In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 650 Huifeng Bank Did Another Big Help
Upon hearing Lin Haoran's question, Liu Luanxiong did not hesitate and said directly, "At two o'clock in the afternoon, senior executives from Huifeng Bank suddenly visited me in person. Among them were Mr. Shen Bi, Mr. John Bao, and Mr. Wei Shi, three key senior executives of Huifeng Bank."

Liu Luanxiong stopped there.

However, Lin Haoran already understood the purpose behind the sudden visit of these Huifeng Bank executives to Liu Luanxiong.

It seems that they've already found out about what I've been doing these past few days.

However, he did not panic. Given the large number of visits he made, it was impossible to keep it a secret.

Although those people outwardly promised not to reveal the matter, it would be a piece of cake for them to do something behind the scenes.

Just like Liu Luanxiong now, the moment Huifeng Bank visited, he immediately leaked the information to Lin Haoran.

That's how the business world works; profit is the most important thing. What do verbal promises mean?
"Ah Xiong, what tempting offer did they make for you?" Lin Haoran raised an eyebrow and asked with a hint of curiosity.

"There's no point in mentioning those trivial benefits. You know that in Hong Kong, if we don't count the conglomerates, just considering individuals, besides you, I probably have more cash on hand than anyone else."

The people at Huifeng Bank secretly promised me that as long as my funds remained with them, without needing to make a fixed deposit, I could earn 4% interest every year.

These conditions sound tempting at first glance. Liu Luanxiong's lips curled into a slight smile, his eyes filled with disdain for the conditions proposed by Huifeng Bank.

"But how could they understand that you and I have a life-or-death bond and an unbreakable partnership? You think you can sway my stance with such a small favor? You're just delusional."

Lin Haoran nodded.

The scale of funds that Liu Luanxiong now controls is truly not to be underestimated.

Leaving aside his personal cash reserves of nearly HK$2 billion, the investment company he co-founded with Lin Haoran alone boasts a substantial fund of over HK$1 billion.

This adds up to over three billion Hong Kong dollars.

Although most of the funds held by the joint venture investment company are used for short-term investments, thanks to Liu Luanxiong's accurate and unique investment vision and decisive decision-making ability, the scale of funds will snowball and usher in a new round of significant growth after each investment cycle is successfully completed.

This is why HK$5 million could grow to HK$15 billion in less than a year.

For this reason, Liu Luanxiong now controls a sum of money that is enough to rank him among the top ten in terms of financial strength among Hong Kong's major conglomerates.

In contrast, the vast sums of money held by Hong Kong's prominent conglomerates, though seemingly enormous, are mostly owned by companies.

When allocating funds, a cumbersome board review process is often required, which greatly reduces decision-making efficiency.

Liu Luanxiong, on the other hand, is completely different. He has absolute autonomy in allocating funds and is not subject to lengthy decision-making procedures, enabling him to quickly seize fleeting investment opportunities.

This is the most significant difference between him and those large conglomerates.

Undeniably, the funds controlled by Liu Luanxiong are far less than those controlled by Lin Haoran, but in Hong Kong, they are enough to constitute a force that cannot be ignored.

"The Governor's Office just issued new regulations for the financial industry a few days ago, stipulating that for customer funds with deposits exceeding HK$100 million, whether it is a one-year or five-year fixed deposit, the interest rate shall not exceed 3%;

For small and medium-sized bank customers with deposits of less than HK$1 million, the maximum deposit interest rate is set at 3.5%.

"Only a few days have passed, and Huifeng Bank is already offering you a 4% annual interest rate on your current account. They really don't take Hong Kong's new financial regulations seriously!" Lin Haoran said with some emotion.

Huifeng Bank has really gone to great lengths to retain its deposits, resorting to every possible means.

However, Lin Haoran also knew that even if the Governor's Office knew about this, as long as Huifeng Bank did not expose the illegal operation, the Governor's Office would most likely turn a blind eye and pretend not to see it.

"Haoran, do you think I should report this Huifeng Bank matter to the financial regulators? Maybe it will make Huifeng Bank suffer a lot and get punished." Liu Luanxiong asked tentatively, frowning.

Lin Haoran waved his hand gently, his expression calm: "It's better not to. There's no need to do that. If you do it, it's like completely breaking ties with Huifeng Bank and making a blood feud."

Moreover, as a major British bank, Huifeng Bank has deep roots. Even if you expose this matter, the Governor's Office will most likely turn a blind eye and won't really do anything to them.

Liu Luanxiong was ultimately too young and had little dealings with these British firms, so he had no idea how much double standards the Governor's Office applied to these British firms and Chinese companies.

Do you really want government agencies to punish Huifeng Bank for such a trivial matter?

That's simply impossible.

Having dealt with British conglomerates so many times, Lin Haoran was all too familiar with the delicate relationship between them and the Governor's Office.

Those British-owned conglomerates had been operating in Hong Kong for many years, with deep-rooted connections and intricate interests with the Governor's Office.

In many cases, the Governor's Office would have reservations and even secretly show favoritism when dealing with matters involving British-owned conglomerates.

After all, in the eyes of the Governor's House, British-owned enterprises were their own people.

As for those Chinese-owned enterprises, they are simply outsiders.

“By the way, I plan to transfer the funds to Bank of East Asia next week. To avoid Huifeng Bank using various excuses to obstruct me, I intend to transfer the funds to Bank of America as an investment first, and then transfer them back to Bank of East Asia,” Liu Luanxiong continued.

"Okay, Ah Xiong, I'll remember your kindness!" Lin Haoran nodded and smiled.

After discussing Lin Haoran's upcoming investment plans, Liu Luanxiong said goodbye and left the Kang Le Building.

……

Meanwhile, in an office on the 19th floor of a commercial building in Causeway Bay.

Cui Zilong walked into a meeting room, and opposite him was Yu Zhize, the boss of Huanyu Research Company, who had recently been making waves.

After the press conference, the reputation of Universal Research Company spread like wildfire throughout Hong Kong in a very short time.

For this reason, Yu Zhize is now full of pride and ambition, ready to make a big splash.

He plans to take advantage of this favorable situation to expand the company's business in all aspects, not only to consolidate its position in Hong Kong, but also to move into a wider market.

He had even envisioned a grand plan to extend his business reach to Southeast Asia.

After all, there are many Chinese in Southeast Asia, and Hui Fung Bank and Bank of East Asia have a certain reputation in Southeast Asia. Moreover, all kinds of information from Hong Kong have always spread rapidly in Southeast Asia.

After making a name for itself in Hong Kong, Universal Research Company will likely gain a certain level of recognition in Southeast Asia, which is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity for expansion.

Upon learning that the renowned President of Oriental Media Group, Mr. Cui Zilong, had come to visit, Yu Zhize, though somewhat puzzled by his purpose, received Mr. Cui with great respect.

After all, Oriental Press Group is now considered the top newspaper company in Hong Kong. Although Universal Research Company has made a name for itself in Hong Kong this time, its foundation is still shallow. Getting in touch with such a big company might bring unexpected help.

Moreover, the other party must be representing the Oriental Media Group, which is Lin Haoran's business.

If they could get in touch with Lin Haoran, it would be a tremendous boost for Huanyu Research Company.

Yu Zhize secretly pondered Cui Zilong's purpose for this trip, but his face always wore a warm yet measured smile.

"Mr. Cui, your presence today truly brings honor to my humble abode." Yu Zhize stood up and personally poured Cui Zilong a cup of fragrant tea, his posture respectful.

Cui Zilong smiled and extended his hand to shake hands with Yu Zhize, saying, "Mr. Yu, you're too kind. I have great respect for the recent actions of Huanyu Research Company."

"I wonder what brings Mr. Cui here in person?" Yu Zhize couldn't contain his curiosity and asked directly.

“Mr. Yu, then I’ll be frank. Our Oriental Media Group has a very high opinion of you personally and your Huanyu Research Company, so we are considering acquiring Huanyu Research Company. Just name your price, and as long as the price is right, our Oriental Media Group will not haggle.” Cui Zilong looked directly at Yu Zhize, his tone filled with unquestionable confidence.

For a small company like Universal Research, being worth a few million Hong Kong dollars is already a very high price.

After all, it was just a small business with a few dozen employees and no actual fixed assets.

Research companies are ultimately just a small sector. If Huanyu Research doesn't expand its market reach, it will be difficult to become a truly large company and it won't be worth much money.

Upon hearing this, Yu Zhize paused slightly in his teacup, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before quickly regaining his composure.

He put down his teacup, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, and slowly said, "Mr. Cui, your words are both a pleasant surprise and an unexpected delight. I am very honored that Huanyu Research Company has gained the recognition of a large enterprise like Oriental Media Group."

However, the success of Huanyu Research Company today is the result of the joint efforts of myself and my team, and I naturally have high hopes for it. Therefore, I have no intention of selling it.

Cui Zilong seemed to have anticipated this. He nodded slightly to show his understanding: "What Boss Yu said is very true. My purpose this time was indeed a bit abrupt. However, the reason why our Oriental Media Group is interested in Huanyu Research Company is precisely because we value your company's professionalism and potential in the field of market research."

Every deal is negotiable. Mr. Yu, there's no rush to refuse so quickly. As far as I know, the reason you chose this track is that you don't want to be too competitive in other tracks.

As long as Universal Research Company merges with Oriental Media Group, they will have access to broader resources and platforms, enabling them to go further and more steadily in the market research field.

Oriental Press Group has cultivated a deep presence in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia for many years, possessing a large and stable customer base, extensive media channels, and a strong brand influence. If these resources can be combined with the professional capabilities of Global Research Company, they will undoubtedly generate a powerful synergistic effect.

We believe that through the integration of resources from both parties, Global Research will be able to reach new heights and even gain a foothold in the international market.

Furthermore, I can promise that as long as Mr. Yu agrees to the sale, and if Mr. Yu is willing, Huanyu Research Company will still be managed by you in the future!

Cui Zilong's offer was undeniably tempting, considering that Yu Zhize wasn't from a wealthy family; his family background in Hong Kong was at most considered middle class.

Moreover, the track he chose is a niche track, and it is unlikely that he will achieve much in the future.

Therefore, the acquisition of Huanyu Research by a large company, which provided Yu Zhize with a substantial sum of money, and allowed him to continue leading the company he founded, was actually a very good choice.

However, Yu Zhize had his own plans.

Today, although Huanyu Research is still a small company, its reputation has been thoroughly established, a reputation that even some large companies have never achieved.

Moreover, with the reputation he has built in Hong Kong, he has every opportunity to expand his business into a wider market and realize greater commercial ambitions. Although selling the company now for a substantial sum of money is tempting, compared to the broader possibilities in the future, he prefers to seize this rare opportunity for development and personally build Universal Research into an industry giant with international influence.

"Mr. Cui, I deeply admire your sincerity, and the conditions proposed by Oriental Media Group are indeed very attractive. However, Huanyu Research Company is not just a company to me, but the culmination of my years of hard work, carrying my dreams and pursuits."

"I yearn to personally lead it to a brighter future, rather than handing it over to others when it's just beginning to show its potential," Yu Zhize said with a firm gaze and sincere tone.

Cui Zilong frowned slightly; he hadn't expected Yu Zhize to refuse so resolutely.

In his view, such conditions were an incredible opportunity for a small company.

Therefore, he was very confident about the acquisition before he came here.

But now, the other party's repeated rejections have surprised him.

To his surprise, the owner of this small company had such firm beliefs and lofty ambitions, which made him look at him with new respect.

However, Cui Zilong did not give up.

He understood that Universal Research Company was of great significance to the future business layout of Oriental Media Group, especially in the field of information collection and analysis, which could provide solid and powerful support for the media group.

In business competition, the value of intelligence to the boss is self-evident.

Moreover, he had previously boasted to his boss that he would successfully acquire Huanyu Research Company.

Now, I'm slinking back like this, feeling a bit sorry for my boss!
"Mr. Yu, I understand your deep affection for Huanyu Research Company and respect your decision, but please allow me to say one more thing: the market is constantly changing, and sometimes, choosing a strong partner can help you realize your dreams faster."

Oriental Media Group can not only provide Huanyu Research with funding, resources, and market channels, but more importantly, we can jointly explore new business models and expand into new market areas. This is undoubtedly a leap forward opportunity for Huanyu Research.

Cui Zilong's words were full of sincerity and temptation, attempting to move Yu Zhize once again.

Yu Zhize smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a sense of composure: "Mr. Cui, I understand what you mean, but in my opinion, true growth should be based on one's own strength and continuous learning and progress."

Although Huanyu Research Company is not large in scale at present, we have a professional, efficient and innovative team, which is our most valuable asset.

I believe that as long as we stay true to our original aspirations and persist in innovation, we will definitely be able to carve out a niche for ourselves in the field of market research.

At this point, Yu Zhize paused briefly, then said with even greater determination, "Furthermore, I also hope that Huanyu Research Company can become an independent, autonomous, and influential enterprise, rather than merely an appendage of a large corporation."

Such a goal may require more time and effort, but I am willing to strive for it.

Upon hearing this, Cui Zilong felt a surge of respect for Yu Zhize.

At the same time, he also knew that this acquisition might have already failed.

Cui Zilong sighed inwardly.

The other party didn't even bother to offer a price, which shows that they truly had no intention of selling the company.

He stood up, straightened his suit, handed the other party a business card, and still had a polite smile on his face: "Mr. Yu, I sincerely admire your ambition and determination. Since you are so determined, I will not force you."

However, the doors of Oriental Media Group remain open to you and Huanyu Research Company. If Mr. Yu changes his mind or has any further ideas for cooperation, please feel free to contact me at any time. This is my contact number.

Yu Zhize also stood up, extended his hand to shake hands with Cui Zilong, and said with a sincere smile: "Mr. Cui, thank you for your understanding and respect. Although Huanyu Research Company has no intention of being acquired at present, I also look forward to cooperating with Oriental Media Group in certain areas in the future to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results."

Cui Zilong nodded and said, "Of course. I hope we will have the opportunity to cooperate in the future. Let's stop here for today and I won't disturb your work any longer."

After saying this, Cui Zilong took his leave and left the reception room.

Yu Zhize watched Cui Zilong's departing figure, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

He was well aware of the strength and influence of Oriental Media Group, but he was at the height of his confidence, so how could he possibly sell the company?

Moreover, the other party's attitude also made him see the future potential of Universal Research Company.

He became even more determined to lead Huanyu Research Company to a broader stage.

As he was envisioning the future, one of his subordinates knocked on the office door, looking rather unhappy.

"Ah Xing, what's wrong?" Yu Zhize asked with a smile.

"Boss, something bad has happened!" Ah Xing said anxiously, with fine beads of sweat on his forehead.

"Don't rush, tell me slowly, what exactly happened?" Yu Zhize frowned slightly, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.

The subordinate took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and said, "Boss, we just received news that Huifeng Bank has officially issued a public announcement, blacklisting our Huanyu Research Company. Any client who continues to cooperate with Huanyu Research Company will be considered a business enemy by Huifeng Bank." The subordinate finished speaking in one breath, his face full of worry.

Yu Zhize's face turned deathly pale instantly. He never expected Huifeng Bank to act so swiftly and forcefully.

Undeniably, Huifeng Bank suffered repeated defeats in its competition with Bank of East Asia during this period, but its influence and deterrent power were deeply rooted in Hong Kong.

Once they are blacklisted by Huifeng Bank, who in Hong Kong would dare to cooperate with their Global Research Company?
Hong Kong is the headquarters of their Global Research Company and the only region where they currently conduct business.

Without the support of the Hong Kong market, the development of Universal Research Company will suffer a severe blow, and all its previous efforts and accumulated reputation may vanish overnight.

Yu Zhize felt a sudden dizziness, his body swayed, and he almost lost his balance.

Upon seeing this, Ah Xing, one of his subordinates, quickly stepped forward to support him and anxiously asked, "Boss, are you alright?"

Yu Zhize took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down, and waved his hand, saying, "I'm fine, don't panic."

But his slightly trembling hands betrayed his inner panic.

"Boss, what are we going to do? Huifeng Bank has such a lot of influence in Hong Kong. If they really blacklist us, our company will be finished." Ah Xing's face was full of worry, and his eyes were full of despair.

Yu Zhize gritted his teeth, forcing himself to calm down and think, and said, "It's okay, you can go out first, let me think about it."

After his subordinates left the office, he slowly walked to the window, gazing at the bustling Causeway Bay street scene outside, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

He knew he couldn't afford to lose his composure at this moment and had to come up with a solution as soon as possible.

But what countermeasures can he take against a behemoth like Huifeng Bank?
Previously, when Huifeng Bank threatened to blacklist Huanyu Research Company and cut off all business dealings with them, he dismissed it with disdain, believing that he wouldn't care at all if Huifeng Bank only used such threats.

After all, although their Global Research Company had also taken on business from Huifeng Bank, there wasn't much business interaction between the two parties. Even without Huifeng Bank's business, as long as their reputation soared, they could still attract many other clients and even officially take the top spot in the research industry.

However, he never expected that Huifeng Bank would be so resolute, directly announcing a ban and even implicating their clients, which would undoubtedly drive Huanyu Research Company into a corner.

Yu Zhize frowned, his mind racing, trying to find a glimmer of hope.

If he were to lose all his business, it would be like the sky falling and the earth collapsing for him. Not only would his years of hard work be destroyed, but he wouldn't even know what to do with the salaries of his dozens of employees.

At that point, he will have no choice but to declare the company bankrupt and dissolve it, leaving him with nothing.

The thought of the consequences made Yu Zhize's heart race, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

He thought of Mr. Cui Zilong, the president of Oriental Media Group, who had just left not long ago.

Perhaps, the only thing that can save him now is the Oriental Media Group.

The owner of Oriental Press Group has now become a sworn enemy of Huifeng Bank, so he is certainly not afraid of Huifeng Bank's retaliation.

However, if they wanted to get the other party's help, the final result would be to sell Huanyu Research Company to them.

selling?

Or not to sell?

If he sells it, he will lose his autonomy, and his years of hard work and dreams will be handed over to someone else. Even if he can continue to manage the company, it will no longer be his own business.

If they don't sell, the company is on the verge of collapse due to the blockade by Huifeng Bank, its employees will lose their jobs, and all their years of hard work will be in vain.

Yu Zhize paced back and forth by the window, his brows furrowed, his heart churning with a turbulent storm, caught in a fierce struggle.

He knew very well that the choice he was facing was extremely difficult, with each option leading to completely different consequences, like two forks in the road leading to an unknown future.

After a long while, he slowly stopped and his gaze fell on the business card on his desk.

After much hesitation, he finally reached out, his fingertips trembling slightly, and gently pressed the phone number that seemed incredibly heavy at that moment.

While in the car, Cui Zilong suddenly heard a cell phone ringing next to him.

He parked his car on the side of the road before answering the call.

"Hello, this is Cui Zilong. Who is this?"

"Mr. Cui, this is Yu Zhize. You haven't gone far, have you? If you haven't gone far, I'd like to ask you to come back to my place." The voice of Yu Zhize, the boss of Huanyu Research Company, came from the phone.

"Boss Yu?" Cui Zilong was slightly taken aback, then a smile appeared on his lips. "Of course you haven't gone far. Has Boss Yu changed his mind?"

"Mr. Cui, it's hard to explain over the phone. Please come back so we can talk in person." Yu Zhize's voice was tinged with urgency and helplessness.

"Okay, Mr. Yu, just a moment, I'll be right back." Cui Zilong hung up the phone, restarted the car, turned around, and drove towards Huanyu Research Company.

(End of this chapter)