Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 223 The Crisis of Yellow River Industry

Before we knew it, it was 1970.

He Yuzhu's business empire is making great strides in the industrial sector, and the Yellow River Automobile Factory has gained a foothold at the government level by securing orders for police cars and assault vehicles.

Specialty steel also successfully entered the supplier list for the Hung Hom Cross-Harbour Tunnel project through Orion's connections. Although the share is not large, it is an important starting point.

A virtuous cycle between steel mills and automobile factories is beginning to emerge.

However, Huanghe Industrial's real estate development has not been so smooth.

He set his sights on an old industrial area and dock warehouse zone near the future tunnel exit in Kowloon, a prime location with great potential for appreciation.

Through Ah Lang's Yellow River Industry, he began a clandestine yet efficient acquisition spree.

Initially, things went smoothly, but as the scope of the acquisition expanded and the early plots of land began to be developed, troubles followed one after another.

One night, the temporary office of Yellow River Industrial in Yau Ma Tei was smashed to pieces, with glass shattered and office equipment completely destroyed.

A huge "和" (harmony) character was painted in red on the wall, with a line of smaller characters next to it: "Get out of Kowloon Tong!" The two security guards on night duty were knocked unconscious, stripped down to their underwear, and covered in paint before being hung on the construction site gate.

The news quickly reached He Yuzhu's ears.

"Boss, it's someone from Shenghe." After arriving at the scene, A Lang reported to He Yuzhu with a livid face.

"Heshenghe? Do we have a conflict with them?"

“This land used to be their ‘pond’ for collecting protection money. Our large-scale acquisition and development has cut off a lot of their sources of income. But we have also paid the fees. Boss, I suspect someone is behind this.”

He Yuzhu's eyes were icy: "Find out which branch it is and who is in charge. Also, notify Shi Bin that the security company is on high alert. All employees going out to survey sites or negotiate business must go in pairs or more and are not allowed to go out alone. Once our construction site starts, we must be even more vigilant."

"Yes, boss."

"And who's behind them?"

"If we deal with these people, the others will come out later."

"Yes"

The gang harassment did not stop.

Newly erected fences at the construction site were knocked down, trucks transporting building materials were blocked and extorted for "tolls," and some workers were even surrounded and intimidated by thugs on their way home from get off work.

The project's progress was severely affected, many drivers were unwilling to deliver goods, and there was widespread anxiety.

Ah Lang quickly discovered that it was Hua Liuming, a gangster from He Anle, who was causing trouble. Ah Lang didn't dare to go after He Yuzhu for such a small matter, fearing that He Yuzhu would go on a killing spree.

Ah Lang found Shi Bin, who then assigned one of the security company's most elite squads to cooperate with Ah Lang.

They first discovered 'Hua Liuming's' biggest source of wealth: a hidden underground gambling den on the edge of Kowloon Walled City.

This is his lifeline.

One night, when the gambling den was at its busiest, a "special operations team" disguised as a PTU (Police Tactical Unit) (comprised of elite security personnel, whose equipment, vehicles, and uniforms closely resembled the police force's newly acquired Yellow River assault vehicles) raided the gambling den with lightning speed.

The operation was swift and efficient, resulting in the seizure of a large amount of gambling funds and equipment. Hua Liuming and his core subordinates were all "arrested," blindfolded, stuffed into armored vehicles, and taken away (actually to a security company's secret warehouse).

The scene left only one clear signal: this was a "police" operation, and a well-equipped and well-trained PTU! The squad leader even "thoughtfully" had his subordinates "accidentally" leave some "evidence" at the scene pointing to Hua Liuming offending a big shot he shouldn't have offended.

He Yuzhu was both amused and exasperated after receiving A Lang's report. Impersonating a policeman was a slap in the face to the police.

Left with no other option, he called Orion and explained the situation.

Orian didn't know what to say. Was it that the police were ineffective, or that He Yuzhu's men were too capable?

Then the police station had a PTU dispatch record, and 'Hua Liuming' was handed over to the police, including some evidence and stolen money. This guy's hands were very dirty; he was involved in gambling, prostitution, and drugs.

The person who took over was Wang Cuiping, the current chief inspector of the West Kowloon Organized Crime Investigation Department. Wang Cuiping heard that this guy and his men had offended He Yuzhu, which is why he was brought in.

They looked at them like they were idiots.

"These guys are really good at causing trouble. They've verified all the evidence and will put them in jail for life."

"Yes, Madam."

The police immediately began interrogating 'Hua Liuming' and his men.

This kid is incredibly stubborn; he just won't admit it. Even as he was bombarded with evidence until he was on the verge of a breakdown, he still clung to the claim that his subordinates had done it behind his back.

The police deliberately leaked the news of 'Hua Liuming's' arrest, and Anle naturally sent a lawyer to the police station to request bail.

After inquiring, I learned that bail was denied and that I would be sent to court for sentencing immediately.

The top management of He Anle were furious and suspicious. After 'Hua Liuming' was imprisoned, they sent people to ask who 'Hua Liuming' had offended.

'Hua Liuming' revealed that he had taken money from someone to cause trouble, and also named the person who instigated him, asking the gang leader to find a way to save him.

The next day, 'Hua Liuming' was stabbed to death in prison with a toothbrush.

Even those who had contact with 'Hana Liuming' were killed.

When He Anle spread the word that he wanted to negotiate with the murderer, naturally no one paid any attention to him.

Since they are a legitimate company, it's no wonder they wouldn't show up now that they've gotten themselves into this mess. The murder is just a cleanup operation.

While Anle couldn't find out who was behind it all, Huanghe Industry had a new, real rival.

The opponent's moves were undeniably precise and ruthless, originating from a higher level, and their methods were both more "civilized" and deadly.

First is the Planning Department, which is under the Lands and Public Works Bureau.

The master plan for the renovation of the old industrial area of ​​Kowloon Tong and the reclamation of the wharf area submitted by Huanghe Industrial has been repeatedly rejected during the technical review stage for a variety of reasons: the plot ratio is too high and affects the appearance of the area, the traffic impact assessment is insufficient, the environmental protection requirements are not met, and there are even doubts that the reclamation area may affect the safety of the waterway.

Each rejection demanded a massive amount of additional details, requiring repeated revisions and indefinitely delaying the project. Gu Yuanheng and A Lang ran themselves ragged, only to be met with bureaucratic, formulaic excuses and indifferent glances.

Following that, the financial sector also bared its fangs.

Several major British banks in Hong Kong, including HSBC, Standard Chartered and Jardine Matheson's Jardine Fleming Securities, almost simultaneously tightened credit lines to companies affiliated with Yellow River Industrial, particularly for real estate development projects.

The previously agreed-upon loan was put on hold, and the interest rate for the new loan was significantly increased, with extremely stringent conditions.

Even more concerning, anonymous analysis reports began circulating in the market alleging that Yellow River Industry was facing a "tight cash flow" and "significant risks in its projects," with the focus being on its ongoing Kowloon Pond project.

The Yellow River Industry's Jiulongtang project was forced to stop construction, and Xu Damao's "Qinquan Beverage," which had just been listed, was also affected because of its connection with the Yellow River.

At the same time, they also encountered invisible barriers in the project bidding and material procurement process.

Some large local builders and material suppliers who were originally interested in cooperating declined the cooperation, citing reasons such as "full schedule" or "internal strategic adjustments".

Anyone with eyes can see that someone is putting pressure on them from behind and drawing a line.

“Boss, we’ve found out.” Ah Lang walked into He Yuzhu’s office on the top floor of the new security company, a place with a wide view but extremely secluded, carrying a thick stack of documents. His face was solemn. “The one leading the investigation is ‘Jardine Land’, a subsidiary of ‘Jardine Matheson’s’. They have been eyeing that piece of land by the sea in Kowloon Tong for a long time and want to integrate it into a high-end sea-view residential and commercial center.”

We suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and acted so quickly, cutting off their source of income.

In addition, there are several pro-British Chinese real estate developers, such as Li Zhao of Hengzhao and Guo Sheng of Xinji. Although they did not come forward directly, they are in cahoots with Hongkong Land in private and are happy to see us suffer. They would prefer to squeeze us out of the market so that they can get a share of the profits.

The planning department is stalled, and banks are tightening credit; both Jardine Matheson and these other major Chinese business tycoons are involved in these dealings.

He Yuzhu stood before the huge floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the bustling view of Victoria Harbour, his eyes deep and calm like the sea. He gently tapped the glass, producing a crisp sound.

“Jardine Matheson… Hongkong Land… Hang Seng… Sungei…” He slowly recited these names that were household names in Hong Kong, but a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth. “They’ve got a long reach. Playing the white game? Fine, then I’ll play the white game with them.”

"Keep the people below calm for now, I have some things to take care of."

"Boss, do you need security personnel?"

"Why are you making a fuss? Since they're using open tactics, then we'll use open tactics to defeat them."

"Oh, you must tell us if the boss needs anything. Your status is different now; you can't act like you used to."

"I know. I'm leaving now. Keep the people below calm and don't let them cause any trouble."

"Yes."

He Yuzhu did not use the vast cash reserves in his spatial storage to withstand the bank's withdrawal of loans. After returning home, he called Xiaoman, who was studying at school, back home. After the last "Qinquan" incident, Xiaoman had already demonstrated amazing financial talent.

“Xiaoman, I’m giving you a task. Targets: Jardine Matheson, Hongkong Land, Hang Seng China Holdings, and Sun Hung Kai Properties. Method: Short their stocks.” He Yuzhu’s voice was calm but carried an undeniable authority.

Xiaoman's eyes lit up, then she calmly analyzed: "Brother Zhu, these are all behemoths with deep roots. Shorting them directly is extremely risky; we need a catalyst."

“The catalyst will come.” He Yuzhu revealed a mysterious smile. “You just need to prepare the funds and the operators, and establish a covert network of offshore accounts. When the time is right, strike with all your might. Remember, be fast, accurate, and ruthless. After you strike, get out of there without leaving a trace. The funds… use our portion overseas.”

Xiaoman nodded emphatically: "Understood! I guarantee I'll complete the mission!"

He Yuzhu knew that financial means alone were not enough to shake these giants; a more powerful "catalyst" was needed.

He set his sights on Jardine Matheson, the leading British-owned firm.

Through Orion's special connections within the police force and Wang Cuiping's resources within the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB), he discreetly gathered vague clues and fragments of evidence regarding certain gray-area businesses under Jardine Matheson (such as past involvement in smuggling and bribery, or unclear relationships with certain notorious politicians and former triad figures). This evidence itself might not be sufficient for a direct conviction, but it was extremely explosive.

Instead of acting personally, he cleverly leaked this information to several influential international financial media outlets that had long been critical of British-owned conglomerates, as well as several relatively independent local newspapers in Hong Kong, through multiple untraceable anonymous channels.

The information was carefully packaged as "in-depth investigation leads".

Soon, a series of in-depth investigative reports with titles such as "The Hong Kong Past of British Giants: Wealth Accumulation in the Shadows?" and "The Jardine Empire: The Hidden Corner Behind the Glamour?" began to generate buzz and be serialized.

Although the report did not name names or draw a definitive conclusion, the massive entity implied between the lines pointed directly to Jardine Matheson.

The market is in a state of panic.

In response to the Planning Department's obstruction, Ho Yu-chu took a more direct and "official" counterattack.

He had Gu Yuanheng hire Hong Kong's top-tier, most well-connected team of lawyers and urban planning experts at high salaries.

Instead of passively modifying plans, we prepare detailed legal opinions and professional rebuttal reports that comply with all current regulations and the highest technical standards for every unreasonable rejection from the Planning Department.

At the same time, he instructed Ah Lang to submit a formal complaint letter in the name of Yellow River Industries to several relatively neutral Chinese members of the Legislative Council (then the Hong Kong Legislative Council) who were concerned about people's livelihood and fair competition, as well as an agency similar to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), regarding the "unreasonable delay and suspected selective enforcement" in the planning approval process. He also attached a large amount of comparative evidence (cases of other British-funded or pro-British projects that were approved very quickly).

This move put the Planning Department in the spotlight, forcing them to handle Yellow River Industrial's application more cautiously and transparently, or risk legislative inquiries or even anti-corruption investigations.

He Yuzhu gave Shi Bin a strict order regarding the possibility of renewed gang harassment.

The security company's elite forces, especially the specially trained "Special Operations Team," were broken up into smaller units and deployed as regular security guards to the Kowloon Tong construction site and all key offices of Wong Ho Industries. They were well-equipped, highly trained, and possessed a comprehensive monitoring and rapid response mechanism.

He Yuzhu clearly told his subordinates: "Legality and compliance are the first prerequisites. But if anyone dares to storm the construction site, harm employees, or damage property, it will be considered a violent crime. You are authorized to use all necessary means for legitimate self-defense and protection, and I will bear the consequences." This was equivalent to putting an invisible layer of armor on the construction site.

At the same time, Ah Lang also spread the word to Wo On Lok and other triads that might be bribed: Kowloon Tong is a no-go zone for Wong Ho Industries, and anyone who steps into the no-go zone and causes trouble will suffer a worse fate than "Hua Liu Ming".

It also implies that even if you earn Jardine Matheson's money, you have to be alive to spend it.

The powerful military deterrence and the cautionary tale of "Hua Liuming" temporarily silenced the restless underworld forces.

The international media's "in-depth investigation" was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples.

Jardine Matheson's share price plummeted, severely impacting Hongkong Land as well. Panic began to spread in the market.

At that very moment, the short-selling forces, which had been lying in wait for a long time under Xiaoman's command, launched a full-scale attack like sharks smelling blood!

A massive influx of short orders flooded the market, with clear targets: Jardine Matheson, Hongkong Land, Henderson Land, and Sun Hung Kai Properties!

Panic intensifies! Stock prices plummet like an avalanche!

Although giants like Jardine Matheson have deep roots and mobilized funds to support the market, the sudden negative public opinion and precise short-selling attacks created a perfect synergy, making their market support efforts seem like a drop in the ocean.

The Kwok and Li of Henderson Land Development and Sun Hung Kai Properties were caught off guard. They did not expect He Yuzhu's counterattack to be so fierce and precise, directly hitting their most core capital lifeline.

In just a few days, the market value of several major companies evaporated by astronomical sums.

At the same time, Yellow River Industry has also made breakthrough progress in its "legal war" and "public opinion war" against the Planning Department.

Under pressure from a strong professional team and public complaints, the Planning Department was forced to expedite the approval process, allowing several "technical" issues in the Yellow River Industry's plan to pass, and the overall plan was approved in principle!

This undoubtedly injected a strong boost into Yellow River Industry, which was in dire straits.

At the construction site in Kowloon Tong, the tower cranes were erected again, and the roar of machinery filled the air once more. Shi Bin's security personnel, with sharp eyes, vigilantly patrolled the surroundings. The construction site was orderly, and no more thugs dared to harass them.

He Yuzhu stood by the office window, looking at the lights of the Kowloon Tong construction site in the distance, and then at the financial newspapers on his desk reporting the precipitous drop in the stock prices of Jardine Matheson, Hongkong Land, Henderson Land, and Sun Hung Kai Properties. There was no ecstatic joy on his face, only a deep calm.

"Targeting me?" he murmured to himself, as if asking Hong Kong outside the window, "This is just the beginning. The sky over Hong Kong won't always be in your hands."

He knew that while the counterattack had hurt his opponent, it had also exposed some of his own strength and tough stance.

Jardine Matheson and those few Chinese business tycoons will never let this go; an even bigger storm is yet to come.

Jardine Matheson headquarters, top-floor conference room.

The atmosphere was so heavy it could drip water.

Henry Keswick, the taipan of Jardine Matheson, was ashen-faced and pounded his fingers on the table, making the teacups vibrate.

On the projection screen, the heartbreaking stock price charts of Jardine Matheson and Hongkong Land resembled two ugly scars.

"A disgrace! This is a disgrace never before seen in Jardine Matheson's century-long history!" Keswick's voice was icy and chilling. "To be so humiliated by a company that started by selling water, using financial tricks and media manipulation!"

“Mr. Taipan,” the chairman of Hongkong Land, a meticulously groomed British gentleman, said in a deep voice, “the power behind this company far exceeds our expectations. Furthermore, its owner not only has a far-reaching presence in the real economy, but also operates with precision and ruthlessness in finance, and there seems to be international funding behind him that we haven’t yet grasped. Moreover, his manipulation of public opinion is extremely skillful; those ‘old debts,’ though from a long time ago, are being dredged up at such a sensitive moment, and their destructive power is immense.”

“And then there’s the Planning Department,” Li Zhao of Hengzhao Real Estate interjected, his face equally grim. “It seems they’ve resisted the pressure we’ve put on them, and even turned against us. The legal team hired by Yellow River Industrial is very difficult to deal with, and those legislators… he’s opened up some channels we’ve previously overlooked.”

“Ignore?” Keswick scoffed. “No, underestimate! We underestimated his determination, his ability, and… his audacity! He dares to challenge the entire system!”

Guo Sheng of Xinji was deeply worried: "Mr. Keswick, the most urgent task is to stabilize the stock price and restore market confidence. But the short-selling forces of Huanghe Industry are very cunning, striking and retreating quickly, making it difficult for us to find a handle to counterattack. Moreover, does he have more 'material' in hand? Will he continue to release it?"

A sinister glint flashed in Keswick's eyes: "Stabilizing the stock price is a must, at all costs! Unite all our allied banks and give them your full support! At the same time, investigate! Use all resources to find out the source of his overseas funds, and find out who provided him with those 'old debt' clues! Especially... how deep are his connections with the police leadership, and even higher up! I don't believe there aren't insiders helping him!"

He paused, his tone becoming even more dangerous: "That piece of land in Kowloon Tong absolutely cannot be allowed to be developed smoothly! That's a prime location along the future Victoria Harbour waterfront, the core of Jardine Matheson's 'outside Central' strategy! If we're temporarily blocked openly, then we'll try something covert, but this time, we'll be smarter and more lethal, leaving him with no leverage!"

A few days later, Orion brought even more unsettling news: Henry Keswick had recently been meeting frequently in secret with senior officials of the Governor's Office, as well as several secretaries in charge of land, public works, and finance.

The meeting was kept highly confidential, but the winds of change were clearly off.

"What?" Orion's voice was grave. "This time, Keswick probably wants to use his ultimate weapon—political pressure—to directly change the rules at the highest level, or find a high-sounding reason, such as 'public interest' or 'strategic reserves,' to forcibly take back or freeze that piece of land in Kowloon Tong! That's their real trump card."

He Yuzhu stood in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window. Outside the window was the dazzling Pearl of the Orient, but also a turbulent arena of fame and fortune.

Jardine Matheson's century-old foundation and its intricate ties with the Hong Kong British government are far beyond what his current business and financial means can completely shake. The other side is about to overturn the table.

He remained silent for a long time, his knuckles gently tapping on the cold glass.

It seems that merely fighting on the chessboard of Hong Kong is no longer enough.

Jardine Matheson's lifeline largely depends on its global trading network, particularly its reliance on the British domestic market and the Commonwealth market.

Its ability to wield power in Hong Kong stems from its unique status as the "guardian of the jewel in the Queen's crown."

"Orion, even your superior couldn't hold on anymore?" He Yuzhu's voice was calm.

"Well, my superior couldn't withstand the pressure from China. You know how huge Jardine Matheson is."

"Okay, I know."

"That land in Kowloon Tong?"

"Don't get involved. It wasn't easy for you to get to where you are now. Although you didn't say who's above you, I can guess. Do you really think he can stay in that position forever? You'll have to rely on yourself in the future."

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

After a long while, Orion finally spoke: "He, if it really doesn't work out, just give up. There are plenty of opportunities. At worst, I can help you get a few more plots of land. There's more than just that one plot near Victoria Harbour."

“You don’t understand. If I back down this time, Yellow River Industry will have to keep its head down in the future. Moreover, the land you mentioned will never be available to Yellow River Industry. Not only that, but it will be very, very difficult for me to develop the land I bought before!”

"He, if you keep pushing yourself like this, the end result will be a lose-lose situation. The net can be repaired, but if the fish dies, it's really dead."

　Thank you to readers Sangeng, Shu10096, and cyndi1982 for the generous donations! Thank you for your support!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)