Time flies, and 1998 is ushered in in a blink of an eye.

In the first half of December, investors took advantage of the dip, and the Hang Seng Index once climbed to 13,500 points.

Unfortunately, the people's hearts are still weak, and the rumors that foreign predators are still eyeing the tiger, finally fell to 12,550 points at the end of the year, down 28.8% for the year, and the total turnover more than doubled from last year to 4.5 trillion Hong Kong dollars.

At the same time, the situation in South Korea is extremely tragic: in mid-November, the South Korean won gave up the fixed exchange rate against the US dollar, and then the South Korean won fell wildly, depreciating by half a week, which is equivalent to cutting off half of the "cake" made by Koreans in recent decades, and the problem of Korean enterprises' financial difficulties is becoming more and more prominent, Haitian, Sanmei, Jinlu and other chaebols have collapsed one after another, and 6 of the top 30 chaebols have collapsed, and people even begin to wonder whether Samsung, Hyundai, Daewoo, and LG can still hold on? In December, South Korea could no longer hold on, so it could only ask the IMF for help and completely open its financial door.

Looking back at 1997, the impact of the Asian financial crisis is undoubtedly enormous, and it is clear that this year will write a grand mark in history.

Looking forward to 1998, the Asian financial crisis is still continuing, especially the disaster in Hong Kong has not yet ended.

Early January.

In their view, Hong Kong has become an 'ATM'; although the Hong Kong government's interest rate was 'tricky' last time, the international speculators made a profit of about 2 billion Hong Kong dollars.

Although the HKMA's 'one-size-fits-all' approach has preserved the Hong Kong dollar, every time the interest rate and the interest rate on bank lending are raised, Hong Kong's real estate and economy will fall, and there will be more bankrupt enterprises.

The reason is simple, with such a high interest rate, who will buy a property?

Banks also dare not borrow money indiscriminately because they need to ensure sufficient cash flow.

Not only do companies have to borrow 'usury', but banks don't necessarily lend money.

Therefore, Hong Kong's economy will have to deteriorate this year.

Therefore, the national speculators did not flinch in Hong Kong, but took advantage of the panic of South Korea's surrender and the sharp depreciation of the Indonesian rupiah to come to Xiangjiang again and continue to explore.

At this time.

Soros and other predators are also remotely directing international speculators on Wall Street to snipe at Xiangjiang.

In the conference room, these predators are like 'colonists', treating Xiangjiang as their prey.

Soros said lightly: "Our goal this time is very simple, it is to break through 10,000 points of the Hang Seng Index of Xiangjiang, or even break through 8,000 points!" ”

It seems that the international speculators are attacking the Hong Kong exchange rate, but in fact, their real intention is the Hong Kong index, of course, these are interlocking.

A head of an investment institution said: "The Lin family did not participate in the last sniper attack on Hong Kong, and this time I don't know how they will deal with it, whether to follow us to get a piece of the pie, or to fight back?" ”

In their opinion, the Lin Zhichao family is the Optimus Prime of Hong Kong and has great influence.

Another investment head said with a smile: "Since he has seen the Hong Kong bubble and made preparations in advance, he will not get along with the money, I believe he is counting on the bottom!" ”

"Haha, I'm afraid that this time Hong Kong's economy will completely collapse, and his bottoming is tantamount to filling in the hole."

"A chaebol without a base camp is still a chaebol, but it's just a chaebol that can be slaughtered by others!"

"Makes sense!"

Everyone regards Hong Kong as a fish in their hands, and let them slaughter it, if Lin Zhichao is on the scene, he will definitely give them a little color. Lin Zhichao's affection for Hong Kong has been deeply rooted, not only as his own money-making land, but also as the foundation of his family.

Then, Soros added: "Good news for everyone, the Zurich Group and the First Chicago Bank have decided to cancel the commitment to subscribe to Peregrine's preferred shares. This means that Asia's largest independently listed investment bank outside of Japan will soon go bankrupt, and the Hong Kong stock market will face a fatal blow. ”

The crowd was smiling, and it was really good news.

The next day, Friday.

In the morning newspaper, there was an important news, the Zurich Group and the First Chicago Bank of the United States, announced that they had decided to cancel the subscription to the preferred shares issued by Peregrine.

For a time, Peregrine was obviously very dangerous, and bankruptcy was imminent.

In November last year, Peregrine's cash flow was already in a hurry, and then he approached the Zurich Group, hoping that the other party would subscribe for 24% of Peregrine's preferred shares for $200 million and become the largest shareholder. Zurich Group is not stupid, and the condition given is to send a team to Peregrine and decide to implement its commitment until the financial environment in Southeast Asia is no longer bad.

Hengfeng Plaza.

Lin Zhichao and Lin Benfeng met with Du Huilian and Liang Botao, who have been friends with both for many years, and the two are also recognized as Lin Zhichao's think tank.

Now that Peregrine is in trouble, he will naturally find Lin Zhichao.

"Lin Sheng, if Peregrine can't raise funds this weekend, he will announce liquidation next Monday. So I want to come to you and think of a way! Liang Botao took a sip of tea and hurriedly put it down.

Lin Zuhui said: "How much does it cost? ”

Liang Botao knew Lin Zhichao very well, so he came to ask for help as soon as possible, and he also thought about finding the Bank of Bahrain at the beginning, but Du Huilian and others advocated finding the Zurich Group, which had more influence.

However, finding anyone is almost the same, Peregrine is difficult!

"Peregrine has almost $1 billion in bad debts and a net worth of just over $600 million."

Lin Zuhui said: "How much is the market value of Peregrine? ”

Liang Botao said: "Less than 3 billion Hong Kong dollars! ”

At its peak, 11 billion Hong Kong dollars has fallen by more than 70%, which can be described as one of the most ruthless stocks in Xiangjiang.

Peregrine has so many bad debts, and Lin Zhichao has also heard of it: Peregrine holds $200 million in bad debts on bonds of Asian companies, $200 million each on swaps and other bonds, and a loan of 270 million yuan from an Indonesian taxi company that has no hope of recovering (wanting to underwrite bonds issued by others), plus hedging losses on the side of Xiangjiang, adding up to nearly $1 billion in bad debts.

Lin Zhichao glanced at the two calmly, and then said: "The Asian financial crisis, this year is the most difficult year, and now the national speculators are sniping at Hong Kong for the second time, and the future is unknown." It can be said that some places may not be able to get out of this wave of crisis for ten years, such as those countries in Southeast Asia. So, how do you think I can help you? ”

Liang Botao and Du Huilian glanced at each other, and then Liang Botao said: "Can you not let Peregrine go bankrupt?" ”

Lin Zhichao said: "For me, it's a very simple thing, we have been friends for many years, and although the funds involved this time are huge, I am also willing to help the two of you." ”

At this time, Liang Botao and Du Huilian quickly understood what Lin Zhichao really meant!

"Bank of Bahrain can fully acquire Peregrine and then use Peregrine to develop its investment banking business in Asia. And Du Huilian and I, as long as Lin Sheng can afford it, we are willing to work for you! ”

Go on the road!

Liang Botao is familiar with red chips and is very familiar with the financial sector in the mainland, which is important to Lin Zhichao;

Du Huilian is a talent in the securities field, and although this investment in Southeast Asia failed, his talent cannot be denied.

With Lin Zhichao's general direction, these talents will not make mistakes and become great talents.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "No problem! Both of you have been friends and partners of mine for many years, and it is worth the cost of having you join Lin's business. In this way, I will let Benfeng talk to you in detail, and I will definitely ensure that the personal interests of the two of you will not let you suffer! ”

The implication is that for the sake of talents, Lin Zhichao can 'buy horse bones with a thousand dollars'.

Liang Botao and Du Huilian are naturally familiar with Lin Zhichao's emphasis on talents, and Lin Zhichao has always been willing to buy enterprises founded by talents for the sake of talents over the years, and give them generous treatment.

Hong Kong's top ten working emperors, more than half of them are from Lin's enterprises, some people also say that this is still Lin's enterprises have not been listed, so only the executives of listed companies can be counted, otherwise the top ten 'working emperors' are afraid that they will all invest in Lin's enterprises.

After Liang Botao and Du Huilian left, Lin Zhichao said to Lin Benfeng: "You can inject capital into Peregrine first, and then choose the opportunity to fully acquire it later, after all, six months have not yet arrived." ”

Lin Benfeng nodded and said, "Okay, I understand!" ”

Lin Zhichao said: "With Liang Botao joining, we can be responsible for the mainland financial market in the future; As for Du Huilian, after all, he is also a veteran securities expert, and he also has a big use. ”

"The chairman's attention to talents is admirable!"

"Haha, talent can make it easier for me, why don't I spend money to buy time, after all, what I lack is time."

Like Lin Benfeng's annual salary (including bonuses), it can reach the level of 100 million yuan. Not to mention, as Lin Zhichao's brother-in-law, Lin Benfeng and Lin Xin'er are very wealthy, and they have always held 1.2% of the shares of Cheung Kong Group and 5% of Shangri-La Hotel Group, which is the big one.

Weekend.

The news that the Bank of Bahrain injected US$300 million into Peregrine and acquired a 51% stake amplified the Hong Kong financial market.

After all, Peregrine, one of Asia's largest investment banks, would have a huge impact if it went bankrupt.

As soon as the news came out, Hong Kong and Kowloon were shaken.

Many people know that it is only a matter of time before Peregrine goes bankrupt, but they did not expect the Bank of Bahrain to intervene at the last minute; You know, the Zurich Group hesitated for two months and gave up at the last minute; In just two days, the Bank of Bahrain announced the injection of Peregrine, which is simply invincible.

Of course, some people think that Du Huilian and Liang Botao are known as Lin Zhichao's 'staff officers', and perhaps it is by virtue of the relationship between the two that the Bank of Bahrain intervened in this matter at the last moment.

And the Bank of Bahrain itself is also news, and the news of the bankruptcy three years ago is still a negative teaching material for the world's major financial institutions. But in the three years since Octopus Financial Group took over, the Bank of Bahrain has once again become the world's financial institution, earning nearly $1 billion in the Nikkei period.

Wherever you fall, you get up, and that's the impression that the Bank of Bahrain makes.

The impact of this news is not limited to this, many people have regained some confidence in the stock market on Monday; After all, behind the Bank of Bahrain is the Lin Zhichao family, and at this time, the Bank of Bahrain made a move, which means that Lin Zhichao has made a move, so everyone has a certain confidence in the 10,000-point defense battle of the Hang Seng Index.

The next day, Monday opened.

There are a lot of investors coming to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and everyone is anxiously waiting.

The Hang Seng Index has reached 11,000 points, and many people are wondering if they will be pierced by international speculators today to break through the 10,000-point mark.

It's a matter of confidence, so many investors are anxiously waiting for the opening of the market.

At the same time, international speculators are also sharpening their knives, and they are fighting on multiple fronts - Hong Kong dollars, Hang Seng Index futures, stocks.

But in fact, the real purpose of the national speculators is the Hang Seng Index and stocks, not the Hong Kong dollar. Only Lin Zhichao knows this best, but the Hong Kong government is inexperienced, and has always thought that the purpose of the national speculators is the continuous exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar.

As everyone knows, the purpose of international speculators to sell the Hong Kong dollar is to create panic, which will spread to the stock market, and then they will profit from the Hang Seng Index and stocks.

In the morning, Soros made a phone call to his assistant in Hong Kong: "Today, I want to hear good news!" ”

Assistant: "Boss, don't worry, you must penetrate 10,000 points today!" ”

Soon, the Hong Kong stock market opened.

As expected, the Hang Seng Index fell sharply, falling 500 points in the first five minutes of trading.

At this time, the three major brokerages in Hong Kong suddenly received instructions!

"Buy"

"Buy"

"Foodie"

"Foodie"

Hong Meixin is a female trader, and at this time, she is rapidly typing on the keyboard, and her face shows a shocked and excited expression.

She was given a directive from above, that is, to aggressively absorb blue chips in the market.

"Eat 2,000 shares of Sun Hung Kai Properties"

"Eat 5,000 shares of Henderson Land"

The entire trading room resounded with the sound of a crazy keyboard.

The boss urged on the side: "Cheer up, eat and eat, be quick and accurate!" ”

He was also very excited at this time, his boss was called by a mysterious person yesterday, and he started to lay out early this morning.

"The Hang Seng Index has rebounded 106001070010800"

"Oh my God, it's a big buy, who's buying!"

At this time, many places in Hong Kong are in ecstasy!

Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

"Is it the Hong Kong government that has entered the market?"

"Didn't the Hong Kong government say it wouldn't intervene in the market?"

"It's not like the Hong Kong government's operation methods, but it's like - the Lin family has saved the city!"

"Really?"

"Quite possibly! Mr. Lin Zhichao announced yesterday that he would inject Peregrine into Peregrine to prevent Peregrine from going bankrupt, so it may be Lin's Enterprise and Mr. Lin Zhichao himself who bought it on a large scale today. ”

For a while, there were many doubts.

The Hang Seng Index is also in a long and short war at 10500~11000 points, and the so-called international capital is actually a child in front of Lin Zhichao.

If Lin Zhi exceeds his strength, he can pull the Hang Seng Index to explode!

After all, when the war was at its most intense in the previous life, the Hong Kong government spent less than 120 billion Hong Kong dollars.

In the hands of Lin Zhichao, he has at least $30 billion in cash flow, plus Lin's related companies, he has a cash flow of $50 billion.

It's cash, not stocks and fixed assets.

The second round of sniping by international speculators ended at the end of January, and the Hang Seng Index has been running above 10,500 points and has not broken the 10,000 point mark.

However, due to the lack of confidence of Hong Kong investors, the 10,000-point mark was crossed, but this was at least a soft landing, so it did no harm.

Lin Zhichao's Harbour Investment, Octopus Financial Group, and family office have indeed rescued the market, and have bought a total of 10 billion Hong Kong dollars in stocks.

He thought very clearly, he wouldn't lose money anyway, it was nothing more than a few years in the stock market. Moreover, this wave of funds he cashed out from the Hong Kong stock market was as high as 70 billion (more than half a year), which was just sprinkled with water.

This time it is a small fight, and next time it will definitely teach international speculators a lesson. (End of chapter)