章節 119: Chapter 119: HSBC’s Top Executive Shen Bi
In the morning, after dealing with some company affairs, Xia Yu arrived at the fifth floor of the Jiuding News Company. After days of fine-tuning and revisions, errors and flaws had been gradually identified, and the establishment of *Economics* magazine was nearing completion.
"Xia Sheng, there are no major issues elsewhere. According to the magazine's plan, we're just missing one crucial piece: the cover personality. This is something only you can handle!" Lin Shanyuan said with a smile after Xia Yu reviewed the magazine's progress.
With only this final step remaining, *Economics* magazine was almost ready to be fully established!
Lin Shanyuan had been involved in every step of the magazine's creation. As *Economics* magazine had now basically taken shape, his deep understanding and involvement filled him with satisfaction and a sense of achievement.
Although *Economics* magazine wasn't yet complete and its official release was still some time away, Lin Shanyuan was confident that the magazine would make an explosive debut. There was no other financial magazine in Hong Kong or even Southeast Asia that could compare.
*Economics* magazine was bound to become a sensation in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, a sought-after publication among the upper class.
As a key participant in the creation of *Economics* magazine and someone with signing rights, Lin Shanyuan eagerly anticipated that day.
In life, one may seek fame or fortune! He had spent his life teaching and nurturing others, and since his expertise was in economics, many businesspeople came to him for advice. He could be said to navigate among the upper class.
Though not greedy, he was fundamentally a scholar and valued reputation highly. He had been persuaded to join by Yan Wenhan, impressed by the planning proposal, and considering the high likelihood of success, he resolutely decided to participate and even invited his close friend Xu Zhixue.
Now that everything was almost ready, only the final cover personality was left to be decided. This was beyond his capability, so it was up to Xia Yu.
"Professor Lin, don't worry. I've already arranged it. I scheduled the interview for this morning, and I'll be personally handling it!" Xia Yu said with a smile, a glint of determination in his eyes.
"Oh? Who is it? Is it someone worth you going yourself?" Professor Xu Zhixue, who had been listening quietly, couldn't help but ask, curious about who warranted Xia Yu's personal involvement.
The cover personality for *Economics* magazine, especially for the first issue, had to be a significant figure. Only such a person could enhance the magazine's authority, create a bigger sensation, and increase its chances of success.
Interviewing such a person couldn't be taken lightly.
However, it seemed excessive for Xia Yu, the head of Jiuding News Company, to be personally involved. After all, the influence of *Jiuding Daily* was immense, and not everyone required Xia Yu's direct participation.
"Shen Bi, Chairman of HSBC!" Xia Yu said slowly, his tone serious.
"Oh, that makes sense!" Xu Zhixue nodded, recognizing the significance of the choice.
Lin Shanyuan also showed a look of understanding.
"It's almost time, so I'll head over now!" Xia Yu said, heading towards the door. He assumed the interview team was already prepared and waiting for him outside.
Soon, Xia Yu and his interview team arrived at the HSBC headquarters. Upon seeing Xia Yu, a long-waiting receptionist immediately came forward to greet him.
"Xia Sheng, the Chairman is in his office. Please follow me!"
Xia Yu then followed the receptionist to Shen Bi's office. As they passed through the lobby, the presence of cameras and reporters attracted some attention from clients.
Soon, Xia Yu met Shen Bi, who greeted him with a smile. They shook hands, both expressing their greetings warmly.
"Hello, Mr. Shen!"
"Hello, Mr. Xia!" Shen Bi responded with a warm smile, showing no signs of arrogance or indifference. This attitude made Xia Yu nod inwardly, impressed by Shen Bi's diplomatic skills. It was no wonder HSBC had developed rapidly under his leadership for ten years.
Before coming to interview Shen Bi, Xia Yu had arranged for detailed research on him.
In fact, Xia Yu's memory held much information about Shen Bi, even more comprehensive than what the company had gathered.
Shen Bi had come to Hong Kong in 1948 to work at HSBC. He had worked at HSBC branches in Singapore and Japan before becoming General Manager in 1971.
In 1977, he was appointed Chairman of HSBC, serving until his retirement in 1987. During his tenure, HSBC saw rapid profit growth and reached its peak in business development.
He was bold and decisive, maintaining close relations with the Chinese business community. In 1979, he sold HSBC's ordinary shares in Jardine Matheson to Cheung Kong Holdings, aiding Li Ka-shing's transformation.
In 1980, he used HKD 2 billion to support Pao Yue-kong in acquiring a controlling stake in the Wharf Holdings, making headlines.
In 1985, he invested HKD 5 billion to build the HSBC headquarters building and spent USD 3.1 billion to acquire 51% of Marine Midland Bank, showcasing HSBC's strength under his leadership. Hence, he was known as the "Big Boss Wang" in Hong Kong.
Many Chinese tycoons in Hong Kong owed their rise to his support. His stance wasn't particularly pro-British, as he had helped both Li Ka-shing and Pao Yue-kong in their acquisitions of British conglomerates.
Although it was only 1978, and some of his notable achievements were yet to occur, his influence was already significant. His position as Chairman of HSBC placed him at the pinnacle of Hong Kong's power, with a strong impact in both political and business circles.
Having him as the cover personality for *Economics* magazine was undeniably weighty, and no one would question it! The magazine's impact would be magnified by his involvement.
Moreover, Shen Bi's willingness to grant an interview to Xia Yu was partly due to Xia Yu being the head of Jiuding Daily and also a major client of HSBC, which was seen as a favor.
Otherwise, an unpublished magazine with uncertain influence and prospects would not qualify to waste Shen Bi's precious time for an interview.
Even if Xia Yu's assets and influence combined, it still wouldn't compare to Shen Bi's stature. Shen Bi's endorsement added considerable weight to the magazine's promotion.
Xia Yu knew that being given this opportunity meant showing proper respect, which was why he declined Yan Wenhan's suggestion and chose to handle the interview himself.
At the same time, Xia Yu saw this as an opportunity to build a relationship with Shen Bi, who would be involved in future dealings with Wharf Holdings and Jardine Matheson. Establishing good rapport with Shen Bi was essential.
Despite using anonymous accounts for stock purchases, Shen Bi, with his access to HSBC's financial data, would likely be aware of the transactions. With a large sum of HKD 200 million, it was almost certain Shen Bi had approved it, and HSBC would have monitored the funds for safety.
Although Liu Tianci had the authority to grant a tenfold leverage, there were funding limits. For a sum of HKD 200 million, Xia Yu doubted Liu Tianci had sole authority; it must have been Shen Bi's decision.
Anonymous account operations could only be hidden from companies other than HSBC. Without his own bank, Xia Yu had no way to ensure complete secrecy, and despite the constraints, he had to acknowledge reality and focus on developing his financial company to achieve a closed loop as soon as possible.
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