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

Chapter 748 Why is he everywhere?
In Sir Michael Sandberg's office in Central.

Shen Bi was sitting behind his desk, and opposite him sat Li Jiacheng.

Li Jiacheng came to him wanting a loan in order to acquire the Zhang Yuliang family's shares in Wheelock Properties.

Zhang Yuliang's asking price wasn't low.

Two billion Hong Kong dollars is quite high compared to Wheelock's current share price, but it is very worthwhile compared to Wheelock's actual assets.

After all, Wheelock was one of the four major trading companies, with more than 200 affiliated companies. It was very valuable in terms of land reserves and other business aspects.

The current low stock price is due to two reasons: one is the economic problems in Hong Kong Island, and the other is the result of John Madden's reckless expansion.

Madden has heavily invested in shipping, but hasn't made much profit in real estate, so the company's overall performance is poor. However, Li Jiacheng is a veteran in the real estate industry.

Moreover, Wheelock's fleet can also make up for Li Ka-shing's shortcomings in logistics and be combined with his port strategy.

So Li Jiacheng was very tempted, but he planned to negotiate the price of 2 billion.

Let's see if we can reduce it.

However, on the other hand, Li Jiacheng must also prepare money to deal with any unexpected situations.

So he first came to communicate with Shen Bi. Putting everything else aside, he definitely needed to prepare the money first.

"A HK$2 billion acquisition of Wheelock's shares?"

"When you acquired this, did you talk to Madden about it?"

Shen Bi hesitated for a moment before speaking to Li Jiacheng.

In any case, British capital in Hong Kong is now on the front line against the mainland. If HSBC were to help Li Ka-shing acquire Wheelock at this time, it would undoubtedly be a betrayal of its own people.

"No, in fact, these are Zhang family's own shares. I think communicating with Madden would cause unnecessary trouble."

Li Jiacheng certainly couldn't communicate with Madden. How could he tell another major shareholder about an acquisition?
Shen Bi then began to consider the matter carefully.

Actually, he was quite willing to help Lao Li, after all, Li Jiacheng's business management skills were much better than those of John Madden, that spoiled brat.

Wheelock and Company declined under John Madden's leadership, but it would surely be revitalized if it fell into the hands of Li Ka-shing.

More importantly, if Wheelock and Hutchison Whampoa were combined, the scale of the enterprise would far exceed that of Jardine Matheson back then. It is conceivable that Li Ka-shing could control half of Hong Kong Island's economy and would no longer be suppressed by Bao Zeyang.

Thinking of that young man, Shen Bi felt somewhat helpless.

That young man, Bao Sheng, truly has extraordinary abilities.

Judging from what Youde said, he had already dealt with Downing Street. Downing Street's response was that they no longer needed to care about Bao Zeyang or target him, which made the meaning quite clear.

“Mr. Li, I need to consider this matter for a while. As things stand, I think it’s best if you don’t make a move against Wheelock and keep Zhang Yuliang in check. After all, the two sides are still negotiating. At this time, if a large-scale acquisition occurs, it will not be a good thing for Hong Kong.”

At this moment, Shen Bi subtly hinted to Li Jiacheng.

Li Jiacheng also understood Shen Bi's meaning.

The most important thing for Hong Kong Island right now is still the negotiations between the two sides. Therefore, any business activity, no matter how small, may be labeled with a mysterious political color, creating an inexplicable trend.

“I know, so I plan to handle this matter discreetly. However, I'm also considering preparing the funds here, so I wanted to discuss this with you, Mike. If necessary, I will need HSBC to provide me with sufficient support.”

Li Jiacheng indicated that he understood Shen Bi's meaning and then gave his own answer.

Shen Bi nodded: "Of course, as long as the timing is right, I can make the decision to lend you the funds!"

Li Jiacheng got his answer and left satisfied.

Shortly after Li Jiacheng left, his secretary called again.

"Boss, Mr. John Madden is here. He wants to see you."

"what?"

This time, Shen Bi was genuinely surprised.

Is John Madden here now?

"Let him in."

Soon, John Madden walked in.

"John, is there something you need from me?"

"Mike, I have something to ask you, and I hope you won't hide it from me."

After John Madden entered, he solemnly asked Shen Bi.

Seeing John Madden's posture, Shen Bi couldn't help but feel a pang of unease.

Could it be that this guy...?
Sure enough, what are you afraid of?

"Mike, is someone applying for a loan from HSBC in preparation to acquire Wheelock's shares?"

John Madden then asked seriously.

After hearing this, Shen Bi couldn't help but sigh.

At this point, denial is pointless. Besides, John Madden and Li Jiacheng arrived one after the other; who knows if the other already knows everything?

“John, I did not approve this loan.”

Shen Bi then spoke seriously.

John Madden nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Mike."

"You go ahead with your work, I'm leaving now!"

He came simply to confirm whether or not this was true.

As long as the Zhang family comes up with a solution, that will be enough for John Madden.

"John!"

Shen Bi called out to John Madden.

John Madden turned around and looked at Sim Bi with curiosity.

"Mike, is there anything else?"

Shen Bi opened his mouth, wanting to ask about the inside story, but then stopped himself from speaking.

How could they possibly reveal all of their private matters to you?

Moreover, someone like John Madden is clearly not there to seek financial support, so there's no need to reveal anything to him.

“John, the two sides are currently negotiating. We can sit down and discuss anything that comes up.”

At this point, Shen Bi could only offer a subtle reminder to John Madden.

John Madden glanced at Sim Bi, nodded, and then left.

After John Madden left, Sham Bi thought for a moment and then picked up the phone again.

Soon, Li Jiacheng's voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Mike, why are you calling me again so soon? Is something the matter?"

"John Madden already knows about your plan to acquire shares."

After speaking to Li Jiacheng, Shen Bichong hung up the phone.

On the other end of the phone, Li Jiacheng was completely stunned.

How did John Madden find out about this out of the blue?
Li Jiacheng subconsciously picked up the phone and dialed Zhang Yuliang.

Soon, the two arranged to meet at the Peninsula Hotel.

“Mr. Zhang, I think I need an explanation. Currently, only three people know about our discussions regarding the share acquisition: you, me, and His Excellency Sir Michael Sandberg of HSBC.” “Moreover, I only spoke with Sir Michael Sandberg this afternoon, and John Madden immediately went to Sir Michael Sandberg’s office afterward, so it’s unlikely that Sir Michael Sandberg leaked this information.”

"Zhang Sheng, are you sure there hasn't been a leak on your end?"

At this moment, Li Jiacheng asked Zhang Yuliang in a serious tone.

After hearing this, a figure instantly appeared in Zhang Yuliang's mind.

It must be Bao Zeyang. He contacted me first, and then he contacted John Madden!
Seeing Zhang Yuliang deep in thought, Li Jiacheng naturally understood that the problem lay with him.

"Zhang Sheng, we've been friends for many years. I hope you won't hide anything from me."

Li Jiacheng then spoke with a serious expression.

After listening, Zhang Yuliang sighed.

"Mr. Li, I'm sorry, I've kept some things from you."

"In fact, you weren't the first person to approach me to buy Wheelock shares."

Zhang Yuliang then said helplessly.

After listening, Li Jiacheng sighed inwardly.

He said that there must be a reason why Zhang Yuliang would suddenly ask him to sell his shares.

"Who is this person? Who could make you, Zhang Sheng, so frantically search for a seller? Could it be..."

A figure suddenly popped into Li Jiacheng's mind. Could it be that guy again?

A bitter smile appeared on Zhang Yuliang's face: "It's Bao Zeyang."

“That day he suddenly contacted me, saying he wanted to buy my shares in Wheelock and told me that once the mainland takes back Hong Kong Island, I will definitely be purged.”

“I just rejected him at the time, but now it seems he has also approached John Madden.”

Upon hearing this, Li Jiacheng was speechless.

How does Bao Zeyang know everything?
The fact that the Zhang family was involved in selling counterfeit medicine was actually quite a secret back then. After all, who would dare to make a fuss about doing this kind of business back then?
The Zhang family has always been tight-lipped about the matter. Although they are audacious, they have ultimately harmed a country, and they are afraid of retaliation.

It's truly illogical that a young man like Bao Zeyang knew about such a secret matter.

"Then why don't you sell it to him? He offered a very low price."

Li Jiacheng then asked, still puzzled.

Zhang Yuliang shook his head.

“We didn’t discuss a price, and I’m not really keen on selling to him.”

Zhang Yuliang did not explain the reason.

The remaining members of the Zhang family are currently staying at the Wenhua Hotel, and Zhang Yuliang has already guessed Bao Zeyang's intentions.

He may be trying to use this opportunity to get the rest of the Zhang family to file lawsuits, and then split the shares he holds.

Although he signed agreements with both the first and third wives, the second wife's side also lost the case.

However, in such matters, if one really looks for loopholes, even a single typo or two could become a loophole to overturn the agreement, and Zhang Yuliang dared not make any guarantees in his heart.

He doesn't want to tell Li Jiacheng about this now, because what if Li Jiacheng backs down if he does?
“Mr. Li, 1.8 billion. If you are willing to take over the Zhang family’s shares, I can give you all of the 1.8 billion Hong Kong dollars. Moreover, I am willing to accept installment payments.”

"I trust your reputation."

At this point, Zhang Yuliang offered Li Jiacheng a different price, which was immediately reduced by 200 million.

For Li Jiacheng, this was undoubtedly an attractive price.

But now that Bao Zeyang has intervened, Li Jiacheng needs to be cautious.

Especially now, Zhang Yuliang clearly intends to get rid of the shares quickly.

This guy has ulterior motives. He pulled me into this mess from the start, clearly wanting me to fight Bao Zeyang.

“The price of 1.8 billion is actually quite good, but Mr. Zhang, I can’t agree to it now.”

"To be honest, I don't have that much money on my own, so I need the support of HSBC."

"But with HSBC, there's been an unexpected factor involving Bao Zeyang, so I need to renegotiate with Sir Michael Sandberg."

Li Jiacheng did not accept the offer, but instead politely declined Zhang Yuliang's request.

"This"

Zhang Yuliang hesitated, but there was nothing he could do. Li Jiacheng had already refused, and since he was in Hong Kong, he couldn't find anyone else to help him.

Wheelock's shares are quite valuable, and there are actually very few wealthy people in Hong Kong who can afford to acquire them.

What about Sun Hung Kai Properties?
Zhang Yuliang thought about it and gave up. He realized that rushing into a deal was not a good idea, and he wasn't familiar with the people at Sun Hung Kai Properties. If he were to be pressured to lower the price, he might as well sell to Bao Zeyang instead!
"Mr. Li, to be honest, if you don't give me a definite answer, I'll start to consider Bao Zeyang."

"Between you and Bao Zeyang, I would definitely prioritize you, Mr. Li. But if you can't make that decision, I wouldn't mind selling to Bao Zeyang."

After thinking it over, Zhang Yuliang decided to place his bet on Li Jiacheng.

Li Jiacheng has clearly shown interest in Wheelock, and at this point, we have no choice but to push him a little.

Li Jiacheng was also lost in thought at this moment.

Wheelock is really greedy. Whether it's the land it owns or other companies, they are all high-quality properties on Hong Kong Island.

To be honest, he really couldn't bear to give up such a big piece of meat just because Bao Zeyang got involved.

However, Li Jiacheng is also well aware that, as it stands, he simply doesn't have the strength to go up against Bao Zeyang.

Even if he didn't want to admit it, he had to admit that he had been repeatedly subdued by Li Changhe.

"Okay, Mr. Zhang, will you wait for me for a week? After a week, I'll give you a definite answer, okay?"

Li Jiacheng then spoke to Zhang Yuliang.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuliang sighed: "To be honest, Mr. Li, I'm afraid I won't be able to wait a week."

"If John Madden sells his shares first, I won't be able to do anything about it."

"Unless I have enough funds to compete with Bao Zeyang in the market and launch a counter-takeover."

"I've had someone hold John Madden back. I'll make sure you get out of here within a week."

Li Jiacheng thought for a moment, then spoke earnestly to Zhang Yuliang.

Zhang Yuliang hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"Okay, Mr. Li, then I believe you."

However, Zhang Yuliang was already thinking that it might be time to have a talk with Bao Zeyang.

Similarly, seeing Zhang Yuliang's absent-minded appearance, Li Jiacheng also felt somewhat helpless.

The Zhang family is clearly panicked, and they will most likely go after Bao Zeyang.

Li Jiacheng was also somewhat helpless at this moment. Why did Bao Zeyang have to get involved in everything?

He didn't really want to compete with Bao Zeyang, but Wheelock was such a tempting target that he couldn't resist taking a bite.

So, how do we break this deadlock?
After Zhang Yuliang left, Li Jiacheng sat there and began to think seriously.

Soon, a flash of inspiration struck Li Jiacheng, and a solution to the predicament came to him in an instant.

However, we need to prepare a contingency plan first, and we also need to discuss it with Shen Bi.

(End of this chapter)