Chapter 239: Determined to Win

This was already the third small shareholder of the China Light and Power Company he had handled.

According to the shareholding structure of China Light and Power, Chen Jiajun ordered the Landlord Association to launch acquisition operations based on the situation of each small shareholder.

As gold-medal Chinese brokers in Hong Kong, the Landlord Association members had each accumulated deep connections through decades of professional experience.

Many wealthy merchants hoped to use gold-medal brokers like Sima Xiang and Huang Shitong to drive up their own stocks, even inviting them to dinner to have them share some inside information.

Sure enough, Huang Shitong found three small shareholders in a row; regardless of whether they were willing in their hearts, every one of them faced him with a smiling face, easily and proactively bringing their share certificates to sign the equity transfer contracts.

Therefore, after three transactions, Huang Shitong alone had already acquired 5.9% of the equity in China Light and Power.

And this had only taken a little over a day; the efficiency far exceeded acquiring scattered shares from the secondary market, and it wouldn't cause stock price fluctuations before the news leaked.

The equity was all concentrated in Chen Jiajun alone; according to the Securities and Futures Commission regulations, Chen Jiajun had a ten-day buffer period, and if the equity wasn't dealt with after ten days, he would have an obligation to disclose the shareholding information to the outside world.

And ten days was absolutely enough.

"There are two more shareholders, one holding 1.3% and one holding 1.6%; I'll strive to get them both done today."

Huang Shitong chuckled and put the document bag containing the share certificates and contracts into his briefcase.

At this moment, he received a phone call, and as soon as he picked it up, he heard a familiar voice: "A Tong, it's me, Shark Tong."

"Brother Tong, what wind blew you over here?"

Huang Shitong took a cigar from the storage box in the car, his attitude extremely respectful.

This was only because the person on the other side of the receiver was one of the Hong Kong Top Ten Financial Magnates—Ceng Yutong of the New World Group, the Ceng Yutong who owned a private mine-guarding force in South Africa, nicknamed Shark Tong.

Ceng Yutong said: "Do you have time today? I have some matters I'm not sure about; can you come over?"

"Brother Tong, I'll be there right away."

If Ceng Yutong said so, then naturally there was an urgent matter.

Ceng Yutong was already at the advanced age of sixty; as early as the thirties, he had gone to work at his future father-in-law's Zhou Taifu Zhubaojinhang. Because he was diligent and conscientious in his work and had a sharp mind, he was favored by his father-in-law, and within a few years, he married the daughter of the Zhou family.

After World War II, Ceng Yutong inherited the Zhou Taifu Group.

After making his business big and strong, he went to South Africa to purchase a company that held a diamond license, importing diamonds to Hong Kong.

At the same time, he entered the real estate business.

Today, he is one of the Top Ten Financial Magnates of Hong Kong.

The news that the Kadoorie Group had decided to sell part of its China Light and Power shares only spread within a small circle; after Shark Tong learned of this, he immediately called Huang Shitong to have him come over to act as an advisor.

When Huang Shitong arrived at Ceng Yutong's Repulse Bay mansion and heard about this, he froze in place. He already understood that the Kadoorie Family selling China Light and Power shares was to raise funds to launch a counter-acquisition battle for the Hotel Group.

"Why, are you not bullish on China Light and Power shares?"

Ceng Yutong was twisting prayer beads in his hands and asked aloud when he saw Huang Shitong's stunned expression.

Coming back to his senses, Huang Shitong immediately said: "Brother Tong, I won't hide it from you, Sir Chen is also acquiring shares of the China Light and Power Group."

"What?"

Ceng Yutong sat up straight, leaning his body forward, his expression somewhat shocked.

Huang Shitong looked left and right, and Ceng Yutong immediately said: "Jiacheng, Jiachun, you two go out for a moment."

"Yes, Father."

After the two left, Huang Shitong explained: "Brother Tong, Sir Chen's true purpose in sniping the Hotel Group is for the China Light and Power Group. The Kadoorie Group has expanded too fast in recent years; Sir Chen knows the other party lacks cash flow, so he wants to force the other party to raise funds to launch a counter-acquisition by sniping the Hotel Group."

"At the same time, he secretly sent us out to acquire shares of the China Light and Power Group. Now that the Kadoorie Group wants to sell shares, can you buy them on behalf of Sir Chen first? We will pay a 20% premium afterward."

Ceng Yutong laughed heartily: "A Tong, since you've said so, I'll help with this favor, and there's no need for a premium either. But you tell Sir Chen that he owes me a favor; next time he takes Guan Tai (Huo Yingnan), A Xin, and those few to make money, bring me along."

Ceng Yutong was very close with He Xin, and he had heard that Chen Jiajun and the Landlord Association had helped He Xin earn 1.12 billion in one go, while the principal was only 1 billion.

Every time He Xin talked to him about this, he would be so angry he would slap his thigh, hating himself for only investing 1 billion at the time.

Several times Ceng Yutong wanted to stab this braggart to death on the spot.

Huang Shitong raised his teacup and said: "Then I will use tea instead of wine to thank you, Brother Tong."

"Don't drink tea yet, I'll make a call first."

Ceng Yutong waved his hand, picked up the telephone to call the Wardley Group, and said: "Hello, Wen Basi, I am Ceng Yutong."

"Mr. Ceng, hello."

"The 50 million shares of China Light and Power Group that Lawrence Kadoorie is selling, I want them. Go handle it immediately."

About five minutes after hanging up the phone, the call came back: "Mr. Ceng, it's already done."

"Well done, Wen Basi, I'll treat you to a meal later."

A smile appeared on the corners of Ceng Yutong's mouth.

Putting down the phone, he picked up his teacup and said: "Don't forget to tell Sir Chen that he owes me a favor."

The China Light and Power Group currently had a market value of 10 billion, at 20 dollars per share; in other words, this transaction alone allowed Huang Shitong to secure 10% of the China Light and Power Group's shares, and at the same time, the shares held by Kadoorie also dropped to 24%.

Victoria Harbour.

Accompanied by a whistle, a superyacht 162.5 meters in length slowly started; the traditional characters "Yan Huang" were written on the hull of this yacht.

Regarding this superyacht, many Hong Kong tycoons had long since learned through various channels that it was the largest yacht ever built by the Lürssen shipyard in West Germany.

It was equipped with two helicopter pads, 3 launching slides, multiple warm-water massage pools, a private cinema, an open-air swimming pool, a sauna, a SPA bathroom, and an underwater viewing room.

It was equipped with multiple small speedboats and supply boats, as well as a submarine and a submarine bay.

What was even more impressive was that the security measures were impregnable; besides being equipped with an anti-missile system, it also had bulletproof glass and motion sensors, and at least 5 emergency exits were left on the yacht for escape when under attack.

It was the most luxurious yacht in Hong Kong, and there was no other.

The 162.5-meter ship length was even larger than an average container cargo ship.

According to media understanding, the construction cost of this superyacht was 400 million US dollars; one must know this was 400 million US dollars in the eighties.

And regarding the owner of this ship, there were various speculations in the streets.

In reality, its owner was precisely Chen Jiajun.

"Uncle Tong, it's me, A Jun."

"Sir Chen."

"Uncle Tong, don't call me Sir Chen. If you think highly of me, just call me A Jun."

On the deck of the superyacht, when Chen Jiajun heard that Ceng Yutong had helped him acquire 10% of the CLP Group shares, he immediately called Ceng Yutong.

After the two exchanged pleasantries for a while, Chen Jiajun said: "Uncle Tong, there is a money-making opportunity right now. If you trust me, shall I tell you about it?"

Ceng Yutong sat up straight and said: "I am all ears."

"The Falklands War is not going well for England. The British Empire is now showing clear signs of fatigue, and the negotiations with the Mainland are not going well; their attitude is very tough. You should exchange more US dollars; the Hong Kong dollar is about to plummet."

"Alright, I have noted it down. Come over for tea when you have time."

The two chatted for a few more sentences, and Chen Jiajun hung up the phone.

Just after hanging up, Zhan Peizhong called Chen Jiajun, "Boss, the stock market is now closed. I have done a tally: Sima Xiang acquired 6.3% of CLP shares. Huang Shitong 15.9%, Mai Shengyun 3.9%, Chen 5.7%, Ma Zhuoqun 2.5%, Lin Rundong 1.8%. Additionally, I received 1.9% of shares on the primary market. Currently, we hold 38% of the CLP Group shares."

Once the Landlord Association launches an operation, its energy and foundation are absolutely not inferior to any financial conglomerate in Hong Kong.

There was not a trace of emotion in Chen Jiajun's voice: "Complete all settlements tomorrow. Also, get the hotel group to 60 yuan per share for me tomorrow morning."

"Understood, Boss." Zhan Peizhong nodded and said.

The Yanhuang superyacht slowly sailed into the typhoon shelter, and Chen Jiajun looked down from a high vantage point at the Treasure Seafood Floating Restaurant floating on the sea.

Zhenbao Haixianfang is one of the properties of the Gambling King He Xin, and it is also the largest floating restaurant in the world, having hosted dignitaries from many countries, high-society figures, and international celebrities.

Among all the restaurants in Hong Kong, only Fook Lam Moon can compare with it.

It has also appeared in many movies, such as the famous 【God of Cookery】.

Lawrence Kadoorie wanted to talk to Chen Jiajun face-to-face and asked He Xin to act as an intermediary; naturally, He Xin set the meeting place at Zhenbao Haixianfang.

A small boat was lowered from the yacht and docked at Zhenbao Haixianfang.

This scene immediately attracted the attention of all the wealthy diners at Zhenbao Haixianfang. When everyone saw that the person who got off the boat was Chen Jiajun, they couldn't help but feel various emotions: inferiority, envy, and shock.

In front of this oyster-white super giant, humans inevitably feel small.

He Tianbao strode over and complained: "Damn it, this yacht was yours all along? Hiding it for so long?"

"Has Viscount Kadoorie arrived yet?"

Chen Jiajun did not answer He Tianbao's question—after all, the answer was self-evident—but instead asked in return.

He Tianbao nodded: "Lawrence Kadoorie and his son have both arrived. Come with me."

The dinner was held in a large private room at Zhenbao Haixianfang. Sitting to Chen Jiajun's left was He Xin, to his right was He Tian'er, followed by He Tianbao, and He Xin's first wife, A-Mei.

Lawrence Kadoorie and Michael Kadoorie sat opposite Chen Jiajun.

Tonight's meeting was more like a family dinner. On the surface, one could not tell at all that Chen Jiajun and Lawrence Kadoorie had a conflict. With He Xin's social grace and wit, the group burst into laughter from time to time.

He Tian'er, sitting next to Chen Jiajun, kept picking food for Chen Jiajun, which made He Xin almost want to go to the Kitchen, pick up a cleaver, and hack Chen Jiajun to death.

After the meal and drinks, tea and coffee were served. The men puffed on their Cigars. He Tianbao and Michael Kadoorie left the private room chatting and laughing, and He Tian'er also pushed A-Mei's wheelchair and left.

Lawrence Kadoorie took a sip of coffee and cut to the chase: "The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, this company was founded in 1866. Our family, my father Elly, acquired the hotel group in 1890. It has been a century of ups and downs since then. Sir Chen, what price must I pay for you to give up acquiring it?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Jiajun burst into laughter.

This laugh wiped away his merit points instantly.

"Sir Chen, what are you laughing at?"

Seeing Chen Jiajun laughing wildly, Lawrence Kadoorie couldn't help but frown.

Lawrence Kadoorie might not know yet that the two most important groups under the Kadoorie Group already had their equity in the hands of others.

Chen Jiajun's shareholding in the hotel group is 31%, and the Kadoorie Family's shareholding is 10.33%.

Chen Jiajun's shareholding in CLP is 38%, and the Kadoorie Family's shareholding is 24%.

And from the moment Chen Jiajun gave the instruction until now, only three days had passed.

Chen Jiajun's smile faded, and he took a sip of tea to calm himself: "I thought of something funny, so I couldn't help but laugh."

"A Jun, what is so funny?" He Xin asked.

Chen Jiajun put down his teacup and looked at Lawrence Kadoorie: "Viscount Kadoorie, do you know who you sold your CLP shares to today?"

"What do you mean?"

Hearing this, Lawrence Kadoorie's face immediately turned pale.

Chen Jiajun took a puff of his Cigar and explained: "Three days ago, I booked a presidential suite at the Peninsula Hotel to discuss the acquisition of CLP with my subordinates. The Kadoorie Family's shareholding was 34%, and I had nothing, not even a single share. So, we thought of a way: raid the hotel group to make the Kadoorie Family immediately raise funds and launch a counter-acquisition, consuming the Kadoorie Family's vital strength."

"This tactic is called 'openly repair the plank road, secretly march to Chencang'."

"Bang."

Lawrence Kadoorie understood. He slapped the table and stood up: "You, you!"

"We contacted Liang Zhonghao and bought 31% of the hotel group's shares. I have to say, Viscount Kadoorie, your reaction was fast. You immediately launched a counter-acquisition and sold 10% of CLP to raise funds. But I am in the dark, and you are in the light. You probably didn't expect that what I wanted was CLP. Ceng Yutong, who bought the CLP shares, was holding them on my behalf. And now, I hold 38% of the CLP Group equity, while you, Viscount Kadoorie, only have 24%."

Chen Jiajun puffed on his Cigar, his expression overbearing.

The cards are on the table; I'm not pretending anymore.

Lawrence Kadoorie cursed directly: "Fuck your mother."

"Clatter."

He Xin also stood up at the same time, hurriedly blocking the middle of the two to prevent them from clashing.

Lawrence Kadoorie's hands were trembling. He never thought that the Kadoorie Empire he had built would be undermined by Chen Jiajun on the same day.

At this very moment, Lawrence Kadoorie's heart was bleeding.

He took a deep breath and said in a trembling voice: "He Xin, don't worry, I won't fight Sir Chen. My old bones can't beat him."

After a pause, Lawrence Kadoorie added: "Sir Chen, you really are swift and decisive with your methods."

"Can I take that as a compliment?" Chen Jiajun sat on the sofa and said with a smile.

Lawrence Kadoorie cursed: "Yes, a compliment. I have roamed the Hong Kong business world for decades and have never seen such a sharp younger generation, so sharp that I wish I could take a knife and stab you to death right now."

"Fuck your mother, 'openly repair the plank road, secretly march to Chencang', you played this hand well. I, who hunt geese all day, have been blinded by an eagle."

Chen Jiajun shook his head and said, "Viscount Kadoorie, cursing me like this is of no use; it would be better to sit down and have a proper chat."

Lawrence Kadoorie said, almost crazed, "Chat? Chat about what? You are too ruthless."

Compared to the hotel group, China Electric Power was even more the lifeblood of the Kadoorie Family; at that time, few families in Hong Kong could use electric lights, but Elly Kadoorie had already foreseen the prospects of the power industry.

Consequently, he concentrated his energy and focused on the China Light and Power Company.

By the time of the Second World War, China Electric Power had already become one of the few major enterprises in Hong Kong, monopolizing the power supply of the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories.

After the outbreak of the Second World War, Elly Kadoorie followed the orders of the Hong Kong government and painfully blew up the power plant of the China Light and Power Company located on the Kowloon Peninsula.

After the war, Lawrence Kadoorie was determined to inherit his father's legacy and restore the family business. Under his leadership, the power plants of the CLP Group were quickly rebuilt.

Two years ago, Lawrence Kadoorie invested another ten billion-plus Hong Kong dollars to build the Qingshan Fadianchang in Kowloon.

Chen Jiajun leaned back on the sofa, took a puff of his Cigar, and said, "Viscount Kadoorie, now it is time for you to make a choice. If you grant me the shares of the China Electric Power Group you hold, I will support you in being the Headman of the hotel group, and I will never usurp your power."

"Damn it."

In Lawrence Kadoorie's eyes, Chen Jiajun's current appearance was very punchable.

He Xin did not know what to say either; after all, he and Lawrence Kadoorie were old friends of many years, while Chen Jiajun's relationship with him was even closer. Given the current situation, he was also helpless: "Kadoorie, you should still sit down and talk."

"Hmph."

After Lawrence Kadoorie sat down, he took a few fierce puffs of his Cigar and said, "It seems you are determined to win, eh?"

Chen Jiajun nodded and said, "Yes, you must give me an answer tonight. I am already holding 38% of the China Electric Power shares, and after I file the notice tomorrow, I can launch a full takeover. As for the China Electric Power Group stock you currently hold, I can acquire it at a 20% premium; you still have 24%, which is 2.88 billion, and I can pay it off in one lump sum."

"Sir Chen, are you not afraid of falling behind me in the battle for the board seats of the two groups? Our Kadoorie Group is the Founder of these two groups, and I have more of an advantage than you. If the power grab fails, have you thought about the consequences?"

Lawrence Kadoorie threatened.

Chen Jiajun laughed heartily and said, not caring in the slightest, "You don't need to threaten me. If the power grab is not successful, have you thought about the fact that these two groups will fall into internal strife? Everything you support, I will oppose, and everything you oppose, I will support. We can just slowly wear each other down; we can wear each other down for five or six years, and after you go down to sell salted duck eggs, you can think carefully about whether your son will still be my match."

Accompanied by Chen Jiajun's steady tone.

Lawrence Kadoorie seemed to see the situation that might occur in the two groups going forward.

Every time he made a proposal at the board meeting, Chen Jiajun would veto it.

The hotel group and the China Electric Power Group would fall into internal friction; under such circumstances, the group's stock price would continue to fall, and shareholders would gradually lose confidence. They would become increasingly dissatisfied with him as Chairman of the Board and would turn to support Chen Jiajun instead.

Chen Jiajun was in the prime of his life, and at a young age, his achievements in both politics and business were higher than his own.

Moreover, Chen Jiajun knew how to make money; he could pay off the 90 billion Loan from HSBC in one go and could also help the Huo Yingnan family, Lin Mingze, He Xin, and others make a fortune. One could imagine Chen Jiajun's appeal in the Hong Kong business world in the future.

He would only need to release some bait, and those shareholders would happily turn to support him. When that time truly came, it would be time for Lawrence to leave the hotel group and the China Electric Power Group.

No, the outcome might be even more miserable than that.

And relying solely on his Young Master son, once his own health failed, he would be even less of a match for Chen Jiajun.

By then, Chen Jiajun could easily use a few tricks, such as a private placement of shares, to dilute the Kadoorie Family's shares.

(End of this chapter)