The light from the television screen illuminated Huo Zhenting's face, slightly flushed with excitement. He was dressed in a suit and tie, with the Huo Group's grand conference room as his backdrop. Facing the camera, his eyes were sharp and resolute.
“…based on the highest standards of integrity and responsibility for business partners, and at the same time, to maintain the purity of Hong Kong Island’s business environment.”
Fok Chun-ting's voice, clearly transmitted through the loudspeaker to every household in Hong Kong, carried an undeniable coldness. "The Fok Group and all its affiliated companies, effective immediately, officially sever all business dealings and cooperation with Hongkong Land Group, Dragon Newspapers, and all related companies under the name 'Kobayashi Tenwang'!"
Every word was like an icy iron nail, hammering into the air. Huo Zhenting paused, his eyes fixed on the camera, as if he could see through the screen to see the expression on his young opponent's face.
"This behavior is a violation of Hong Kong's business rules!" He deliberately emphasized the tone to make the accusation more inflammatory. "Certain outsiders have seized wealth and power through improper means, acting recklessly and placing personal selfish desires above business ethics and social justice. Their actions have seriously harmed the legitimate interests of local businesses and the feelings of the public!
On behalf of the Fok family, I call on all upright Chinese colleagues in Hong Kong, and every citizen who cares about the future of Hong Kong Island, to recognize the true nature of this person, reject him together, and defend our own business environment!
The scene switches. Familiar faces of Hong Kong Islanders appear on the screen, each more significant than the last.
Aboard Pao's luxury cruise ship, the Sea Princess, shipping magnate Pao Yue-kong stood with the magnificent Victoria Harbour as his backdrop. His expression was calm, his tone gentle yet persuasive: "The Fok family has been our long-time partner, renowned for their integrity, steadiness, and patriotism. Mr. Fok Ying-tung has called me personally, and I, Yue-kong Pao, deeply understand his judgment and concerns. The situation at Hongkong Land is complex, and the actions of the new helmsman... are indeed concerning."
Out of trust in Mr. Fok's character and consideration for the stability of the commercial order, Pao's Shipping has decided to heed Mr. Fok's call and suspend several existing shipping service contracts with Hongkong Land Group, pending further discussion upon the clarification of the future situation. His words were flawless, both giving the Fok family immense face and minimizing the company's own risks. His son-in-law, Wu Guangzheng, nodded in agreement, but a subtle hint of complexity flickered in his eyes.
At Sun Hung Kai Properties' headquarters, Kwok Tak-seng's expression was more pragmatic. His voice, low but powerful, carried weight: "Real estate development requires meticulous craftsmanship and honest collaboration. I don't know the specific business philosophy of the new owners of Hong Kong Land, but as a benchmark in the industry, Mr. Fok's public doubts must have been justified. Sun Hung Kai values its reputation and the quality of its projects, and must be prudent in selecting partners. Until Hong Kong Land's management demonstrates a clearer and more trustworthy business philosophy, we will re-evaluate all potential collaborations with them." This statement implicitly closed the door to collaboration.
New World Development. Cheng Yu-tung's response was characteristically bold and direct, his smile shone with shrewdness: "Business is like a battlefield; sometimes the situation outweighs the individual. The Fok family and we have a deep friendship. Mr. Fok's words today are courageous and responsibly delivered!"
I, Cheng Yu-tung, admire him! Since he's said this, New World will not hesitate! It doesn't matter if it's Japanese or Chinese capital, as long as it breaks the rules and disrupts the market, it deserves punishment. Starting today, New World will sever all business ties with Hong Kong Land Group! "With a clear and unwavering stance, they directly labeled Kobayashi Tenmo a "rule breaker."
The camera shifts to show Li Ka-shing in his newly renovated, still-new office at Cheung Kong Holdings. He wears a modest smile, but a sharp glint glints deep in his eyes: "Hong Kong Landmark is a landmark on Hong Kong Island. Its stability affects the livelihoods of many. Mr. Fok's concerns are not unfounded. I've heard," he tilts his head slightly, as if weighing his words, "that Mr. Kobayashi has been unusually energetic lately... and quite confusing. Youthful vigor isn't a bad thing, but if the foundation is unstable and enemies abound, I'm afraid... Well, as a company focused on long-term development, Cheung Kong Holdings will not consider further cooperation with Hong Kong Landmark for the time being.
We are optimistic about the Huo family's determination to maintain the healthy development of the industry. His words were gentle, but his message was clear, including disparaging their "extraordinary energy," hinting at the scandal, questioning their "incomprehensible aspects," their "unstable foundation," and their apparent neutrality, which was actually a stab at the bottom, and their "no deep cooperation."
Finally, there are brief scenes of several prominent figures, including the Dong family, all expressing their support, either explicitly or implicitly. It's as if at a single command from Peter Ho, the elite forces of Hong Kong's Chinese business community, the will of half the upper class, coalesced into a massive storm, descending directly upon the newly acquired upstart, Kobayashi Tenmo!
This earth-shattering news was like a stone dropped into water, instantly sending shockwaves through Hong Kong Island. The previous night, the "One Dragon, Five Phoenixes" scandal, which had dominated the front pages of major newspapers, was still simmering in the streets and alleys, when this morning, Peter Fok, with lightning speed, united nearly the entire Chinese business community in a coordinated attack! This dramatic turn of events and stark contrast plunged the entire city into a sea of uproar and discussion.
"Oh my god! The Huo family is trying to wipe me out! Yesterday the newspapers were mocking my romantic life, and today they're using such a big force to ban me?"
"This revenge is too swift and too harsh, isn't it? That Xiaolin Tianwang has only been in control of the Jardine Matheson for a few days? He hasn't even had time to warm up his seat yet! Baochuan Wang, Zheng Daheng, and even Li Chaoren are speaking out! My goodness, who can withstand this kind of situation?"
"Serves him right! Who made him so arrogant? Yesterday, all the gossip was flying around, and now he's getting his comeuppance? This is what they call excessive joy leading to tragedy! He's offended the entire top Chinese business community all at once. What else can he do? Just wait for bankruptcy!"
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