Chapter 354: Forming an Alliance

"Summer, this idea is feasible, but the number of companies under the E&F Corporation is vast. The time needed for information gathering and filtering is considerable. Do you think we have enough time?" 

Li Zhaoji, who is skilled in the financial market and holds a 12% stake in the New World Securities Company, which later earned him the title of "Asian Stock God," pondered for a moment and asked cautiously.

The others all turned their eyes toward Summer.

"These old foxes want to reap the benefits while minimizing their risks, pushing me to take the lead."

"But it doesn't matter. Since I'm already in the limelight, there's no way to hide. If they're willing to take part, it's a win for me!"

A thought flashed through Summer's mind.

Li Zhaoji's question seemed casual but had two implications. First, he wondered if Summer could hold on until they had prepared to enter the scene together. If Summer were knocked down by E&F Corporation, their power would surge, and any subsequent actions by them would become unrealistic, leading them to retreat and regroup.

Second, he questioned whether Summer might prematurely knock out the E&F Corporation's machinery group, similar to how he dealt with the E&F Insurance Consulting Group, thus minimizing the collective effort and making other forces in Hong Kong restless. In this scenario, the benefits would be fewer if they were unprepared.

Therefore, the timing and rhythm were crucial.

Although Summer had considered this, it was merely a fleeting thought.

With an unchanged expression, Summer replied with a smile, "Rest assured, everyone. My company has prepared extensively for this. I brought the relevant materials, and they're in the car. I'll bring them out for you to review shortly."

Summer had already prepared, and since things were going according to his plan, he could make use of those materials.

"Oh? Summer, you are meticulous and well-prepared!" 

A hint of surprise flashed across Li Zhaoji's face as he praised Summer.

"Since Summer is prepared, we should discuss further after dinner. Let's not let the food go cold," said Bao Yugang, urging everyone to continue eating.

Since the materials were in the car and it was inconvenient for Summer to leave during dinner, it was better to finish the meal before discussing the documents.

Curious about the materials Summer had prepared, everyone hastened their eating, and soon the table of delicacies was nearly cleared.

They moved to the tea table to sit and drink tea while Summer went outside to get the materials.

A short while later, Summer returned with a stack of documents.

"Please take a look!" 

Summer handed out the documents to Li Zhaoji and the others, who immediately began reviewing them without further comment.

The prominent figures of Hong Kong, carefully scrutinizing the documents as if they were exam papers, made for a rare sight. Summer smiled subtly, savoring his tea while observing everyone.

"Impressive!" 

After a while, Feng Jingxi broke the silence, shaking the documents in his hand as he looked at Summer with admiration.

After reviewing the documents, Feng Jingxi was thoroughly convinced of Summer's ability to gather commercial information. 

The thin stack of five to six pages couldn't possibly cover all aspects of the massive E&F Corporation, which would require dozens or even hundreds of pages. However, Feng Jingxi found that the essential and valuable information about E&F was indeed included.

Although he was reluctant to admit it, Feng Jingxi realized that his company's capability in commercial information collection and analysis could not match Summer's. This left him with a hint of bitterness.

But he quickly came to terms with it, knowing that not just him, but all present probably found Summer's information-gathering and analysis skills superior.

After all, gathering and analyzing commercial information was Summer's forte, supported by his renowned "Economic Weekly" magazine's research department and the research institute under Jiuding Securities Company.

After everyone finished reviewing, the youngest among them, Wang Dehui of Huamao Group, who was also less powerful compared to the others, spoke eagerly, "Summer, this document is invaluable. To just lay it out like this, I am truly impressed!"

"Indeed, if this document were given to securities and fund companies, it would stir up quite a commotion," Feng Jingxi added from his perspective.

Summer smiled, accepting the praise, as the document indeed held significant commercial value.

If given to an ordinary person, the document would be like a treasure chest without a key, potentially useless. But for those present, who had immense resources and "keys" to unlock value, it was highly valuable.

The document detailed all the companies under E&F Corporation, effectively stripping the corporation bare, leaving only a metaphorical pair of underpants.

Of course, Summer had personal interests and had adjusted the information on Wharf Holdings. Other than that, he released everything.

It wasn't out of generosity but rather because commercial information changes constantly. E&F Corporation was always evolving, and today's information might be outdated or even misleading tomorrow.

Expiring commercial information is a waste. It was better to share it with others, build goodwill, and stir their interest.

If he could get them all onboard, the value of the information would be magnified tenfold or even a hundredfold!

"With so many treasures under E&F Corporation, did any of you find something desirable?" Bao Yugang asked with a hearty smile, surveying the faces around him.

Everyone smiled knowingly, clearly having their own preferences.

"Bao, it seems you have your eye on something. Let us know, and we might be on the same page," Zheng Yutong, sitting to Bao Yugang's left, joked, though he was slightly apprehensive.

Bao Yugang glanced at Zheng Yutong and teased, "You wouldn't be interested in such minor things. I'll be straightforward. Since I plan to focus on air transport, I need to strengthen my position. E&F Aviation Services will be beneficial to me. You don't need it for jewelry or real estate."

Hearing Bao Yugang's words, the others breathed a sigh of relief. Zheng Yutong took the joke lightly and self-deprecatingly said, "As a mere bricklayer, I certainly don't need such high-end things."

"Ha-ha!"

The others laughed good-naturedly and began discussing their targets.

Bao Yugang, with his strong position, narrowed the competition significantly for the others. However, the other powerful figures, mostly real estate magnates, might target similar companies.

For them, the goal was to acquire companies related to real estate, such as infrastructure, property management, construction materials, and companies with extensive land holdings.

Although E&F Corporation had many subsidiaries, they had their strengths and weaknesses. To join forces in attacking E&F Corporation, it was essential to select the most valuable targets.

"I think..."

"Old Guo, I also think that one is good. How about we each take half..."

...

Soon, everyone expressed their targets. Even with some overlap, they discussed amicably, either teaming up or choosing other targets.

In their discussion, the formidable E&F Corporation seemed like a piece of meat on a chopping board.

Although it sounded somewhat amusing, everyone present accepted it as reality.

Individually, they couldn't match E&F Corporation, but as a group, they could overpower it. They understood the principle of collective force and that even if E&F Corporation survived this round, retaliating would be difficult, as they might unite against any retaliation.

This seemingly coincidental formation of a temporary alliance was a tremendous opportunity. Each participant, being astute, seized it without hesitation.

The gathering lasted until after midnight. Everyone had selected their targets, even determining their contributions and profit-sharing arrangements, and set a tentative action date.

A rough but powerful alliance was thus formed!

During this, Summer and Feng Jingxi, the financial giants, received enthusiastic support. Feng Jingxi readily agreed to assist with the acquisition and promised his support.

Summer also promised to have Jiuding Securities Company help with their plans.

As long as they were willing to take action against E&F Corporation, Summer was happy to assist.

"Let's call it a day then. It's getting late, and I'll head back now."

"I'll leave too. If anything comes up, let me know, and I'll be there!"

"Goodbye!"

Soon, the satisfied guests left one after another, leaving only Summer and Bao Yugang at the Bao family's residence.

Summer expressed his gratitude, "Bao, thank you!"

Bao Yugang laughed heartily and said nonchalantly, "What are you thanking me for? I didn't do much. You've helped me a lot. I still need your help with the Hong Kong Ground Services Company."

"Consider it done!" 

Summer smiled and accepted the request without further ceremony.

"It's getting late. I'll head off now. See you next time!"

"Be careful!"

On the way to his car, Summer waved goodbye to Bao Yugang, who stood at the door.

The black sedan soon disappeared into the night, heading towards Li Qian's home.

Watching the receding lights, Bao Yugang stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the starry sky. His thoughts drifted far away, his gaze growing as deep as the night sky.

After a long time, he exhaled and murmured with anticipation, "Indeed a talent. Young yet so shrewd. E&F… Hehe..."