บท 323: Chapter 323: The Hidden Dragon Emerges
"Alright, Mr. Li. If I need anything, I won't hesitate to ask..."
Xia Yu hung up the phone with a broad smile. Li Xi was beside him and softly remarked, "That's the sixth person who's called. Xia Yu, you're amazing."
"Haha!"
Xia Yu chuckled, gently holding Li Xi's hand and stroking it as he explained tenderly, "These old foxes all have their own agendas. They say they care about me, but in reality, they can't wait for me to forge ahead and pave the way for them!"
"Just look at Li Jiasheng; he's the most eager. Do you think I don't know what he's really thinking?"
Li Xi nodded, somewhat understanding. Seeing that Xia Yu didn't elaborate, she didn't press further. Instead, she obediently massaged his shoulders.
Xia Yu's eyes became distant as he started calculating in his mind.
Those who called him included Bao Yugang, Li Zhaoji, Zheng Yutong, Guo Desheng, Wang Dehui, and Li Jiasheng—each a significant figure among the Chinese elites. The most enthusiastic and warm among them was Li Jiasheng.
These people were all considered friends of Xia Yu, having interacted with him multiple times. The closest relationship was with Li Jiasheng.
Their calls were inquiries about the stock market activities that morning, probing Xia Yu's attitude while also trying to curry favor. They all made it clear that if Xia Yu needed anything—whether funds or connections—they would fully support him.
In this world, there's no such thing as love and help without reason, especially among capitalists. It's simply impossible!
Their eagerness was due to one thing: interests—specifically, enormous interests!
Previously, Hong Kong was dominated by the British in both capital and politics.
But after the fall of Shanghai in 1927, a large number of businessmen fled south to Hong Kong with their wealth. Particularly between 1948 and 1950, the wealth pouring into Hong Kong accounted for more than half of Hong Kong's social wealth, and Chinese capital began to rise.
However, Hong Kong was under British rule, and many important industries related to people's livelihood were not open to Chinese capital. Chinese capital mainly operated in industries like textiles and garment manufacturing. Even when they entered banking and shipping, they faced many restrictions.
It wasn't until the 1960s, when the real estate industry began to emerge, that Chinese capital made significant inroads.
After the "Clean Government Storm," the Hong Kong government gradually transitioned into a modern, transparent, and efficient government, with the rule of law taking shape. The government also began to focus on improving people's livelihoods, increasing infrastructure investment, and enhancing Chinese political participation.
These policies had a significant impact, accelerating Hong Kong's economic growth and allowing Chinese capital to rise rapidly, particularly in real estate and finance.
Now, the four future kings of Hong Kong's real estate industry have already emerged, and more than half of the top ten real estate companies in Hong Kong are Chinese-owned.
The same goes for the financial industry, where Chinese banks and securities firms have flourished. Although they aren't as strong as HSBC or Standard Chartered, there are still plenty of first- and second-tier Chinese banks.
But Hong Kong is only so big, and while the market pie grows yearly, the shares are almost fixed, with most occupied by British financial groups. An invisible ceiling hangs over the heads of Chinese capital.
If their strength was insufficient, Chinese financial groups wouldn't dare entertain unrealistic ideas.
But the key is that Chinese capital has now accumulated enough strength, so naturally, they are envious of the British sitting idly by and enjoying the fruits.
They are unwilling! They are jealous!
But in the end, although the overall strength of Chinese capital is not inferior to British capital, Chinese financial groups are too fragmented by family power and cannot unite.
The British financial groups are different, dominated by the four major British financial groups, with HSBC and Standard Chartered somewhat independent.
In this situation, while Chinese capital wants to take a share of the pie, they fear they won't succeed or that they will be the first to be targeted. They don't dare to be the first to step up and take a gamble!
Chinese capital at most would target ordinary British enterprises but wouldn't dare touch those under the four major British financial groups, fearing a severe backlash.
But just when everyone was making their small calculations in secret, Jiuding Securities suddenly came out in high profile, launching an attack on a company under a British financial group, and the target was the leader of the four major financial groups, Jardine Matheson. The impact of this move was like a depth charge exploding underwater, with far-reaching consequences.
All Chinese financial groups, whether first- or second-tier with ambitions against British enterprises, or third- and fourth-tier still consolidating their foundations, turned their full attention to this event.
If Xia Yu succeeds, it will greatly boost the morale of Chinese financial groups and test the strength of British financial groups. What follows will be a chaotic era, with many Chinese financial groups implementing their plans against British enterprises.
If Xia Yu fails, it will still allow them to gauge the strength of British financial groups and make more accurate judgments about how long they need to continue accumulating strength and how powerful they need to be to succeed.
So whether Xia Yu succeeds or fails, his actions will have far-reaching significance and impact.
Of course, the top Chinese financial groups hope Xia Yu succeeds. That's why Bao Yugang, Li Zhaoji, Zheng Yutong, Li Jiasheng, and other leaders or influential figures in various Chinese factions have expressed their willingness to help. They hope Xia Yu will succeed and break through the ceiling, paving the way for their future actions.
Take Li Jiasheng, for example. He's currently secretly eyeing Hutchison Whampoa but lacks the strength and confidence to act. Even in the original timeline, with HSBC's support, he only dared to become a non-executive director, waiting for the right moment.
But if Xia Yu succeeds, Li Jiasheng will undoubtedly gain much confidence.
"Xi Xi, it's getting late. Let's go have lunch."
Xia Yu withdrew his thoughts, checked his watch, and saw it was already noon. He then turned to Li Xi.
...
"Father, have you heard about what's happening in Hong Kong?"
In the living room of the He family in Macau, He Youguang poured tea for his father and asked softly.
"Yes!"
He Hongshen paused as he picked up the teacup, took a sip, and exhaled a breath of steam.
"Father, how should we view this?"
He Youguang asked respectfully.
After receiving the news that morning, He Youguang was initially incredulous. After confirming it multiple times, he began contemplating Xia Yu's intentions, with a hint of concern.
This is Jardine Matheson, a giant in Hong Kong!
Jardine Air Cargo Terminals is a core enterprise of Jardine Matheson. Xia Yu's bold acquisition attempt is like pulling a tooth from a tiger's mouth. Given Xia Yu's current strength, shouldn't he avoid such unwise moves?
Could it be that he's become overconfident after raising six billion yuan and having money in hand?
"This isn't simple. That kid is as sly as a fox; he must have something up his sleeve. It should be this suddenly emerged Galaxy Fund. But whether it can force something out depends on Jardine's reaction!"
"Finance isn't your strong suit, but you'll need to understand it in the future. You can use this opportunity to learn. That kid, though a troublemaker, is indeed a financial genius."
He Hongshen pondered for a moment before speaking earnestly.
He Youguang nodded seriously. "Yes, Father, I will observe and think carefully!"
"Good!"
...
"The hidden dragon has emerged!"
In the Chunqiu Medical Clinic, Li Chunqiu smiled as he stroked his snow-white beard after hearing his eldest son, Li Wuyang's report.
"Father, can Xia Sheng handle it?"
Li Wuyang asked.
Although he was a martial artist, he was more knowledgeable about worldly affairs and human relations than his younger brother, Li Wuming. He naturally understood the strength of Jardine Matheson.
Now that the Li family is closely tied to Xia Yu, he was understandably concerned about Xia Yu's situation.
Li Chunqiu laughed heartily and said calmly, "Xia Sheng has always been one to act only after careful planning. Since he's made this move, he must have a strategy in place. There's no need to worry about him. What you need to do is to watch out for anyone trying to make a move against him in secret."
"I understand!"
Upon hearing his father's words, Li Wuyang thought it over and realized he'd indeed been overly worried. He relaxed and responded.
Time passed slowly, and the afternoon market opening approached.
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