Chapter 369 No Easy Compromise
However, at this moment, Lin Haoran was exceptionally calm inside, not appearing at all like he was under immense pressure as his demeanor might have suggested.
The reason was simple: he had never harbored too much ambition toward Jardines Matheson from the beginning.
Lin Haoran's true target had always been the Land Group, while gaining control of Jardines Matheson had merely been an unexpected trophy acquired in the process.
He had not expected to seize Jardines Matheson's control so effortlessly.
Just when he had nearly given up, the opportunity had quietly arrived, allowing him to claim the majority stake without much effort.
Faced with the current situation, Lin Haoran already had a plan in mind.
He knew that although the British consortiums had united to pressure him, the bargaining chips he held were enough to maintain a favorable position in this confrontation.
He intended to respond to this sudden "mediation" with calmness and rationality.
Clearly, no one present had mentioned the Land Group, meaning they had already accepted its loss.
Perhaps in their minds, even though the Land Group's market value surpassed that of Jardines Matheson, its prestige could not compare.
Thus, losing the Land Group was tolerable, but losing Jardines Matheson was a bitter pill.
"Your Highness Prince Charles, and esteemed gentlemen present," Lin Haoran now stood up, speaking with firm resolve, "you should all understand that in order to acquire control of Jardines Matheson, I invested tens of billions of Hong Kong dollars.
I have immense confidence in Jardines Matheson's future, particularly in its international investments. I believe its potential is limitless, which is why I spared no cost to win its control. How could I so easily relinquish such a hard-earned victory merely because of your demands?
Looking across Hong Kong—and even globally—only Jardines Matheson holds such remarkable influence. Even HSBC's influence is mainly confined to Hong Kong and its surroundings."
His words conveyed deep respect for Jardines Matheson, suggesting it even surpassed HSBC in his estimation.
Even with the combined pressure of the British consortiums and the royal family, Lin Haoran would not easily give in.
The room fell into a brief silence. Prince Charles gently stroked his chin, clearly indifferent to who ultimately controlled Jardines Matheson. He was merely here as a figurehead.
After all, Jardines Matheson was not a royal asset and had nothing to do with the Crown.
"Mr. Lin," Henry Keswick finally broke the silence, his voice steady and powerful, "your determination and investment are clear to all of us. But please understand: Jardines Matheson is not merely a Hong Kong business; it embodies the legacy and honor of the British consortiums in Hong Kong.
Therefore, we hope you will think carefully. If you are willing to transfer your Jardines Matheson shares and return its control to us, you are free to name your conditions.
As long as they are reasonable, we will seriously consider and meet them.
After all, Hong Kong's business world is a small circle. There is no need to become enemies with all the British consortiums over this matter."
Henry Keswick's words carried a tone of sincerity and compromise, hoping to solve the issue rationally and pragmatically.
He understood well that the Jardines Matheson shares in Lin Haoran's hands were the crux of the matter.
If they could not persuade him, all their painstaking preparations would be wasted.
To reclaim Jardines Matheson's control, Henry Keswick had spared no effort.
He had made countless promises to the British consortiums, mobilized contacts, convinced the Rothschild family to get involved, and even brought Prince Charles to Hong Kong.
In normal times, he would never have done so much.
But if they failed to reclaim Jardines Matheson, the Keswick family's 12% stake would be meaningless under Lin Haoran's near-total control.
No matter what, Henry Keswick had to force Lin Haoran to relinquish Jardines Matheson.
Thus, he had to make massive sacrifices.
Facing his family's internal decision to reclaim Jardines Matheson at all costs, Henry Keswick knew that restoring their dominance depended on this.
Lin Haoran quietly listened to Henry Keswick's speech, showing no sign of wavering.
He understood perfectly: if he compromised too easily, even giving up Jardines Matheson would yield little benefit, and the British would simply see him as weak.
That was completely against his business principles.
"Mr. Henry," Lin Haoran spoke slowly but firmly, "I understand your position and respect the Keswick family's deep feelings for Jardines Matheson.
However, as I said, I invested enormous resources because of my firm belief in its future potential. I will not abandon it lightly."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.
"Of course, I also understand your eagerness to regain control. But please remember—this is business, and business should be conducted through fair trade, not coercion.
If the Keswick family and the British consortiums can offer a proposal that satisfies me, then in deference to Prince Charles and the royal family, I am willing to consider relinquishing control.
However, this is only a consideration. If your offer does not meet my expectations, no amount of pressure will make me yield.
You must also understand that with my current financial strength, I am not bound to Hong Kong. Wherever I go, I will be warmly welcomed."
Hearing this, Henry Keswick silently admired Lin Haoran's calmness and resilience.
Even when facing so many British elites—and a British prince—he remained composed.
It was no wonder he had achieved so much at such a young age.
For the first time, Henry Keswick truly acknowledged that Lin Haoran's talent surpassed his own.
He realized that threatening or intimidating Lin Haoran was pointless.
Thus, he adjusted his tone, adopting a more conciliatory approach.
"Mr. Lin, we are certainly willing to propose a fair and reasonable offer. But before that, may I ask—what exactly is your definition of 'satisfactory'?
What specific benefits do you expect from this transaction?"
Lin Haoran smiled slightly, as if he had anticipated this question.
"Very simple. I require an offer that fully reflects the value of Jardines Matheson's controlling shares.
Additionally, the mutual cross-holding between Land Group and Jardines Matheson must be properly handled.
You cannot expect me to give up Jardines Matheson and at the same time abandon Land Group.
Also, I expect some extra compensation. After all, I invested enormous effort and time into this.
If the compensation satisfies me, then giving up Jardines Matheson is not an issue.
Although I am reluctant to part with it, everything in business can be negotiated."
He paused, then added:
"Of course, I will consider your interests as well. But remember—right now, you are asking me to give up Jardines Matheson, not a mutual agreement.
If your offer is not enough, I will not let go. Otherwise, I am perfectly happy to keep holding onto Jardines Matheson.
After all, it is called the King of the Hongs for a reason."
As Lin Haoran finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room grew tense and delicate.
His meaning was clear: he had given them a way to negotiate—but would not easily surrender.
If they couldn't meet his terms, he would hold onto his position.
Lin Haoran had no fear of offending the entire British consortium.
He knew the British forces were not monolithic; there were rivalries even among them—such as between HSBC and the Keswick interests.
Once this storm passed, everyone would return to business as usual.
With Lin Haoran's influence in Hong Kong, even if some British factions wanted to avoid him, complete isolation was impossible.
Although Lin Haoran had not directly agreed, Prince Charles was satisfied.
At least Lin Haoran made it clear: his willingness to negotiate was solely out of respect for the royal family.
Otherwise, even with the entire British business world pressuring him, he would not have budged.
At this moment, Prince Charles resumed his role as a mediator.
"Mr. Lin, Mr. Rothschild, Mr. Henry Keswick, and gentlemen: since we've reached this stage, I suggest we take a step back.
You should arrange another meeting at a suitable time and place to continue detailed discussions.
I believe that through further dialogue, you will find a solution acceptable to all.
It's getting late—why don't we all call it a night for now?"
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