The Peninsula Hotel!
A month had passed, and a grand banquet was being held. Hong Kong's elite, including wealthy tycoons, celebrities, and prominent figures from all walks of life, were all present.
As Ye Hao Chen entered with Tian Yan, who was dressed in a stunning evening gown, they immediately attracted a lot of attention.
Seeing the "Shipping King" engaged in a lively conversation with Ye Hao Chen, many guests were taken aback.
They all began speculating about the young man's identity, after all, the "Shipping King" was the richest man in Hong Kong.
"Mr. Huo, nice to meet you."
Ye Hao Chen turned his gaze to the elderly gentleman standing beside the "Shipping King" and greeted him respectfully.
While the "Shipping King" was the wealthiest in Hong Kong, the Huo family held the most significant influence.
His respect for the elderly man before him was genuine.
There was no other reason than the fact that Mr. Huo had always been deeply patriotic.
"Haha, I've heard old Bao mention you,"
"I've been eager to meet a young talent like you."
Mr. Huo also scrutinized Ye Hao Chen, a smile gracing his lips.
He and the "Shipping King" had a close relationship, often sharing tea and meals together.
Two months ago, upon his return to Hong Kong, the "Shipping King" had spoken about Ye Hao Chen.
Thus, he was aware that the young man before him possessed a significant fortune.
Most importantly, he was capable. Mr. Huo had investigated Ye Hao Chen and deemed him a prodigy.
Upon his return to Hong Kong, he had acquired shares in Hutchison Whampoa and successfully became an Executive Director.
Furthermore, Ye Hao Chen had been quite active during this period.
He had driven out several shareholders from Hutchison Whampoa, effectively taking complete control.
Aside from Hutchison Whampoa, the Ye Corporation was equally assertive.
They had swallowed up the Brilliant Company, and after the merger of these two companies, they became Hong Kong's largest snack and textile corporation.
With the dominance of the food and textile industries, the Ye Corporation was the uncrowned king of Hong Kong.
They had been continuously expanding, now even preparing for exports.
"I still have much to learn from Mr. Huo."
Ye Hao Chen glanced at the "Shipping King," whose face was beaming with a smile, and then chuckled.
"You're a sly one, kid."
"Is it you who's been secretly buying up shares in Wharf Holdings? "
"Is the person behind Universal Investment you? "
The "Shipping King" looked at Ye Hao Chen with a wry smile and asked in a low voice.
As soon as he finished speaking, Mr. Huo was taken aback and looked at Ye Hao Chen with astonishment.
He was unaware of Universal Investment but knew the "Shipping King" was acquiring Wharf Holdings.
He had been locked in a continuous rivalry with Jardine Matheson during this time.
He was also aware that the "Shipping King" had secured a loan from HSBC.
Unbeknownst to him, Ye Hao Chen was also involved.
The fact that his old friend had mentioned it meant Ye Hao Chen held a significant number of shares.
"Yes, I established Universal Investment soon after returning to Hong Kong."
"I know you're vying for Wharf Holdings with Jardine Matheson."
"I anticipated that a clash was inevitable, so I instructed someone to acquire shares in the market."
Ye Hao Chen paused briefly before replying with a smile, his words straightforward and direct.
Since the "Shipping King" had discovered his involvement, there was no need to hide it.
However, he hadn't intended to conceal it for long, after all, fifty million USD is no small sum.
He had invested a total of sixty million, spread out over time.
"Tell me honestly, how many shares do you hold?"
The "Shipping King's" eyes flickered slightly, his gaze fixed intently on Ye Hao Chen.
He confirmed it was indeed this young man. He had investigated Universal Investment and discovered it was run by a person named Lin Qing Feng.
This individual seemed to have emerged out of thin air, but his investigation also revealed that Ye Hao Chen had been seen entering Universal Investment.
"Not many, just eleven million shares."
A smile graced Ye Hao Chen's face. Currently, Wharf Holdings' share price had surged to HK$68.
It was very difficult to buy scattered shares in the market now, unless one was willing to pay an exorbitant price.
Huu, huu!
Upon hearing "eleven million shares," both the "Shipping King" and Mr. Huo gasped for breath.
11 million shares weren't a small number, it represented a ten percent stake.
Even at the lowest price, it would require hundreds of millions of Hong Kong dollars.
"You, kid..."
"The younger generation is pushing the older ones aside, no wonder they call you an investment genius."
The "Shipping King" took a deep breath and remarked with a sigh.
Mr. Huo nodded in agreement. This young man had his sights set on Wharf Holdings immediately upon returning to Hong Kong.
This wasn't just a matter of vision, but also required courage.
Combined with Hutchison Whampoa, this young man had invested at least ten billion Hong Kong dollars.
The "Shipping King" shook his head helplessly. He knew he was going to have to bleed heavily.
This kid's massive investment was clearly not just for a stake in Wharf Holdings, but for a grand profit.
While they were acquainted, business was business.
He planned to have a serious conversation with Ye Hao Chen tomorrow.
"Old Bao, it seems like you're going to be spending a lot."
Mr. Huo, observing his friend's expression, teased with a chuckle.
"Hao Chen, what are your thoughts on Hong Kong? "
Mr. Huo turned to Ye Hao Chen, who looked like a true gentleman, and inquired in a low voice.
As soon as he finished speaking, the "Shipping King" glanced around before also turning to Ye Hao Chen.
"Great Britain is too far, China is too close, Hong Kong will eventually embrace the motherland."
Ye Hao Chen's eyes flickered slightly, and he responded with a firm voice.
"Good, good, good..."
Upon hearing Ye Hao Chen's words, Mr. Huo's fist clenched involuntarily, and he uttered three consecutive "good".
Everyone in Hong Kong knew that the Huo family was on the side of China, so they had been targeted by the government, and many dared not get too close to them.
While there were many in Hong Kong who cared for the motherland, none dared to be as outspoken as Mr. Huo.
This old man deserved everyone's respect, he had always been working hard for the sake of his country.
"Hao Chen, I'll introduce some friends to you sometime."
A smile spread across Mr. Huo's face as he looked at Ye Hao Chen with a sense of contentment.
"No problem."
Ye Hao Chen's brows raised slightly, and he nodded with a smile. He already had a hunch about who Mr. Huo was going to introduce.
They didn't delve further into the matter, choosing to leave it at that.
After all, this was not an appropriate setting for such a discussion.
"Shipping King, Mr. Huo, what are you discussing? "
Just then, a group of individuals approached, a middle-aged man among them raised a glass and said with a smile.