funbook-pk Chapter 44 Hong Kong was in an uproar as another of the top four families was gone.
Chapter 44 Hong Kong was in an uproar as another of the top four families was gone.
Li Xiaohe was curled up, clutching his chest, no longer breathing. He already had a heart condition, and even if Gu Yuhan hadn't made a move, Li Xiaohe would have likely died from it in 1980. Now, it had all happened much earlier than expected.
There was no way around it; the blow that Ri Hyo-wa suffered was simply too great.
Initially, it was only TVB that was being turbulent. For the Lee family, although TVB did not generate high profits, it was an extremely important media outlet and a crucial channel for making their voice heard.
However, Gu Yuhan truly went all out, completely ruining TVB. The Li family, in their attempt to step in, chose the wrong method. Following this, their businesses were seized and they were subjected to further turmoil.
Both Gu Zhenguo and Gu Yuhan are absolute masters at striking while the iron is hot. At this moment, Li Xiaohe absolutely cannot be given any room to counterattack.
Gu Yuhan understood all too well that when it came to the distribution of profits, there was never any monolithic alliance. The Li brothers were already crumbling from within.
The brothers, after much deliberation, sold off their shares. The real blow came from his own brother, who sold his shares to the Gu family, directly leading to the Gu family's successful acquisition. These successive setbacks finally broke Li Xiaohe. His motionless, curled-up body on the ground terrified Li Luyan, who had brought him medicine. She cautiously approached Li Xiaohe, gently checking his breath with her fingers.
There was no breath.
They checked the pulse again, but there was no sign of it. This was a corpse; although it still had a little warmth, it had no signs of life whatsoever.
The person is already as dead as can be.
Hong Kong was instantly in an uproar.
Countless media outlets were reporting on this matter frantically. Initially, the prevailing narrative was that Ri Hyo-wah had died of anger.
However, some tabloids began to suggest that Ri Hyo-wa knew too many secrets and was assassinated to silence him.
This conspiracy theory does have some traction. After all, the number of powerful figures associated with Li Xiaohe is not small. Another theory suggests that the Li brothers turned against each other, with the eldest brother killing Li Xiaohe in an attempt to reclaim his shares.
However, for the vast majority of Hong Kong citizens, Li Xiaohe was already dead, and dead beyond any doubt. The Li family brothers even played a role in pushing him to his death.
For Hong Kong as a whole, Li Xiaohe's death is just a topic of casual conversation. Perhaps, many years later, it will be made into a movie.
Another of Hong Kong's four major families has disappeared. The last one was the Chu Wing-tai family, which was swallowed up by Jardine Matheson. The Chow family, which acquired the Dairy Farm Company, also began to fall apart. Now, the Lee family is in the same boat.
In Tseung Kwan O, at the Bright Group, Gu Yuhan put down his book and looked up at Su Rongrong, asking, "Li Xiaohe is dead?" Su Rongrong nodded, "He's dead. An obituary was just released. It says Li Xiaohe suffered a heart attack, was taken to the hospital, and died. Currently, we hold 51% of the shares in Li Xishen Real Estate!"
"What are the media saying?" Gu Yuhan asked, raising his eyelids.
"There are all sorts of rumors!" Su Rongrong said. "After all, it's one of the four major families in Hong Kong. Li Xiaohe is dead now, and the shares are in our hands. Some people are saying that we killed Li Xiaohe!"
"He already had a heart condition, what does that have to do with us?" Gu Yuhan shrugged and said nonchalantly, "Go find a few media outlets and say that the Li family started out selling opium, and that their prosperity was built on harming the citizens of Hong Kong. Li Xiaohe died well, died wonderfully, died a splendid death!"
"Okay!" Su Rongrong nodded. "Boss, the remaining shares of the Li family are all in Li Luyanqun's hands. Shouldn't we go over there and have a proper talk?"
"Okay, I understand!" Gu Yuhan smiled and said, "By the way, have Huo Jianning come over here!" "Okay!" Su Rongrong then withdrew.
A moment later, a slightly overweight man entered Gu Yuhan's office: "Boss, you wanted to see me?" "Sit down!" Gu Yuhan beckoned, smiling as he said, "How are you settling in at the company?" Huo Jianning, after settling in, politely replied, "Very well, thank you for your guidance, boss!" Gu Yuhan simply smiled and casually pushed his teacup towards Huo Jianning, saying, "I'm planning to promote you to General Manager of Guangming Group!"
"What?!" Huo Jianning jumped up, staring at Gu Yuhan with wide eyes. "Boss, you...you want me to be the general manager?"
Huo Jianning graduated from St. John's University in Minnesota, USA. However, this is not the reason why Gu Yuhan wants to give him an important position. The real reason is that in another timeline, he was Li Jiacheng's right-hand man.
Known as the "King of Hired Managers," he joined Cheung Kong Holdings in 1979 as Chief Accountant. His financial acumen and diligent work ethic propelled him through the ranks. He became an Executive Director of Hutchison Whampoa in 1984 and a Director of Cheung Kong Holdings in 1985. In 1993, he became Managing Director of Hutchison Whampoa.
After taking over Hutchison Whampoa, Fok Kin-ning continuously reorganized the company, successfully turning the business from loss to profit through acquisitions and mergers. Subsequently, taking advantage of Husky Energy's good performance, he took advantage of the situation to list the company in MIT in 2012, which resulted in a special profit of HK$65 billion for the group.
Subsequently, he took over the European telecommunications business, which had been losing money for many years. Since its inception, Orange had been eroding Hutchison Whampoa's profits in the Hong Kong telecommunications market, effectively making Hutchison Telecom work for free. In 1996, Fok Kin-ning resolutely spun off Orange for a separate listing.
He successfully cashed out, and later, seeing that the time was right, he resold 0range at the end of 1999, successfully earning the group more than HK$1600 billion in profit, creating a legend.
This person has an extremely keen business sense. Gu Yuhan recruited this kid into his team in advance and temporarily appointed him as the chief accountant.
"Right now, Guangming Group is still small!" Gu Yuhan smiled and said calmly, "Although the position of general manager is high, it's not actually that high. Come and get used to it first, train yourself, and then I'll continue to promote you!"
Huo Jianning took a deep breath and quickly said, "Thank you for the promotion, boss!" "Currently, my company and my father's company still have a lot of overlapping business. After the Spring Festival, I plan to integrate my company's business with my father's. During this process, I will still need your personal involvement!" Gu Yuhan smiled, "In the future, you will be under a lot of pressure. How about it, are you interested in helping me grow and strengthen the company?"
Huo Jianning immediately replied, "No problem, when exactly?"
"After the Spring Festival!" Gu Yuhan said with a smile, "But before that, I still have a small task for you!"
Huo Jianning quickly replied, "Boss, just give me your orders!"
Gu Yuhan smiled and continued, "Next, on behalf of Guangming Group, go find Li Luyanqun and tell her that we are going to acquire Lixishen Real Estate. As for the money, keep the budget around one billion!"
Huo Jianning paused for a moment, then spoke, "A billion? Our company has that much money?" "Of course, what did you think?" Gu Yuhan laughed, speaking calmly, "The money, I can absolutely produce it, don't worry!"
Huo Jianning paused for a moment. He had indeed done some estimation and thought that Guangming Group probably didn't have that much money. But upon closer reflection, some things were indeed uncertain. It could only be said that he didn't have a sufficient understanding of his boss's capabilities.
Then she quickly replied, "I understand!"
Gu Yuhan nodded: "Tell Li Luyanqun that as long as she is willing to hand over her shares, I will no longer make things difficult for the Li family. If she is not willing, then I will not be polite. Li Xiaohe is gone, and Li Xianbin is still in prison for drug trafficking. She is a weak woman with no one to protect her. I don't need to say more about what her fate will be!!"
"Exterminate them all!" Huo Jianning wholeheartedly agreed with Gu Yuhan's philosophy. What's the point of keeping them alive if you don't exterminate them completely?
He clearly agreed with Gu Yuhan's thinking: not to kill him outright, but to wait for the other party to have a chance to turn the tables and deal with him.
Of course. Gu Yuhan wasn't completely ruthless; he was giving you a chance to leave Hong Kong completely, even if it meant cutting you off entirely.
And it's an opportunity to leave with wealth. When besieging an army, always leave a gap! You must give people a chance to survive.
If they don't leave and still want justice, then Gu Yuhan will show them what justice really is. Huo Jianning immediately replied, "I'll arrange it right away!" Gu Yuhan smiled and continued, "Oh, and there's one more thing. You need to have a serious talk with Shaw Brothers. Tell him that I want all of his TVB shares too. The Li family is finished. His best option now is to take the money and live a peaceful life as a wealthy man. Otherwise, the consequences will be very different!"
Huo Jianning nodded again: "Understood, boss, don't worry!"
Lee family
Li Luyan was also dressed in plain clothes at this moment. Before Li Xiaohe's seven-day mourning period had even passed, Huo Jianning came directly to their door.
Looking at Huo Jianning before him, Li Luyan frowned and slowly said, "Guangming Group wants to acquire our shares?"
Li Luyan had expected the Gu family to come, but she didn't expect them to come so quickly. They arrived so soon. The seven-day mourning period hadn't even passed yet.
"Yes! We don't want to drag this out any longer. We also believe that continuing like this is not a good thing for either Ms. Lu or the Gu family. It's better to be decisive!" Huo Jianning said with a smile, "As the heir, we will acquire the shares you hold!"
Li Luyan fell silent.
Although Huo Jianning spoke politely, his tone was somewhat aggressive. However, Li Luyanqun understood that the Gu family was currently at its zenith, and if they were to truly crush her, she would have virtually no chance of fighting back.
Li Xiaohe has offended the entire bureaucratic system, and the Li family brothers have fallen apart. As a mere "510" level woman, she has neither the resources nor the strength to deal with the Gu family.
If the Gu family is truly determined to swallow up the Li family, then what should I do? "Is the Gu family going to wipe us out completely?" Li Luyan asked.
Huo Jianning smiled and said, "How can you call it ruthless? Ms. Lu, we haven't done anything illegal. We just acquired the Li family's shares, and now we're very interested in the Li family's assets. When did we make a move against the Li family?"
Li Luyan looked up at Huo Jianning and asked, "Then, can I refuse this deal?" "Of course!"
Huo Jianning smiled and said, "Of course, but I still hope Ms. Lu can consider it carefully!" "Consider it carefully?" Li Luyan asked, "How so?" "Your son is a drug dealer—or more accurately, a drug addict!" Huo Jianning said slowly, "I believe he's beyond saving, Ms. Lu. It's time to give up. Take the money and leave quickly. Do you really want to stay in this place of trouble? It's not good for you, and it's not good for your three daughters!"
"Hong Kong can no longer accommodate the entire Lee family!" Huo Jianning said. "It would be better to leave and go to Las Vegas or Australia. Of course, you can continue to stay in Hong Kong, but Ms. Lu, don't keep causing trouble. You can't make any waves!"
"Regarding the price, I hope we can have a proper discussion!" Li Luyan gave up the idea of fighting to the death. Although there was still Li Xianbin, for Li Luyan, it was best to give up. People who smoke opium were not worth her continued attention. Li Luyan displayed extreme restraint and calmness.
They no longer care about family ties.
"Ms. Lu, I believe you made a wise decision!" Huo Jianning said with a smile. "We can discuss the price later, and we are also deeply saddened by Mr. Li's passing."
"The Gu family must be laughing their heads off!" Li Luyan said coldly.
"To reiterate, we have not used any gangs or illegal means. We are simply conducting a fair transaction. It is your husband's inappropriate behavior that has led to the Li family's current predicament. Please understand that we are just doing legitimate business!" Huo Jianning said with a smile.
Li Luyan remained completely silent. She realized she truly had no way to refute it. Ultimately, it was the other brothers of the Li family who betrayed Li Xiaohe. However, in the end, Li Xiaohe had crossed a line from the very beginning when he targeted the bureaucrats behind the Gu family. No matter how much infighting there was, there was always a bottom line, and Li Xiaohe had touched that red line.
At this moment, she truly understood that times had indeed changed. The Li family was no longer the same. The Li brothers had become estranged, or rather, it was destined that this day would come from the moment Li Xishen had so many children.
There are too many children, and no heir. Even if the family doesn't take action...
The Li family has already begun to maintain a facade of harmony while harboring underlying discord. If they continue to expand their lineage, they will eventually sever all ties. In modern society, clan structures cannot last for many generations.
The deal between Li Luyan and Gu Zhen was ultimately capped at 800 million. Actually, this figure was still rather low. However, for Li Luyan, it was enough. 800 million—that allowed him to do a great deal.
Subsequently, Gu Zhenguo publicly announced that Sunshine Group had fully acquired control of Lee Hysan Properties, holding more than 8% of the shares.
From this day forward, Lee Hysan Properties will belong entirely to Gu Zhenguo. The news caused an uproar throughout Hong Kong. The Lee family was completely finished.
When the news broke, the reporters were in an uproar.
Not long ago, the shareholding ratio was only 51%, but now it has reached as high as 80%. This is a process of the old king abdicating and the new king ascending the throne.
Lee Hysan Properties was swallowed up by Gu Zhenguo in such a short time; the speed of its collapse was too fast. Who could have imagined that the Lee family brothers would fall apart and sell their shares to Gu Zhenguo? Either there was a deep-seated grudge with Lee Hysan, or Gu Zhenguo offered too much. Of course, the most likely explanation is both, after all, the annual dividends from the Lee family's shares are not a small amount. However, regardless of the reason, this time, Gu Zhenguo won completely. Although Lee Mingze, Lee Mingqia, and other members of the Lee family are still around, without Lee Hysan Properties, it means that the entire family has no reason to unite.
In addition, Li Mingze is also collaborating with Hutchison.
Who still cares about the Li family from back then?
Lijia Villa
"Mom, are you crazy? How could you sell all the family shares without my permission!" At this moment, Li Xianbin was acting like a madman: "Are you insane?"
"Whether you agree or not is irrelevant. Your father has made a will, and after his death, all his assets will be inherited by me!" Li Luyanqun said slowly, "This is my decision, and you have no right to interfere!"
Li Xianbin was stunned: "A will? How come I didn't know about it?"
"You'll know when you grow up!" Li Luyan sighed, then slowly said, "I'll send you to a rehab center. You can come back whenever you're completely cured!"
Li Luyan was also heartbroken, but she still wanted to give her son a chance... first, to get him out of drug addiction!
"I won't go! Let me go! Let me go!" Li Xianbin shouted, still trying to yell, but he had already been completely lifted up and was about to be dragged out.
Looking at her son, Li Luyanqun simply said, "Take him to rehab. If he doesn't, he'll spend the rest of his life in a rehab center. Take him with you!"
"You crazy woman, are you even my mother? How could you treat me like this? How could you treat me like this?" Li Xianbin shouted angrily, but he had already been dragged out, and no one paid any attention to his shouts.
As far as Li Luyanqun was concerned, he could control this son completely, and he would never allow this son to take control of the finances again in the future.
The best course of action is to raise him like a useless piece of trash, find him a wife, and have him have a child. Hopes are pinned on the third generation. The son is completely ruined.
He's on drugs; expecting him to be normal is utterly illogical. Perhaps, his grandson is still a glimmer of hope. Li Luyan is deeply disappointed in Li Xianbin, and her resolve remains unwavering. Hesitation only leads to more trouble.
Li Luyanqun is also a ruthless character. After all, they are her own flesh and blood, so let's see what the third generation is like. If all else fails, she still has three daughters. She can bring her daughters and sons over from abroad.
In short, she would never give her own capital and wealth to Li Xianbin.
"Sixth Uncle, you're getting old, you should take a good rest!" Gu Yuhan said with a smile, looking at the sunset. "Shaw Brothers is gone, TVB is gone, why are you so stubborn?"
Shaw turned to look at Gu Yuhan, then slowly said, "You already own Phoenix TV, so why did you need to acquire shares in TVB?"
"Having both TV stations under my control, isn't that a good thing?" Gu Yuhan smiled and slowly said, "Perfect, it also allows me to arrange competition. I hope the two TV stations can form healthy competition. As for me, all I need is a publicity channel, a media outlet!"
"Originally, I still hoped to have a healthy competition with TVB, but Uncle Six, you didn't give me that chance!" Gu Yuhan smiled and said, "Uncle Six, you're getting old. Why don't you enjoy life and live out your retirement in peace?"
Shao Yifu's expression changed several times before he finally smiled wryly and said, "Fine, fine!"
Gu Yuhan simply smiled and said, "Sixth Uncle, you've truly made a definite choice!"
Shao Yifu looked at Gu Yuhan and said, "I'm getting old. In the end, it's still the world of you young people!"