RPAGF Chapter 360 Popularity
Chapter 360 Popularity
“Don’t worry. If it really comes to that, we’ll spend the money we need to spend. But for now, let’s stick to the plan. Just be careful,” Jiang Tiansheng said.
"Okay, Mr. Jiang, I understand." Luo Qixing hung up the phone.
Jiang Tiansheng leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples. The company was under significant financial pressure, and every step had to be taken with extreme caution. The next morning, good news arrived: he had successfully sold the basement unit of Huahai Plaza at 80 Shanghai Street, Jordan, making a profit of HK$3.0162, a return of over 56%.
However, because he had to focus all his energy on the Paramount Company, he had to suspend his investment in the private renovation project.
“Although this HK$162 million is still far from the HK$450 million shortfall, it has eased the pressure somewhat,” Jiang Tiansheng muttered to himself.
In the afternoon, at the signing ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, flashbulbs went off as reporters swarmed around. Jiang Tiansheng and Hong Xiaolian stood on the stage, facing the media, ready to give interviews.
A reporter asked first: "Ms. Hung, what is the profit situation of Cheung Kong Holdings in the AXA Centre project?"
Hung Siu-lin responded generously: "Our profit from the AXA Centre project is approximately HK$1500 million, with a return rate of 14.3%."
At this moment, another reporter turned to Jiang Tiansheng and asked, "Mr. Jiang, everyone is very curious, why were you willing to pay a premium to acquire the Anshun Center Building? What are the considerations behind this?"
Jiang Tiansheng remained calm and composed as he spoke methodically: "The AXA Centre has an excellent location, overlooking Victoria Harbour. In my opinion, the value of this building has always been underestimated."
I believe its actual value is as high as HK$2 million, so our acquisition of it for HK$1.05 million is absolutely a bargain.
Upon hearing this, the reporters in the audience began to whisper and discuss among themselves. Some felt that Jiang Tiansheng's statement was too bold, while others thought he might have a unique business acumen.
Regardless, Jiang Tiansheng's remarks successfully sparked controversy, which was exactly the effect he wanted, and the AXA Center Tower became a hot topic.
After the signing ceremony, Hong Xiaolian and Jiang Tiansheng walked aside. Hong Xiaolian said with slight surprise, "President Jiang, your publicity stunts are truly impressive. You've raised the building's profile with just one sentence."
Jiang Tiansheng smiled and said, "I just hope that the Anxin Center Building can see a greater increase in value. Only in this way can it benefit both of us."
“Speaking of which, I heard you have a bet with Chinese Estates Holdings?” Hong Xiaolian asked curiously.
“That’s right, this bet is also part of the business strategy,” Jiang Tiansheng nodded in agreement.
"President Jiang, I truly admire your courage. There aren't many people in the business world who dare to do something like this," Hong Xiaolian praised.
After listening, Jiang Tiansheng seemed to be deep in thought. After a while, he said, "Miss Hong's words have reminded me."
I plan to bribe some economic experts to write articles favorable to the development of commercial buildings in Wan Chai, further inflating the value of the AXA Centre.
"That's a brilliant move. Speaking from a professional perspective makes it more convincing," Hong Xiaolian agreed.
The following day, news of the signing ceremony and analytical articles written by experts were published simultaneously. The entire Hong Kong real estate industry was in an uproar, and the news spread rapidly.
Some real estate developers and speculators sensed the business opportunity and called Paramount Company to inquire about the price of the Anson Center Building. Some even directly raised their offers.
Kang Wenyi, the property manager of Paramount Company, hurriedly entered Jiang Tiansheng's office and reported, "Mr. Jiang, a buyer has already offered a higher price to acquire some floors of the Ansheng Center Building."
Jiang Tiansheng thought for a moment and said, "Don't rush to sell. Let's continue to hype it up and raise the price even higher."
“Yes, Mr. Jiang,” Kang Wenyi replied.
Jiang Tiansheng then dialed Zhao Kai's number. "Zhao Kai, you need to speed things up regarding the sale of the Lee Fat Building on Butter Street in Mong Kok. The company is waiting for this money."
"Mr. Jiang, I've been following up on it and will get it done as soon as possible," Zhao Kai replied on the other end of the phone.
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Tiansheng went to HSBC. He used a tenement building in the southeast of Kowloon as collateral and, after some negotiations, successfully obtained a loan of HK$1100 million, which was an important sum of money for raising the down payment for the AXA Centre building.
In the afternoon, a major piece of news came: the Hong Kong government announced the repossession of the land in Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long.
Upon learning this, Jiang Tiansheng understood that it was a signal of adjustment in the land market. He had to sell the Anshun Center Building as soon as possible, otherwise, changes in the market could bring risks.
Three days later, good news arrived: Zhao Kai successfully sold the Liffa 563 Building to Huamei Real Estate Company for HK$2800 million, and the other party paid the full amount on the same day.
Upon learning this, Jiang Tiansheng immediately informed Hong Xiaolian: "Ms. Hong, our Paramount Company can now pay the down payment of HK$3150 million for the Anson Centre Building."
“Okay, Mr. Jiang, we’ll arrange the follow-up procedures as soon as possible,” Hong Xiaolian replied.
At the same time, Jiang Tiansheng received news that Huaxia Bank was in talks to purchase a parking lot site on Murray Road in Central.
If the acquisition succeeds, the real estate market will inevitably face adjustments. He dared not delay and immediately summoned Su Qishan and Kang Wenyi.
After everyone arrived, Jiang Tiansheng said, "Su Qishan, Kang Wenyi, the situation is urgent. Huaxia Bank is negotiating the purchase of the Murray Road parking lot site in Central, which is crucial for the land..."
The production market is being significantly impacted. We need to quickly plan our next steps. Su Qishan, could you tell me first, what new information do you have regarding market dynamics?
Su Qishan adjusted his glasses and said, "President Jiang, according to the information I've gathered, many people in the market are currently paying attention to this acquisition of Huaxia Bank."
If successful, it is expected that a significant amount of capital will flow into the relevant sector, potentially impacting other real estate projects.
“Yes, that’s what I think too. Kang Wenyi, could you explain the current situation at the An Sheng Center Building in more detail?” Jiang Tiansheng looked at Kang Wenyi.
Kang Wenyi quickly said, "President Jiang, since the last hype, more and more people have been inquiring about the building's price. However, as you instructed before, we haven't agreed to sell yet. But now the market has changed, shouldn't we adjust our strategy?"
Jiang Tiansheng, with a serious expression, gave instructions to Su Qishan and Kang Wenyi standing in front of him: "Spread the word that a real estate developer is willing to pay a 20% premium to acquire the 5th floor of the Ansheng Center Building, and also reveal that our Paramount Company is also interested in selling."
"Kang Wenyi, you need to contact those real estate developers and speculators as soon as possible, and try to sell the entire Anshun Center Building within the next few days."
Su Qishan and Kang Wenyi exchanged a glance, their faces full of surprise. Kang Wenyi couldn't help but ask, "President Jiang, this... why are you suddenly doing this? Weren't you thinking about how to raise the price and sell it slowly?"
Jiang Tiansheng's tone was firm: "Don't ask so many questions. Just do what I say. Carry out the mission as I command."
Although the two were full of doubts, they dared not ask any more questions and replied in unison, "Yes, President Jiang."
Su Qishan then handed over a document and said, "President Jiang, this is information about the Wei Kee Building at 18 On Lan Street, Central."
The building is owned by Pocky Properties Limited, and we understand they are asking for HK$1.4 million.
Jiang Tiansheng took the documents, quickly glanced through them, and said, "This Weiji Building looks quite suitable for our company."
Kang Wenyi, you approached Baiqi Real Estate Company with a offer of HK$1.3 million, clearly expressing our intention to acquire the company.
"Yes, Mr. Jiang, I'll take care of it right away." Kang Wenyi noted down the task.
At this moment, Su Qishan added, "President Jiang, there's another piece of news."
Hongkong Land is interested in selling Century Tower at 1a Tregunter Road in the Mid-Levels, along with an adjacent 3.5 sq ft site, for a reserve price of HK$3.8 million. Century Tower is a prime property in the Mid-Levels, boasting expansive sea views, an excellent location, and numerous rental units. The undeveloped site also holds significant potential and is highly attractive.
However, the competition was fierce, with large companies such as Sun Hung Kai Properties and Sino Land showing interest in the project.
Jiang Tiansheng pondered for a moment and said, "What's there to be afraid of in fierce competition? As long as we operate properly, our Paramount Company also has a chance."
There's significant potential for this Century Tower to increase its value through hype. We've registered to participate in the bidding process in mid-September.
"President Jiang, this project involves a huge amount of money. Should we consider finding some partners?" Su Qishan asked.
Jiang Tiansheng considered for a while and said, "I was also thinking about investing in conjunction with private funds, which would make the operation more flexible."
But after much consideration, I decided that I would jointly invest with the Paramount Company. Although the risk is higher, the returns could be higher, and it would be easier for us to control the investment.
"Understood, General Manager Jiang." Su Qishan nodded in understanding.
That day, Huang Yulang invited Jiang Tiansheng to meet at a high-end teahouse.
As soon as Jiang Tiansheng sat down, Huang Yulang couldn't wait to ask, "Jiang Tiansheng, what's going on with your Shengyun Printing Company?"
Why are they scrambling to acquire Shenzhen Bao Printing Company, which my Yulang International has its eye on?
Jiang Tiansheng remained calm, picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said, "Mr. Huang, fair competition is the norm in business. How can you accuse me of poaching?"
As far as I know, the owner of Shenbao Printing Company proactively approached Shengyun Printing Company seeking help, and he was willing to sell the company at a low price.
"Don't try to deny it! Everyone in this industry knows that Jade International was the first to target us."
"You're deliberately going against me!" Huang Yulang said, slamming his hand on the table.
Jiang Tiansheng sneered, "Boss Huang, you're wrong about that."
Some of your practices in the industry could be described as monopolistic, wouldn't you say? Are you allowed to dominate the market while others are barred from competition?
Huang Yulang was speechless for a moment after hearing this. Jiang Tiansheng's backing was not to be underestimated.
He had done his research during this time and realized that if a real fight broke out, he might not have the upper hand. But he was unwilling to swallow his pride like this.
"Hmph, Jiang Tiansheng, don't be so smug. This isn't over!" Huang Yulang said viciously.