Hong Kong variety show: Building a century-old family, starting with Hung Hing

Jiang Tiansheng nodded, then changed the subject.

"How's the investigation into the trade sector going?"

Su Qishan opened another document.

“The department store industry is highly competitive, with the four major Chinese-owned department stores being squeezed out by Japanese companies and making meager profits; the electronics industry is mainly engaged in OEM manufacturing, resulting in low profits.”

Building your own brand requires too much investment; in contrast, the trading industry offers stable profits, especially for small trading companies, which have low acquisition costs and flexible expansion options.

Jiang Tiansheng squinted.

“Do you have a goal?”

Hexiang Trading.

Su Qishan released a company profile.

"It mainly deals in clothing, toys and dried seafood, with a market value of 1.5 million yuan and a stock price of 1.46 yuan. The owner, Gong Guoyan, holds 37% of the shares."

“37%…” Jiang Tiansheng pondered.

What about the remaining shares?

"It's scattered among a few small shareholders, the largest of whom owns no more than 8%."

Su Qishan added.

"They are currently in talks with Isuzu Motors in Sakura Province about the dealership rights, but the issue is stuck on the funding from the auto repair company."

A glint of light flashed in Jiang Tiansheng's eyes.

"This is an opportunity."

"However, Li & Fung Trading is the industry leader, but unfortunately the Fung family's shareholding is too stable, and we can't take it on."

Su Qishan shook his head.

"Then let's eat Hexiang first."

Jiang Tiansheng sneered.

Where will the funding come from?

"The pledge of China Gas shares, plus the mortgage loan for the Yuantai Residential Building, is enough to cover the acquisition costs."

Jiang Tiansheng nodded.

"Be quick, don't let Gong Guoyan notice."

On the other side, in a small conference room at Wanguobaotong Financial Company.

Liang Botao gently closed Hexiang Trading's financial report, his gaze behind his gold-rimmed glasses revealing scrutiny.

"Mr. Jiang, are you sure you want to acquire Hexiang at this time?"

Jiang Tiansheng tapped the tabletop lightly with his fingertips, his rhythm steady.

"With the local market unstable and burdened by debt, we have to find a way to survive."

"But the trade industry is a very complex place."

Liang Botao pushed up his glasses.

“Jardine Matheson and Wheelock and other large trading companies control 70% of the market. A small company like Hop Sang only makes a profit of 10 to 8 million a year. Acquiring it is like throwing a stone into the ocean.”

"With enough stones, we can fill the sea."

Jiang Tiansheng smiled slightly.

"Moreover, Hexiang holds the right to negotiate on behalf of Isuzu in Japan."

Liang Botao did not quite agree.

"But your debts are already..."

"In a year and a half, I made 500 million from local cities and the stock market."

Jiang Tiansheng interrupted him, his eyes sharp.

"A 100 million acquisition fee won't break me."

The conference room fell into a brief silence.

Liang Botao finally let out a soft sigh.

"Give me a week, and I'll find out the details of Hexiang."

"can."

Jiang Tiansheng nodded, then changed the subject.

"However, what's your opinion on Best Property Holdings?"

A glint of light flashed in Liang Botao's eyes.

"You're giving up?"

"With five families vying for food, I don't want to gnaw on bones."

"wrong."

Liang Botao suddenly sneered.

"Century City is bluffing, Xinchang Real Estate is backed by bank loans, and Yiren Real Estate has no real intention of acquiring it. If you announce your withdrawal now, the stock price will inevitably plummet. Then you can buy in at the bottom and make at least a 30% profit."

Jiang Tiansheng's pupils contracted slightly, then he chuckled softly.

"Mr. Liang truly deserves to be called a financial strategist."

“Wanguobaotong can simultaneously handle the acquisitions of Best Inc. and Hexiang.”

Liang Botao lowered his voice.

"But your funds..."

"Arriving tomorrow."

Jiang Tiansheng was resolute.

Meanwhile, at Hongpu Real Estate.

Lin Luoqi slammed his fist on the table and stood up.

"Brilliant! Pretend to withdraw from Best Property, wait for the stock price to crash, and then come back with a vengeance!"

Li Yude disagreed.

"It's too risky... What if other buyers take the opportunity to seize control?"

"will not."

Jiang Tiansheng opened the analysis report provided by Liang Botao.

"Century City is experiencing cash flow problems, and Xinchang Real Estate's loan collateral is problematic, so banks may withdraw their loans at any time."

"What about Yiren Real Estate?"

Li Yude pressed for further details.

"They are Lin Luoxun's henchmen!"

"Yiren Real Estate's participation in the bidding is just to annoy us."

Jiang Tiansheng sneered.

"Lin Luoxun is currently busy acquiring shares of Zhaoan Real Estate and has no spare energy to throw real money into the mess that is Baishi."

Li Yude was still worried.

"But what if news of our stock sell-off gets out...?"

"So you have to be quick."

Jiang Tiansheng's gaze swept over the two of them.

"Sell off as soon as the market opens tomorrow, and at the same time release false information about Hongpu Real Estate's tight cash flow."

Lin Luoqi rubbed his hands together excitedly.

"I'll contact a financial reporter I know!"

With a two-to-one vote, Li Yude finally compromised.

"Hopefully Liang Botao's judgment is correct..."

Back to Zhaoan Real Estate.

When Bai Jinyan pushed open the door, Jiang Tiansheng was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the night view of Victoria Harbour.

"Mr. Jiang, we have already contacted the brokerage firm. We will sell all of our 14.3% stake in Best Property as soon as the market opens tomorrow."

Bai Jinyan handed over the tablet computer, on which a flowchart of the warehouse division operation was displayed.

Jiang Tiansheng didn't turn around, but gently tapped his fingers on the window frame.

"Be discreet, and ship the goods in batches through five accounts."

"Understood. Each account not exceeding 3% will not trigger disclosure requirements."

Bai Jinyan pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses.

"In addition, the assessment report for the Yuantai Residential Building has been released."

Jiang Tiansheng then turned around, took the document, and quickly scanned it. Under the light, the fine lines at the corners of his eyes concealed a calculating intent.

"The appraised value is 320 million, but the bank is only willing to lend 70% of that amount?"

"Yes. If the shares of China Gas are pledged in conjunction with this, the maximum amount that can be cashed out is 2.8 million."

Bai Jinyan paused.

"But this would mean your personal liabilities exceed your net worth..."

"Debt?"

Jiang Tiansheng suddenly sneered and threw the documents onto the Italian leather sofa.

"Starting tomorrow, the redevelopment plan for the Yuantai Residential Building will be unexpectedly revealed."

He walked to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a glass of whiskey.

"Zhaoan Real Estate's stock price needs to rise by at least 30%."

Bai Jinyan's eyes lit up.

"At that time, the value of the pledged shares will rise accordingly, and the bank's credit line will increase..."

"Clink." The crystal glass and the coffee cup lightly touch.

Bai Jinyan poured herself a cup of coffee at some point.

"Mr. Jiang, try this Blue Mountain coffee. It was just air-freighted from Jamaica."

Jiang Tiansheng took a sip of wine and raised an eyebrow.

"When did you learn to drink coffee? I remember you only drank Longjing tea."

"People always need to try new things."

Bai Jinyan smiled meaningfully.

"Just like you taught me, you can't be too rigid in business."

Jiang Tiansheng swirled his wine glass, the amber liquid swirling under the light.

"Speak directly if you have anything to say."

"I want to set up a securities investment company."

Bai Jinyan put down her coffee cup.

"Please become the major shareholder."

The office suddenly became so quiet that you could hear the hum of the central air conditioning.

Jiang Tiansheng stared at him for three seconds, then suddenly burst into laughter.

"Director Bai, is your annual salary of two million not enough to live on?"

"It's not about money."

Bai Jinyan pulled a business plan out of his briefcase.

"The turnover of Hong Kong's stock market has exceeded 400 billion this year, more than double that of last year. But Siu On doesn't even have a decent securities license."

Jiang Tiansheng opened the proposal and sneered.

"Your so-called cooperation is just about getting your hands on the brokerage business of my company, isn't it?"

Bai Jinyan, whose thoughts had been exposed, was not embarrassed. Instead, he took a half step closer.

“I have classmates from the Department of Finance at the University of Hong Kong working at the four major investment firms, and I also have senior colleagues at the Securities and Futures Commission. Just last month, I helped clients secure placements for three new shares.”

He lowered his voice.

"As long as you nod your head, the team at Delong Securities can switch jobs at any time."

"Delong?"

Jiang Tiansheng's eyes suddenly turned cold.

"You're trying to steal Old Chen's girlfriend?"

Bai Jinyan was prepared.

"Their team helped clients achieve a 67% return on IPO subscriptions last year, but Mr. Chen only gave them 0.8% commission."

He pulled out a check.

"This is a deposit of 30 yuan, in exchange for 5% equity in the new company. I will have control over the operation, and you will have veto power over major decisions."

Jiang Tiansheng stared at the check for a long time, then suddenly grabbed the landline phone.

"Secretary Cheng, have the Ministry of Justice draft two agreements."

After hanging up, he loosened his tie.

"Bring your people to the interview tomorrow. But remember..."

His eyes were sharp as knives.

"If you dare to take Zhao'an's client information out, I'll make sure you can't stay in the financial industry."

Bai Jinyan's back was covered in cold sweat, but his face was full of smiles.

"Of course, how about we name the new company De'an Securities? We'll take the 'An' character from your name."

"what ever."

Jiang Tiansheng walked to the computer and pulled up the reports.

"Next week I will inject 20 million and then inject two property assets in exchange for new shares of Zhaoan."

"We'll give you 5% of the equity, but that will reduce the risk of a full takeover."

Bai Jinyan's mental arithmetic is incredibly fast.

"You've lost about ten million, but in the long run..."

"In the long run, your connections with the China Securities Regulatory Commission are worth this price."

Jiang Tiansheng interrupted him.

"Now let's talk about the International Cities Group."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Cheng Jianshen knocked on the door and came in.

"Mr. Jiang, four companies have jointly established the International City Group, which will be listed on the Far East Exchange on December 1st. The total share capital is 3 billion, and 450 million new shares will be issued."

Jiang Tiansheng narrowed his eyes slightly.

Which four?

"Electric Light, Hong Kong Land, Cheung Kong, Wheelock."

Cheng Jianshen handed over the briefing.

"The main assets are industrial land in Kowloon Bay and Kwun Tong, which are said to be converted for commercial and residential use."

Bai Jinyan suddenly interrupted.

"These plots of land have a floor area ratio of at least 5, and the land premium alone would be..."

How many new shares can you get?

Jiang Tiansheng asked Cheng Jianshen directly.

"One million shares should be no problem."

Jiang Tiansheng turned to Bai Jinyan.

"Where are you?"

"You can get 200 million shares through Delong's channels, but you need to pay cash."

Bai Jinyan hesitated.

"However, the new company hasn't..."

"I will subscribe for 300 million shares in my personal name."

Jiang Tiansheng said to Cheng Jianshen.

"Contact Zhang Taotao again and tell him I'm inviting him for tea."

He turned to Bai Jinyan.

"Dean Securities must make a name for itself in its first battle."

Meanwhile, in the conference room of Hongpu Real Estate Company.

"Mr. Li, this price is simply outrageous."

Shen Zhou's voice was deep but carried an undeniable sense of pressure.

Li Yude remained expressionless and adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses.

"Chairman Shen, given the current market conditions, Hongpu Real Estate has always operated in accordance with the rules."

Shen Xing suddenly chuckled softly, twirling the pen between his fingers.

“Dad, since Hongpu isn’t being sincere, why don’t we go talk to Century City? They’re willing to buy it at market price.”

"boom!"

Lin Luoqi slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly, his face turning ashen.

"Shen Xing! Are you threatening us?"

Jiang Tiansheng raised his hand to stop Lin Luoqi and locked his gaze on Shen Zhou.

"Chairman Shen, let's not beat around the bush. How many shares of Best Inc. do you actually still hold?"

The meeting room fell silent. Shen Zhou's fingertips hovered in mid-air, his eyes filled with calculation.

"General Manager Jiang is indeed a man of few words."

Shen Zhou leaned back in his chair.

“I’ll offer 15% and keep 6%. This ratio is enough for Hongpu to take the initiative in the acquisition battle.”

Jiang Tiansheng sneered.