"Mr. Li, you always go to the Three Treasures Palace for everything. You must have something important to discuss during your visit this time, right?" Su Cheng asked straight to the point, with a tone that was both polite and direct.
For him, it seems that the relaxed atmosphere of casual chatting with Li Ka-shing has been lost. After all, their life trajectories and social circles have quietly deviated.
However, this does not mean that Suzhou lacks respect for Li Ka-shing.
On the contrary, he was well aware of Li Ka-shing's talent and was filled with sincere admiration.
But this admiration comes more from recognition of ability than from social proximity.
The failure to successfully acquire Hutchison Whampoa indeed prevented Mr. Li Ka-shing from being promoted to the top ranks of Hong Kong's business community, but even so, he is still a high-profile first-class rich man and his influence cannot be underestimated.
Compared with the Chinese chairman of Hutchison Whampoa Group, Li Daban, in another world, the gap is much larger. Even so, Su Cheng also knows that the strength of today's Yangtze River Industrial Group is among the Chinese companies. , absolutely at the top level.
"Mr. Su, I noticed in the news that you have become the second largest shareholder of Wheelock Group. This is undoubtedly an important expansion of your business territory. It is really gratifying!" Li Ka-shing said with a smile. The tone revealed sincerity and congratulations.
As soon as these words came out, Su Cheng immediately became alert.
Wheelock Group? It is no accident that Li Ka-shing specifically mentioned this matter.
He was keenly aware that the purpose of Li Ka-shing's visit was likely to be inextricably linked to Wheelock Group.
As a result, Su Cheng concentrated more and prepared to listen to what Li Ka-shing would say next, in order to capture the intention of cooperation or other important information that might be hidden in it.
“It was totally luck. I never thought that Jardine Matheson Group would come to me and sell shares of Wheelock Group to me. Originally, I thought this foreign company was very good and I was interested in acquiring it in the future, but I didn’t. Thinking of it, it came to my door and allowed me to easily control so many shares of Wheelock Group." When he said this, Su Cheng couldn't help but smile.
At this moment, Li Ka-shing couldn't help but feel an unspeakable jealousy in his heart.
He never expected that the transaction between Su City and Jardine Group was actually an olive branch offered by Jardine Group, rather than Su City's active purchase as he expected from the Yangtze River Industrial Group.
This made him mutter to himself: Why would Jardine Group choose Su City instead of himself?
Although he felt unwilling in his heart, he also understood that it would be useless to dwell on these things now.
After all, those precious shares have fallen firmly into Su Cheng's hands. It is undoubtedly a fantasy to let him let go easily.
Two to three hundred million Hong Kong dollars in stocks, for him, the Yangtze River Industrial Group, can easily come up with this fund, let alone the world's richest man like Su City, so he wants Su City to give up the acquisition of Huide Feng Group is basically impossible.
Li Ka-shing is well aware of his situation and also knows that he does not have enough leverage to persuade Suzhou City to give up its shares in Wheelock Group.
Therefore, he quickly adjusted his mentality, buried his jealousy and unwillingness deep in his heart, and faced reality with a more peaceful and pragmatic attitude.
He understands that the shopping mall is like a battlefield, and opportunities are fleeting. Only by seizing the opportunities in front of you can you remain invincible in the fierce competition.
At this moment, Li Ka-shing has also become the one who actively seeks cooperation, just like what Jardine Group did with Sioux City before.
With a hint of helplessness in his wry smile, he said frankly to Su Cheng: "Mr. Su, I am not afraid of your laughter. I do hold some shares of Wheelock Group in my hands."
Su City Hearing this, a trace of surprise appeared on his face. He indeed did not expect this situation. After all, in his memory, Li Ka-shing never made any move to acquire Wheelock Group, but Bao Yugang became the key figure.
But the reality at this moment was very different from his memory, which made him think deeply.
After pondering for a moment, Su Cheng quickly captured the subtle changes.
He realized that this might be the charm of the unpredictable and variable business world.
Now that the wheel of history has deviated from the established track, he must re-evaluate the current situation and make corresponding adjustments.
Therefore, Su Cheng asked Li Ka-shing about his purpose of holding Wheelock Group shares in a more cautious and curious manner.
Maybe it was because he captured the Hutchison Whampoa Group in advance that he finally had to choose a new target, and this target was the Wheelock Group.
“Indeed, our Cheung Kong Group holds a considerable share of the Wheelock Group, specifically, a 9.7% share, and this has always been our trump card that has not been made public. Now, we actually "He is the third largest shareholder of Wheelock Group, but the outside world doesn't know it." There was a hint of heaviness in Li Ka-shing's words, completely lacking the relaxation and smile of the past.
After all, two years of hard work ended up being in vain, and no one was happy.
Hearing this, Su Cheng could not help but feel stronger curiosity and speculation: "So, what is the real intention of Mr. Li's visit?"
He secretly wondered whether Cheung Kong's move meant that they intended to withdraw from the competition with Wheelock Group, or if there were other deeper considerations.
"Could it be that they want me to give up my pursuit of the Wheelock Group?" Although Su Cheng had this thought in his mind, he immediately shook his head and laughed secretly at himself for worrying too much.
"There is no reason to let go of the fruits you have obtained so easily." He was secretly determined in his heart.
However, Su Cheng was not eager to express his thoughts, but waited for Li Ka-shing's further explanation with an attitude of waiting for changes.
“Mr. Su, I know that you have become the second largest shareholder of Wheelock Group, and you must have a plan to acquire Wheelock Group.
Cheung Kong Holdings naturally has no intention of competing with you head-on. Therefore, after careful consideration, I decided to give up further pursuit of Wheelock Group.
Since Mr. Su has a strong interest in this group, I am willing to transfer our shares to you, which can be regarded as a cooperation in personal friendship.
I wonder if Mr. Su is interested in this? "Li Ka-shing's words were sincere and direct, expressing his true intentions.
"Another one comes to sell shares? "This time it was Su Cheng's turn to be surprised.
He thought that Li Ka-shing would most likely not give up and wanted to seek his Wheelock Group shares, hoping to buy them from him.
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However, the fact is exactly the opposite. The other party has no such intention at all. Instead, just like Jardine Matheson Group, it directly intends to sell the shares to him. (End of this chapter)