Chapter 413: The Showdown

In the following days, including the weekend when the stock market was closed for two days, the chaotic and intense battle was forced to pause. Both the spectators who were dazzled and the competitors involved breathed a sigh of relief.

However, if one thought the battle had truly stopped, they would be gravely mistaken!

The conflict had merely shifted from the open to the covert. While the major players were actively preparing for the next phase, they were also deploying all their resources to acquire their desired targets from the sidelines. The threshold of the Kershaw family was about to be trampled.

The heads of the various branches of the Kershaw family were nearly overwhelmed, dealing not only with internal power struggles but also with the constant pressure from all sides, leaving them exhausted both physically and mentally.

Especially when Shen Bi came knocking, the various branches of the Kershaw family were particularly anxious.

As Monday arrived, the stock market reopened, and the flames of battle reignited. It seemed that after two days of suppression, the conflict was even fiercer, with the entire stock market turning into dozens of battlegrounds of varying sizes.

Due to these conflicts, the stock market became as chaotic as turbulent seas. Retail investors and small to medium-sized institutions had to go through multiple psychological struggles before making any moves, hesitant to enter the fray.

At HSBC's headquarters, Shen Bi was busy with Xia Yu's cooperation project.

"Knock, knock!"

"Come in!"

Hearing the knock on the door, Shen Bi spoke without looking up. Soon after, he heard the door open and someone enter.

After writing another line, Shen Bi finally raised his head. Upon seeing it was Liu Tianci, he became slightly alert, thinking Liu Tianci must have something to report, given the serious-looking document Liu Tianci was holding.

"What's wrong?"

Shen Bi set down his pen, crossed his fingers, and stretched his wrists as he inquired.

Liu Tianci took a deep breath, stepped forward, and presented the document to Shen Bi, speaking softly, "Chairman, this is my resignation letter. I am here to submit my resignation."

What?

Resignation!

Liu Tianci's words stunned Shen Bi. His expression became serious as he glanced at the document in Liu Tianci's hand. He then looked Liu Tianci up and down, noticing his serious expression, which indicated that this was a well-considered decision.

Shen Bi took a deep breath, did not immediately take Liu Tianci's resignation letter, but instead asked him to place it on the desk. Liu Tianci complied and stood straight, looking at Shen Bi.

After silently observing Liu Tianci for a moment and sensing his firm resolve, Shen Bi said with a neutral expression:

"Sit down first, let's talk about this."

"Thank you, Chairman!"

Liu Tianci nodded in gratitude, then took a seat on a chair, placing his hands respectfully on his knees, waiting for Shen Bi's questions.

"Liu Tianci, you are someone I have high hopes for and an elite talent the company is focused on developing. With your abilities, you have a significant chance of becoming a director at HSBC, and even becoming the president is not impossible. You should be aware of the company's regard for you!"

For someone as smart as Liu Tianci, Shen Bi was straightforward, trying to appeal to his emotions and change his mind.

Liu Tianci nodded heavily and said gratefully, "Chairman, I appreciate the company's training and support. I have always kept it in mind!"

Seeing this, Shen Bi slightly nodded and continued, "Furthermore, HSBC is a top company in Asia. You are still young, and HSBC's platform can offer you better training and growth opportunities. Besides HSBC, there shouldn't be any other platform better suited for you."

"Why do you want to resign? Is it because of dissatisfaction with the company, or do you feel the company isn't suitable for you? Or is it purely a personal reason?"

After finishing his statement, Shen Bi stared intently at Liu Tianci.

Liu Tianci expressed his apologies and said, "Chairman, the company has treated me very well. I want to resign purely due to personal reasons."

To emphasize his decision, Liu Tianci added, "This decision was made after careful consideration!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Bi's brows furrowed tightly, and he looked at Liu Tianci with a fixed gaze. Liu Tianci remained calm and met Shen Bi's gaze without any sign of guilt.

After a long while, Shen Bi lowered his gaze slightly and asked gently, "Have you truly decided?"

"Yes!"

Liu Tianci nodded decisively.

"Can you tell me where you are going? With your insight, you wouldn't leave easily. I'm curious."

Seeing Liu Tianci's resoluteness after trying to persuade him, Shen Bi sighed inwardly, realizing that he could not retain him. He looked a bit contemplative and asked.

Before resigning, Liu Tianci had already discussed with Xia Yu and was set to take up his new position immediately after leaving. It was bound to be exposed and not necessary to hide.

Thus, Liu Tianci answered Shen Bi's question truthfully, "I will be taking up the position of General Manager at Guang'an Bank."

"Guang'an Bank?"

Shen Bi was momentarily stunned, finding the name somewhat unfamiliar. He frowned and thought about it, eventually recalling that it seemed to be a small bank, belonging to a minor family in Hong Kong, and not developing very well.

He was puzzled; such a small bank, let alone comparing to HSBC, was even less impressive than the securities department managed by Liu Tianci.

Moreover, Shen Bi had just told Liu Tianci about the possibility of becoming a director or even the chairman of HSBC. It made no sense for Liu Tianci to be interested in a small bank manager position!

Could this bank have some special attributes?

Unable to understand, Shen Bi immediately asked, "Is there something special about Guang'an Bank?"

Liu Tianci replied calmly, "Guang'an Bank has a new owner now. The current chairman is Xia Sheng."

"Xia Sheng?"

"Xia Yu?!"

Shen Bi was initially stunned but quickly realized that the only major figure with the surname Xia in Hong Kong was Xia Yu.

So Xia Yu had acquired Guang'an Bank!

And he had also poached Liu Tianci!

These two pieces of news hit Shen Bi hard. Looking at Liu Tianci's calm face, he could no longer maintain his composure, and could not help but bitterly smile and shake his head.

He had wondered why Liu Tianci wanted to switch jobs, and once he learned it was because Xia Yu made the offer, Shen Bi was no longer surprised.

In Hong Kong, while HSBC was the top leader, suppressing all others, Xia Yu's influence was not insignificant. Although his capital was not as extensive as HSBC's, his formidable abilities were undeniable!

He was known as the stock god, but in reality, he was a formidable figure, climbing up through the securities industry by stepping over others' corpses. He was undoubtedly a major dangerous figure in the sector.

Someone as capable as Liu Tianci, with strong self-discipline and a thirst for knowledge, must have his own pride. But if Xia Yu made a move, it was highly likely he would be impressed.

Moreover, Shen Bi knew that Xia Yu and Liu Tianci had a close personal relationship.

Now that Xia Yu had acquired Guang'an Bank, despite its poor foundation, as long as he utilized the resources of Jiuding Financial Group and leveraged his connections, it would not be difficult for it to grow into a large bank.

With Liu Tianci's strong personal relationship with Xia Yu and his admiration for Xia Yu's abilities, it was reasonable for Liu Tianci to switch to a promising bank like Guang'an. 

It seemed there was no stopping this decision!