Those Years When I Was Forced to Top the Forbes List

Chapter 386 Digging a hole
"Mr. Chen, please wait a moment, I'll call you back."

Wu Guangzheng hung up the phone, and less than a minute later, an unknown number called back.

The original phone number started with 852 followed by 8 digits; it was a Hong Kong landline.

The next call had no trace of Hong Kong; it started with "00" followed by 11 digits, "087".

In Hong Kong, both mobile and landline phones now use a uniform 8-digit number. This is an international call, and it should be a satellite phone.

Wu Guangzheng expressed a serious attitude towards this matter of dividing the spoils, and the thought of "whether to get a satellite phone" flashed through Chen Xuebing's mind, but he immediately rejected it.

The Prism scandal started during the Bush administration. Almost all satellite signals were monitored by the US NSA, which was actually less secure for him. It would have been better to have Spreadtrum provide him with an encryption add-on module for his phone.

"Mr. Chen, besides the introduction of mainland internet companies, have you given any other tasks from above? CEPA is a very important matter, and it's not convenient for us to get too involved if it involves this aspect."

Wu Guangzheng had been very quiet since he started talking about CEPA, but when he called back, he became much more direct.

Chen Xuebing laughed: "President Wu, the CPEA is a consensus between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. The basic agreement is essentially mutually beneficial and cannot be changed casually. We will explore more possibilities for cooperation at the meeting. Moreover, this is only a matter for the Taiwan Trade Development Council. We agreed to talk about the Internet, and that's all. It doesn't involve anything else. The Internet economy is the future trend and a huge market. It can facilitate larger-scale communication between the economies of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. If this can be accomplished, the mainland leaders will be very satisfied."

This explanation eased Wu Guangzheng's mindset somewhat.

He knew that the internet was developing rapidly in mainland China, but the internet was ultimately just a communication tool, and the key was to increase ARPU (average revenue per user) through advertising. Moreover, Hong Kong was just a small place with a small user base, so the development of mainland internet companies there was probably not as optimistic as the other party had said.

This is a consensus among Hong Kong's bigwigs.

The average age of the founders of Hong Kong's leading conglomerates is 78.

Even Li Ka-shing's investment in e-commerce can only be realized through PCCW's bundled broadband service.

"Does Mr. Chen have any other business partners in Hong Kong?"

Wu Guangzheng mentally scanned the list of Cyberport's shareholders, cautiously ruling out other possibilities.

To profit from this, he must be exclusive; the signing of the lease agreement for Cyberport must not be known to other shareholders, otherwise he will not be able to get a low price.

Hearing this, Chen Xuebing's smile widened even more: "Don't worry, Mr. Wu, my cooperation is absolutely sincere. Besides, there are only two companies in Hong Kong that are involved in both real estate and telecommunications. Apart from Wharf Holdings, the only other company that can cooperate with me is the Li family. To be honest, I had a rather unpleasant experience with the Li family during the land auction in Chengdu. They took away the 200 acres of land next to Nancheng Metropolis in Shiyang Street that I had negotiated through a report. Mr. Huo from Hutchison Whampoa was scolded by me at the auction. I was quite angry at the time and said some rather harsh words. This time in Hong Kong, I might have to face some difficulties from the Li family again. I hope Mr. Wu will be able to help me out."

The conflict with Li Ka-shing could not be kept secret in the end, so he spent some time studying Wu Guangzheng's business to find common ground.

Coincidentally, the major shareholder of Cyberport is Li Ka-shing's second son. Although Richard Li is a rebellious son, they are still family.

By starting with Cyberport, Wu Guangzheng completely sided with his own side.

"Oh?" Wu Guangzheng was indeed somewhat pleased. "What were you cursing about?"

"Hehe, Mr. Wu is a cultured man. It's a bit inappropriate for him to say such harsh words to you."

This statement both praised Lao Wu and criticized Lao Li.

"Haha, Mr. Chen is quite the refined gentleman! Last time, he quoted Zhang Ruoxu's poem, 'The spring river rises with the tide, the bright moon rises with the tide,' and even used the phrase 'Digital Intelligence Blossoms,' giving a poetic touch to the topic of technology. I still remember it vividly!"

Wu Guangzheng was very fond of poetry. He casually mentioned what Chen Xuebing had said last time, laughed for a while, and then said, "I'll ask about Jiucang Telecom for you and get back to you later!"

Chen Xuebing said directly, “Mr. Wu, I have already investigated. The biggest obstacle to this project in Hong Kong is the Environmental Protection Department. For the fiber optic cable to cross the river, we need to submit a ‘Toxicity Assessment Report on Riverbed Sediments’. In addition, we need road and marine permits. I have already thought of a solution. It would be best to run it in parallel with Wharf Telecom’s Shenzhen-Hong Kong MPLS dedicated line to save surveying time. Please ask Mr. Wu to inquire whether the reserved inner diameter of the original pipeline is greater than 35% to see if we can directly add fiber optic cables. This way, we can complete the laying within six months.”

Wu Guangzheng remained silent for a moment, then smiled faintly and said, "It seems that President Chen is well prepared."

“Of course.” Chen Xuebing said meaningfully, “This is the first time in recent years that the Trade Development Council, chaired by Chairman Wu, has made any moves in the technology sector. There should be some substantial cooperation results. Proposing a fiber optic cable project worth several hundred million and completing it quickly will allow mainland internet companies to move in more quickly and highlight the efficiency of the Trade Development Council, right? We can’t just talk the talk without walking the walk. I will quickly prepare the construction funds and the mainland construction parties to ensure that construction can begin after the meeting.”

On the mainland side, the Ministry of Information Industry approves the projects, and the operators build them.

This matter was approved by the top leader, and he was confident that he could communicate with the Ministry of Information Industry. He would get the green light in terms of compliance, so he hardly needed to worry about it.

On the operator side, China Mobile has now obtained fixed-line operation qualifications through the merger with China Tietong. Asking Mr. Wang for support shouldn't be difficult.

As for who will operate it, he can talk to Lao Wang about it. If Lao Wang is unwilling to contribute money, he can apply for a cross-regional VPN license to fund and operate it.

Fiber optic network construction takes at least one or two months to negotiate, eight to ten months to build, and a year to finalize. It can be started ahead of time.

The important thing is to cooperate first and create a consensus on cooperation.

We also need to take some actions with the leadership to demonstrate our determination.

He always tries to delay spending money on things that require it, and he prefers to use money from the market rather than his own. But when it comes to building a faction, he has to strike while the iron is hot, otherwise it will be too late, and the investment should be gradually increased.

Wu Guangzheng was also struck by Chen Xuebing's words.

Since taking over the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, he has either established an office in Mumbai or set up a trade service center in the Middle East. He has also launched some industry-specific programs, but these have only involved the jewelry and film and entertainment industries. In contrast, he has done almost nothing in the technology industry, which the Hong Kong government has been trying to develop vigorously.

Moreover, he initially joined Cyberport in the name of "rectifying the reputation of technology." After the development of the Bel-Air luxury residences and Cyberport mall, this place brought him profits, but also some embarrassment, with some people calling him a "rent collector."

In Hong Kong, people speak their minds, and reputation is still very important.

If they can use this to change their image and also gain the benefits from those two buildings, they can achieve both fame and fortune.

On the other hand, the head of the Huo family had just passed away in Beijing, and the funeral arrangements were evident to all. He was draped in a red flag and escorted by police cars, making it the highest-profile funeral in Hong Kong's history.

The respect they receive on the mainland is something that anyone in Hong Kong with even a modicum of authority would envy.

Chen Xuebing had meticulously orchestrated this scheme for him, and he wasn't unaware of some of the reasons behind it. The other party wanted to use this opportunity to allow the mainland business community, or even Chen Xuebing himself, to break some restrictions in Hong Kong and make a name for himself.

I wanted to use his name to resolve some of the doubts.

But he had no reason not to jump into this "trap".

"Since Mr. Chen has already considered this, our Trade Development Bureau will do its best to help you with this matter."

Both men have brought up the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in connection with the Wharf Holdings issue, indicating that both sides are willing to disregard some commercial costs for official matters.

A consensus has been reached.

Chen Xuebing laughed heartily twice: "I hope to cooperate with Mr. Wu in the mainland as well! By the way, our headquarters has moved to Shanghai, and we have some plans in the Shanghai real estate industry! Mr. Wu is welcome to come and have a look! Also, if Mr. Wu is interested in selling the land in Shiyang Street, Chengdu, Wharf Holdings, we can take it over at a high price!"

"Oh? You moved to Shanghai? Congratulations! I'll be in Shanghai at the end of this month, and I'll visit you with Mr. Xu then?"

Wu Guangzheng did not respond to the Chengdu land issue because, at this moment, Chengdu's housing market had recently experienced a period of stagnation after the VAT policy turmoil following New Year's Day, and there were signs of renewed price increases. Moreover, based on observations, the VAT was being implemented in batches and by land parcel, so this should be a valuable piece of land for the time being, and its sale should naturally be at a high price. Chen Xuebing's words did not have much appeal.

If the other party truly wants it, we can talk, but it doesn't have to be over the phone. We can talk face-to-face and take it slowly.

Chen Xuebing wasn't in a hurry; acquiring that 123-acre plot of land from Wharf Holdings wouldn't be worthwhile.

“Great! Welcome! But I’m going to Chengdu soon. There might be another round of competition with Hutchison Whampoa, and it might not be a good time. Mr. Wu, you won’t have any concerns because of the Li family, will you? I don’t want to let personal matters interfere with business.”

Chen Xuebing cautiously gave Wu Guangzheng a heads-up.

The phrase "sacrificing public duty for private gain" doesn't actually apply to him; it's more of a dig at the other person.

"Haha, Mr. Chen, you jest. Since this is official business of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, how could it be affected by personal relationships? Besides, Wharf Holdings has also had business competition with Hutchison Whampoa. These things don't really hurt anything. Mr. Li is a man of principle; no one will say anything about it." "Oh? That's good." Chen Xuebing vaguely felt that what the other party said made some sense, and he was also increasing the leverage to anger Li Ka-shing. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I will finalize the list of attendees for the meeting as soon as possible. The meeting time is set for... Qingming Festival isn't good, how about Guyu? The spring river tide, accompanied by Guyu, is quite fitting, what do you think?"

Grain Rain will arrive in mid-to-late April.

He intentionally set the date on a solar term, but in reality, he also wanted to postpone the event and have more time to plan.

“Okay.” Wu Guangzheng said decisively, “Then I’ll have someone prepare and communicate with the Hong Kong government.”

He also needs time to negotiate with the Cyberport shareholders and finalize the purchase agreement. Once the intentions of the mainland internet companies are confirmed, he can take action.

When Chen Xuebing first heard Wu Guangzheng mention "communicating with the Hong Kong government," he was somewhat satisfied, as the other party was finally treating it as a serious matter.

"Okay, see you in Shanghai at the end of the month."

See you in Shanghai.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Xuebing's expression gradually returned to calm as he pondered whether the events in Chengdu had been a major blow to the Li family.

It doesn't seem like it really counts, but it must have dealt a significant blow to the Li family's reputation on the mainland.

Feeling somewhat uneasy, he turned on his computer, his fingers paused for a moment on the keyboard, and then typed "Li Ka-shing's investment in the UK".

They were all trivial news items.

After thinking about it for a while, he had an idea and prepared to call Ren Ying and ask her to look up some information.

Just then, Ren Ying knocked on the door.

"Chairman?"

"Enter."

The door opens from the outside.

"General Manager Cai and General Manager Wu have arrived."

Wu Jiesi laughed heartily and said loudly, "Chairman, reporting for duty!"

Chen Xuebing also stood up and laughed: "You two have finally arrived! Sit down!"

Cai Zhijian didn't stand on ceremony. He looked around the 20-square-meter office and asked, "Chairman, you really chose this office? It's too small. Why didn't you choose a bigger one?"

"The view from the top-floor corner is quite nice!"

Chen Xuebing pointed to the bright view outside the window, and then asked Ren Ying to make tea.

Ren Ying then went next door to get a teacup.

Chen Xuebing also explained the office layout:
"Now that the next room has been combined with the next one, this room is too long! It doesn't have an office atmosphere! So I simply turned the next room into a tea room. In the future, when we have group meetings, we can drink tea and chat in the next room! Further ahead are Ren Ying's office and the finance and administration departments! I reserved a few extra offices for the finance department to facilitate the expansion of the department! There is also a large conference room on this floor!"
"Old Cai, your office is on the 22nd floor. I've reserved an entire floor for you! The HR department, the strategy committee, the marketing department, and the business operations team are all on your floor!"
"Old Wu, that's the 20th floor. The legal department, audit and supervision department, policy research office, and market intelligence department are all on your floor! There's also a technology department, which isn't in this building, but it's under your jurisdiction too!"

"Let's tentatively set these as the group's departments! We can expand further if any new departments are needed! Our new headquarters building will likely have the same layout!"

This explanation is actually a division of labor.

Chen Xuebing doesn't handle business operations; he's in charge of core decision-making and financial control. The tea room and large conference room next door are where the small core team and the large core team of the group's power hold meetings.

Cai Zhijian is responsible for business and organizational management, overseeing the three vital elements of the company: people, strategy, and market.

Wu Jiesi is in charge of risk management and intelligence analysis systems. The market intelligence department can access information held by various subsidiaries, and the technology department also manages technology patents in an unconventional way. Gu'an Holdings is a holding group rather than a business group, and technology patents are the responsibility of each subsidiary. The technology department set up by Chen Xuebing is intended to house a group of network technology experts to be responsible for circumventing internet censorship and gathering intelligence.

The word "hacker" doesn't need to be used too explicitly.

These days, network security technology is generally weak, and the amount of information a hacker team can obtain is beyond imagination.

However, it's too risky to set up this team within the group; we need to find a scapegoat and establish an independent studio.

Cai Zhijian instantly understood Chen Xuebing's arrangement and said with a leisurely smile, "The chairman will be a free man from now on, which puts a lot of pressure on us."

Chen Xuebing waved his hand: "What pressure? We are a holding group. Our main work is capital appreciation and resource allocation. Our power only extends to the board of directors of the subsidiaries. It does not penetrate the business units and production departments. You just need to listen to the reports, coordinate the development decisions, and arrange the work."

Although Cai Zhijian said this, he was actually very satisfied.

Previously, the group only had a finance and administration department. What could he do?

It was simply a matter of being Chen Xuebing's assistant, regularly auditing the finances of subordinate companies, and coordinating the relationships between the heads of various subsidiaries.

Now that he has the authority of various departments, things are completely different. With clear power, he can make market-oriented decisions that he is better at, making his position at Gu'an more meaningful.

Cai Zhijian's previous work was handed over to Wu Jiesi, and a complete support team was established.

Wu Jiesi understood Chen Xuebing's intention and reminded him: "The market liaison center, administrative and logistics center, financial function separation, and the establishment of planning and capital operation departments that I mentioned should be promoted at the group level."

Chen Xuebing thought about it carefully for a moment and said:
"The logistics department can help plug cost loopholes. Let's set it up immediately. It's related to your responsibilities, so you'll be in charge of it."

"The Market External Liaison Center is basically an intelligence bureau plus a brokerage office. I've already arranged half of it for you, the intelligence half. But the external liaison half can't be about visiting so-and-so association vice chairman or other empty titles all day long, writing in the year-end report that you received 128 leaders, but you can't even handle a single fire inspection, right?"

"We definitely need to establish this department, but we can't just make it a sham; we need to make it a nuclear bomb! We need to have real connections, access to competitors' business registration files, and plant informants in other companies. We need to be the outpost for policy information and also be able to create smokescreens for capital operations!"

"Perfect timing! I happen to have an investigation task. You can organize the department and complete the first task!"

As Chen Xuebing finished speaking, Wu Jiesi's eyes widened, and she gasped.

The market outreach he's referring to is exporting the "Gu An" brand!

A unified spokesperson system will enhance the group's premium image, making consumers aware that each of the subsidiaries has a strong parent brand behind it, allowing them to benefit from the best policies. At the same time, the group will strengthen its control over its subsidiaries as they go public.

Chen Xuebing's explanation, however, completely distorted the meaning.

However, a sense of excitement also rose within him, and he did not refute it.

"As for the financial restructuring of the Planning Department and the Capital Operations Department," Chen Xuebing continued, "Isn't the Planning Department just the Budget Center to prevent boasting? Who in the group loves to boast the most? Isn't it me? If you set up this Planning Department, aren't you just targeting me? I think it's better to leave it for now."

As Chen Xuebing spoke, he glanced at Wu Jiesi.

Cai Zhijian couldn't help but laugh.

Wu Jiesi was also a little embarrassed. The chairman was bragging and spending money everywhere, making investments ahead of time, and had actually loosened his control over the group's business. He had heard all this from Cai Zhijian.

Chen Xuebing owns all of this group, so even if this planning department is established, it might not be of any use.

"As for the Capital Operations Department," Chen Xuebing smiled, "it's just me. I'm fully responsible for the investments in the group's capital pool. President Wu, whatever investment plans you have, just let me handle them, and I'll execute them."

Wu Jiesi was speechless.

(End of this chapter)