be temporarily suspended to limit the rate of increase and prevent the market from overheating and causing risks.

Before he finished speaking, He Shanheng had already strode to his desk and turned on the radio.

The host on Hong Kong Radio's financial channel is excitedly reporting: "Unbelievable! Huifeng Bank's stock price has soared since the market opened today, and has now risen by 118%!"

The exchange was in an uproar as investors rushed to buy...

At this moment, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange was in an uproar, and the scene was almost out of control.

"Let me buy! Buy another two thousand shares!" an elderly stock investor, around sixty years old, shouted at the broker.

"Uncle, the price is already quite high. Should we wait and see?" the young agent cautiously advised.

"What are you waiting for? This is Huifeng Bank, which Lin Sheng took over!" The old stock investor was so excited that his face turned red. "You young man don't understand. Lin Sheng can turn stones into gold. Every business he handles makes a fortune."
Hong Kong Electric Holdings, Hong Kong Telephone, and Hong Kong and China Gas are just a few of the listed companies he has taken control of that have now become top-ranked in terms of market capitalization. Hong Kong Electric Holdings has even become the No.1 listed company in Hong Kong!

Now that he's taken control of Huifeng Bank, the stock price is bound to skyrocket!

A well-off woman in a cheongsam next to me nodded repeatedly: "That's right! I've put all the retirement savings my husband left me into it!"

Lin Sheng's business acumen is known throughout Hong Kong. His willingness to take over Huifeng proves that this long-established bank can definitely be saved!

In a corner of the trading hall, several young white-collar workers in suits were also having a heated discussion.

"Have you seen today's Hong Kong Financial News? The front page is full of news about Hengsheng Group's acquisition of Huifeng Bank!" a young man wearing glasses said excitedly. "Mr. He Shanheng said in an interview last night that he wants to rebuild Huifeng Bank into a world-class financial institution and bring it back to its peak!"

Another slightly older colleague agreed, saying, "I expected this to happen! Mr. Lin has always been decisive and efficient. Just think, in less than two years, Mr. Lin became the richest Chinese man and successively defeated British giants such as Jardine Matheson and Huafeng Bank."

Now, they've even taken over Huifeng Bank, the former dominant player, for themselves. Can you find another company in all of Hong Kong with that kind of ability?

In the VIP room on the second floor of the exchange, several big investors were also whispering among themselves.

"I've mobilized all available funds and bought into Huifeng Bank," a tycoon said, holding his mobile phone. "Believe me, with Lin Haoran in charge, Huifeng Bank will soon regain its former glory, and might even surpass it!"

"But the stock price has already risen so much..." came a hesitant voice from the other end of the phone.

"Many? Let me tell you, this is just the beginning!" the tycoon said excitedly. "Think about Lin Haoran's past achievements, and then think about his current strength."

With so many high-quality assets under Hengsheng Group, injecting just a few into Huifeng Bank could multiply its stock price several times over.

Moreover, Huifeng Bank is the only bank under the Hengsheng Group with the right to issue banknotes. The Hengsheng Group will undoubtedly focus on developing Huifeng, aiming to restore this financial giant with over a century of history to its former glory!

At the trading counter, an old broker exclaimed to his assistant, "I've been in this business for thirty years, and I've never seen anyone with such a strong influence."

The assistant asked curiously, "Why does everyone have so much confidence in Lin Haoran?"

The old agent pushed up his glasses and said slowly, "Young man, you don't understand. In Hong Kong, the name Lin Haoran means turning stone into gold."

Almost every decision he makes brings huge profits. Now that he's taken control of Huifeng, in the eyes of shareholders, it's like insuring this long-established bank.

At this point, Huifeng Bank's share price had broken through HK$25 per share, a surge of 150% from the previous day's closing price, which translates to a market capitalization of HK$60 billion.

It's worth noting that Huifeng Bank's market capitalization had previously fallen to around HK$24 billion.

If Hong Kong's stock market didn't have no price limits, Huifeng Bank would have already hit its daily limit.

As for the market volatility control mechanism of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, it was not officially introduced until 2016. In other words, there are no restrictions on the Hong Kong stock market now, whether it goes up or down!
However, none of this had anything to do with the Hong Kong stock market at that time.

Even with the introduction of market volatility adjustment mechanisms, the Hong Kong stock market has not introduced price limits. Its trading system is market-oriented and allows prices to fully reflect market supply and demand.

This rule contrasts with markets like the A-share market, which have daily price fluctuation limits, highlighting Hong Kong's institutional characteristics as an international financial center.

Unbeknownst to many, Lin Haoran's influence in Hong Kong had become deeply ingrained. He was like a dazzling guiding star in the business world, illuminating the path for countless investors wherever he went.

In all of Hong Kong, perhaps only he can do this.

The scene returns to the Huifeng headquarters building, inside the chairman's office.

The radio continued to broadcast the reporter's on-site interview: "Sir, why are you so optimistic about Huifeng Bank?"

An excited voice replied, "Because it was Mr. Lin who took over! Don't you media outlets always say he's the pride of the Chinese people? Let me tell you, I've invested my son's wedding fund in it. I trust Mr. Lin!"

In his office, Ho Sin-hang turned off the radio and said with emotion, "Ho-ran, your influence among the people of Hong Kong now is probably even greater than that of the Governor of Hong Kong."

Simon Murray also laughed and said, "This is simply the most powerful counterattack against Standard Chartered Bank. They thought they had gotten rid of a burden, but little did they know that they had given us a treasure trove."

John Bao stood aside, looking at the young boss in front of him, deeply shocked.

He finally understood why Huifeng Bank was able to achieve such an amazing turnaround in just one day.

The name Lin Haoran has become a legend in Hong Kong, a symbol that investors can trust unconditionally.

Lin Haoran replied to John Bao's question: "Restricting stock price increases? There's no need. Since they trust me so much, we'll repay that trust with our performance."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Mr. Bao, please tell the exchange that Huifeng Bank respects market rules and will not artificially interfere with stock prices."

At the same time, immediately begin preparing two things:

First, we issued an announcement in the name of the board of directors, clearly stating that we will maintain the international characteristics of Huifeng Bank while injecting the innovative vitality of Hengsheng Group, so that this century-old enterprise can be revitalized.

Secondly, please arrange a press conference this afternoon for all of Hong Kong. Uncle Ho, could you please personally announce HSBC's three-year restructuring plan, including the construction of a new headquarters, overseas business expansion, and investment in technological innovation?

Since these citizens trusted him so much, he naturally didn't want to disappoint them.

“Okay, boss, I’ll get back to the exchange shortly,” John Bao nodded in response.

He Shanheng nodded and said, "Don't worry, Haoran. The fact that these citizens trust you so much is an advantage for the future development of Huifeng Bank. In this way, Hengsheng Group will have four major banks in Hong Kong, and our market share will become more and more stable!"

John Bao lamented, "If only we had bought back some of the shares from the secondary market in advance, we could have made a fortune simply by taking advantage of the public's trust in the boss!"

However, Lin Haoran shook his head and said, "Mr. Bao, your thinking is unacceptable. When we run a business, we can't just focus on immediate profits."

The public's trust in us is built on the foundation of Hengsheng Group's consistent commitment to honest business practices and giving back to society.

If we exploit this trust to seek short-term profits, we are overdrawing our credibility.

Lin Haoran stood up, his tone serious: "What Huifeng Bank aims to do is become a century-old institution worthy of long-term trust. We must repay investors' trust with solid performance, not through speculation and opportunism."

In the past, he had actually done quite a few things like this.

Capitalists prioritize profit; as long as it's legal and compliant, making money is the bottom line.

However, as things have developed to this point, he is no longer the investor who only pursues capital appreciation.

After all, these days, money is just a number to him; whether it's a few hundred million more or less, he doesn't really care.

Now, he pursues not only profit, but also fame!
If he continues to exploit the trust these citizens place in him, his reputation will be ruined sooner or later.

Upon hearing this, He Shanheng's eyes flashed with satisfaction: "Haoran, your vision is truly admirable. In the business world, personal reputation is often more precious than gold."

Ma Shimin added with deep feeling: "Indeed, an entrepreneur's reputation determines how far a company can go. In the long run, a boss's practice of valuing their reputation is actually the wisest business wisdom."

John Bao stood aside, deeply moved.

He originally thought that it was only natural to prioritize business and profit above all else, but now he sees a higher level of business philosophy.

“Boss, I understand completely now. Reputation is the most valuable intangible asset for an entrepreneur. With Huifeng Bank in your hands, it will surely establish itself on integrity and build its business on responsibility,” John Bao said sincerely.

At 1 p.m., after having lunch in the company cafeteria, Lin Haoran, accompanied by John Bao, inspected the entire headquarters building of Huifeng Bank, visiting almost every department in the building.

At 3:30 p.m., He Shanheng, chairman of Hengsheng Group, held a press conference in the lobby of Huifeng Bank's headquarters to officially announce the "Huifeng Bank Three-Year Strategic Restructuring Plan".

More than 300 journalists were present, representing over 150 media companies!
Huifeng Bank's development plan, which includes core initiatives such as the construction of a new headquarters building and business expansion in the Southeast Asian market, marks the official launch of a systemic reform by the management.

Finally, it was further assured that Hengsheng Group's shareholding in Huifeng Bank would remain at 51%, with no further increases or decreases!

The reception did not end until 4 p.m., by which time the Hong Kong stock market had already closed for the day.

Because the information disclosure time overlapped with the closing time, this strategic announcement did not directly affect the stock price on that day.

Meanwhile, when the closing bell rang at the exchange, Huifeng Bank's share price finally settled at HK$34.8 per share, with a total market capitalization of HK$83.7 billion.

Compared to the previous day's closing price, the single-day increase reached a staggering 247%, setting a new record for the highest single-day increase among blue-chip stocks in the Hong Kong stock market.

This remarkable market performance has propelled Hui Fung Bank back into the ranks of Hong Kong's top ten listed companies.

Lin Haoran's Hengsheng Group holds a 51% stake in Huifeng Bank, which is valued at HK$42.6 billion.

Although stock price does not fully represent the actual value of a company, Lin Haoran's successful acquisition of this century-old bank for only HK$10 billion is undoubtedly a great success.

In his office, Ho Shan-heng, who had just finished a press conference in the lobby, looked at the latest stock price data and couldn't help but sigh: "In just one day, Huifeng Bank went from being a 'discarded child' abandoned by the market to becoming a blue-chip stock sought after by investors again."

Such a transformation was unprecedented in Hong Kong's financial history.

Ma Shimin also remarked, "More importantly, this surge in stock price was entirely a spontaneous market phenomenon, and we did not intervene in any way."

This demonstrates that investors' confidence in the owner's leadership of Huifeng Bank is genuine and unwavering.

Looking at the closing data, John Bao exclaimed sincerely, "Boss, Huifeng Bank's market value is now more than three times what it was before the acquisition. If Standard Chartered Bank knew this would happen, they'd probably regret it immensely."

Lin Haoran wasn't overly excited. Instead, he calmly said, "Market value is just the surface. The real test has only just begun. All of Hong Kong is watching us. Whether we can truly restore Huifeng Bank to its former glory depends on our future operating performance."

He Shanheng nodded in agreement: "Haoran is right. The press conference this afternoon was very well received, but we must put our promises into practice. The construction of the new headquarters, the restructuring of overseas operations, and investment in technological innovation all need to be expedited."

“Uncle He is right,” Lin Haoran said, turning around. “Mr. Bao, please organize a team immediately to develop a detailed business restructuring plan. We must ensure that every promise made at the press conference is fulfilled.”

“Yes, boss!” John Bao responded immediately. “I will have the relevant departments start preparations, and we should have a preliminary plan ready by tomorrow.”

"Without any intervention from us, Huifeng Bank has managed to reach a market value of over 8 billion, and Uncle He, you just held a press conference. I'm suddenly looking forward to seeing if Huifeng Bank's stock price will surge again tomorrow?" Lin Haoran suddenly said with interest.

The market value of Huifeng Bank is not actually of great significance to him.

However, it is indeed pleasing to see the market value climb.

More importantly, this reflects the market's recognition of Hengsheng Group's management capabilities, and also of Lin Haoran himself.

He Shanheng smiled upon hearing this: "Tomorrow's stock price performance is indeed worth looking forward to. At the press conference, I detailed the restructuring plan, especially the specific plans for the construction of the new headquarters building and the expansion of overseas business. These positive news should further boost market confidence."

Ma Shimin also analyzed: "Given today's market enthusiasm, coupled with the positive impact of the press conference, there is a high probability that the market will continue to rise when it opens tomorrow."

In fact, there is no need for any analysis at all.

The confidence that Hong Kong citizens have in Lin Haoran is already at an incredibly high level.

Now, Huifeng Bank has directly announced its future development blueprint, which undoubtedly injects more confidence into the market.

Lin Haoran's other three banks, Bank of East Asia, Heng Sheng Bank, and Dao Heng Bank, are all privatized by him.

But Huifeng Bank is different. Hengsheng Group only holds 51% of Huifeng Bank's shares, which means that this bank is the only listed bank under Lin Haoran's control!
It is also the only bank under Lin Haoran's umbrella that allows ordinary investors to share in the development dividends.

How could this not drive these investors crazy?

(End of this chapter)