Chapter 300: Are You In?

After Pei Wencong paid the $3 million down payment, mainland authorities increased their regard for him significantly, and the cooperation agreement was signed swiftly and smoothly as he requested.

Then, Chang'an invited Pei Wencong to visit, insisting they must treat him well and express their gratitude—but Pei Wencong politely declined, saying it was merely a trivial matter.

Director Xiong was taken aback upon hearing this: even if you're an overseas descendant with a heart for the homeland, how could an investment estimated at several million dollars be called a "trivial matter"?

But Pei Wencong wasn't lying; compared to following Li Ye's teachings, a few million dollars in business truly wasn't significant.

He met with Luo Runbo and Li Ye, and followed their next instructions.

"Mr. Li, here is all the accounting. Please review it. If there are no issues, my commission is complete."

Luo Runbo handed Li Ye a detailed ledger, then stared at him in silence.

He still clearly remembered the first time he met Li Ye during last year's Spring Festival, when Pei Wencong brought Li Ye to his small financial consulting firm and proposed betting on the Hang Seng Index.

Although Li Ye's confident prediction of "below 700 points" gave Luo Runbo a sense of "like minds think alike," he still only regarded Li Ye as a somewhat perceptive "financial novice."

A student from Beijing University's Economics Department? Beijing University? Never heard of it.

Fifty thousand Hong Kong dollars as capital? Pocket change~

But Luo Runbo never imagined that in less than a year, this "novice" had transformed into a full-grown "giant crocodile."

【Could it be, as A Cong said, that he's from the mainland?】

Looking around at the furnishings, Luo Runbo felt it didn't fit—Li Ye's house was decent by mainland standards, but far inferior to modern Hong Kong residences, merely possessing a peculiar nostalgic charm.

Nostalgic things aren't necessarily comfortable; for instance, Luo Runbo found the chair beneath him uncomfortably hard, nothing like the softness of a leather sofa.

But beside him, Pei Wencong whispered: "Don't fidget—that's zitan antique furniture. One chair is worth half your car."

"It's zitan?"

Luo Runbo touched the armrest in surprise—and suddenly felt the chair was wonderfully comfortable.

Li Ye casually flipped through the first few pages, then jumped straight to the end, glancing longer only when he saw the final profit.

Not much—just a bit over three hundred million U. . dollars.

Seeing Li Ye smile, Luo Runbo couldn't help asking: "Mr. Li, may I ask how you knew the Hong Kong dollar would peg to the U. . dollar?"

Li Ye looked genuinely surprised: "No one guessed? With so many financial professionals in Hong Kong, no one saw it coming? Then what other methods do you think the British Hong Kong government had to stabilize the dollar?"

"This—"

Luo Runbo had no reply. Pegging to the U. . dollar was clearly the solution to the recent chaos, but other solutions existed—who could have predicted it?

Who would dare predict it so precisely?

Just over half a month ago, the Hong Kong dollar fluctuated between 82 and 83. At the time, Luo Runbo repeatedly advised Li Ye to liquidate, because Hong Kong's forex market had gone mad—many envious players had rushed in, and the risk of a catastrophic loss was highest precisely then.

But Li Ye refused to move, telling Luo Runbo to "wait for the right moment."

For those days, Luo Runbo couldn't sleep, terrified that the next morning he'd wake up to see his profits vanish.

Barefoot, people are bold; but once shod, who still wants to go barefoot?

But on October 14, after intense negotiations between Britain and the mainland, the Iron Lady wrote to the Zhong family, stating both sides could discuss a lasting arrangement for Hong Kong based on the Zhong family's proposal, and Britain would no longer insist on "exchanging sovereignty for governance."

The next day, British Hong Kong announced the Hong Kong dollar would peg to the U. . dollar at a fixed rate of 1: 8.

Is there a connection? Does Li Ye have some top-secret information channel on the mainland?

Pei Wencong nudged Luo Runbo: "Stop guessing. Mr. Li is from Beijing University's Economics Department! You studied law at Hong Kong University—of course you didn't guess."

"I—"

Luo Runbo glared at Pei Wencong. He may have switched careers to finance, but he had professional credentials, didn't he?

Li Ye smiled, tossed the ledger onto the table, and asked Luo Runbo: "Regardless, thank you for your trouble this time. Did you bring the cash check?"

"I brought it, I brought it—and all the related documents too."

Luo Runbo quickly pulled out a large stack from his bag: tens of millions in cash gains—every document and receipt had to be perfect.

But after Li Ye picked up the check, he pulled out a red envelope, slipped the check inside, and handed it back to Luo Runbo.

"According to Hong Kong custom, I should give you a red envelope. May you prosper."

Luo Runbo: ""

Customs aside, isn't it all about the person? A stingy boss who won't give a cent—you still smile and bow; a boss who curses you after losing money—you still swallow your pride.

How many people would give a red envelope this big—188, 00 yuan?

That sum, converted to Hong Kong dollars, could buy a thousand-square-foot luxury apartment in Central.

"Mr. Li, I already received my commission."

"Commission is commission. Lucky money is lucky money!"

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

Luo Runbo hesitated, then accepted it with both hands, smiling and offering his congratulations.

Then he turned to Pei Wencong.

Pei Wencong had also made nearly one hundred million U. . dollars this time. Li Ye had just given a pearl—shouldn't you give at least an 88, 00-dollar red envelope?

Pei Wencong subtly turned his head right, staring at the wall hangings, giving Luo Runbo his back.

But who was Luo Runbo? Someone who dealt with money every day, counting every cent—how could he let this go?

He said nothing, just poked Pei Wencong's back—surely, in front of Li Ye, you wouldn't be this stingy.

Pei Wencong turned back, blinked, and said: "Ah Bo, have you finished your report? Now it's my turn. Are you in a hurry? Should I drop you off at the hotel first?"

Luo Runbo: ""

Kick me out over nothing? You stingy Cong.

Li Ye watched the two banter and found it amusing.

In middle age, having a friend who can tease you without ever getting angry is truly a great blessing.

"Mr. Luo, don't leave yet. We still need your help with some matters."

"Mr. Li, please go ahead."

Pei Wencong stopped joking and turned fully to Li Ye.

Li Ye said: "Now that we've made money, the next step is planning how to proceed. I intend to increase capital in Saisi Company, expand investment in mainland manufacturing, and boost exports. Old Pei, are you in?"

"Of course I'm in!" Pei Wencong smiled. "I'm definitely continuing to cooperate with Mr. Li. Fenghua Company just signed seven million U. . dollars in orders at this year's Canton Fair."

Also, as you instructed, I've finalized the acquisition of a Hong Kong electronics factory to prepare for building a plant on the mainland—I've been following your lead all along."

Li Ye frowned slightly: "Fenghua Apparel only has seven million in orders?"

Pei Wencong pulled documents from his bag and explained: "Fenghua's quality is excellent and well-received in the market, but from April until now, the time has been too short—our trade and sales department is still weak."

So I've identified two trade companies: one small, controllable for fifty thousand U. . dollars; the other larger, requiring two million. Mr. Li, which one should we buy?"

Li Ye glanced at the documents and said: "Buy both. If money can solve it, don't waste time.

Opportunities on the mainland will only grow. Hong Kong has its unique position—trade companies will make huge profits."

From Reform and Opening to China's WTO entry, Hong Kong's trade companies thrived for twenty years—they literally sat and made money, easier than standing to earn it.

For example, importing iron ore: Hong Kong trade firms handle all paperwork perfectly, then charge you $2–3 per ton in commission. Just calculate how much they make.

In this regard, Pei Wencong's vision clearly surpassed Hao Jian and Jin Peng. Li Ye told him to prepare an electronics factory and manufacturing on the mainland—

He'd already thought of establishing trade companies, and without being prompted, proposed the fastest expansion method: acquisitions.

He simply lacked the capital recently, as most funds were tied up in financial markets.

"Alright. I'll negotiate with them immediately after returning to Hong Kong. Also, there are a few other matters."

Pei Wencong added: "I've met with investment promotion officers from Chang'an, Shanghai, and Beijing. They've expressed interest in joint-venture factories. Mr. Li, should we respond?"

Because the film city bait was so attractive, not only the three film studios approached Pei Wencong—local officials came too. Everywhere, they're chasing foreign exchange earnings, so naturally they talked to Pei Wencong about "welcoming investment."

Li Ye thought for a moment: "You should form a mainland investment team to screen suitable projects and partners. Partners should not be too high-ranking or too large-scale. Don't move too fast—first accumulate experience."

Pei Wencong didn't fully understand the request, but didn't rush to question it—he carefully wrote it down.

Then he asked Li Ye: "Mr. Li, how much are you planning to increase Saisi Company's capital?"

Li Ye said: "I'll start with one hundred million U. . dollars. We'll discuss further needs later. For registering the secondary subsidiaries, coordinate with Mr. Luo. When you have a plan, bring it to me."

Pei Wencong nodded: "Understood, Mr. Li. I'll prepare it and send it to you soon."

At this point, Luo Runbo, who had been silent until now, suddenly asked: "Mr. Li, can I join in?"

""

Li Ye and Pei Wencong both looked at Luo Runbo in surprise.

Pei Wencong asked incredulously: "Ah Bo, how much money do you have?"

Saisi Company was a joint venture between Pei Wencong and Li Ye, with Pei holding 30% and Li 70%.

Now Li Ye is injecting one hundred million U. . dollars—Pei Wencong must contribute forty-three million.

Pei Wencong knew Luo Runbo's financial situation roughly: he'd barely scraped together thirty thousand U. . dollars by mortgaging his house to bet on the Hong Kong dollar's rise, and his total profit was under ten million—nowhere near enough to make a splash.

Luo Runbo explained: "Finance is high-risk. I want to invest in real industry to secure my family—my funds are limited, but I hope to invest in one of Saisi's subsidiaries."

Pei Wencong said nothing, turning to Li Ye.

Fenghua Apparel was already a Saisi subsidiary; an electronics factory was coming. Luo Runbo's idea wasn't unrealistic.

Li Ye said: "I don't object. Xiao Hui and Da Yong have a project coming up—when it's ready, you two can discuss it."

"Xiao Hui?" Pei Wencong blinked. "What project?"

Li Ye smiled: "You're the older brother—you don't even know what your own sister is doing? You ask me?"

Pei Wencong: ""

At five p. ., Li Ye sent Pei Wencong and Luo Runbo away—it was dinnertime. Were they going to interrupt Li Ye and Wen Leyu's cozy meal?

Back at the hotel, Pei Wencong suddenly invited Luo Runbo for a walk, then asked in Cantonese: "Ah Bo, why did you think I should give you a red envelope?"

Luo Runbo froze, then grumbled: "You're asking? I helped you make so much money—you—"

"Huh?"

Pei Wencong cut off Luo Runbo sharply and said: "Do you remember that night on the mountaintop? How did you manage to hold on?"

Luo Runbo: ""

Pei Wencong went on: "Abo, I'm not a petty man, and I'd never hold a favor over you—but you need to understand: you're here making money with us not because you understand finance, but because you've hitched onto someone else's fortune. Do you understand fortune?"

Luo Runbo sat stunned for a long moment, silent. He understood finance, but he truly didn't understand fortune.

This time, his success in grabbing profit from the fire, his sudden fame in Hong Kong's financial circle, was truly as if fortune had blessed him—turning misfortune into luck.

Without Li Ye and Pei Wencong

Though he made money for Li Ye and Pei Wencong this time, conversely, he became a millionaire only because they let him tag along.

They could've taken anyone else and still made money.

Luo Runbo thought of himself a year ago, then thought of himself now—and silently pulled out the red envelope Li Ye had given him and handed it to Pei Wencong.

"Thank you, Acong. I should've given you this red envelope."

Pei Wencong accepted the 188, 00 yuan red envelope without hesitation.

Personal favors are personal favors; principles are principles. Pei Wencong wasn't the carefree, easygoing Li Ye—he wouldn't vaguely owe Luo Runbo a debt of gratitude.

Fortune is finite. If you take a bit, I lose a bit!

But after taking the envelope, Pei Wencong clapped Luo Runbo on the shoulder and smiled: "Don't be like that. I'll buy you a new Benz."

"I want a Benz."

"Benzes are hard to drive—you'd need a driver."

"My wife drives."

"Your wife drives badly~"

"Even if she drives badly, I still have a wife."

""

"Why don't you have a wife yet, Acong?"

""

"Hey hey hey, we're civilized people—don't start fighting! Since you came to the mainland, how have you become so uncivilized?"