1977: The beginning of the blind date with the daughter of the king

Chapter 725 The Aftermath!

Central, Hong Kong Island.

Luo Shiping walked into the real estate brokerage firm called Oriental Real Estate with a worried look on his face.

Luo Shiping had only heard about this real estate company from a friend. It was supposedly founded by Xiao Baosheng, but of course, no one knew for sure, since there were plenty of companies using that name in private these days.

"Hello, sir, are you here to buy or sell a house?"

As soon as Luo Shiping entered, he was greeted warmly by a salesperson who asked him questions.

"Selling a house? I heard you can do direct transactions in US dollars here, is that right?"

Luo Shiping composed himself and then asked curiously.

"That's right. We have partnerships with major banks such as HSBC, Standard Chartered, Hang Seng, and Citibank. We can issue US dollar checks directly, and you can exchange them for US dollars directly."

"However, sir, as you know, everyone is exchanging for US dollars in the current market, and the Hong Kong dollar has been falling against the US dollar. Therefore, we will not use the market exchange rate here; our Hong Kong dollar exchange rate is lower."

The salesperson then spoke sincerely.

"Oh? What's your ratio today?"

Luo Shiping asked curiously.

Today our exchange rate is 1 to 7.5.

The salesperson said it with practiced ease.

Upon hearing this, Luo Shiping couldn't help but frown.

"HSBC's exchange rate today is only 7.1, right? How come yours is so much lower?"

“It’s different, sir. We also have our own calculations, after all, the Hong Kong dollar is falling almost every day.”

“Even if you go to HSBC now and queue up, it will be difficult to exchange for US dollars at this rate because there is a waiting period. By the time it is your turn, the rate may be lower, and the rate you can exchange at that time may be even lower than this.”

"You may think our rate is low now, but it might be on par with HSBC's in a few days. Maybe in another month, you'll feel like you've made a profit."

"Given the current exchange rate trend, I suggest you exchange your currency as soon as possible. It's safer to exchange it for US dollars and hold it in your hands."

The salesperson spoke to Luo Shiping using practiced sales pitches.

Hong Kong Island is a free port, and as early as the 1970s, it allowed the free flow and exchange of funds. In theory, your currency can be freely exchanged for US dollars.

However, this is only in theory. In reality, with the continued depreciation of the Hong Kong dollar, many ordinary banks have refused to exchange for US dollars, and only a few large banks in Hong Kong can freely exchange for US dollars.

However, they also began to artificially control the scale of exchange. After all, if the exchange were allowed to proceed freely, many people in Hong Kong would be exchanging for US dollars to preserve the value of their assets.

That would cause a bank run, since the Hong Kong government's US dollar reserves are not inexhaustible.

Upon hearing this, Luo Shiping sighed silently to himself.

He was well aware of this situation. If he went to HSBC now, they would tell him that he could exchange the currency, but he would have to wait in line because there were too many people exchanging it.

Then they'll ask you to leave your information, and they'll call you later. As for when they'll call you, that's up to luck.

So it's not that they're not allowing exchanges; nominally, exchanges are still free. But there are too many people, so they have to process them one by one, effectively controlling the scale of exchanges.

"I own two industrial buildings in Tsuen Wan and two properties in Central. What prices can you offer?"

Luo Shiping then spoke up.

Upon hearing Luo Shiping's words, the salesman was secretly delighted, but he put on a helpless expression.

"Sir, the price of industrial buildings has dropped too much. You should be prepared for our offer."

"But don't worry, I can get you the highest market price within my authority."

"Okay, thank you. Just tell me."

Luo Shiping wasn't angry. He was actually a second-generation rich kid; his father used to run a factory and left behind some assets.

However, by his generation, he had lost interest in running a factory. He closed the factory and became a professional speculator, investing in real estate and stocks.

For the past seven or eight years, Luo Shiping had been living a very comfortable life. Housing prices were rising steadily, and the stock market was also constantly growing. He was making money from both sides and winning from both.

Unexpectedly, his business collapsed as soon as news of the negotiations came out in September.

The stock market crashed, and the real estate market crashed too.

Over the years, he has used the money he earned to continuously invest in the stock market to replenish his positions and stabilize prices, while also continuing to pay off the loans he took out for real estate speculation.

He held on until now, but he finally couldn't take it anymore and had to liquidate his assets.

Otherwise, his cash flow would be completely cut off, and the bank would take back his house.

For Luo Shiping now, all he needs is to sell the properties and recoup his investment. And Oriental Real Estate, which can pay in US dollars, is currently the most cost-effective real estate company on the market.

"Alright, then come with me. Let's first tell you the specific locations of your properties so I can give you a rough quote. Then, I'll need to go with you to the site to take a look and have our home inspector do an inspection before we can discuss the details."

The salesman immediately beamed and led Luo Shiping inside. At this point, he knew the deal was done.

Over the past few months, he has seen many clients like this, and in the end, almost nine out of ten of them chose their company.

"By the way, sir, do you have any immigration needs? We actually offer immigration agency services for Europe and America."

Victoria Peak, Government House.

In the study, Youde put down the documents in his hand and looked at Shen Bi across the desk.

"Mike, do you think we should continue to use Hong Kong's economy to exert further pressure?"

In recent months, the Hong Kong stock market has crashed and the property market has plummeted, but we are fortunate to have these people in the office right now.

"Your Excellency, I would like to know what Downing Street's current thinking is?"

Shen Bi then earnestly continued to ask You De.

Yude sighed: "Downing Street's current intention is for us to continue to control this area, to use the economic card to intimidate the mainland, and to gain the initiative in the negotiations."

“At present, while Hong Kong Island is important, it is not the top priority for Downing Street. Next year is an election year, and the Prime Minister must first ensure his re-election before he can free up his hands to solve the problems on Hong Kong Island.”

"So, based on my estimate, Downing Street will not give any clear instructions to Hong Kong Island before June. We need to determine the appropriate level of guidance ourselves."

83 was an election year in the UK, and the election results would not be finalized until June.

Therefore, before June 83, Downing Street would not make a final decision on the Hong Kong Island issue; their primary task was to win the general election and seek re-election.

"In that case, my suggestion is to continue increasing our stakes."

"I think we need to do more than just create an economic collapse; the most important thing is to create public panic."

“I think it’s time for companies like Swire to speak up.”

Shen Bi then said with a smile.

Shih Huai-ya and the others standing to the side changed their expressions and then looked at Shen Bi with cold eyes.

You old bastard, HSBC isn't making a move, so you're starting to rip them off, huh?

"Gentlemen, please don't look at me so angrily. As things stand, HSBC has done all it can. The stock market and real estate have collapsed, and we are also trying to leverage the Hong Kong dollar."

“But we can’t really let the Hong Kong dollar completely collapse!” Sir Michael Sandberg said to the other British-owned families with a serious expression.

Admittedly, he and HSBC are willing to help Downing Street win the negotiations with Beijing, but only on the condition that HSBC's interests are not affected.

HSBC's core interests lie in the Hong Kong dollar.

Although it is a British bank, HSBC's business in the UK is not its core business; its real core business is Hong Kong Island and the Hong Kong dollar.

By leveraging its colonial status, HSBC effectively became the core of the banking system in the bustling city of Hong Kong, which is where its true value lies.

Therefore, for HSBC, it can allow the Hong Kong dollar to fluctuate, but it will never allow the Hong Kong dollar to completely collapse.

After all, if the Hong Kong dollar were to collapse, its core interests would collapse. Even if Britain managed to save Hong Kong Island, what would that have to do with it?
When that time comes, the core of the monetary system will be in the hands of Downing Street and the Governor's Office. They will decide which bank to use, and HSBC will have little say in the matter.

Yude nodded in agreement: "Yes, we can't touch the currency issue anymore. I think Swire and Wheelock can make their announcements next."

"Swire and Wheelock alone can't cause any real disruption!"

"What about the Kadoorie family? Aren't they leaving?"

“They control the electricity sector. If they evacuate along with us, it will be a major shock to Hong Kong Island.”

John Schwarz then frowned and said.

“That Jew is completely untrustworthy. They won’t consider the interests of Great Britain, and they won’t show up.”

John Madden, who was standing to the side, said viciously at this moment.

He is now the chairman of the board of directors of Wheelock and the controller of Wheelock.

"It's pointless to talk about these things now. We still need to work together. Hong Kong Island is still in our hands. Only then can we all make a fortune together. Otherwise, if the events of thirty years ago repeat themselves, it will not be good for any of us."

Shen Bi sighed and said to the group in a serious tone.

Seeing this, John Schwarz and the others couldn't help but sigh, "If only Jardine Matheson were still here!"

Jardine Matheson is a very famous company in Hong Kong. At this time, it would be best to let Jardine Matheson take the lead and make the announcement.

Unfortunately, with Wharf Holdings and Hongkong Land being taken over by the Bao family, Jardine Matheson lost its core business on Hong Kong Island. As a result, Jardine Matheson had long since withdrawn from Hong Kong Island, and now only a few small fish remain, with little influence.

The others couldn't help but sigh as well.

Even Shen Bi felt a pang of regret at this point, thinking that perhaps he shouldn't have helped the Bao family take over Kowloon Wharf.

After all, if Kowloon Wharf hadn't been lost, Bao Zeyang wouldn't have seized the opportunity to snatch Hongkong Land from Jardine Matheson, resulting in Jardine Matheson's instant collapse.

But back then, who could have imagined that a young man with no presence at all, who had never even shown any talent, could quietly raise so much money and take action against the enemy?

HSBC supported Jawley Kong at the time because Jardine Matheson was too large, so large that it affected HSBC's own position and interests.

He originally only intended to cut off Yihe's arm, but he never imagined that he would kill Yihe!

Thinking of this, Shen Bi couldn't help but think of Bao Zeyang again, wondering what kind of plans this young man had up his sleeve now.
Just then, there was a loud knocking on the office door.

Then the newly appointed First Secretary, Greg, strode in.

"Your Excellency, we have just received news that Victor has invited a group of wealthy Chinese to a secret meeting. The content of the meeting is unknown."

He then handed the received file to Youde.

After reading it, Yud frowned slightly.

"Mike, you should know these wealthy Chinese people, right? What do you think they're talking about?"

Youde handed the document to Shen Bi.

Shen Bi took it and glanced at it, then began to ponder.

After a moment, Sir Michael Sandberg hesitated and said, “Your Excellency, as far as I know, Victor has contacted many wealthy Chinese to buy up assets in Hong Kong at rock-bottom prices.”

"Many of these people are the ones he's working with. I suspect they're planning their next round of bottom-fishing?"

After noticing that Li Changhe had a large sum of money, Shen Bi arranged for people to investigate and also obtained some other information, such as that Bao Zeyang had joined forces with many wealthy Chinese to buy up assets at rock-bottom prices.

However, given the current circumstances, Shen Bi cannot make such a definitive conclusion.

"Alright, I'll have someone investigate further. Let's proceed according to plan for now."

Yud made the decision at that moment.

For him, Bao Zeyang's meeting was important, but not too important.

He's very busy right now. He has to communicate with representatives in Beijing, hold constant meetings with Sir Michael Sandberg and others to control the economic direction of Hong Kong Island, and keep reporting progress to Downing Street.

In comparison, Bao Zeyang's gathering of wealthy individuals for a meeting is not a big deal.

Deep Water Bay, at Bao Yugang's home.

Li Changhe looked at Bao Yugang, who had called him over, and smiled slightly.

"Uncle, you can just pretend you don't know anything about this. I've already made my stance clear, so just consider it youthful impetuosity."

Li Changhe knew that given Guo Desheng's relationship with Bao Yugang, it was impossible to keep such a thing from Bao Yugang.

Sure enough, he was called back by Lao Bao.

Bao Yugang shook his head: "Don't treat people like fools. If I say I don't know about this kind of thing, do you think people will believe me?"

"I know you're using this as an excuse to gather these people on the mainland, but what happens after that?"

"Are you really planning to break ties with the Governor's House? To completely sever ties with HSBC?"

Li Changhe smiled and said, "We'll see when the time comes. These things are best left to us to take it one step at a time!"

Upon hearing this, Bao Yugang sighed.

"Alright then, you prepare two million pounds!"

"Next year is a general election year in the UK, and Thatcher will definitely be seeking re-election."

“You prepare two million pounds, and I will add another million pounds. In March, the three million pounds will be given to her team as support for her campaign.”

"Anyway, I estimate that you should have finished your negotiations in mainland China by then. Sending this money is a way of showing my attitude and also helping to ease the tension for you."

After hearing this, Li Changhe didn't hesitate too much, since he knew that Thatcher would definitely be able to win re-election.

Moreover, Lao Bao has gone out of his way to help him clean up the mess.

"Alright, thank you very much, Uncle."

"We're family, so let's not be formal. It's good that you're doing this; it's a way of showing your capabilities, and it's actually beneficial for me too."

"At least my influence with Thatcher will be significantly higher."

Before Li Changhe returned, Bao Yugang had also seriously considered that Li Changhe's actions were actually beneficial to him, at least allowing Downing Street to see the Bao family's influence in Hong Kong.

This is also why he didn't completely oppose it.

Everything has its good side.

(End of this chapter)