Chapter 91: This, This... How Is This Possible?
"Mr. Halier, why don't you go first," Lin Haoran said, pushing the microphone toward Halier Centurion.
For Qingzhou Cement, this moment marked the end of an era.
Naturally, it was fitting for Halier Centurion to personally bring that era to a close.
Halier Centurion nodded with a somber expression and said, "Everyone, please quiet down."
Immediately, the room, which had been buzzing with whispers, fell silent.
"Here today, I officially announce that I have resigned from all my positions at Qingzhou Cement Company.
I will no longer hold any position within the company.
My successor is Mr. Lin Haoran.
Having served as Chairman of Qingzhou Cement for 16 years, I hold deep affection for this company.
Even as I step down, I wish the company a prosperous future," Halier Centurion said, bowing deeply before sitting back down.
Though the real reasons behind his resignation were shameful, he naturally wouldn't air them at a public press conference.
After Halier finished speaking, the journalists — who had been holding their breath — exploded into a frenzy.
Many couldn't contain their shock and gasped aloud.
No one had expected Qingzhou Cement to change hands so dramatically.
A British company — now chaired by a young, unknown Chinese man?
It was a historic moment for Hong Kong.
While most reporters didn't recognize Lin Haoran, a few from Hong Kong Business Daily did.
They remembered that Lin Haoran had been appointed Vice Chairman not long ago — an announcement that had drawn little attention at the time.
And now?
Within days, he had risen from Vice Chairman to Chairman.
Everyone knew what being Chairman meant — the real master of the company.
At this moment, all eyes focused on the young man seated at the center of the stage.
No introductions were necessary — he was obviously Lin Haoran.
After all, of the three men on stage, only he was Chinese.
"Hello everyone, I'm Lin Haoran, the new Chairman of Qingzhou Cement Company," Lin Haoran said into the microphone.
"I would also like to share some important news:
I now hold majority control over Qingzhou Cement, with more than 50% of the company's shares."
He continued, "Qingzhou Cement is a company with a proud 90-year history.
It is my honor to lead it into a new era.
Additionally, I would like to announce that former Deputy General Manager Mr. Burton has officially been promoted to General Manager.
Together with Mr. Burton, I look forward to leading Qingzhou Cement to even greater success.
Thank you."
Lin Haoran's speech was brief and direct.
And it wasn't a lie: adding Wanan Group's newly acquired 12.6% stake to his own holdings, the Lin family now controlled over 50% of Qingzhou Cement.
His announcement stunned the entire room.
The reporters could hardly believe what they were hearing.
Not only was Lin Haoran the new Chairman, he also had absolute control of the company.
In a situation of absolute control, minority shareholders effectively lost all voting power — they couldn't supervise or oppose him.
From now on, Lin Haoran would have the final say over all company matters.
Reporters immediately launched a barrage of questions:
"Mr. Lin, how did you manage to acquire Qingzhou Cement?"
"Mr. Lin, could you tell us more about your background?"
"Mr. Lin, what are your plans for Qingzhou Cement moving forward?"
"Mr. Lin, as the first Chinese businessman to acquire a British-listed company in Hong Kong, how do you feel?"
The flood of questions reflected the sheer magnitude of the shock.
This was a historic event — one destined to dominate Hong Kong headlines.
The press conference lasted more than an hour.
If Lin Haoran hadn't wrapped it up himself, the reporters would have kept asking questions endlessly.
After the event, reporters rushed back to their offices, eager to file their stories.
They all understood: this was huge — and their articles needed to shine to grab attention.
Television stations TVB and Rediffusion Television had the advantage of speed.
They would broadcast the story during that night's news programs without fail.
It was inevitable: the news of Qingzhou Cement changing ownership would dominate Hong Kong's evening news.
For the first time, a Chinese business consortium had successfully acquired a British-listed company in Hong Kong.
Before this, even when Li Jiacheng bought Wing On Company in 1977, it had only been an American-owned enterprise.
In Hong Kong, British firms had always been the real titans of commerce, and they rarely sold to anyone outside the British community.
Thus, although Qingzhou Cement wasn't among the top-tier firms, Lin Haoran's achievement still broke historic barriers.
That evening, TVB's 6:30 p.m. news report devoted extensive coverage to the Qingzhou Cement story.
Rediffusion Television also covered it extensively in their evening news.
Radio Hong Kong joined in as well, reporting the story via radio broadcasts.
After the two TV stations and one radio station reported the news, Lin Haoran instantly became the hottest topic in Hong Kong.
Almost overnight, Lin Haoran's name was on everyone's lips.
Hong Kong wasn't large — in fact, it was quite small.
By that night, more than 90% of Hong Kong's residents had heard about the story.
At Hui Fung Group headquarters, inside the Chairman's office—
Although Shen Bi had no time to watch TV or listen to the radio, his aides quickly reported the news to him.
"I knew he was extraordinary the first time I spoke with him.
But to think he quietly took over Qingzhou Cement — such a young man, and already at this level.
He will definitely become a top figure in Hong Kong's business world someday.
We should build a strong relationship," Shen Bi mused, looking over the dossier his aides handed him.
He wasn't opposed to Chinese businessmen acquiring British companies —
If it benefited Hui Fung Group, he would even support it.
After all, during the battle for control of Wharf Holdings, Shen Bi had backed Bao Yugang over Jardine Matheson because the greater benefit was with Bao.
Although Qingzhou Cement wasn't a major company by his standards, the symbolism was enormous.
And most importantly, Lin Haoran was still young — young meant limitless possibilities.
At Cheung Kong Holdings headquarters in the Chinese Bank Building—
Li Jiacheng looked at the reports handed to him and sighed.
Cheung Kong had once eyed Qingzhou Cement too, but had ultimately given up, letting Lin Haoran snatch it away.
Seeing Lin Haoran now not only as Chairman but also holding over 50% of the company's shares, Li Jiacheng felt a complex mix of emotions:
Regret, admiration, envy…
At the Bao family villa in Deep Water Bay—
Bao Yugang had returned home early for once to rest.
The acquisition of Wharf Holdings was progressing steadily — though the final battle was yet to come, both sides were stockpiling strength.
Compared to Qingzhou Cement, Wharf was a behemoth valued in the billions —
Victory wouldn't come easily. It would take a year, at least.
Sitting in the living room with his wife, Bao Yugang watched TV while dinner was being prepared.
The news flashed:
"Former Chairman of Qingzhou Cement, Mr. Halier Centurion, has officially stepped down.
The new Chairman is Chinese businessman Lin Haoran.
Here are the full details..."
Bao Yugang's expression was one of utter shock.
He had known Lin Haoran's target was Qingzhou Cement —
He had even helped by persuading Li Jiacheng to withdraw.
But still — less than a month had passed — and Lin Haoran had succeeded?
Not only succeeded but now held absolute majority control?
The speed was staggering.
Far faster than Bao Yugang had ever expected.
At that moment, Bao Yugang couldn't help but admire — and even envy — this young man.
To truly seize a British company at twenty-something years old?
It was a feat even Bao Yugang hadn't accomplished.
"This kid… he's even more capable than I thought," Bao Yugang murmured.
"Yugang, do you know this young man?" his wife asked with interest.
"Yes.
I've even done business with him.
He's our neighbor — the son of Lin Wanan," Bao Yugang explained.
"Oh, Mrs. Lin's son!" his wife exclaimed in realization.
Meanwhile, at Lin Haoning's house in Kowloon Tong—
"Honey! Hurry up and come here — something big has happened!"
Cao Shaoling shouted from the living room.
"What now? I'm busy reviewing client feedback from the Middle East," Lin Haoning grumbled, annoyed, as he emerged from the study.
"Forget that! Look at this!" Cao Shaoling pointed urgently at the television.
On the screen, the news report about Qingzhou Cement was playing.
On the stage, Lin Haoran stood proudly in his suit and tie, answering reporters' questions with ease.
"This... this... how is this possible..." Lin Haoning stammered in disbelief.
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