And on the other side, the HSBC Building.
Shen Bi's office is very busy with phone calls today.
Just after he had agreed on the terms of the deal with Lin Huowang and notified Niu Bijian to come for a face-to-face meeting, the phone in front of Shen Bi started ringing one after another.
And without exception, the people who called were all well-known Chinese tycoons in Hong Kong.
In Deep Water Bay, the distinct aroma of cigars and Longjing tea permeated Li Ka-shing's spacious study. Cheung Kong Holdings was poised for a meteoric rise thanks to its subway-covered property projects, propelling it into the ranks of Hong Kong Island's leading Chinese businesses. Beneath Li Ka-shing's usual humble smile lay an irrepressible ambition. He picked up the dedicated line and dialed the private number of the HSBC executive.
"Boss Shen Bi, congratulations on your prosperity!" Li Jiacheng's voice was enthusiastic and just the right amount of respect. He knew Shen Bi's importance very well, and even a little benefit from HSBC would be enough to help him move up a level.
"Mr. Li, it's the same here. If we win the subway project, it will be a huge success, and Cheung Kong Holdings has a promising future." Shen Bi's voice was low and steady, without much emotion. Standing by the French window, overlooking Victoria Harbour, he knew Li Ka-shing wasn't just here for a casual exchange.
"It's all thanks to your support, Boss, and HSBC!" Li Jiacheng immediately responded, then changed the subject, cautiously probing, "Speaking of projects, the investment is huge, and it does take up a lot of cash flow... The market has been a bit volatile recently. I'm wondering about HSBC's disposal strategy for some of its high-quality assets... For example... the pledged shares of Jardine Matheson Land... Have they considered any special arrangements? I'm asking, is it possible to use some flexible financing methods..."
Li Ka-shing didn't say it explicitly, but his intentions were clear. He wanted to know whether HSBC would sell its 20% stake in Hong Kong Land. Furthermore, he wanted to know if someone like him, who had close ties to HSBC and had just secured a major project, could be given priority to acquire this massive asset through loans or other means. If they could acquire Hong Kong Land, coupled with their accumulated subway projects, Cheung Kong Holdings would become a giant capable of shaking up the traditional landscape.
Chen Bi scoffed, barely audible, his tone gentle but undeniable. "Mr. Li is thoughtful. The situation of the Hong Kong Land Group is rather unique and is still being processed. As for the financing method you mentioned, HSBC's support for Cheung Kong Holdings has been fully demonstrated in the subway project. Right now, the subway project is the top priority, and Mr. Li should focus on it. Forget about other unrealistic ideas for now. Hong Kong Land's affairs will have their own outcome."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line. Li Jiacheng's smile froze, and beneath the mask of humility, his sharp eyes darkened. He understood Shen Bi's refusal, and even more so, the "ambition" hinted at in Shen Bi's words. This call had exposed to Shen Bi his intention to take control of Hong Kong Hutchison Whampoa and move up the ladder! This completely disrupted his secret plan to acquire Hutchison Whampoa!
"Yes... Mr. Shen Bi is right! I didn't think it through." Li Jiacheng's voice immediately returned to the familiar gentleness, even with a hint of panic, "Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Shen! Cheung Kong Holdings will definitely live up to HSBC's expectations and do its best to complete the project at hand!" He hurriedly ended the call.
After hanging up the phone, the gentleness on Li Jiacheng's face disappeared, leaving only coldness and a hint of regret.
What a mistake! Too impatient! Having just secured the subway project, he was already eyeing the land. In the eyes of Shen Bi, the old fox, this undoubtedly exposed his eagerness for expansion and his unwillingness to be outdone!
HSBC's support for him was to allow him to check and balance other Chinese investors, not to turn him into a new threat! Will HSBC's loans and support be discounted in the future? He was deeply disturbed by the meaning behind Shen Bi's words "Jindi has a home."
Almost at the moment when Li Ka-shing put down the phone, the owner of the giant cruise ship "Sea Princess" which had just entered Victoria Harbour and symbolized Pao Yue-kong's status as the world's shipping king was also calling Shen Bi.
Pao Yue-kong's voice was full of energy, with the straightforwardness honed by his experience at sea, without the roundabout greetings of Li Ka-shing: "Boss Shen Bi, it's me, Pao Yue-kong."
"Mr. Bao, the grandeur of your new ship entering the port has attracted the attention of the entire city." Chen Bi's voice was a little teasing, but he also maintained due respect. He knew the weight of this shipping magnate.
"Haha, it's just a party with old friends, just a little fun." Pao Yue-kong laughed heartily. "Let's get down to business. Shen Bi, Jardine Matheson is in a precarious situation right now. Hongkong Land's 20% stake is pledged to you, HSBC. What are your thoughts now? With the market falling like this, do you, HSBC, plan to take over the business yourself, or are you looking for a buyer?"
Pao Yue-kong got straight to the point. He didn't care about Hong Kong Land itself, nor did he intend to hide his calculations behind the scenes - Hong Kong Land Group firmly held a 28% stake in Wharf Holdings!
This was the biggest stumbling block in his secret bid for Wharf Holdings and control! If he could acquire this 20% stake in Hong Kong Land from HSBC, even if it wasn't a controlling stake, it would significantly weaken Hong Kong Land's control over Wharf Holdings, potentially even allowing it to overtake it in one fell swoop! This was a golden opportunity, even if his intentions were exposed in advance!
A gleam flashed in Shen Bi's eyes, but his tone remained calm. "Mr. Bao is quite straightforward. But you are well-informed. As a bank, HSBC must follow all rules and procedures. It also depends on the strength and compatibility of the takeover party. Of course, stabilizing the market is also our responsibility."
"Rules and procedures? Mr. Shen Bi, you and I have been dealing with each other for so many years, let's be frank. If HSBC is willing to let go, name a price. You know my funds, and my strength is no problem. As for the degree of fit, I never do business at a loss." Pao Yue-Kong pressed on step by step.
"Mr. Bao's strength is unquestionable." Shen Bi paused, then changed the subject with a subtle reminder, "However, Mr. Bao, have you been paying too much attention to Kowloon recently? The shipping market is recovering, and fleet integration is your foundation. As for Swire Properties... it's too early to discuss who will be its future. Some things may not necessarily have good results if forced. Be patient and wait." He cleverly alluded to Pao Yue-kong's secret acquisition of Wharf Holdings.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
