Chapter 56 Who Exactly Is That Competitor?
"Uncle Bao, let's be frank. I know you're interested in this batch of Wharf shares. This deal is mutually beneficial for both of us. I don't expect you to pay above market price. However, I do have a condition: if Uncle Bao could lend me a helping hand, I believe our cooperation would proceed even more smoothly," Lin Haoran said sincerely.
He understood very well—
if he didn't have this request, there would be no need to arrange such a meeting and waste both parties' time.
Hearing this, Bao Yugang's face briefly showed a flash of understanding.
He had already sensed that Lin Haoran's invitation wasn't without purpose, and now his suspicions were confirmed.
"Haoran, speak freely. As long as it's within my power, I'll do my utmost to help," Bao Yugang replied earnestly.
In his heart, Bao knew very clearly—
since Lin Haoran had a request, he really had little choice.
Otherwise, the deal might fall through.
Friendship?
At this moment, it was a flimsy thing.
Although they could barely be considered acquaintances—neighboring families at Deep Water Bay—their relationship was too shallow for personal feelings to factor much.
In the business world, everything depended on mutual benefit.
"Uncle Bao, are you familiar with a company called Green Island Cement?" Lin Haoran asked with a smile.
"Green Island Cement? Hmm, the name rings a bell. I know it's not a small company—Hong Kong's largest cement producer, if I recall correctly," Bao Yugang replied thoughtfully.
In fact, Bao wasn't very familiar with it.
After all, Global Shipping Group focused on maritime transport, whereas Green Island Cement dealt mainly with real estate developers.
Given that Hong Kong had hundreds of listed companies,
it was already impressive that Bao even recognized the name.
"If I may be candid, Uncle Bao, I currently hold more than 20% of Green Island Cement's shares.
I've kept it low-profile and haven't announced it publicly yet," Lin Haoran said openly.
"My plan is to eventually gain full control of Green Island Cement. However, recently I noticed a powerful business magnate quietly buying up shares. While their current stake is small and not yet a threat, their strength worries me.
Alone, I might not be able to resist them. Therefore, I'm requesting your help—
to intervene and persuade them to back off."
"You actually hold over 20% of Green Island Cement?"
Bao Yugang was once again stunned.
Quickly doing the math in his head,
given Green Island Cement's market value of about 250 million HKD,
this 20% stake alone would be worth 50 million HKD.
Combined with the 1.47 million Wharf shares,
it was clear—
Lin Haoran's financial strength already far exceeded what Bao had assumed.
"Lin Haoran, Lin Haoran… you're really becoming more and more unreadable," Bao thought silently.
He realized that this young man wasn't just smart—
he had real depth, strength, and a hidden hand full of powerful cards.
At their previous meeting, Bao had already sensed Lin Haoran's extraordinary nature.
Now, seeing the full extent of his hidden strength, Bao was even more shocked.
Moreover, all of this had been achieved by someone so young.
Lin Haoran's future was undoubtedly full of limitless possibilities.
Bao couldn't help but admire him.
In the business world, having friends like Lin Haoran was priceless.
Bao firmly believed that having more allies was always better.
It was allies like former HSBC executive Sir Sander, current chairman Shen Bi, and Li Jiacheng that had supported him through decades of business wars.
Now, seeing Lin Haoran, he felt like he was witnessing the rise of another future titan.
Of course, he had no idea that behind Lin Haoran's seemingly powerful front lay over 100 million HKD in debt.
"Naturally, Uncle Bao, here are some of the stock certificates for my Green Island Cement holdings," Lin Haoran said, handing over the documents he had prepared.
Since some shares were pledged at HSBC,
he couldn't present all the certificates.
But showing a portion was enough to prove credibility.
Bao Yugang didn't even reach out for the documents.
A casual glance at the certificates was enough to confirm Lin Haoran's claim.
"Haoran, put those away. I believe you," Bao said with a warm smile.
"What I'm more curious about is—
who exactly is this competitor you mentioned?"
He knew that persuading another powerful player to back down would cost him a favor—
but for the sake of Wharf Holdings and his growing admiration for Lin Haoran,
he was ready to help.
In Hong Kong's complex business world,
with Bao's vast network and prestige,
he was confident he could manage such things.
"Based on my information, the competitor is none other than the chairman of Cheung Kong Holdings—Mr. Li Jiacheng," Lin Haoran said straightforwardly.
"Li Jiacheng?"
Bao Yugang's brows furrowed slightly.
He pondered the situation deeply.
He and Li Jiacheng weren't just business allies—
they were close friends.
Not long ago, Bao had even persuaded Li Jiacheng to abandon his attempt to acquire Wharf Holdings—
a favor Bao still owed him.
Now, Lin Haoran wanted him to ask Li Jiacheng to withdraw from Green Island Cement as well.
This clearly placed Bao in a very difficult position.
He understood that in the world of business,
debts of personal favor were often harder to repay than financial debts.
If he asked again,
he might strain his relationship with Li Jiacheng.
"Haoran, you're really putting me in a tough spot," Bao said, sighing heavily.
"My relationship with Mr. Li Jiacheng is very close.
Because of the Wharf incident, I already owe him a favor.
Asking him again about Green Island Cement would be… awkward."
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