Peninsula Hotel.
"Brother Lin, I'm so bored. Can we go out shopping?"
Guan ZhiLin rested her chin in her hands, pouting at Lin BaoCheng across the table.
Lin smiled: "I've arranged to meet someone for business. After we finish, we'll go shopping."
Earlier that afternoon, Guan had called Lin to invite him out. He didn't refuse, but explained he already had a meeting at the Peninsula Hotel. She asked if she could come along, and he agreed.
At first, Guan was excited, looking around curiously. But soon she grew restless, finding afternoon tea dull.
"Alright then," she sighed, choosing to wait.
Fortunately, the person Lin was meeting also arrived early, so they didn't wait long.
"Mr. Lin, HSBC's Mr. Shen has arrived," Qin Lan reported.
"JiaHui, wait here. I'll go talk with someone," Lin said, rising and walking to another table.
"Mr. Lin, it's been over two months," Shen Zhou greeted, shaking his hand.
"Yes, it has," Lin nodded, smiling as they sat.
A waiter came, and they ordered tea and snacks.
Shen asked: "How is your business in America developing?" He truly didn't know the details, so he was curious.
"Just small ventures," Lin replied, shaking his head. "I've invested a lot, but it will take four or five years to break even. I just hope operations don't falter, or my losses will be heavy."
"With your skill and intelligence, I'm sure your company will bring great profits," Shen said with a smile. He didn't believe Lin's modesty, knowing Lin wouldn't reveal the truth.
Lin laughed: "Let's hope so. Thank you for your kind words."
Soon, the waiter brought their tea. They clinked cups lightly.
Lin then asked: "Mr. Shen, the reason I invited you today is to ask why HSBC keeps increasing its stake in Hutchison Whampoa. Is it purely financial investment, believing in long‑term growth?"
"Indeed, HSBC's investment is simply financial, based on confidence in Hutchison's prospects," Shen nodded. "I had planned to discuss this once HSBC reached 15%. Rest assured, we won't exceed that. With Hutchison's current market value, HSBC can't hold much more anyway."
At that time, Hutchison's share price hovered between HK$20–25, after dipping to HK$17.26 in May. Its market cap fluctuated between HK$8–10 billion. HSBC, though managing hundreds of billions, couldn't use depositor funds to buy shares — only its own capital.
HSBC's 13% stake was possible because it had bought heavily years earlier when shares were HK$4–5. At current prices, it couldn't buy much more.
"I understand, but this isn't what we originally agreed," Lin reminded. He wasn't seeking confrontation — unless he wanted to break with HSBC, he couldn't stop them buying.
"Here's my thought," Shen said with a smile. "I've already reported to the board. If you purchase at least 3% of HSBC, we'll give you a director's seat. You'd become an HSBC board member, deepening cooperation."
"You're thoughtful," Lin replied. On the surface, this seemed beneficial. HSBC was Hong Kong's largest bank. With its support, his ventures would run smoothly, and funding would never be a problem.
But Lin knew better. HSBC's stance aligned with Britain now, and later with America — opposite to his own. After China's reform and opening, his business would lean toward the mainland. If HSBC ever opposed China, as its director he could be implicated.
Better not to join at all, avoiding future entanglements.
"So, Mr. Lin, what do you mean?" Shen asked.
"I truly appreciate your offer. But I'm investing in Hollywood now. I've acquired a film company and will keep funding it. I don't have money for other investments," Lin said, shaking his head with regret. He chose a polite refusal, preserving their current relationship without conflict.
"That's unfortunate. But if your plans change, contact me anytime," Shen said, giving Lin a deep look and a faint smile. He understood Lin's stance.
"Alright," Lin replied with a smile.
After a few more words, Lin excused himself, saying he had to accompany someone shopping.
He left the Peninsula Hotel with Guan ZhiLin, heading to Central. With bodyguards and Qin Lan following at a distance, Lin, wearing sunglasses, strolled hand in hand with Guan.