Chapter 235: A Call from Li Mingze
More than a week later, the market capitalization of Kowloon Motor Bus had fallen from its peak of over 900 million HKD to less than 800 million HKD. During this period, thanks to the trading strategies of Huanyu Investment's Kowloon Motor Bus project team—buying low and selling high—the company's shareholding increased steadily. With no major competitors left, no other consortium was actively purchasing the stock. As a result, raising their stake from just over 30% to 49.9% was no longer particularly difficult. Even with Huanyu deliberately slowing its pace to avoid inflating the stock price, it was estimated that they could achieve their goal within two weeks.
Meanwhile, Cui Zilong from Oriental Press and Li Weiguo, Huanyu Security Consulting's chief instructor, completed their work in the Philippines and returned to Hong Kong. "Boss, everything has been properly arranged," Cui Zilong reported to Lin Haoran in his office at Oriental Press headquarters. "The deputy general manager of Huanyu Security Consulting is following our plan over there. We brought back fifty men to help expand the security business in Hong Kong, while leaving 150 in the Philippines to serve as our foundation. We'll continue recruiting based on them."
For Huanyu Security Consulting, the priority wasn't grabbing immediate contracts, but expanding the team. With just two hundred people, they couldn't both train and take on outside work. Therefore, they had to first grow their manpower before seriously entering the market. In the Philippines, tasks weren't hard to come by. The key was establishing prestige. Their earlier operation—using snipers to eliminate five Brotherhood leaders—had already earned them a formidable reputation in certain circles. Once they completed a few more high-profile missions, their influence and credibility would skyrocket, and business opportunities would come naturally.
"Good, arrange it as you see fit. Also expand in Hong Kong," Lin Haoran instructed. "Here, we won't just build an elite force. We can also develop a more conventional security guard business. With so many factories around, even grabbing a portion of the contracts would bring substantial revenue," he said with a smile. Huanyu Security Consulting would inevitably burn through cash in its early days—training costs, weapon expenditures, salaries—all added up quickly. Since top-tier bodyguard services wouldn't generate profits immediately, starting with basic security outsourcing made perfect sense.
"Don't worry, Boss. I already have a plan. The fifty veterans we brought back will serve as instructors here. Right now, there's a surge of illegal immigrants, many of whom are young and strong. Even those without military backgrounds could become recruits. Expanding Huanyu Security Consulting in Hong Kong isn't difficult. Though we're still in the preparation phase, I'll ensure that by year's end, the company is self-sustaining and operating as a real security consultancy," Cui Zilong promised.
Lin Haoran nodded in satisfaction. "Good. I believe you'll handle it well."
"If there's nothing else, I'll head back to Oriental Press. There's still much to manage there," Cui Zilong said. His primary role was still at Oriental Press; the general manager role at Huanyu was just an additional responsibility for now. He was far more specialized in the media industry. After half a month away, even though the deputy general manager kept daily operations running, many major decisions required his attention.
"Alright, go ahead. Thanks for your hard work," Lin Haoran said with a smile. Once Cui Zilong left, only Li Weiguo remained with Lin Haoran. "Weiguo, from now on, you'll resume your position as my personal bodyguard. You and your brother can rotate days off to spend time with your families. As for your role as chief instructor at Huanyu, you can resign," Lin Haoran said.
Training top-level security personnel would now be the focus of the Philippine base. The fifty men brought back would form the foundation in Hong Kong. After sufficient training, they too would become capable instructors. Li Weiguo was no longer needed there. "Understood, Boss. I'll follow your arrangements," Li Weiguo said readily.
Li Weidong was also delighted to see his brother again. The two chatted non-stop like they had endless topics to cover—understandable, considering it was the longest separation they had endured since arriving in Hong Kong.
Without realizing it, June had arrived.
After nearly two weeks, Burton had gradually adapted to managing Kowloon Motor Bus. Wanqing Group even dispatched another senior executive to assist him as general manager. Kowloon Motor Bus was now peacefully transitioning under Wanqing Group's control.
Tang Siu Kin, the former chairman, would now only play a supporting role. When he eventually retired, Kowloon Motor Bus would be fully in Wanqing's hands.
One day, while Lin Haoran was at Hongkong Electric headquarters discussing company matters with Chen Shoulin, his pager suddenly buzzed. "Excuse me, I need to return a call," Lin Haoran said with a smile. "Of course, Boss," Chen Shoulin replied. Lin Haoran stepped aside to a desk and dialed back.
Only trusted individuals had his pager number. Sure enough, the caller was an elder's voice: "Mr. Lin, are you busy?" It was Li Mingze, the former chairman of Hong Kong and China Gas.
"I'm free, Mr. Li. What can I do for you?" Lin Haoran asked curiously. He hadn't seen Li Mingze since March, when he joined the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce.
"Today is my grandson's first birthday. We're hosting a banquet tonight at Lee Garden International Hotel. I would like to invite Mr. Lin to attend," Li Mingze said warmly. Lee Garden was one of the Lee family's businesses.
After Lin Haoran's acquisition of Kowloon Motor Bus, his reputation and status had risen once again.
Wealth was the most direct expression of power.
It was understandable that Li Mingze wanted to strengthen ties.
"Of course, Mr. Li. I will be honored to attend. What time should I arrive?" Lin Haoran asked.
"Before 7:30 p.m. tonight at Lee Garden International," Li replied.
"Alright, see you tonight," Lin Haoran confirmed.
Just as he was about to hang up, Li Mingze added, "One more thing: regarding the Hong Kong and China Gas shares, do you still want to hold on to them? If not, I plan to sell my 2.9% stake on the open market."
Back when Lin Haoran secured 49.9% control over Hong Kong and China Gas to fend off Jardines, he had left Li Mingze with a small stake. Since then, the company's market value had surpassed 1 billion HKD. Hong Kong and China Gas was highly profitable, but instead of issuing dividends, Lin Haoran had reinvested profits into real estate. It was a strategic move—at that time, the real estate market hadn't peaked yet, making it a prime opportunity for investment.
"Mr. Li, I had honestly forgotten. Please feel free to sell your shares. The price is quite favorable now," Lin Haoran said with a laugh.
The current stock price was much higher than when Li Mingze had initially intended to sell.
Holding onto those shares had been a profitable decision.
"Alright, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't stepping on your toes. Since you agree, I'll proceed," Li Mingze said happily. His meaning was clear: he had waited out of respect for Lin Haoran.
"Thank you for your consideration. I'll see you tonight. And happy birthday to your grandson!" Lin Haoran said warmly.
After chatting a bit longer, they ended the call.
Lin Haoran sat in his chair, thinking.
The Lee family was one of Hong Kong's old-money clans, with wide social connections and a deep network.
But that wasn't what was on his mind now.
He was thinking about another opportunity.
According to his memories, Li Xiao-he, the current chairman of TVB (Television Broadcasts Limited), was expected to pass away from a heart attack on June 28, 1980.
Today was June 6.
Just over twenty days remained.
After Li Xiao-he's death, the Lee family would lose interest in controlling TVB, and Run Run Shaw (Shao Yifu) of Shaw Brothers Studio would take over as chairman.
Now, Lin Haoran saw an opportunity to acquire the Lee family's TVB shares.
TVB wasn't publicly listed yet.
To become a shareholder, he had to buy directly from existing owners.
And after Li Xiao-he's passing, the Lee family would be open to selling.
Tonight's birthday banquet would likely bring together all the key members of the Lee family.
It was a perfect chance to make introductions and establish initial relationships.
After all, in addition to Li Xiao-he, several of his brothers also held shares in TVB, collectively ensuring the family's dominance over the board.
With Li Mingze's introduction, it would be easy for Lin Haoran to meet them.
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