After divorce, I can hear the voice of the future

Chapter 757 The Great River Flows East, Its Waves Wash Away the Past
“Mr. Qi, you have to understand me. After all, it’s a little over five percent of the shares, not a little over eight percent.”

Lu Liang looked relaxed and said, "Even if we get 5% of the shares from HSBC, we still need to make up the difference from the secondary market, unless you can persuade Mr. Zheng to transfer another 3% of the shares to help us raise absolute control."

Qi Yaonian stated bluntly, "HSBC will no longer interfere in New World's affairs. Mr. Lu, name your price."

Lu Liang raised an eyebrow, now certain that the two companies had completely broken up. After thinking for a long time, he said, "Then let's use a market value of HK$1500 billion as the benchmark."

Qi Yaonian's eyes widened suddenly, a mouthful of blood choking him, almost making him faint. He suppressed his anger and said, "Mr. Lu, are you joking with me?"

As of this second, New World's stock price is HK$147.18, with a market capitalization of HK$3408 billion.

Their offer of a market capitalization of 2500 billion is already very sincere, yet Lu Liang is still taking advantage of their kindness.

"Mr. Qi, please don't be angry."

Lu Liang smiled and decisively pinned the blame on Lao Xu: "You know, we're just assisting Hengtai. If President Xu doesn't agree, what can I do?"

Without HSBC's support, it's only a matter of time before the Zheng family runs out of ammunition, and it won't be long.

Once the Zheng family falls, a victor will emerge.

At that time, the equity of New World will lose its value in the contest.

So even if the negotiations break down, it doesn't matter, since they can acquire it from the secondary market anyway.

It's just a matter of paying a little more money; I'm sure Lao Xu will agree.

Qi Yaonian was seething with hatred, but he had no choice but to smile and say, "Whether Mr. Xu agrees or not is up to you, Mr. Lu."

"That's not how it works. Tianxing Financial is just assisting Hengtai. Everything should be based on President Xu's opinion."

"So, Mr. Lu can't make this decision?"

"Mr. Qi, you'd better contact General Manager Xu."

"Okay, bye."

After ending his call with Qi Yaonian, Lu Liang went to the reception room. Old Xu was taken aback: "Mr. Lu, why are you out here?"

“There’s no time to explain…” Lu Liang briefly explained the cause and effect: “President Xu, 1800 billion is enough to agree to.”

Hearing about Lu Liang's extreme pressure tactics, Old Xu looked strange: "Do you really think Mr. Qi will come looking for me?"

It's said that you shouldn't hit someone in the face, because it hurts their self-esteem. Lu Liang directly hit someone in the face, who could stand that?

If it were him, even if the shares became worthless, even if they rotted in the ground, he would never look for Lu Liang again.

“Qi Yaonian is a professional manager. Professional managers only care about performance, not face,” Lu Liang said with a smile.

If Qi Yaonian had any sense of shame, he wouldn't have gone to him.

Choosing to contact him shows that interests are more important than face.

As soon as she finished speaking, Xu Jiayin's assistant knocked on the door and entered. He walked to Xu Jiayin's side and spoke quietly.

"The phone really did ring." Xu Jiayin was lost in thought.

"I'm going to the restroom." Lu Liang nodded, leaving Lao Xu some space to make a private call.

A few minutes later, he came out wiping his hands.

Xu Jiayin's eyes sparkled with excitement: "President Lu, I'm going to HSBC to sign a letter of intent for a 5.145% stake for HK$92.61 billion."

"Okay, give me a message."

After saying that, the two split up into two groups.

At 11:00 AM, the bidding war for shares in New World Development Group was still in full swing.

The stock price has surged from the previous trading day's closing price of 89.2 yuan, breaking through 100 yuan, 120 yuan, and 150 yuan in succession, and is about to launch an attack on 160 yuan per share.

Suddenly, news broke that Xu Jiayin had appeared at HSBC, which is suspected to be HSBC handing over its New World shares.

"The bookies are getting more and more tricky. They're trying to steal our chips again. This time, we won't fall for it no matter what."

"Thinking it was a trick? HSBC has already announced the transfer of its 5.145% stake, the bidding war is over!"

"Where did you get this information? Is it reliable?"

While clueless retail investors were still questioning the source of the information, savvy retail investors had already begun to sell off their shares in large quantities.

In an instant, the market conditions at New World changed drastically; one second it was a buyer's market, and the next it became a seller's market.

Tianxing already held 41.358% of the shares. After two and a half hours of trading this morning, with the addition of HSBC's 5.145%, it is highly likely that it has taken control of New World.

The outcome of any bidding war is that one party gains control of the shares.

Once the chips lose their value and are no longer sought after, the high premium will disappear, and the stock price will begin to fall freely.

It's important to know that Hong Kong stocks do not have daily price limits, meaning that today's price can rise by 78% or fall by 78%.

All retail investors were rushing to cash out, and the market was flooded with a large number of sellers' shares.

Lu Liang also instructed Wen Chao to conduct a final buyback.

HSBC held 1.8 million shares, and in the two and a half hours of the morning, they also acquired 9200 million shares.

Now, only 1250 million more shares are needed for Hengtai Group to reach a 50.1% stake.

At 11:22 AM, Hengtai Group announced that it held 50.1% of the shares in New World Development Group.

"it's over?"

"it's over!"

"That's fucking fast."

"The Zheng family's new world has already changed hands?"

"There are no wrong nicknames, only wrong names. Lu Liang is indeed a quick-draw artist."

"Help! I haven't gotten off the bus yet!"

"Being greedy for poverty is a single wrong thought. In this market, losing money is not worthy of any sympathy."

The news caused an uproar.
New World's stock price also plummeted instantly.

The stock price of 160 yuan became an insurmountable barrier that might be difficult to overcome in a lifetime, and it began to fall freely.

Its market value also plummeted from a peak of 3670 billion to 3000 billion, 2500 billion, and 2000 billion.

Lu Liang instructed Sun Yutao to tally the total amount of funds invested before and after, and then compile a report and send it to him.

After giving his instructions, he walked out of the trading room and saw Old Xu, who had just returned from HSBC, with a big smile on his face.

Lu Liang smiled and said, "President Xu, when do you plan to take over Hengtai's New World?"

"Of course, the sooner the better."

Xu Jiayin smiled, her eyes crinkling.

Hengtai is already the largest shareholder of New World Development, and the absolute controlling shareholder with 50.1% of the shares.

They can now convene a shareholders' meeting to re-elect executive directors and change the chairman without the board's approval.

"We'll tally up the bill for this project first and send it to you later." Lu Liang estimated it to be around $200 billion.

The annual interest rate will be 5%, as agreed beforehand, and a three- to five-year repayment contract will be signed.

"It won't take three to five years. As long as Tianxing Financial needs it, it will only take three months at most."

Old Xu smiled broadly, flicked his sleeves, revealing the 'H' Hermes belt around his waist.

The moment Hengtai Group announced its controlling stake in New World Development, its market capitalization jumped to HK$6000 billion.

Since Hengtai began acquiring New World Development, the group's market capitalization has increased by HK$2500 billion. There is absolutely no issue of insolvency; they are fully capable of raising US$200 billion or US$300 billion.

After all, the chemical reaction created by Hengtai's successful acquisition of New World is definitely greater than the sum of its parts, and its market value will certainly continue to rise.

It might even become the only real estate group in both the Hong Kong and mainland China markets with a market capitalization exceeding one trillion.

"Then let's make it three months." Lu Liang glanced at him sideways, disapproving of Lao Xu's pretentious manner.

Old Xu's face immediately fell, and he quickly smiled apologetically, "Just kidding, let's pay back half in three months first, and the rest in three years, with an annual interest rate of 5% as you said."

Although it was inevitable for Hengtai to initiate financing, it could not use all the funds to repay Tianxing.

They also need to keep some funds to handle some follow-up matters related to Hengtai's acquisition of New World.

As far as he knew, Cheng Ka-chun had emptied his bank account and borrowed a large sum of money from Chow Tai Fook in order to protect New World Development.

Previously, New World belonged to the Zheng family, and these were matters for the Zheng family to handle. Now that New World belongs to Hengtai, it is Xu Jiayin's business.

"It's easier to conquer a country than to govern it," Old Xu sighed, but the upturned corners of his mouth were harder to suppress than an AK.

Lu Liang shook his head helplessly and suggested, "Let's have a meal, rest for a bit, and then head to New World this afternoon?"

"Okay, everything is up to President Lu."

Around noon, the two went to a restaurant for lunch.

Suddenly, Xu Jiawei received a phone call and quickly walked over to Lu Liang so that he could answer it.

Is the source of this information reliable?

"OK, thanks."

After ending the call, Lu Liang frowned, and Xu Jiayin asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

Lu Liang said, "Zheng Jiachun is in trouble."

"Dead?" Xu Jiayin asked in surprise.

"He didn't die; I heard he had a stroke."

Xu Jiayin frowned: "Can the news be confirmed?"

Lu Liang said softly, "The information can be guaranteed to be true, but whether the matter is true or not is another matter."

Yang Shoucheng called to say that Zheng Jiachun had just suffered a stroke and was now staying at Mary Hospital.

It's certain that he's in the hospital, but whether he's actually had a stroke or cerebral infarction remains to be seen.

After all, he was able to shed tears on camera before the market opened in the morning, just to gain the market's sympathy.

It's not impossible that faking a stroke now would burden Xu Jiayin with a moral stigma, making it difficult for her to take the next step.

"Whether it's true or false, it doesn't matter."

Xu Jiayin narrowed her eyes and said sternly, "The afternoon's schedule will not be changed."

Lu Liang smiled and said, "It would be best if it were a real stroke, so that Mr. Zheng wouldn't have to bear too much psychological pressure."

They've already taken away someone else's ancestral property; even if they put on a hypocritical act, it will only make them seem pretentious.

It's better to strike while the iron is hot and kill him.

After all, Hengtai's takeover of New World Development was unlike Tianxing's takeover of Chinese Estates Holdings, where Lau gave up early on, but Cheng resisted until the very last second.

Moreover, Zheng Jiachun holds more than one-third of the shares and is also the chairman of the board. If he opposes Hengtai's takeover, even absolute control would be very troublesome.

Therefore, even if it means incurring criticism, Hengtai has the best course of action to make the situation irreversible and sever ties.

Xu Jiayin smiled and raised her glass to toast with tea instead of wine: "President Lu, great minds think alike."

Soon, news of Zheng Jiachun's hospitalization due to a cerebral infarction spread throughout Hong Kong.

"A great hero has fallen."

"Back then, Zheng Jiachun was a famous talent, but in the blink of an eye, he has reached the age where he is so angry that he suffers a stroke."

"The great river flows eastward, its waves sweeping away countless heroes of the past."

Public opinion was mostly filled with emotion, but there was not much sympathy.

After all, these wealthy and powerful big shots are taken out for target practice one by one, so there's absolutely no chance of mistakenly killing anyone.

Only a fool would worry about the safety of billionaires with a monthly salary of ten or twenty thousand.

Before long, public opinion shifted to one side again, because Xu Jiayin and Lu Liang appeared at the New World Building.

There are also reports that Xu Jiayin intends to exercise her power as the controlling shareholder and force a shareholders' meeting.

"Isn't that a bit too much?"

"Zheng is still in the ward undergoing emergency treatment, why is Xu Jiayin in such a hurry?"

"Is this really taking advantage of his weakness to kill him? Showing absolutely no mercy?"

Zheng Jiachun's eldest son, Zheng Qiming, who was then the chairman of the board of directors of Chow Tai Fook, rushed over from the hospital upon hearing the news.

"Mr. Lu, Mr. Xu, my father is still in the ICU. Why are you two being so aggressive?"

He stood in front of the two men, with more than a dozen senior executives from New World Development standing behind him, all glaring angrily.

"I was really worried when I learned that Zheng was hospitalized."

Xu Jiayin looked grave, as if she cared deeply about Zheng Jiachun's safety. She added, "But public matters are public matters, and private matters are private matters; they should not be confused."

"Furthermore, if you really care about Ah Zheng, you shouldn't be stopping me. The issue of ownership of the New World Development is Ah Zheng's unresolved issue."

"It's better to let go than to hold on too tightly."

Zheng Qiming laughed in anger, but unlike his younger brother who had already started cursing, he maintained his composure and turned to look at Lu Liang: "Mr. Lu, is this your attitude?"

"Qiming, it's always a good thing to resolve the ownership of the new world sooner rather than later," Lu Liang said calmly.

Among the third and fourth generations of Hong Kong's elite, there are many people with excellent abilities and character, such as Yang Qisheng, Liu Mingwei, and Zheng Qiming. However, most of them are suppressed by their elders and the market, and cannot get ahead.

Unlike Zheng Qilong, the youngest son of the Zheng family, Lu Liang had a very good impression of Zheng Qiming. They had met twice before. He was gentle, kind, and a good friend.

But as Lao Xu said, public matters are public matters and private matters are private matters. Hengtai taking over the new world as soon as possible is a good thing for Tianxing, so personal relationships can only be put aside.

“Okay.” Zheng Qiming took a deep breath, knowing he couldn’t afford to offend Lu Liang, so he turned his head and said, “Didn’t you hear what Mr. Lu said? Everyone move aside. Mr. Xu is a major shareholder of New World and has the right to convene a shareholders’ meeting.”

"Big brother..."

Zheng Qilong was stunned, then flew into a rage: "Father is still in the ICU, and you want to hand over the new world to someone else?"

"You have to accept the consequences of your bet. Don't act like a scoundrel," Zheng Qiming coldly rebuked, inviting Lu Liang and Xu Jiayin into the house.

He summoned Zhou Mingyuan, the group's executive director, and politely inquired, "Uncle Zhou, did Father consider this situation before?"

Zhou Mingyuan didn't know what Zheng Qiming was planning, but he still nodded and said, "Mr. Zheng made a will before."

Making a will is common among Hong Kong's wealthy families, precisely to deal with situations such as the death or loss of consciousness of the head of the family, and who should take charge of the affairs.

"Let's announce it now."

Zheng Qiming looked at Lu Liang and Xu Jiayin: "Gentlemen, would you mind waiting a moment?"

Xu Jiayin nodded, and Lu Liang shrugged, indicating that he had no objection. He also wanted to learn about the inheritance methods of wealthy families.

Because in another year or two, once the business of Tianxing Financial Group has stabilized, he will also need to prepare his will.

After all, it's impossible to say whether tomorrow or an accident will come first, so it's always good to be prepared.

(End of this chapter)