Chapter 364: Hong Kong Bank of China

Although the situation had some fluctuations, thanks to Summer Yu's firm command to raise the stock price and the strong support from other Chinese tycoons, the stock price of the Ewo Machinery Group continued to rise.

Market instability had been somewhat stabilized!

By the afternoon market close, the stock price had risen to 78 HKD per share!

This price was already more than 2.8 times the initial price of 27.5 HKD per share!

Unfortunately, since it was Friday, the stock market would be closed for the weekend. Investors would have to wait until the following Monday to see any further changes in the Ewo Machinery Group's stock price.

Even though the stock market was closed for adjustment, Summer Yu did not relax; he continued to increase his holdings.

At 6:30 PM, in the lobby of the Peninsula Hotel!

Summer Yu and Wang Qi were sitting on the sofa in the luxurious leisure area on the left side of the lobby, chatting casually but occasionally glancing towards the entrance.

"Boss, someone's here!"

At that moment, Wang Qi, with his sharp eyes, noticed a figure walking in from outside and immediately alerted Summer Yu.

Upon hearing this, Summer Yu nodded slightly, stood up, and walked towards the door, with Wang Qi following closely behind.

"Mr. Chen, good evening!"

When Summer Yu and Wang Qi reached the entrance, the person Summer Yu was waiting for had also just arrived. Both parties recognized each other and quickened their pace. Summer Yu was the first to extend his hand and greeted warmly.

The visitor was none other than Chen Hongxing, Chairman of the Hong Kong Bank of China!

"Mr. Summer, Mr. Wang, good evening. I apologize for keeping you waiting at the door!"

Mr. Chen quickly shook hands with Summer Yu, expressing a hint of apology but speaking with genuine sincerity.

"Not at all!"

Summer Yu replied with a smile, being courteous.

As he spoke, he glanced at a middle-aged man standing half a step behind Mr. Chen.

Mr. Chen immediately smiled and introduced, "Let me introduce you to both of you. This is our bank's newly appointed Executive President, Mr. Song Weihua."

"Mr. Song, hello!"

Summer Yu and Wang Qi shook hands and greeted Song Weihua in turn. Song Weihua responded with a warm smile.

"Let's not disturb others by standing here. Shall we move inside for a detailed discussion?"

"Certainly. Please!"

"Please!"

Soon, the four of them arrived at the pre-arranged private room. Shortly after sitting down, dishes were served one after another, and soon the table was filled with an array of delicious and aromatic dishes.

As a top client of the Peninsula Hotel, Summer Yu's service was always completed as quickly as possible, ensuring the highest quality.

If it were an ordinary guest, it would not have been possible to have all the dishes served so quickly!

"Mr. Chen, Mr. Song, please forgive the modest meal. I hope you can make do with it!"

Summer Yu gestured for them to start and spoke politely.

"Mr. Summer, you're too modest. The table is full of good dishes. I rarely get to enjoy such a feast in a year. I'm truly fortunate to enjoy it today. Haha, how could it be modest!"

Chen Hongxing, with years of experience in social etiquette and polished eloquence, always made conversations pleasant.

"Haha!"

"Don't be formal. Let's start eating!"

"Mr. Summer, let's serve ourselves and start!"

...

With cups exchanged and drinks flowing, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively.

Chinese people often prefer to discuss matters over dinner, and Summer Yu and Chen Hongxing were no exception.

"Mr. Chen, Mr. Song, you know, although Hong Kong has been a part of China since ancient times and is predominantly inhabited by Chinese people, due to historical issues, our status is not very high."

Summer Yu said with a sense of emotion.

Chen Hongxing, who was over fifty, nodded in agreement, his expression showing a bit of helplessness but his attitude was very firm, "This is due to historical factors, and we can't change it. However, we Chinese are hardworking and resourceful, brave and united. Over the past few decades, haven't we been able to stand up to the British?"

"Just like now, Mr. Summer, you're young but have achieved such high success and managed to make the Ewo Consortium retreat repeatedly. It truly boosts our Chinese pride! I admire you!"

"A toast with this modest wine, to show my respect!"

As Chen Hongxing spoke, he lifted his wine glass.

"Clink!"

Summer Yu also raised his glass to clink with Chen Hongxing, and they both drank the remaining half of their wine.

"Mr. Summer, to be honest, I've been in Hong Kong for twelve years and have gained some understanding of it. Over these years, I've seen many ups and downs in the business world and many big shots rising."

"But if I were to say who I admire the most, it's not the shipping magnate Bao Yugang or Li Zhaoji or Guo Desheng, but you. I'm not exaggerating!"

Chen Hongxing continued to express his admiration.

Such high praise made Summer Yu somewhat flattered, and he repeatedly expressed his humility.

Chen Hongxing, as Chairman of the Hong Kong Bank of China, held a significant position within the party. His straightforward high praise truly pleased Summer Yu.

This highlights the special management system of the Hong Kong Bank of China.

Typically, a company's chairman also serves as the executive president, but the Hong Kong Bank of China is an exception.

Due to its unique nature and important political tasks, the choice of managers is done with great care.

To prevent the concentration of power in one person, the Hong Kong Bank of China's chairman and executive president are held by two separate individuals, with clearly defined roles specified in the board's regulations.

In simple terms, the chairman is the highest authority, responsible for ensuring the board performs its functions properly and adheres to good governance practices and procedures. Additionally, as the board's president, the chairman ensures all directors are well-informed and receive timely and reliable information.

On the other hand, the executive president is responsible for leading the management team and implementing the board's adopted strategies and development plans. The executive president's position is slightly lower than that of the chairman.

Thus, when they entered, the executive president Song Weihua was half a step behind Chairman Chen Hongxing, indicating their respective statuses!

"Mr. Chen, you flatter me too much. I'm embarrassed. I'm still self-aware. Compared to other big shots, I'm far from it and still have much to learn!"

Summer Yu repeatedly waved his hand, smiling modestly.

"Haha!"

Chen Hongxing and Song Weihua both smiled kindly.

"Mr. Summer, may I ask if there's anything we can assist with in this competition for the Ewo Machinery Group?"

As the smile gradually faded, Chen Hongxing's expression became more serious as he inquired.

After chatting for a while, the main topic had finally arrived!

Summer Yu's mind sharpened, and he said with some emotion, "Mr. Chen, first of all, I'd like to express my gratitude!"

"There are indeed areas where I need your help!"

"Considering the recent situation, I'm sure you've heard some news. The Ewo Consortium has been using various underhanded methods to obstruct our actions and make me fail in the acquisition."

"And I've received news that John Keswick, the head of the Ewo Consortium, has already flown to Singapore today. By now, he should have arrived. His goal, as you may guess, is to acquire the 5.24% stake held by Temasek Holdings."

"If he succeeds in acquiring Temasek Holdings' shares, the situation could cast a shadow over this operation!"