Chapter 60: What Harm Is There in Meeting?
"Our neighbor, meaning someone else living in Deep Water Bay?" Li Jiacheng quickly sorted through his thoughts.
Deep Water Bay, this high-end residential area, had only a few dozen households, yet all were prominent figures in the Hong Kong business world. He considered himself familiar with most of them.
However, after careful recollection, he still could not immediately match the neighbor described by Bao Yugang to anyone he knew who fit the specific conditions.
"Brother Li, once you meet him, you'll understand. It's absolutely someone you would never expect!" Bao Yugang said with a mysterious smile.
Recalling the surprise he himself felt when he first learned about it, Bao Yugang couldn't help but smile slightly again — that sudden shock remained vivid in his memory.
"Brother Bao, regarding the withdrawal from the acquisition plan of Qingzhou Cement, I can agree to it. However, the biggest doubt in my heart right now is the source of the information leak. To fully resolve this mystery, I ask you to arrange a meeting with that neighbor as soon as possible," Li Jiacheng finally said after careful consideration.
His decision to give up the acquisition of Qingzhou Cement came after weighing multiple deep factors.
First and foremost, it was to maintain a good relationship with Bao Yugang, showing him the respect and consideration he deserved.
After all, in the future commercial landscape, whether he could successfully acquire Hutchison Whampoa would largely depend on Bao Yugang's strong support and cooperation.
Secondly, Bao Yugang's firm attitude made him realize that the chances of successfully acquiring Qingzhou Cement were extremely slim.
Li Jiacheng understood Bao Yugang's character well; such judgments were never made lightly but were based on in-depth analysis and solid evidence. Therefore, continuing to waste time and effort on this matter was neither wise nor worthwhile.
Moreover, from the current shareholding situation, Cheung Kong Holdings' stake in Qingzhou Cement was not significant. Since their initial entry, they had only been testing the waters by buying shares. Even if they chose to withdraw, the impact on the company's overall strategy and financial status would be minimal — making this a rational decision.
More critically, he was deeply concerned about the source of the leak.
How the other party knew about Cheung Kong Holdings' interest in Qingzhou Cement was a mystery that weighed heavily on his mind.
Only by uncovering this truth could he finally rest easy at night; otherwise, he would likely be tormented by sleeplessness.
Lastly, he was unwilling to pour precious resources into a company whose acquisition prospects were so faint.
In Hong Kong's vibrant business environment, there were plenty of quality British-owned enterprises. He had both the ability and the willingness to explore more promising investment opportunities instead of being trapped in one small corner.
The commercial chessboard was forever changing, requiring flexible responses and deep insight.
It was precisely this wisdom — the ability to break from rigid patterns and courageously adjust strategies — that had shaped today's Li Jiacheng.
Without it, he might not have been able to ride the waves of the business world and achieve such dazzling success.
Upon hearing that Li Jiacheng had decided to abandon the acquisition of Qingzhou Cement, Bao Yugang felt a surge of relief and satisfaction.
This meeting had achieved its purpose; it was not in vain.
For Bao Yugang, this decision meant that he was about to obtain over 1.47 million shares of Wharf Holdings from Lin Haoran — a move that would significantly bolster his own strength and shift the competition between him and the Jardine Matheson Group further in his favor, widening the gap between them.
Thinking of this, a satisfied smile appeared on Bao Yugang's face — an expectation of future success and triumph, and also an acknowledgment and gratitude toward Li Jiacheng's wise choice.
"Brother Li, please rest assured. I will immediately call the other party once I return home to arrange a meeting time for you. Their company happens to be in Central, just a stone's throw from your headquarters. Would tomorrow afternoon or evening suit you better?" Bao Yugang said warmly, his words filled with joy.
"In that case, let's schedule it for tomorrow afternoon," Li Jiacheng responded straightforwardly after a brief pause.
"Very well, Brother Li. I will call them as soon as I get home and inform you as soon as I confirm. I won't take up more of your rest tonight. Sorry for disturbing you so late. I hope we can chat again soon," Bao Yugang said with a smile as he stood up and politely took his leave.
By now, night had fallen deep, and the clock hands pointed quietly to 10 p.m.
Carrying a light heart full of anticipation, Bao Yugang set off on his way home.
Upon arriving home, he barely exchanged a few words with his wife before quickly heading into his study, preoccupied with the important task at hand. His fingers lightly touched the telephone, dialing the number Lin Haoran had given him.
Hearing the phone ring, Lin Haoran put down his book and quickly walked over to answer.
"Haoran, I have good news for you. I have successfully persuaded Mr. Li Jiacheng to give up the acquisition of Qingzhou Cement," came the hearty voice from the other end.
"Uncle Bao, I am truly grateful! To express my thanks, I will sell you all my Wharf Holdings shares!" Lin Haoran said with great relief.
Although deep down he had always had absolute confidence in Bao Yugang's ability and believed that with his personal intervention, the matter would be resolved, the anxiety caused by uncertainty had lingered.
Now, with Bao Yugang's confirmation, Lin Haoran could finally rest easy.
Without Li Jiacheng as a competitor, his control over Qingzhou Cement was now within reach — it was just a matter of time before he could fully secure it.
"However, there is one thing you must agree to, Haoran," Bao Yugang continued. "Mr. Li Jiacheng wishes to meet you personally. He has something he wants to ask."
"Uncle Bao, may I know what it's about?" Lin Haoran asked.
"Mr. Li Jiacheng wants to know how you found out that Cheung Kong Holdings had set its sights on Qingzhou Cement," Bao Yugang replied truthfully.
"Alright, Uncle Bao, thanks for letting me know. I agree to meet Mr. Li. When does he wish to meet?" Lin Haoran said, his mood as bright as Bao Yugang's.
"Tomorrow afternoon," Bao Yugang answered.
"Then let's schedule it for five o'clock in the afternoon, at the Juquande Tea House downstairs," Lin Haoran suggested after some thought.
By that time, the stock market would already be closed, and he would be free.
"Good, I will inform Mr. Li Jiacheng shortly. By the way, Haoran, regarding the stocks you have — shall we complete the transaction tomorrow morning? As for the price, let's use today's closing price in the market. Does that work for you?" Bao Yugang continued.
"No problem, we'll use that price!" Lin Haoran agreed readily.
For him, meeting Li Jiacheng after he had given up on acquiring Qingzhou Cement posed no threat at all.
As for the Wharf Holdings shares, the current price of over seventy Hong Kong dollars per share was already very satisfying. Moreover, Bao Yugang had helped him solve a big problem, so naturally, he had no reason to demand a higher price.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1