Chapter 332: Victory in Battle!
"... Okay, thank you very much. Next time, if you have a chance, come over for tea... Alright, bye!"
After hanging up the phone, Xia Yu's smile faded, and his gaze became sharp. He sneered, "It seems the opponent isn't panicking yet, still having the leisure to employ underhanded tactics. Heh!"
The call had come from Martin, the second-in-command at the Hong Kong News and Publishing Authority, who had met Xia Yu a few times and was also a shareholder in the Evergreen No. 1 Fund.
Interests are the best bond for relationships.
The effect of the Evergreen No. 1 Fund was starting to show!
While Charles Kessick was plotting against Xia Yu, Martin had immediately called Xia Yu to do him a favor, informing him and promising to keep an eye on things. The implicit meaning was clear: he would counterbalance the actions of the head of the authority, Ebel, and help Xia Yu, ensuring that the Sing Tao News Corporation wouldn't face trouble.
In every government department, the top two leaders often don't get along, sometimes even being rivals. This is a common issue.
The News and Publishing Authority was no different. Martin and Ebel were old enemies. Although Martin was second in command and often constrained by Ebel, it didn't mean he lacked power. He still had many supporters in the department and could contend with Ebel.
Now, doing his usual work while earning Xia Yu's favor, Martin was more than willing.
However, although Martin had taken the initiative, Xia Yu didn't just sit idly by.
If Charles Kessick wanted to engage in scheming, let him be overwhelmed and distracted!
Xia Yu intended to let Charles Kessick experience the consequences of his actions.
"Speed up the acquisition of E-Ho Insurance's shares, and deliver a fatal blow to him when the time comes!"
Xia Yu's eyes narrowed as he thought.
The day passed amid the commotion. Regardless of the uproar outside, Xia Yu continued to methodically execute his plans.
The next day arrived.
Early in the morning, newspapers were distributed to every corner of the city. People with an interest immediately bought newspapers to look for news about the E-Ho Air Cargo acquisition battle.
"Chinese consortium advances!"
"Epic showdown! The Sixth Richest vs. the Richest!"
"In-depth analysis: What makes E-Ho Air Cargo so valuable? Why is it targeted by both the stock god and the shipping king?"
"Chinese richest's power: Shipping king takes out 600 million HKD overnight!"
"Stock god Xia Yu earns 400 million profit in one battle, deserving of the title!"
"Galaxy Fund's astonishing rise, revealing the hidden secrets behind it!"
...
Various business and financial newspapers were full of headlines about the E-Ho Air Cargo acquisition battle. Even general news and lifestyle newspapers had extensive coverage, as if the whole of Hong Kong was talking about it.
Major newspapers used all their tricks to attract readers, coming up with various eye-catching headlines to stand out.
But no matter how other newspapers tried, none could match the scoop of the Nine鼎 Daily.
Which newspaper could obtain more professional information and insider news than Nine鼎 Daily?
The answer was none!
To get first-hand news and insider information, readers flocked to buy newspapers under Nine鼎 Daily, especially the "Nine鼎 Daily" and the English "South China Morning Post."
Even Chinese communities across Southeast Asia were paying attention to this significant event, purchasing Nine鼎 Daily's papers to get updates.
According to statistics from the next day, the latest daily circulation of "Nine鼎 Daily" surged to 1.3 million copies, and other newspapers also saw varying degrees of increased sales.
The unexpected boost delighted Yan Wenhan, who promptly sought instructions from his boss, Xia Yu, requesting that any disclosable news be given to Nine鼎 Daily first during the stock market skirmish. This would help their newspapers make a significant impact and enhance their authority and sales.
Naturally, Xia Yu agreed without hesitation.
...
While Xia Yu sharpened his strategies behind the scenes, the battle for E-Ho Air Cargo continued to be intense and thrilling.
Although the shipping king was old, his style of doing things remained bold and grand.
Bao Yugang first publicly issued a takeover offer to E-Ho Pacific and, as the largest shareholder, convened a board meeting where he proposed to acquire shares from the sullen-faced Charles Kessick, who strongly rejected the offer.
After being rejected, Bao Yugang didn't mind and decisively applied to the Securities and Futures Commission for a trading suspension, then began to use psychological tactics to assert his determination.
40.9%!
41.8%!
43.6%!
45.7%!
Periodically, Bao Yugang's side announced their shareholding percentage, each announcement putting pressure on the Kessick family, each like a slap in the face, making Charles Kessick furious and Old John's face darken.
Bao Yugang's generous approach, combined with his broad connections and strength, made many people willing to sell their tightly-held shares to him to earn a favor.
Moreover, this battle had been portrayed by the media as a representative conflict between Chinese and British interests. Previously, many Chinese families and forces had been reluctant to help Xia Yu for various reasons.
But Bao Yugang was different. Almost all wealthy Chinese and families were willing to support him. To them, having Bao Yugang complete this symbolic task was satisfactory and flattering. Otherwise, having a young upstart over them would be embarrassing.
As the saying goes, many hands make light work!
Bao Yugang's shareholding quickly approached the 50% absolute control line.
Meanwhile, E-Ho Pacific's shareholding also continued to increase, finally surpassing the 40% line.
But what left Charles Kessick in despair was that their gap with Bao Yugang's announced shares was widening.
The scales of victory were steadily tipping in Bao Yugang's favor!
The next day, the excitement and noise were even greater than before, as the outcome was expected to be revealed today, making the public's enthusiasm even higher.
Soon, in the midst of public anticipation, Bao Yugang's side once again announced their shareholding.
49.9%!
So close!
But to the discerning, the outcome was clear. The Kessick family had no power to retaliate, and E-Ho Air Cargo was about to change hands!
At 9:30, with the stock market bell ringing, the market opened again.
At this special moment, Global Shipping Group held a solemn press conference, announcing that Bao Yugang now held 50.1% of E-Ho Air Cargo's shares, achieving absolute control!
As Wu Guangzheng solemnly announced this news, the reporters and spectators present erupted in cheers, genuinely happy for the shipping king.
Especially when seeing the expressions of the British reporters as if their mothers had died, their mood was even more enjoyable.
"Shipping king is mighty! Boosting Chinese morale!"
The cheers at the scene were continuous, wave after wave.
...
"Bao Sheng, congratulations!"
Xia Yu called Bao Yugang immediately to congratulate him.
"Ha ha, Xia Sheng, thank you very much. Without your help and generosity, there wouldn't be the current me. This is our victory!"
Bao Yugang's loud voice came through the receiver, and even through the phone, Xia Yu could sense Bao Yugang's happiness and excitement.
It was not easy. The shipping king, over sixty, was usually calm as ice but was this excited, which showed how delighted he was.
After chatting a bit more with Bao Yugang and considering that many others would want to contact him, Xia Yu ended the call.
After hanging up, Xia Yu's smile remained. He was pleased for the shipping king and for himself.
In addition, he helped Bao Yugang acquire some more shares, earning 15.5 million HKD in profit, adding to his gains!
Including the previous 405 million HKD profit, Xia Yu's total profit from the battle for E-Ho Air Cargo amounted to 424 million HKD!
Deserving of his title as the stock god!
After the excitement, Xia Yu asked Wang Qi, "How's the acquisition of E-Ho Insurance Consultant Group's shares going?"
Wang Qi, with a beaming smile and a hint of excitement, began to report...