Hong Kong Movies: I am Hongxing, what the hell is the intelligence king?

Chapter 422 Brown's worries came true

Chapter 422 Brown's worries came true
Upon returning to the company, the tycoon immediately convened a meeting of the board members.

He briefed them on the situation.

"What do you think of what Brown wants us to do?"

While the Standard Chartered taipan is indeed the taipan of the Standard Chartered Group, there is still a board of directors.

The decisions made must align with the wishes of the board of directors.

Furthermore, Standard Chartered Bank's positioning is different from HSBC's.

HSBC's full name is Hong Kong Magic City, while Standard Chartered's is not.

Someone sneered:
"This stock market crash was purely a man-made disaster."

"If HSBC hadn't tacitly allowed the reckless behavior of the nouveau riche, how could such a stock market crash have occurred?"

Others have different opinions:
"Hey, this is a good thing for us."

“We can take advantage of the stock market downturn to buy back some of our shares. The small tycoons can’t recover, and the big tycoon group will be able to calm down without the support of the small tycoons.”

"Once the stock market calms down, we can make a fortune."

"It's a bad thing for ordinary stock investors, but a good thing for us."

The small tycoon's actions did not draw criticism from Hong Kong's elite. Firstly, the tycoon was the head of the new "Four Great Families," and everyone gave him face. Secondly, George Cunningham's methods of dealing with the tycoons resonated with these figures; if all the tycoons faced personal threats, who knows how they would retaliate.

Finally, here's the last point: there are different ways to play in a bull market and a bear market.

For the wealthy, the difference is not significant.

Especially in a bear market, information is crucial, something ordinary people lack, while the wealthy excel at.

Someone immediately retorted:

"otherwise!"

"This matter is no longer something that the Dafuhao Group can handle."

"A bank run like this hasn't happened in over thirty years, and it could easily become a widespread trend."

"HSBC is not Hang Seng."

"That is the main bank of the Ansar Group."

"Even they are facing a squeeze, what about us?"

“No one in Hong Kong dared to deposit money in the bank; everyone was watching and waiting.”

"Cash is becoming increasingly important."

At this point, the man emphasized,

"If we're talking about the money in the accounts, doesn't HSBC have any money?"

"What a joke."

"Don't their banks, including Hang Seng, have any money?"

"No!"

"They have money, what they lack is cash."

"We need to be careful. If we lend them cash, can we handle this run on our banks?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"That is impossible."

"A run on the bank by a million people is impossible for HSBC, let alone the three major banks working together."

"Too many people."

"Unless we terminate the contract early and take back the money."

"Otherwise, we definitely wouldn't have made it through."

The first person said:
"So, did the customers who were running out of money at HSBC deposit their banknotes with us?"

Someone immediately said:
"not at all!"

"Logically, when HSBC suffers a run on its banks, people withdrawing their money from HSBC will eventually deposit it in one of our two banks."

"However, our customers haven't grown much at all."

"According to my team's estimates, the vast majority of citizens choose to keep their money in their hands rather than deposit it in commercial banks."

The person from before gently tapped the table:

"What does that mean?"

"This shows that public distrust of commercial banks is increasing."

"We need to take various measures to regain their trust!"

"At this time, we must take care of ourselves first."

Another person hesitated and said:

"But the interest rates for short-term bank loans are very high."

The man from before got angry:

"HSBC has so much money on its counters that even if all the deposits were paid out, they wouldn't go bankrupt."

"But they don't have any cash!"

What's the use of having a lot of money in the accounts?

They want cash!

"What if we experience a run on the bank?"

"We must never rely on luck when doing things, nor can we expect that we will not be subject to a squeeze."

"How huge is HSBC?"

"Don't they have any credibility?"

"Don't they have any money?"

"Don't they have any foundation or resources?"

"We have everything they have."

"There are even some things that they don't have!"

"Na!"

"This is the company we consider a strong competitor that has encountered a run on its bank."

"How can we dare to hope that we won't encounter it?"

Everyone fell silent.

Standard Chartered's taipan said:

"I've done the calculations, and we can still provide support of 20 billion."

"It doesn't affect our business."

"Even if we also experience a run on the bank, we can hold out for three days."

The crowd looked at each other and said in unison:
"This could indeed provide some support to HSBC."

The interest rates on short-term bank loans are too high, even higher than loan sharking.

Most importantly, it's safe and risk-free.

Ordinary citizens are entitled to cash, but they don't need it at all.

Standard Chartered's top executive said:
"This is not the main reason I invited you all here."

"The matter concerning Mr. Lin Feng is what I want you all to decide."

Someone frowned and said:
"Lin Feng?"

"I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before."

Someone immediately introduced him to someone:
"The head of the Hung Hing Society in Causeway Bay, the true owner of Thunder Security, the owner of an angel investment fund, a very competent and respectable big shot."

"He is a true hidden billionaire, a super VIP of our bank."

“My business overlaps with his.”

"This person not only has numerous businesses in Hong Kong, but also in his hometown, Taiwan, Okamoto, Ami, and Angsam."

"Especially the business in my hometown, it's a behemoth."

The man gave a brief and detailed introduction.

Everyone was astonished.

Someone frowned and said:
"Could it be that Lin Feng instigated this run on HSBC?"

Standard Chartered's taipan said at the opportune moment:

"I can confirm that it was Lin Feng who pushed this behind the scenes."

Someone said with a dark face:

"Even if there's a grudge, there's no need to be so ruthless, isn't there?"

"This is a devastating blow to HSBC."

Standard Chartered's taipan said calmly:
"Lin Feng has a grudge against the wealthy man."

"HSBC is the most important supporter of the super-rich."

"Lin Feng just wanted the tycoon to stay in prison quietly, but HSBC wouldn't allow it."

"What do you think?"

The person who had just spoken looked even darker!
Good heavens, this is a life-or-death feud!

What else is there to say?
"I take back what I just said."

Both sides are clearly really fighting, determined to make the other side back down.

Otherwise, this matter will be difficult to resolve.

Someone reminded me:
"Lin Feng is our super VIP. He has billions of yuan in deposits in our bank."

"It would be a loss for us to withdraw this money."

Those who had dealings with Lin Feng's businesses shook their heads.
"not only that."

"Back in our hometown, Lin Feng is one of our biggest clients."

"His group company has a daily turnover that is enormous."

"If our attitude leads him to choose his hometown bank... our business will inevitably suffer."

"It should be noted that the influence of a Super VIP is also super."

"It is easy to create a 'leader effect'."

"I don't recommend taking action against Lin Feng just because of HSBC's small favor."

"This is absolutely not in our interest."

Everyone nodded in unison.

In business, it's all about numbers.

Although HSBC is also part of Onsa Capital, if I help you, my losses will be greater, so why should I help you?

Nobody would be foolish enough to lose a valuable customer just because we helped you once.

The board members are all shrewd and know how to make the right choice.

Someone else said:

"What we fear most right now is the pressure from the Governor's Mansion."

Everyone looked at him.

The man reminded him:
“Shen Daban’s connections with the Anssa government are too close.”

"If he extends his influence from Chongqing to the Governor's Mansion, even the Governor's Mansion will find it difficult to refuse."

Standard Chartered's taipan sneered:
"Don't worry about that."

“Someone in Fog City will take on this order.”

"Don't forget how this matter originated."

"If Shen Daban were here, things might have changed."

"What's worse, Shen Daban has disappeared without a trace."

Therefore, your concerns are unlikely to be valid.

The man smiled and said:
"Then I have nothing to worry about."

Standard Chartered's taipan said calmly:
“We’re an open business, so logically we should take over such a big deal from HSBC.”

"However, our family is large and our business is extensive. When doing business, we can't just look at the present, but also at the long term."

"The situation in Hong Kong is now very clear: Hong Kong is bound to return to its homeland; this is a foregone conclusion."

"Forty years ago, Hong Kong was full of Angsat conglomerates." "But look at it now, where is it like forty years ago?"

"With the rise of Chinese capital, who are the remaining Angsar Capital members in Hong Kong?"

"HSBC stayed not to take care of Onsa Capital, but because they also have high hopes for the market back home."

"So do we."

"In comparison, HSBC is an extremely important rival to us."

"I want to remind everyone to think this through!"

Everyone nodded in unison.

This is absolutely true.

HSBC is also their rival, and a very important one at that.

"Business is business, so we should put nationality aside."

"It would be ridiculous if there were no disputes because of a businessman's nationality."

"But let's not forget why World War II happened in the first place."

Historians naturally have their own explanations, but in the eyes of businessmen, it was purely the Rothschild family's desire to unify Europe and seize the greatest profits that led them to secretly instigate the war.

"HSBC, we can't protect it!"

"Who objects?"

The crowd looked at each other, somewhat surprised and uncertain.

They never expected that the taipan of Standard Chartered would be so resolute.

They only considered pure self-interest, without a shred of sentimentality.

Some people looked reluctant to leave. Many of the companies that had withdrawn from Hong Kong were HSBC, which was one of the few that remained.

So some people said:

"One tree cannot make a forest; perhaps we should lend them a hand."

Just as the Standard Chartered tycoon was about to speak, someone suddenly pushed the door open and came in.

Everyone's expression changed drastically. Just as they were about to reprimand the other person, they saw that the other person was holding up a mobile phone.
"Big boss, emergency call."

"It's a call from my hometown!"

Everyone forced themselves to hold back, their faces showing utter confusion.

The Standard Chartered tycoon apologized, took the phone, and went outside.

After a while, they returned quickly.

"This matter is decided here and cannot be changed."

Everyone was taken aback. Was this a bit too decisive?
Standard Chartered's taipan immediately pulled out his phone and said seriously:
"This is a call from an important person from my hometown."

"The phone call made it clear that if we wanted to continue doing business in our hometown, then we should not get involved in HSBC's affairs."

Someone frowned and said:
"Isn't it a bit too much for my hometown to interfere?"

"Hong Kong hasn't returned home yet."

The Standard Chartered tycoon glared at him fiercely:
"Confused!"

"What does this have to do with Hong Kong?"

"The family back home just transferred five billion US dollars into Lin Feng and Lin Sheng's accounts!"

Do you understand what this means?

"Lin Sheng's relationship with his hometown is much closer than we imagined!"

"Also, Mr. Lin is a super VIP of our bank."

"Have you thought this through? Do you want to embrace Lin Sheng's friendship with his hometown, or do you want to become their enemy?"

Everyone remained silent.

Do we even need to choose?

With such a large sum of money, how much business can they expand?
Everyone looked at each other and nodded.

Standard Chartered's senior manager asked:

"So, who objects to my opinion?"

Everyone shook their heads.

Standard Chartered's taipan smiled and said:
"In that case, meeting adjourned!"

Everyone filed out.

The company secretary spoke last, saying:

"Big Master, should we inform Sir Brown now?"

Standard Chartered's taipan chuckled:
"Saving face is something that is given to each other."

“Our hometown called us on their own initiative, so we’re going to charge a higher price for our reputation.”

"The conflict between Brown and Lin Feng is their private matter, and Standard Chartered will not get involved."

The company secretary was taken aback and said:
"You'd like to tell Sir Brown tomorrow?"

Standard Chartered's taipan smiled and said:
"Can't you?"

The company secretary frowned and said:
"It's not that it's impossible, the problem is we just had a board meeting, what if someone tips him off?"

Standard Chartered's taipan sneered:
"You underestimate the members of our board of directors."

"They're already being kind by not kicking HSBC when it's down, and you expect them to offer it help when it's in dire need?"

"Wouldn't it be better to use that time to make more money?"

The company secretary remained silent.
"How do you make money from this?"

The tycoon of Standard Chartered stared intently at the company secretary, making the latter feel uneasy.

"Since you know I won't tell Brown until tomorrow, you must know how this news will affect them."

"So, do you think our board members will take any action?"

"It's a stock market crash right now!"

The company secretary suddenly realized.

This is about exploiting a time difference.

Although this would constitute a crime, there are always ways to circumvent policies. Just find a few white gloves and it's done. It's that simple.

The tycoon at Standard Chartered had a good night's sleep, completely to the secretary's surprise, and didn't call Brown all morning.

The company secretary came over to remind Lin Feng that the money from the Standard Chartered tycoon's hometown had been transferred to Lin Feng's account.

This person then picked up the phone, but not to Brown; instead, he called Lin Feng.

The company secretary was taken aback and said:
"Preschool?"

Standard Chartered's taipan said calmly:
"I should at least explain this to our distinguished guests."

The company secretary gasped.

I really learned a lot.

The call went through smoothly.

"Mr. Lin, I'm Peter from Standard Chartered Bank."

"I'm calling to let you know that the money sent from your hometown has arrived in your account."

Lin Feng smiled:
"Sir Pete, thank you for your notification."

"But you don't need to call me personally for such a small matter, do you?"

Pete laughed:

"Of course, it's not just this news."

“Sir Browne of HSBC made several requests to us yesterday, and we have decided to grant them their requests.”

Lin Feng casually said:
"Interbank lending is normal; 20 billion Hong Kong dollars won't save HSBC."

Pete, who had been sitting calmly by, suddenly lost his smile and exclaimed:
"You know?"

Lin Feng smiled and said:
"Sir Pete seems quite unfamiliar with me."

“My friends all know that once I want to know something, I will definitely find out the details.”

"I am very grateful to Sir Pete for standing on the side of justice."

"I think we should cooperate more in the future."

Pete chuckled dryly:
"Of course, of course."

After hanging up the phone, his eyebrows furrowed completely.

The company secretary was surprised:
"You finished the call so quickly?"

Pitt waved:
"Go and investigate what Lin Sheng's characteristics are."

"be quick!"

The company secretary asked in surprise:

"Big Class, what's going on?"

Pete frowned and said:
"I haven't even shown Lin Sheng any goodwill yet, but he already knows."

The company secretary was shocked:

"You mean someone on our board of directors was tipping off Mr. Lin?"

Pitt neither confirmed nor denied:

"Go quickly."

The company secretary left completely bewildered, feeling troubled as he recalled Pete's instructions.

It's clear that Standard Chartered and Lin Feng are friends, not enemies, at least for now.

Then the problem is coming.

Who should we ask to investigate?

This person is not easy to find. If the wrong person is chosen, it could cause a misunderstanding with Lin Feng, and a good thing could turn into a bad thing.

The company secretary thought about his network of contacts and suddenly his eyes lit up. He could contact him.

So he called—George!
The company secretary had a reason for calling George; given his position, it was appropriate for him to call George.

Don't be fooled by George's status as a high-ranking MI6 agent and his seemingly aloof demeanor.

But in the eyes of industrialists, especially in the eyes of well-known industrialists in Hong Kong, the senior agents of the Military Intelligence Bureau were nothing special.

George understood immediately:
"If you're looking for Lin Sheng, you've really come to the right person."

"Lin Sheng's greatest strength is his excellent information network."

The company secretary was taken aback:

"Well-informed?"

George was slightly proud:

"As insightful as a prophet."

The company secretary didn't believe it:

"Are you kidding me?"

George chuckled:
"Do you believe that Lin Sheng will immediately find out what you said to me?"

The company secretary shook his head:
"I do not believe!"

George smiled and said:
No, you will believe it.

"He found out after our call ended."