"Furthermore, Jardine Matheson will provide Mr. Kobayashi Tenwang with a cash loan of HK$300 million at the same time as the transaction, with an annual interest rate calculated based on HSBC's prime lending rate."
Like a thunderclap exploding beside his ears, Newbijian instantly jumped up from his chair, his eyes wide open, the blood drained from his face, and his voice became sharp due to extreme shock and absurdity: "What? You mean, not only do we have to sell this priceless 20% stake to that Japanese at the current bargain price? But Jardine Matheson also wants to lend him money?! 300 million?! Peter! My old friend, you are not kidding me, are you? Or did I not sleep well last night and am dreaming now?!" He couldn't even help but point at Shen Bi, his voice trembling with disbelief, "Who is this Xiaolin Tianwang to you? If he wasn't of Chinese descent, I would definitely think he was your illegitimate child outside..."
Shen Bi's expression instantly turned cold, and his sharp eyes pierced Newbigin like an ice spike: "Sir Newbigin! Watch your words!" His low voice was filled with unquestionable majesty, "Sit down!"
Newbijian was frightened by his gaze, and his angry words were stuck in his throat. He sat back in the chair dejectedly, but his chest was still heaving violently.
Chen Bi's expression softened slightly, but his tone remained stern and unyielding. "I understand this condition. At first glance, it might sound like we've suffered a huge loss, while Xiaolin Tianwang has taken full advantage. But have you ever considered the current situation of the Hong Kong Land Group in the market? A hot potato about to fall below the margin call limit! A target that all British investors are avoiding, and many Chinese investors are eyeing covetously!"
He leaned forward slightly, feeling a strong sense of oppression. "Giving the shares to Kobayashi Tenwang is the first consideration—he's a Chinese citizen of Japanese descent! He and the Fok family are at loggerheads, and everyone in Hong Kong knows it! As long as Kobayashi Tenwang controls Hong Kong Hutchison Whampoa, the hungry wolf Fok family will keep a close eye on him! The Chinese capital will be divided and strife will break apart! This will be far more beneficial to HSBC and the entire British capital landscape than letting the Fok family, or anyone like Pao Yue-kong or Li Ka-shing, take over Hong Kong Hutchison Whampoa alone! This move is based on the overall situation of British capital against Chinese capital! In the long run, letting the Chinese fight among themselves will bring endless benefits!"
He paused, observing Newbigin's expression, his voice slowed down but with more weight: "As for the 300 million loan? For Jardine Matheson, it's ultimately just a special 'financial arrangement'. If you really have difficulty with capital turnover, HSBC can first provide this money to Jardine Matheson, and Jardine Matheson will then lend it to Kobayashi Tianwang." Shen Bi stared into Newbigin's eyes, "Do you understand? Jardine Matheson just took this extra step. In the end, you only temporarily put up 300 million Hong Kong dollars to give the land to Kobayashi Tianwang, temporarily preventing it from falling into the hands of a more dangerous enemy, and also buying time and room for maneuver to resolve Australia's troubles! This deal is worth it!"
The muscles on Niubijian's face twitched stiffly, as if all his anger and resentment were being forced back into him by this cold reality. He looked at Shen Bi's unquestionable face and understood everything. This wasn't a negotiation; this was the final verdict. All struggles and protests were meaningless.
He lowered his head dejectedly. After a long while, he squeezed out a bitter voice from his throat: "...I understand, Peter. Just follow...according to HSBC's strategic decision."
At the entrance of the HSBC Building, the door of a stretched Rolls-Royce was respectfully opened by a waiter. Newbigin hunched over, the cool scent of leather enveloping him, shutting out the clamor of the outside world. He leaned back in the back seat and closed his eyes wearily. The wheels rolled over the wet road, pulling into the gradually brightening evening light. He knew that the era of Jardine Matheson Land Development was over. All that remained was the energy to pick up the pieces.
It was almost dusk. The giant electronic ticker at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange was still flickering, the share price of Hong Kong Land Development pinned firmly around HK$60. Exhausted traders cleared their desks, awaiting the closing bell.
In this moment of languid silence, the exchange's broadcast system suddenly blared a clear, steady announcement, powerful enough to resonate throughout Hong Kong: "Attention! Listed company SHK Properties (stock code: 0008) has released its latest announcement: Mr. Kobayashi Tenmo and his subsidiary, Longteng Newspapers Co., Ltd., as concerted parties, have acquired a combined 27.5% of the company's total issued shares through market acquisitions and negotiated transfers after today's market close, becoming the company's largest single shareholder and actual controller. The relevant equity change report will be disclosed as soon as possible in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Futures Ordinance. A change in control of the company has occurred. Repeat..."
The exchange fell silent for a moment. Seconds later, like cold water splashing into a frying pan, a tsunami-like roar erupted! Phones rang frantically, mingled with exclamations of disbelief and a cacophony of questions. The entire Hong Kong financial market was completely detonated by this bombshell!
In the study on the top floor of the Fok family mansion in Deep Water Bay, the television screen had already been overwritten by a special news subtitle: "[Breaking News] Hong Kong Land Group changes hands! Japanese-Chinese businessman Kobayashi Tenmo takes control of the real estate empire with a 27.5% stake!"
The excitement, anticipation, and unwavering faith in victory on Fok Chun-ting's face were completely frozen by these cold words. He froze in place as if struck by lightning, his eyes fixed on the screen, his mouth unconsciously open, but no sound emanated. The "Fok Landmark Summit Declaration" he had meticulously prepared all day was instantly shattered by the name of Kobayashi Tenmo.
Huo Yingdong stood by the window, his figure stretched out by the dusk. He looked out at the brilliant sunset glow over Victoria Harbour, his face expressionless, not even a wrinkle fluttering.
Until this moment, he still couldn't believe it. Lin Huowang really did it. He let the British-owned foreigner personally deliver the Jardine Matheson Group to his lips. It was simply incredible.
For Ho Ying-tung, who has been active in Hong Kong for half his life, one can imagine the shock that Lin Huowang's series of layouts and operations brought to him.
In the study, only the pendulum of the antique clock on the wall was still making a regular, cold, and unchanging "ticking" sound.
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