From Inheriting a Small Factory to Becoming a Global Financial Tycoon

Chapter 43 Reactions from All Sides

"President Lin, this is actually quite a direct and efficient strategy.

Given our current strength and the market environment, pushing up the price of Wharf Holdings' stock won't be too difficult.

The key is that there are already several major financial groups quietly positioning themselves in the market, ready to act.

If we strike hard and absorb a large volume of shares, these groups may misinterpret the situation, thinking an even stronger competitor has entered the game.

They certainly won't sit back and allow another party to control the market easily.

Thus, to protect their own interests, they'll be forced to join the fray.

Just as you foresaw, our actions only need to serve as a catalyst to trigger a chain reaction.

The subsequent developments will naturally evolve in a direction favorable to us.

Therefore, regarding the conditions you've set, I genuinely believe they can be achieved without much difficulty.

If you decide to proceed with this operational strategy, then let's showcase our capabilities this afternoon on the battlefield!

I am full of confidence in our team and our plan," Su Zhixue responded passionately.

"Good, Zhixue. The heavy responsibility this afternoon rests on your team.

Give it your all.

Don't let me down!" Lin Haoran said firmly.

He understood the critical importance of this trading operation.

There was no room for failure.

With his available funds running thin, this was a decisive battle for Lin Haoran.

Not only did he need to push Wharf Holdings' stock price to a new high,

but he also needed to skillfully manipulate market sentiment,

entangling Jardine Matheson and Bao Yugang into direct confrontation under his orchestration.

Feeling the weight of Lin Haoran's expectations, Su Zhixue straightened his back and answered resolutely,

"President Lin, don't worry.

We will do our utmost to meet your expectations.

This afternoon, we will prove everything through action!"

While Lin Haoran was meticulously laying out his afternoon trading strategy with Su Zhixue,

at the headquarters of Global Shipping Group in Prince's Building, Central,

the atmosphere was unusually heavy, almost suffocating.

As soon as the morning's stock trading ended, Mr. Wu, Bao Yugang's son-in-law,

hurriedly called Bao Yugang, who was attending a conference in Singapore.

He reported in full detail every subtle fluctuation in Wharf Holdings' stock during the morning session.

Upon hearing the news, Bao Yugang immediately made a critical decision:

he canceled his planned afternoon golf match with a prominent figure.

"I will personally stay by the phone this afternoon.

You must monitor the market closely.

Report any changes to me immediately," Bao Yugang instructed his son-in-law without hesitation.

For the Bao family, acquiring control over Wharf Holdings was a strategic move of immense importance.

Although they were already the largest shareholder, they had not yet secured majority control.

This left them vulnerable.

To fully control Wharf Holdings, they needed to continue increasing their stake.

Outwardly, however, they declared they had no plans to expand their holdings—

a deliberate tactic to conceal their true intentions and avoid market disruption.

In truth, Bao Yugang viewed Wharf Holdings as a critical piece in his "abandon ship and land" strategy—

a way to avoid the devastating impact of the looming shipping industry collapse.

Originally, Bao Yugang believed he could absorb Wharf Holdings shares quietly and steadily over a year or more.

However, only a little over a month after announcing his intentions,

the stock market had erupted again, reminiscent of the earlier frenzy.

From Bao Yugang's perspective, it was obvious:

Jardine Matheson had sensed the Bao family's pressure.

Concerned about losing control over Wharf Holdings, Jardine Matheson had begun its own aggressive buying campaign.

This sudden development meant that Bao Yugang's plan for a slow, secret accumulation had been ruined.

The battle for control over Wharf Holdings had now entered a white-hot phase.

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of Hongkong Land Holdings,

Managing Director Robert Fell quickly contacted Jardine Matheson's taipan, David Newbigging,

to report the unusual volatility in Wharf Holdings' stock that morning.

Robert Fell was deeply worried.

His analysis suggested that the sudden surge was a clear signal:

Bao Yugang was no longer willing to play it slow and had begun a full-scale assault.

"This is bad," Robert Fell thought, feeling a sense of urgency and crisis.

Upon receiving the detailed report, David Newbigging also immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation.

He realized this wasn't just about Wharf Holdings—

it was about the strategic interests of Jardine Matheson as a whole.

"Mr. Fell, I'll head straight to Hongkong Land's headquarters!"

David Newbigging's words were firm and decisive.

As the taipan of Jardine Matheson and also the head of Hongkong Land Holdings,

he knew every decision made at this critical juncture would impact Jardine's future.

He had to personally oversee the situation and swiftly formulate a response strategy.

Since Jardine Matheson and Hongkong Land Holdings' headquarters were close,

it took less than ten minutes for David Newbigging to arrive and meet Robert Fell.

Without wasting time on pleasantries, they went straight to the point.

Robert Fell quickly pulled the morning trading data from his folder and handed it to Newbigging.

David Newbigging read through the figures with focused attention.

Every set of numbers tugged at his nerves, giving him a clearer picture of the market dynamics.

He was fully aware that behind these figures lay a fierce battle of capital,

with control of Wharf Holdings as the ultimate prize.

As he delved deeper into the data, Newbigging's frown grew heavier.

He realized that Bao Yugang's actions were faster and more aggressive than he had anticipated.

Faced with this situation, he needed to make swift decisions,

adjusting Jardine Matheson's strategy immediately to maintain their advantageous position in the battle for Wharf Holdings.

"Is there any strain on our available funds?" Newbigging asked.

"Sir, currently Hongkong Land still has over 200 million HKD available.

However, if we enter an all-out bidding war with Bao Yugang,

this amount clearly won't be enough.

If it escalates to a full-scale battle, this money will run out quickly," Robert Fell answered bitterly.

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