The following afternoon at 3 p.m., in that familiar luxurious private room at the Peninsula Hotel.
Lin Huowang arrived on time. Today's meeting with Sir Michael Sandberg was crucial, as it would determine whether he could secure a HK$4 billion loan from HSBC.
If he can't persuade HSBC, things will become quite complicated. Lin Huowang will have to find other ways to raise money, and may even have to make some plans that sacrifice long-term interests.
After all, timing is often more important than profit.
At this moment, if we can seize the opportunity presented by the downturn in the British automotive industry and introduce high-quality automotive products to Hong Kong and the mainland, the cost and difficulty will be many times lower than it will be five or ten years from now.
If we miss this opportunity, like in my previous life, relying on various joint venture car companies to exchange market access for technology will not only be very ineffective, but we will also be exploited by foreign car companies such as Volkswagen, Audi, and Toyota for decades, who know how much hard-earned money they have made in China.
This situation only improved slightly after domestic companies like BYD and Geely, as well as the development of new energy vehicles, emerged.
so……
Introducing British car manufacturers and technologies to block joint ventures between domestic automakers such as Volkswagen, Audi, and Toyota is Lin Huowang's top priority in his current strategy.
However, upon opening the door, he was greeted not only by HSBC tycoon William Sham, but also by a stern-faced Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Michael Murray.
A hint of surprise flashed across Lin Huowang's eyes, but he immediately put on a perfectly timed "flattered" expression and stepped forward quickly: "Shen Daban! Your Excellency the Governor! I never expected that Your Excellency would come in person. I am truly humbled."
It must be said that Lin Huowang was quite surprised at this moment.
He had originally arranged to meet with HSBC tycoon Jim Murray, but to his surprise, Murray also brought along Governor Murray MacLehose.
This clearly demonstrates how much Shen Bi valued this deal.
Four billion Hong Kong dollars!
It's likely that HSBC has never lent out such a large sum of money in a single transaction since its inception.
Lin Huowang could also understand that this huge sum of money posed a considerable risk for HSBC.
Shen Bi would never be swayed by a few words; he had to present tangible benefits and prospects.
By bringing in Governor Murray MacLehose, he was essentially giving his endorsement, the subtext being that if Lam Fook-wong could persuade MacLehose, then HSBC would naturally have no problem.
When Shen Bi saw him arrive, he stood up, his face scrutinizing him, and said with a smile, "Mr. Lin, no need to be so polite. Please sit down. It's just that the loan you want to discuss is an astonishing amount, a full four billion Hong Kong dollars!"
This is no longer just a matter of HSBC's risk assessment; it involves the overall stability of Hong Kong's financial market and the financial security of Jardine Matheson Group. His Excellency the Governor is very concerned about this.
Without his approval, even if I persuade the board, this loan cannot be approved. Therefore, it would be better if you came in person to hear your thoughts.”
Sham Bi's words were quite skillful, subtly shifting the responsibility and pressure to Governor Murray MacLehose.
Governor Murray MacLehose, however, did not stand up, but merely nodded slightly as a greeting.
On the one hand, Governor Murray MacLehose is a man of great prestige, and Lam Fook-wong has not yet demonstrated enough status and importance to warrant his formal greeting.
On the other hand, Governor Murray MacLehose is still harboring resentment.
If it weren't for Lin Huowang's mess yesterday, I could have satisfied my wife for at least a few minutes in bed, and we wouldn't have had that argument yesterday. In fact, I would have enjoyed my wife's gentle treatment for the next few months.
At this moment, Ma Lihao leaned back gently on the sofa, his hands crossed on his knees, his sharp blue-gray eyes fixed on Lin Huowang with obvious displeasure and scrutiny.
Only after Lin Huowang sat down opposite him did he speak in a cold tone, with an air of condescending pressure, saying:
"Mr. Kobayashi, I'm not here today to show my support. On the contrary, I'm here to reject you."
Four billion Hong Kong dollars is not a number that can be decided easily. It concerns the financial lifeline of Hong Kong Island.
"If you cannot provide sufficiently convincing and manageable reasons to demonstrate the absolute necessity of this loan and your unquestionable ability to repay it, I will absolutely not agree. HSBC will not either."
His words were firm and resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.
In the eyes of Hong Kong Governor Murray MacLehose, Kobayashi Tenmo was ultimately too young.
When you're young, you're bound to be impetuous.
When one is hot-tempered, one will gamble recklessly.
High-stakes gambling always carries risks.
Even though he had previously admired many of Kobayashi Tenno's actions and plans, and the "Housing for All" program had indeed brought him and Hong Kong Island real benefits.
However, this loan is a whopping HK$4 billion. Before MacLehose arrived, he was already racking his brains and couldn't figure out what Kobayashi Tenmoku was planning to do that required such a large sum of money.
Interest rates in Hong Kong aren't low these days!
Even if you get a low-interest loan through preferential policies, the interest on a 4 billion loan is still a considerable sum!
Whether it's for the stability of Hong Kong's financial system or to give Kobayashi Tenmoku a warning, so that he can focus on the various businesses of Hongkong Land Group and actively promote the "Home Ownership Scheme" and stop messing around and dancing on a tightrope.
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