Chapter 300: Are You Going to Follow the Banker?

After Pei Wencong produced the three-million-dollar "down payment," the mainland's regard for him increased significantly, and the cooperation agreement was signed "quickly and smoothly" according to his requirements.

Afterward, the Chang'an side invited Pei Wencong to visit, claiming they must host him properly and thank him thoroughly, but Pei Wencong declined, saying, "It is a mere trifle, not worth mentioning."

Director Xiong was somewhat stunned after hearing this. Even if you are an overseas wanderer with your heart set on the motherland, how can an investment expected to be at least several million dollars be called a "trifle"?

But Pei Wencong was truly not lying. Compared to following Li Ye's teachings, a deal of several million dollars really did not count as a major matter.

He met up with Luo Runbo and Li Ye to listen to the subsequent arrangements.

"Mr. Li, these are all the accounts. Please take a look. If there are no issues, my commission for this order can be considered complete."

Luo Runbo first handed a detailed set of accounts to Li Ye, then watched Li Ye, lost in thought.

He still clearly remembered the appearance of Li Ye when they first met during the Spring Festival last year. At that time, Pei Wencong brought Li Ye to his small financial consulting firm, proposing to speculate on the Hang Seng Index.

Although Li Ye's firm assertion that it would "fall below 700 points" gave Luo Runbo the feeling that "great minds think alike," he only considered Li Ye a "financial rookie" with a bit of insight.

A student from the Economics Department of Jingbei University? Where is Jingbei University? Never heard of it.

A capital of 500,000 Hong Kong dollars? Mere drizzle~

But Luo Runbo never expected that in less than a year, this rookie would transform, and in the blink of an eye, grow into the true form of a "giant crocodile."

【Could it be that, as A-Cong said, he really is from the mainland...】

Looking up at the surrounding furnishings, Luo Runbo felt it didn't seem like it. Li Ye's house could be considered quite good in the mainland, but compared to the modernized residences in Hong Kong, it was far inferior; it was just that the nostalgic flavor was somewhat unique.

Nostalgic things are not necessarily comfortable to use; for instance, Luo Runbo felt the chair under his buttocks was a bit grating, far less soft than a genuine leather sofa.

But Pei Wencong, who was beside him, whispered, "Stop fidgeting. It's antique rosewood furniture; one chair is worth half a car of yours."

"This is rosewood?"

Luo Runbo touched the armrest of the chair in surprise, and suddenly felt his buttocks were extremely comfortable.

Li Ye casually flipped through the first few pages, turned directly to the end, and only took a few extra looks when he saw the final profit.

Not much, just a little over three hundred million US dollars.

Seeing a smile appear on Li Ye's face, Luo Runbo couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Li, may I ask, how exactly did you know that the Hong Kong dollar would be pegged to the US dollar?"

Li Ye asked with a face full of surprise, "Did no one guess it? With so many professionals in finance in Hong Kong, did no one guess it? Then what other means do you think the British Hong Kong government had to stabilize the Hong Kong dollar?"

"This..."

Luo Runbo had no way to respond. Pegging to the US dollar was certainly the solution to the chaos of the Hong Kong dollar during this period, but it wasn't the only solution; who could have guessed it?

And who would have dared to guess it so accurately?

Over half a month ago, the Hong Kong dollar exchange rate was fluctuating between 8.2 and 8.3. At that time, Luo Runbo had repeatedly advised Li Ye to liquidate, because the Hong Kong foreign exchange market was already a bit possessed; many people with red eyes had killed their way in, and the more it was like this, the easier it was to capsize in the gutter.

But Li Ye insisted on not moving, telling Luo Runbo to "wait for the opportunity."

Luo Runbo was truly too worried to sleep during those days, fearing that if he woke up the next day, joy would turn to sorrow and the earned profits would shrink significantly.

When people are barefoot, they are bold, but after putting on shoes, who is still willing to be barefoot?

However, on October 14, after multiple intense negotiations between Britain and the mainland, the Iron Lady wrote to the Chinese side, indicating that both sides could explore a lasting arrangement for Hong Kong based on the Chinese side's suggestions, and Britain would no longer insist on the position of "exchanging sovereignty for administrative power."

Then, the next day, the British Hong Kong government announced that the Hong Kong dollar would be pegged to the US dollar, stabilizing the exchange rate at 1 to 7.8.

You tell me, was there any connection between these? Did Li Ye have some top-secret information channel in the mainland?

Pei Wencong nudged Luo Runbo and said, "Don't go guessing back and forth here. Mr. Li is from the Economics Department of Jingbei University! You studied law at the University of Hong Kong; it's normal that you didn't guess it."

"I..."

Luo Runbo glared at Pei Wencong in anger. Although he had changed careers to finance, he was also a person with great professional competence, okay?

Li Ye smiled, threw the account details on the table, and then asked Luo Runbo, "Regardless, I've troubled you this time, Mr. Luo. Did you bring the cash check I asked you to handle?"

"Brought it, brought it. Other relevant things were also brought."

Luo Runbo hurriedly took a large stack of things out of his bag. With several hundred million in cash earnings, all kinds of procedural vouchers could not be handled carelessly.

However, after Li Ye picked up the check, he took out a red envelope, put the check inside, and handed it back to Luo Runbo.

"According to your Hong Kong customs, I should give you a red envelope, ha. May you have great wealth."

Luo Runbo: "..."

Actually, whether it's custom or not, doesn't it all depend on the individual? If a stingy boss doesn't pull out a single hair, you still have to greet him with a smiling face; if you lose money and he speaks harshly, don't you still have to swallow the spit on your face?

And how many people are willing to give a red envelope of 188,000 like the one in Li Ye's hand?

If this money were converted into Hong Kong dollars, it could buy a thousand-square-foot luxury mansion in Central.

"Mr. Li, I have already taken the commission..."

"Commission is commission, a lucky bonus is a lucky bonus!"

"Thank you, Mr. Li. Congratulations on your wealth."

Luo Runbo hesitated for a moment, accepted it with both hands, and smiled, wishing him wealth.

Then, he looked at Pei Wencong.

This time Pei Wencong also earned nearly one hundred million US dollars. With Li Ye setting the example, shouldn't you also give a red envelope of 88,000 US dollars?

Pei Wencong turned his head to the right without a trace, looking at the calligraphy and painting hanging on the wall, giving Luo Runbo the back of his head.

But who was Luo Runbo? Dealing with money every day, calculating every cent and mill, how could he give up like this?

He didn't speak either, just reached out and poked Pei Wencong's back. He didn't believe that in front of Li Ye, you could still be that stingy and petty.

Pei Wencong turned his head back, blinked, and said, "A-Bo, have you finished reporting your business? Then it's my turn. Are you in a hurry? Do you want me to send you back to the hotel first?"

Luo Runbo: "..."

Kicking people out at the slightest disagreement? You stingy Cong.

Li Ye watched the two of them teasing each other and found it quite interesting.

Reaching middle age and still having a friend you can tease each other with, but never get angry no matter how you tease, is actually a great blessing.

"Mr. Luo, don't leave yet! Some matters still require your cooperation."

"Mr. Li, please speak."

Pei Wencong stopped joking with Luo Runbo and focused on Li Ye.

Li Ye said, "Since we have already made money, the next step is to plan how to proceed. I am going to increase capital for the Seris Company, increase investment in the mainland's manufacturing industry, and expand exports. Old Pei, are you going to follow the banker?"

"Then I will definitely follow!" Pei Wencong said with a smile, "I will definitely continue to cooperate with Mr. Li. Fenghua Company has signed another seven million dollars in orders at the Canton Fair in these few days."

"In addition, according to Mr. Li's instructions, I have already negotiated the acquisition of a Hong Kong electronics factory, preparing for building a factory in the mainland. I have always been following Mr. Li."

Li Ye frowned slightly and said, "Fenghua Clothing, only seven million in orders?"

Pei Wencong took a document out of his bag and explained, "The quality of Fenghua Clothing is very good, and it is very popular after entering the market, but the time from April to now is too short, and our trade sales department is still somewhat weak."

"So I have taken a fancy to two trading companies. One is small in scale, and we can hold a controlling stake for only 500,000 US dollars; the other needs two million. Mr. Li, take a look at which one is suitable? Should we acquire them?"

Li Ye took the document and looked at it slightly, then said, "Buy both of them! Don't waste time on things that can be solved with money."

"The opportunities in the mainland will inevitably become more and more numerous in the future. Hong Kong has its unique position, and trading companies will definitely make a lot of money."

Trading companies in Hong Kong flourished for twenty years from the reform and opening up until the mainland joined the WTO. It can be said that they made money while sitting down, which is easier than making money while standing up.

For example, when importing iron ore, Hong Kong trading companies handle all the documents and procedures for you clearly, and then charge you a commission of 2-3 US dollars per ton of iron ore. You can calculate how much money they can make!

On this point, Pei Wencong's vision was undoubtedly a notch higher than Hao Jian's and Jin Peng's. Li Ye asked him to prepare to set up an electronics factory and prepare to engage in manufacturing in the mainland,

and he had already thought of setting up a trading company, and without Li Ye's prompting, he proposed the fastest expansion method of "acquisition,"

it's just that in the past few days, a large amount of funds were tied up in the financial market, and he didn't have the ability to carry out acquisitions.

"Okay, I will talk to them immediately after I return to Hong Kong. In addition, there are a few other things,"

Pei Wencong added, "This time I came into contact with some investment promotion personnel from Chang'an, Shanghai, and the capital. They proposed some intentions for joint venture factory construction. Mr. Li, do you think we should agree?"

Because the film city is a very attractive bait, not only did three film studios approach Pei Wencong, but local people also came over. Now that everyone is engaged in "foreign exchange creation," they naturally want to chat with Pei Wencong about "welcoming investment."

Li Ye thought for a moment and said, "For this, you need to set up a mainland investment team to specifically screen suitable projects and partners. The level of partners cannot be too high, and the scale cannot be too large. Don't go too fast; accumulate cooperation experience first."

Pei Wencong didn't quite understand the requirement, but he didn't rush to ask back, instead recording it seriously in his notebook.

Only then did he ask Li Ye, "Mr. Li, then how much do you plan to increase the capital for the Seris Company this time?"

Li Ye said, "I will increase it by one hundred million US dollars first, and we will talk about it later if there is a need. For the registration of relevant secondary subsidiaries, you discuss and coordinate with Mr. Luo. After you have a plan, bring it to me to see."

Pei Wencong nodded and agreed, "Okay, Mr. Li, I will get it done and send it to you very soon."

At this time, Luo Runbo, who had been silent on the side, suddenly asked, "Mr. Li, can I follow the banker?"

"..."

Li Ye and Pei Wencong both looked at Luo Runbo strangely.

Pei Wencong asked in surprise, "A-Bo, how much money do you have?"

Seris Company is a joint-stock company established by Pei Wencong and Li Ye with a "3-7 split" cooperation, in which Pei Wencong holds 3 and Li Ye holds 7.

Now that Li Ye is increasing capital by one hundred million US dollars, Pei Wencong has to invest 43 million.

And Pei Wencong generally understands Luo Runbo's family background. At the beginning, he gritted his teeth and followed Pei Wencong to bet on the Hong Kong dollar, mortgaging his house to scrape together a capital of 300,000 US dollars. The amount he earned was less than ten million US dollars, and if he invested it all, he wouldn't be able to make a splash.

Luo Runbo explained, "The financial industry I am engaged in has high risks, so I want to invest in a real industry to give my wife and children at home some security. I don't have much capital in my hands, and I hope I can invest in the subsidiaries under Seris."

Pei Wencong was noncommittal and looked at Li Ye.

Fenghua Clothing Factory is a subsidiary under Seris, and there will be an electronics factory later. Luo Runbo's idea is not unrealistic.

Li Ye said, "I don't oppose this. Liu Xiaohui and Da Yong have a project recently. When there is a result, you can discuss and handle it."

"Liu Xiaohui?" Pei Wencong was stunned and asked unexpectedly, "What project do they have?"

Li Ye smiled and said, "You are the big brother, you don't even know about your own younger sister's affairs, and you come to ask me?"

Pei Wencong: "..."

At five o'clock in the evening, Li Ye chased Pei Wencong and Luo Runbo away. They didn't leave when it was time to eat; did they want to disturb Li Ye and Wen Leyu's cozy dinner?

Pei Wencong and Luo Runbo returned to the hotel, but Pei Wencong suddenly invited Luo Runbo to take a walk, and then said in Cantonese, "A-Bo, why did you think just now that I should give you a red envelope?"

Luo Runbo was stunned, and then said angrily, "You still say that? I helped you earn so much money, and you also..."

"Eh?"

Pei Wencong interrupted Luo Runbo's words very seriously, and then said, "Do you still remember that night we were on the mountaintop? How did you persist through it?"

Luo Runbo: "..."

Pei Wencong added, "A-Bo, I am not a person who calculates every cent, and I will never hold a favor over someone's head, but you must understand that the reason you were able to follow us to make money this time is not because you understand finance, but because you touched someone else's fortune. Do you understand fortune?"

Luo Runbo was stunned for a long time without speaking. He understood finance, but he really didn't understand fortune.

And this time he was able to snatch chestnuts from the fire and become famous in the Hong Kong financial circle, it was truly as if fortune was added to his body, turning bad luck into good.

If it weren't for Li Ye and Pei Wencong...

Although he earned money for Li Ye and Pei Wencong this time, conversely, the reason he could become a multi-millionaire was because they brought him along to play.

If they didn't use him, they would use someone else, and they would still make money.

Luo Runbo remembered himself a year ago, and then thought about himself now... then, he silently took out the red envelope Li Ye gave him and gave it to Pei Wencong.

"Thank you, A-Cong. It should be me giving you a red envelope."

Pei Wencong accepted the 188,000 red envelope with peace of mind.

Favors are favors, principles are principles. Pei Wencong is not the free and easy Li Ye; he would never muddle-headedly owe Luo Runbo a favor.

Fortune is limited. If you touch one point, I have one point less!

However, after Pei Wencong took the red envelope, he climbed onto Luo Runbo's shoulder and said with a smile, "Don't be like this. I'll send you a new Mercedes-Benz later."

"I want a Mercedes..."

"A Mercedes is not easy to drive, and you still have to hire a driver..."

"My wife can drive."

"Your wife's driving skills are not good~"

"Even if they aren't good, I still have a wife."

"..."

"Why doesn't A-Cong have a wife yet?"

"..."

"Hey hey hey, we are all civilized people, don't use your hands. How did you become so barbaric after coming to the mainland?" ===== CHAPTER 301 =====