Chapter 189: Taking Over Kowloon Motor Bus

When he saw Deng Zhaojian, this eighty-year-old philanthropist was wearing a traditional button-up Chinese jacket, his hair and eyebrows silver-white.

After the two exchanged pleasantries, Deng Zhaojian was the first to break the ice: "Mr. Chen, why go to such great lengths? How about this: at a price of 18 dollars per share, how about you sell me the shares in your hands?"

Although Deng Zhaojian had never had contact with Chen Jiajun, he knew that Chen Jiajun would not release the hawk until he saw the rabbit, so he proposed a high-price buyback right from the start.

At 18 dollars a share, calculated based on the 36 million shares Chen Jiajun currently held, it was equivalent to a profit of over 100 million Hong Kong dollars.

Facing the olive branch extended by Deng Zhaojian, Chen Jiajun shook his head: "Sir Deng, I'm afraid you have misunderstood. I am not sniping at Kowloon Motor Bus just to profit and leave."

"Add fifty cents to the base of 18 dollars per share, and additionally, I will persuade him to give up the Golden Princess Circuit."

Deng Zhaojian added another fifty cents.

Chen Jiajun said with a smile: "Sir Deng, I truly want to acquire Kowloon Motor Bus, not for the Golden Princess Circuit."

"Are you optimistic about the future of the Kowloon Motor Bus Group, or are you optimistic about the land held by Kowloon Motor Bus?" Deng Zhaojian immediately pointed to the core of the issue.

Chen Jiajun answered directly: "What I value is not the land of Kowloon Motor Bus."

"Besides, the Financial Secretary has already stated that without the consent of the Financial Secretary, property development may not be used for purposes unrelated to bus services."

"To put it bluntly, as far as I know, Kowloon Motor Bus has an annual passenger volume of up to 100 million. This is a very good platform, and I want to do some things through the Bar Group."

Even so, Chen Jiajun had also considered the land of the Bar Group.

"If I believed this explanation of yours, I would truly be an old fool," Deng Zhaojian muttered to himself.

Chen Jiajun continued: "Sir Deng, things have reached this point, so why not accept the facts and agree to my acquisition of the Bar Group?"

"After all, the current situation is clear. Kowloon Motor Bus is suppressed by the British Hong Kong Profit Control Agreement. Relying solely on the bus business, under the competition of the MTR, it is difficult to achieve greater results. The existing shareholders have no intention of increasing investment. Isn't the Lei Family taking a different path by entering the film industry?"

"If this continues, the Kowloon Motor Bus that Sir Deng has painstakingly built will truly sink, and that would be truly heartbreaking."

"Of course, I can give you a guarantee here that Sir Deng's shareholder interests in Kowloon Motor Bus will not only never be damaged but will actually increase."

"Accept reality?"

Deng Zhaojian's expression darkened: "What if I don't give Mr. Chen this face?"

Facing Deng Zhaojian's threat, Chen Jiajun's gaze was gentle and his tone sincere: "Sir Deng, although you are the Chairman of the Board and Director of Operations of Kowloon Motor Bus, and your influence on Kowloon Motor Bus is unmatched, in reality, the shares of Kowloon Motor Bus you hold are not as many as those of the Lei Family and other shareholders."

"Because you, Sir Deng, are a brilliant investor, Kowloon Motor Bus shares are just one of your many investments. The reason you are so persistent about the work at Kowloon Motor Bus is because of your enthusiasm for the public service sector in Hong Kong."

"Now, with a better development opportunity in front of you, don't you think this is a win-win solution?"

Deng Zhaojian's expression softened from the flattery.

Chen Jiajun smiled slightly: "Besides the fact that Guojun Group has already obtained 34 percent of the shares of Kowloon Motor Bus, I have also controlled about 6 percent of Kowloon Motor Bus shares through other channels."

These additional 6 percent were held by Zhan Peizhong, Sima Xiang, and Huang Shitong themselves.

Hearing these words hidden in silk, Deng Zhaojian rubbed his bald head; he could naturally taste the implication in Chen Jiajun's words.

Even if the Elders of Kowloon Motor Bus wanted to put up a desperate fight and wage a full-scale acquisition war, they would not have the slightest chance of winning.

Because Chen Jiajun already held 40 percent of the Bar shares, he had already triggered the full acquisition line.

Deng Zhaojian picked up his teacup, took a sip, and sighed: "The waves of the Yangtze River push the waves ahead."

Chen Jiajun immediately caught the subtext: "Are you agreeing to let me take charge of the Bar Group?"

Deng Zhaojian nodded: "I have only one request."

"Please speak." Chen Jiajun made a gesture of invitation.

Deng Zhaojian said sonorously: "The Bar Group is a large public facility group. I do not want you to bring the things of the triads into it."

Chen Jiajun did not doubt Deng Zhaojian's power at all; the Deng Family had been wealthy for five or six generations.

After he died, the list of pallbearers included: Luo Bishi, He Shanheng, Xiao Luobao, Shen Bi, Shao Yifu...

Luo Bishi was the Chief Justice, ranking in the top five among the high-ranking officials of British Hong Kong.

He Shanheng—Founder of Hang Seng Bank.

Xiao Luobao was the madman who once threatened He Xin, saying, "When the Aomen Entertainment casino opens, it will be the end of Macau."

The High Monk Jueguang presided over the sealing of the coffin, and the Hong Kong Royal Police, the Immigration Department, the Fire Department, the Correctional Services Department, the Customs, and all other Hong Kong disciplined services sent teams or honor guards to attend the funeral.

Various Hong Kong government agencies, societies, and companies organized public memorial ceremonies.

Funerals of this scale could be counted on one hand in all of Hong Kong.

"Rest assured, besides, you should also know that I invested in the construction of Guojun Academy to provide free schooling for the indigenous people of the New Territories. How could I easily ruin my own reputation?"

Chen Jiajun agreed immediately.

"It's still early, why not stay for dinner and chat?" Deng Zhaojian's expression completely softened.

"I dare not refuse a gift from an elder." Chen Jiajun said with a smile.

In the subsequent conversation, Chen Jiajun told Deng Zhaojian what he planned to do.

First, there were some convenience measures, such as renovating the existing Kowloon Motor Bus stops. Considering the waiting time for passengers, he would add lighting equipment, sunshades, steel chairs, and other facilities.

In addition, self-service kiosks would be set up at the stops where citizens could insert coins to buy newspapers, travel brochures, and other items, while the bus signs would feature timetables, route maps, and so on.

Secondly, he would introduce double-decker buses equipped with air conditioning to make it more comfortable for citizens to take the bus.

Then, he would cooperate with media companies to launch a bus radio station.

There were truly many areas where the Bar Group could make a difference in terms of service, but the current Elders of Bar, including Lei Juekun, were indeed unwilling to develop the business and were just muddling along.

And Deng Zhaojian was now eighty years old; he was old and had no energy to manage the Bar Group. He listened to Chen Jiajun's explanation and looked at the simple drawings Chen Jiajun made on the draft paper, nodding frequently.

He finally understood Chen Jiajun's intention; Chen Jiajun could come up with many tricks just for a bus stop.

Kowloon Motor Bus had an annual passenger volume of over 100 million, and passengers stayed at bus stops for a very long time. After setting up billboards at bus stops, the advertising business alone would be a lucrative income.

There were also self-service kiosks, bus radio stations, and bus televisions, all of which were lucrative sources of income.

Deng Zhaojian looked at Chen Jiajun with admiration and gave an evaluation: "Compared to you, Lei Juekun is indeed far behind."

"Not at all, Sir Deng is too kind." Chen Jiajun drank his tea modestly.

In fact, what Chen Jiajun wanted to do was the TOD Model of routes plus property. Simply put, it meant taking public transport hubs like bus stops as the core and building urban complexes integrating office, commercial, cultural, educational, and residential functions nearby.

For stock analysts and media figures to think he had his eye on the land of Bar was complete nonsense.

According to his envisioned model, the Bar Group still needs to invest capital to purchase properties near bus stops.

After the filming of A Better Tomorrow was completed, Chen Jiajun could even put up advertisements at bus stops and on buses...

While chatting heatedly with Deng Zhaojian, Deng Zhaojian's grandson Deng Yongqiang returned: "Uncle."

"A Qiang, come over here, let me introduce you. This is the Chairman of Guojun Group, Chen Jiajun. Don't look at him as younger than you; his achievements and insights in business and charity are far higher than yours."

Deng Zhaojian beckoned to Deng Yongqiang.

Deng Yongqiang stood before Chen Jiajun and extended his hand, saying, "Dalao Jun, I've long admired your name. I've heard of you; you are the Hongxing Dragon Head."

"Hmm?"

Deng Zhaojian immediately glared over, feeling it was inappropriate for his grandson to expose someone's shortcomings to their face.

Chen Jiajun smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Sir Deng, we young people don't mind these things. Qiangge, hello."

As Deng Zhaojian's grandson, Deng Yongqiang is definitely a fascinating person; as a fifth-generation member of the Deng Family, he is a PhD in Philosophy from Cambridge University.

The fifth generation of the wealthy don't study things like engineering or civil engineering; only philosophy or art can demonstrate the bearing of a prominent family...

In fact, Deng Yongqiang also lives like an aristocrat. He has his own clothing brand, his own club, and has even danced with the Queen. Later, he became a professor at Peking University, and he has taught many, many elites...

"A Jun, to tell you the truth, I am a fan of Zhou Runfa. I heard Zhou Runfa is filming for you? Can you reveal anything?"

"I cannot, but I can guarantee that this film is a work that will make history in the Hong Kong film industry. When the time comes, I will book a cinema for you."

"Damn, that impressive?"

"Of course. For this film, I acquired the Jiahe Circuit and also acquired the Diamond Hill Studio, investing several hundred million in total."

"Can you give me a role?"

"You? How about I give you a bit part? He Tian'er of the He Family is currently playing a bit part in this movie."

That evening, while dining at the Deng residence, Chen Jiajun and Deng Yongqiang chatted happily, covering topics from all over.

Towards the end, Chen Jiajun had a sudden inspiration: "Qiangge, are you interested in serving as the General Manager of the Bar Group as a representative of the Guojun Group?"

"Why me?" Deng Yongqiang asked, puffing out a cloud of cigar smoke in surprise.

Chen Jiajun spoke frankly: "You know my true identity. If I were to take over the Bar Group as General Manager, many people would worry that I would bully others and cause trouble."

"In fact, I genuinely want to develop the Bar Group. If I only wanted to make money or develop Bar's land, why would I need to do this?"

Deng Yongqiang nodded.

Chen Jiajun continued: "And you are Sir Deng's grandson. With you serving as the group's General Manager, the outside world's acceptance level will be higher."

Deng Yongqiang understood; he was merely the executor.

He was quite open-minded about it: "Since your plan is so detailed, A Jun, I am willing to act as the executor to train myself and accumulate credentials, so my grandfather and father won't always treat me like a child, even wanting to dictate my marriage."

Chen Jiajun was amused, but Deng Yongqiang's words were definitely spoken from the heart; children of wealthy families have their own troubles too.

Deng Zhaojian, who was smoking a cigar nearby, immediately cast an unkind look, then finally shook his head and exhorted: "A Qiang, since Chen Jiajun has invited you, you must do it steadily."

"Don't worry, Uncle," Deng Yongqiang said excitedly.

He then looked at Chen Jiajun and asked: "A Jun, what changes do you want to bring to the Bar Group?"

"No matter who becomes the Boss of Kowloon Motor Bus, the sensitive issue of labor relations cannot be avoided. Appropriately improving the treatment of grassroots employees like bus drivers is the most effective way to win hearts."

Chen Jiajun advised earnestly.

Deng Yongqiang nodded, continuing to maintain a posture of wishing to hear more.

Chen Jiajun then laid out the plan he had previously described to Deng Zhaojian one by one, and finally took out a small booklet: "I have written the specific business plan in this booklet."

With Chen Jiajun's arranged personnel assisting from within and old seniors like Deng Zhaojian paving the way from without, the future development of the Bar Group basically needs no worrying.

Leaving the Government House and returning to Guojun Building, Zhan Peizhong, Sima Xiang, Huang Shitong, Luo Minsheng, and others were already looking slightly impatient, having waited for a long time.

"Have you all finished contacting those independent directors of the Bar Group?" Chen Jiajun asked casually after sitting down.

In addition to representatives from founding families like the Deng Family and the Lei Family, the board of directors of the Bar Group also includes Hong Kong socialites like Hu Baiquan, who serve as independent directors to act as a facade.

"We've already visited them all. Basically, besides the representatives of the founding families, everyone on the Bar board is inclined to accept reality. What was Sir Deng's reaction?" Zhan Peizhong asked with concern.

"Sir Deng is very supportive of my joining. You can release the news tomorrow," Chen Jiajun said with a faint smile.

The members of the Landlord Association immediately grasped the deeper meaning in Chen Jiajun's words, and they couldn't help but excitedly slap their thighs. After they received their orders and left, Chen Jiajun called Lu Hantao: "Tao Shu, it's me, A Jun. You're not asleep, are you?"

"Not yet."

"Good that you're not asleep. I'll be over in an hour; there's an important matter to discuss."

After Chen Jiajun finished speaking, he didn't wait for Lu Hantao to react before hanging up the phone and driving his Porsche sports car toward the New Territories.

"Punk."

"Is this place somewhere you can just come and go as you please?"

Lu Hantao cursed angrily. Although he was resentful, he immediately called for the butler, Fu Bo: "Afu, A Jun is coming over in a while. Tell the Kitchen to cook him wontons. Remember, don't put in dried shrimp; A Jun doesn't like eating dried shrimp."

"Understood, sir."

The butler nodded and hurried into the Kitchen.

At this moment, Lu Yongyu heard the name A Jun and walked out of the room happily: "Dad, is Jun Ge coming over?"

"Jun Ge, Jun your head. I told you to interact more with A Jun; are you a fool? You're already 21 years old; I had you when I was eighteen."

Lu Yongyu's display made Lu Hantao so angry he tapped his cane.

"Dad, I just want to stay by your side more."

"Get lost. Your old man can still eat and drink; do I need you to take care of me?"

A large bowl of wonton noodles was served on the table, the soup clear, the noodles smooth, and the wontons huge.

Chen Jiajun picked up the bowl and first carefully tasted a mouthful of the piping hot, delicious soup, savoring the faint fragrance of yellow chives.

Because he doesn't like eating dried shrimp, the Chef specially used soaked dried squid as a substitute.

Adding black vinegar and pepper, Chen Jiajun devoured the wonton noodles in a few quick bites, revealing a look of satisfaction.

Lu Hantao said with a face full of smiles, "Do you want more? I'll have Afu go make another bowl."

"I can't eat too much, I have to leave a little something to look forward to for next time," Chen Jiajun praised.

After finishing the late-night snack, they came to the study. Seeing that the two men had matters to discuss, Lu Yongyu placed an ashtray for them and said, "Brother Jun, Dad, I'm going to sleep first."

"Don't sleep yet, the matter I want to discuss concerns you," Chen Jiajun said while lighting a Cigar.

"Oh?"

"Oh?"

Lu Hantao and Lu Yongyu both wore expressions of surprise. After the two sat down, Chen Jiajun got straight to the point: "... In short, Guojun Group taking over Bar Group has become a foregone conclusion. I have invited Deng Zhaojian's grandson, Deng Yongqiang, to serve as General Manager, and I have equipped him with a management team."

"A brilliant move."

Lu Hantao immediately grasped the intention behind Chen Jiajun inviting Deng Yongqiang to serve as General Manager of Bar Group.

Chen Jiajun looked at Lu Yongyu and said, "Yongyu, Guojun Group has three seats on the Bar Group board of directors. As for the other two seats, one is for you. I want you to take my place and enter Bar Group to gain experience; after all, the focus of future development is in the New Territories."

Lu Yongyu was not as headstrong as Deng Yongqiang. She looked at Lu Hantao, and Lu Hantao stroked his chin and said, "A Jun, is the other seat you're giving to Lu Yeqiang?"

"That's right, the other seat is for Lu Huangfa's son, Lu Yeqiang. A board seat at Bar Group carries a lot of weight; it is beneficial for the future of Lu Guo Group and for your own future development."

"Wherever the minibus routes of Bar Group are planned, the price of land in the vicinity will inevitably rise."

Chen Jiajun did not hide his intention to use the Lu Family to develop Bar Group in the slightest.

Over these years, Chen Jiajun had done quite a lot for Tuen Mun and the New Territories; now, it was time to make use of the Lu Family's influence in the New Territories.

Lu Hantao naturally understood this logic, and more importantly, Lu Hantao wanted his daughter to get closer to Chen Jiajun.

Isn't this an opportunity right now?

Lu Hantao smiled and said, "Since that's the case, then Yongyu, you go to Bar Group to gain some experience."

"Mm."

Lu Yongyu nodded, her cheeks showing a flush of red, and she cast a shy glance at Chen Jiajun.

"Alright, you young people chat more. Yongyu, you should learn more from A Jun. A Jun, I will call Afa tomorrow. If you two chat too late, just stay here; I'll have Afu clear a room for you."

After Lu Hantao finished speaking, he stretched, then immediately slipped out of the room, showing no signs of being an old bone who needed a cane.

Chen Jiajun and Lu Yongyu looked at each other, understanding Lu Hantao's meaning. Chen Jiajun was thick-skinned, but facing this situation, Lu Yongyu's face turned even redder, and she was at a loss.

"Brother Jun, I'll go get you a Cigar." She stood up, wanting to use the task to fend off the heat on her cheeks.

"What Cigar? Why not accompany me for a walk to digest the food?"

"Okay, okay."

"Go change your clothes."

"..."

Fifteen minutes later, Chen Jiajun and Lu Yongyu were walking on the streets and alleys of Tuen Mun.

Today's Tuen Mun was completely different from the past. Driven by the foot traffic from Guojun Group, Guojun Clothing, and Guojun Academy, Tuen Mun was much more prosperous than before.

From time to time, some Tuen Mun hoodlums and students would greet Chen Jiajun:

"Ada."

"Mr. Chen."

There were also some uncles, elders, and old ladies who would chat with Chen Jiajun about daily life.

"Boss Chen, out for a walk with Yongyu so late?"

"Boss Chen, when are you getting married and inviting us to eat wedding candy?"

If Lu Huangfa and Lu Hantao were the Supreme Emperors of Tuen Mun, then Chen Jiajun was the great philanthropist in the hearts of the Tuen Mun natives. The free enrollment quotas for Guojun Academy alone had filled the lives of so many Tuen Mun hoodlums with hope.

Now, they were able to be classmates with the children of the middle and upper classes.

"After you came to Tuen Mun, Tuen Mun has undergone great changes." Away from the crowd, Lu Yongyu walked with a cat-like gait, looking for a topic.

Chen Jiajun took two puffs of his Cigar and stood still, looking at the calm sea, and said deeply:

"But Tuen Mun is not a good place. In the entire New Territories, there are only Ding Rights, no female Ding Rights."

"Lu Yongyu, the reason I brought you to Bar Group is that I want you to see another world, and I want you to break away from this quagmire that is Tuen Mun."

(End of chapter)