NOVEL WEB Chapter 716: Don't Trust Him Too Much
Lu Liang lifted his eyes to look at Chen Jiebin, pondering for a long time, as if assessing whether Chen Jiebin was trustworthy.
Chen Jiebin met Lu Liang's gaze without guilt, his guess was correct, short-selling Hong Kong stocks was merely a means, not the end.
The two fell silent, then Lu Liang broke the heavy atmosphere by sipping his tea, smiling lightly, "If you want to short HSBC, you must first short the Hong Kong stocks."
Big A market's steady presences are many, whether Citic, the four major banks, or even Moutai.
But the Hong Kong market's stable presences, on the surface, appear to be the Penguin Group, but actually, it's HSBC Bank.
Although Lu Liang considers his influence acceptable, he still cannot arbitrarily meet the conditions to short HSBC.
He not only wants to short HSBC but also wants to acquire shares, if his intentions are revealed, it could potentially lead to a situation similar to when he acquired Tesla shares, causing HSBC's stock price to soar, also signaling an endorsement for HSBC.
Such an outcome would backfire because Lu Liang's acquisition of HSBC shares doesn't mean he supports HSBC's future development.
HSBC is a super financial group that has been in the Xiangjiang market for over a century.
Even with Xiangjiang's return to the embrace of the motherland, the Bank of China has no choice but to co-rule the world with him and Standard Chartered Bank.
Despite its backing from the motherland, the Bank of China couldn't handle HSBC, let alone Lu Liang, so he can only opt to break from inside.
Even if it's just to annoy HSBC, it can create enough time for Tianxing Finance to grow.
Chen Jiebin's face was serious, the anger hidden deep in his eyes gradually dissipating.
He looked at Lu Liang, sighing softly, "You must have seen the current public opinion; it can't drag on for too long."
Lu Liang hadn't told him the whole truth, more precisely, he hadn't disclosed everything, leaving some space.
Chen Jiebin is a public servant, accustomed to analyzing issues from a political standpoint, Lu Liang's actions were not only aiming to short and share in HSBC but also to tarnish himself.
'Follow Liangzi, and everything will be yours!'
Those who once worked alongside Lu Liang in going long on Tesla and shorting British Pounds, believing in his words, and foresaw Ningde Era reaching a trillion market cap, are now all wealthy.
Although Lu Liang timely recognized that this wasn't good, he hasn't disclosed his investment intentions for the past two years.
But the initial impression he left on the nation still rests on his early days, only tricking foreigners, not his compatriots.
If things continue like this, in the long run, it's definitely not a good thing; not only will Lu Liang's moral burden grow heavier, but market regulation will also grow wary, unwilling to act.
Others' thoughts, Chen Jiebin doesn't know.
But knowing that Tianxing Quantitative settled in Xiangjiang, leading to the end of the Hong Kong market's half-year correction, successive breakthroughs of 24,000 points, 25,000 points, besides joy, there is also a hint of wariness.
An unparalleled influence in the market, yet an uncrowned king favored by the masses.
In the future, will it force regulation to render their existence symbolic?
Perhaps to reassure them, Lu Liang is showing the market through this short-selling of Hong Kong stocks.
He is essentially a profit-seeking businessman who seeks means regardless of the consequences, even damaging millions of investors, it's best not to trust him too much.
"I know it can't drag on for too long, but shouldn't you also give me a heads-up?" Lu Liang smiled.
Chen Jiebin remained silent, pondering for a long time: "The mainland is developing too fast, situations are growing chaotic, fifty years is too long."
Some words can only be sensed, not spoken. He believes, with Lu Liang's political wisdom, he can understand them as well.
Lu Liang thought for a while, suddenly smiling: "There's still twenty-nine years, indeed too long."
Fifty years was an agreement.
Back then, 'he' never foresaw the mainland developing so rapidly, military, economy, culture, technology advancing simultaneously, whereas the former superpower began showing signs of decline post-retreat in the south, revealing symptoms of the final dynasty.
As the scales shift, now is the time to remove those thorns stuck underfoot.
Having received the desired answer, Lu Liang lost his appetite for afternoon tea, smiling as he said: "I'll have Li Zhikai organize a gathering tonight, inviting local friends for a small get-together, is Director Chen interested in joining the fun?"
"Don't count on me, manage it yourself." Chen Jiebin smiled too, clearly understanding Lu Liang's intention.
The strong dragon crossing the river must also reign over these local serpents; his troubles should lessen greatly in the future.
In the evening, Lu Liang departed from Racecourse, returning to the city hotel for a break, then heading to Tai Ping Mountain.
Li Zhikai values this gathering highly, setting the venue at Superman Li's mansion.
No. 79 Deep Water Bay Road, halfway up Tai Ping Mountain, surrounded by lush greenery, quietly serene.
Three stories high, with an area of over six hundred square meters, with more than fifty staff and security personnel.
Since it was initiated under Lu Liang's name, the local elders' face must be respected, so he didn't show disdain and arrived earlier at Tai Ping Mountain villa to meet Li Zhikai.
The pair sat on the balcony, overlooking the city's nightscape, Lu Liang gazed into the distance, exclaiming: "The environment here is really nice."
Since receiving an invitation from Old Xu to Hengtai Center, he realized then that the older generation of wealthy people truly know how to enjoy life.
The best scenery in Xiangjiang is Tai Ping Mountain, the widest view and best location is halfway up Tai Ping Mountain.
"Do you like it? Should I ask if there are any houses for sale nearby?" Li Zhikai asked, carrying two cups of tea.
Tai Ping Mountain isn't big, it's only over 500 meters, and there are very few spots that are suitable for building houses and also have beautiful views. They are high in demand but rarely available.
But if Lu Liang has the idea of buying a house, someone would probably be willing to part with their property, just like Little Ma did back then.
"Let's talk about it later, for now, living in the city is more convenient."
Lu Liang drank his tea, and suddenly shifted the topic, asking, "What about Brother Li, is he still busy with work?"
Old Li is not in Xiangjiang, his business focus is now in the United Kingdom, with his eldest son handling local affairs.
"There's a meeting he has to chair, he should be back soon." Li Zhikai frowned slightly, feeling that Lu Liang's change of topic was rather abrupt, so he tentatively asked, "Are you looking for my brother for something?"
"It's nothing major."
Lu Liang smiled lightly and continued, "It was Director Chen who told me that Brother Li has been working a bit too hard lately, and asked me to check on him."
Li Zhikai sensed the dissatisfaction in Lu Liang's words, but he really didn't know what his brother was hiding from him lately.
After pondering for a while, he had no choice but to humbly ask for guidance: "Lu Liang, we've known each other for a few years, if there's a problem, just say it directly, we can sit down and solve it together. If it's my brother who's having issues, I won't favor him."
Lu Liang willing to talk privately about this matter indicated there was still room for discussion and it wasn't unsolvable by words alone.
Lu Liang smiled knowingly and stated directly, "Brother Li has been getting quite close with the Zheng family's young master and Mr. Yang from Emperor lately."
Li Zhikai's face darkened immediately and he said, "Mr. Lu, please rest assured, I will definitely give you an explanation."
At that moment, a hearty laugh was heard, and Li Zheju came over quickly, "Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Lu, there was some urgent business at the company to handle. Sometimes I really don't know why we pay those people so much to get them here."
"Brother Li, long time no see, how have you been?" Lu Liang smiled and greeted him.
Old Li's genes are very strong, the Li brothers look almost seventy percent alike, and both wear glasses.
One has a crew cut with a round face, and the other has short hair with a long face, if not for these differences, they could be printed from the same mold.
"Thanks to Mr. Lu, I've been well." Li Zheju didn't notice his brother's unpleasant expression and started talking about today's market situation.
He exclaimed in amazement, "Mr. Lu's moves are so impressive, making it hard for others to keep up. I'm afraid the market on Monday won't be able to stop."
As the leader of Cheung Shing Group and Superman Li's successor, his information channels are far more sensitive and accurate than ordinary ones.
Today, the Hang Seng Index fluctuated by 2250 points, apart from Tianxing Private Equity selling off, Tianxing Quantitative's short-selling also contributed.
In this back-and-forth, according to their company's analysts' predictions, just in one day, Lu Liang probably earned more than a Zhixiang Building.
One has to say, money comes quickly in the financial industry, no wonder Lu Liang changed his mind and decided to pay the full amount directly.
"Brother Li, you flatter me." Lu Liang said, while Li Zhikai forced a smile and softly asked, "Mr. Lu, how about I let Jiaven take you around for a while, I want to have a word with my brother?"
Though he's 52 this year, has been married twice, and has five children, it doesn't prevent him from having a girlfriend who won the Miss Hong Kong pageant in 1993.
"Zhikai..." Li Zheju was puzzled, but when he met his brother's gaze, he swallowed his words back down.
Though he's the elder brother, his younger brother has been decisive since childhood, and even Old Li often praises his younger brother privately.
This has also led to Li family's three men, with him, the elder brother, having the lowest family status.
"Since you two brothers have something to discuss, I won't interrupt."
Lu Liang followed Li Zhikai's girlfriend and wandered around the mansion, also checking the preparations for the evening banquet.
"Mr. Lu, I'm really sorry, I'll be there right away."
Li Zhikai watched Lu Liang and his girlfriend's backs, suddenly cooling his voice to question, "Are you secretly meeting Zheng and Yang families without telling Lu Liang?"
Li Zheju was startled, his smile suddenly froze, and he reflexively asked, "Lu Liang knows?"
Li Zhikai's face grew cold, and he sternly said, "Do not contact them anymore."
"If he himself doesn't want to maintain these relationships, should others not even help?"
Li Zheju showed displeasure, Superman Li is in the United Kingdom, and his brother is in Singapore, only leaving Xiangjiang Market to him, which seems like entrusting family business but is actually a constraint.
Times are different now, the Huo family and He family are all inclined towards the mainland, only their Li family, although they blossom everywhere, leaving someone behind is the most awkward.
Li Zheju needs these connections to ensure the Li family's status in Xiangjiang is not affected.
Moreover, while it's true Lu Liang is a rising star, these local leaders are not made out of clay, Lu Liang needs their help to maintain local connections.
"When Lu Liang needs it, he will ask himself. Acting on your own has already made him very unhappy."
Li Zhikai knew his words didn't carry much weight, and he said in a deep voice, "Call our father, you'll see if he agrees."
He had a private friendship with Liu Cixin and had talked with him in the afternoon, reviewing today's events.
The two shared an astonishing consensus, Lu Liang shorting the Hong Kong stock market is likely not just for money.
He is plotting something grand, and whoever dares to upset him now might end up as an undeservedly dead lonely soul.
"Is it that serious?"
Li Zheju seemed indifferent, but still called Superman Li, only to be scolded harshly: "Listen to your brother."