Chapter 516: Acquiring Shares of Huashang Bank

He smiled and said, "I've been thinking about something, Hongyi. I hope you don't mind me asking, but what is the composition of the shares of Huashang Bank?"

Wu Hongyi was somewhat puzzled by Xia Yu's question. However, Xia Yu's question was not unanswerable. It could be checked out if one was interested, after all, Huashang Bank was a publicly listed company.

Thus, he put down his chopsticks, thought for a moment, and truthfully answered, "This is not a secret."

"Although Huashang Bank was originally founded by my father, in order to develop better, there are two partners. My father holds 70% of the shares, while the other two each hold 15%."

"After that, there were no changes until the bank went public, at which time 25% of the shares were offered to the market."

"Later, our family also cashed out some of the stocks... After a series of changes, I currently hold 17% of the shares. Our Wu family also holds another 30%, so in total, our Wu family holds 47% of the shares. That's why I became the president of Huashang Bank."

"Besides me, the bank has four major shareholders, with shareholdings from highest to lowest being 9.7%, 7.6%, 6.4%, and 5.2%."

"The remaining shares are distributed among individual investors and institutions, and are quite fragmented."

Xia Yu listened attentively to Wu Hongyi's detailed account but was quietly contemplating.

According to Wu Hongyi, there should still be 24.1% of the shares in the hands of external retail investors and institutions.

Huashang Bank undoubtedly belongs to the Wu family, but it also serves as a financial hub for the British Chinese community, having substantial influence.

If Xia Yu wanted to build influence in the UK, he needed to engage with both British and Chinese communities.

Undoubtedly, if he could enter Huashang Bank and become a significant shareholder, his reputation would be established immediately.

Moreover, with the identity of a major shareholder in Huashang Bank, he would gain access to any level of circles within the British Chinese community, which would be highly beneficial.

Although Xia Yu had a strong reputation in Hong Kong and his name had likely reached the ears of the British Chinese, the distance and lack of direct contact meant their impressions would not be deep.

Even if they knew Xia Yu was in the UK or saw him at a gathering, they would remain cautious and observant, requiring time to lower their guard.

But if he directly entered Huashang Bank and used the Wu family's background as leverage, all these issues would be resolved.

To put it simply, Xia Yu wanted to use the Wu family's influence to pave the way for himself.

In addition, Huashang Bank, being the core bank of Chinese capital, has huge potential and financial prospects, making it a worthwhile investment.

However, whether he could acquire shares in Huashang Bank depended on whether the Wu family welcomed it.

In any case, it was worth a try. Proposing it was the only way to have a chance.

With this in mind, Xia Yu said to Wu Hongyi, "Hongyi, the reason I asked you about this is because I suddenly had an idea. Given our relationship, I won't hide anything from you. If you don't like what I say, just pretend I never mentioned it."

Wu Hongyi frowned slightly, with some uneasy guesses popping into his mind. However, he did not show it and smiled casually, saying, "Xia Yu, just say it. There is nothing we can't talk about."

"Then I'll speak frankly."

"I am very optimistic about the future of Huashang Bank."

Upon hearing these words, Wu Hongyi's heart skipped a beat. Fortunately, he remained calm and listened to Xia Yu continue.

"I plan to acquire some shares of Huashang Bank from the stock market to become a shareholder. But don't worry, I won't compete with your family for Huashang Bank. I can't compete anyway. I just want to be a shareholder so that when I go out, I can have a respectable badge and avoid any awkward situations in the future."

"I thought that if I suddenly started buying shares, it might cause misunderstandings, so I wanted to ask for your opinion."

"Of course, if it's not appropriate, I'll choose another bank."

Xia Yu spoke frankly, not hiding his intentions. After all, with Wu Hongyi's intelligence and the Wu family's shrewdness, they would easily guess his motives.

Since this was the case, it was better to be straightforward, which seemed more sincere.

After hearing Xia Yu's words, Wu Hongyi was relieved and smiled, agreeing wholeheartedly, "I certainly have no objections. You are very welcome. With your participation, Huashang Bank's strength will definitely increase significantly. If you don't mind, I can give you the position of president. It will definitely develop faster under your leadership than under mine."

Xia Yu's candor reassured Wu Hongyi. He knew this was Xia Yu's way of showing that he had no designs on Huashang Bank, putting his mind at ease.

Wu Hongyi was not a fool. From Xia Yu's attitude, he could tell that Xia Yu's words were his true thoughts. He was aware of Xia Yu's achievements in Hong Kong and his formidable methods in the financial market.

If Xia Yu really intended to take Huashang Bank from the Wu family, he wouldn't have blatantly told him he wanted to acquire shares.

Since Xia Yu was interested in becoming a shareholder of Huashang Bank, Wu Hongyi naturally welcomed him with open arms. With such a heavyweight shareholder, Huashang Bank's security would increase significantly, and its future would look brighter.

Moreover, this added layer of interest would deepen the relationship between him and Xia Yu, which was undoubtedly a very good thing.

Thus, in his view, Xia Yu acquiring shares of Huashang Bank from the stock market would only bring benefits to him and the Wu family, with no drawbacks.

What reason was there to oppose it?

Seeing Wu Hongyi's sincere smile, Xia Yu quickly shook his head and said with a smile, "How could I dare to compete with you for the president position? Your grandfather would beat me up. Haha, I'll just be an ordinary shareholder. I won't take the president position. Whether I can do better than you is uncertain, and most importantly, it's too tiring. Earning money while lying down is much more comfortable!"

Wu Hongyi was both amused and exasperated, shaking his head and saying, "Alright then, but don't think it will be easy. When Huashang Bank needs your input, I'll feel at ease knowing I can ask you for help."

Wu Hongyi's words made Xia Yu smile helplessly. He shrugged and seemed to laugh at himself, "It seems I've created a job for myself? I was planning to take a good break, but oh well, it looks like I'm destined for a life of labor..."

"Cheers!"

Saying this, Xia Yu raised his glass.

Xia Yu's attitude was clear, and Wu Hongyi also smiled and raised his glass to clink with Xia Yu's.

"Cheers, and welcome aboard!"

"Glug!"

"Haha, great drinking capacity. Here, have some food to balance it out..."

With their verbal agreement and good spirits, the atmosphere at the dinner table grew more lively.

As the toasts and exchanges continued, their friendship quickly warmed up, with any awkwardness from not seeing each other for six months quickly dissipating over the dinner table.

Before they knew it, it was around 9 p.m., and the dining table had become a mess with everyone satisfied and full.

"Hongyi, it's getting late. We should head back. There's plenty of time ahead, and I'll be staying at my estate from now on. Come by when you have time."

"Of course, let me see you off!"

With that, everyone got up, went downstairs, and Wu Hongyi saw Xia Yu and the others off, waving as they departed.

He wanted to return to his own residence, but Uncle Chang, who was standing beside him, suddenly said, "Young Master, wait a moment. The Master wants you to come home to stay tonight."

Wu Hongyi stopped and looked at Uncle Chang, who had watched him grow up, and asked, "Uncle Chang, why does Grandpa want me to go home?"

Although the Wu family estate was in London, Wu Hongyi was accustomed to staying away from home, returning to his own residence after work every day.

Of course, this residence was separate from the one next to Xia Yu's estate and was in the city center, convenient for work and leisure.

Uncle Chang, dressed in traditional attire, said kindly, "Young Master, did you forget today is your birthday? I was going to remind you, but since you were hosting Mr. Xia Yu, I didn't mention it."

"Just now, the Master's people called to ask why you hadn't come home. I explained the situation, and the Master knew you were entertaining Mr. Xia Yu, so he told me not to disturb you, but to have you come home after entertaining him."

"Birthday?"

Wu Hongyi smiled faintly, shaking his head with a complex expression.

Since his parents passed away, he had only remembered their death anniversaries and birthdays, and he had not paid attention to his own birthday.

Moreover, living alone, he got by day by day, and on his birthday, only Uncle Chang would prepare something for him.

Previously, he had disappointed his grandfather, and although his grandfather had initially asked him to return home for his birthday, he had refused

.

But today, he had finally returned to the family residence for his grandfather's sake.

Wu Hongyi had mixed feelings. His grandfather had treated him well, but his own business and life had kept him busy.

"Alright, let's go home. It's been a while since I last visited, and it's a special day today. Let's return to the family residence to celebrate."

With these words, Wu Hongyi turned around and got into the car. Uncle Chang was also slightly pleased, feeling that the Master's instructions were indeed effective.

The family residence was not far from Xia Yu's estate, only about ten minutes away by car. Wu Hongyi and his party soon arrived home.

The Wu family estate, which had been in the family for decades, had a traditional European architectural style. From the gates to the main hall, it was spacious and dignified, showcasing the grandeur of the Wu family.

"Welcome home, Young Master!"

A group of servants greeted Wu Hongyi as he entered, and Wu Hongyi smiled and nodded at them.

"Young Master, you're finally back. The Master has been waiting for you in the study. Please go up."

"Okay, I'll go now."

Wu Hongyi responded and walked up the grand staircase with Uncle Chang following closely behind.

The study was located on the second floor. As Wu Hongyi entered, he saw his grandfather sitting behind the desk, reading a newspaper.

Seeing Wu Hongyi enter, his grandfather put down the newspaper and smiled, "Hongyi, you've finally come. I've been waiting for you."

Wu Hongyi hurriedly stepped forward, embracing his grandfather with respect and affection, "Grandpa, sorry for not being on time. I was hosting Mr. Xia Yu and lost track of time."

His grandfather looked at him with a smile and said, "It's fine. I know you've been busy. I'm just glad you made it back. It's a special day, and I wanted us to celebrate together."

Wu Hongyi smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Grandpa. Let me get changed and we'll celebrate."

"Alright, go ahead."

His grandfather nodded, and Wu Hongyi walked into the changing room to freshen up.

After a while, Wu Hongyi came out in casual attire, and the two of them went downstairs together.

Tonight's birthday celebration was held in the family's main dining hall, with a grand feast prepared. The dining hall was elegantly decorated, and the family members gathered around the table, chatting and laughing.

"Happy birthday to you, Hongyi. Let's toast to your future and our family's prosperity!"

Wu Hongyi's grandfather raised his glass, and everyone at the table followed suit, clinking glasses and wishing him a happy birthday.

Wu Hongyi raised his glass and smiled, "Thank you all. I hope we all stay healthy and happy. Cheers!"

As the dinner continued, everyone enjoyed the delicious food and warm company, making it a memorable birthday celebration.

In the evening, after the celebration, Wu Hongyi sat alone in the study, contemplating his thoughts. The warmth and joy of the celebration contrasted with the pressures and challenges of his daily life.

"Xia Yu…" He thought about Xia Yu's proposal and the potential it held for Huashang Bank. With Xia Yu's involvement, the future looked promising, and he felt a sense of optimism.

As he looked out the window at the night sky, he knew that with the support and cooperation of friends like Xia Yu, the Wu family and Huashang Bank would continue to thrive.

The chapter closed with a reflection on the importance of relationships, family, and the future that lay ahead.