Chapter 574: Breaking the 10 Billion Barrier

In the latter half of 1978, the British side began preparing for diplomatic negotiations with the mainland regarding Hong Kong's future. In December, the mainland's Foreign Trade Minister formally extended an invitation to Mai Lihao at a banquet.

Until now, Mai Lihao had only been tentatively probing the mainland's stance on Hong Kong's issues, representing the British government. 

Thus, Mai Lihao's trip north was highly anticipated. Newspapers like *Ming Pao*, *Ta Kung Pao*, and *Sing Tao Daily*, which focused on political matters, provided extensive coverage of his visit.

To shift public attention and mitigate the residual effects of the panic withdrawal crisis, major newspapers under Jiu Ding Media Company, such as *Fengyun Daily* and *Sing Tao Daily*, also analyzed the situation.

Indeed, the eyes of the Hong Kong populace were drawn to the news.

With Hong Kong's return and issues of differing social systems at stake, involving their property security and rights, professionals across various sectors in Hong Kong paid close attention.

In this context, Jiu Ding Bank systematically reorganized Henglong Bank and Jiahua Bank, sorting out assets and handling the transfer of ownership.

Liu Tianci consulted Xia Yu, and after discussion, decided to fully merge the two banks into Jiu Ding Bank. After the complete absorption, the Henglong Bank and Jiahua Bank brands would cease to exist.

Of course, considering the long-standing brand reputation of Henglong Bank and Jiahua Bank in Southeast Asia, Jiu Ding Bank could not completely digest their brands in a short period, so it was expected that the names of the two banks would remain for the next few years.

However, according to the long-term plan, these two banks would eventually disappear.

After taking over Henglong Bank and Jiahua Bank, Jiu Ding Bank's total assets directly surpassed the 10 billion HKD mark, reaching as much as 12.8 billion HKD, firmly establishing itself as a major bank in Hong Kong!

Moreover, Jiu Ding Bank also acquired a large number of highly skilled bank employees, doubling its workforce.

Zhuang Rongkun, who had been staying in Hong Kong, was extremely disappointed to see Henglong Bank fall into Jiu Ding Bank's hands and eventually left Hong Kong. Even before he left, he still did not understand why the two banks ended up with Jiu Ding Bank.

Those in the conference room who had speculations about this were not likely to hear any explanations from Mai Lihao or Xia Dingji. Zhuang Rongkun could not find out the reasons either.

As for Shen Bi, Galas Liddell, He Shan Heng, and Ma Jianming, although they had their speculations, they did not spread them. They had no evidence and saw no need to offend Jiu Ding Bank and Xia Yu for the sake of Zhuang Rongkun, an outsider who had failed.

Furthermore, despite not acquiring either of the two banks themselves, the four major banks still benefited from the panic withdrawal crisis. The only difference was that their benefits were not as substantial as Jiu Ding Bank's.

Over time, news about the panic withdrawal crisis might emerge, with various speculations and analyses. However, by then, Jiu Ding Bank would have become a giant, and the Jiu Ding consortium would have infiltrated various industries, being unafraid of past rumors.

Amidst the commotion, another shocking piece of news emerged.

The Global Film Distribution Company was officially established, and a press conference was held at the newly renovated Global Taiping Cinema, inviting all media from Hong Kong.

This news struck like a thunderbolt to Shao Yifu and Zhang Wenhuai, who immediately sent representatives to Global Taiping Cinema to gather firsthand information.

At the press conference, Jiang Zhiqiang announced with great enthusiasm the establishment of Global Film Distribution Company, openly showcasing its strength.

Despite media speculation in the previous months about major changes in Hong Kong's film industry and cinema sector, the lack of direct answers meant the impact was minimal.

However, when Jiang Zhiqiang revealed that Global Film Distribution Company owned 20 cinemas in Hong Kong, with a total of 16,850 seats and 189 screens, surpassing the strength of Hong Kong's leading cinema chains, Golden Harvest and Shaw Brothers, the conference room fell into momentary silence. Then, the media erupted, with flashing lights making it difficult for Jiang Zhiqiang to keep his eyes open.

"Mr. Jiang, is the major backer of Global Film Distribution Company the stock god Xia Yu?"

"Mr. Jiang, was the establishment of Global Film Distribution Company planned for a long time? Does it mean that the stock god is optimistic about the Hong Kong film industry?"

"Mr. Jiang…"

Reporters kept raising their microphones and pressing forward, while the security personnel at the scene worked hard to maintain order, pushing reporters back behind the security line.

Jiang Zhiqiang's face was flushed, and he raised his hands to signal everyone to calm down.

"One at a time, please maintain order."

"Alright, you!"

Jiang Zhiqiang pointed to the nearest reporter from *The Hong Kong Economic Journal*. The reporter was thrilled and immediately asked loudly, "Mr. Jiang, Global Film Distribution Company shares its name with Global Television. Is the major backer of Global Film Distribution Company the stock god Xia Yu? Does this significant move into the film industry indicate that Hong Kong's film industry is poised for great opportunities?"

The reporter from *The Hong Kong Economic Journal* greedily asked two questions, with the second one even snatching the spotlight from a reporter from *Sing Tao Daily*. This made the latter angry, but the former ignored him.

Jiang Zhiqiang looked at him and said, "Each person can only ask one question. However, since you are fortunate enough to be the first, I will answer both of your questions."

Then, Jiang Zhiqiang straightened his chest and said loudly, "Global Film Distribution Company is a subsidiary of Jiu Ding Cultural Media Group, and is a sibling company to Jiu Ding Media Company and Global Television."

"As for entering the film industry, it does not hold any special significance. It is purely a matter of enriching the group's industrial chain. That's all! I hope everyone does not over-interpret it."

"Wow…"

Upon hearing Jiang Zhiqiang's response, the reporters at the scene were even more excited, believing that Global Film Distribution Company was indeed a part of the stock god's empire.

Just days ago, the stock god's Jiu Ding Bank had absorbed two old banks, and the news was still hot. Now, Jiu Ding had entered the cinema industry, forcefully overshadowing the original top players, Golden Harvest and Shaw Brothers, with a dominating presence.

"Mr. Jiang, although Global Film Distribution Company is the largest in scale in Hong Kong's cinema industry, it lacks sufficient film source support compared to Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest. How do you plan to stand out? Has a film company been secretly established?"

After Jiang Zhiqiang's response, a reporter from *Sing Tao Daily* immediately jumped in to ask.

"That's a good question!"

Jiang Zhiqiang gave him an appreciative look and said.

"From the very beginning, Global Film Distribution Company's mission has been to contribute to Hong Kong's film industry."

"One flower alone does not make a spring, but a hundred flowers in bloom fill the garden with spring!"

"Global Film Distribution Company is open to all film companies, unlike some of our competitors who hoard resources and engage in unfair competition by only screening mediocre films and denying opportunities to excellent ones."

Hearing Jiang Zhiqiang's vigorous critique, the reporters were trembling with excitement. Some reporters also seemed to sense that Jiang Zhiqiang might reveal a big news item next, so despite their excitement, they held back from asking further questions and focused intently on Jiang Zhiqiang.