After divorce, I can hear the voice of the future

Chapter 739 Everyone's Playing Their Cards Openly

"In the domestic entertainment industry, let me introduce you to someone. His name is Wu Tianzheng, the general manager of Good Dream Productions."

As his horizons broadened, Lu Liang gradually developed a fondness for helping others, especially when there was no conflict of interest.

Meng Changkun was the first friend he made after the business started. Now, he and Xiao Wang have established Kunpeng Fast Charging, which is gradually getting on the right track.

Wu Tianzheng is Lu Liang's second friend. He makes web series and bad movies every day, using the name of Tianxing to indulge in his own little world. This is not a good thing.

Emperor Entertainment's main business is entertainment, and Tianxing Entertainment also has a certain status in the domestic entertainment industry. Why not take this opportunity to consolidate the entertainment resources at hand?

The reason why conglomerates are called conglomerates is that they want to make money and they want to get involved in every aspect of the business, so that their influence can be spread to every corner.

In some industries, Lu Liang doesn't necessarily have to do it himself; he can delegate it to others. He only needs to hold shares or a controlling stake.

Yang Qisheng was taken aback. He had actually imagined what kind of reward the Yang family would receive for joining Lu Liang, but he did not expect such a generous gift.

Everyone knows Lu Liang's financial acumen, but they overlook his skill in investing in film and television projects.

In recent years, Tianxing Investment has participated in the investment of almost all the blockbuster film and television projects.

For example, there were films like "Goodbye Mr. Loser" and "Wolf Warrior 2" a few years ago, and "Dying to Survive" which just finished its run.

There's also the upcoming "The Wandering Earth," touted as the hardest sci-fi film made in China, and "Joker" from DC.

Now, Lu Liang is actually saying that he wants to transfer all of Tianxing Investment's resources in the cultural and entertainment field to Emperor Entertainment.

Like a ginseng fruit, an ordinary person can live for 360 years just by smelling it, and 47,000 years by eating one.

Emperor Entertainment Group is not an ordinary person, but a former Hong Kong entertainment industry giant, which allows them to better absorb the benefits of ginseng fruit.

Once he returns to the resources of a star, he could not only live a second life, but might even be able to compete with international conglomerates such as Disney and Warner.

"Don't you have confidence?" Lu Liang asked with a smile.

"Yes, I will definitely live up to your expectations." Yang Qisheng's eyes were sharp, and his face was solemn.

He expressed his opinion that Emperor Group's market value is only HK$3 billion, and there are many shareholders who are not worthy of such good resources, nor are they entitled to enjoy the fruits of others' labor.

Yang Qisheng plans to delist Emperor Entertainment Group and privatize it before taking over these resources.

At that time, 51% of the shares will be given to Tianxing free of charge, which will be considered as Lu Liang contributing resources as shares.

“30%, and you and Mr. Wu can discuss the rest yourselves.” Lu Liang did not refuse, but he did not want to take control.

Once you gain control, even a relative control, there are many more things to worry about. It's better to just be a shareholder without any responsibility.

Just like the Kunpeng Fast Charging company that Xiao Wang and Lao Meng established, Lu Liang only holds 30% of the shares. He only steps in to help promote it when needed, and otherwise he is too lazy to even ask.

Yang Qisheng's attempts to persuade him failed, so he had no choice but to give up.

The conversation then turned to how recently some Miss Hong Kong contestants and socialites had inquired about Lu Liang, expressing their desire to meet him.

"Let's talk about it later, I've been quite busy lately." Lu Liang chuckled.

In his view, having a fondness for women is like having a fondness for playing tennis—it's not a flaw, but a virtue.

If someone has no flaws, it's hard for others to find a suitable excuse to get closer to them.

Just then, Xu Jiayin called to say that he had returned from the Bank of China and was currently at the Four Seasons Hotel.

"Let's talk when we meet later." Xu Jiayin sensed that Lu Liang was not comfortable talking, so she gave him her address.

Lu Liang hummed in agreement and said to Yang Qisheng, "Qisheng, I have something to do, so I'll be leaving now."

"Okay, go ahead and do what you need to do."

After saying goodbye to Yang Qisheng, Lu Liang arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel.

It is also the famous Wangbei Tower. The north is the direction of the inland, and it was named so that wealthy merchants from other places could look towards their hometown in the north from here.

In the early days, due to the large number of people traveling between the mainland and Hong Kong, some fugitives later stayed here to observe the mainland's movements, gradually forming an intelligence station where people from all sides exchanged resources, funds, and information.

From a metaphysical perspective, its feng shui layout—facing water and backed by mountains, with its orientation to the south and north—is considered beneficial for those in difficult circumstances to turn their lives around, hence some people reside here seeking a change in fortune.

Xu Jiayin, dressed in a suit and tie, had reserved the best spot. Upon seeing Lu Liang, he smiled and said, "Mr. Lu, would you like something to eat?"

"What is Bank of China's attitude?" Lu Liang nodded slightly. Although he had already eaten with Yang Qisheng, he didn't mind eating some more.

“I’m willing to authorize it. CEO Zhou Simin, please take us to the board meeting tomorrow.” Xu Jiayin said with a smile.

He thought it would be difficult, but the process went smoothly, as if the Bank of China knew he would come and had prepared the necessary documents.

They hold 27.15% of New World's shares, and together with BOC's 6.42%, they achieve a relative controlling stake of 33.57%.

Tomorrow, New World will hold a board meeting. If they want to implement a poison pill strategy, they now have the authority to stop it.

"It's likely that HSBC is supporting the Zheng family."

I just spoke with Yang Qisheng, who told Lu Liang that Qi Yaonian had spent the entire day at Yiyun Villa.

The worst has happened. Whether it was the Zheng family contacting HSBC or HSBC contacting the Zheng family, they are now on the same side.

"Have you achieved absolute control?" Xu Jiayin's smile vanished abruptly, replaced by deep worry.

The chairman of the board, Zheng's family's ancestral business, once the shareholding exceeds 50.1%, even if they join forces, the acquisition may fail.

"We're still a bit short," Lu Liang said. Their next targets should be Horizons Ventures, Wheelock Properties, and Standard Chartered Bank.

According to publicly available information, the three companies collectively hold 10.87% of New World's shares. Only with their support can one have a fighting chance against the Cheng family.

“Victoria Harbour Investment is Li Ka-shing’s business, Wheelock is the Wu family’s business, and the first two are possible to win over, but the key is Standard Chartered Bank.” Xu Jiayin had obviously done her research beforehand and knew that Standard Chartered was the most difficult to deal with.

Although Standard Chartered and HSBC are competitors, they are both British-owned conglomerates, and they may not necessarily support HSBC or either of them.

Just then, Lu Liang's phone rang. The caller was Li Zhe Kai. He answered the phone and said with a smile, "Second brother, it's quite a coincidence. I was just talking about you with President Xu."

"Otherwise, why would I say it's a coincidence? We're at the Four Seasons Hotel. Are you coming over, or am I going over?"

"Okay, then we'll wait for you."

After ending the call, Lu Liang said with a smile, "The equity in Victoria Harbour has been delivered to our doorstep."

"That leaves Wheelock and Standard Chartered."

Xu Jiayin pondered for a moment and said, "I'll contact the Wu family of Wheelock. They should be interested in that piece of land near Taikoo City. That leaves only Standard Chartered."

The land in Taikoo Shing is the same piece of land in Hong Kong that Zheng Jiachun had promised him before. If Hengtai is willing to provide 500 billion in assistance, the two parties will jointly develop it in the future.

The Wu family of Wheelock and Company, heirs to the once world-renowned shipping magnate Bao family, not only own Harbour City but also Wharf Holdings, and are known as the largest landlords in Hong Kong.

As long as Hengtai helps acquire New World, they can develop it together in the future, and the Wu family can even take the lead.

After all, as long as Hengtai successfully acquires the Zheng family's New World, it will fully invade the Hong Kong real estate market. Xu Jiayin is not particularly concerned about a 'land king'.

“Standard Chartered…” Lu Liang frowned, hoping that the British conglomerate wasn’t on the same page. If they insisted on siding with HSBC, things would become very complicated.

Because Standard Chartered holds 4.23% of New World's shares, which is not much, the Cheng family has the support of HSBC, and currently holds at least 48% of the shares.

up to now,

The situation is basically clear.
Everyone is playing their cards openly.

They hold 33.57% of the shares, the Cheng family holds at least 48%, plus Victoria Harbour, Wheelock and Standard Chartered's 10.87%, totaling 92.44%.

The remaining 7.56% of the shares are likely either floating in the secondary market or in the hands of individual investors.

At this point, Standard Chartered's 4.23% becomes particularly important; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it was the deciding factor in the battle.

"Mr. Xu, you should contact the Wu family first. Zhe Kai will be here later, and I'll ask him about Standard Chartered's attitude."

Lu Liang intentionally sent Lao Xu away because he felt that the Li family's attitude was a bit too attentive, as if they wanted something from him.

"Then I'll contact the Wu family first, and we'll discuss it again tomorrow morning." Xu Jiayin understood the implication but didn't ask any further questions.

Just like he said he got the Bank of China on board, he didn't mention what price he paid. Although the Bank of China was willing to support him, his attitude was also needed.

"The enchanting Hong Kong".

While waiting for Li Zhekai, Lu Liang stared blankly out the window at the city night view, with towering buildings and bright lights.

Although Shanghai's cityscape at night is no less impressive than Hong Kong's, it lacks the raw, gritty atmosphere of capitalism.

If this had happened in mainland China, involving such a large acquisition project, the Ministry of Commerce would have intervened much earlier.

Unlike now, where they are allowed to do whatever they want.

"Hey, where's Mr. Xu?"

Li Zhekai's voice came from behind Lu Liang's head. He turned his head and looked at him: "President Xu, go and contact Mr. Wu of Wheelock."

"It seems we've reached a fever pitch. Did I arrive at just the right time?" Li Zhekai chuckled as he sat opposite Lu Liang.

"Otherwise, why would I have said we were talking about you?" Lu Liang smiled, beckoned to the waiter, and asked Li Zhe Kai if he wanted something to eat or drink.

"We just had a family dinner and have already eaten. A glass of warm water will do." Hearing Li Zhe Kai's words, Lu Liang asked calmly, "Has Mr. Li returned to Hong Kong?"

"I just got back this morning, took care of some things."

"Is there anything I can help you with?"

Lu Liang's direct approach was also a test of the waters; there is no love without a reason, nor is there hatred without a reason.

Although he was capable of making money, the Li family's attitude towards him was clearly excessively kind.

"I don't know. If needed, I would have already let you know. I usually don't bother asking about Cheung Kong and Wong's affairs."

Li Zhekai didn't seem to care. He had his assistant take out the equity agency agreement from his briefcase and said with a smile, "I knew you needed it, so I brought it to you specially."

"Thank you, you're a lifesaver." Lu Liang thanked him repeatedly, but a shadow of gloom flashed in his eyes.

The fact that they still won't tell him the truth shows that the matter entrusted to them by the Li family is definitely not insignificant.

But he couldn't refuse, because the authorization contract that Li Zhekai brought was very important.

"How confident are you about Hengtai's acquisition of New World?" Li Zhekai asked.

"Less than 30%." Lu Liang sighed, and then inquired about Standard Chartered Bank's stance.

Although he was curious about the matter entrusted to him by the Li family, he had to take things one step at a time, and the most urgent thing was the new world.

(End of this chapter)