Chapter 58 Li Jiacheng's Concern
Bao Yugang hurriedly left; after all, it would take him 20 to 30 minutes to get back to Deep Water Bay from Central.
After Bao departed, Lin Haoran took a shower, then reclined leisurely on the sofa, reading while awaiting news.
Before leaving, Bao had promised to call him tonight—regardless of success or failure—to report the outcome.
Lin Haoran knew it might take two to three hours before hearing anything, so he simply waited quietly.
Although he had great confidence in Bao Yugang's ability, until the result was certain, everything was still conjecture.
Only once he heard Li Jiacheng's direct response could he truly relax.
No matter what, Lin Haoran preferred not to clash directly with Li Jiacheng over Green Island Cement the way Bao and Jardine Matheson were fighting over Wharf Holdings.
At this stage, he simply didn't have the depth or strength to survive such a battle.
Meanwhile, Bao Yugang, upon returning to his home in Deep Water Bay, didn't even stop to rest before walking over to the Li family residence.
The two villas were so close that from Bao's balcony, he could easily see the outline of Li Jiacheng's home.
Such proximity had fostered years of convenient, tacit interactions between the two families.
"Brother Bao, a late-night visit—how flattering! It must be something urgent," Li Jiacheng greeted warmly at the doorstep.
In these turbulent times, Bao Yugang was unquestionably the leading figure in Hong Kong's Chinese business world—his prestige and achievements commanding deep respect.
Li Jiacheng admired him not only professionally, but also valued their personal friendship.
"Brother Li, sorry to disturb you at this late hour.
I wouldn't have come if it weren't important," Bao Yugang said with a slight nod,
his tone carrying both apology and earnestness.
Deep inside, Bao acknowledged that he was indeed placing Li Jiacheng in a difficult spot tonight—
but for the greater good, he had no choice but to press forward, even if it meant swallowing his pride.
In business, sometimes boldness opened doors where caution could not.
"Come, let's talk in the study," Li Jiacheng smiled, leading him inside.
Both men were so familiar with each other's homes that they dispensed with formalities.
They soon settled into Li Jiacheng's book-scented study.
As Li reached for the tea set, Bao gently waved his hand and said with a laugh,
"No need for tea tonight—otherwise, I might be tossing and turning until dawn."
Hearing this, Li Jiacheng paused,
a flash of curiosity in his eyes.
"Brother Bao, what matter is so urgent that it couldn't wait?" he asked kindly.
"Brother Li,
are you currently planning to acquire Green Island Cement Company?"
Bao asked directly, his tone cautious.
He had to confirm it first—
after all, Li Jiacheng was famously discreet,
and the leak of such a secretive move was highly unusual.
Bao's blunt question made Li Jiacheng look up sharply,
shock flashing across his features.
He stared at Bao and replied frankly,
"Brother Bao, how did you know?
Yes, we have been quietly planning it.
Our company has kept it extremely confidential—
not a whisper leaked externally.
Though progress has been slower than hoped,
it remains an important piece of our strategic blueprint."
His tone revealed clear confusion and a hint of concern.
Li Jiacheng prided himself on maintaining strict secrecy,
entrusting such operations only to his most trusted inner circle.
He mentally reviewed every step,
trying to locate a possible leak—
but found none.
"Are you currently trying to quietly accumulate shares through the stock market,
but finding it difficult?" Bao pressed further.
"Exactly,"
Li Jiacheng admitted with a sigh.
"The market has very few shares available,
while buying interest remains high.
It's been difficult for us to meaningfully increase our holdings.
I've been observing and considering shifting strategy—
approaching individual shareholders directly."
"Brother Li,
I'm here tonight to ask for a favor:
I hope you will consider giving up the Green Island Cement acquisition,"
Bao said solemnly.
"I know it's a lot to ask—
but if you agree, I will make sure to find other ways to compensate you."
"And I must tell you frankly—
even if you insist on proceeding,
I fear you won't succeed.
Someone else began accumulating Green Island Cement shares long before you.
He is already the company's largest shareholder, and his financial strength is impressive."
"He seems to know your plans intimately.
If you insist on continuing,
it will only lead to a brutal stock war—
with both sides likely suffering heavy losses."
Hearing this,
Li Jiacheng's expression grew serious,
shock flashing in his eyes.
"So someone beat us to it,
and has already secured a dominant position…" he murmured in disbelief.
In that moment,
Li Jiacheng realized the frustrating truth—
the obstacles they faced weren't random market fluctuations.
There was a powerful hidden hand manipulating the situation.
"But how did he know about our strategy?"
Li Jiacheng wondered grimly.
The possibility of a traitor within his trusted circle chilled him to the bone.
Trust was everything in his business empire—
and the idea that someone might have leaked critical information filled him with dread.
He vowed silently:
he must uncover the source of this breach.
"About that, I truly don't know," Bao said helplessly.
"But if you sincerely want answers,
I can arrange for you to meet the person behind it."
"And interestingly enough,
he's our neighbor," Bao added with a bitter smile.
Both Bao and Li Jiacheng—giants of Hong Kong's business world—
were used to controlling situations effortlessly.
Yet here was a young newcomer who had quietly outmaneuvered them.
A new storm was clearly brewing.
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