Chapter 58: Li Ka-shing's Concerns

Pao Yue-kong left in a hurry; after all, it would take him twenty to thirty minutes to drive back from Central.

After Pao's departure, Forest took a shower, then reclined half-lengthway on the sofa to read a book while waiting for feedback from Pao's side.

Before leaving, Pao had already told him that regardless of whether things succeeded or failed tonight, he would call with the outcome.

That news might take two or three hours to arrive, leaving him with nothing to do but wait quietly.

Although he had great faith in Pao's capability, until success was secured, everything remained mere speculation.

Only upon receiving Li Ka-shing's response would he truly set his mind at ease.

No matter what, he still preferred not to end up in a fierce rivalry with Li Ka-shing over Green Island Cement akin to the battle between Pao and Jardines.

As he stood today, his foundations were still shallow, and he could not afford such turmoil.

Meanwhile, Pao Yue-kong had already driven back to his residence in Deep Water Bay. Without pausing to rest, he walked directly toward the Li family villa.

The two villas were not far apart—so close that the outline of Li Ka-shing's estate could be clearly seen from the balcony of Pao's home. Such geographical proximity seemed to add a measure of convenience and tacit understanding to their frequent interactions.

"Brother Pao, visiting so late at night truly flatters me. You must have an urgent matter to discuss?" Outside the villa's threshold, Li Ka-shing had been waiting for some time. Seeing Pao approaching leisurely, he hurried forward with a sincere smile on his face.

In this era of shifting fortunes and tumultuous winds, Pao Yue-kong was undoubtedly the leading figure in the Hong Kong Chinese business community, and his prestige and achievements commanded deep respect.

To Li Ka-shing, Pao was not only an object of commercial reverence but also a cherished personal friend.

"Brother Li, calling upon you at this late hour is indeed presumptuous, but I truly have a matter of great importance to discuss with you," Pao said, nodding slightly, his tone carrying a touch of apology and sincerity. "I know how busy you are, and this intrusion is a helpless measure."

Having said this, Pao could not help but reflect inwardly that his purpose today was indeed somewhat overbearing.

Yet, for the sake of the greater picture, he had to swallow his pride and push forward.

After all, in the turbulent seas of commerce, a measure of persistence and courage often brought unexpected turning points.

"Come, let us go into the study to talk in detail," Li Ka-shing said with a smile.

Because the two frequently visited one another, they were quite familiar with each other's home environments and stood on no ceremony.

In a moment, they stepped into Li's book-lined study.

Just as Li reached for the tea set to brew a pot, Pao gently waved a hand and smiled, "Let us dispense with the tea tonight, lest the late hour keeps me tossing and turning, unable to sleep."

Hearing this, Li paused his movements, a flicker of curiosity crossing his eyes as he asked gently, "Brother Pao, what on earth is this urgent matter that compels you to discuss it overnight?"

"Brother Li, have you recently been secretly planning an acquisition of Green Island Cement Company?" Pao began in a confirming tone, his voice tinged with caution.

After all, Li Ka-shing had always operated with meticulous care, and the leakage of this intelligence aroused his suspicions—especially as to how Forest had learned of it, and whether there might be some misunderstanding or false rumor involved.

Pao's question caused Li to look up abruptly, his gaze filled with surprise and incomprehension.

Looking straight at Pao, he said, "Brother Pao, how did you come to know of this? We are indeed secretly preparing this plan, but the company has kept it under strict confidentiality, never revealing the slightest whisper to the outside world. Although current progress has not been as smooth as anticipated, this is undoubtedly a crucial link in the strategic blueprint of Cheung Kong Holdings."

Li's words revealed a trace of confusion and worry; all of his arrangements had always been handled with extreme caution, and those involved were the most trusted members within the group.

He began to mentally comb through his thoughts, trying to pinpoint a possible source of the leak, yet after pondering, he still could not lock onto any single individual suspected of betrayal.

"Are you currently attempting to quietly accumulate shares of Green Island Cement on the stock market, yet reaping very little reward?" Pao did not directly answer Li's question, choosing instead to elaborate further on the purpose of his visit.

"That is indeed the case," Li nodded, a trace of helplessness in his voice. "Sell orders on the market are scarce, while buy orders are endless, making it difficult for us to effectively increase our holdings. I have been observing the situation recently and intend to change my strategy after a while, approaching Green Island Cement's major shareholders directly."

"Brother Li, my purpose in coming here today is actually to ask you to grant me a favor and consider abandoning the acquisition plan for Green Island Cement. I know this is a difficult request to make of you, but should Brother Li agree, I can compensate you from elsewhere.

Moreover, I am aware that while Brother Li commands formidable financial strength, acquiring Green Island Cement has become virtually impossible. Someone else began positioning themselves in Green Island Cement long before you did.

The shares they currently hold are already considerable, and they have long since secretly become the largest shareholder of Green Island Cement. This is the exact reason why you cannot absorb many shares from the stock market. More importantly, the financial muscle of this behind-the-scenes player is likewise not to be underestimated.

He seems to have complete insight into your movements. Should you insist on intervening, I fear it will only provoke a fierce battle for equity, and the most likely outcome will be mutual destruction for both parties," Pao said gravely.

Hearing this, Li's expression instantly turned solemn, a trace of undisguised shock flashing across the depths of his eyes.

He muttered to himself in a low voice, disbelief lacing his tone: "So someone had already taken the lead and firmly secured the upper hand."

At that moment, Li understood in a flash. The heavy obstacles they had encountered on the stock market stemmed not from mere market fluctuations, but from a far more complex and powerful controlling force hidden in the shadows.

"How did he manage to perceive our strategic deployment?" This question pressed upon his mind like a massive boulder, turning into the most urgent mystery he needed to unravel.

A chill crept into Li's heart; what he feared most was the appearance of a traitor within his own team.

This was not merely a collapse of trust, but a colossal threat to his future plans.

He understood that if any of his covert plans were leaked, they would vanish like bubbles, turning him into a laughingstock in the eyes of his competitors.

Therefore, Li made up his mind: he had to investigate thoroughly to the very end and figure out why his action plan had been compromised.

This uncertainty and the potential sense of betrayal made it impossible for him to sit idly by.

"Regarding that, I truly know nothing," Pao replied, a hint of helplessness in his tone. "However, if Brother Li genuinely desires an answer, I can try to arrange a meeting between you two. At that time, you may ask him directly. Come to think of it, the other party happens to be a close neighbor of ours." With that, the corners of Pao's mouth curved into a wry smile.

Both of them held lofty positions in the Hong Kong business world, capable of handling even massive British-funded enterprises with ease and poise.

Yet, this young man named Forest had continually shocked them in ways that far exceeded their expectations.