On Saturday, September 24, the communiqué of the fourth round of negotiations issued by China and England omitted the usual phrase "useful and constructive".

On the same day, almost all foreign businessmen refused to accept the Hong Kong dollar, and the Hong Kong dollar, which had signs of stabilization, fell rapidly, and fell to the psychological defense line of '9' at the first time.

Since there was already a 'great righteousness', Lin Zhichao arranged for various 'deposit banks' early in the morning to convert all the US dollars of his enterprises into Hong Kong dollars. Under the interference of such powerful forces, the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Hong Kong dollar will definitely not reach the peak of '9.8' in the previous life, and even '9.5' will not be able to touch.

The reason why Lin Zhichao did this, to put it bluntly, was to make a lot of money. But at this time, he has already taken the righteous, after all, a week in advance, he is an important force to stabilize the Hong Kong dollar, and also claims that his companies will no longer hold US dollars.

In the morning of the same day.

Zhang Guiji is a middle-class businessman who is engaged in the wholesale business of aquatic products, and of course he inevitably has a background in the community.

Today, he hurried to the head office of Hang Seng Bank, the deposit bank, and was ready to convert all the more than 5 million Hong Kong dollars in his account into US dollars. Because he heard that the Hong Kong dollar was about to become worthless, and Hong Kong would use RMB for circulation, he came to Hang Seng Bank early in the morning.

Traveling with him, as well as his wife Li Yuanxiu, was also anxious, for fear that his wealth would return to zero overnight.

"Boss, why do you think this Hong Kong dollar has suddenly become worthless? In the past few years, the Hong Kong dollar has appreciated, and 1 US dollar can only be exchanged for more than 5 Hong Kong dollars! ”

"In previous years, it was the depreciation of the dollar, and now it is the appreciation of the dollar, coupled with the crazy depreciation of the Hong Kong dollar. I don't know, what is the exchange rate today, you line up, I'll go see the exchange rate! ”

"Okay, I promise to line up, no one wants to cut in line!"

Li Yuanxiu said fiercely, as if warning the people around him.

Someone said: "Don't look at it, it's already out, 1 US dollar is exchanged for 9.2 Hong Kong dollars, and it is said that it will fall." Now many companies and merchants do not accept Hong Kong dollars! ”

The crowd was in an uproar!

"If we don't accept Hong Kong dollars, won't the Hong Kong dollars in our hands become waste paper?"

"That's right, we've worked hard for decades, can we let our wealth be wiped out overnight?"

The mood at the scene was quickly ignited, and they were anxiously waiting to exchange foreign currency.

In fact, many banks have a limit on foreign currency exchange, so the morning is destined to be depleted quickly.

Finally, it was Zhang Guiji's turn, he came to the counter of Hang Seng Bank, and the first thing he said was: "Miss, I want to exchange US dollars!" Convert all the HKD in my account into USD! ”

The female teller of the bank kindly said: "Sir, in order to avoid unnecessary losses, I suggest that this decision be made carefully!" Recently, large enterprises such as Cheung Kong Group and Hutchison Whampoa have announced that they do not hold US dollars, but Hong Kong dollars, and all their stores accept Hong Kong dollars. ”

Zhang Guiji couldn't listen and said: "Don't mention this, I'm angry when I mention it." If I hadn't listened to them, I might have held US dollars instead of Hong Kong dollars. Hurry up and exchange it, you won't have enough dollars, will you? ”

The female teller could only say helplessly: "Please rest assured, our dollars are very sufficient today!" ”

Before going to work in the morning, they had been informed that the US dollar was relatively sufficient today, and some companies sold the US dollar to stabilize the Hong Kong dollar. As the industry knows, these companies are basically Sir Lin's related enterprises.

"That's good, hurry up and redeem it!" Zhang Guiji said anxiously.

Although he has no plans to emigrate, after all, he has lived in Hong Kong for so long, but his children are preparing to emigrate. Redeeming dollars is no matter how cost-effective and useful!

"Okay, your account has a total of 5.32 million Hong Kong dollars, and at the current exchange rate of 9.2, you can only exchange 578,000 US dollars. We're also going to charge a commission."

Soon, Zhang Guiji breathed a sigh of relief!

People like him abound today. Many people went to the banks and foreign exchange shops to exchange dollars, so much so that in the morning, most of the stores had 'dried up the dollar'.

For a while, many citizens felt that the storm was coming!

"What should I do if the Hong Kong dollar is going to become toilet paper?"

"There's a way, hurry up and go to the supermarket to buy finished goods!"

"yes, I didn't think of that! Buy rice, buy canned food, buy daily necessities! ”

"Hurry up, I've heard that a lot of supermarkets have gone to a lot of people!"

In the afternoon, a large number of citizens rushed to the supermarket to buy canned food, food, dry goods, household items, etc., and everything that could be saved was snapped up.

At this time, the entire financial system of Hong Kong was in jeopardy.

Faced with a serious crisis of a possible run on the Hong Kong dollar, the Hong Kong government began to consider reforming the monetary system to save the Hong Kong dollar exchange rate, which was falling sharply. On Sunday, September 25, the Hong Kong government issued a bulletin announcing that the government was "actively developing" a new currency stabilization plan, and that the full convertibility of the Hong Kong dollar was a basic prerequisite for any monetary stabilization program. The announcement also said that this would mean a major overhaul of the "currency issuance mechanism" in order to "produce an exchange rate that more accurately reflects the fundamental strength of the economy."

The announcement also affirms that it is unlawful for any person in Hong Kong to request payment in foreign currency in local transactions.

In line with the Government's measures, HKAB announced on 26 September that it would raise deposit rates by 3% with effect from the following day, and the two note-issuing banks also raised their prime rates by 3% to support the sharply falling Hong Kong dollar.

The two announcements served to reassure people, and on Monday, 26 September, the Hong Kong dollar rebounded to 8.20 per dollar.

For a time, the speculative activities of speculators were immediately dealt a severe blow!

Of course, those who had just been converted into dollars were immediately annoyed.

For example, Zhang Guiji, who is interested in making water, is scolding the sky and scolding his mother at this time: "Dog's day, don't interfere early or late, I just exchanged it for a day, and I came out to interfere." Oh my money! ”

At this time, he is not in the mood for business either!

His wife Li Yuanxiu hurriedly asked, "How much have we lost?" ”

Zhang Guiji said: "600,000 Hong Kong dollars! ”

Li Yuanxiu almost fainted, and said in his mouth: ", I can't make any business this year!" ”

This is also the couple's intention to do a big enough job, Zhang Guiji has a community background, and the water is smooth. In the past year or so, due to the dismal business of real estate and finance, their business has naturally decreased by a quarter.

Zhang Guiji said: "Don't panic! Don't panic! The Hong Kong dollar will depreciate! ”

Li Yuanxiu ignited hope!

That day.

The exchange rate of the US dollar against the Hong Kong dollar has stabilized at around 8.2, speculation and speculation in the market have almost stopped, and the Hong Kong dollar crisis has been temporarily alleviated.

Following.

"Boss"

Lin Benfeng, president of Octopus Finance Company, found Lin Zhichao.

Lin Zhichao said: "Is there any news from Hang Lung Bank? ”

Octopus Finance has been researching Hang Lung Bank, or has been preparing to obtain a banking license. And Lin Benfeng is not only Lin Zhichao's brother-in-law, but also a professional financial talent, so he has won Lin Zhichao's trust.

Lin Benfeng nodded and said: "The latest news, Standard Chartered rejected a cheque worth 50 million Hong Kong dollars issued by Hang Lung Bank for cash, so some well-informed market participants have withdrawn tens of millions of Hang Lung Bank deposits. ”

Standard Chartered Bank, the note-issuing bank, announced a bailout of Hang Lung Bank last year. This bailout is not unconditional, and will only agree to the bailout if Standard Chartered believes that Hang Lung's assets are greater than its debts.

Now rejecting the cheque issued by Hang Lung, it is clear that Standard Chartered Bank believes that Hang Lung Bank is insolvent.

After thinking about it, Lin Zhichao said: "In the afternoon, you can make an appointment with the two brothers Zhuang Rongkun and Zhuang Qingquan for me, and we will take Hang Lung Bank as soon as possible." If not, once the Hong Kong government or note-issuing banks intervene, it will be a ripple. ”

If the Hong Kong government is allowed to intervene, it will certainly not be convenient to directly hand over Hang Lung Bank to Octopus Finance Company, because this is suspected of collusion between government and business. According to Lin Zhichao, the Hong Kong government should quickly intervene in Hang Lung Bank to avoid a multi-meter bone effect in Hong Kong's financial market.

Lin Benfeng said: "Okay"

With that, he left Lin Zhichao's office, and although Octopus is a financial company, it has assets of 200 million US dollars. As for the acquisition of Hang Lung Bank, of course, there is no need to take out the money.

Hang Lung Bank is a long-established enterprise established in 1935 and registered as Hang Lung Bank Limited in 1965. In 1976, the 'Philippine Unified Agency (Hong Kong listed company)', led by Fujian compatriots Zhuang Rongkun and Zhuang Qingquan, spent 50 million Hong Kong dollars to acquire 80% of the equity of Hang Lung Bank.

After a frenzied investment spree in the late 70s and early 80s, Hang Lung Bank has become a medium-sized bank with 28 branches.

It is precisely because of the overheating of investment that it has naturally caused today's insolvency.

On the morning of the same day, Lin Zhichao heard another news, Simon Keswick became the new senior class of the Jardine Matheson Department, and Niu Bijian received a compensation of 1 million pounds and only served as a director of Jardine Matheson, as for Bao Fuda, he resigned and was swept out.

For a while, Lin Zhichao smiled, it was time to launch a general attack!

The other side.

Zhuang Rongkun and Zhuang Qingquan learned that Lin Zhichao wanted to talk to the two, and immediately discussed it in the office.

"Could it be that Lin Zhichao is interested in Hang Lung Bank and is willing to acquire it?" Zhuang Rongkun easily guessed the reason.

Zhuang Qingquan said overjoyed: "If this is the case, it is a good thing, with Lin Zhichao, the run on Hang Lung Bank can be terminated soon, after all, his reputation is comparable to HSBC, and the people of Hong Kong will definitely trust him." ”

The shadow of the famous tree, Lin Zhichao's influence in Hong Kong, is absolutely huge.

Only Zhuang Rongkun frowned and said, "I'm afraid it won't be so simple!" We are not very familiar with him, and he is now bailing out Hang Lung Bank, I'm afraid he won't pay a high price! ”

Zhuang Qingquan said: "As long as Hang Lung Bank does not fail, the price will be lower. If it is seized by the court, we will not get a penny. ”

The two of them knew about the situation of Hang Lung Bank, saying that it was insolvent, and to put it bluntly, some directors lent out about 300 million Hong Kong dollars without collateral. In addition to this, there are investments that incur a large number of losses.

If the Hong Kong government and the court come to investigate, thank God if they are not held responsible, how can they still give them money.

"We'll see in the afternoon!"

In the afternoon, Lin Zhichao personally led the team of 'Octopus Finance Company' such as Lin Benfeng to the headquarters of Hang Lung Bank.

Octopus Finance Company is said to be a finance company, but in fact, the management team is comparable to the bank team, and it is very strong. In order to prepare for stepping into the bank today.

Sir Lam

"Two Johnsons"

The two sides greeted each other and sat directly in the conference room to talk.

Lin Zhichao said directly: "Two of you, let's go straight to the point!" The Hong Kong dollar crisis broke out in Hong Kong this time, and Hang Lung Bank broke out at this time, and once it fell, it would definitely cause a multi-meter bone effect on the entire Hong Kong financial market. I have always had a dream of being a banker, and I happened to plan to take over Hang Lung Bank and avoid its collapse. ”

Zhuang Rongkun didn't react, but asked, "How much money does Lin Sheng plan to give?" ”

Lin Zhichao laughed and said, "1 Hong Kong dollar"

Zhuang Rongkun stood up in surprise and said, "Mr. Lin is not joking? ”

Lin Zhichao smiled and said nothing.

At this time, Lin Benfeng took over the negotiation, and he said: "Everyone heard it right, Hang Lung Bank is only worth a symbolic 1 Hong Kong dollar. The reason is that, as far as we know, the Hong Kong Legislative Council has passed the 'first reading of the Ordinance', which will break the non-intervention policy of the previous two Financial Secretaries and directly intervene in the Hang Lung Bank incident. In other words, the Hong Kong government intends to take over Hang Lung Bank directly, rather than the note-issuing bank. ”

Zhuang Rongkun and Zhuang Qingquan were taken aback, although the Banking Regulatory Office and the Association of Banks had already entered Hang Lung Bank at this time, they did not expect things to happen so quickly.

"Isn't this just the first reading, things are still uncertain!"

The Legislative Council has three readings, all of which can be passed before the legislation can be formally enacted.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "The second reading is tonight, and the third reading is expected to be around tomorrow afternoon!" ”

He has a number of 'friends' in the Legislative Council, and he is naturally very well-informed!

Zhuang Rongkun couldn't sit still anymore and said, "Can Mr. Lin be sure of the authenticity of this matter?" ”

林志超 says:

"First, if I use this method to annex a worthless 'burden' in the first place, do you think I will make fun of this? Second, once the Hong Kong government takes over Hang Lung Bank, it will also suspend and liquidate the 'unified institution', and I am here to help you avoid the cascading effect. ”

"Of course, it was because I wanted to enter the banking industry that I was willing to take over Hang Lung. However, if you agree, you have to give us the bank information today, and we also need to find out the specific situation of Hang Lung Bank. ”

Zhuang Rongkun and Zhuang Qingquan were a little unable to react at once, but soon a cold sweat came out, and if the Hong Kong government took over Hang Lung Bank, it would definitely hold the major shareholder, the Philippine Unified Agency, responsible.

Well, this Hong Kong company, which went public in 1972, could not escape being liquidated.

After a long time, Zhuang Rongkun sat down on the chair and said honestly: "Sir Lin, to tell you the truth, Hang Lung Bank has a big problem, with a total loss of more than 300 million Hong Kong dollars, of which more than 200 million yuan has been lent out by our directors, and it cannot be repaid for the time being. ”

Lin Zhichao said happily: "As long as you honestly come up with the information, I can not pursue this kind of problem, and I can postpone the pursuit of the funds borrowed by the unified agency." ”

In the previous life, when the Hong Kong government took over Hang Lung Bank, it was naturally the first to chase after the debt. And the unified agency borrowed the most, so naturally you will be suspended and liquidated immediately.

In this way, Zhuang Rongkun and Zhuang Qingquan naturally suffered huge losses.

And now Lin Zhichao will naturally not do this, after all, the real estate will pick up, and directors such as Zhuang Rongkun and Zhuang Qingquan will be able to afford it in the future. As for the bank, it may still have a loss of one or two hundred million, but in comparison, it will inevitably be taken over from the Hong Kong government in the future, and it will inevitably be made by the Hong Kong government for several hundred million.

What's more, by getting a banking license earlier, Lin Zhichao can show his skills.

So just a few hundred million Hong Kong dollars, it's nothing, just speculate on foreign exchange and earn it back.

Mr. Zhuang and Mr. Chong soon decided to ask the Octopus Finance team to check the relevant information after they were stationed at Hang Lung.

They have now understood that only when Lin Zhichao takes over Hang Lung Bank will they be able to keep the unified institution they control. In other words, if the Hong Kong government or the banknote is issued to take over, the unified organization cannot escape the fate of liquidation.

(End of chapter)