In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 57: One More Favor Doesn't Hurt
"Uncle Bao, I understand that my proposal may make you feel embarrassed, but please allow me to be frank. Although I am a major shareholder of Qingzhou Yingmud, I know very well that it is not easy to control the overall situation by myself when facing a business giant like Mr. Li.

The importance of Wharf Holdings' stocks to Uncle Bao is self-evident, and my actions may seem a bit exploitative to you and other outsiders. But please believe that in business, this is just part of a market strategy aimed at achieving a win-win situation, not just a threat.

The essence of a transaction is that both parties get the due benefits. If I had contacted Jardine Matheson, I could have sold it at a very good price, and maybe even gotten Jardine Matheson's support, which would have made it easier for me to control the Qingzhou Cement Company. But I did not contact Jardine Matheson because Uncle Bao and I, like everyone else, are from a Chinese-owned enterprise.

Ever since Uncle Bao started targeting Wharf Holdings, I could see that although the British financial groups in Hong Kong are still very strong, I always believe that the rise of Chinese-funded enterprises in Hong Kong and even the world is an inevitable trend. We Chinese entrepreneurs should work together to resist the impact of foreign capital and strengthen our own strength.

Therefore, I have never considered selling my shares in Wharf Holdings to Jardine Matheson. As Uncle Bao is my elder, I am more looking forward to Uncle Bao being able to successfully take over Wharf Holdings and accomplish this feat.

The day when Uncle Bao completely defeats Jardine Land, I believe, will be the day when Chinese-owned enterprises in Hong Kong rise and British-owned enterprises decline!
I have always believed that Chinese-owned enterprises should not engage in excessive infighting. Many British-owned enterprises in Hong Kong can become our acquisition targets. Not only Wharf Holdings, but also the four major foreign companies in Hong Kong, namely Jardine Matheson, Wheelock, Hutchison Whampoa and Swire, can become acquisition targets for our Chinese-owned enterprises. Through these mergers and acquisitions, we can continuously enhance the strength of our Chinese-owned enterprises. This can also be said to be a feast for our Chinese-owned enterprises.

I know that there is a huge gap in strength between me and Mr. Li Jiacheng, but Qingzhou Yingni was the first one I set my eyes on, and it has already become an important part of my future development plan, and I have already become a major shareholder of Qingzhou Yingni.

To be honest, after I sell my Wharf Holdings shares, I will have sufficient funds, even if not as much as Cheung Kong Holdings. I can use these funds to completely control Ching Chau Cement before Cheung Kong Holdings. There should be no big problem. It’s just that I don’t want to confront Mr. Li Ka-shing in the stock market like Mr. Pao and Jardine Matheson did. This will only result in a lose-lose situation.

Finally, I want to emphasize that my respect and gratitude for Uncle Bao has never changed. Your wisdom and courage have always been my role model. I sincerely hope that we can work together and contribute to the brilliant future of Chinese-funded enterprises.

As for Wharf Holdings' shares, I am willing to facilitate the transaction at the right time and under conditions acceptable to both parties. Before that, I hope Uncle Bao will tolerate and understand my position and considerations."

Facing Bao Yugang, a business tycoon, Lin Haoran showed great patience and sincerity. His words were not only an explanation of his own position, but also a profound touch to Bao Yugang.

Bao Yugang listened quietly, without rushing to express his opinion. Instead, he picked up the teacup, took a sip, and his eyes revealed deep thought.

Lin Haoran's words undoubtedly stirred up ripples in his heart. He naturally knew these principles, but he felt very surprised when he heard these words coming from Lin Haoran's mouth. He also felt that the future of Chinese-funded enterprises had a successor.

He is well aware that in Hong Kong, the shadow of British-owned enterprises has long overshadowed Chinese-owned enterprises. Although the latter have made significant progress in recent years, the gap is still not to be ignored.

The acquisition battle of Hutchison Whampoa is a vivid portrayal of this situation - if it were not for the strong support of HSBC, a giant British institution, his contest with Jardine Matheson Land might have been settled long ago, and his Pao family would have had little chance of winning.

As a forward-looking business leader, Bao Yugang also clearly realized that the rise of Chinese-funded enterprises in Hong Kong is an inevitable trend of historical development, provided that Chinese-funded enterprises have sufficient unity.

Lin Haoran's words just touched upon this belief deep in his heart, causing him to start thinking more deeply about how to promote cooperation and win-win results among Chinese-funded enterprises.

"Haoran, what you said makes a lot of sense. So, I promise to try to persuade Mr. Li Jiacheng to give up the acquisition of Qingzhou Yingni. However, I can't guarantee that Mr. Li Jiacheng will agree. No matter what the final result is, I hope that you, Haoran, will not sell the shares to Jardine Matheson or Swire." Bao Yugang said solemnly.

He really wanted the Hutchison Whampoa shares that Lin Haoran had.

In addition, he also wanted to help the young man Lin Haoran. From just two contacts, Bao Yugang already understood that Lin Haoran's future achievements would not be inferior to his.

Young people with such talent and ambition as him are rare in today's business world.

"Uncle Bao, please rest assured!" Lin Haoran nodded.

A smile also appeared on his face.

Because Lin Haoran understood that Bao Yugang would definitely be able to convince Li Jiacheng this time.

Lin Haoran thought to himself that given the friendship between Bao Yugang and Li Ka-shing, and Li Ka-shing's respect for Bao Yugang, it was unlikely that he would reject Bao Yugang's proposal just because of a company like Qingzhou Yingmu.

What's more, they have not made any significant substantive progress in the acquisition of Green Island Cement, and giving up this opportunity may not be an unacceptable decision for Li Ka-shing.

"It's better to do it today than to wait for another day. I'd like to borrow your company's phone. It's still early now, so I'll see if Mr. Li Jiacheng is free. If he is, I will have a private conversation with him tonight." Bao Yugang looked at the time. It was only about half past eight.

"Uncle Bao, please go ahead. Of course no problem." Lin Haoran responded with a smile, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes.

He was aware of Bao Yugang's emphasis on Wharf Holdings' shares and the business strategy implications behind it.

Bao Yugang was so eager to contact Li Jiacheng that he obviously hoped to reach some kind of consensus as soon as possible to ensure that he could successfully acquire the more than 147 million shares of Hutchison Whampoa from him.

For Lin Haoran, he also hopes that this matter can be properly resolved as soon as possible.

Watching Bao Yugang go aside to make a phone call, Lin Haoran continued to sit in front of the coffee table, drinking tea leisurely.

Not long after, Bao Yugang hung up the phone.

"I have just contacted Mr. Li Jiacheng. He is currently at home. It happens that my home is not far from his. I will go back to Deep Water Bay and talk to him in detail. Wait for my good news." Bao Yugang said with a smile.

Since he had already promised Lin Haoran, he decided to shamelessly go to Li Jiacheng. After all, owing a favor to one person is the same as owing it to two people, so it doesn't matter if he owes one more favor.

For him, the immediate priority is to gain an advantageous position in Wharf Holdings' acquisition war as soon as possible to ensure that he can gain the upper hand in this business competition.

(End of this chapter)