Chen Hongxing and Song Weihua listened attentively and quietly to Xia Yu's account, occasionally nodding in agreement.
They were naturally keeping a close eye on the far-reaching stock market struggle and were well aware of the troubles Xia Yu's company was facing from various departments of the Hong Kong government. They also knew who was behind it.
For the Ewo Consortium, which was ten times stronger than Xia Yu, to resort to such underhanded and dirty tactics to force Xia Yu into submission was something Chen Hongxing and Song Weihua could not tolerate.
Although it was Xia Yu's issue and they could not do much about it, they couldn't help but criticize the Ewo Consortium's unscrupulous methods! But, they could still lend Xia Yu a helping hand!
That's exactly why they were here tonight!
"Mr. Xia, as fellow Chinese, since you're facing difficulties, we must offer our full support!"
Chen Hongxing pondered for a moment and said solemnly. Song Weihua, who was sitting beside him, agreed, "That's right!"
"Our bank holds 2.54% of the shares in Ewo Machinery Group, which we can transfer to you. We just hope you won't find it too little and that it can be of some help!"
Chen Hongxing spoke with great enthusiasm, and smiles appeared on Xia Yu and Wang Qi's faces.
Chen Hongxing was indeed a savvy person, understanding the significant difference between taking initiative and responding passively.
So, instead of waiting for Xia Yu to ask, he proactively offered to sell the shares to him.
As long as Xia Yu accepted this favor, the subsequent negotiation for cooperation would be much easier.
In Chen Hongxing's view, the 2.54% of Ewo Machinery Group shares was far less valuable compared to the strategic cooperation he was about to propose, which could have a significant impact on the Hong Kong Bank of China!
He couldn't afford to be careless!
"Mr. Chen, thank you so much. This 2.54% stake will indeed be a great help!"
Xia Yu said with a beaming smile, his words full of genuine gratitude.
"Ha ha, I'm glad it's useful!"
Chen Hongxing said with a faint smile, clearly pleased, though it was unclear whether he was happy for Xia Yu or for himself!
After a moment of contemplation, Xia Yu slowly said, "Mr. Chen, the closing price today is 78 HKD per share. Since you're helping me, I absolutely can't let you suffer a loss. How about I buy all the shares our bank holds at 90 HKD per share? What do you think?"
Chen Hongxing was taken aback and quickly waved his hand, saying, "Mr. Xia, you're too kind. There's no need to spend so much. 90 HKD per share is too high. If I agree, it would seem like I'm taking advantage of your misfortune, and that would trouble my conscience!"
"Wei Hua, what do you think?"
Chen Hongxing turned to Song Weihua for his opinion.
"That's right, the price is too high. Mr. Xia is indeed very generous, but we must know when to be prudent," Song Weihua agreed.
"Well…"
...
Xia Yu didn't care about the extra cost, as it would ultimately be charged to the Ewo Consortium.
However, Chen Hongxing and Song Weihua had bigger plans, so they didn't want to sell the shares at too high a price, as it could affect the future cooperation. Thus, they aimed to lower the price.
In typical stock transactions, buyers wish to push the price as low as possible, while sellers firmly resist lowering the price.
But with Xia Yu and Chen Hongxing, the roles were reversed, making the situation both amusing and frustrating.
There was no choice; Xia Yu definitely wanted the shares, and Chen Hongxing and others wanted to facilitate the strategic cooperation.
So both sides compromised, and the final transaction price was set at 85 HKD per share.
The total transaction price for all shares amounted to 86.36 million HKD!
Combined with the shares Xia Yu already owned and had acquired incrementally, he now held 31.2% of Ewo Machinery Group's shares, with a total expenditure exceeding 400 million HKD!
With the intention of cooperation confirmed, they planned to sign the share transfer agreement with the Hong Kong Bank of China the next day.
"Thank you, Mr. Chen and Mr. Song, for your generosity. I'd like to propose a toast to both of you!"
Xia Yu held his wine glass with both hands and said solemnly, then drank it all in one go.
His generous behavior deeply moved Chen Hongxing and Song Weihua, and they both drank a large sip in response.
"Mr. Chen, no wonder the Bank of China's business is growing larger and faster every year. I've finally found the reason—it's your decisive and generous approach. It's impossible for the Bank of China not to succeed," Xia Yu complimented.
"Ha ha, you overpraise me. The success of the Bank of China is mainly due to others; I haven't played a significant role!" Chen Hongxing modestly replied.
"And among all commercial banks in Hong Kong, the Bank of China is currently only in fifth or sixth place. There's still a long way to go!"
"Mr. Chen, don't underestimate yourself. With your and Mr. Song's wise leadership, it's only a matter of time before the Bank of China surpasses HSBC!" Xia Yu said with determination, as if he saw the Bank of China reaching the top.
Hearing this, Chen Hongxing and Song Weihua, though smiling, seemed a bit modest. Chen Hongxing said, "Reaching the top is unrealistic. HSBC is too difficult to surpass. If we can make it into the top three while I'm in office, I'll be grateful!"
"Moreover, achieving a top-three position absolutely relies on the cooperation and help of Mr. Xia and other big shots in Hong Kong."
Chen Hongxing steered the conversation towards the direction he wanted.
Xia Yu immediately understood but was not displeased; rather, he was curious about what kind of cooperation Chen Hongxing had in mind.
"Of course!" Xia Yu agreed wholeheartedly.
In return for the favor, Xia Yu was naturally willing to show his intentions. He planned to propose cooperation actively.
He then gently put down his chopsticks, leaned forward, and in a listening posture, softly asked, "Mr. Chen, are there any opportunities for cooperation between us?"
Chen Hongxing and Song Weihua exchanged glances and then said in unison, "Of course, I was just about to bring it up myself."
"Ha ha!"
"Please go ahead!"
Xia Yu made a gesture to indicate they should continue and then listened quietly with Wang Qi.
"The Jiuding Securities Company, which Mr. Xia built, is a pillar in the financial sector. As a commercial bank managing numerous deposits, we would like to explore potential cooperation."
Chen Hongxing started by praising Xia Yu, making him smile faintly.
He then elaborated, "Our commercial bank's advantage lies in having ample funds, but our disadvantage is that we cannot fully utilize these funds to maximize their value."
"And Mr. Xia, you are known as the stock god, and everyone in Hong Kong knows that Jiuding Securities Company's returns are stable and its profit margins are exceptionally high. We're wondering if there's an opportunity for cooperation in this regard?"
Chen Hongxing and Song Weihua looked at Xia Yu with eager eyes, their expectations evident.