Chapter 39: Mobilizing Every Available Fund

Under the current circumstances, achieving a breakthrough in the stock market—particularly regarding the battle for control over Green Island Cement—requires accelerating the rise of Wharf Holdings' share price as the most direct and effective strategy.

Lin Haoran currently has 16 million Hong Kong dollars at his disposal. While not a massive sum, it is not insignificant either. Even if he were to invest the entire amount into Green Island Cement, the immediate impact would be limited, allowing him to acquire only slightly over three million shares. While this would boost his stake beyond the critical 20% threshold, it would still leave him vulnerable against a formidable competitor like Cheung Kong Holdings. If they were determined to win, his 20% stake would prove insufficient to secure a decisive advantage. In a war of attrition, the opponent’s superior capital and strategic depth would inevitably prevail.

Therefore, Lin Haoran must pivot to a strategy of rapid execution. He must strive to force a conclusion quickly through precise maneuvers, denying Li Ka-shing the time needed to solidify his position, thereby compelling him to abandon the acquisition of Green Island Cement.

Concurrently, Lin Haoran is actively seeking to bolster his financial strength. Using Wharf Holdings as a vehicle for capital is undoubtedly a significant boost. He understands that while selling his shares at current market prices would yield a profit, it falls far short of his ultimate objectives. Given that both Sir Yue-kong Pao and Jardine Matheson have quietly entered the market and begun absorbing low-priced shares, Lin Haoran has keenly identified an opportunity to drive the stock price higher. Based on historical trends, Wharf Holdings' shares are poised for significant growth over the next six months, with the potential to break the 60 Hong Kong dollar mark by March of next year and reach heights exceeding 100 Hong Kong dollars by 1980.

However, Lin Haoran does not intend to wait passively for this natural progression. He plans to take the initiative, leveraging the covert maneuvers of Pao and Jardine to force them into the open, turning this acquisition battle from a quiet undercurrent into a public confrontation. While tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars may be a drop in the ocean for the vast Wharf Group, its influence is not to be underestimated; it can serve as a lever to trigger a surge in the entire stock's valuation. This would not only accelerate the price increase but also place Lin Haoran in a position of strength at the negotiating table, allowing him to recoup funds under more favorable terms and rapidly enhance his financial standing.

Lin Haoran is also acutely aware of the deep friendship between Pao Yue-kong and Li Ka-shing, which offers him a possibility to influence Li’s decisions indirectly through Pao. He muses that he might cleverly exploit this relationship to have Pao persuade Li to abandon Green Island Cement. After all, while Green Island Cement holds a place in the Hong Kong business world, it is not a premier British-owned enterprise; Li might be willing to grant Pao a favor and relinquish his obsession with the company.

However, to make Pao Yue-kong willingly perform this service, he must feel that he owes Lin Haoran a favor. In the business world, personal favors often dictate decisions that seem otherwise impossible. Thus, Lin Haoran must carefully orchestrate a situation where he provides assistance that Pao finds difficult to refuse, ensuring that Pao will be inclined to reciprocate in the future by helping to persuade Li Ka-shing to withdraw.

After deep reflection, Lin Haoran’s mind grew calm. Facing a formidable opponent like Li Ka-shing no longer filled him with undue tension or anxiety; rather, he began to feel a sense of excitement. Placing his Green Island Cement share certificates into his briefcase, Lin Haoran left his office, intending to make another trip to Hang Seng Bank.

Inside the office, which spanned over a hundred square meters, Su Zhixue and Dai Shi were buried in their work, the space feeling particularly vast and quiet with only the two of them present. Brothers Li Weiguo and Li Weidong sat side-by-side on chairs near the entrance, clutching their bodyguard manuals and studying them with intense focus, as if immersed in every detail and protocol of their profession. They exchanged whispered observations, clearly taking their responsibility to protect their employer with the utmost seriousness.

This tranquility was soon to be broken, as starting next Monday, three new traders would join to inject fresh vitality into the team. Furthermore, Lin Haoran planned to hire a receptionist to maintain the office environment and handle daily tasks such as cleaning and serving tea. While basic, such a role is indispensable to daily operations and relatively easy to fill.

Even though the stock market was closed, the work of Su Zhixue and Dai Shi did not cease. In the securities industry, trading skills alone are insufficient; one must possess deep analytical capabilities and keen market insight. Thus, even on days when the market is silent, they must diligently gather information and analyze trends to prepare for the upcoming trading season. Otherwise, Lin Haoran would not have required them to stay until six o'clock.

Before leaving, Lin Haoran turned to them and said, "Zhixue, Shi, I am heading out to handle some matters. My return time is uncertain. If I am not back by six, there is no need to wait—you may head home."

"Understood, boss," they replied in unison.

Having Pao Yue-kong persuade Li Ka-shing was merely one link in Lin Haoran’s preparations, and he was not entirely certain of its success. Consequently, he decided to adopt a two-pronged approach, mobilizing all available financial resources to strengthen his competitive edge. He knew that against an opponent like Li Ka-shing, every bit of leverage was critical.

Much like his previous successful operation, he planned to replicate that strategy. Although his current holdings of Green Island Cement were limited, he was determined to secure an additional loan of over ten million Hong Kong dollars to increase his stake. In his view, in the face of fierce commercial competition, more capital meant a better chance at victory. He was confident that through these dual preparations, he would secure a favorable position in the battle for Green Island Cement and ultimately achieve his goals.

Watching Lin Haoran leave the office, the Li brothers swiftly and tacitly stowed away their manuals and followed closely behind their employer. Both the Heng Fung Building and the Hang Seng Bank headquarters were located in Central, not far from each other. Ten minutes later, Lin Haoran reappeared in the chairman's office at the Hang Seng Bank headquarters.