After Divorce, I Can Hear the Future-Chapter 987: Game of Power

"Chairman Sun, on this point, I can’t guarantee anything to you, only do my utmost."

Sun Zhengyi chuckled mockingly, clearly not believing in the ’do my utmost’ rhetoric, when he suddenly heard Lu Liang say, "But you should know, if that day truly comes, Tianxing will definitely fall before everyone else."

Lu Liang’s stance was resolute; if the Hong Kong stock market were to be assimilated in the future, becoming another Big A or even a cash cow for certain groups, Tianxing Finance would resist till the last second, preferring to destroy the market rather than let others reap the benefits.

Sun Zhengyi was silent for a long time, then he looked at Sakurada Miyuki and said: "President Sakurada, it’s time to discuss the issues between us."

He chose to trust Lu Liang and believed that East Country wouldn’t be so narrow-minded. After all, Tianxing Finance had a presence in East Asia and across Europe and America. Lu Liang wasn’t without options; he just wanted to develop in Xiangjiang.

Sakurada Miyuki looked at Lu Liang, upon receiving a signal, she pondered for a moment and said, "Chairman Sun, I wonder if SoftBank Mobile is willing to cooperate with us to jointly develop the market?"

To counter Softbank Group, Xu Jiawei, Ota Renjun, and Sato Tatsuya devised a plan called ’strike the snake at its three-inch point.’

Softbank Group has four core businesses: venture capital, internet promotion services, payment services, and telecommunications operations.

There was no need to target the venture capital sector because Softbank’s decline over the years was mainly due to the diminishing returns from venture capital, seemingly diminishing ever since the sale of Alibaba’s shares.

Sun Zhengyi’s extraordinary investment acumen had, by now, been attributed to luck, purely hitting the jackpot with Ma Yun.

So, they mainly targeted Softbank Group’s internet promotion services, payment services, and telecommunications operations.

Out of these three, two closely aligned with Xingheng’s investment strategy, with their initial target set on telecommunications operations.

Back then, Lu Liang took advantage of the yen’s steep drop and had Xingheng raise investments in thirteen Neon citizen enterprises, including one called Tokyo Telecommunications.

Tokyo Telecommunications was also the second-largest shareholder of SoftBank Mobile, next to Softbank Group. Thus, by controlling Tokyo Telecommunications, they began acquiring shares of SoftBank Mobile, aiming to achieve a takeover.

Softbank had no money and could only watch as they were slowly eaten away, ultimately turning to Lu Liang in hopes of quelling the crisis through under-the-table maneuvers.

Sakurada Miyuki’s words signified that Starry would abandon its invasion of Softbank and invite Softbank Group to jointly develop in the future.

Sun Zhengyi frowned deeply. Despite feeling humiliated inside, he had to agree: "It would be a pleasure, I greatly look forward to working with President Sakurada."

"Come, come, have some tea, substitute tea for wine. Meet with a smile and let bygones be bygones, there’s no grievance that can’t be resolved."

Lu Liang flashed a happily inflecting smile, while speaking to Sun Zhengyi: "Chairman Sun, Miyuki is still young, and some things were not handled properly. Please don’t take it to heart."

Sakurada Miyuki also lowered her stance, raising her teacup first with an apologetic expression and said: "Chairman Sun, I was a bit immature earlier; please allow me to extend my apologies here."

"Everyone has impulsive moments, understandable." Sun Zhengyi transformed into a fake-smile senior, his smile evidently insincere.

But Lu Liang, seemingly oblivious, chatted with him casually.

Until a phone call interrupted the conversation.

He glanced at the caller ID, frowning slightly. Sun Zhengyi seemed to perceive the importance of the call: "Mr. Lu, if you have business to attend to, I won’t inconvenience you further."

Lu Liang nodded without attempting to detain him, turning to Sakurada Miyuki: "Miyuki, could you see Chairman Sun out for me, please."

As the two left the office, Lu Liang called back, and Zeng Guoqing’s voice came through the phone: "Chen Jiebin has shared your plan with me. How confident are you?"

"Less than thirty percent." Lu Liang responded quite bluntly, leaving Zeng Guoqing stunned for a moment: "Only thirty percent?"

Lu Liang replied irritably: "Even thirty percent is high; investing in a market involves too many external factors. National strength, credibility, and economic environment can all be major influences on success or failure."

"Little Lu, with only thirty percent, it’s hard for me to convince others to agree." Zeng Guoqing smiled wryly. Though he understood Lu Liang’s reasoning, he still hoped Lu Liang could do or promise something to slightly increase the success rate.

Lu Liang took a deep breath and said in a subdued voice: "Chairman Zeng, I won’t hide it from you. Just a minute ago, Sun Zhengyi left my office."

"Softbank has strong investment intentions, but Sun Zhengyi is worried that the future Hong Kong stock market might become another Big A."

"At that time, he also hoped I could give some guarantees that the foundation of the Hong Kong stock market would not change. Now you’re asking for my guarantee too."

"Do you all think I can guarantee everything?"

By the last words, Lu Liang was evidently a bit angry.

Damn it, everyone, humans and ghosts alike, wants his guarantee. Is it his fate to be put in such a position?

Detecting Lu Liang’s evident emotional state, Zeng Guoqing quickly appeased with a placating smile: "Little Lu, calm down, give me some time, I’ll try my best to convince them and surely give you a satisfying answer."

Lu Liang, his voice hoarse and still harboring residual anger, said: "Chairman Zeng, I have other matters to attend to."

"Sure, sure, you go ahead, I’ll wait for your news." Zeng Guoqing was very understanding and proactively ended the call.

He kept a recording of the call and replayed it repeatedly, muttering to himself: "Sun Zhengyi might have agreed, but what did Lu Liang pay for it? Or what did he promise?"

"Hyundai Group, Mitsui Sumitomo Financial Group, now another Softbank Group... the Financial Harbor plan..."

While Zeng Guoqing jotted down notes, Sakurada Miyuki also returned to the office after seeing Sun Zhengyi off.

Seeing Lu Liang seemingly in a bad mood, Sakurada Miyuki walked up behind him, mimicking her mother’s way of massaging her father, with gentle fingers pressing on the temples at the end of his eyes and the Fengchi point on the neck.

The two remained silent; after a while, Lu Liang gently held Sakurada Miyuki’s hand, a smile reappearing on his face, and asked, "Have you informed Xu Jiawei and the others?"

"I just spoke to Minister Xu on the phone, and they have already called off the acquisition of SoftBank Mobile. Going forward, cooperation will be the focus," replied Sakurada Miyuki.

Lu Liang suddenly stood up, holding Sakurada Miyuki’s slender waist: "Let’s go shopping first, then we’ll go out to sea for a few days of good fun and leave these troublesome matters aside for now."

"Probably don’t need to buy anything; I brought most of the stuff."

"Got a blue death pool swimsuit?"

"...I don’t think so."

"Then go buy it."

The two left the company, heading towards Taikoo Mall.

Lu Liang called Wen Chao, informing him that he would be on holiday for a few days, and told him to handle things himself without bothering him much.

Wen Chao had a mixed expression of amusement and helplessness, but could only nod and wish the boss a pleasant holiday.

An hour and a half later, a three-story luxury yacht set sail against the sea breeze, leaving Victoria Harbor for open waters.

Sakurada Miyuki was gleeful, like a child whose nature had been suppressed for a long time, running wildly around the ship, insisting on dragging Lu Liang with her under the guise of adventure.

However, on the ship, besides the two of them, there were two captains, two chefs, six security personnel, and four sailors who doubled as service staff.

As time passed, even standing on the top deck of the yacht, the continental shelf was no longer visible, temporarily stopping in a vast blue sea.

Sakurada Miyuki also changed into the "Death Pool Water" swimsuit that Lu Liang loved, knowing its features, she deliberately bought one size smaller.

Because a smaller size not only accentuates her figure but also creates a special allure at the top of the thighs.

She stood before Lu Liang, occasionally adjusting the straps, asking shyly, "Sir, does it look good?"

Lu Liang looked at her appreciatively and praised sincerely, "It’s very beautiful."

The top deck of the yacht had a lounge, surrounded by one-sided glass, and the ceiling was like a car’s sunroof that could be controlled to open.

The two, embraced on the bed, were covered with a thin blanket, quietly enjoying the sunset scenery, emotions deepening, and everything came naturally.

At the same time, an emergency meeting was held in Beijing.

The topic of discussion at this meeting was the International Financial Port plan proposed by Lu Liang.

The attendees included Chen Jiebin from the Xiangjiang Financial Management Office and Shi Meilun from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, along with the heads of various regulatory bodies like the Central Bank’s Zeng Guoqing and leaders from the Silver Supervision Committee, Securities and Futures Commission, and Insurance Regulatory Commission.

"Lu Liang’s concept was proposed too late; it’s not even a year since the Sci-Tech Innovation Board launched, are we going to abolish it?" The Securities and Futures Commission leader first raised objections.

Should the International Financial Port be established, it would mean the shift of mainland’s core financial business to Xiangjiang, weakening the power of mainland’s three major regulatory bodies to some extent.

Yet this plan aims to consolidate all resources, not only will Tianxing Finance put in everything, but also combined with investments from multiple countries like Japan and Korea.

Overall, the benefits definitely outweigh the drawbacks, so he could only oppose under the guise of the Sci-Tech Innovation Board. .

Zeng Guoqing said lightly, "The Sci-Tech Innovation Board is about to mark its anniversary; has it fulfilled our initial expectations?"

He answered himself, "No, the current Sci-Tech Innovation Board is like the previous Growth Enterprise Market, without any fundamental change." 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Zeng Guoqing looked at the leaders of the three regulatory bodies, saying coldly, "The International Financial Port plan is destined to become a milestone in our country’s financial history, it might even position us to take initiative in the international financial market, so I hope everyone can put aside their personal interests and address the matter objectively."

The heads of the three regulatory bodies fell silent upon hearing this.

Zeng Guoqing’s words set the tone for the meeting, the International Financial Port project is bound to be established.

The reason they were called here was not to discuss whether to establish it, but to discuss the implementation plan, and potentially post-establishment regulation.

The Insurance Regulatory Commission leader pondered before suddenly saying, "A fist gathers strength when clenched, the Financial Port project is overall beneficial, but is delegating such significant power to a private company really appropriate?"

He realized that since the establishment of the International Financial Port project couldn’t be prevented, one might as well go with it, perhaps even expand the Insurance Regulatory Commission’s reach.

"Chairman Li, do you not trust our regulatory system?" Chen Jiebin squinted his eyes, suddenly questioning.

He knew if he didn’t speak now, he might not even keep an acre of ground in Xiangjiang.

"Director Chen, please don’t misunderstand."

The Insurance Regulatory Commission leader said with a smiling face and then added, "It’s just that you all know Lu Liang’s personality, which inevitably raises some concerns. Power should be caged and regulated to ensure it isn’t abused."

Shi Meilun from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange suddenly said, "Precisely for this reason, having Tianxing Finance in charge is most suitable, because Mr. Lu is very aware of the regulatory systems above him."

She smiled slightly, not continuing further, but everyone understood her meaning.

The advantage of Tianxing Finance is exactly because it’s a private enterprise, because it’s private, it holds a sense of reverence.

If all three regulatory bodies established branches in Xiangjiang, it would mean no essential change, A-shares’ present would be Hong Kong stocks’ future.

"Director Shi, what do you mean by that?" The leaders of the three regulatory bodies suddenly widened their eyes, glaring, insisting on an explanation.

"No other meaning," Shi Meilun said softly.

Seeing this two against three, with solid reasoning, refusing to yield.

Zeng Guoqing rubbed his brow, suddenly interrupting, "What is Lu Liang doing?"

"I’m not sure; should I call him to join the meeting?" Chen Jiebin asked, pretending to make contact with Lu Liang.

Though before coming, he already contacted Sun Zheyuan, learned that Lu Liang was out on holiday, but it didn’t stop him from putting on a show.

Zeng Guoqing shook his head, stopping him, suddenly smiling in annoyance, "Do we rely on him for everything? Are we really that incapable?"

He continued to say, "Lu Liang has already set the stage, secured funding, even this trend was all initiated by him; on the contrary, we bicker endlessly over personal desires, sometimes it’s quite ironic when you think about it."

Zeng Guoqing pondered for a moment, speaking coldly, "Since everyone is arguing endlessly, I’ll make the final decision..."

A leader not only possesses nearly absolute power but should also carry the responsibility that comes with being a leader.