Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 194 Capital Knows No Borders (Seeking monthly votes, recommendations, and subscriptions!)

Shen Bi sat in a large leather armchair, his fingers unconsciously stroking the brand-new Patek Philippe on his wrist.

The cold metal case and smooth glass surface give it a solid, tangible feel.

Sitting opposite him, Chen Bingwen was explaining his plan to acquire Hutchison Whampoa, his logic clear and his ambitions evident.

This young man is truly amazing.

Starting from scratch, in less than two years, he built a business empire spanning food, beverages, retail, and even venturing into the film industry.

His vision, courage, and execution ability are rare among Hong Kong businessmen.

This surprise attack on Hutchison Whampoa demonstrates his keen insight into the capital market and his boldness in making significant bets.

In terms of business acumen alone, Chen Bingwen is even more aggressive and younger than Li Ka-shing.

His proposed development vision for Hutchison Whampoa was even more radical and daring than Li Ka-shing's, filled with boundless aspirations for the future market.

But Shen Bi's thoughts drifted back to yesterday afternoon's meeting with Li Jiacheng.

In contrast, Li Jiacheng appeared to be more cautious.

He was also interested in Hutchison Whampoa, but his proposal focused more on sound asset consolidation and cash flow management than on the rapid expansion blueprint outlined by Chan Ping-man.

Shen Bi's fingertips traced the dial once more.

This watch was a "small gift" that Li Jiacheng presented to Shen Bi in a comfortable way after seemingly casually mentioning Shen Bi's hobby of collecting fine watches at the end of yesterday's meeting.

Li Jiacheng even specifically explained that this was not an expensive style, but simply a thoughtful gesture to please the recipient.

But Shen Bi knew its value; it was a limited edition and quite valuable.

Behind this "thoughtful gesture" lies Li Jiacheng's meticulous understanding of his preferences and long-term, careful preparation.

Chen Bingwen came empty-handed today, with only a persuasive yet risky business plan.

He wasn't after those gifts; at his position, what luxury watch couldn't he get?

But this subtle difference reflects the stark contrast in their philosophies of life.

Li Jiacheng is well-versed in the art of interpersonal relationships and acts with tact, making you feel comfortable.

Chen Bingwen, on the other hand, is more like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, its edge fully revealed, believing that pure strength and business logic can crush everything.

In Sir Michael Sandberg's view, the latter might be able to achieve great things, but they may not be the "partner" that HSBC needs most right now.

As he pondered, Shen Bi's thoughts began to wander.

Where does HSBC's future lie?

Without a doubt, in that vast land in the north that opened the country's doors.

In his mind, Britain, the British people, and British capital were completely incompatible; capital had no country, only profit.

HSBC, as a leading economic institution in Hong Kong, is a British-owned enterprise, and its decision-makers are British.

But after Hong Kong's return to China in 1997, he had no intention of following the British back to the British Isles.

When the mainland began its economic development in 1976, Sir Michael Sandberg sensed a huge business opportunity.

With a market of over a billion people, only one door to the outside world remains open on Hong Kong Island. A better future awaits HSBC.

Those short-sighted British cowards took the money and left.

HSBC can stay on Hong Kong Island and enjoy real governance.

With Hong Kong's return to China in 1997, surrendering sovereignty was a necessary step.

However, after the handover, Hong Kong will inevitably be governed by mainlanders, or at the very least by Hong Kong people. As for whether these Hong Kong people have foreign citizenship...

Haha, their nationalities are incredibly diverse; the next generation almost all have foreign passports.

Therefore, starting in the 70s, HSBC began to focus on cultivating promising and high-potential Chinese individuals.

This is the main force governing Hong Kong in the future. Regardless of whether the British will ultimately have the right to govern, at least British capital can get a head start.

Some things don't need to be said explicitly; the cooperation between capital and compradors is based on a tacit understanding.

To become the leader, one must demonstrate their strength, vision, and certain latent abilities.

Just like the three tycoons of old Shanghai, the foreigners gave them a large portion of the governing power in the concessions, precisely because of their influence in the underworld.

Do we need figures like the three tycoons to manage the gray areas that foreigners can't easily touch?
Therefore, HSBC's move has greatly motivated some Hong Kong businessmen to be the first to market.

Suddenly, many Hong Kong businessmen developed a patriotic conscience.

On the one hand, they were obtaining foreign citizenship, and on the other hand, they were making various donations in mainland China.

They constantly proclaim their patriotism.

Without a doubt, Li Jiacheng is the most outstanding one among them.

He is cautious, shrewd, and adept at seizing opportunities.

More importantly, Li Jiacheng withstood the test.

In the previous battle at Kowloon Wharf, Li Ka-shing's choices and composure at crucial moments impressed Shen Bi, who felt that Li Ka-shing "knew the rules" and "knew when to advance and retreat."

What HSBC needs is a "partner" who can stabilize the situation in Hong Kong after 1997 and pave the way for HSBC capital to enter the mainland.

This collaborator must be powerful enough, but also "sensible" enough. From this perspective, Li Jiacheng's advantages become apparent.

Moreover, he has two sons, and he obtained foreign citizenship for them a long time ago.

This means that Li Ka-shing's family foundation and future escape route are, to some extent, more deeply tied to overseas, especially the Commonwealth system.

According to Shen Bi, this kind of binding is an invisible "pledge", which makes Li Jiacheng's choices at critical moments more constrained and easier to "communicate".

In contrast, Chen Bingwen is too young, has a simple family background, and his background is as clean as a blank sheet of paper.

This kind of "innocence" is an advantage in business, but in this game involving deep-seated interests and long-term control, it becomes an uncertain factor.

He was like a wild horse that was difficult to tame completely, full of energy, but his direction could not always be guided by the reins.

Moreover, because he rose to power too quickly, his foundation, though seemingly solid, lacked the time to mature. His personal background was simple, without the complex family alliances and marriages, and there was no mention of any children or clear heirs.

This "barefoot" state made Shen Bi, who was used to dealing with people who wore shoes, feel a subtle unease deep down.

How can we guarantee the loyalty or controllability of someone who has no obvious "ties"?

What HSBC wants is not a creator of a business empire that may slip out of its control, but a "manager" who can maintain the influence of British capital and continue to work closely with HSBC in the new era.

“Sir, the core of my plan is speed.” Chen Bingwen’s voice brought Sir Michael Sandberg back to reality. “We must get ahead of everyone else and utilize Hutchison Whampoa’s existing port and real estate resources to connect with the mainland’s newly launched opening-up policies. The window of opportunity will not be long.”

Shen Bi nodded slightly, a standard professional smile on his face: "Mr. Chen's vision is indeed unique, and his plan is also very bold."

However, Hutchison Whampoa has a vast amount of assets and complex relationships, and the amount of money involved in the acquisition is astronomical.

We need to be responsible to our shareholders and conduct the most prudent assessment.

Moreover, Mr. Chan is not the only family currently interested in Hutchison Whampoa.

He paused, picked up the coffee cup on the table, took a small sip, and gave an almost dismissive excuse in the gentlest tone: "Chen Sheng's vision and courage are impressive."

The Hutchison Whampoa asset is of great importance, involving many aspects.

As a shareholder, HSBC is responsible to all shareholders and must be extremely cautious in making any decisions.

Okay, Mr. Chen, HSBC will carefully study your proposal.

However, such major decisions require repeated deliberation by the board of directors and may also require consultation with various parties.

This process may take quite a while.

He paused, then said earnestly, "You are still young, and you have a long road ahead of you."

This game between Hehuang is very big and very complex.

Some things can't be rushed.

We need time to conduct a more comprehensive assessment and consideration.

These words sound reasonable and full of care and admonition from an elder to a younger generation, but the core meaning is only one: procrastination.

There was no explicit rejection, but there were also no positive signs.

Shen Bi gave Chen Bingwen a promise that seemed to have no end in sight.

Chen Bingwen smiled as he looked at Shen Bi.

He could certainly tell from the perfunctory tone in those words.

I instantly understood Shen Bi's subtext.

He knew in his heart that in this game, the numbers and prospects described in the business plan alone would not be enough to impress this HSBC tycoon.

“I understand HSBC’s procedures.” Chen Bingwen stood up calmly, his expression unchanged. “However, Sir, the market waits for no one, and opportunities are fleeting.”

I hope that HSBC will also take time costs into account during its assessment.

Then I'll await good news.

Sir Michael Sandberg also stood up and shook hands with him in a formal manner: "Of course, HSBC always welcomes strong partners."

Stay in touch.

Watching Chen Bingwen's tall figure disappear through the door, Shen Bi leaned back in his chair and let out a soft sigh.

He raised his hand again to look at the Patek Philippe.

Reason told him that Chen Bingwen might be more explosive and have a more accurate grasp of the future.

But emotions, inertia, and capital's instinctive preference for "controllability" all led him to favor Li Jiacheng, who was more familiar, more "sensible," and who had already expressed respect and dependence through "small gifts."

“It’s good for young people to have drive,” Shen Bi muttered to himself, “but for some games, drive alone is not enough.”

You also need to understand the rules.

He acknowledged that Chen Bingwen was a talented person, even a genius.

But on the chessboard of HSBC, a century-old empire, in the crucial decision of choosing the "leader" for the next few decades, the scales in his heart have already tipped slightly.

Capital knows no borders, but those who manipulate capital have their own preferences and path dependencies.

In Shen Bi’s view, compared to a sharp sword that is difficult to control, a partner who is well-known, has many “bonds” and has been proven to “follow the rules” is obviously a more reliable choice.

At least for now, Li Jiacheng's advantages are real and tangible.

(End of this chapter)