Chapter 318 Rejecting Li Jiacheng, Li Jiacheng's Ominous Premonition
"That's right, I hope to join forces with Mr. Lin to face the British consortium behind Jardines," Li Jiacheng said with a smile.
"Mr. Li, can you tell me more specifically what your goal is?" Lin Haoran asked, both curious and slightly suspicious.
He didn't believe Li Jiacheng would be so kind as to propose a partnership against such a powerful British group without a clear personal agenda.
Despite Li's outward friendliness, anyone who could successfully take over Hutchison Whampoa from Huifeng Bank was no ordinary businessman.
The British consortium behind Jardines was formidable; Li would not pick a fight without a reason.
"Mr. Lin, to be honest, I have studied Jardines carefully.
Even though you now have plenty of capital, your chances of successfully acquiring Jardines are very slim.
However, I have a way to greatly increase your chances!" Li Jiacheng said, pausing deliberately.
"Mr. Li, please be direct. No need for riddles," Lin Haoran said with a faint smile.
"Then I'll get to the point.
I want to team up with you to take down the Jardines group.
You can have Jardines and its securities arm — I only want Land Development Corporation.
If we divide our forces and attack from both sides, Jardines will have to split their defense, and your chances of success will rise dramatically!"
Li Jiacheng finally revealed his true ambition.
Lin Haoran suddenly understood —
he finally realized who had been competing secretly against Universal Investment for months: it was Li Jiacheng!
No wonder someone had targeted Land Development Corporation so quickly and aggressively —
with Li's current strength, it made perfect sense.
Two years ago, Bao Yugang had managed to seize Wharf Holdings from Jardines, but it had severely weakened his family's finances due to the massive premium paid.
By contrast, Li Jiacheng had bought Hutchison Whampoa from Huifeng Bank at a bargain price, making a huge profit.
Moreover, thanks to Hong Kong's real estate boom in the past few years,
Li's Cheung Kong Holdings had flourished,
and after fully absorbing Hutchison Whampoa, his strength had skyrocketed.
By 1979, media reports showed Cheung Kong's real estate holdings had reached 14.5 million square feet, surpassing Land Development's 13 million square feet —
although, due to location differences, Land Development's assets were still of higher value.
Nonetheless, the comparison showed how strong Cheung Kong had become.
With rising property values, Cheung Kong had easily paid off its debts to Huifeng Bank.
Plus, owning Hutchison Whampoa meant Li could easily leverage more financing.
Lin Haoran frowned slightly.
This was tricky — how should he respond?
After careful thought, Lin Haoran decided to be straightforward.
With his current strength, he didn't need to fear offending Li Jiacheng.
In fact, his real financial resources were even greater.
Thus, he said apologetically,
"Mr. Li, I'm very sorry.
My original purpose for acquiring Jardines was actually to gain control of Land Development Corporation.
In my view, Land Development is far more valuable than Jardines.
I chose Jardines as a stepping stone —
to use its strength to indirectly control Land Development.
Therefore, now that you ask me to give up Land Development, I'm afraid I cannot agree."
Currently, Lin Haoran controlled over 40% of Land Development's shares.
Although he didn't know Li's exact holdings, it couldn't be more than 10%, likely closer to 5%.
Thus, even if Li Jiacheng allied with Jardines and the British consortium,
he still couldn't match Lin Haoran's dominance.
With his overwhelming shareholding, seizing control of Land Development would be easy.
Lin Haoran hadn't declared victory yet, because he was still applying pressure on the British group —
trying to seize Jardines as well if possible.
Even if he failed at Jardines,
he would force them to surrender Land Development willingly.
Hearing Lin Haoran's firm rejection, Li Jiacheng was deeply surprised.
He hadn't expected such a straightforward refusal.
"Mr. Lin, you must reconsider.
You alone can't defeat the entire British consortium.
Even Huifeng Bank doesn't support your bid for Jardines.
If we team up, each focusing on one target,
our chances of success would skyrocket — it would benefit both of us.
Jardines, even without Land Development, is still a top-tier enterprise, with extensive properties in Hong Kong.
It's a very valuable company."
"Mr. Li," Lin Haoran suddenly smiled,
"how about this: I'll let you have Jardines, and I'll focus on Land Development.
I can even sell you my Jardines shares if you're interested."
If Li really agreed, Lin would gladly sell his Jardines stake at the right price —
he already knew that without Huifeng Bank's support, his chances at Jardines were slim.
But Li Jiacheng immediately declined.
"Sorry, we have no plans to acquire Jardines," Li said without hesitation.
Lin Haoran chuckled inwardly.
You don't want Jardines — and you expect me to shoulder the burden?
"Mr. Li, are you sure?
I am currently the largest shareholder of Jardines —
owning my stake would give you a huge advantage,"
Lin Haoran teased.
"No, I prefer Land Development.
Jardines is better left to you," Li Jiacheng replied firmly.
From Li's perspective, controlling Land Development was far more attractive.
"Very well, Mr. Li.
Then we'll just have to see who comes out on top.
But I advise you not to waste too much effort on Land Development —
you have almost no chance.
That company is already firmly within my grasp.
As fellow Chinese businessmen,
I would prefer we don't end up fighting each other," Lin Haoran said sincerely.
Li Jiacheng fell into deep thought.
He suddenly asked,
"Mr. Lin, can I ask —
how many shares of Land Development do you currently hold?"
Before today, he had believed Lin Haoran didn't hold much.
Otherwise, how could Lin afford to target both Jardines and Land Development?
But now he wasn't so sure.
Lin Haoran paused, then said carefully,
"Mr. Li, can you promise to keep this confidential?
I hadn't intended to reveal this information."
Seeing Lin Haoran's serious tone,
Li Jiacheng felt a sudden ominous premonition.
Could it be...?
"I promise, Mr. Lin.
I won't tell anyone.
I have a good reputation for keeping secrets," Li said solemnly.
"Very well.
To be frank, I now possess enough shares to take over Land Development anytime.
I control more than all the British consortiums combined — even including Jardines Securities' proxy holdings.
Mr. Li, if you've been paying attention,
you'll have noticed that Land Development's trading volume has been unusually high since early this year.
That was not a natural market phenomenon.
I guess that your holdings are still under 10%, perhaps even closer to 5%,
because for almost a year, the secondary market for Land Development has been under my control.
To put it bluntly —
even if you bought every remaining share on the market,
you still wouldn't surpass my holdings."
Lin Haoran didn't specify exact numbers,
but the meaning behind his words was clear.
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