In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 675 Boss, this...this is too amazing!

Lin Haoran took the mobile phone and pressed the answer button without hesitation.

Currently, mobile signal coverage is limited, with signal only available in the city center and some affluent areas.

The area on the south bank of Victoria Harbour, as one of the core areas of Hong Kong, naturally has excellent signal strength.

Lin Haoran glanced at the caller ID; it was an unfamiliar number. He spoke first, "Hello, this is Lin Haoran."

"Mr. Lin, this is Brown from Standard Chartered Bank." A voice that sounded very familiar to Lin Haoran came from the other end of the phone.

Lin Haoran was slightly taken aback upon hearing the voice, his heart filled with surprise.

what happened?

Did Standard Chartered Bank finalize the decision so quickly?
You have to understand, he had just received Brown's call in the evening, and it hadn't even been three hours since then, yet Brown had called again.

As expected, Brown's voice came from the other end of the phone: "Mr. Lin, after I conveyed your request to Standard Chartered Bank headquarters, the headquarters reacted quickly and immediately convened a meeting to discuss it. After a vote by senior management, Standard Chartered Bank decided to adopt the first proposal you put forward."

Once we successfully acquire Huifeng Bank, we will immediately sell Hengsheng Bank to you, and in accordance with the previously signed contract, we will reduce the original price by 10%.

"If it's convenient for Mr. Lin, you can come to Standard Chartered Bank now so we can re-sign the agreement. The previous sale price of HK$15 billion will be void!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran's lips curled up slightly, and he couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Standard Chartered Bank is indeed in a hurry.

That 10% reduction in price translates to a direct saving of HK$1.5 million!

Although HK$1.5 million may not be a huge sum that can significantly change the size of Lin Haoran's assets, its significance should not be underestimated.

It's worth noting that in Hong Kong, families with a net worth exceeding HK$100 million are considered to be among the elite.

Last year, Standard Chartered's total profit was less than £100 million.

Even if we put that HK$1.5 million into Standard Chartered Bank's annual financial statements, it would still be a figure that cannot be ignored.

Moreover, Standard Chartered Bank needs money everywhere these days, and the financial pressure is like a heavy mountain on its shoulders. Every penny spent has to be carefully considered and calculated.

Asking them to come up with an extra HK$1.5 million would be like cutting a knife into their already fragile cash flow, tantamount to taking half their life.

Surprisingly, less than three hours after their last call, Standard Chartered Bank made a swift decision, readily agreeing to his conditions without even suggesting further discussion or attempting to get him to lower his demands.

This clearly demonstrates how eager Standard Chartered Bank was to acquire HSBC; their determination and impatience were practically written all over their faces.

The reason why Standard Chartered Bank did not choose the second condition is quite simple.

No normal person would choose option two.

Lin Haoran mentioned the second option only to give himself more leverage at the negotiating table, so that Standard Chartered Bank would more deeply realize the "cost-effectiveness" of the first option when weighing the pros and cons.

Lin Haoran was already quite satisfied with the reduced expenditure of HK$1.5 million.

Especially as the biggest competitor in Hong Kong's financial sector in the future, Lin Haoran naturally did not want Standard Chartered Bank to have an easy and unimpeded acquisition of Huifeng Bank.

“Mr. Brown, Standard Chartered Bank is indeed very efficient and admirable! In that case, I will arrange for Mr. Dashan, the president of our Bank of East Asia, and our legal team to go to your bank on my behalf to re-sign the contract.”

"As early as tomorrow morning, I will have someone return all the shares of Huifeng Bank to all the shareholders of Huifeng Bank!" Lin Haoran said with a hearty laugh.

The reason he didn't have Chairman Ho Shan-heng come forward was because he considered that Ho Shan-heng was getting old, and it was really unnecessary to trouble him to personally handle such administrative matters late at night.

As the president of Bank of East Asia, Daisan is qualified and capable enough to handle this matter properly on behalf of the bank.

As for himself, he's currently spending time with his girlfriend, so there's no need for him, the big boss, to do such trivial things personally.

Upon hearing this, Brown's eyes lit up with delight, and he quickly said, "That would be wonderful, Mr. Lin! I will be waiting for Mr. Dashan at the Standard Chartered Bank office!"

After hanging up with Brown, Lin Haoran immediately dialed Dashan's number.

He first dialed the office number, but no one answered. After thinking for a moment, he dialed the phone at Dashan's home. This time, he finally heard Dashan's familiar voice.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Lin Haoran methodically explained the matters related to Standard Chartered Bank to Dashan.

After making the arrangements, he immediately called his lawyer to discuss the legal matters that needed to be considered later.

After everything was arranged, Lin Haoran handed the mobile phone back to Li Weidong.

"Haoran-kun, I see you've been so busy. If you're really overwhelmed with work, why don't we go back another day?" Yamada Keiko naturally knew that Lin Haoran's business was huge and his daily affairs must be complicated, so she spoke up very considerately.

"No need, let's continue. You've come all this way to Hong Kong, so I have to do my best to be a good host. No matter how busy you are with work, you can't let it interfere with our time together." Lin Haoran smiled gently and reached out to hold Yamada Keiko's hand.

To be honest, Lin Haoran's feelings for Yamada Keiko were probably more about her beauty than genuine love.

It's perfectly normal for men to have their eyes on beautiful women's bodies!
However, given her absolute loyalty, Lin Haoran was willing to treat her exceptionally well.

Moreover, after spending more than three months together in Japan, Lin Haoran gradually developed some different feelings for Yamada Keiko.

Although it's not as intense and pure as love, it has a more natural intimacy.

At that moment, Keiko Yamada felt the warmth from Lin Haoran's palm, and a blush instantly spread across her cheeks.

Her eyes were filled with a mixture of shyness and joy: "Haoran-kun, thank you. I'm so happy to be with you."

Lin Haoran smiled and gently pinched her cheek, saying, "As long as you're happy, I'll make sure you're always this happy from now on."

For Lin Haoran, life is more than just business and money.

There should also be women.

This woman was like a spice in his life, making his world more colorful.

The two strolled along the south bank of Victoria Harbour, the sea breeze ruffling Keiko Yamada's hair.

She tilted her head back slightly, closed her eyes, and fully enjoyed this pleasant and romantic moment.

The gentle sea breeze, seemingly carrying a hint of sweetness, instantly swept away the boredom she had felt spending the entire day in the villa.

Having just tasted love, she was always so easily satisfied.

Soon, Lin Haoran took Yamada Keiko's hand and led her to the Central Pier, where they boarded his luxurious private yacht together.

This private yacht has a unique history.

When Lin Haoran successfully took over the Landmark Group, Ma Shimin, during a sweeping overhaul of the group's businesses, discovered a poorly managed tourism company.

Therefore, when Ma Shimin reported this matter to Lin Haoran, Lin Haoran directly requisitioned the luxury yacht.

The yacht slowly sailed out, heading towards Victoria Harbour.

At this moment, the lights on both sides of the river resemble a dazzling galaxy, spreading freely in the night and illuminating the entire harbor in a dreamlike way.

The neon lights on the skyscrapers flicker and change, red like fire, pink like the sunset, and blue like a dream, weaving together a magnificent and colorful picture, decorating the entire harbor like a dream.

Keiko Yamada stood on the deck of the yacht, her hands gripping the railing, her eyes wide open, filled with amazement and fascination.

……

Before you knew it, another night had passed.

Early in the morning, Lin Haoran woke up from his dream, checked the time, and found it was only seven o'clock in the morning.

As he pulled back the air-conditioning blanket, Lin Haoran saw Keiko Yamada's perfect figure, naked, displayed before him.

Last night, the two had another crazy night.

As a Japanese woman, Keiko Yamada had no experience with men and women before meeting Haoran Lin, but that doesn't mean she was ignorant of anything.

As the saying goes, even if you haven't eaten pork, you've still seen a pig run.

Although Keiko Yamada grew up in Japan and did not personally experience romantic relationships, various films, novels, and casual conversations from others gave her a certain understanding of intimate relationships between men and women.

Therefore, Lin Haoran had a very comfortable night.

This is an experience he couldn't have with Guan Jiahui.

Indeed, every woman has her own unique charm.

Guan Jiahui is passionate and fiery, like a burning flame that can instantly ignite the passion in Lin Haoran's heart, but that fervor always seems to lack some delicacy and gentleness.
Keiko Yamada, on the other hand, was like a gentle, soothing stream in spring, carrying a subtle tenderness and an unimaginable openness, gradually nourishing Lin Haoran's heart.

At this moment, Lin Haoran looked at Yamada Keiko beside him with eyes full of doting and love.

He gently reached out and tenderly stroked Keiko Yamada's smooth skin, the delicate touch sending a shiver through his heart.

Keiko Yamada seemed to sense Lin Haoran's movement. She slowly opened her eyes and saw him gazing at her affectionately. Her cheeks instantly flushed crimson, like the rosy clouds on the horizon. "Good morning, Haoran-kun," Keiko Yamada said softly, her voice tinged with a hint of languor and shyness.

Lin Haoran felt a tightness in his throat, his gaze fixed on the alluring curve, and an irresistible impulse surged within him.

At the age of twenty-something, when one is full of vigor and desire, Lin Haoran felt a fire instantly ignite within him, burning him with heat.

He couldn't help but lean closer to Keiko Yamada, placing a kiss on her smooth forehead, then following her eyebrows and down her face, gently kissing the tip of her nose and cheeks, finally lingering on her luscious lips.

Keiko Yamada closed her eyes slightly and gently wrapped her arms around Lin Haoran's neck, responding to his passion.

The morning exercise begins here.

The bedroom was instantly filled with an enchanting atmosphere.

More than an hour later, the panting in the room gradually subsided.

Lin Haoran took a refreshing shower, and with Yamada Keiko's help, changed into a formal suit. He then called the maid downstairs and instructed her to bring breakfast and newspapers to the living room on the third floor.

As expected, the gathering in front of the Governor's House yesterday, the Governor's personal speech, and the testimony of Standard Chartered Bank's CEO Brown all became the headlines of major media outlets.

Many newspapers have boldly predicted that the stock market will experience a crazy surge today.

In fact, even without these predictions, anyone with a little economic sense could figure out that after the cash flow crisis of major business giants is resolved, how could their stock prices and market value remain at a low level?
The Hong Kong Business Daily also listed a list of listed companies expected to see a surge in stock prices, including giants such as Cheung Kong Holdings, Hutchison Whampoa, Swire Pacific, Wheelock Properties, Swire Properties, CLP Power, and Hong Kong Tunnel Engineering.

In fact, even without these media reports, given these companies' standing in the industry and their positive development after resolving their cash flow crisis, their stock prices would certainly have risen sharply today.

Now, with the media further fueling the frenzy, it's no surprise that today's stock price surge will be absolutely insane beyond imagination.

"Keiko, I'll arrange for a maid to go with you later, and also a car with a bodyguard and driver, to take you to some fun places in Hong Kong. I have important business to attend to today, so I'll take you to other places to have fun tonight." Lin Haoran put down his newspaper and turned to Yamada Keiko.

In today's ever-changing and bustling business world of Hong Kong, he certainly cannot afford to waste his time on matters of the heart.

"Haoran-kun, I'd like to go with you, is that alright? Don't forget, I'm your secretary." Yamada Keiko took a deep breath and mustered her courage to speak.

Lin Haoran was slightly taken aback, he really didn't expect Yamada Keiko to take the initiative to make such a request.

It's obvious that in Hong Kong, Keiko Yamada only wants to stay close to Lin Haoran.

Undeniably, she was indeed his secretary, but she served as both secretary and translator while in Japan.

Back in Hong Kong, her home turf, there wasn't really anything for her to handle.

In Hong Kong, he was a hands-off manager, delegating everything to his subordinates.

However, after thinking about it for a moment, Lin Haoran agreed to her request.

It's perfectly normal for a big boss like him to have a secretary by his side.

“Alright, since you’re willing to come along, I’ll have someone buy you a suitable business suit,” Lin Haoran nodded and said.

Upon hearing this, Keiko Yamada became as excited as a child, jumping up and saying, "Haoran-kun, there's no need to buy any. I have my own business attire in my suitcase, which you gave me when I was in Japan. I'll go change into it right now."

After saying that, she excitedly ran into the bedroom to look for her suitcase.

Seeing this, Lin Haoran smiled and shook his head, then sat on the sofa and waited for her.

Ten minutes later, Lin Haoran led Yamada Keiko out the door and headed straight for the Kang Le Building.

The acquisition of Hengsheng Bank by Bank of East Asia is not yet due.

To acquire Hengsheng Bank, we need to wait until Standard Chartered Bank takes control of Huifeng Bank.

Therefore, there's nothing important for him to do at the East Asia Bank now.

It would be better to go directly to the Galaxy Securities office in the Kang Le Building.

He wanted to see how lively the Hong Kong stock market would be today.

Having basically completed the necessary arrangements in the previous period, he no longer has many plans for Galaxy Securities.

Upon arriving at the Kang Le Building, Lin Haoran, along with his bodyguard and Yamada Keiko, took the private elevator to his office on the 51st floor.

It wasn't time for the stock market to open yet, so there was no rush to go downstairs to the Galaxy Securities office.

As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, I saw Ma Shimin.

Ma Shimin glanced curiously at Yamada Keiko next to Lin Hao, then quickly looked away.

"Mr. Ma, let me introduce you. This is my secretary, Huizi," Lin Haoran said with a smile.

Ma Shimin nodded slightly, a polite smile on his face, as if to greet Yamada Keiko.

Keiko Yamada knew Simon Ma because he had previously assisted Huo Jianning, the person in charge of the Japan Land branch.

Upon entering the office, Keiko Yamada's gaze was instantly drawn to everything around her, her eyes filled with curiosity and amazement.

Lin Haoran's private office is connected to the reception room, and the overall decoration exudes a luxurious style.

Every detail has been meticulously crafted, from the expensive solid wood furniture to the dazzling crystal chandelier, all showcasing extraordinary taste and prestige.

The weather was exceptionally sunny today, with sunlight streaming in through the huge round glass window.

Standing by the window, the magnificent view of the entire Victoria Harbour is spread out before you, with the shimmering sea and the ships shuttling back and forth creating a vibrant picture.

Looking north, the Kowloon Peninsula is clearly visible, where the bustling urban landscape blends seamlessly with the natural scenery, creating a breathtaking view.

"Boss, this place is so beautiful!" Keiko Yamada couldn't help but exclaim softly, her voice filled with barely suppressed excitement and her eyes sparkling with amazement. "This is the first time I've ever seen such a magnificent sea view, and the Kowloon Peninsula is like a giant scroll slowly unfolding before my eyes. By the way, boss, this office building must be very expensive, right?"

The feeling of looking down at the scenery from a high place is completely different from looking up at the view of tall buildings from the ground.

So, although Keiko Yamada and Haoran had strolled along Victoria Harbour together last night and enjoyed the dazzling night view of Hong Kong, being here now presented a completely different experience. Coupled with the clear blue sky, the breathtaking scenery was even more stunning than last night.

Outside, Keiko Yamada naturally couldn't continue calling Lin Haoran "Haoran-kun." She was very clear about the boundaries, so even though she felt a lot of affection for him, she only respectfully addressed him as "Boss."

“Miss Huizi, this entire building belongs to the Landmark Group, which is now privately owned by the boss. So, it’s not an exaggeration to say that this building is the boss’s private property.” Ma Shimin, who was sitting down and leisurely drinking tea with Lin Haoran, explained patiently with a gentle smile on his lips.

Upon hearing this, Keiko Yamada admired Lin Haoran even more.

At the same time, she also gained a deeper understanding of the power of Hongkong Land Group.

Although she was Lin Haoran's secretary in Japan, the Landmark Group didn't have much of a presence there. Therefore, even though she knew that the Landmark Group had strong financial resources, she couldn't imagine its true strength.

Now, standing in the bustling Central district of Hong Kong, where land is incredibly valuable, and witnessing firsthand that this entire magnificent building belongs to Hongkong Land Group, which is Lin Haoran's private enterprise, Keiko Yamada felt her heart pounding with shock.

She already knew that housing prices in Hong Kong were much higher than those in Tokyo!

Her mouth was slightly agape, her eyes filled with disbelief, and she murmured softly, "Boss, this... this is too amazing."

At that moment, a sense of inferiority welled up in her heart without warning, and she suddenly realized the chasm-like gap in status between herself and Lin Haoran.

Perhaps, to her, becoming Haoran Jun's woman was already an immense blessing earned through arduous cultivation in her past life.

……

Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, the major stock exchanges were already packed with people.

Although the stock market has not yet opened, investors are already eager to get started, all looking forward to getting a piece of the pie in the upcoming stock market boom.

They gathered in small groups, chatting animatedly, each face beaming with excitement and anticipation, their eyes gleaming with a burning desire for wealth.

The resentment and regret that arose yesterday from missing the opportunity have long since been cast to the winds.

At this moment, how could they possibly regret entering the stock market?
Nowadays, many listed companies have a considerable number of low-priced stocks, which are like tempting treasures right in front of us.

If they are quick enough to grab a portion of the low-priced shares, the stock price will multiply several times in no time, it's as easy as turning their hand!
As for those shareholders who had already sold their shares, they are now among the most regretful.

Holding their last bit of money, they stood at the edge of the crowd, their eyes filled with regret and disappointment, muttering to themselves, "Once the market opens, we must grab some cheap stocks!"

At 9:30 a.m., as the opening bell rang at the four major stock exchanges, the previously noisy and chaotic crowd fell silent for a moment, followed by deafening cheers and shouts as investors surged toward the trading windows like a tidal wave.

With the opening of the stock market, the share prices of listed companies such as Cheung Kong Holdings, Hutchison Whampoa, Swire Pacific, Wheelock Properties, Swire Properties, CLP Power, and Hong Kong Tunnel Engineering Co., Ltd. soared like wild horses.

The constantly flashing red numbers on the electronic display screen resembled burning flames, instantly igniting a frenzied atmosphere throughout the stock exchange.

The investors seemed to have been injected with stimulants; their faces flushed red, and they shouted at the top of their lungs.

The most direct manifestation of this is that the Hang Seng Index has risen sharply, like a rocket taking off.

The stock exchanges have gone completely mad because of the impending acquisition of HSBC by Standard Chartered Bank.

(End of this chapter)