In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 795 The more they value it, the more bargaining chips we have.
Soon, only Lin Haoran, He Shanheng, Ma Shimin, Bao John, Pu Weishi, and a few others remained in the meeting room.

He Shanheng exclaimed, "Haoran, you did a brilliant job! You cut the Gordian knot!"
I was initially worried about how to handle these complex relationships, but unexpectedly, they stepped forward themselves, giving us a fantastic opportunity.

Ma Shimin also laughed and said, "The boss's boldness is truly admirable. Now, the internal resistance to reform at Huifeng Bank has been basically cleared, and we can boldly implement the new plan."

Moreover, this experience will lead to an unprecedented surge in employee loyalty and team cohesion.

Ma Shimin was right. When the employees left, Lin Haoran paid special attention to them. Those who didn't raise their hands generally had a loyalty rating of over 70% to Huifeng Bank.

John Bao stepped forward, saying apologetically and with a hint of lingering fear, "Boss, I'm very sorry. We failed to detect and stop Richard and his men's actions in advance, causing you trouble."

Lin Haoran waved his hand, his expression calm: "It's not your fault. This kind of deep-rooted arrogance and prejudice cannot be eliminated by prevention. They came out on their own, which actually saved us a lot of trouble, Mr. Bao, Mr. Pu Weishi."

John Bao and Visser both looked at Lin Haoran, waiting for his words.

He looked at the two core members of the old HSBC team and continued, "You will need to put in a lot of effort to ensure the stability and transition of the bank. Some of the vacant positions will be filled by transferring some people from other banks in the Hengsheng Group."

In addition, we should promote capable and trustworthy employees from within, especially those with potential who are of Chinese descent. We should boldly give them opportunities. At the same time, we should contact headhunters to search for suitable professionals globally, especially those familiar with the Asian market and international business.

"Understood, boss! We will do our best!" John Bao and Wei Shi immediately straightened their backs and replied, feeling a great weight lifted off their shoulders.

They were genuinely worried that Lin Haoran would blame them for this.

However, seeing the boss's attitude now, they are relieved.

After this cleansing, they realized more clearly that following in Lin Haoran's footsteps was the right direction for HSBC and for their own future.

Going against the new boss?
That would undoubtedly be courting death, and both John Bo and Wei Shi were perfectly clear-headed.

“Uncle He,” Lin Haoran turned to He Shanheng, “the three banks under Hengsheng Group also need to mobilize some reliable management and financial backbone to temporarily support HSBC. In particular, the key risk control and finance departments must be firmly in our hands to ensure a smooth transition and prevent major business fluctuations.”

“No problem, I’ll arrange it when I get back.” He Shanheng agreed without hesitation.

After all, Huifeng Bank will be integrated into Hengsheng Group in the future.

Ma Shimin smiled and said, "Boss, Hongkong Land Group also has some talents familiar with international business and asset management who can be seconded over to assist."

Lin Haoran nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze back to the window.

He said with a smile, "Every cloud has a silver lining. Although we will face some manpower shortages in the short term after this 'mutiny,' it has also completely broken the rigid and conservative old pattern within HSBC."

This cleared the biggest internal obstacle for us to implement our new strategy, and a more efficient, dynamic HSBC that is better aligned with the overall interests of the Hengsheng Group will be born.

When he saw the high proportion of foreign employees at Huifeng Bank, he already had the idea of ​​gradually increasing the proportion of Chinese employees.

I originally thought this might be a very long process.

Unexpectedly, these foreigners actually took the initiative to step forward.

Ma Shimin suddenly said, "However, firing all these people at once may also bring a risk to Huifeng Bank. We just counted, and the number of people involved is too large, a total of 421, and these people are mainly British."

Even if these people themselves came out and threatened to strike, Hong Kong was still a colony at the time, and the colonial government would not stand idly by while more than four hundred people were collectively unemployed.

He Shanheng nodded as well. Having dealt with the Governor's Office his whole life, they naturally understood that the Governor's Office might take action because of this large number of unemployed British people.

After all, in Hong Kong, the colonial government always placed great importance on the interests and face of the British.

“Mr. Ma is right.” He Shanheng frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, “The Governor’s Office may put pressure on us under the pretext of maintaining social stability and protecting the rights of British citizens, and may even trip us up with policies.”

Lin Haoran nodded slightly, his expression not showing much emotion. He had expected that the departure of this group of people would not be so calm.

"It's alright. Since we've made this decision, we have to bear the consequences. However, we can't just sit back and take the hits. We need to prepare countermeasures in advance."

He turned to John Paul and William P., “You two should immediately begin compiling a detailed report, detailing Richard and the others’ coercive actions, their unreasonable demands, and our plans for the bank’s future development.”

At the same time, we emphasized that we made this decision for the long-term healthy development of the bank, and it was not an arbitrary dismissal of employees.

There were eight or nine hundred people present at the scene. Although the whole thing wasn't recorded, with so many witnesses, there was no fear that the Governor's Office would distort the truth.

John Bao and Wei Shi exchanged a glance and immediately nodded. "Understood, boss. We'll get on it right away."

After John Paul and William P. left, Lin Haoran looked at Simon Ma and asked, "Mr. Ma, you are also British. Based on your understanding of the Governor's Office, how do you think they will ultimately handle this matter?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Shimin pondered for a moment and replied, "Based on my understanding of the Governor-General's Office, they will most likely send someone to 'communicate' with us first. On the surface, it's to understand the situation, but in reality, they want to test our attitude and bottom line."

After all, our Hengsheng Group holds a pivotal position in Hong Kong's financial world, and they wouldn't dare to take overly forceful measures rashly.

He paused, then continued, "However, they are likely to create some 'minor troubles' for us in terms of banking approvals, foreign exchange quotas, and even taxes to express their dissatisfaction and force us to make concessions in other areas."

For example, they might require us to rehire some of the laid-off employees, or at least prioritize British nationals in the hiring process. Furthermore, the laid-off foreign employees, even if they were at fault, should still receive severance pay.

He Shanheng snorted coldly: "These colonizers' tricks haven't changed in decades. But times have changed, and our Hengsheng Group is not a pushover."

Lin Haoran tapped the table lightly and nodded, saying, "No matter what, I don't regret firing these people. They've all walked right into the line of fire. If I didn't fire, I'd be too soft-hearted."

Mr. Ma's analysis is spot on. In that case, we might as well take the initiative. Uncle He, you are the chairman of Hengsheng Group. Now that Huifeng Bank is part of Hengsheng Group, it is more appropriate for you to take the lead. Please go to the Governor's Mansion in a while and hand over a copy of the detailed report compiled by John Bao and others to the Governor.

Furthermore, we emphasized that we were not prepared to take over Huafeng Bank. It was the Governor who intervened and led us to this deal with Standard Chartered Bank. This was done out of respect for the Governor. Now, we have just taken over Huafeng Bank, and this has happened.

Lin Haoran's tone became meaningful as he said this: "If this is not handled seriously, people may think that the Governor's mediation was a mistake, and it may even affect the prestige of the Governor's Office."

He Shanheng's eyes flashed with understanding, and he immediately grasped Lin Haoran's intention. He laughed loudly and said, "I understand, Haoran. In this way, we have shifted the pressure to the Governor's Mansion. Don't worry, I will handle this matter. There is no need to trouble you, the big boss, for the rest!"

Just then, Ma Shimin's phone rang.

He nodded to Lin Haoran, then walked to the side, pressed the answer button, and started the call.

Lin Haoran heard something that seemed to be about Citibank, but he didn't know the specifics.

About half a minute later, Ma Shimin put down his mobile phone.

“Boss, the general manager of Citibank’s Hong Kong branch just called me and told me that Mr. John Reed, the vice president of Citibank headquarters, is preparing to travel to Hong Kong and will visit you. He didn’t say why.” Ma Shimin quickly relayed the message he had just received as he approached Lin Haoran.

"Oh? Mr. John Reed is suddenly coming to Hong Kong to visit me?" Lin Haoran was clearly taken aback when he heard Ma Shimin's words.

This is a bit sudden.

After all, New York and Hong Kong are just too far apart.

What could possibly be so important that the other party had to travel all this way to see him?

Lin Haoran frowned slightly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table unconsciously.

Citibank's move is indeed intriguing.

"Mr. Ma, what do you think is the purpose of John Reed's trip?" Lin Haoran suddenly asked.

Ma Shimin pondered for a moment and cautiously replied, "Boss, based on my understanding of Citibank, they have always prioritized profit. Over the years, we have had frequent business dealings with Citibank, and you are a member of their board of directors, so the relationship should be stable."

But the business world is like a battlefield, and the HSBC acquisition did indeed infringe upon their interests in the United States.

He Shanheng chimed in, "Citibank is getting restless. Although Haifeng Bank is not as large as Citibank in New York State, it is still quite powerful. After all, it is the 13th largest bank in the United States."

If we leverage the resources of the Hengsheng Group to vigorously develop Haifeng Bank, it will indeed have a significant impact on Citibank.

Lin Haoran nodded thoughtfully, several key points flashing through his mind: his position as a director of Citibank, the cooperative relationship between Hengsheng Group and Citibank over the past two or three years, and Haifeng Bank's business layout in the United States...

"It seems John Reed's trip was to probe our intentions regarding the acquisition of Huifeng Bank," Lin Haoran said with a slight smile.

Ma Shimin suggested, "Boss, should I try to find out about Citibank's recent moves through some channels? I have some connections in New York, and I might be able to find out more inside information."

"No need." Lin Haoran waved his hand. "Since they have come on their own initiative, we should remain calm and wait for the right moment. Uncle He, please go to the Governor's Mansion as planned."

Mr. Ma, please arrange for Mr. John Reed to be received with the highest level of hospitality upon his arrival.

He Shanheng asked with some concern: "Haoran, how do you plan to deal with Citibank? If it's not handled properly, it could affect our international market strategy."

Lin Haoran stood up calmly, walked to the window, and said with a deep gaze: "Uncle He, don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Citibank values ​​profit. As long as we can find a cooperation model that both sides can accept, the problem will naturally be solved."

He turned to face the two men and smiled calmly, “Besides, if they’ve come because of Haifeng Bank, then it’s even simpler. Why don’t we take this opportunity to figure out how to deal with Haifeng Bank? After all, Haifeng Bank isn’t part of our future development plans.”

Upon hearing this, Ma Shimin's eyes flashed with surprise: "Does the boss mean that we should consider selling Haifeng Bank to Citibank? Haifeng Bank isn't a high-quality bank, and they might not even be interested in it, right?" Lin Haoran nodded slightly, his gaze profound: "Haifen Bank ranks thirteenth in the United States. It's not particularly large or small, but it's located in New York, which is Citibank's core territory."

If we want to expand aggressively, we will inevitably clash head-on with Citibank. Furthermore, revitalizing Haifeng Bank will be quite difficult. Rather than expending significant resources fighting on someone else's turf, it would be better to seize this opportunity to make a deal with Citibank, obtain our due benefits, and perhaps even infiltrate Citibank's operations.

Although he had been invited by the chairman of Citibank to join the Citibank board of directors and nominally held 3% of the shares, in reality it was just a nominal position with no real power.

Even if he reveals his identity as a major shareholder of Citibank, Citibank will not allow him to interfere in any of Citibank's actual operations.

However, if this transaction with Haifeng Bank can be used to gain some substantial control over Citibank, then the significance would be completely different.

Even gaining a few important voting rights would be a significant breakthrough.

A glint of light flashed in He Shanheng's eyes: "Exchange equity for real power? That's a good idea, but those American financial groups like Citibank have always been very protective of their controlling stakes, and I'm afraid they won't easily relinquish important voting rights."

"Negotiations are a matter of course. If they need our help, they will naturally make concessions. Whether we can gain some say in the deal will only be known after Mr. John Reed arrives in Hong Kong. Perhaps we can take this opportunity to make Hengsheng Group a permanent director on the board of Citibank," Lin Haoran said with a smile.

He knew that this John Reed was the future chairman of Citibank's board of directors, and that he wielded considerable power.

For the past two years, he has maintained a very good relationship with John Reed.

Citibank sent John Reed this time, presumably taking into account their good relationship and hoping the meeting would go smoothly.

Lin Haoran began planning his move to Citibank two years ago.

He knew that to gain significant influence within Citibank, he couldn't rush it; he had to take it one step at a time.

Secretly increasing his shareholding was one of his strategies.

John Reed's visit may be a crucial opportunity.

Ma Shimin pondered, "The boss is very farsighted. This is indeed a good opportunity. The fact that John Reed came in person shows how much importance Citibank attaches to this matter."

“Exactly,” Lin Haoran nodded. “The more they value it, the more bargaining chips we have.”

He Shanheng glanced at his watch: "I hope so. I'll head to the Governor's Mansion first. As for Citibank, I trust Haoran will handle things well."

The other party had clearly come to Hong Kong with Lin Haoran in mind, so He Shanheng would not act on his own initiative.

After seeing He Shanheng off, Lin Haoran said to Ma Shimin: "Mr. Ma, before John Reed arrives, we need to do a few things: First, reassess the market value of Haifeng Bank; second, prepare multiple negotiation plans, showing sincerity while also holding the line."

If we can seize this opportunity and secure a key board seat at Citibank, it will greatly benefit our future international expansion strategy.

Previously, although he had a good relationship with Citibank, that was all.

However, if he seizes this opportunity to become one of the key figures at Citibank, his future development in the United States will be much smoother.

The American financial groups associated with Citibank are also quite powerful.

If he does become a key director of Citibank, then the heads of these American financial groups at Citibank will likely try to win him over.

In this way, his network of contacts will expand further, and his influence in the American business community will also rise accordingly.

The US market is now the world's largest market.

He naturally couldn't give up such a market.

In addition to having Universal Investment Company invest in promising listed companies, his other subsidiaries, such as Landsea Group and Wanqing Group, naturally also need to enter the US market.

The Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern markets alone are not enough to satisfy him.

Ma Shimin immediately understood: "The boss is very farsighted. If we can leverage Citibank's platform to establish closer ties with American financial groups, it will indeed be of great help to our expansion into the European and American markets."

“Exactly,” Lin Haoran nodded. “Therefore, this negotiation is of paramount importance. You must begin preparations immediately, ensuring all materials are ready before John Reed arrives. This matter is especially crucial for our entire Galactic Strategic Development Committee.”

John Reed's journey from New York will take at least twenty or thirty hours, so they have plenty of time to prepare.

"Understood, I'll take care of it right away." Ma Shimin replied and left.

Lin Haoran stood alone in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, quickly calculating each step he would take next.

He understood that this meeting with John Reed was not only about the fate of SITC Bank, but also about the future strategic position of its various groups in the US market.

I checked, and it was already past 5 p.m.

So Lin Haoran left the Huifeng headquarters building with his bodyguards.

He wasn't in a hurry to return to the villa on Shi Xun Road, but instead went back to the Kang Le Building first.

On the 51st floor of the Kang Le Building, in his personal office, Liu Xiaoli was sitting at her desk, looking at some study materials.

Liu Xiaoli's eyes lit up when she saw Lin Haoran return.

In the past few days, she has been learning from a group secretary how to become an excellent secretary.

After all, she was going to become Lin Haoran's personal secretary.

Therefore, since she doesn't understand anything yet, she is clearly not suitable to work directly under Lin Haoran.

Even if Lin Haoran doesn't have high expectations of her, she still needs to be proficient in basic tasks such as making tea, serving coffee, organizing documents, and proper etiquette.

"Boss, you're back." Liu Xiaoli quickly stood up, showing no sign of nervousness. "Would you like some tea? I just learned how to brew tea from Secretary Li."

Lin Haoran smiled gently as he watched Liu Xiaoli's slightly awkward movements: "Alright, then let's make a cup of Longjing tea."

"Boss, your tea." Liu Xiaoli carefully placed the teacup on the table, afraid of spilling a single drop.

Lin Haoran looked up at her and noticed fine beads of sweat on her forehead. He couldn't help but find it amusing: "Don't be so nervous, take it slow."

"I still need to learn more," Liu Xiaoli said.

The office door was already closed when he came in.

Therefore, at this moment, there were only him and Liu Xiaoli in the entire luxurious private office.

Lin Haoran pulled her over and made her sit on his lap, his hands moving restlessly up and down.

"Boss," Liu Xiaoli called softly, her face flushed, but she did not resist.

Back in Shanghai, she had already become Lin Haoran's woman and was used to his intimate gestures, but she still felt shy every time, especially now that they were in the office, which gave her a strange sense of excitement.

Lin Haoran inhaled the delicate fragrance of her hair and whispered in her ear, "How's your studying going? Did Secretary Li praise your intelligence?"

"Secretary Li said I'm improving very quickly..." Liu Xiaoli answered softly, feeling Lin Haoran's warm hand roaming over her waist. "That's right, but I'm still not very skilled at brewing tea; the teaware is too hot when I brew it."

"No rush, take your time," Lin Haoran chuckled, his fingers gently stroking her chin. "Once you've mastered it, you'll officially become my personal secretary."

Liu Xiaoli nodded obediently and nestled in his arms.

She knew that becoming Lin Haoran's personal secretary was an opportunity many people dreamed of.

"Are you getting used to living in the villas in the Mid-Levels of Wan Chai?" Lin Haoran then asked.

"I'm not used to it yet. I've never lived in such a big, luxurious house before, and with so many servants." As she said this, Liu Xiaoli became increasingly satisfied with being Lin Haoran's woman.

She never dared to dream of such a life before.

Although her family was quite well-off when she was in mainland China.

Compared to life now, it's like night and day.

Looking at her satisfied expression, Lin Haoran understood.

He gently stroked her hair and said softly, "You'll get used to it. This kind of life with me is just the beginning."

Liu Xiaoli buried her face in his chest and said softly, "I know, I will study hard and never let you down."

(End of this chapter)