The Tyrant Billionaire

David studied Hardy and asked, "Are you planning to get involved as well?"

Hardy smiled, "That’s exactly what I’m suggesting. I want to acquire shares in HSBC, but we need to avoid competing against each other. That’s why I came to talk to you."

"But if you see the risks, why are you still interested?"

"This is a gamble. Losing might cost us hundreds of millions, but winning could bring enormous rewards. Maybe you don’t know, but last year I had Wells Fargo enter the Hong Kong market and invest in several industries there, including a shipping company. Many of these enterprises have already begun operations. Owning HSBC shares would greatly benefit my ventures in Asia." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

David thought for a while.

Although he didn’t fully understand why Hardy was willing to take this gamble, he felt a strange confidence in Hardy’s ability to win, given Hardy’s extraordinary rise to success and the theories he had shared with David in the past.

David made his decision. "Hardy, let’s partner on this. We’ll work together on the project."

Hardy laughed, "That’s exactly what I had in mind."

"What’s your plan moving forward?"

"We don’t necessarily need to negotiate directly with the Sassoon family. We can also talk to smaller shareholders. We can also create some public pressure through the newspapers, talking about the uncertainty of the civil war in China and the possibility of banks being seized or investments becoming worthless.

That pressure will likely drive prices down, allowing us to buy the shares at a much lower price."

"I agree with your strategy. From now on, we’re partners," David said, smiling as he extended his hand.

Hardy shook his hand firmly.

Sealing the Deal.

Their partnership was the equivalent of two superconglomerates joining forces—an immensely powerful combination.

After Hardy and David reached an agreement, they began their planning. David would make contact with HSBC to feel out the situation on their side.

As for Hardy, he would stay in the shadows, manipulating public opinion.

The next day,

David Rockefeller met with representatives from HSBC in the hotel’s reception hall. HSBC’s leader, David Sassoon, came from the renowned Sassoon family.

The Sassoon family had accumulated immense wealth over centuries, with assets likely exceeding $10 billion. Often referred to as the "Rothschilds of the East," the Sassoons had even intermarried with the Rothschild family in the past.

Of course, the Sassoon family was vast, with assets distributed among many members rather than concentrated in the hands of a single person.

After exchanging pleasantries, David Rockefeller sat down and spoke, "Mr. Sassoon, I noticed from the investment catalog that HSBC plans to sell 17% of its shares. Could you explain the reasoning behind HSBC’s decision to sell its shares?"

HSBC had anticipated this question. Any potential investor would likely ask this. If they admitted HSBC was in trouble, the buyer would naturally push for a lower price. This was one of the simplest tricks in business negotiations.

David Sassoon smiled. "Actually, HSBC’s financial health remains strong, especially since we hold the currency issuance rights for Hong Kong."

"The Rockefeller family holds shares in the Federal Reserve, controlling the issuance of U.S. currency. I believe you understand the value of issuing rights more than I do."

"This time, HSBC is looking to bring in new shareholders to establish better partnerships and prepare for the expansion into broader markets. HSBC has a series of plans for future expansion, including growing its business in the UK, entering the U.S. market, and expanding into other European countries."

"Mr. Rockefeller, we at HSBC are thrilled that you’re interested in partnering with us. We believe that HSBC has a bright future, and your investment will surely yield great returns."

The eloquent Sassoon painted the deal as a powerful partnership, but David Rockefeller remained noncommittal.

"What is HSBC’s current market value, and at what price are you selling these shares?" David asked.

"Based on our calculations, HSBC is valued at $330 million. The 17% stake is priced at $56.1 million," David Sassoon replied.

David shook his head.

"I don’t believe HSBC is worth $330 million at the moment."

"HSBC’s primary market used to be China, but with the ongoing conflicts there and rampant inflation, the financial order is on the brink of collapse. I’ve heard that most of HSBC’s branches in China have shut down."

David Sassoon’s expression faltered.

"Yes, we’ve been affected to some extent, but our base is in Hong Kong, and business there is booming. With a large influx of people into Hong Kong, HSBC’s business has been growing rapidly."

David eyed Sassoon sharply and continued,

"When the Japanese occupied Hong Kong a few years ago, they confiscated all of HSBC’s assets. After Japan’s surrender, you managed to reclaim HSBC, but it was just an empty shell at the time."

"Although you’ve injected some funds to resume operations, it’s only been three years. I seriously doubt HSBC has made enough profit to justify a $330 million valuation."

"I’ve been following the situation in China, and several major battles have taken place in recent months. The future of China seems very bleak, with the communist party growing stronger with each day. The outcome of the war is already predictable."

"Mr. Sassoon, if the pro-Soviet communist party wins, they’ll seize all property of the capitalists, and given our political differences, it’s unlikely HSBC will ever return to China, meaning HSBC has effectively lost its original market."

"I don’t need to tell you, Mr. Sassoon, how devastating it is for a business to lose its primary market."

"And that’s not even the worst of it. If the British government isn’t ready to take a tough stance for its overseas investors, it’s uncertain whether Hong Kong can be preserved. If the Chinese reclaim Hong Kong, all investments there will vanish, making this an extremely risky venture."

David Rockefeller laid out his points one by one.

David Sassoon began to sweat. It was clear that David understood the situation in Hong Kong and China very well and had likely seen through his intentions.