After hanging up the receiver, Lin Huowang's smile faded. He knew that the most crucial step in his plan had arrived. Whether he could gain the trust of Governor Murray MacLehose and Shen Bi depended on this.
While thinking, Lin Huowang quickly put several core documents on the table into his briefcase.
"Boss, should we... reconsider our external wording?" Gao Qiaohao suggested a little worriedly.
Lin Huowang picked up his briefcase, patted Gao Qiaohao's shoulder gently, and comforted him, "Mr. Gao Qiao, remember. Whether we cooperate with the mainland or not, whether we are close or not, has never been the key issue.
The key is to see whether we can make sufficient use of them, whether the benefits outweigh the disadvantages or the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.
Positions can be negotiated at any time. Value is the true eternal weight. I'll go to the Governor's House. Do you think the company is good?"
After saying that, Lin Huowang strode out of the office.
Gao Qiaohao looked at his departing back, and the words "value is the eternal weight" echoed in his mind.
He had a vague feeling that his boss was playing a larger chess game, but he was in the middle of it, like a cloud of mist, unable to see the whole picture. He could only pray silently in his heart that his boss's plan would go smoothly!
In the reception room of the Governor's Mansion, Murray MacLehose and Samuel Shen sat on either side of the main seat. They seemed to be chatting casually about today's weather and the changes in the manor, but there was an invisible tension around them.
Yes! They were just waiting for their prey to arrive, or rather, for a spectacular showdown.
Led by the Hong Kong government secretary, Lin Huowang walked into the reception room. He looked calm and walked with ease.
First, he bowed slightly to Hong Kong Governor Murray MacLehose and HSBC Bank CEO Stephen Shampi, saying, "Your Excellency, Mr. Governor Shampi, it's a pleasure to meet you again."
Such courtesy and thoughtfulness are absolutely impeccable.
"Xiaolin, please sit down.
No need to be so formal. I called you here because I sincerely want to hear about Hong Kong Land's deep involvement in the Home Ownership Scheme. Mr. Shen Bi is here too, so we can discuss the details of financial support more efficiently in person."
After a few pleasantries, MacLehose suddenly changed the subject and asked directly:
"However, Mr. Xiaolin, before we discuss our beautiful blueprint, there's one thing I must clarify. I've heard that Hong Kong Land has made a very important decision regarding its building materials procurement strategy—to adopt large-scale, inexpensive building materials from mainland China. Mr. Xiaolin, regarding this decision, I believe you need to provide a detailed explanation and justification to the Hong Kong government before it's officially implemented. This isn't just a matter of cost."
Showdown!
Shen Bi sat quietly on the side, but his eyes behind the glasses were fixed on Lin Huowang, so as to observe every subtle change in his expression.
Lin Huowang's face did not show any embarrassment of being questioned. Instead, he showed a trace of embarrassment as if he was troubled by a "childish question". He even spread his hands helplessly.
"Explain? Your Excellency, Governor, I don't see why this requires any particularly profound explanation.
Mainland China's building material prices are generally 30% to 50% lower than those in Hong Kong and Southeast Asian markets. This is an ironclad fact. It's clearly documented in black and white.
Mainland China's building materials supply, once contracts are signed, is large and stable. Unlike local or capital-controlled channels, they rarely resort to arbitrary price hikes and chokeholds, often citing reasons like "lack of transport capacity" or "mine production restrictions." This is an incomparable advantage of mainland China products.
He paused, his eyes calm, and continued, "And what about Hong Kong's building materials? I have to see what the Huo family is like, worry about the blockade by the shipping king and others, and always be wary of the strange entry barriers and price alliances jointly controlled by certain British companies.
"Sir, you're also a business leader. Tell me, let's be honest, business is business. Building materials of equal or even better quality are readily available, at a fraction of the price, and I don't have to worry about being choked. What should I choose? Of course, I'll choose mainland products!"
Kobayashi Tenmo's words were frank and direct, and their business logic was impeccable.
Moreover, this completely puts aside the question of political stance and makes it clear that he is just conducting a normal business price comparison purchase.
MacLehose leaned back on the sofa, squinted his eyes and said, "Mr. Xiaolin, your analysis of business costs is very thorough. But my question is not just about costs.
"But your...blatant and large-scale move toward the North cannot help but make me, and many others, question your true position. Is it the support of British capital behind you, or...something else?"
"position?"
Lin Huowang's voice rose, and he said firmly, "My position is so clear! I will choose to cooperate with whoever can provide a stable and reliable supply of raw materials at the lowest price!"
This is business! This is business!
Is it possible that in the free port city of Hong Kong, even such purely economic activities must be labeled as political?
To be honest, Your Excellency, Governor, from the outset of conceiving and promoting the "Home Ownership" program, I took mainland China's low-cost building materials into core consideration! The reason was simple: only in this way could Hongkong Land retain sufficient profit margins to support its operations and development, even in projects where the government restricts profit margins! And only then could we live up to the trust and support of Your Excellency, Governor, and Mr. Sam Pitt of HSBC!
Isn't what I'm saying reasonable? Without cheap building materials from mainland China, Hong Kong's takeover of the "Home Ownership" project would likely be nothing more than a charitable act, unprofitable and potentially even bankrupting the group! Do the Hong Kong government and HSBC want to see Hong Kong's property teeter on the brink of collapse due to poor management right after taking it over?
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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