Hong Kong variety show: I Am a Tycoon

Chapter 196 Free Land Grant
At noon that day.

North Point, headquarters of China-Pakistan Group.

Yan Chengkun, Wu Guangzheng, and Wei Li appeared before the public with smiles on their faces, embodying the image of turning hostility into friendship.

Yan Chengkun announced in a calm tone that there are indeed many problems in the development of China-Pakistan relations, and he is willing to step down. At the same time, the Yan family has already sold all its shares to the Asian Investment Company.

Upon hearing this, all the reporters in the audience were stunned.

After the acquisition battle between China-Pakistan Group, the two sides were at loggerheads in the media, exchanging insults. How did it end so quickly and amicably?
Of course, well-informed sources have already received information that the ICAC's operation against the China-Pakistan Group yesterday has made substantial progress, and Gan Kit Keong, accompanied by his lawyer, went to the ICAC for investigation.

It seems that Yan Chengkun had no choice but to make a drastic compromise in order to protect his son who was caught in the vortex.

Xinchang Real Estate, which had previously strongly supported the Yan family, is now in an awkward position, especially since the two sides had signed an agreement just two days prior to work together.

Unexpectedly, just two days later, the Yan family sold the shares to an Asian investment company without saying a word, making no mention of the previous agreement.

Under these circumstances, Ye Gengnian immediately made a phone call to Yan Chengkun: "Sir Yan, what do you mean by this? Aren't you putting our Ye family in an unjust position?"

Ye Gengnian was furious. At that time, Yan Chengkun looked around and found that no one supported the Yan family. It was his Ye family who helped the Yan family to protect their country. For this reason, he had raised some money in the past two days and planned to buy shares of China-Pakistan Group together with the Yan family.

Now that the Yan family has simply walked away, how will the Ye family face Asia Investment Limited on the board of directors of the China-Pakistan Group?

"An agreement is just an agreement, don't take it too seriously." Yan Chengkun could only smile awkwardly at this.

“Ce Na Niang E Bi”.

Ye Gengnian immediately burst into a tirade of curses.

……

In short, the outcome is decided, and the acquisition battle of Chung Hwa Bus has officially come to an end.

From then on, Chun, a bigwig in the Hung Hing triad, became the dominant figure in Hong Kong's bus industry.

The first thing Chen Jiajun did after becoming the dominant player in Hong Kong buses was to have China Motor Bus Group and Kowloon Motor Bus Group each contribute funds to jointly establish a non-franchised company called Sunshine Bus.

This news caused a sensation throughout Hong Kong.

Many analysts have pointed out that Sunshine Bus was established with its sights set on minibus routes in the New Territories.

"Director Yan, this is the bus stop designed by our KMB Group."

At the Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) headquarters depot, Luk Wing-yu, speaking fluent English, was introducing the bus stops designed by KMB to a group led by Yan Tun-lai, Director of the Transport Department of Hong Kong.

"Considering the huge demand for public transportation among Hong Kong residents, we designed the bus stops to be 2.5 meters wide, 20 meters long, and with the platform height 20 centimeters above the ground..."

"In addition, considering the sun and rain, we specially designed a sunshade and rain shelter."

"We have designed a convenience center on the left side of the station, where newspapers and magazines can be sold."

“We have placed simple bus schedule information on the right side of the station.”

"Here, under the sun and rain shelter, we designed billboards and notice boards..."

Chen Jiajun basically referenced most of the bus stops in mainland China from his previous life when designing them, and also added newsstands.

"After such stations are implemented in the New Territories and Kowloon, they will not only improve the riding environment for citizens to a certain extent, but also greatly improve the service level of Hong Kong Bus, which has been criticized."

"Most importantly, it enhances Hong Kong's international image."

As Lu Yongyu explained, he gestured with his fingers.

Yan Dunli had only heard the gist of what was said earlier, but the latter half of the sentence truly resonated with him.

“Ms. Luk, your KMB Group’s idea is excellent. In principle, our Transport Department fully agrees with your station proposal,” Yan Dunli said cautiously after a moment of thought.

Lu Yongyu relayed Chen Jiajun's original words: "Director Yan, our KMB Group's profits are fully capable of covering the construction costs of the bus stops."

However, we need the Transport Department to help us communicate with the government. According to the patent provisions of the Public Buses Ordinance, if a bus company has any land-related needs…

"You mean, the Hong Kong government should grant the land for the station to the KMB Group for free according to regulations, right?"

Yan Dunli realized what he meant and said meaningfully.

Lu Yongyu nodded and said, "That's right. Although Kowloon Motor Bus's major shareholder is not the Hong Kong government, according to regulations, its annual profit margin cannot exceed 16%, and any excess has been transferred to the development fund account. Kowloon Motor Bus and its subsidiary Sunshine Bus will be purchasing a large number of double-decker buses soon. Therefore, we are completely unable to afford the land for bus stops."

Yan Dunli pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Is this Sir Deng's intention?"

Lu Yongyu explained, "Sir Deng and Mr. Deng Yongqiang, the group's general manager, have gone to the Hong Kong government to seek the support of the Governor and members of parliament."

"I understand. Don't worry, Ms. Lu, our Transport Department will definitely resolve this issue for Kowloon Motor Bus."

Since Sir Deng had offered his assistance, Yan Dunli readily agreed.

In fact, it wasn't just Sir Tang who took action; Sir Pao also did. The two of them, along with senior executives from KMB and China Motor Corporation, met with Governor Mak Lai-ho.

After looking at the design drawings of the bus stops, Mai Lihao pondered for a moment and then asked, "How many bus stops do your two bus companies plan to build in total?"

"Initially, we plan to set up stations in prosperous areas such as Hong Kong Island, Yau Tsim Mong, and Kowloon, and then gradually expand. According to our plan, the two bus companies will establish a total of 1000 stations."

Sir Deng revealed the truth: he fully supports Chan Ka-chun's proposal. Naturally, he would take the lead in implementing such measures to improve bus service and enhance the travel experience for Hong Kong residents.

By this time, Lui Kok-kwan, the former chairman of Kowloon Motor Bus, had realized that if the two bus companies' plans were followed and the Hong Kong government passed the resolution...

A bus stop, roughly 50 square meters, would mean granting 53 square feet of land to two bus companies for free. The land price alone would be astronomical; even at 2000 yuan per square foot, that 53 square feet of land would be worth 10 billion yuan.

But the value of these stops is immeasurable in monetary terms. The higher the foot traffic, the higher the rent. Bus stops have billboards and newspapers, creating immense value...

Lei Juekun trembled at the thought.

After pondering for a moment, Governor Mak Lai-ho smiled and looked at Tang Shiu-kin: "Sir Tang, there is no precedent for this resolution in Hong Kong. I strongly agree with it, but it must be approved by the Hong Kong Legislative Council."

There shouldn't be any major problems, but your two bus companies will have to take on some tasks in remote areas, such as routes from the New Territories to Kowloon.

“Governor Mak Lai-ho, the reason our two companies have partnered to establish the non-franchised Sunshine Bus Company is to solve the transportation problems of New Territories residents. Our two bus companies have decided that even if we operate at a loss, we will still improve the service quality of our bus companies.” Sir John Paul also said with a smile, “We will be purchasing a large number of double-decker buses, and we will invite you to come and visit us.”

For Sir John Paul, he has long passed the stage of accumulating wealth; now he is more concerned about what will happen after he passes away.

Some people are remembered for their infamy after death, while others are remembered for their fame. Sir John Paul Woo wanted to be the latter.

"Operating at a loss?"

Lei Juekun, who was listening nearby, chuckled to himself. As long as Sunshine Bus Company successfully seized the bus route from the New Territories to Kowloon, it would not lose money at all.

In business, he respects no one but Boss Jun.

Sir Johnny Bao's compliments pleased Mai Lihao greatly.

The following day, at a Legislative Council meeting of the Hong Kong government, Tang Shiu-kin presented the proposal on behalf of the two bus companies.

Jardine Matheson, the head of the four major trading companies and the tycoon of the trading company, immediately raised his objection: "I object. If the KMB Group and the China Motor Corporation want the land, then they should pay for it themselves."

Newbikin knew that behind these two bus companies was Jun, the big boss of the Hung Hing Gang's Mad Dragon faction. Although he had only met Jun once or twice, his hatred for Jun was boundless...

Back then, tycoon Jun sold his Wharf Holdings shares to Sir John Paul, which led to Sir John Paul taking over Jardine Wings.

"Exactly! They want to do big things but don't spend any money, and they even get the Hong Kong government to grant them land for free. So all the good things in the world are being taken by the bus companies? Governor Mak Lai-ho, how about we get a piece of land for Swire Group sometime?"

The Swire family, one of the four major trading houses, also opposed it.

Governor Mak Lai-ho smiled and said, "If you accept the profit threshold set by the Hong Kong government and hand over any excess to the special development fund, I will grant land to both of your companies."

Everyone present has the right to object, but Jardine Matheson is not. What are you doing jumping out and shouting? You, Jardine Matheson, earn so much profit from Hong Kong every year and invest it elsewhere, completely disregarding the interests of Hong Kong.”

"That's it."

The group of Chinese businessmen in the council nodded in agreement.

Newbridge shrank back and fell silent, fearing that the Governor of Hong Kong would reveal more of Jardine Matheson's dark history.

Governor Mak Lai-ho coughed and said, "Now that everyone has expressed their opinions, let's vote by raising our hands."

Newbee was getting impatient and immediately looked at HSBC tycoon Sir Michael Sandberg with a glance.

"Traitor Sir Michael Sandberg" raised his hand and shouted, "I support the establishment of bus stops by the two bus companies. It is a great thing for the citizens of Hong Kong."

As the patriarch of HSBC, Sir Michael Sandberg's principle of conduct has always been: what Jardine Matheson opposes, HSBC must support; what Jardine Matheson supports, HSBC must oppose...

As for Jardine Matheson and Swire's desperate attempts to sabotage the business world, Sir Michael Sandberg didn't want to pay any attention to them. Now you know who's in charge of Hong Kong's business community, right?
Ha ha.

On that day, the Legislative Council of Hong Kong passed the resolution.

Top Chinese businessmen such as Li Ka-shing, Kwok Tak-seng, Lee Siu-kei, Chan Tseng-hsi, Shaw Yat-fu, Lo Ying-shek, and Ho Sin are filled with regret.

Any one of them has the capability to acquire two bus groups, but they simply lack the foresight and ruthlessness of the other company.

They never imagined that the tycoon Jun's secret acquisition of the two bus companies was not because he coveted the bus group's land, but rather because he wanted the land from the Hong Kong government for free.

Pu Ni Amu de.

That girl was better.

Fuck your mother.

This kind of business operation plan is simply a masterpiece, capable of conquering heaven and earth.

Everyone had to admire him.

After the resolution was published, the share prices of Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) and China Motor Bus (CMB) soared, with KMB's share price rising to HK$40 and CMB's share price rising to HK$60.

But Boss Jun said, "This is nothing, it's nothing."

At the end of the month, the Hung Hing General Meeting was held.

Wu Guangzheng, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of China Motor Corporation, Tang Shiu-kin, Tang Wing-keung, Luk Wing-yu, Lui Kwok-kwan, and others, along with Hong Kong Governor Mak Lai-ho and Director of Transport Yan Dun-lai, were invited to Butterfly Bay in Tuen Mun to meet Tesla car drivers.

Tesla Motors is a newly established independent car brand of the Guojun Group. Chen Jiajun spent a lot of Hong Kong dollars to obtain the license, and finally succeeded.

When it came to naming and designing the logo, Chen Jiajun spent a lot of brain cells. In the end, he decided to plagiarize Elon Musk's Tesla.

At this moment, what was presented to everyone was a Tesla double-decker bus that was 15 meters long and 4 meters high.

With eight pairs of wheels, a metallic chrome-plated green paint finish, and large transparent glass windows, it looked much more upscale than the current Hong Kong buses.

(End of this chapter)