Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 237 Making Friends with 6K (Seeking monthly tickets, recommendations, and subscriptions!)
A few days later, it was time for Chen Bingwen's parents to return to the mainland to visit relatives.

Early in the morning, the Luohu Port was bustling with people.

Two security personnel, dressed in plainclothes but with sharp eyes, arranged by Zhao Gang, were already in place, carefully checking the customs documents and personal belongings.

Chen Guofu and Wang Qiaozhen wore new clothes, their faces showing both anticipation and nervousness.

Chen Bingwen's black Mercedes-Benz slowly stopped near the entrance to the port.

He got out of the car and walked quickly to his parents.

"Dad, Mom, be careful on the road. Once we get there, follow Xiao Zhang's instructions."

Chen Bingwen gave instructions, his gaze sweeping over the two composed security personnel, who nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

"Okay, you go about your business, don't worry about us." Wang Qiaozhen held her son's hand, her eyes a little red, and repeatedly straightened Chen Bingwen's collar. "Make sure you eat on time here, don't overwork yourself."

Chen Guofu nodded, patted his son's shoulder hard, his Adam's apple bobbed as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he just said in a deep voice, "Be careful with business matters."

"Yes, I know." Chen Bingwen could sense the unspoken words and deep-seated worry hidden in his father's silence.

He handed over a thick envelope. "There are some foreign exchange certificates and RMB in here. You can use them on the way, or buy something for your grandparents."

Wang Qiaozhen took the envelope, squeezed it, and was startled by its thickness: "Wow, so much!"

"Take it. If you don't use it all, leave it for your grandparents."

Chen Bingwen smiled and said, "It's about time. Let's go through."

Watching his parents, accompanied by security personnel, merge into the flow of people crossing the border, waving back from time to time, Chen Bingwen stood there watching until their figures disappeared at the end of the passage before turning back to his car.

"Go back to the company," he said to Zhao Gang.

Top-floor office of Weiye Building.

Just as Chen Bingwen sat down, Fang Wenshan knocked on the door and came in, his face serious and holding a report.

"Mr. Chen, something's up."

We have observed that in recent trading days, several closely related offshore fund accounts have been gradually but continuously accumulating Hutchison Whampoa shares in the secondary market.

Although the amount involved each time was small, the actions were very discreet, and the total shareholding ratio is estimated to have quietly increased by nearly 0.5%.

I had someone trace the source, and the financial backers of these funds are very likely related to Cheung Kong Holdings.

Chen Bingwen took the report and quickly scanned the data and analysis, without showing much surprise on his face.

“Li Jiacheng has started snapping up shares,” Fang Wenshan added.

Chen Bingwen put down the report and pondered, "He must not have gotten the result he wanted from HSBC."

He couldn't sit still any longer and wanted to quietly accumulate some leverage in the secondary market to increase his confidence and have more weight in negotiations with HSBC.

He pondered for a moment, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "However, since he has made his move, we cannot let him have it too easy."

We can't let him think that the secondary market is his backyard, where he can buy whatever he wants.

After saying that, he picked up the internal phone: "Ali, connect me to Chairman Wei Li."

The call was answered quickly.

"Chairman Wei Li, good afternoon. I am Chen Bingwen."

"Mr. Chen?" came Wei Li's slightly wary voice from the other end of the phone.

"I wonder what Chairman Wei Li has thought about regarding what we discussed last time?" Chen Bingwen asked bluntly. "Qingzhou Yingni's stock price and market value have risen several notches since then."

"Now, discussing a share swap would be fairer for both of us."

Wei Li was silent for a few seconds on the other end of the phone, seemingly weighing his options.

Last time, Chen Bingwen proposed to exchange his 6% stake in Hutchison Whampoa for shares in Qingzhou Yingni. He said he would go back and think about it, but there has been no follow-up since then.

However, with the stock price of Qingzhou Yingni continuing to rise and its market value approaching that of Hutchison Whampoa, the allure of this proposal has greatly increased.

“Mr. Chen, your proposal is indeed more attractive than before. However,” Wei Li paused, “completely abandoning Hutchison Whampoa shares and replacing them all with Qingzhou Yingni is still too risky for me.”

After all, no matter how optimistic I am about the future of Qingzhou Yingni, its current value and stability cannot be completely equated with Hutchison Whampoa.

“I understand,” Chen Bingwen said. “How about this, Chairman Wei Li, if you have time, I would like to discuss a new and more specific plan with you in person.”

I believe this new plan better reflects our sincerity and protects your interests to the greatest extent possible.

Upon hearing about the new plan, Wei Li's interest was clearly piqued: "Oh? What new proposal does Mr. Chen have?"

“It’s not convenient to talk on the phone. If Chairman Wei Li is free this afternoon, you can come to my office, or we can arrange another quiet place to discuss this in detail,” Chen Bingwen extended an invitation.

“Okay. I’ll come to your office at three o’clock this afternoon.” Wei Li made the decision quickly.

He also wanted to hear what price Chen Bingwen could offer.

At 3 p.m. sharp, Wei Li appeared in Chen Bingwen’s office.

The two didn't exchange many pleasantries and went straight to the point.

Chen Bingwen asked Fang Wenshan to hand over a prepared outline of the plan to Wei Li.

“Chairman Wei Li, my new proposal is: I will use approximately 3% of the total share capital of Qingzhou Yingni after the rights issue is completed, plus HK$2000 million in cash, to exchange for all of your approximately 6% stake in Hutchison Whampoa.”

Chen Bingwen said seriously, while observing Wei Li's reaction.

Wei Li quickly did the calculations.

Based on the current market value of Qingzhou Yingni, the 3% stake is already close to 80% of the value of his Hutchison Whampoa shares. Adding the 20 million in cash, the total price is slightly higher than the market price, and it also includes the potential gains from future increases in Qingzhou Yingni's share price.

More importantly, Chen Bingwen then offered a second condition: "In addition, after the transaction is completed, I promise to support you to continue serving as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hutchison Whampoa for at least three years, with an annual salary of HK$3 million, and you may receive additional rewards based on the company's performance."

This condition hits right where Wiley's core concern lies.

He is not only a professional manager, but also a manager with a strong desire for power.

The prospect of remaining on the Hutchison Whampoa board with real power and substantial compensation was incredibly attractive to him. While Wei Li remained outwardly composed, the subtle shift in his eyes didn't escape Chen Bingwen's notice.

He pondered, his fingers unconsciously gripping the sofa armrest: "Chen Sheng's offer is indeed more attractive than last time."

Especially the guarantee of board membership.

"I believe this is the best option for both of us."

Chen Bingwen understood the situation by observing Wei Li's reaction.

His decision to offer Wylie only the position of "vice chairman" rather than a higher position was a well-considered one.

After several interactions with Wayne Roy and in-depth research into Roy's performance at Hutchison Whampoa, Chen Bingwen made a clear judgment on Roy's abilities: he was an outstanding president, a talented leader in handling specific affairs, executing strategies, and managing a large organization, especially skilled in financial control and crisis management, but lacked the grand strategic vision and the courage to break with the old and establish the new required of a top decision-maker.

Wylie may be an excellent maintainer or executor, but he is unlikely to become the commander who leads a vast business empire to expand its territory.

If he successfully takes over Hutchison Whampoa in the future, Chen Bingwen will need a manager who can fully implement his strategic intentions and has an enterprising spirit to take charge of daily operations. Wei Li is more suitable to stay in his familiar field and play the role of a "capable minister".

Use their experience and abilities to stabilize the situation and counterbalance potential internal resistance, but the ultimate decision-making power must remain in their own hands.

Giving him the position of vice chairman is both a recognition and utilization of his abilities and contributions, and also leaves room for possible future personnel arrangements.

Chen Bingwen pressed on, saying, "Your personal assets have been optimized and appreciated, while you have retained your power and influence in Hutchison Whampoa. In the future, you will also be able to share in the huge dividends brought by the Qingzhou Yingni real estate development."

And I, in turn, will gain greater influence within Hutchison Whampoa. Together, we can better address future challenges, including ensuring that Hutchison Whampoa doesn't fall into a situation where one company dominates, potentially harming the interests of other shareholders.

With shared interests and promises of position and power, Chen Bingwen's offer was extremely substantial.

The reason he offered these conditions was because he clearly knew what Wei Li valued most and understood what role he needed Wei Li to play in the future.

Wei Li remained silent for a longer period, clearly engaged in a fierce internal struggle.

Finally, he spoke, "Mr. Chen, I have felt your sincerity."

I can accept this plan in principle. However, I need to discuss the details with my financial advisor.

“No problem.” Chen Bingwen knew he was interested. “My lawyer, Gu Yongxian, will prepare a detailed draft agreement as soon as possible and send it to you for review.”

Hopefully, we can reach an agreement as soon as possible.

“I hope so too.” Wei Li shook hands firmly with Chen Bingwen.

A crucial deal has been tentatively reached.

After seeing Wei Li off, Chen Bingwen breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Acquiring this 6% stake in Veri is of great significance.

This not only means that his shareholding in Hutchison Whampoa will increase significantly, but more importantly, it means that he has gained an ally, Wiley, who is familiar with the internal operations of Hutchison Whampoa, giving him a strong foothold on the board of directors in the future.

A few days later, in the boardroom at HSBC headquarters.

Shen Bi sat in the main seat, with a carefully prepared summary of his proposal in front of him.

"Distinguished directors," Sir Michael Sandberg began in a calm voice, "after several consultations with management and an assessment based on the latest market conditions, I propose a more flexible and prudent approach to the disposal of HSBC's remaining 23% stake in Hutchison Whampoa."

He looked around and slowly said, "I suggest we stop seeking a single buyer for the entire acquisition and instead split this share in two."

The first part, approximately 11.25% of the shares, will be offered to one or more long-term investors with strong financial backing who can bring significant strategic synergies to Hutchison Whampoa's future development, at a price slightly above the current market value.

The second part, the remaining 11.75% stake, will remain within HSBC's asset portfolio for the time being, and will be gradually reduced as market conditions allow, or used as leverage for potential future strategic partnerships.

This solution may seem like a compromise, but it is actually ingenious.

It satisfied the needs of some directors who wanted to recoup funds as soon as possible, while also appeasing those directors who were worried that a one-off sale would mean missing out on future premiums or losing influence over Hutchison Whampoa.

More importantly, the talk of targeted placement and strategic synergy made it possible to introduce new variables like Chen Bingwen, while not completely rejecting Li Jiacheng. It simply changed the competition from who got all the shares to who got the crucial 12% first, and HSBC still held 10% of the shares to maintain its influence.

The meeting room was quiet for a moment, then quiet discussions began.

“Placeing shares in strategic investors through private placement is a good idea; it allows for a premium and also helps to select more suitable partners.”

"Sir Sir Michael Sandberg's decision to maintain a degree of observation, allowing for flexibility in both advancing and retreating, is very well-considered." "However, the criteria for strategic investors need to be clearly defined and cannot be decided lightly."

After some discussion, the board of directors ultimately approved in principle Sir Michael Sandberg's plan, requiring management to develop more detailed implementation standards as soon as possible and to begin contacting potential buyers who meet the definition of strategic investors.

Although HSBC's new plan has not been officially announced, almost everyone who needs to know about it already knows.

Cheung Kong Holdings office.

Upon hearing Zhou Jinqian's report, Li Jiacheng's face instantly darkened, and he silently clenched his pen.

"Split in two? Targeted placement?" He repeated these two words in a low voice. "Sham Birmingham is trying to muddy the waters and wait for the best price! Even if I get this 12%, plus what I already have, I'm still just one step away from absolute control!"

HSBC's 10% stake could become a threat at any time!

He felt a strong sense of passivity and pressure.

Chen Bingwen's relentless pressure finally forced HSBC to change the rules of the game.

"Jinqian!" He looked up abruptly. "Immediately reassess our offer! We must secure that 12%!"
The price can be increased further!
Furthermore, secondary market acquisitions cannot stop; they must be accelerated and made more discreet!

"Yes, Mr. Li!"

Weiye Building.

When Chen Bingwen heard the same news from Fang Wenshan, he merely raised an eyebrow slightly and put down the documents in his hand.

"Shen Bi is indeed a cunning old fox," he commented. "In this way, all the pressure will fall on Li Jiacheng's side."

HSBC wanted to make more money, but didn't want to completely relinquish control, and also wanted to see what I was capable of.

After thinking for a few minutes, he told Fang Wenshan, "Don't take the initiative to contact HSBC for the time being."

We'll wait for them to come to us.

The one in a hurry right now is Li Jiacheng, not us. We need to handle the deal with Weili first and consolidate our internal position.

If the price for that 12% stake is too high, there's no need to fight tooth and nail for it.

Sometimes, sitting in the audience and watching a play is quite nice.

He needs to reassess the cost of competing for that 12% allocation and whether it's worth it.

Whether to accept HSBC's new offer, and how to accept it, requires careful consideration.

Over the weekend, Bao Yugang invited Chen Bingwen to watch horse racing in a box at the Happy Valley Jockey Club.

Chen Bingwen readily agreed.

He also hoped to take this opportunity to see if he could learn some inside information about the HSBC board of directors from Bao Yugang, after all, Bao Yugang and Shen Bi had a very close personal relationship.

Bao Yugang had an excellent seat in the Jockey Club box with a superb view.

When Chen Bingwen arrived, Bao Yugang and several friends had already arrived.

Bao Yugang was dressed casually but looked very energetic.

Besides the two of them, there were several other well-known business figures from Hong Kong Island.

One of the somewhat unfamiliar middle-aged men, introduced by Bao Yugang, was He Xian from Macau, who worked in the tourism and entertainment industry.

He Xian was elegant in demeanor and witty in conversation. The understated yet valuable watch on his wrist revealed his extraordinary status.

Chen Bingwen knew in his heart that this person's power should not be underestimated, even though his business seemed unrelated to his own.

However, they have unique advantages in terms of personal connections and capital flow.

"Mr. He, I've long admired your name, and today I finally get to see you in person," Chen Bingwen said with a smile.

He Xian smiled slightly: "Mr. Chen, you are too kind. You are the one who is truly a promising young man."

"You're definitely the most talked-about person on Hong Kong Island right now."

During a break in the horse race, the group chatted idly.

Bao Yugang seemed unwilling to discuss HSBC in depth, and instead shared his observations on shipping and the international situation.

As they chatted, the topic of sports sponsorship came up. Chen Bingwen remembered that the race car driver sponsored by Chen's would be participating in the upcoming Macau Grand Prix, so he casually mentioned to He Xian:
"Mr. He, speaking of which, the driver sponsored by our Chen family will be going to Macau next month to participate in the Guia Grand Prix. We'll need your help then."

He Xian was clearly very familiar with this annual event in Macau, and said with a smile: "The Grand Prix (Guild Bay) is a major event in Macau. Mr. Chen wants to send someone to participate, which is very welcome."

If Mr. Chen's beverages need to enter the Macau market, or promote themselves during the competition, perhaps I can offer some assistance.

He spoke politely, but he gave a clear signal of cooperation.

With the help of a local Macau figure like He Xian, Chen Bingwen was naturally very happy and said with a smile, "That's great!"
Our newly launched 'Pulse Thunder' energy drink is especially suitable for occasions where you need to stay alert and focused, such as those who stay up late watching sports or... working through the night.

If you can get into any of He Sheng's venues, you'll definitely be very popular.

I'll have my colleague in charge of business visit Mr. He in Macau later to discuss the specifics of the collaboration.

After a moment's thought, He Xian nodded and said, "Okay."

"Have my secretary schedule a time with your people."

He was interested not only in the beverage itself, but also in Chen Bingwen as a person and the potential he demonstrated.

In the Hong Kong and Macau business circles, having more connections means having more opportunities; this is an unchanging truth.

Bao Yugang listened from the side, took a sip of red wine with a smile, and nodded to himself in approval of Chen Bingwen's ability to leverage external forces and quickly expand his network and channels.

After the horse race, everyone exchanged pleasantries as they left the VIP box.

He Xian's luxury car was already waiting at the door.

Once inside the car, the smile faded from his face, replaced by a thoughtful expression.

Sitting in the passenger seat was his trusted butler, Ah Xiang, whom he had relied on for many years.

Looking at his boss's expression in the rearview mirror, Ah Xiang asked softly, "Boss, it seems you value that Mr. Chen quite a bit?"

He Xian rubbed his temples, not answering directly, but instead asking, "Ah Xiang, what do you think of Chen Bingwen?"

Ah Xiang had followed He Xian for many years and had seen countless influential figures. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "He is very young, but his aura is very stable, unlike that of a typical spoiled brat."

The fact that the shipping magnate invited him to watch the horse race was itself a signal.

Moreover, he's been making quite a splash in Hong Kong lately, acquiring Qingzhou Yingni and showing interest in Hutchison Whampoa... He's got some nerve.

“It’s more than just being bold,” He Xian chuckled. “You’ve only seen the surface.”

I ask you, how can a young man in his early twenties, starting from scratch, stir up the business world of Hong Kong Island in just a few years and make even someone like Li Ka-shing feel troubled?
Was it simply because of good luck, or because he was ruthless enough?

Ah Xiang pondered for a moment and said, "This... is indeed illogical."

His funds seemed inexhaustible, and his financial acumen was astoundingly sharp.

“That’s the key,” He Xian said solemnly. “I’ve had people thoroughly investigate his background.”

The background is clean; the parents are ordinary Teochew people who run a small dessert shop in Sham Shui Po.

But look at his business portfolio: sugar water, beverages, real estate, film and television, and now he wants to get involved with behemoths like Hutchison Whampoa.

Every step was perfectly timed, fast, accurate, and ruthless.

There's definitely more to this than meets the eye.

He paused, then lowered his voice: "I suspect that there may be unseen forces supporting him."

Think about it, how quickly he connected with China Resources and even managed to sell the Qingzhou Yingni Cement business to China Resources? This is something that ordinary businessmen can do.
What is the background of China Resources?
Without the tacit approval or even support from above, could such a transaction involving strategic materials have gone so smoothly?

Ah Xiang suddenly realized: "You mean... he might be connected to the north..."

“It may not be a direct relationship, but at least it is a pawn that the North is happy to see, and may even be secretly helping them.” He Xian analyzed, “The North’s reform and opening up requires new economic forces, and it also needs a relatively clean agent that can connect the inside and outside.”

Chen Bingwen is young, has a clean background, is energetic, and has shown amazing business talent, making him the perfect candidate.

Supporting him, rather than directly dealing with those deeply entrenched old families, might be more in line with the current strategy in the north.

He Xian continued, "Furthermore, Macau will return to China sooner or later; this is an inevitable trend."

My business is based in Macau, so I must have a long-term vision.

Making friends with someone like Chen Bingwen now is like investing in your future.

He is still in the early stages of his career, and my timely help is exactly what he needs.

This favor is far more valuable than trying to add to his success after he has achieved fame and fortune.

"Moreover," He Xian's lips curled into a shrewd smile, "you see, although he has sharp edges, he knows the rules and knows when to advance and retreat."

He just talked to me about cooperation. He spoke eloquently and offered fair terms. He didn't try to take advantage of me just because he's young.

Such people understand the importance of sharing benefits, which is why they can last.

Helping him carries manageable risks, but the potential rewards could be enormous.

Getting a bottle of beverage into the Macau market is a small matter, but establishing a connection with him through this is the most important thing.

Ah Xiang finally understood: "So, boss, you agreed so readily because you wanted to bet on his future?"

"It's not so much a bet as a strategic investment."

He Xian said slowly, “Teach me a lesson: don’t just look at the chips on the table, but also see the future direction of the game and the other players at the table.”

Chen Bingwen is very likely to be one of the most important players at the poker table in the future.

Establishing contact with him now is the cheapest and most opportune time.

This deal looks like a great deal no matter how you look at it.

(End of this chapter)