Chapter 141: A 40% Premium

To avoid an awkward atmosphere, Li Chaoren found another topic to chat with Xia Yu about.

It wasn't long before they heard the sound of a door closing next door, followed by a knock on their door.

"Come in!" Xia Yu called out.

Wang Qi opened the door, saw Li Chaoren who was staring at him, closed the door behind him, and walked in. After giving a nod to Li Chaoren, he sat down beside Xia Yu at his gesture.

"Li, let me introduce you. This is Manager Wang Qi from our Jiuding Securities Company. He's sharp and competent—a rare talent!" Xia Yu introduced Wang Qi to Li Chaoren. Hearing this, Wang Qi cast a grateful glance at Xia Yu and, feeling a bit flustered, quickly said, "I don't deserve such praise. I'm just an ordinary person."

"Li, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

"Manager Wang, nice to meet you!"

After Wang Qi and Li Chaoren exchanged pleasantries, Xia Yu got straight to the point, asking Wang Qi, "Wang Qi, what did Simpson discuss with you earlier?"

Seeing that the topic was finally on track, Li Chaoren sat up straight, his expression serious as he waited for Wang Qi's answer.

Wang Qi respectfully nodded and said, "Simpson initially wanted to buy a 6% stake from us, and he repeatedly raised his offer. In the end, he was even willing to pay a 100% premium."

At this, Li Chaoren's eyes narrowed. He realized that the Keynes family did not hold 49% of the shares but rather 45%, otherwise, they wouldn't be so eager to buy another 6%. It seemed the Keynes family had been deceiving him.

However, Li Chaoren did not expect the Keynes family to offer such a high price for Xia Yu's shares.

Li Chaoren's expression changed, but Wang Qi did not pay much attention. He continued, "Later, when I said we were more inclined to sell the shares as a package, he hesitated. He initially planned to offer a 10% premium based on today's latest share price, but since I didn't agree, he kept increasing his offer. Eventually, it reached a 30% premium. Seeing that I still didn't agree, he left. That's the whole situation."

"The latest share price I checked when I came in was 4.1 Hong Kong dollars per share."

Xia Yu nodded in satisfaction and smiled at Li Chaoren, saying softly, "Li, as you've heard, these are the Keynes family's terms. We haven't agreed to them yet."

"Thank you!" Li Chaoren expressed his gratitude with a smile.

However, he was somewhat suspicious, unsure whether Wang Qi was telling the truth or if it was something Xia Yu had planned. He wondered if the 30% premium was indeed the Keynes family's offer.

Unfortunately, he could not verify this with the Keynes family. Since Wang Qi had reported this, it was likely accurate. Now it was time for him to make his offer. A 30% premium would mean buying Xia Yu's shares at break-even. But securing these shares would cause the value of his 25% stake to surge, granting him controlling interest and enabling further development of value. Moreover, a successful acquisition would allow him to recover his investment as the Longjiang Industrial stock price would also rise. Overall, it would be a significant gain!

Besides, there was the strategic significance that couldn't be priced!

Since the Keynes family had offered a 30% premium, he could not offer less without seeming insincere, especially since Xia Yu had given him preferential treatment and disclosed the Keynes family's details.

Without hesitation, Li Chaoren said to Xia Yu, "Xia, I am willing to pay a 40% premium over the current share price of 4.1 Hong Kong dollars, and pay it all at once. Would this condition be acceptable to you?"

Li Chaoren was confident in his offer. A 40% premium, which was over ten million more than the Keynes family's offer, and paying it all at once showed his sincerity.

Seeing such a generous offer from Li Chaoren, Xia Yu smiled and clapped, praising him, "Li, you are indeed generous. No wonder your business is so successful!"

Hearing Xia Yu's praise, Li Chaoren felt a sense of relief. Xia Yu's current attitude reassured him, but until the final agreement was made, he couldn't relax completely. He waited for Xia Yu's final response.

Xia Yu did not keep Li Chaoren waiting. With a smile, he extended his hand and said, "Li, I look forward to a pleasant cooperation!"

Li Chaoren, smiling, shook Xia Yu's hand and replied, "Pleasant cooperation!"

"Then, Xia, when can we sign the agreement?" After releasing Xia Yu's hand, Li Chaoren immediately asked, his eyes fixed on Xia Yu.

Although Hong Kong people value promises, written agreements are always more reassuring. Li Chaoren naturally hoped to sign the agreement as soon as possible.

"I am ready anytime; it's up to you," Xia Yu replied with a smile.

"My funds are all prepared and ready for the contract!" Li Chaoren said decisively, implying that he was ready to sign immediately.

"Li, you are indeed impressive. I didn't expect you to be so well-prepared, with over one billion in funds ready. No wonder you arrived later than Simpson; you must have been raising funds. It's impressive how quickly you managed such a large amount. Your connections and strength are formidable."

"Manager Wang, please have the lawyer draft the agreement and bring it here," Xia Yu instructed the happily nodding Wang Qi.

"Li, please also have your lawyer come over."

"My lawyer is right outside; I will have him come in shortly," Li Chaoren replied.

This made Xia Yu feel a bit emotional. Li Chaoren had indeed prepared everything thoroughly. His approach to business was clearly why his company was so successful.

After Wang Qi left to get the lawyer, Xia Yu and Li Chaoren continued to drink tea and chat while waiting in the office.

Li Chaoren's smile was noticeably brighter now that he had relaxed. During their chat, he frequently praised Xia Yu's abilities and business, and Xia Yu returned the compliments.

Mutual flattery in business is common—who doesn't know how to do it?

As long as it doesn't cost anything, why not make others happy?

...

After a while, Wang Qi returned with a lawyer, and Li Chaoren also brought his lawyer in to review the contract.

After confirming that everything was correct, Li Chaoren signed the contract with a smile, and Xia Yu did the same.

"Xia, let's go out. I'll transfer the money to your account!" Seeing Xia Yu finish with the contract, Li Chaoren said.

Given the amount of over one billion, the transfer had to be done in person at the bank. After Xia Yu confirmed the receipt of the money, the stock transfer contract would be handed over to Li Chaoren.

"Please!" Xia Yu smiled and gestured for Li Chaoren to lead the way. They both walked out together.

As soon as Xia Yu and Li Chaoren stepped outside, it caused a stir.

"Li Chaoren is indeed here, and he seems to be chatting happily with Xia Yu. Could it be that Li Chaoren has already acquired the shares?"

"It seems the deal is settled. Oh, they're getting into their cars. Quick, follow them to see where they're going…"

...

Journalists lurking nearby were immediately excited upon realizing it was Li Chaoren and Xia Yu. As they tried to rush forward, they were stopped but managed to watch as Li Chaoren and Xia Yu's car drove away.

Journalists could not miss such a major news story and immediately pursued the car.

When they saw Xia Yu and Li Chaoren's cars stopping in front of HSBC Bank's headquarters, the journalists were even more excited and more confident in their guesses.

A huge news story was about to break in Hong Kong! They had to get the first-hand news!