In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

To be honest, Lin Haoran had expected Li Jiacheng to come to him for help.

After all, Cheung Kong's financial situation was entirely under his control.

Given the current state of Hong Kong real estate, no bank would dare to lend large sums of money because the risk is too great.

The entire city of Hong Kong is currently experiencing a lack of confidence in the future, with people feeling anxious and even pessimistic, believing that Hong Kong will become a second-rate city and that the real estate market will continue to decline for at least another three to five years.

At this time, it's already a favor that major banks don't withdraw loans; how could they possibly dare to lend more?

But Lin Haoran never offered to help.

The amount of money he spent to acquire Cheung Kong shares was actually not high.

Although it's higher than the current stock price, it won't be much higher.

At that time, when Li Ka-shing formed the "Anti-Lim Alliance" with Jardine Matheson, Standard Chartered Bank, and others, the stock price had already fallen sharply, and the public lacked confidence in Cheung Kong Holdings. As a result, a large number of shareholders sold Cheung Kong Holdings shares at low prices.

This is also why Galaxy Securities was able to absorb a full 38.4% of Cheung Kong Holdings' shares in a short period of time.

Therefore, Lin Haoran's costs in Cheung Kong Holdings are far lower than outsiders imagine.

Even if Cheung Kong Holdings doesn't survive this crisis, he won't lose much from this investment.

Moreover, he never intended to let Cheung Kong Holdings collapse.

With his current assets and strategic layout, Li Ka-shing is no longer his rival.

Even the Li Ka-shing of his past life was not as good as he is now.

After all, in addition to his vast assets in Hong Kong, he has many businesses in Japan, the United States, Latin America and other places.

Regardless of how much money he actually made during the Latin American debt crisis, the market value of the stocks he holds in the United States alone will be a staggering figure in ten or twenty years.

Lin Haoran had no need to completely eliminate someone who posed no threat to him.

Moreover, Li Jiacheng's existence is not a bad thing for him.

Even if a veteran who has been in the business world for decades is temporarily down on his luck, his insight and judgment are still intact.

Under Lin Haoran's control, Cheung Kong Holdings is at most just a real estate company.

In Li Jiacheng's hands, it has the potential to become a global investment platform.

Wouldn't it be better to treat Li Jiacheng as your "employee" and let him make a lot of profits for you?
This is exactly the possibility that Lin Haoran wants.

Therefore, when Li Jiacheng sat across from him and humbly asked to borrow money, Lin Haoran felt neither smugness nor mockery.

He was simply calmly calculating how to make the deal most profitable.

“Mr. Li,” Lin Haoran put down his teacup and looked calmly at Li Jiacheng, “Eight hundred million is not enough.”

Li Jiacheng was stunned.

He thought he had misheard and instinctively asked, "What?"

"I said, eight hundred million isn't enough," Lin Haoran repeated, his tone as calm as if he were talking about the weather.

"Given Cheung Kong Holdings' current situation, 800 million can only provide immediate relief and won't last long. If the real estate crisis lasts longer than expected, you'll have to come back to me again. Rather than that, it's better to get it done all at once."

Moreover, I believe you are also full of confidence in Hong Kong's future. Don't you want to take advantage of the current downturn in Hong Kong's real estate market and buy some quality projects at bargain prices?

Lin Haoran's words struck Li Jiacheng like a chord.

Buying at the bottom?

Of course he wanted to.

But he can't even fill the current hole, so how can he have the mind to think about buying at the bottom?
“Hang Seng Bank can approve 2 billion for Cheung Kong Holdings.” Lin Haoran held up two fingers. “The term is three years, the interest is calculated at the most favorable rate, the procedures still need to be followed, and the assets that need to be pledged still need to be pledged.”

"There's nothing I can do about that; after all, banks have their own regulations."

Li Jiacheng was stunned by the number and was speechless for a moment.

Two billion is enough for Cheung Kong Holdings not only to fill all its financial holes, but also to calmly plan and acquire high-quality projects that it never dared to dream of before during the real estate crisis.

He had even started planning in his mind how to use the money, which projects were worth buying at rock-bottom prices, and which assets could be expanded during this opportunity.

But he also felt a vague unease in his heart.

Why was Lin Haoran willing to give him so much money?
Li Jiacheng was not Lin Haoran's friend, not even an acquaintance.

Between them, there is only past antagonism and present estrangement.

What exactly is Lin Haoran trying to achieve by doing this?
Could it be that the other party wants a controlling stake in Cheung Kong Holdings?
If Li Ka-shing really intends to relinquish his controlling stake in Cheung Kong Holdings, then what is the point of this loan?
No, Lin Haoran probably wouldn't do that.

If he wanted controlling interest, after acquiring 38.4% of the shares, he could have continued to buy up shares on the market. With his financial resources at the time, taking over Cheung Kong Holdings would have been a piece of cake.

But he didn't.

He even made it clear at a subsequent board meeting that he would not interfere with the operation of Cheung Kong Holdings and would not seek a controlling stake.

He has always kept that promise.

What is Lin Haoran after?
Li Jiacheng raised his head and looked at the young face opposite him, trying to find the answer in those calm eyes.

Lin Haoran's expression was calm, with even a faint smile on his lips.

That's the composure that only someone in complete control can possess.

“Mr. Li,” Lin Haoran seemed to see through his thoughts, “you don’t need to overthink it. As I’ve said before, I am the second largest shareholder of Cheung Kong Holdings. Your interests are my interests.”

This loan to Cheung Kong Holdings is not for the purpose of controlling the company, but to ensure its survival. As for your concerns about controlling stake, I can assure you clearly that I have no interest in controlling interest in Cheung Kong Holdings, nor do I have any plans to further increase my shareholding. You can rest assured about that.

He paused, then smiled and said, "To be honest, even if you gave me Cheung Kong Holdings, I wouldn't want it. I already have enough businesses. Having one more or one less Cheung Kong Holdings wouldn't make much difference to me."

But if you manage Cheung Kong Holdings well, my 38.4% stake will appreciate in value. No matter how you look at it, it's a win-win situation.

"I have too many businesses."

These words echoed in Li Jiacheng's ears like a heavy hammer blow to the most sensitive spot in his heart.

There was a time when he said something similar to those who came to him for help: "I have enough projects already, one more won't make a difference."

He said that with a touch of pride.

But now, when Lin Haoran responded to him with the same words, he truly understood the weight of those words.

It's not showing off, it's not arrogance, it's genuine confidence.

A kind of confidence that Li Jiacheng once possessed but has now lost.

"Besides that, does Mr. Lin really have no other requests?" Li Jiacheng asked, still somewhat incredulous.

This trip went even more smoothly than he had expected. Not only did the other party agree to his planned loan, but they were even willing to lend up to HK$20 billion.

This made him feel a little uneasy.

He had seen too many people who took advantage of others' misfortunes and kicked him when he was down. But people like Lin Haoran, who, even when they were once adversaries, not only did not kick him when he was in trouble, but instead helped him up, were extremely rare.

It was so little that he couldn't believe it.

Seeing his hesitant look, Lin Haoran couldn't help but laugh: "Mr. Li, do you think the money is too much, or that my terms are too little? How about I add some conditions to make you feel more at ease?"

Li Jiacheng quickly waved his hand: "No, no, Mr. Lin, you misunderstood. I just... I just feel that I am unworthy of your help."

Lin Haoran picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said slowly, "Mr. Li, you don't need to feel guilty. When I help you, I'm not doing charity; I'm doing business."

Cheung Kong Holdings is a leading brand in Hong Kong's real estate industry, and you, Li Ka-shing, are a flagship figure in Hong Kong's business world. This brand cannot fall, this flagship cannot fall, and I also hold shares in Cheung Kong Holdings, so naturally I don't want it to fall either.

He paused, his gaze becoming serious: "Besides, do you think that when I had Hengsheng lend HK$20 billion to Cheung Kong, it was just a simple loan?"
No, I value your foresight, your decades of successful experience, and your keen investment acumen.

These are your most valuable possessions, far more valuable than those buildings owned by Cheung Kong Holdings.

Lin Haoran's words struck Li Jiacheng like a chord.

He didn't expect that Lin Haoran valued his abilities more than his assets.

This recognition moved him even more than two billion. "Mr. Li," Lin Haoran continued, "I believe you can also see that Hong Kong real estate won't keep falling. Once the market recovers, Cheung Kong will naturally be able to regain its vitality. And your foresight and investment acumen are Cheung Kong's greatest asset."

I don't lack money, but I lack someone who can help me make money. Mr. Li, you are that person.

As Li Jiacheng listened to these words, a feeling he couldn't quite describe welled up inside him.

He never expected that he was seen as this kind of person by Lin Haoran.

Not an opponent, not an enemy, but a partner with whom we can cooperate and trust.

“Mr. Lin,” Li Jiacheng’s voice was a little hoarse, “I, Li Jiacheng, have been in the business world for decades and have seen all kinds of people. Some take advantage of others’ misfortunes, some kick others when they’re down, some add flowers to brocade, and some offer charcoal in the snow.”

But this is the first time I've met someone like you.

Lin Haoran smiled and said, "Mr. Li, do you think the Hong Kong market is big?"

Li Jiacheng was taken aback, not understanding why Lin Haoran suddenly asked this question, but still answered truthfully: "Hong Kong is a small place, so the market is naturally not big."

"What about the global market?" Lin Haoran asked again.

"The global market is vast and boundless, so it is naturally large."

Lin Haoran nodded, put down his teacup, and his gaze became distant: "Mr. Li, the Hong Kong market is only so big. Even if you defeat everyone else, you're still just guarding your own little piece of land."

But the global market is different; it holds limitless possibilities. My focus has never been on Hong Kong. Hong Kong is merely my foundation, not my ceiling.

He paused, then looked at Li Jiacheng: "Mr. Li, it's a waste to keep your vision and abilities in Hong Kong. You should set your sights on the global market—Europe, North America, Southeast Asia—go wherever there are opportunities."

Cheung Kong Holdings shouldn't just be a Hong Kong real estate company; it should become a global investment platform, and I'm willing to be the one behind it.

Li Jiacheng was startled.

He hadn't expected Lin Haoran to have such a broad perspective.

While he was still struggling with the small-scale development of Hong Kong, Lin Haoran was already considering a global strategy.

While he was still thinking about how to save Cheung Kong Holdings, Lin Haoran was already thinking about how to take Cheung Kong Holdings to the world stage.

But thinking about it, it makes sense.

Today, it can be said that Lin Haoran has taken over half of Hong Kong's business world.

Hong Kong Electric Holdings, Hongkong Land, Hutchison Whampoa, Ching Chau Ying Ni, Hong Kong and China Gas, Kowloon Motor Bus, Wan Ching Group, Hong Kong Telephone, Galaxy Securities, Oriental Press Group, Longway Group, Huafeng Bank, Hang Seng Galaxy, Bank of East Asia, Renaissance Fund, Oracle Semiconductor...

Each of them, taken individually, is a giant in its respective field in Hong Kong.

Such strength was something that even the combined British conglomerates of that era might not have been able to match.

Lin Haoran said he has too many businesses, not to boast, but because it's true.

A fact that Li Jiacheng had to admit.

Therefore, the upside potential of Cheung Kong Holdings in Hong Kong is indeed visibly limited.

Hong Kong is only so big, and half of its space has already been swallowed up by Lin Haoran.

The remaining space is being contested by countless British, Chinese, Southeast Asian, and American conglomerates.

Even if Li Ka-shing tries his best, he can only hold onto his small piece of land in the Hong Kong real estate market at best. It will be extremely difficult for him to go any further.

Instead of foolishly competing with Lin Haoran in the tiny territory of Hong Kong, it would be better to broaden our horizons and try our luck in the global market.

Lin Haoran is right. Hong Kong is just his foundation, not his ceiling.

And Li Jiacheng shouldn't limit his vision to just Hong Kong.

At that moment, he suddenly realized where he had gone wrong.

He lost because of his limited perspective and narrow vision.

Li Jiacheng's eyes were always fixed on Hong Kong, on the tangible buildings and land, and on the once-arrogant British trading companies.

Lin Haoran's eyes had already crossed Victoria Harbour, crossed Hong Kong, and were now fixed on the entire world.

This is the gap.

It's not a matter of ability, it's a matter of perspective.

Li Jiacheng may be an excellent real estate developer or a shrewd investor, but he is not Lin Haoran.

What Lin Haoran could do, he couldn't do.

It wasn't because he wasn't smart enough, but because his vision was always limited to the small territory of Hong Kong.

Lin Haoran, on the other hand, has already set his sights on the global stage.

Li Jiacheng suddenly sighed, "Mr. Lin, I am more than 20 years older than you and have always regarded myself as your senior in the business world. But now I realize that in terms of vision and perspective, I am far inferior to you."

Lin Haoran waved his hand and laughed, "Mr. Li, there's no need to belittle yourself. Everyone has a different starting point and different experiences, so naturally, everyone's perspective on things is different. I'm young and lucky enough to have built this career. I've reached the limit of advancement in Hong Kong, so naturally, I can only look to the world."

But you are different. Your roots are in Hong Kong, and your advantages are also in Hong Kong. This isn't a matter of vision, it's a matter of location.

He paused, then his tone became sincere: "To be honest, if I hadn't ended up in this position by chance, I wouldn't have thought of expanding globally."

People are forced to do things. You still have things to do and battles to fight in Hong Kong, so you don't have to think about global affairs. But I have nothing left to do in Hong Kong, so I can only go abroad.

It's not that I'm smarter than you, it's that I have more free time.

Li Jiacheng gave a wry smile: "Mr. Lin, you're just trying to comfort me."

“This isn’t just comforting, it’s the truth.” Lin Haoran picked up his teacup and took a small sip. “Mr. Li, the outside world is far more exciting than you can imagine. If you put in the effort to research it, I believe you’ll find that there are plenty of worthwhile investment opportunities.”

He paused, put down his teacup, and his gaze became distant: "Take Japan for example. Its economy has been taking off in recent years, and its stock market and real estate have a lot of room for growth."

In the United States, for example, the technology industry is booming, and those small companies that you've never even heard of may become giants in a few years.

For example, in Europe, some established companies have ridiculously low valuations, but their brand value and channel value are still intact.

These opportunities are not available in Hong Kong, but they are everywhere in the global market.

Li Jiacheng listened intently.

He had to admit that he had thought about what Lin Haoran was talking about before, but he always felt that it was too far-fetched and too abstract, not as real as the buildings and land in Hong Kong.

Previously, aside from the Hong Kong market, he only paid attention to the Southeast Asian market at most.

But after hearing Lin Haoran say this, he suddenly realized that his previous ideas were indeed too conservative.

Li Jiacheng smiled wryly and said, "Mr. Lin, are you giving me directions?"

Lin Haoran put down his teacup and looked at him seriously: "Mr. Li, I'm not giving you directions, I'm inviting you. The global market is huge, and I can't explore it all by myself."

You have vision, ability, and experience. Our cooperation is much better than each of us fighting our own battles. You are not my subordinate, nor my employee, but my partner.

We are all major shareholders of Cheung Kong Holdings Limited. We each get what we need, achieving mutual benefit and win-win results.

He paused for a moment, then continued, "To be honest, I'm not interested in controlling interest in Cheung Kong Holdings. I'm more interested in your abilities. I hold 38.4% of Cheung Kong Holdings' shares. When Cheung Kong Holdings expands overseas, it's like you're helping me to expand into the global market."

If we make money, we'll split it all; it's a win-win situation no matter how you look at it.

Li Jiacheng remained silent.

Lin Haoran's vision was far broader than he had imagined.

So much so that when he thought back to the business wars he had instigated in the past, he suddenly found them somewhat laughable.

Li Jiacheng went to great lengths to join forces with British conglomerates to suppress Lin Haoran, believing that as long as he defeated this man, he could become the overlord of Hong Kong's business world.

But now it seems that Lin Haoran never considered him an opponent.

In Lin Haoran's eyes, Li Jiacheng was nothing more than a businessman with business acumen, someone who could create value for himself.

Li Jiacheng felt inferior to this vision and perspective.

After a long while, Li Jiacheng suddenly stood up, bowed to Lin Haoran, and said, "Mr. Lin, I formally apologize to you for the previous 'Anti-Lin Alliance' incident. From now on, I, Li Jiacheng, will be your most steadfast partner." (End of Chapter)