RBCT Chapter 44: Li Ka-shing panics, Shen Bi's thoughts
Chapter 44: Li Ka-shing panics, Shen Bi's thoughts
October 10th, Sunday.
GG bombardment for several consecutive days.
In the past few days, the entire population of Hong Kong has been bombarded with the "Legendary brand fully automatic washing machine" in a brainwashing-like manner, constantly from morning to night.
Li Jiagang's "brainwashing" marketing tactic is like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples.
However, the effect was indeed very good.
Washing machine exhibitions in various regions are packed with people every day, showing a strong desire among citizens to buy this washing machine.
This also made his "Legendary Company" and "Legendary Appliances Company" fully automatic washing machines the hottest topic in Hong Kong within a few days.
And the name Li Jiagang, this suddenly rising young businessman, has frequently caused big incidents and made frequent newspaper reports. With this "brainwashing" propaganda, he has officially entered the vision of Hong Kong's business community and the public.
HSBC headquarters building.
In Shen Bi's office on the top floor.
"Hahaha……"
"Li Zhen is a business genius."
"Now I've been brainwashed by his advertising, and all I can think about is that line: 'Since using the Legend brand washing machine, Mom no longer has to worry about clothes not getting clean.'"
Shen Bi burst into laughter at Bao Yugang, who had come to discuss matters with him.
Bao Yugang, standing to the side, appeared more composed, maintaining a smile throughout.
"Young Li's publicity stunt is indeed quite effective."
"But his advertising expenses must be quite high," Bao Yugang pointed out the key issue incisively.
Sitting in the boss's chair, Shen Bi nodded in agreement, but then immediately replied, "I asked him about this on the phone yesterday. Do you know what that kid replied to me?"
"Oh, how could that be?"
"He said it's all about getting the money from the customers; now that the advertising is going well and the brand is gaining recognition, it'll be easier to make money in the future," Sir Michael Sandberg said, nodding as he spoke. "I think he makes a lot of sense. This kid is really good."
Watching Shen Bi continuously praise Lijiagang, Bao Yugang felt a strange sense of unease.
It felt as if someone had stolen the apple of their eye.
Bao Yugang and his team had only been back in Hong Kong for three or four days, and they were quite bewildered when they arrived.
Because you can see Lijiagang's promotional materials everywhere, nobody knows what the Legend brand washing machine is or whose product it is.
He later found out that it was from Lijiagang again, which surprised him quite a bit.
It wasn't just him.
Li Ka-shing was actually the most shocked person.
Several days earlier, he had gone through great difficulty to get through to the Hong Kong company from the mainland.
But the news he received made him unwilling to inspect the area, and he wished he could rush back to Hong Kong immediately.
If they hadn't needed to meet with that person, Li Ka-shing probably would have rushed back to Hong Kong that very night.
At this moment, in Li Ka-shing's office.
Since returning to Hong Kong, he has been watching various reports about Lijiagang every morning, and his brows are always furrowed and his face looks very unpleasant.
Anyone who didn't know better would think that Li Jiagang had a deep-seated grudge against him.
"Young Mr. Li, oh Young Mr. Li," Li Ka-shing put down the newspaper, walked lightly to the French windows, his eyes fixed on the direction of the Hong Kong Electric headquarters, "how come you always manage to get there first?"
Upon returning to Hong Kong, he immediately arranged for people to conduct an in-depth investigation into who had taken down his Qingzhou Yingni Company.
But before he could find out the situation, Lijiagang Legend Company held a press conference.
The company announced the establishment of "Legend Group" and also announced that Legend Group acquired a 51% stake in "Ching Chau Ying Cement" at an average price of HK$3.5 per share.
This caused quite a stir at the time, as Li Jiagang's continuous acquisitions of British-funded companies, although none of them were major British-funded companies, still boosted the morale of many Chinese businessmen.
Upon receiving this news, Li Ka-shing almost fainted.
First it was "Hong Kong Electric", and now it's "Qingzhou Ying Cement". Both of his favorite companies have been snatched away by Li Jiagang. How can he not be worried?
"Is it really your good eye, or is it that HSBC guy..." Li Ka-shing suddenly paused, and cold sweat gradually appeared on his forehead, because he was thinking about the "Hutchison Whampoa" matter.
He worried that Li Jiagang's recent series of actions were being carried out under the guidance of Sir Michael Sandberg. If that were the case, his chances of acquiring Hutchison Whampoa would be greatly reduced.
Having struggled through Hong Kong's darkest years, he knew all too well that promises were utterly worthless in the face of self-interest.
Moreover, when he reached the "Kowloon Wharf" stock transaction with Pao Yue-kong, Sir Michael Sandberg did not explicitly promise to give him "Hutchison Whampoa".
At the time, he misunderstood that Sir Michael Sandberg had tacitly agreed to let him transfer the shares of Hutchison Whampoa, and took it as Sir Michael Sandberg's intention in principle to transfer the shares of Hutchison Whampoa held by HSBC to him.
But now, with the emergence of Lijiagang.
He no longer felt confident about the matter.
The thought that Hutchison Whampoa might also be taken over by Li Ka-shing finally made Li Ka-shing unable to sit still.
"No, Hutchison Whampoa absolutely cannot be taken away," Li Ka-shing strode to his desk, picked up the phone, but hesitated again: "How should I bring up this topic with Sir Michael Sandberg?" He frowned, deep in thought.
I took several minutes to consider it.
Li Chao then dialed Shen Bi's number.
The moment the call connected, three long "beep...beep...beep" sounds came through the receiver, each sound like a heavy hammer blow to Li Ka-shing's heart.
Inside the top floor office of HSBC.
"Hello, I am Sim Pil."
"Hello Mr. Shen Bi, this is me, Li Ka-shing." His voice was steady, but it couldn't hide a hint of tension.
"Oh! It's Mr. Li."
On the other end of the phone, Shen Bi was holding a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea. He calmly asked, "Mr. Li, is there something you need calling so early?"
Li Ka-shing's lips twitched slightly. He took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Sir Michael Sandberg, I've come about Hutchison Whampoa and would like to discuss this with you in person."
"Hutchison?"
Shen Bi remained silent for a moment.
He gently put down his teacup, tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, and squinted as he pondered.
Li Ka-shing on the other end of the phone did not interrupt Shen Bi, knowing that he was deep in thought.
Initially, Sir Michael Sandberg did intend to transfer Hutchison Whampoa to Li Ka-shing.
He believes Li Ka-shing is also a good businessman.
But with the emergence of Lijiagang.
Sir Michael Sandberg's awareness of Li Ka-shing's existence became increasingly vague. If Li Ka-shing hadn't called him today, Sir Michael Sandberg would have even forgotten that Li Ka-shing was one of the best candidates in his plan to take over Hutchison Whampoa.
After a while...
Shen Bi slowly spoke: "Mr. Li, we have known each other for quite some time. I do not deny that you are very good, with your composure and business acumen."
But as you know, HSBC is a financial institution and doesn't favor anyone. We only consider who has more value, who can create greater benefits for HSBC's future, who can better increase Hutchison's assets, and who can satisfy Hutchison's shareholders—that's who we'll give it to.
"Now that you're asking me about this, I can't answer you, nor can I meet with you to discuss it in detail."
Upon hearing this, Li Ka-shing's breath hitched; he understood the meaning behind Shen Bi's words.
This means that if you want Hutchison Whampoa, we can discuss it.
But they need to figure out what Hutchison will bring to HSBC in the future, given the premise of "Hutchison," and whether there will be enough benefits. In the end, it's about proving their loyalty.
How could the intelligent Li Ka-shing not understand?
“I understand,” he said slowly, “but Mr. Shen, Mr. Pao Yu-kong and I have already reached an understanding that the Wharf Holdings transaction is about to be completed, and I have also taken over part of the HSBC-related loans as required by your bank. I believe that… the equity arrangement of Hutchison Whampoa has already been agreed upon.”
Li Ka-shing persisted in asking questions.
"Understanding?" Shen Bi chuckled. "Mr. Li, you're an old businessman. In the business world, there's no such thing as 'I think,' only written agreements and who has the higher value."
He paused, his tone suddenly softening, "However, I admire you, so I'll give you a chance. This Friday, HSBC will hold a closed-door meeting with Hutchison to discuss the future development and direction of 'Hutchison Whampoa.' If you can come up with a plan that satisfies HSBC and convinces the Hutchison board of directors, I might be able to advocate for you."
Li Ka-shing clearly noticed that Sir Michael Sandberg emphasized the phrase "can satisfy HSBC".
The implication is quite clear.
He knew that this was not a favor from Shen Bi, but a final test for him.
"Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Mr. Sim Bi." He replied in a deep voice and hung up the phone.
Silence returned to the office.
Li Ka-shing slowly sat back in his leather chair, his gaze falling on the prepared acquisition plan for Hutchison Whampoa on the table, which he then tossed aside.
Lean back in your chair.
He closed his eyes and pondered.
After a long while...
Li Ka-shing suddenly opened his eyes.
"Lijiagang should not be underestimated."
"Shen Bi may not be trustworthy."
"And I have to be fast, accurate, and ruthless."
Suddenly, Li Ka-shing seemed to come alive, his face revealing an unwavering determination.