Hong Kong 1980: The Savage Era

Chapter 158 [Fan Business in Winter]

"Then I'll make an appointment for you to meet him tomorrow afternoon. This Sammo Hung is looking for investment everywhere and wants to save Bao Xiang Film Company. He should have time." Bai Jinyan nodded.

After the discussion, Luo Qihong proposed the next topic: "Many industrial companies have emerged in the Hong Kong market. Can De'an Company make some investments?"

Bai Jinyan shook his head and said, "There is still 320 million yuan in the company's account. This money is also used to cover the company's turnover, loan repayments, and salary commissions for employees."

Luo Qihong nodded helplessly, "Okay, but we also need to collect information about such companies in advance so that we can invest quickly after the company's funds are recovered."

The current stock market situation is not very good, and De'an Company does not have the channels and strength to invest overseas, so it can only seize all opportunities in the Hong Kong market.

Although Luo Qihong's previous plan was to rely on the funds of his subsidiaries for development, it is obviously not possible now, and Luo Qihong needs De'an Company's profits to repay the loan.

Therefore, now we can only try our best to expand the scale and business scope of De'an Company.

"Okay, I'll arrange for my men to do it." Bai Jinyan replied seriously.

the next afternoon
Luo Qihong met Fatty Hong in the lobby of a hotel in downtown Kowloon. This man was as fat as he was in his previous life, but it did not affect his agility.

Before coming here, Fatty Hong had already gotten some preliminary information about Luo Qihong. He knew that Luo Qihong was very powerful, had several listed companies under his name, and the profits from Paramount alone exceeded 4 million yuan.

Today, he owns one of the rare high-quality enterprises in Hong Kong - China Gas Company, which makes him stronger than the average tycoon.

"Hello, Mr. Hong!" Luo Qihong stretched out his hand and shook hands with Hong Jinbao.

"Hello, Mr. Luo! Please take care of me!" Sammo Hung did not dare to be arrogant in front of the tycoon. After all, he was asking for help today.

Luo Qihong ordered the waiter to serve the dishes, and at the same time said to Hong Jinbao, "Mr. Hong, you and I are both straightforward people, so I won't beat around the bush. I plan to invest in your Baoxiang Film Company. I wonder if I can have this opportunity?"

"Mr. Luo should be aware of the current situation of Baoxiang Film Company, right?!" Seeing Luo Qihong nod, Hong Jinbao continued, "Baoxiang Film Company seems to be going bankrupt, but even a rotten boat still has three pounds of nails, and it still has resources such as connections and a team."

Sammo Hung was increasing their negotiating power, and he was sprinkling some empty words in between the truth. Fortunately, Luo Qihong had read the information of Bao Xiang Film Company carefully, and Sammo Hung's words could not fool him.

Luo Qihong sneered in his heart, "Hong Jinbao, who seems to be honest, is actually very dishonest, no worse than some old-timers in the shopping malls."

But think about it, Sammo Hung has been in the film industry for more than a decade, how could he be a "newbie"? At least he could fight with people like Zou Wenhuai for a while.

"Mr. Hong, I'm an investor, not a philanthropist. If there's no expected benefit, I won't invest." Luo Qihong shook his head. "So I hope 80 yuan will account for 70% of the shares. Considering the current situation of Baoxiang Film, De'an Company can invest in the first few films."

Hong Jinbao's face changed when he heard this. Doesn't this mean that he is working for Luo Qihong? If so, he might as well cooperate with Golden Harvest Entertainment Company. At least Golden Harvest Entertainment Company can give him the greatest support.

"Luo Sheng, this is impossible! Bao Xiang Films is in trouble, but it is not a 'cabbage' that can be picked up at will." Hong Jinbao was a little excited. "If I own 70% of the shares, I might as well cooperate with other film companies."

"Really?" Luo Qihong poured himself a cup of tea and said with a smile, "How much of De'an Company does Hongsheng intend to take?"

"80 yuan for a 40% stake?!" Sammo Hung asked tentatively. He knew that selling Bao Xiang Film to Luo Qihong would be the best outcome, because Luo Qihong didn't understand film production and they could take the opportunity to control the company.

As for Golden Harvest Entertainment, Zou Wenhuai will definitely say that he will give them autonomy, but in fact he will also interfere, which is not as good as Luo Qihong's weak side.

"That's impossible!" Luo Qihong waved his hand. "De'an Company must control Baoxiang Film Company. If Hongsheng can't accept this condition, then there is no need for us to continue the discussion."

"De'an Company is wealthy and powerful. There is no need for them to fight to the death with Baoxiang Film Company. They can just acquire other film companies."

Hong Jinbao thought for a moment and said, "1 million for 51% of the shares, how about that?"

Luo Qihong still shook his head. "1 million yuan must account for at least 60% of the shares. According to my investigation, 80 yuan for 60% of the shares is reasonable. It's just that I don't want to be aggressive. I want to make friends with Hong Sheng before I am willing to suffer a loss."

Hong Jinbao gritted his teeth. What Luo Qihong said made sense and was also one of the facts. "1 million yuan is 55% of the shares. I have two other partners, and they both need some shares. Otherwise, it would be difficult for me to support Baoxiang Film Company alone."

"Okay, 1 million yuan for a 55% stake. The management rights belong to you, Hongsheng, but the decision-making power still rests with De'an Company. Of course, you can also make suggestions."

"Under normal circumstances, De'an Company will not interfere with your business operations, and decisions will also take into account the opinions of all shareholders. It's just that when there is a dispute, one person will make the decision."

Luo Qihong said lightly. He has always been overbearing and doesn't want to be threatened at a critical moment.

At this point, Hong Jinbao had no choice but to agree, otherwise he might not even get the management rights, but he still put forward some conditions to protect their rights and interests. "The company's current personnel position arrangement is not bad, I hope Luo Sheng will not have any transfer."

"Don't worry, I will only place people in the finance department. I will not interfere in other departments." Luo Qihong said bluntly.

The Finance Department is of vital importance, otherwise what will happen if Hong Jinbao and others make losses, and Luo Qihong will not feel safe either.

We must be on guard against others, especially since Hong Jinbao is just an outsider.

Hong Jinbao nodded and said, "Luo Sheng will naturally be in charge of the finance department, and we will be responsible for other company matters."

"Mr. Hong, since we have already reached an agreement, why don't we talk about the situation of Baoxiang Film Company?" Luo Qihong knew that the information he had obtained from the investigation was very limited, so it would be more appropriate to ask Hong Jinbao.

Hong Jinbao was silent for nearly a minute, and then said, "Mr. Luo, to be honest, the situation of Baoxiang Film is very bad. Last year, we shot 1 movies, 9 of which lost money, and we still owe some employees wages."

Luo Qihong nodded slightly. This statement was expected. The funding issue was easy to solve. If there was not enough financing, he could make up for it with a loan. With Luo Qihong's connections, it would not be a big problem to guarantee a loan of several million for Baoxiang Film Company.

He also has a good story and script, but he also needs a good director to make the movie.

"The funding issue is not difficult to solve, but we can't keep losing money." Luo Qihong said calmly, "Does Hongsheng have any plans to change the current situation?"

"Filmmaking consists of only four elements: actors, directors, behind-the-scenes personnel and scripts. We have the first three, and now we just lack a suitable script," said Sammo Hung.

"I do have quite a few stories, and the plots are fresh, but I'm lacking a good screenwriter and director."

Hong Jinbao naturally didn't believe that Luo Qihong had this ability, but it was not easy to expose him directly, "I know several good screenwriters and directors, I can help."

Luo Qihong didn't care about these things. If Hong Jinbao said that he was a real estate expert, he wouldn't believe it. This is human nature. He just needs to prove it next.

"Okay, then I'll trouble Hongsheng." Luo Qihong said with a smile.

Hong Jinbao noticed that Luo Qihong had a playful look on his face, and it seemed that he really had a talent for movies.

Return to Ulsan Garden Residence in Mid-Levels in the evening.

Luo Qihong met Zhang Kuisheng, the boss of Fujia Newspaper Company, whom he had not seen for more than a year. He had the impression that Zhang Kuisheng was a businessman who did not care much about human feelings and only cared about profit. He guessed that Zhang Kuisheng came to help. The only thing he was not sure about was what it was for. It could be Fujia Newspaper Company, or maybe something else bad.

"It's Ah Hong who's back. Do you remember me?" Zhang Kuisheng stood up and tried to make friends with him in a flattering manner.

Luo Qihong shook hands with Zhang Kuisheng for the sake of his parents and said with a smile, "Of course I remember, Uncle Zhang, right? Last year I went to Fujia Newspaper Company to talk to you about cooperation."

"Yes, it's me, Zhang Kuisheng!" Zhang Kuisheng was not embarrassed at all, but talked with ease, "In the past, our two families were almost the same, but now I can't catch up with them."

Luo Qihong found these compliments very natural, but Luo Zegui, Lin Ya, and even Luo Qixing felt very embarrassed and felt that they were bullying.

Luo Qihong smiled and said, "Uncle Zhang, just tell me what you want to say. There's no need to say these flattering words."

If Luo Qihong hadn't seen his family members feeling uncomfortable, he wouldn't have stopped easily.

"Okay, then I'll explain my purpose directly." Zhang Kuisheng said modestly, "The competition in the magazine industry is too fierce now. The sales of our company's products have dropped significantly, and developing new products requires some funds. I'm afraid Fujia Newspaper can't afford it, so I want to ask if you are willing to invest in Fujia Newspaper?"

Luo Qihong asked, "How does Uncle Zhang plan to invest? Borrow or buy shares?"

"Invest in it. Fujia Newspaper is not doing well right now. If the Luo family joins, the situation will definitely improve." Zhang Kuisheng grinned and said, "2 million for 40% of the shares, how about that?"

2 million represents 40% of the shares!

A sinister smile immediately emerged in Luo Qihong's mouth. The entire Fujia Newspaper Company was not worth 2 million yuan. They were completely being treated as fools.

"Uncle Zhang, I'm sorry to disappoint you. My family is in the printing business and we have no interest in investing in a newspaper." Luo Qihong immediately refused.

Luo Zegui was certainly willing to help Zhang Kuisheng, but unfortunately the price was 2 million yuan, which he did not have, and he also knew that Zhang Kuisheng treated them as "sucker".

“50 yuan for a 10% stake is also fine.” Upon seeing this, Zhang Kuisheng quickly put forward a second plan.

Compared with the first option, the second option seems to be much better, at least in terms of sensory perception.

"Uncle Zhang, this is business, so let me be frank." Luo Qihong said seriously, "50 yuan will account for at least 40% of the shares, and we need to check the accounts before we can truly reach a cooperation."

Zhang Kuisheng's face suddenly turned bad. He knew that Luo Qihong's side would not work, so he focused his attention on Luo Zegui and said, "Brother Gui, it would be unpleasant to hear that 50 yuan accounts for 40% of the shares. It's not that I don't want to give it up, but your Luo family has become rich, and others will think you are rich and unkind."

Luo Qihong sneered, "Do you have to follow Uncle Zhang's conditions to be a good person? It's really rare to beg someone to show such an attitude."

"It's not impossible to buy 50% of the shares with 10 yuan, but the assets of Fujia Newspaper must be evaluated by a professional evaluation agency. If the asset value is 5 million yuan, even if it is only 4 million yuan, we will accept it. What do you think, Uncle Zhang?"

"Haha!! We are all acquaintances. I have no reason to lie to you. You have been cooperating with Fujia Newspaper for so long, you should know the details of Fujia Newspaper." Zhang Kuisheng continued to argue, his eyes constantly moving around the Luo family.

"Even brothers settle accounts clearly, so why does it become 'unethical' when it comes to Uncle Zhang?" Luo Qihong began to lose face. Zhang Kuisheng was going too far.

"Ah Sheng, Ah Hong is right. This is business, not a favor." Lin Ya naturally supported her son. "If you want to use a favor to pay back the money, I don't think it will be worth much."

The meaning of this statement is very clear. Zhang Kuisheng and the Luo family do not have much friendship.

Luo Zegui's face looked a little ugly, but he still didn't say anything.

Seeing that Zhang Kuisheng didn't answer, Lin Ya directly dismissed him and said, "Ah Sheng, go back and think about it carefully. If you accept our conditions, call us and let us know."

Luo Qihong couldn't help but give a thumbs up to Lin Ya. It was more appropriate for Lin Ya to drive the guest away. After all, Zhang Kuisheng was the elder, and it would be even more embarrassing for him to drive the guest away.

Zhang Kuisheng glanced at Luo Zegui, and seeing that Luo Zegui had no intention of speaking, he sighed and left.

Lin Ya glared at the door and said, "Is he treating us like fools? His shabby newspaper is worth 5 million? It's obvious that he wants to cheat us out of our money. If it weren't for our past friendship, I would have kicked him out with a broom."

Lin Ya is still as aggressive as before, without any of the manners of a noble lady.

Luo Qihong felt relieved. This was the way to deal with scoundrels. In the eyes of scoundrels, politeness and conscience were "capital for further exploitation."

Luo Zegui thought for a moment and said, "Zhang Kuisheng is a man who never does anything without profit. He did take care of our business before, so we can't get angry. Ah Hong, you should be careful when talking to him. Don't suffer any loss, and don't take advantage of him. Just return the favor."

Luo Qihong nodded, but did not pay attention to Luo Zegui's words. It seemed that Zhang Kuisheng was taking care of the Luo family, but in fact, Zhang Kuisheng was taking advantage of the Luo family.

"Don't worry about him, let's eat first." Lin Ya waved her hand and announced that the meal was ready.

After dinner, Lin Ya and Luo Zegui both went to talk to the Luo Qihong brothers. Lin Ya’s attitude was that they must not suffer any loss under any circumstances, while Luo Zegui meant that they could suffer some loss but not make it too embarrassing.

Luo Qihong and Luo Qixing were more in favor of Lin Ya's opinion and would not suffer any loss at the hands of Zhang Kuisheng.

Hop Siang Trading Company Office

"Mr. Liu, I'm very interested in the cooperation you proposed, Hexiang Trading, but isn't the distribution of profits fair?" Luo Qihong smiled as he stared at Liu Luanxiong, one of the future top 20 tycoons in Hong Kong.

This was somewhat unexpected for Luo Qihong. Aimego Company had not yet opened up the European market, but instead wanted to seek help from Hexiang Trading Company.

Of course, Hexiang Trading Company’s trading strength in Europe is not strong, and Luo Qihong was too lazy to ask Liu Luanxiong the reason.

"Mr. Luo, the profit margin of Aigo is also thin, less than 7%." Liu Luanxiong argued, "European and American countries are in an energy crisis and are now vigorously calling for energy conservation. By next summer, it will definitely be a big hit."

Luo Qihong smiled. It is the cold winter season now, and there is still nearly half a year until next summer. How can we know the situation? This Liu Luanxiong is really good at speaking.

"Mr. Liu, it's winter now, it's a bit too early to say anything." Luo Qihong smiled and said, "If Mr. Liu can lower the price and keep your company's profit margin at around 5%, I can ask Hexiang Trading Company to purchase 30 fans. By summer, the quantity will only increase. How about that?"

Liu Luanxiong is naturally aware of the principle of small profits but quick turnover, but if the price is reduced, other trading companies will also have to reduce their prices, which seems to be not cost-effective.

"Mr. Luo, the profit is already very low. Aimico also needs to make a profit, otherwise it will be difficult to sustain." Liu Luanxiong said.

Luo Qihong smiled and said, "I know Mr. Liu's concerns. We can sign two contracts. The first one is for outsiders to see, and the second one is the real one. I promise that from now on, before 83, Hexiang Trading Company will order 1 million fans from Aimego Company. How about that?"

"Mr. Luo, do you want to sign a gambling agreement?" Liu Luanxiong stared at Luo Qihong and asked.

"Okay, then let's sign an agreement. If we cannot order more than 1 million fans, Hexiang Trading Company will pay the same amount to Aigo Company." Luo Qihong smiled.

(End of this chapter)