Chapter 57: It Doesn't Hurt 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 frank. Although I am a major shareholder of Green Island Cement, I am keenly aware that facing a business titan like Mr. Li, attempting to control the overall situation entirely on my own strength is by no means easy.

"The shares of Wheelock & Co are, needless to say, of paramount importance to you, Uncle Bao. My actions might appear to you and other outsiders as somewhat opportunistic, but please believe that in business, this is merely a part of market strategy aimed at achieving a win-win outcome, rather than a mere threat.

"The essence of a transaction lies in both parties obtaining their due benefits. If I were to contact Jardines, I could undoubtedly secure a very favorable price, and perhaps even gain their support to make my path toward controlling Green Island Cement much simpler. Yet, I have never contacted Jardines, because Uncle Bao, just like myself, belong to the Chinese business community.

"Ever since Uncle Bao initiated the move against Wheelock, I could already perceive that while British-funded consortia in Hong Kong remain formidable in strength, I firmly believe that the rise of Chinese-funded enterprises here and globally is an irresistible historical trend. We Chinese entrepreneurs should join hands to resist the impact of foreign capital and strengthen our own capabilities.

"Therefore, I have never considered reselling the Wheelock shares I hold to Jardines. As an elder whom I deeply respect, I look forward even more to seeing Uncle Bao successfully take over Wheelock and accomplish this magnificent feat.

"The day Uncle Bao thoroughly defeats Hongkong Land will, I believe, be the day Chinese-funded enterprises in Hong Kong rise while British-funded ones decline!

"I have always maintained that Chinese enterprises should not engage in excessive internal friction. The numerous British-funded companies in Hong Kong can all become targets for our acquisitions—not just Wheelock, but even the four major British hongs of Hong Kong, namely Jardines, Wheelock Marden, Hutchison International, and Swire Pacific, can become acquisition targets for us. Through such acquisitions, we can continuously enhance the strength of Chinese enterprises; this could well be said to be a grand feast for the Chinese business community.

"I am well aware that there is a vast gap between my strength and that of Mr. Li Ka-shing, but Green Island Cement was a target I set my sights on early on, and it has long since become an important part of my future development blueprint, as well as a company in which I am already a major shareholder.

"Once I sell my Wheelock shares, frankly speaking, my capital will be extremely abundant. Even if it falls short of Cheung Kong Holdings, utilizing these funds to achieve absolute control over Green Island Cement ahead of Cheung Kong should pose no major problem. However, I am reluctant to engage in a head-on confrontation with Mr. Li in the stock market in the manner you and Jardines have done, as that would only lead to a lose-lose situation.

"Finally, I wish to emphasize that my respect and gratitude toward you, Uncle Bao, have never wavered. Your wisdom and daring have always been an example for me to learn from. I sincerely hope that we can move forward hand in hand and contribute our strength to the brilliant future of Chinese-funded enterprises.

"As for the Wheelock shares, I am willing to facilitate this transaction at an appropriate time and under conditions acceptable to both sides. Until then, I ask Uncle Bao for your forbearance and understanding of my position and considerations."

Facing a business giant like Pao Yue-kong, Lin Haoran displayed immense patience and sincerity. His words were both an exposition of his own stance and a profound touch to Pao Yue-kong.

Pao Yue-kong listened quietly without rushing to express his position. Instead, he picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and his eyes revealed deep contemplation.

Lin Haoran's words undoubtedly stirred ripples in his heart. Naturally, he was aware of these principles, but hearing them articulated by Lin Haoran filled him with astonishment, as well as the comforting realization that the future of the Chinese business community had a worthy successor.

He was well aware that in Hong Kong, the shadow of British-funded enterprises had long loomed over Chinese businesses; although the latter had made remarkable progress in recent years, the gap remained undeniable.

The takeover battle for Wheelock was a vivid illustration of this reality—had it not been for the robust assistance of HSBC, a British financial giant, his contest with Hongkong Land might have been settled long ago, leaving the Pao family with very slim chances of victory.

As a forward-looking business leader, Pao Yue-kong also clearly recognized that the rise of Chinese enterprises in Hong Kong was an inevitable historical trend, provided that Chinese businesses maintained sufficient solidarity.

Lin Haoran's words happened to touch upon this deeply ingrained belief in his heart, prompting him to ponder more deeply on how to foster cooperation and mutual benefit among Chinese-funded enterprises.

"Haoran, what you said makes a great deal of sense. Very well, I promise you I will try to persuade Mr. Li Ka-shing to abandon the acquisition of Green Island Cement. However, I cannot guarantee that Mr. Li will agree. Regardless of the final outcome, I hope you will not sell your shares to Jardines or Hongkong Land," Pao Yue-kong said solemnly.

He genuinely wanted the Wheelock shares held in Lin Haoran's hands.

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

Through just two brief encounters, Pao Yue-kong already understood that Lin Haoran's future achievements would not fall short of his own.

A talented and ambitious young man like him was indeed a rare find in the contemporary business world.

"Please rest assured, Uncle Bao!" Lin Haoran nodded and said.

A smile also appeared on his face.

For Lin Haoran knew that Pao Yue-kong would certainly be able to persuade Li Ka-shing this time.

Lin Haoran calculated inwardly that given the friendship between Pao Yue-kong and Li Ka-shing, coupled with the latter's respect for Pao, it was unlikely that Li would reject Pao's proposal simply over a company like Green Island Cement.

Moreover, at present, they had not achieved significant substantive progress in their acquisition of Green Island Cement, so relinquishing this opportunity might not be an unacceptable decision for Li Ka-shing.

"There is no time like the present. May I borrow your company's telephone? It is still early; let me check if Mr. Li Ka-shing is available right now. If he is, I will have a private conversation with him tonight," Pao Yue-kong said, checking the time, which showed it was only around half-past eight.

"Please go ahead, Uncle Bao. Of course, no problem," Lin Haoran responded with a smile, a flash of understanding crossing his eyes.

He was well aware of the importance Pao Yue-kong attached to the Wheelock shares and the underlying business strategy it represented.

Pao Yue-kong's eagerness to contact Li Ka-shing clearly stemmed from his desire to reach a consensus as early as possible, thereby ensuring a smooth acquisition of the more than 1.47 million shares of Wheelock currently in his hands.

For Lin Haoran, he likewise hoped this matter would be properly resolved as soon as possible.

Watching Pao Yue-kong step aside to make the call, Lin Haoran remained seated before the coffee table, leisurely sipping his tea.

Not long after, Pao Yue-kong put down the telephone receiver.

"I have just reached Mr. Li Ka-shing. He is currently at home. Since my residence is not far from his, I will head back to Deep Water Bay and discuss the details with him directly. Await my good news," Pao Yue-kong said with a smile.

Since he had already given his word to Lin Haoran, he decided to swallow his pride and approach Li Ka-shing. After all, owing one favor or two made little difference; incurring one more personal debt was of no consequence.

For him, the primary task at hand was to secure an advantageous position in the escalating race for Wheelock shares as quickly as possible, ensuring he gained the upper hand in this commercial contest.