Chapter 325 Jardines Matheson Meeting, Voting Decision!
In this world, Liu Luanzhong had started from a much higher point; perhaps his future achievements would also surpass expectations. The business world was vast; Lin Haoran alone could not earn all the money there was. Now, Liu Luanzhong owed him a great deal of favor, and their relationship was quite close. In the future, having an ally like Liu Luanzhong could bring him considerable support. Fighting alone was unsuitable in any environment — business included.
That evening, Lin Haoran enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at Liu's house. From his knowledge, the ingredients were all top-tier, many of them imported seafood, and the cost of the meal easily exceeded HKD 100,000. Although Lin drank a little wine, he didn't overindulge — he had important matters planned for the next day. Around 8 p.m., he said his goodbyes.
"Haoran, come visit whenever you're free. You're the only true confidant I have in Hong Kong's business world," Liu said with a slight drunkenness, standing by Lin's car window, hiccupping.
"Sure, you should get some rest too. I'll come again when I have time," Lin Haoran smiled and waved before the car disappeared into the night.
Back home, Lin Haoran washed up and went to bed early. He didn't wake until after 7 a.m. the next day. At 9 a.m., Jardines Matheson was holding a board meeting — something Lin couldn't miss. He had breakfast while reading the newspaper. Around 8:20, he left with Li Weidong and Li Weiguo, heading toward Jardines House.
Living on Shixun Road had its advantages. Whether going to Central, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, or North Point, it only took a few minutes to a bit more than ten minutes even during peak hours. Had he lived in Deep Water Bay, it would have taken at least half an hour.
At 8:40, Lin Haoran arrived at Niu Bik Kin's office. Since he wasn't familiar with Jardines House and the conference room's location, it was best to go with Niu Bik Kin. "Mr. Lin, everything has been arranged. At 9 a.m., Mr. Shen Bi, Mr. Henry Keswick, and representatives of key shareholders and board members — a total of 32 people — will be attending," said Niu Bik Kin upon seeing Lin.
At that moment, Niu Bik Kin seemed to have completely forgotten the past humiliation he had suffered at Lin Haoran's hands — including being forced to apologize on live TV. But he knew that as a professional manager — a mere employee — he had no right to put on airs. Lin Haoran, now holding over 20% of Jardines Matheson's shares, was truly one of the owners — and the largest shareholder.
Lin Haoran nodded, chatted briefly with Niu, and at 8:50 followed him toward the conference room. Now, on the surface, he and Niu Bik Kin were on the same side. In business, there were no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. Their cooperation was mutually beneficial: Niu wanted Lin Haoran to counterbalance the Keswick family to retain his Taipan position, while Lin wanted to monitor Jardines' cross-holding plans and seize the right moment to control Land Development and thus Jardines.
Entering a conference room of 200–300 square meters, they found many had already arrived, including Shen Bi. "Mr. Shen Bi, we meet again," Lin greeted with a smile. "Mr. Lin, congratulations," Shen replied, without a hint of awkwardness despite having previously ignored Lin's overtures. These old foxes had mastered the art of maintaining a straight face under any circumstance.
Huifeng Bank, which Shen led, was also a significant Jardines shareholder with 6% of the shares. Naturally, he had to attend this important meeting. Shen even introduced Lin to several major British financial tycoons, including Henry Keswick.
Henry Keswick gave Lin a complicated look and offered a brief greeting without saying much else. Even now, Henry didn't know the meeting's agenda. He was puzzled to see Lin there. Niu Bik Kin had not informed Henry or his close allies about the plan to appoint Lin Haoran as Vice Chairman — knowing they would surely oppose it.
But what could Henry do? Niu had already secured support from Shen Bi and other allies, and most of Jardines' upper management backed him. Coupled with Lin Haoran's powerful shareholding, Niu now had the majority needed to prevail even if Henry protested.
Once everyone was seated, Niu Bik Kin, as the Taipan, opened the meeting.
"Gentlemen, we are gathered today to discuss a matter: after several discussions with Mr. Lin Haoran, he has agreed not to increase his holdings in Jardines Matheson. He currently holds 20.86% and has no intention of pursuing control. Therefore, he has requested a ceremonial position as Vice Chairman of the Board — a title without real managerial power, merely participating in major strategic decisions. Today, we shall vote on whether to approve Mr. Lin's appointment, with the decision made by majority rule," Niu Bik Kin said solemnly.
After Niu finished, Lin Haoran stood up.
"Gentlemen, much has been said about Jardines lately, and by now, many of you know me. Mr. Niu has shown great sincerity. After our discussions, I have decided not to further increase my stake. My demand is modest — a purely symbolic position. If today's vote passes, we all gain. If not, I will resume increasing my shareholding. I recently sold my stake in Aimeigao Company and now hold substantial cash — more than enough to continue purchasing Jardines shares. Even if I can't control Jardines immediately, over time, the possibility remains. I know some of you hope the government might pressure me. Let me make this clear: I am not afraid. Jardines is a public company. Acquiring shares through the market is legal and compliant. Attempting to use government pressure is wishful thinking," Lin Haoran said slowly in flawless English.
His message was clear: approve me now, or face the consequences later. If they voted no, he would keep buying — and he had the resources to do it.
At present, with only 20% of the shares, he was not yet a real threat. But in the future? No one could guarantee all British shareholders would remain united. If Lin gained enough shares through purchases or secret deals, he could really take control one day.
Henry Keswick, hearing this, was forced to calm down. Initially, he had intended to oppose the proposal immediately. But now, he had to reconsider carefully.
"Mr. Niu Bik Kin, gentlemen, let's pause the meeting briefly. We need to confer," Henry said, standing up. "Of course," Niu agreed.
Henry left his seat, followed by a dozen or so key shareholders and executives — his most loyal supporters. This was a matter involving the core interests of the Keswick family. They needed to weigh their options carefully.
Should they oppose or agree? It required serious thought.
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