Chapter 57: It Doesn't Matter to Owe One More Favor

“Uncle Bao, I understand that my proposal may put you in a difficult position, but please allow me to be candid. Although I am a major shareholder of Tsinghua Nori, I am acutely aware that facing a business titan like Mr. Li, it is truly not easy to control the entire situation single-handedly.

The importance of Wharf Holdings' shares to you, Uncle Bao, goes without saying. My actions might appear to you and other outsiders as somewhat exploitative. But please believe that, in business, this is merely part of a market strategy aimed at achieving a win-win outcome, rather than a simple threat.

The essence of a transaction lies in both parties receiving their due interests. If I were to contact Jardine, I could also sell at a very good price, and perhaps even gain Jardine's support, making my path to controlling Tsinghua Nori even easier. However, I have not contacted Jardine Matheson because, like me, you are also part of the Chinese-funded enterprises.

Ever since you began your move against Wharf, I have been able to see that although the British-funded conglomerates in Hong Kong remain very powerful, I have always believed that the rise of Chinese-funded enterprises in Hong Kong and even globally is an inevitable trend. We Chinese entrepreneurs should move forward hand in hand to jointly resist the impact of foreign capital and strengthen our own power.

Therefore, I have never considered selling my Wharf shares to Jardine Matheson. As my elder, Uncle Bao, I look forward to you successfully taking over Wharf and completing this great feat.

The day you completely defeat Hongkong Land will be the day I believe marks the rise of Chinese-funded enterprises in Hong Kong and the decline of British-funded ones!

I have always believed that Chinese-funded enterprises should not engage in excessive internal strife. Many British-funded companies in Hong Kong could become targets for our acquisitions—not just Wharf, but even the four great Hong Kong trading houses—Jardine, Hutchison Whampoa, Swire, and Jardine, could all become targets for us. By continuously strengthening our power through these acquisitions, it could be described as a grand feast for Chinese-funded enterprises.

I am well aware of the vast gap in strength between myself and Mr. Li Ka-shing. However, I set my sights on Tsinghua Nori first; it has long been an important part of my future strategic layout, and I have already become a major shareholder.

To be honest, once I sell my Wharf shares, my capital will be very substantial. Even if it is not as vast as the Cheung Kong Group, using those funds to achieve full control of Tsinghua Nori before Cheung Kong does should not be a major problem. It is just that I am unwilling to be as confrontational with Mr. Li Ka-shing in the stock market as you are with Jardine; that would only lead to a situation where both sides suffer losses.

Finally, I want to emphasize that my respect and gratitude toward you, Uncle Bao, have never changed. Your wisdom and courage have always been models for me to learn from. I sincerely hope that we can work together to contribute our strength to the glorious future of Chinese-funded enterprises.

As for the Wharf shares, I am willing to facilitate this transaction at an appropriate time and under terms acceptable to both parties. Until then, I ask for your patience, Uncle Bao, and for your understanding of my position and considerations.”

Facing the business titan Bao Yugang, Lin Haoran demonstrated immense patience and sincerity. His words were both an exposition of his own stance and a profound provocation to Bao Yugang.

Bao Yugang listened quietly. He did not rush to respond, but instead picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and his eyes revealed deep contemplation.

Lin Haoran's words undoubtedly stirred ripples in his heart. He naturally knew these truths, but hearing them from Lin Haoran's mouth made him feel surprised, yet also gave him the sense that the future of Chinese-funded enterprises finally had a successor.

He knew very well that on this land of Hong Kong, the shadow of British-funded enterprises had long loomed over Chinese-funded ones. Although the latter had made significant progress in recent years, the gap remained impossible to ignore.

The battle for Wharf was a vivid illustration of this reality—had it not been for the full support of the HSBC giant, his struggle against Hongkong Land might have long since reached a conclusion, and his Bao family would have had little chance of victory.

As a forward-looking business leader, Bao Yugang also clearly recognized that the rise of Chinese-funded enterprises in Hong Kong was an inevitable historical trend, provided they possessed sufficient unity.

Lin Haoran's words happened to touch upon this deep-seated belief, prompting him to think more deeply about how to promote cooperation and win-win outcomes among Chinese-funded enterprises.

“Haoran, what you say makes a lot of sense. Very well, I promise to try and persuade Mr. Li Ka-shing to abandon the acquisition of Tsinghua Nori. However, I cannot guarantee that he will agree. Regardless of the final outcome, I hope you, Haoran, will not sell the shares to Jardine or Hongkong Land,” Bao Yugang said solemnly.

He desperately wanted the Wharf shares held by Lin Haoran.

Furthermore, he wanted to help this young man, Lin Haoran.

From just two brief encounters, Bao Yugang understood that Lin Haoran's future achievements would not be inferior to his own.

A young man as talented and ambitious as him was truly rare in today's business world.

“Please rest assured, Uncle Bao!” Lin Haoran nodded.

A smile appeared on his face.

Because Lin Haoran understood that Bao Yugang would surely be able to persuade Li Ka-shing this time.

Lin Haoran thought to himself that given the friendship between Bao Yugang and Li Ka-shing, and the respect Li Ka-shing held for Bao Yugang, it was unlikely he would reject Bao Yugang's proposal simply because of a company like Tsinghua Nori.

Moreover, they had not yet made any significant substantive progress in the acquisition of Tsinghua Nori; giving up this opportunity might not be an unacceptable decision for Li Ka-shing.

“There is no better time than now. May I borrow your company's telephone? It is still early; I will see if Mr. Li Ka-shing is available. If he is, I will have a private talk with him tonight.” Bao Yugang checked the time; it was only about 8:30 PM.

“Please feel free, Uncle Bao. Of course,” Lin Haoran responded with a smile, a flash of understanding in his eyes.

He understood Bao Yugang's emphasis on the Wharf shares and the commercial strategic significance behind them.

Bao Yugang's urgency to contact Li Ka-shing was clearly an attempt to reach some form of consensus as soon as possible, thereby ensuring he could smoothly acquire the more than 1.47 million Wharf shares from him.

For Lin Haoran, he also hoped this matter would be settled properly as soon as possible.

Watching Bao Yugang step aside to make a call, Lin Haoran continued to sit by the coffee table, leisurely sipping his tea.

Not long after, Bao Yugang hung up the receiver.

“I have just contacted Mr. Li Ka-shing. He is currently at home. It just so happens that my house is not far from his. I will go back to Deep Water Bay and speak with him in detail. Wait for my good news,” Bao Yugang said with a smile.

Since he had already promised Lin Haoran, he decided to put on a thick skin and go find Li Ka-shing. In any case, owing one favor is the same as owing two; an extra debt of gratitude wouldn't hurt.

For him, the primary task was to quickly secure a favorable position in the battle to increase his holdings in Wharf, ensuring he could gain the upper hand in this commercial contest.

(End of Chapter)