Hong Kong Island, Government House.
This white building, a symbol of the British Empire's power in the Far East, is now welcoming a special guest with unusual enthusiasm.
Governor Murray MacLehose stood personally at the entrance to the reception room, a standard and enthusiastic smile on his face.
"Mr. Kobayashi, welcome. I have prepared some fine Ceylon tea."
Mai Lihao's voice was warm and friendly as he reached out and shook hands with Lin Huowang.
Lin Huowang wore a faint smile, neither humble nor arrogant.
Other Chinese tycoons considered it an honor to enter Government House and be personally received by the Governor.
He wished he could visit the Governor's House once, and then buy news articles to boast about himself hundreds of times afterward.
But for Lam Fook-wong, visiting Government House has become a regular occurrence lately, and Governor MacLehose has become increasingly warm and courteous to him.
"Sir MacLehose, you are too kind. It is I who have troubled you."
The two entered the luxurious yet elegant reception room and sat down on the expensive and soft sofa.
The servant quickly brought out an exquisite tea set.
MacLehose personally picked up the silver teapot and poured a cup of amber-colored black tea for Lam Ho-wong, with wisps of steam rising into the air.
"Mr. Kobayashi, I've already discussed everything with them about us flying to London together in a few days."
MacLehose put down the teapot and, when it came to business, his expression became quite serious.
For Murray MacLehose, this trip to the UK was also an important opportunity to accumulate political capital.
Lin Huowang picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and remained silent, waiting for Mai Lihao to continue.
"I have to make it clear to you in advance that this acquisition is extremely difficult."
First, you need to understand that Rover, Land Rover, and MG are not just three car manufacturers; to some extent, they represent the former glory and pride of British industry.
"Although they are now all under the Leyland Motors company, which itself is in dire straits and on the verge of bankruptcy, this does not change their status in the hearts of the British people."
Mai Lihao looked at Lin Huowang and said in a heavy tone:
"For many British people, it is an offense in itself that an Asian, a young man from our Hong Kong Island, wants to buy them."
I can imagine that those old fogies in the parliament would rather watch these factories rot in the pot than sell them to someone they consider an 'outsider,' especially an outsider with yellow skin.
Racial discrimination, though we may not admit it, is a real thing ingrained in many people. This is the first and greatest objective difficulty we must confront.
Lin Huowang remained unmoved when he heard the difficulties that Mai Lihao had outlined.
After all, he knew these circumstances better than anyone else.
In the past, if the Japanese had been spending the next decade or so buying up American assets with their US dollars, they would have faced far greater public pressure than they do now.
The so-called "civilized society" of the West will instantly tear off all pretense when its own interests and pitiful self-esteem are touched.
"Secondly, there is the power of labor unions."
MacLehose continued, “The unions in the UK are very powerful, and they are extremely sensitive to any changes that could affect their rights. If you want to take over, it means reform, layoffs, and changing the way they have been working for decades. I can assure you that they will be our staunchest opponents.”
"The old guard in the parliament, the xenophobic sentiment among the people, and the troublesome labor unions... Kobayashi, these three mountains are not easy to move."
After speaking, MacLehose picked up his teacup, took a sip, and moistened his slightly dry throat.
He laid out all the foreseeable difficulties beforehand, hoping to give Lin Huowang a clear understanding so that he wouldn't give up halfway due to setbacks.
After all, they're in the same boat now.
Lin Huowang calmly and gently put down his teacup, which collided with the saucer with a crisp sound.
He smiled and said, "Sir MacLehose, I had already considered these difficulties before I came here."
If things were that easy, I, Kobayashi Tenno, wouldn't have had the chance to snag this bargain.
"I'm relieved that you have that confidence. Of course, we're not entirely without a chance. Although there are many difficulties, we also have an ace up our sleeve."
We have Viagra, that magical pill. Those old fogies in Parliament may be physically old, but their minds aren't necessarily obedient. If we can grasp their needs and get them to vote in favor at the crucial moment, we'll have a huge breakthrough.
I believe that, faced with the power of this miraculous medicine, even the so-called pride of the empire must be temporarily set aside.
As he spoke, a wicked smile, the kind that any grown man would understand, flickered in his eyes.
This is the biggest reason why he dared to endorse Lin Huowang and go to the UK to negotiate.
However, Lin Huowang gently shook his head and said:
"Sir MacLehose, this alone is not enough."
"Um?"
MacLehose was somewhat surprised. After all, in his opinion, what man in the world could resist such a miraculous drug as Viagra? And what woman in the world could resist her partner taking Viagra?
"This can only solve the problem of a small number of key figures, but it won't solve public opinion. Once we successfully acquire the company and the news is announced, public opinion throughout Britain will explode."
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