Chapter 307 Feint Attack in the East, Shen Bi's Shock
In the past, because Jardines Matheson didn't have many shares circulating on the secondary market, it had been extremely difficult to operate acquisitions secretly. They had to be cautious to avoid alarming anyone who might be eyeing Jardines.
However, after Universal Investment Company increased its efforts today, the speed of acquisition naturally surged.
Still, Lin Haoran realized this would likely make Land Development Corporation more vigilant.
But he no longer cared.
Since the situation with Land Development Corporation had already been exposed, he was ready to launch a feint attack — a diversionary tactic.
After Su Zhixue's report, Lin Haoran dismissed him for lunch.
Then, he took out a small phone book from his pocket, flipped quickly to a page, and found several recorded numbers.
Lin Haoran picked up his office phone and dialed one of them.
The call quickly connected.
He was calling one of the leaders of 13K — Hu Xuyong.
"Mr. Pan, I need a favor…" Lin Haoran explained the situation about the traitor in full detail.
Indeed, Lin Haoran intended to use the strength of a triad society to uncover evidence.
If soft methods wouldn't work, it was time for hard measures.
With the methods available to an organization like 13K, finding evidence against a traitor would not be difficult.
"Rest assured, Mr. Lin, I will get this done for you.
The earliest results could come tonight.
If the person you suspect is indeed the mole, I guarantee to find conclusive evidence," Hu Xuyong promised immediately.
"Thank you, Mr. Pan!" Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"This is a small matter, Mr. Lin. I'll get my men on it immediately," Hu Xuyong answered respectfully.
No matter how unruly he might be in the underworld, when facing Lin Haoran, Hu Xuyong dared not show a shred of disrespect.
"Good, I won't disturb you any longer," Lin Haoran said, hanging up.
For Ruan Jingcheng — the ordinary employee from the Land Development Corporation project team — Lin Haoran's goal was not just to find conclusive proof of leaked secrets.
His real purpose was to set an example: to let everyone at Universal Investment Company deeply understand the severe consequences of betraying the boss.
With 13K's involvement, there was no doubt that Ruan Jingcheng would be subjected to harsh treatment tonight.
Lin Haoran wasn't planning to go to extremes by taking his life, but he had already decided that Ruan Jingcheng would spend the rest of his days in prison.
Only by making Ruan Jingcheng's miserable fate an unforgettable shadow over every employee's mind would Lin Haoran's goal be fully achieved.
After the call, Lin Haoran also left Wanching Tower.
There was no point in staying at Universal Investment Company for now.
He first had lunch with the Li brothers, Li Weidong and Li Weiguo, at a nearby restaurant before heading straight to the headquarters of Huifeng Bank.
Ten minutes later, Lin Haoran arrived at Huifeng Bank.
"Is Mr. Shen Bi in his office?" Lin Haoran asked the lobby manager directly.
Today, Lin Haoran was also a board member of Huifeng Bank, effectively making him one of the high-level figures.
"Mr. Lin, Mr. Shen Bi came in early this morning and hasn't left.
I even saw him eating in the company cafeteria half an hour ago.
He should still be in his office," the lobby manager hurriedly replied.
Hearing that Shen Bi was there, Lin Haoran took the elevator up to the floor of Shen Bi's office.
At the door, he knocked, and sure enough, Shen Bi's voice came from inside: "Come in."
Lin Haoran opened the door.
Shen Bi was sitting at his desk, writing something with a fountain pen.
Hearing the door open, Shen Bi looked up and was surprised to see Lin Haoran.
He quickly got up to greet him, walking out of the work area while laughing and saying,
"Mr. Lin, there's a lot of talk going around that you're planning to acquire Land Development Corporation. Is it true?"
"Mr. Shen Bi, let's sit over there and talk," Lin Haoran smiled, pointing to the lounge area.
He wasn't in a rush to answer.
Shen Bi nodded, and the two men sat facing each other in the discussion area.
"Mr. Shen Bi, to be honest, I'm here today to seek your support," Lin Haoran said directly after sitting down.
"Oh? You want me to support your acquisition of Land Development Corporation?" Shen Bi guessed.
"No, Mr. Shen Bi.
I want to acquire Jardines Matheson!
As I understand, Huifeng Bank is an important shareholder of Jardines Matheson, holding about 6% of the shares.
Previously, you supported Uncle Bao in acquiring Wharf Holdings from Jardines.
This time, I hope you can support me in acquiring Jardines Matheson!" Lin Haoran said seriously.
Lin Haoran's real target, of course, was not Jardines Matheson.
Owning less than 20% of Jardines' shares and dreaming of controlling the company was foolish.
Jardines Matheson was a completely different entity compared to Land Development Corporation.
The combined shares held by British shareholders in Land Development were only around 30%.
But British shareholders held close to 40% of Jardines.
Even though Lin Haoran now held nearly 20% of Jardines Matheson — more than the Keswick family — he couldn't control the company alone.
However, if Huifeng Bank supported him, there would be a real chance.
Because Huifeng Bank wasn't just a 6% shareholder — it represented the largest British financial faction in Hong Kong.
If Huifeng Bank supported Lin Haoran, other shareholders loyal to Huifeng could also shift, creating an opportunity.
Of course, for Lin Haoran, this was mostly a smoke screen.
He had no real confidence in taking over Jardines Matheson, even with Huifeng Bank's support.
Everyone knew the Chinese business groups had already overtaken the British groups in Hong Kong.
Jardines Matheson represented the last bastion of British business pride.
Lin Haoran's true focus was on seizing Land Development Corporation.
Since Land Development had already become the center of public attention, impacting his plans, he decided to redirect everyone's focus onto Jardines Matheson instead.
"Jardines Matheson? I thought you were going after Land Development Corporation?"
Shen Bi, usually calm and steady, showed visible shock.
Two years ago, Jardines Matheson had been on par with Huifeng Bank, even slightly more prestigious.
Why had Huifeng supported Bao Yugang in taking over Wharf Holdings instead of siding with Jardines?
It boiled down to competition — even among British businesses.
Huifeng had steadily risen in recent years but had been blocked by Jardines.
Helping Bao Yugang weaken Jardines was part of Huifeng's strategy to become the top British financial force in Hong Kong.
And indeed, after losing Wharf Holdings, Jardines' strength waned while Huifeng's rose.
"I think acquiring Jardines Matheson is better.
Land Development is just a subsidiary.
If I take Jardines, I control Land Development indirectly.
Why waste extra effort?" Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"How much Jardines stock do you currently hold?" Shen Bi still looked shaken.
"Sorry, Mr. Shen Bi, I can't disclose that until I have your support.
But I can assure you — I'm already the largest shareholder," Lin Haoran answered confidently.
This only deepened Shen Bi's belief that Lin Haoran was truly aiming at Jardines, not Land Development.
"Was the Land Development rumor a deliberate fake leak?"
Shen Bi speculated aloud.
Lin Haoran smiled mysteriously without confirming or denying.
It was perfect — let them shift their attention away from Land Development.
"Mr. Shen Bi, I came to seek your support.
Since you can't give an answer now, I'll leave.
I hope to hear good news from you," Lin Haoran said, standing.
"Alright, Mr. Lin, take care. I won't see you off," Shen Bi replied distractedly.
His mind was in turmoil.
Earlier in the day, he had been shocked to learn Lin Haoran was targeting Land Development.
Now, learning he was targeting Jardines Matheson — it was even more unbelievable.
Shen Bi's heart was anything but calm.
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