Chapter 57 One More Debt of Gratitude Won't Hurt
"Uncle Bao, I understand that my request might put you in a difficult position," Lin Haoran said sincerely, "but allow me to be frank: although I am the largest shareholder of Green Island Cement, I am fully aware that, against a titan like Mr. Li Jiacheng, it would be nearly impossible to control the situation on my own."
"As for the Wharf Holdings shares, I know very well how important they are to you.
To outsiders, my actions might seem somewhat opportunistic.
But please believe me, in business, this is simply part of market strategy—aiming for a win-win outcome, not a threat."
"In fact, if I had contacted Jardine Matheson instead, I could have likely fetched an excellent price.
Perhaps I could even have gained their support to make controlling Green Island Cement easier for myself.
But I never considered that route—because, like you, Uncle Bao, I am part of the Chinese business community."
"From the moment you started targeting Wharf Holdings, I already saw clearly:
although the British capitalists in Hong Kong are still strong,
the rise of Chinese-owned enterprises—both here and globally—is inevitable."
"We Chinese entrepreneurs should stand together,
resist foreign capital's pressure, and grow stronger collectively."
"Thus, I never considered selling my Wharf Holdings shares to Jardine Matheson.
As my elder, I genuinely hope you will successfully seize control of Wharf Holdings."
"The day you finally defeat Jardine Land will mark the beginning of a new era—
an era of Chinese business ascendance and the gradual decline of the British conglomerates in Hong Kong."
"I believe that Chinese enterprises shouldn't waste energy fighting each other.
Instead, we should view the many British-owned companies here as potential acquisition targets—
not just Wharf Holdings, but Jardine, Wheelock, Hutchison, Swire Pacific—
all four great British hongs of Hong Kong."
"Through such acquisitions, we can continuously strengthen our Chinese capital base.
It would be a grand feast for our people."
"I fully understand that my own strength is currently no match for Mr. Li Jiacheng's.
However, I spotted Green Island Cement first.
It's already a key part of my future development plans,
and I am already the company's largest shareholder."
"Once I sell my Wharf Holdings shares,
my liquidity will be very strong.
Even though it still won't match Cheung Kong Holdings,
I am confident I can achieve majority control of Green Island Cement before Li Jiacheng,
without needing a direct head-on stock market clash."
"I simply don't want a destructive war between us,
one that would lead to mutual losses."
"Lastly, I want to reiterate—
my respect and gratitude toward Uncle Bao remain unchanged.
Your wisdom and courage have always been a model for me to learn from."
"I sincerely hope that we can work together
to contribute to the future glory of Chinese enterprises."
"As for the Wharf shares,
I'm willing to finalize the deal at a mutually acceptable time and price.
But before that, I ask for your understanding regarding my considerations."
Facing this titan of business,
Lin Haoran showed immense patience and sincerity.
His words were not only a clear declaration of his position
but also deeply moved Bao Yugang.
Bao quietly listened.
He didn't rush to respond.
He slowly sipped his tea, deep in thought.
Lin Haoran's arguments stirred profound ripples in his heart.
Of course Bao already knew these truths—
but hearing them from Lin Haoran gave him a strange feeling of renewed hope,
as if the future of Chinese enterprise truly had a worthy successor.
He understood all too well that British businesses had long overshadowed Hong Kong's Chinese companies.
Although Chinese firms had made significant strides recently,
the gap remained.
The Wharf Holdings battle was vivid proof:
without HSBC's financial support,
Bao's fight against Jardine Land would have ended long ago.
As a far-sighted business leader,
Bao Yugang clearly recognized that the rise of Chinese enterprises was inevitable—
provided there was enough unity among them.
Lin Haoran's speech touched precisely on this hidden conviction.
It made Bao think even more seriously about how to foster greater cooperation among Chinese businessmen.
"Haoran, you are absolutely right," Bao said solemnly.
"Very well. I will try to persuade Mr. Li Jiacheng to abandon his pursuit of Green Island Cement."
"However, I cannot guarantee success.
No matter the outcome, I hope you will promise me not to sell your Wharf shares to Jardine or Jardine Land."
Bao had made up his mind:
he wanted Lin Haoran's shares.
More importantly, he genuinely admired Lin Haoran—
and wanted to help him.
From their brief encounters, Bao had seen it clearly:
Lin Haoran's future achievements would be no less than his own.
Such a talented and visionary young man was rare in today's business world.
"Uncle Bao, you have my word," Lin Haoran nodded, smiling.
He felt a surge of satisfaction.
Because Lin Haoran knew—
Bao would definitely succeed in persuading Li Jiacheng.
In Lin's view, given Bao's close personal friendship with Li Jiacheng
and Li's respect for Bao,
there was little chance Li would refuse, especially over a relatively minor acquisition like Green Island Cement.
Moreover,
considering that Cheung Kong Holdings had not made significant progress in acquiring Green Island Cement shares,
giving up at this stage wouldn't be a huge loss for Li Jiacheng.
"There's no time like the present.
Let me borrow your office phone.
It's still early.
I'll see if Mr. Li Jiacheng is available.
If he is, I'll go talk to him tonight,"
Bao said after glancing at the clock—it was only about 8:30 PM.
"Of course, Uncle Bao. Please, feel free," Lin Haoran said with a smile,
already knowing what was coming.
He understood how much importance Bao placed on the Wharf battle—
and the strategic significance of settling matters quickly.
Bao immediately went over and made a call.
Before long,
he returned, smiling.
"I just got through to Mr. Li Jiacheng.
He's at home now.
Fortunately, our houses are close by at Deep Water Bay.
I'll head there directly after I leave here."
"Haoran, wait for my good news," Bao said with confidence.
Since he had promised Lin Haoran,
he was willing to swallow any embarrassment and push forward—
after all,
one favor owed or two—
what difference did it make?
The important thing was to secure an advantageous position in the ongoing Wharf Holdings takeover battle.
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