Chapter 320: Draw the Knife

Yihe Air Cargo Station quickly issued a public announcement, holding a press conference in an attempt to stabilize the stock price and buy time. Meanwhile, Charles Kessick rushed home to report the sudden crisis to his family and secure funds to repurchase shares.

Was this crisis not also an opportunity? If he could secure more funding from his family and repurchase more shares, it would be to his advantage. After all, his influence in Yihe Air Cargo Station was already significant. As long as there were no unexpected setbacks, the company would eventually be under his control.

After Jiu Ding Securities Company fired the first shot, it immediately drew attention from the relevant industry sectors in the stock market. Many quickly sent representatives to investigate.

At HSBC Securities' Kowloon branch, Liu Tianci, who was handling investment matters, received a report from his staff. He wasn't surprised by the news; instead, he displayed a mysterious expression that left his employees puzzled.

"It has finally begun. I didn't expect Yihe Air Cargo Station to be the first target, but it is indeed a good target..." Liu Tianci's eyes narrowed as he mused to himself.

Although Xia Yu had shared the general plan with him, he hadn't gone into details. Liu Tianci didn't press for more information, focusing instead on familiarizing himself with Guang'an Bank's situation and working on the comprehensive reform and development plan for the bank. He hadn't paid much attention to other matters.

"Manager, should we look for an opportunity to take action?" asked an investment manager beside him.

"Not yet. Let's observe for now. Send someone to investigate the situation and report back to me as soon as possible!" Liu Tianci responded expressionlessly.

How could he possibly oppose Xia Yu? If helping Xia Yu didn't result in losses, he would be willing to assist. However, decisions should be based on the actual situation. Whether or not to act depended on the details, and being familiar with the situation was crucial.

He even dispatched people to investigate, hoping to uncover issues and inform Xia Yu in time to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.

As time passed, more and more people and institutions learned that Jiu Ding Securities Company was suppressing the stock price of Yihe Air Cargo Station.

Intimidated by Jiu Ding Securities Company's reputation, many sold their shares without hesitation, all of which were secretly absorbed by Xia Yu.

18.6%… 18.8%… 19.1%…

The proportion of shares Xia Yu held soared rapidly.

Yihe Air Cargo Station's every move was being closely watched from the moment the stock market battle began. Their attitudes and measures determined their judgment and control over the situation, making it impossible not to pay attention.

Soon, news of Yihe Air Cargo Station's press conference spread. The company's top executives attended, and President Barton Hardman vehemently condemned Jiu Ding Securities Company for maliciously suppressing the stock price. He criticized the *Jiu Ding Daily* for publishing misleading and erroneous articles with extremely negative effects, but assured that Yihe Air Cargo Station was operating well and did not have an inflated stock price issue.

All these actions and statements had one goal: to stabilize the stock price.

But how could Xia Yu let them have their way?

Xia Yu also had people monitoring Yihe Air Cargo Station's every move. Upon receiving the news, Xia Yu sneered and immediately ordered an increase in the intensity of the suppression.

With Xia Yu's order, the force of suppressing the stock price increased severalfold. The stock price, which had been temporarily slowed by Yihe Air Cargo Station's press conference, plummeted again, and the decline became even more rapid.

The resolve of Jiu Ding Securities was evident. Seeing the stock price plummet, many investors and institutions with a glimmer of hope, either voluntarily or under pressure, rushed to liquidate their positions.

The *Business Daily* immediately inquired about the stock price and reported the latest figures. Barton Hardman's face burned with anger as he seethed against Jiu Ding Securities Company in his heart.

The slap was too severe, leaving no room for retreat!

Eventually, frustrated by the relentless questions from reporters, Barton Hardman had no choice but to hastily end the press conference. He uttered a few harsh words before quickly preparing for a counterattack.

Yihe Air Cargo Station did not have an investment department, so to intervene in the stock market, it had to rely on other financial companies.

Contacting securities or fund management companies naturally required some time. Even after making contact, there were still detailed discussions to be held, accounts to be established, and personnel to be arranged. All of this needed time to complete.

As Barton Hardman anxiously awaited, Yihe Air Cargo Station's stock price plummeted like the raging waters of the Yellow River.

9.34 HKD per share… 9.28 HKD per share… 9.15 HKD per share… 9.07 HKD per share… 8.87 HKD per share…

Unknowingly, the stock price had dropped by more than 10%, with the decline showing no sign of stopping.

"Too ruthless. Is Jiu Ding Securities determined to short Yihe Air Cargo Station? Have they analyzed something or obtained insider information?" 

"That must be it. Jiu Ding Securities has never lost, and their actions are always highly profitable. It wouldn't be so blatant if there wasn't something to gain!"

"Looks like there will be a good show..."

Whether at the stock exchange or elsewhere, many people were discussing the matter, captivated by the fierce battle.

...

"Boss, Ming Deng Fund has acquired 1.3 million shares, totaling 2.6% of the stock, at a purchase price of 10 HKD per share, costing 13 million HKD."

"Boss, the task is complete. Xing Guang Securities has acquired 900,000 shares, totaling 1.8% of the stock, at a purchase price of 10.25 HKD per share, costing 9.225 million HKD."

"Boss..."

With each report of success, Xia Yu's shareholding rapidly increased.

Seeing Xia Yu's determined suppression of the stock price, almost all securities and fund companies believed he was shorting the stock. Under these circumstances, Xia Yu's people bought shares either at the opening price or at a premium, with many investment institutions agreeing to sell.

They were unable to compete in such a high-stakes battle. Selling at a premium to exit was already a good outcome.

Their choice was also a matter of necessity. In the absence of internet age conveniences, and with so many financial institutions in Hong Kong, it was difficult to grasp the situation of other companies.

Many companies thought Jiu Ding Securities Company was shorting Yihe Air Cargo Station, but in reality, they weren't shorting. They were simply suppressing the stock price, exploiting information asymmetry to operate swiftly and decisively, forcing other institutions to liquidate without time to assess the situation.

"Ring, ring, ring..."

"Hello… I understand!"

"Boss, a bullish force has appeared, trying to compete with us for shares."

Just after Xia Yu hung up the phone, Ma Kai, the leader of the first team handling Yihe Air Cargo Station, reported the situation to Xia Yu.

Xia Yu's eyes narrowed. The report indicated that a fund of 100 million HKD had been deposited into Yihe Air Cargo Station's account. The sudden appearance of bullish forces was likely Yihe Air Cargo Station itself.

"How many shares do we currently hold?" Xia Yu asked the statistician, who was responsible for updating the shareholding information to ensure accurate judgments and decisions.

The statistician respectfully reported, "Boss, we now hold 14.8 million shares of Yihe Air Cargo Station, totaling 29.6%!"

Xia Yu smiled at the news, and even Ma Kai couldn't help but smile.

A large-scale attack and deterrent had forced out 5.55 million shares, increasing their shareholding by 11.1%!

The increase in shareholding ratio in such a short time was largely thanks to some institutions transferring their shares. These were the major contributors!

This proportion was getting closer to Yihe Pacific's 35.85% controlling stake. Xia Yu had effectively become the second-largest shareholder.

The timing was ripe!

It was time to begin the second phase—drawing the knife!

"Proceed according to plan. Stop suppressing the stock price and immediately start acquiring shares. At the same time, issue a takeover bid for Yihe Air Cargo Station in the name of Galaxy Fund and Jiu Ding Securities!"

Xia Yu's face was serious as he issued the order decisively.

"Yes!"

Ma Kai responded loudly and then quickly left.