Chapter 314 Persuading Liu Luanzhong
"Uncle Guo, I have my own plans regarding Jardines Matheson," Lin Haoran replied with a smile.
"Besides, in terms of funding, I'm planning to sell my shares in Aimeigao Company.
Once that's done, I'll have plenty of liquidity, so I'm not really strapped for cash.
As for confidence—well, to be honest, I never have absolute certainty until the final moment.
But one must still give it a try."
Guo Henian was shocked.
"You're actually planning to sell your shares in Aimeigao Company?"
Everyone in Hong Kong knew by now what a quality company Aimeigao was.
Lin Haoran's investment story had become public knowledge, especially after Liu Luanzhong had recounted the whole experience in interviews.
From spending just HKD 1.2 million to seeing a return of over a thousand times in only two years — it was legendary.
This investment was nothing short of miraculous, and it testified to Lin Haoran's extraordinary business acumen.
In Guo Henian's view, a company like Aimeigao should be held long-term, not sold off.
Thus, hearing Lin Haoran was planning to sell his shares shocked him.
"Compared to Aimeigao, I believe controlling Jardines Matheson is far more valuable," Lin Haoran explained.
Guo Henian nodded.
Indeed, no one would think Aimeigao and Jardines were on the same level.
No matter how profitable Aimeigao was, it was still just a manufacturing company, and its future was uncertain.
Jardines, however, was an established titan with vast assets — Aimeigao wasn't even worth a fraction of it.
After dinner, Guo Henian and Guo Xiaohan said their goodbyes.
Originally, Guo Henian had hoped to get involved in the Jardines deal,
thinking that joining forces with Lin Haoran could lead to great benefits for the Guo family.
Everyone knew the prestige of Jardines in Hong Kong.
But since Lin Haoran firmly declined his help, Guo Henian could only leave regretfully.
Standing at the villa gate, watching the departing figures, Lin Haoran sighed.
He had seen through Guo Henian's real intentions.
Still, even with the Guo family's resources, it was unlikely they could take Jardines —
and Lin Haoran didn't want to drag them into it anyway.
The night passed quickly.
The next morning, Lin Haoran rose at seven, ate breakfast while scanning the newspapers.
As expected, almost every paper reported on the drama between him and Jardines Matheson.
It was all within his calculations.
At nine o'clock, Lin Haoran left his villa for Wanching Tower.
He had just returned to his private office when someone reached out to him.
It was Liu Luanzhong, chairman of Aimeigao Company, contacting him through a pager.
Liu had only just seen the morning papers and learned that Lin Haoran was planning to sell his Aimeigao shares.
Naturally, he was anxious —
this wasn't something Lin Haoran had consulted him about beforehand.
"Haoran, where are you?
I need to talk to you," Liu Luanzhong asked when Lin returned the call.
"I'm at Wanching Tower," Lin replied calmly.
He had expected Liu's reaction.
After all, they each held 40% of Aimeigao.
If Lin sold his shares, it would destabilize Liu's control.
Half an hour later, Liu Luanzhong rushed to Wanching Tower and met Lin Haoran in his office.
"Haoran, you're not seriously thinking about selling, are you?"
Liu asked in disbelief.
"Don't rush. Sit down first," Lin said, gesturing toward a chair.
Liu, calming himself, sat down.
"What do you think will happen to Aimeigao next year when fan orders drop drastically and no other business line picks up?" Lin asked, smiling.
"Impossible!
We have plenty of funds.
Even if the fan business declines, we can boost other sectors.
If necessary, I'll move Aimeigao into real estate!" Liu said confidently.
"But you're not familiar with those industries," Lin said mildly.
"Do you really think Aimeigao can pivot so easily?"
Liu was momentarily speechless.
But then he looked at Lin and said stubbornly,
"Haoran, are you saying you don't believe I can lead Aimeigao forward?"
"On the contrary," Lin said,
"I have full confidence in your abilities.
I watched you build Aimeigao with my own eyes.
Your talent is rare.
But talent alone isn't enough.
We're in the middle of a global crisis.
Most industries are suffering, not thriving.
The fan industry happened to benefit from the oil crisis.
But when that fades, Aimeigao will face hard times.
Revenues and profits will plunge.
Its share price will crash.
It's inevitable.
Meanwhile, I'm at a critical stage in my attempt to acquire Jardines Matheson.
I need cash urgently.
And selling Aimeigao shares now, while prices are high, is the smartest move.
It's time you learned the real power of capital."
Liu frowned.
"And if you sell your shares, what happens to me?"
"It's simple," Lin said.
"Anyone trying to buy my shares must want control.
That will trigger a public battle.
You only need to act reluctant — make it look like you're trying to resist.
Then, quietly sell your shares too.
You'll make a fortune.
Later, when Aimeigao's stock collapses, you can buy back controlling interest cheaply.
At that point, Aimeigao will be 100% yours — no partners.
When we first invested, you agreed to split ownership with me.
But you'll soon realize that true control is priceless."
This strategy was something Lin Haoran had adapted from history.
In another timeline, after Aimeigao listed, its stock price soared.
Tensions between Liu Luanzhong and his co-founder Liang Yingwei surfaced.
Liu cleverly sold his shares, causing panic.
The stock price crashed.
Then Liu secretly bought back shares at bargain prices.
Ultimately, Liu regained control —
and earned hundreds of millions in the process.
In this timeline, Lin Haoran advised Liu to avoid announcing his intent to sell openly,
because Aimeigao's share price was still high.
If he waited, the market would realize Aimeigao's problems naturally,
and he could scoop up shares at much lower prices.
Hearing Lin Haoran's plan, Liu Luanzhong's eyes lit up.
Sell high now, buy low later,
and end up with absolute control?
It sounded brilliant.
And he couldn't deny it —
Lin Haoran's logic made perfect sense.
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