Chapter 367: The Li Family

"Mr. Li, thank you so much for your help!"

As John Catherick was seen off by Li Yao and his son Li Long, the old John stopped and shook hands with them once more, expressing his sincere gratitude.

"Mr. John, you're too kind. Helping each other is only natural!"

Li Yao replied with a warm smile.

"Haha!"

Old John laughed heartily, making eye contact with Li Yao, and everything was understood without words.

At their age, they were all old foxes, and many things didn't need to be stated so explicitly.

They understood that actions spoke louder than words—trustworthiness was proven in critical moments.

During the negotiations, Old John had already agreed to Li Yao's conditions, so he naturally wouldn't go back on his word, which reassured Li Yao.

"It's getting late, Mr. Li. I need to return to Hong Kong as soon as possible. We'll meet again next time!"

"See you next time! Safe travels!"

After bidding farewell, Old John got into his car and headed to his hotel.

Meanwhile, from a high-floor room in a distant hotel, a man peeked through a slightly open curtain, set up a telescope, and observed the scene of Li Yao and his son warmly seeing off John Catherick.

After John Catherick left, his expression turned heavy. He quickly packed up the telescope and other items, left the hotel, and returned to the company's headquarters.

This man was an employee of the Jiuding News Group's Star Country branch. After receiving instructions from the headquarters, he had been closely tracking Old John's movements. Now, he had discovered significant news.

The company had arranged for many people to conduct surveillance, and he was lucky to be responsible for this particular stakeout. As long as he reported the news, he was certain the company would reward him handsomely!

Back at the previous meeting room, after seeing off Old John, Li Yao and Li Long returned and sat down across from each other. Li Long poured a cup of hot tea for his father and respectfully placed it in front of him.

"Dad, I never expected the IHE Group to be pushed to such an extent. Is Xia Yu really that formidable?"

Li Long asked, somewhat incredulously.

Born into their family, Li Long had been comprehensively trained from a young age, including in areas like business and even martial skills.

Naturally, he was well-informed about the IHE Group, known as the top consortium in the Far East. He had reviewed many documents about the IHE Group in the Star Country archives.

Yet, this leading consortium had been driven to such a state that the retired head of the family had to personally intervene. The target was the shares held by the Star Country's Temasek Investment Company.

What was even more surprising was that this situation was caused by the newly emerged young tycoon, Xia Yu.

Thinking of Xia Yu's age and his rags-to-riches legend, Li Long couldn't help but compare himself and shook his head with a wry smile.

Comparisons are futile; he was still studying at Xia Yu's age!

Li Yao's gaze was somewhat distant. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "Xia Yu is indeed impressive. Among his peers, he is unmatched—truly a prodigy!"

"So, Father, Jiuding Securities is still negotiating and also wants to acquire the stock. Since we have sold the stock to the Catherick family, Jiuding Securities is likely to fail in their attempts, right? After all, with the shares we sold, the Catherick family now holds at least 44% of the shares, which is very close to a controlling stake!"

Li Long pondered for a moment and then suddenly asked, feeling a bit worried.

The Star Country was predominantly Chinese, with the economy and daily life controlled by Chinese capital, and there were close ties with the Chinese capital families in Hong Kong.

For instance, major families in the Star Country like the Guo, Qiu, Li, and Huang families either had their main families or branches in Hong Kong, maintaining close connections.

Furthermore, Xia Yu's influence in the Star Country was also increasing.

For example, the two largest newspapers in the Star Country had been acquired by Jiuding News Group, with "Jiuding Daily" and "Fengyun Daily" expanding their market share and influence, and "Economic Weekly" also gaining more prominence.

Jiuding News Group had established a dominant position in the Star Country's newspaper industry, exerting a strong influence on public opinion.

At this juncture, where Xia Yu, backed by Chinese capital, was probing against British capital, the Li family, as a benchmark in the Star Country, was not only not helping Xia Yu but instead assisting the Catherick family, which was akin to stabbing Xia Yu in the back. This influence would not be simple.

Even with the Li family's position in the Star Country, there were still considerations to be made.

Li Long's concerns had already been anticipated by Li Yao.

After Old John's call, Li Yao had immediately dispatched someone to report the situation. After careful consideration, he decided to prioritize the IHE Group's interests.

Old John had come prepared. After a round of negotiations, Li Yao obtained more favorable terms, and collaborating with the IHE Group was more advantageous than detrimental, so he naturally agreed.

Even though selling the stock to the Catherick family would affect the major Chinese capital families and Xia Yu in Hong Kong, Li Yao didn't care. The essence of business was profit, and no one could openly criticize him! Even if there were objections, they would only be kept privately.

If Xia Yu were wise, he would have to act as if nothing had happened.

Otherwise, with Xia Yu's current strength, even if he monopolized the Star Country's newspaper industry, Li Yao could still create significant trouble for Xia Yu if he chose to act ruthlessly, regardless of the consequences.

In any case, even though the Star Country was a capitalist nation and subject to the constraints of capital, the Li family still held the high ground!

"Don't worry about the positive or negative effects. The most important thing is to focus on our own development. As long as the Li family is strong, the Star Country will be strong, and the effects will always be positive."

"Moreover, our family has more options than most." Li Yao said.

Li Long was taken aback for a moment, then nodded heavily, understanding: "Dad, I understand!"

Strength is everything; only the weak worry about the impact!

"Mm, I'm glad you understand!"

Li Yao nodded slightly.

"It's almost time for school to start. When do you plan to depart?"

With this topic concluded, Li Yao showed a kind smile and expressed concern for his son's education.

"Dad, I plan to leave the day after tomorrow. I want to arrive a bit earlier to get accustomed to the school environment."

Li Long said softly.

"Good, as long as you have a plan. This study trip is crucial for you. Make sure to study hard, and when you return, I'll arrange your work. Don't let me down!"

Li Yao instructed, his eyes filled with a father's expectations for his son.

"I won't let you down!"

Li Long nodded firmly in assurance.

Li Long was set to go to Leavenworth, Kansas, in the United States to participate in advanced military courses related to army command and staff training.

This was the path Li Yao had planned for him from the start, intended to help Li Long improve and follow the prearranged path in the future.

According to historical trends, things were indeed going as Li Yao had planned.

After returning from his studies, Li Long steadily advanced, and the Li family's power flourished!

All this was due to Li Yao's shrewd planning!