Reborn in America: Starting as a California Resident

Huo Jianning, the "Emperor of Migrant Workers" of later generations, respectfully said to Li Huangtai: "The situation in the securities market is becoming increasingly severe."

Recently, major British-owned companies in Hong Kong have publicly questioned Cheung Kong Holdings' financial situation and business strategy on various occasions, causing a serious blow to investor confidence.

Our stock price is experiencing significant volatility.

What's even more troublesome is that, with the funds at his disposal, Qi Dezun has successfully recruited several minority shareholders, increasing his stake in Hutchison Whampoa by more than 3%.

As for us, the cost of increasing our holdings has increased significantly due to the rapid rise in stock price.

As of now, the company's working capital is only 5548 million yuan.

"Okay, I understand."

Upon hearing this, Li Huangtai frowned, his heart filled with vexation.

He had anticipated that Qi Dezun would take action, but he had not expected the opponent's offensive to be so swift.

This is a full-scale attack on Cheung Kong Holdings from the very beginning, using all available resources!

"Jianning, tell all departments to slow down the pace of equity acquisition from now on."

Further instructions will follow.

"Understood, Mr. Li."

"I will carry out your orders immediately and report the situation to you in a timely manner."

Li Huangtai nodded. "Very good, you can go now."

After Huo Jianning left, Li Huangtai fell into deep thought, and then dialed a phone: "Hello, is this Mr. Wei Li?"

I am Li Huangtai.

"Oh, Mr. Li, what brings you here?"

"You're not here to tell me that you've gained more than half of Hutchison Whampoa's control, are you?"

If that's the case, then that's really...

“Mr. Wei Li,” Li Huangtai interrupted, “business competition is no child’s play.”

I hope we can sit down and talk to find a solution that is acceptable to both sides.

"oh?

Is Mr. Li preparing to admit defeat?

Verri’s tone was somewhat provocative.

"It is pointless to discuss whether or not to admit defeat now."

I just wanted to ask you to convey to Mr. Qi Dezun that I currently hold 11.61% of Hutchison Whampoa's shares.

If he is interested in discussing this, he can meet with me at the Peninsula Hotel at 4 p.m. today.

If I don't see them by then, I'm afraid I'll have no choice but to regretfully transfer these shares to Mr. Getty of America.

……

"Mr. Li, it seems you are not someone who gives up easily."

Verri's tone softened slightly. "Since you've put it that way, I naturally have no reason to refuse."

I will pass on your message to Mr. Qi Dezun and tell him about your proposal.

If he agrees, I think he will come at the agreed time and place.

"Very good, then I'll await good news."

As the clock ticked, time quietly slipped away, and soon it was exactly four o'clock in the afternoon.

At this moment, Li Huangtai had been waiting for a long time in a luxurious private room at the Peninsula Hotel.

The room was elegantly furnished, and the city views outside the window were breathtaking, but Li Huangtai's gaze was fixed on the entrance to the room.

Just as the clock struck four, the door was gently pushed open, and Qi Dezun appeared in the doorway.

Li Huangtai stood up to greet him and gestured for him to sit down.

"Mr. Qi Dezun, welcome."

Li Huangtai said politely.

"Mr. Li, you're too kind."

Since you've extended the invitation in such a special way, of course I had to come and see.

After Qi Dezun sat down, he said directly, "Well then, Mr. Li, let's talk about your proposal now!"

"certainly."

Li Huangtai nodded in agreement, then took a document from his briefcase and pushed it in front of Qi Dezun.

"Sir, would you please take a look at these documents first?"

Qi Dezun nodded and opened the folder.

His expression changed slightly when he saw the first page of the document.

He then took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, and read through the entire document with a blank expression.

He gently put down the document, looked up, and met Li Huangtai's deep gaze.

"Mr. Li, what exactly do you mean?"

Qi Dezun's heart was now surging like a turbulent sea, unable to find peace.

This document shattered his last shred of hope.

Previously, despite Henry's clear expression of support, Qi Dezun never dared to let his guard down.

His interactions with Henry and the Getty family during this period of time gave him a deep understanding of their power.

If Henry only held 22.4% of Hutchison Whampoa's shares, he could still put up a fight against him.

But what would it mean if Henry were to acquire the remaining 11.61% from Li Huangtai, bringing his total stake to 33%?

That would be a warning sign that cannot be ignored!

Henry will then not only have a decisive say in the company's major decisions, but he can also easily influence the revision of the company's articles of association and the buying and selling of key assets.

Even more significantly, Henry could monopolize the power to appoint board members, thereby completely controlling the company's operational direction.

If he is not careful, Qi Dezun's years of hard work at Hutchison Whampoa could go to waste, and he may even face the risk of being ousted.

Now, this is no longer a simple stock transaction;

Rather, it has risen to the level of questioning the ownership of the company's lifeline.

"Mr. Qi Dezun, I have no other intentions."

Li Huangtai said gently, "In the ups and downs of business, it is only human nature to seek profit and avoid harm."

My suggestion is actually very simple: find a way to coexist rather than confront each other.

This current confrontation benefits no one; stock price volatility and a loss of market confidence ultimately harm our own interests.

Is this a threat?

Qi Dezun's eyes sharpened instantly, and his tone was filled with a chilling intent.

"No, no, I don't have that kind of courage."

I simply have a positive outlook on Hutchison Whampoa's development prospects, and since I happened to have some spare money, I wanted to invest in it and share the fruits of this growth with everyone.

Li Huangtai smiled warmly, but his words revealed a determination that could not be ignored.

Doing something is one thing, admitting it is another. Even though both parties know the truth about many things, sometimes there are things that cannot be admitted!

"Mr. Qi Dezun, as a leader in Hong Kong's business community, you naturally understand Hutchison Whampoa's value and development direction better than anyone else."

I have no intention of interfering with the company's daily operations; I simply hope to reach a consensus at the strategic level and work together to move the company forward.

"I hope we can focus our energy on more constructive things, rather than wasting each other's time."

If we fight tooth and nail here, in the end only onlookers will reap the benefits.

"Investment? Ha!"

Qi Dezun gave a cold laugh, clearly not entirely convinced by Li Huangtai's explanation;

But he also realized that Li Huangtai's words were not without reason.

If we really push the other party too far, then more than one company will suffer losses.

"Let's not talk about anything else, Mr. Li."

I only have one question: Now that the competition has begun, you suddenly propose cooperation. How can I trust your sincerity?

"We can draft an agreement to ensure that the rights and interests of both parties are not infringed."

Provided that we can both remain at peace, I can give you three years. If you can come up with enough funds to acquire my shares at that time, then you can complete the transaction at the agreed price.

Of course, this price will change with market conditions. Let's take today's stock price as a base, and an annual growth of 50% should be the most reasonable estimate.

"You're extorting me!"

Seeing Qi Dezun's furious appearance, Li Huangtai immediately reached out to stop him: "You don't need to rush to refute."

After all, I'm doing this to protect my investment returns.

I promise you that during this period, I will not unilaterally seek cooperation with other third parties to sell my shares, unless you explicitly waive that opportunity.

......