Chapter 56: Who Exactly Is That Rival?

"Uncle Bao, let's get straight to the point. I know what your interest lies in regarding this batch of Wharf Holdings shares. A transaction would be a win-win for both of us, and I have no need for you to offer a price higher than the market rate. However, beyond that, I have my own conditions. If you can lend me a helping hand, Uncle Bao, I believe our cooperation will proceed much more smoothly and without hindrance," Lin Haoran expressed with earnest words.

He knew clearly in his heart that if it weren't for this request, he wouldn't have gone out of his way to arrange this meeting and waste both of their time.

Upon hearing this, a flash of realization crossed Bao Yugang's face. He had already realized that Lin Haoran's meeting was by no means accidental and that there must be an underlying motive; as it turned out, he was right.

"Haoran, just say what's on your mind. As long as it is within my capability, I will certainly do my utmost to help," Bao Yugang's words revealed a hint of sincerity.

Bao Yugang saw through the situation clearly. Since Lin Haoran was waiting for him with a specific purpose, he had almost no choice in this matter but to try his best to assist; otherwise, this transaction would likely end without fruition.

So-called "friendship" felt quite pale at this moment. Although they could barely be considered neighbors, their past interactions were few and far between; two meetings were far from enough to build a deep personal bond.

Bao Yugang understood that everything in the business world was built upon the foundation of mutual interest.

"Does Uncle Bao know a company called Qingzhou Yingni?" Lin Haoran asked with a smile.

"Qingzhou Yingni? I have some impression of it. It has a decent market capitalization, but I don't know much about the company itself, only that it is Hong Kong's largest cement producer," Bao Yugang replied, admitting he was not well-acquainted with it.

After all, their Global Shipping Group focused primarily on the shipping industry, whereas Qingzhou Yingni dealt more with major real estate developers. Thus, it was already quite good that Bao Yugang had any impression of it at all.

One had to realize that in present-day Hong Kong, there were hundreds of listed companies. If Qingzhou Yingni didn't have a decent market value—being a listed enterprise worth two or three hundred million Hong Kong dollars—Bao Yugang might not have remembered it at all.

"To tell you the truth, Uncle Bao, I am currently the largest shareholder of Qingzhou Yingni, holding over 20% of the company's shares. I have simply kept a low profile and have not announced it to the public," Lin Haoran explained the situation candidly.

"My plan is to gradually achieve a controlling interest in Qingzhou Yingni. However, I have recently noticed a powerful business tycoon quietly increasing their stake in Qingzhou Yingni. Although their current shareholding is not yet a threat, the strength behind them puts me under significant pressure. I fear my chances of winning this competition alone are not high. Therefore, I am requesting Uncle Bao to step in as a mediator to help persuade them to abandon their acquisition intent."

"You actually hold more than 20% of Qingzhou Yingni's shares?" Upon hearing this, Bao Yugang was once again deeply shocked.

He quickly calculated in his head. Based on Qingzhou Yingni's current market capitalization of approximately 250 million Hong Kong dollars, this 20% stake was already worth 50 million Hong Kong dollars—an immense sum beyond imagination.

Recalling his previous surprise at Lin Haoran's possession of over 1.47 million shares of Wharf Holdings, Bao Yugang realized even more clearly now that this young man's strength was far from simple on the surface.

It was as if he possessed endless trump cards; every time Bao Yugang thought he had figured him out, the young man would always reveal even more power.

"Lin Haoran, oh Lin Haoran, you are truly becoming harder and harder to read," Bao Yugang lamented inwardly, feeling increasingly unfamiliar with the young man.

Based solely on the shares of these two companies, Lin Haoran's economic strength was definitely greater than that of his father, Lin Wan'an.

The young man before him possessed not only a keen business sense but also unfathomable strategic planning and strength.

During their last private conversation, Bao Yugang had keenly sensed that this young man was extraordinary. Now, upon learning that Lin Haoran's hidden strength far exceeded his imagination, an indescribable shock surged in his heart.

What moved him even more was that all these achievements came from the hands of such a young standout; the future for Lin Haoran was undoubtedly filled with infinite possibilities.

Bao Yugang couldn't help but feel a sense of fondness for such a young man. He understood that in the business world, being able to deal with a partner of such potential and wisdom was highly beneficial to the future of the Bao family.

He had always believed that having one more friend meant having one more path. His ability to ride the waves in the sea of commerce until now was inseparable from the friends who had given him support at critical moments.

From the former Managing Director of Hui Feng Group, Saunders, to the current Managing Director, Shen Bi, and to the Chairman of Cheung Kong Holdings, Li Ka-shing, each was a precious business ally. Their help and support were indispensable forces on his path to success.

Now, Lin Haoran's weight in Bao Yugang's heart grew even heavier; he felt as if he were witnessing the quiet rise of a new business legend.

He was full of anticipation for future cooperation and interaction with Lin Haoran.

He had no idea that this was actually all the strength Lin Haoran could show, and that behind it lay a hidden debt burden of as high as 100 million Hong Kong dollars.

"Of course, Uncle Bao can take a look. These are some of the Qingzhou Yingni stock certificates I hold." Lin Haoran took out the prepared stock certificates and handed them to Bao Yugang to inspect.

Since some were pledged to Hang Seng Bank, he naturally could not produce all the Qingzhou Yingni stock certificates. He only had the pledge certificates on hand, which were not suitable to show.

To get Bao Yugang to help, he had to reveal some of his background; otherwise, how could the other party believe he was a major shareholder of Qingzhou Yingni? It would be quite embarrassing if it turned out to be a massive blunder.

Bao Yugang did not reach out to take the certificates. His eyes merely swept over them, which was enough to confirm that Lin Haoran was telling the truth.

"Haoran, put these certificates away for now," Bao Yugang said with a smile, his tone filled with trust in Lin Haoran. "Now, what I want to know more is: who exactly is this competitor you mentioned?"

He knew that persuading a company to abandon an acquisition plan would inevitably require paying a certain price in social capital.

But considering the Bao family's urgent need for Wharf Holdings shares, as well as his personal admiration and regard for the talented young Lin Haoran, Bao Yugang had already made up his mind to help with all his might.

Bao Yugang believed that in the complex and ever-changing business waters of Hong Kong, most people would still give him some face, given the connections and prestige he had accumulated over the years.

"As far as I know, this competitor is none other than the Chairman of Cheung Kong Holdings, Mr. Li Ka-shing," Lin Haoran said bluntly.

"Mr. Li Ka-shing?" Upon hearing this, Bao Yugang's brow furrowed slightly as he began to ponder.

He was not only a business partner to Li Ka-shing but also a close personal friend.

Not long ago, he had even stepped in to persuade Li Ka-shing to abandon the acquisition of Wharf Holdings, and at that time, he had already incurred a significant favor from him.

Now, Lin Haoran wanted him to step in again to persuade Li Ka-shing to abandon the acquisition of Qingzhou Yingni, which indeed made him feel somewhat conflicted.

He understood that in the business world, debts of gratitude were often harder to repay than debts of money.

If he spoke up again, he feared he would find himself in a difficult dilemma.

"Haoran, you have certainly presented me with a difficult problem," Bao Yugang sighed, candidly expressing his predicament. "My friendship with Mr. Li Ka-shing is profound, and I have already owed him a great favor due to the Wharf Holdings matter. To ask me to persuade him to give up Qingzhou Yingni now... I'm afraid it might not be appropriate."

(End of Chapter)