Lin BaoCheng was spending more and more time at Galaxy Games.
After the Tank Battle development team returned to Hong Kong, they continued their work. The game was now in its final stages, and Lin often visited to personally oversee and review progress.
He had great confidence in Tank Battle. In his previous life, it had already proven itself as a classic. Though now released six or seven years earlier, in an era with few quality games, it might become even more popular than before.
Of course, there was a chance that releasing it early could dampen interest. But Lin judged that risk small.
A hit arcade game could bring in at least US$100–200 million over several years. Lin had every reason to pay close attention.
Meanwhile, ATV's Miss Asia contest was still accepting registrations, Starshine Pictures' Snake in the Eagle's Shadow was screening, and Jupiter Toys' claw machine was undergoing final checks. Lin had many ventures, but he prioritized Galaxy Games, since Tank Battle promised the greatest returns.
On Saturday, August 5, Lin spent the afternoon heading to a pier with his bodyguards.
"Mr. Lin, long time no see," someone greeted him.
"Mr. Wu, indeed it's been a while," Lin replied, shaking hands with Wu GuanZheng — the son‑in‑law of shipping magnate Bao YuGang.
"My father‑in‑law is waiting on the yacht. This way, please," Wu said, leading him aboard.
Lin followed, while some bodyguards stayed behind with the cars. Six accompanied him onto the yacht.
"Mr. Lin, you've finally come," Bao YuGang said, approaching.
"Mr. Bao!" Lin greeted warmly. Bao had invited him for a fishing trip. With no pressing matters, Lin accepted.
"Ah Zheng, have them set sail," Bao instructed his son‑in‑law, then glanced at Lin's bodyguards. "Treat these gentlemen well."
"No need, Mr. Bao. We'll stay aside," said Chen YaoXian, the lead guard.
"Very well," Bao nodded, not pressing further.
Lin smiled: "I hope you don't mind. I always bring guards wherever I go."
"Not at all. Safety is important," Bao said, waving it off. Though he thought Lin's caution excessive, he didn't comment further.
The yacht started and headed out to sea.
Lin and Bao sat under a parasol at a table, with Wu standing nearby. Lin's guards kept their distance but never took their eyes off him.
Bao said:
"Mr. Lin, besides fishing today, I have a favor to ask."
"Please, go ahead," Lin replied calmly.
Bao explained:
"You own a securities company, don't you? I'd like to entrust it to buy shares of a listed company."
"Wharf Holdings?" Lin guessed immediately. Bao's fallback after shipping was real estate, and he hadn't yet secured control.
"Exactly," Bao confirmed. "Because of HSBC's Shen Zhou, I agreed with Jardine Matheson not to increase our holdings in Wharf for one year. After that, anything goes."
"But recently, Newbiggin's involvement in shorting Hutchison Whampoa caused Jardine heavy losses — about HK$200 million in cash. They even sold 3% of Hutchison shares at a low price. Newbiggin resigned, and Jardine replaced its chairman."
"Now Jardine is weakened. It's my chance. But bound by the agreement, I can't increase my stake. So I need outside help."
Lin nodded. He didn't ask why Bao didn't simply break the agreement. It was informal, not legal. But Bao valued Shen Zhou's face. As an HSBC director, Bao couldn't afford to offend him.
"How many Wharf shares do you hold now?" Lin asked.
"Over 22 million — nearly 25%," Bao replied. "I don't know Jardine's exact holdings, but they likely don't exceed 30%."
"So what do you want me to do?" Lin asked, signaling his willingness.
"I want you to secretly buy Wharf shares. If Jardine notices, raise the price boldly. Ideally, acquire 25%. I plan to follow your example — holding 49.9%."
"Though bound by the agreement, once you've bought enough, I'll immediately purchase them from you. Shen Zhou will understand — I haven't broken the pact myself."
"As for funds, I must ask you to front them. But I won't let you lose. Whatever you spend, I'll buy back at a 20% premium. How does that sound?"
Bao had many friends, but few could spare hundreds of millions at once. He knew Lin had profited greatly from Hutchison's recent rally. That was why he asked him.
"Since you put it that way, how could I refuse?" Lin smiled. A 20% profit wasn't huge, but it was decent. More importantly, it was a favor between friends.
"Thank you, Mr. Lin. I owe you one," Bao said happily. Buying from Lin at a premium would still cost far less than openly competing with Jardine.
"You're too kind," Lin replied, pleased. Gaining Bao's favor could prove useful later.
After that, they dropped business talk and chatted casually until reaching the fishing grounds.
Lin had never fished before, but Bao was skilled. With Bao's guidance, Lin learned quickly. Though he didn't enjoy sitting still, he went along politely.