America: My Time

Chapter 427 Visiting Old Master Huo

Chapter 427 Visiting Old Master Huo

News of Orient Overseas receiving investment from Quantum Mining quickly spread, but the collaboration between the shipping magnate and John remained unknown. Stanley Ho, not one to blabber, had no intention of revealing this secret. However, even from these words, Stanley Ho understood that Quantum Mining was not as simple as it appeared on the surface.

Upon learning of Orient Overseas' partnership with John, the creditors' attitudes changed drastically. They stopped pressuring Orient Overseas to repay its loans, instantly easing the company's pressure. The Japanese banks, without even waiting for John's notification, also quickly reversed course. They understood the scale of Quantum Mining's iron ore transportation, given that Quantum Mining had received support from Japan. To gain leverage in iron ore pricing, Japan had invested over a hundred million US dollars. They naturally knew the size of Quantum Mining's iron ore production capacity and order book in Australia; even half of those orders would be enough to revive Orient Overseas.

The banks in Japan all know that Australian shipping companies don't have the resources to focus on transporting iron ore right now. Instead, they're frantically trading with the Russians, sending large quantities of goods to Japan at low prices. This has made all parties in Japan happy, and many Japanese have even participated in the trade, hoping to cooperate with the Russians. Unfortunately, they haven't succeeded.

Before Quantum Mining and Orient Overseas could sign a contract, Zhao's Huaguang Shipbuilding also approached Yuan Tianfan. However, this time John did not agree. Even if the other party was willing to offer greater benefits, John refused without hesitation. Although he only had a verbal agreement with the Dong family, he would not ruin his reputation for a little bit of profit.

After rejecting Wah Kwong Shipping, John and Yuan Tianfan visited the Fok family. Yuan Tianfan, who headed Standard Chartered Bank, was John's representative in Hong Kong. After some pleasantries, Old Master Fok said, "Mr. John, what are your thoughts on the development of Hong Kong? You now own the largest conglomerate in Hong Kong!"

"Mr. Huo, you flatter me. I can hardly be considered the head of Hong Kong's top conglomerate, and Hong Kong isn't my primary focus. I'm just a small businessman at best. As for Hong Kong's economy, I'm very optimistic about it. However, Hong Kong's economy is too singular; everyone is frantically developing in real estate, leading to considerable internal conflicts. I think they should expand beyond Hong Kong, otherwise the infighting will only intensify. In my opinion, instead of investing in Hong Kong's real estate, they should increase their investment in China. China is the real market; Hong Kong is too small!"

"Yes, Hong Kong is too small to support so many real estate companies. Now the Mandarin Oriental Group is expanding overseas. But I don't understand, since you think investing in China is so good, why hasn't the Mandarin Oriental Group expanded into that area?"

"It's not that the Mandarin Oriental Group doesn't want to, but rather that it lacks sufficient funds. The current global operations of the Mandarin Oriental Group are draining its resources and putting it under immense pressure. It doesn't have the energy to invest in China in the short term. If it continues to expand without restraint, it will face a cash flow crisis. The acquisition of British real estate has already strained the Mandarin Oriental Group's finances, not to mention the huge investment in Japan, which puts even more pressure on it. Once the Mandarin Oriental Group recovers, it will venture into China. Moreover, I myself am under considerable pressure. You should know that my investments in China have already surpassed those in Hong Kong, attracting a lot of discontent. I also have to consider these people's reactions and cannot afford to be on the opposite side."

Old Master Huo was aware of John's situation. Many people in the US were criticizing John for not investing in the country and not creating jobs. If John weren't a media mogul, he would likely be embroiled in endless criticism. This wasn't just a simple matter of media reporting; it involved the involvement of many powerful figures in the US, so handling it cautiously was the right thing to do.

If we were to name the biggest investor in China today, it would undoubtedly be John. His series of investments has shocked many, especially his massive investment in Western Energy, which has forced everyone to take him seriously. Most importantly, the profits John has earned from his investments in China are all being used for further investments within China; none have flowed out. This is something many cannot do, and it's something that frustrates many, as John's actions have increased their burden.

John's attitude towards the development of Hong Kong was very clear, which relieved Mr. Fok. To be honest, he was very worried that John would expand aggressively in Hong Kong, squeezing the living space of the Chinese and causing dissatisfaction and antagonism among them. Now, it's obvious to everyone that the British are going to run away. At this time, John taking over the British assets naturally made some people worry. Fortunately, John didn't have such intentions, and neither did the Mandarin Oriental Group.

Hong Kong is only so big. No matter how much the market is squeezed, the profits are still limited. The Chinese market is amazing, the Southeast Asian market is huge, and Japan and Taiwan have good development potential. John really doesn't need to compete with the Chinese community in Hong Kong for Hong Kong's real estate interests. The existing resources are already enough for John.

On this matter, Old Master Huo didn't believe John would lie, because there was no need for him to. He also knew that the Mandarin Oriental Group's development in Japan and Taiwan, and even its expansion in the United States, clearly wasn't centered in Hong Kong. Even though its headquarters were in Hong Kong, its development focus wasn't there. As for John's move to take over the Hong Kong docks, Old Master Huo didn't see anything wrong with it. It was simply an exchange of interests. Although some Chinese were opposing it, they couldn't influence the final outcome. Hong Kong was still under British control, and this demand was clearly for its own development. If anyone interfered, it would trigger a major conflict.

Even the British had to compromise. Old Master Huo didn't believe anyone in Hong Kong could have a financial showdown with John. Strength determines everything. The other party possessed absolute strength and was not afraid of any provocation. Strong strength is the greatest protection for oneself.

“We understand that you have your own difficulties, but this time your acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank has crossed the line for the British, and I’m afraid they will cause you some trouble for a long time.”

"Let them be. As long as it's not out in the open, I'll pretend I don't know anything. If they insist on confronting me head-on, then let's see who's more cunning. This is a normal business acquisition. The British will have to consider the consequences if they want to cause trouble. I'm not someone to be trifled with!"

"That's good. I believe the British won't go too far. At most, there will be some minor troubles in Hong Kong, which is nothing serious. The only concern is that some people might be provoked by the British and take some extreme actions. If that happens, please remain restrained. This is not the opinion of all Chinese people in Hong Kong; it's just the decision of a few individuals."

“I know, and I understand. This is perfectly normal. The British have controlled Hong Kong for so many years, so naturally many people have been won over and become their pawns. If these guys want to be my enemies, I will not show any mercy, nor will I involve others. You can rest assured about that!”

At this moment, Yuan Tianfan couldn't help but sigh. He understood how much the bigwigs in Hong Kong were wary of his boss. Perhaps it wasn't just his boss's fault, but also the British instigating things behind the scenes. After all, the change of ownership of Standard Chartered Bank had made many British extremely angry, and some even felt that it was a slap in their face. It wouldn't be difficult for them to secretly find something for their boss to do. Old Huo's words were a good reminder.

Standard Chartered Bank is the second largest bank in Hong Kong and has the power to issue banknotes. How could the British not be furious that it was so easily acquired by John? But no matter how furious they were, it was useless. They couldn't change the fact, nor did they dare to confront John directly on this matter. If they dared to do so, they would face suppression from the United States. After all, John was now a member of a conglomerate and was under the protection of the United States, so he could naturally ignore the pressure from the British.

Americans are always the ones bullying others; they'll never accept being bullied. The British made things difficult for John in the Hong Kong telecommunications issue because John wasn't a member of an American conglomerate. If that happened now, just imagine the US's attitude and how they would deal with the British. Daring to suppress a key American company, the Americans would definitely teach the British a lesson, showing them why they're so powerful.

It's perfectly normal for Americans to be domineering and unreasonable, yet they demand that others be reasonable while never being reasonable themselves. If they have leverage over someone, they will absolutely not let it go easily. The British can acquire American banks without a problem, but if Americans were to acquire British banks, it wouldn't be acceptable—how could that be? If the British make such a clear indication, the US wouldn't mind teaching them a lesson and letting them know what's what.

Compared to the British's cunning and treacherous nature, Mr. Huo and some other Chinese were more willing to trust John, the American. At least John's reputation was far better than the British's; at most, he might be a little petty, but that wasn't a big deal—just don't provoke him. In Hong Kong, John had never actively caused trouble; it was always the British who provoked him first. Hence this warning, but John didn't need it. He was well aware of just how cunning the British were.

It's just a minor squabble, a way to vent their frustrations. John can accept it, he won't care, and he won't pay any attention to it. But if they want to cause trouble, then they'll have to bear John's wrath. The media mogul isn't just for show; giving the British a lesson is no big deal. John has that kind of power!

(End of this chapter)