April 28, Friday.
This was the last trading day of the week, and also the last trading day of the month.
That morning, Iwasaki FengLong sold all the stocks. Then Lin BaoCheng and Iwasaki, each accompanied by their lawyers, sat down together — it was time to divide the spoils.
The options had already been sold, yielding a profit of HK$1.39 billion.
As for the stocks: a total of 55 million shares. Iwasaki began selling once the price broke HK$30, and continued selling as the price corrected below HK$30. The average selling price was relatively high, HK$29.2, bringing in HK$1.606 billion.
The cost: 48 million shares at HK$4.1, and 7 million shares at HK$5.3, for a total cost of about HK$234 million.
After deducting fees, the total profit from stocks was HK$1.365 billion.
Adding the profits from both options and stocks, the total was HK$2.755 billion.
This profit was to be divided immediately between Lin and Iwasaki. They did not intend to leave the funds idle in accounts, so taxes had to be paid — HK$275.5 million.
Thus, the remaining profit to be split was HK$2.4795 billion.
Iwasaki rounded the figure, transferring HK$1.24 billion to Lin. Lin accepted without fuss. A difference of HK$250,000 was trivial compared to their fortunes and the scale of profits.
"Lin‑kun, I really must thank you. You've made me rich," Iwasaki said, shaking Lin's hand repeatedly, overwhelmed. In less than a month, nearly US$300 million in profit — it was astonishing.
"Don't mention it, Iwasaki‑kun. We prosper together," Lin laughed. Yet inwardly he regretted not realizing earlier how much they could earn. Had he known, he would have used his own capital. Letting Iwasaki pocket so much was inevitably a pity. But what was done was done.
While their staff checked contracts and handled transfers, Lin and Iwasaki spoke privately.
Iwasaki said: "Lin‑kun, I've been thinking. We should increase the capital of our joint company, Bailong Commercial, expand its scale, and accelerate development. What do you think?"
"Of course," Lin agreed without hesitation. "How much do you suggest we add?"
"US$50 million each?" Iwasaki proposed.
Having just earned nearly US$300 million, his outlook had changed. Bailong Commercial might have great potential, so he wanted to increase his stake. Even if wrong, and the company failed, losing US$100 million was acceptable — this profit more than covered it.
"Good, no problem," Lin nodded. "With more capital, we can acquire more land. But I'll need your help — especially to secure prime plots. The better the location, the more valuable after development."
Indeed, acquiring land required Iwasaki's connections. Prime plots would yield far greater returns.
"Leave it to me," Iwasaki assured. With larger investment, he would also commit more of his network. He had put in real money — US$100 million. Even if he lost it all, he wouldn't be ruined. But if profits were possible, he wanted them — big profits, ideally fivefold within a few years.
Lin then said: "Iwasaki‑kun, I'd like to ask a favor."
"Please, Lin‑kun. If it's within my power, I won't refuse," Iwasaki replied eagerly. Such requests meant closer ties — and more chances at lucrative ventures.
"It's like this," Lin explained. "I want to enter the home appliance market. When you return to Japan, please see if any appliance companies are willing to sell outright, or if any are willing to sell related technologies."
Iwasaki asked: "Which type of appliances do you want to enter?"
"Televisions, refrigerators, washing machines — any of these. If a company has technology for all three, or more, even better."
The 1980s and 1990s were prime years for home appliances. Lin intended to enter the industry. Originally, he had planned to wait a year or two until he had more capital. But now, with over HK$1 billion extra, why wait?
Investing in gold futures was also attractive, but entering the appliance market earlier, catching up with world‑class technology sooner, could yield decades of profit.
Lin knew acquisitions rarely brought top‑tier technology — even second‑tier was hard. But as long as patents, technology, and talent were acquired, with sufficient capital, the company could catch up.
"I'll look into it once I return to Japan," Iwasaki agreed. "But Lin‑kun, I must warn you: it's nearly impossible to buy the most advanced technology. Companies with cutting‑edge tech are profitable and won't sell."
"I understand. Just do your best," Lin nodded. "I'll also look in the U.S. If I find a target there, I'll inform you. I won't put all eggs in one basket — Japan or America, either works."
Iwasaki said no more, but resolved to help Lin succeed — to prove his worth.
Time passed as they talked, until the profit division was complete. HK$1.24 billion was transferred to Lin's account.
Of this, HK$210 million would be converted into US$50 million and sent to Japan, to be injected into Bailong Commercial alongside Iwasaki's US$50 million.
The remaining HK$1 billion was Lin's war chest for entering the home appliance market. Whether it was enough, or too much, would depend on the target company he found.