Reborn Tycoon: Hong Kong's Entertainment Godfather

Chapter 43 Betrayed by all, a forceful acquisition of Lee Hysan Properties!

Guangming Film Industry

Gu Yuhan was holding a meeting with a group of people. The Spring Festival of 1978 was almost over, and Gu Yuhan had convened an internal meeting. One topic was profit sharing, and the other was a more professional and refined management approach for the company's talent. "Go...go learn management?" Huang Baiming was filled with questions and couldn't help but ask, "Boss, we all have to learn management?" "If you want to be directors, then you need to learn three things: first, large-scale creative development management; second, excellent completion cycle control; and third, cost control!"

Gu Yuhan slowly began, "As things stand, I think none of you here can do these three things!" "Let me give you an example. From the very beginning of the 'Drunken Fist' project, peripheral development should have been part of the agenda and coordinated with the creative process. If you were even more attentive, you might have segmented the target audience, creating products at different price points—high, medium, and low. I ask you, who among you has done that?"

Gu Yuhan glanced at everyone and asked.

Huang Baiming spoke up, "But boss, isn't this something you should be considering?"

"You mean I've considered it, and then you don't have to consider it anymore? You don't have to earn money anymore? You mean you can get a smaller share of the profits?" Gu Yuhan tapped the table, staring intently at Huang Baiming.

Huang Baiming lowered his head: "Boss, it was my oversight!"

"Is this thoughtful or not? Fine, you say you don't need to consider the money earned in the surrounding area, then let me ask you again!" Gu Yuhan

He spoke slowly and deliberately, "I'd like to ask how your crew is handling meals. Do the extras know what scenes they'll be filming next? Do they know their character biographies?"

Huang Baiming obediently shut his mouth.

Gu Yuhan slowly began, "I don't doubt your passion, nor your sentiments and artistic talent, but in my opinion, you could have done better, you could have been more outstanding. Why can't you have been more outstanding?"

"I don't care about or understand your private lives, but what I need to make you understand is that filmmaking isn't about rushing in headfirst with passion. Ultimately, it's about making a profit. A simple story, the use of special effects and martial arts, and cost control—these three things aren't difficult, but putting them together is very difficult!"

A group of people really couldn't refute it.

"I see there's still a lot to consider. I acknowledge that artistic creation is important, but you must learn management and cost control!"

Gu Yuhan tapped the table and continued, "What I need you to do is improve yourselves as much as possible, and learn management as much as possible. Once any artistic creation moves beyond the stage of being created out of love and enters the commercial process, it will inevitably start competing in management and technology."

"In short, I demand that you all learn management and cost control!" Gu Yuhan stated bluntly. "If one company with 20 people is a mess, and another company with 200 people is well-organized, then my productivity is higher than yours. What I do..."

"I'm just faster than you; my skills are definitely better than yours."

"In any cultural and creative industry, one often needs to 'spend half a lifetime without forgetting one's original aspirations.' Passion and sentiment alone are not enough; if one cannot handle industrialized processes and technological iterations, one may be a genius one moment and a flop the next. Technical skills and team management skills alone are not enough; without human touch, works often become too utilitarian!"

Gu Yuhan paused slightly at this point, then continued, "The most perfect people are those who understand technology and scientific team management, and who are also passionate and true to their original aspirations. I think you are quite suitable, so I have specially arranged a professional team and professional instructors for you all to learn from!"

"Starting today, I'm also establishing a rule: all directors and producers in our company must learn team management and detailed task management. From now on, we will thoroughly implement the producer system, modularizing our work as much as possible so that we can operate efficiently according to the same standards!"

It's not that Gu Yuhan interfered too much; given the current pace of development in Hong Kong cinema, it will never surpass Hollywood. The mainland market, in particular, will be huge in the future.

The biggest problem with Hong Kong cinema is its lack of industrialization; it's all small-scale, piecemeal production. Gu Yuhan put forward a rigid, mandatory requirement.

Of course, it wasn't a one-way learning program; they were to take turns learning, since the company still needed to produce movies and TV series. The group couldn't really object, given the substantial bonuses this time. Gu Yuhan ultimately entrusted the specifics to Zhou Jun.

Zhou Jun himself also needs to learn and research, and needs to make the company more refined and team-oriented, so as to help him better manage his time.

After the meeting ended, Gu Yuhan saw his father. "Dad!" Gu Yuhan went up to him.

Gu Zhenguo laughed heartily: "Son, not bad, I didn't expect you to be so professional in meetings!" "It's all internal company management, Dad. I think you need to introduce a more scientific and refined management model!" Gu Yuhan smiled, sat down in front of his father, and asked, "How's the acquisition of Li's shares going?"

"My cooperation with Li Mingze and Li Mingqia has been progressing very smoothly. Currently, I have acquired 18% of their shares!"

"These transactions are all being conducted in secret!" Gu Zhenguo smiled. "Furthermore, we're also acquiring shares of Lee Hysan Properties in the stock market!"

Gu Yuhan asked in surprise, "Li Xishen, he hasn't reacted at all?" "Our acquisition was very discreet. Besides, Li Xiaohe has absolutely no interest in business right now. His son was arrested for drug trafficking; do you think he wouldn't be thinking about getting his son out as soon as possible?"

Li Xiaohe had three daughters and one son: his eldest daughter Li Yunmei, his second daughter Li Yunlian, his third daughter Li Yunzhen, and his only son Li Xianbin. Li Xianbin was the only male in the family, so Li Xiaohe naturally treated him like a treasure.

Gu Yuhan thought for a moment, then said, "That's true!"

"Furthermore!" Gu Zhenguo smiled and said, "The other brothers in the Li family have also spoken with me, and they all want to sell their shares to me, as long as the price is reasonable!"

"Then buy it!" Gu Yuhan laughed. "It seems the Li brothers are eager to sever ties with Li Xiaohe!"

"Of course!" Gu Zhenguo couldn't help but rub his hands together eagerly. Although he hadn't completely taken over Hutchison Whampoa, the Li family was one of the top four families. If he acquired it, he would be a top figure in Hong Kong.

"Once we hold more than 30% of the shares, I will begin a full takeover of Lee Hysan Properties!" Gu Zhenguo said excitedly.

···

During this period, Li Xiaohe was really busy and overwhelmed. His son needed to traffic drugs.

Isn't the Li family's wealth enough for him to squander?

It should be noted that Li Xiahe is also considered a super tycoon, as he was one of the top four families. Even though he is not as powerful as he was back then, in the eyes of outsiders, Li Xiahe is at least no less powerful than the shipping magnate Bao.

After learning that her son had been arrested for drug trafficking, Li Xiaohe immediately began to pull strings and pull strings to get her son out of trouble.

However, Li Xiaohe soon discovered that the problem was not whether his connections would work, but that no one was willing to come to his rescue at this time.

He broke the rules, and the police were directly targeting Li Xiaohe.

Although the Li family has cleaned up their act and gotten away with it, if you were to really investigate them, how could they possibly be completely without a single stain on their record? Before, you cultivated good relationships; it was an unspoken agreement. You wouldn't target my people, and I wouldn't target yours; your business rivalry was your own affair. But you insisted on taking action against these officials.

Then you have to be prepared for the backlash. If the rules are broken, don't blame others for retaliation. Li Xiaohe is now genuinely feeling a chill run down his spine. He originally thought it was a sure thing, but who knew, they really got away scot-free; the ICAC really just investigated a nobody.

His son wasn't rescued, and Li Xiaohe didn't get to see the person he wanted to see. At that moment, Li Xiaohe had a real urge to have the gang storm the police station and rescue his son, but reason told him that it was simply impossible.

After all, we're almost in the 1980s now, not the 1960s or early 1970s. These gangs absolutely cannot just attack the police at your command, Li Xiaohe. They really don't want to live. Although Dai Ying is not good now, he is still more than capable of dealing with your gang.

"Ah-He!" Just then, Li Xiaohe's wife rushed to his side and said quickly, "Something's happened!"

Li Xiaohe was startled and looked at his wife, Li Luyan, asking, "What is it?" Li Luyan hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I just received news that the Sunshine Group now holds 30% of the shares in our Lixishen Real Estate and has announced a full takeover bid for us. Ah He, the Gu family is going to kill us!"

Li Xiaohe was stunned: "What? How is this possible?"

Li Xiaohe only held 27% of the shares. The fact that he acquired 30% of the shares in such a short period of time can only mean one thing.

Did his brothers and sisters sell all their shares to Sunshine Group?

In that instant, Li Xiaohe felt a suffocating sensation, as if he were about to faint. His own brothers and sisters had betrayed him?

"Acquisition?" Li Xiaohe's heart was pounding, his face turned deathly pale, and he was so flustered that his voice even began to tremble.

Startled, Li Luyan hurriedly went to get some quick-acting heart medicine.

After taking several pills, Ri Hyo-wah slumped weakly in his chair. He was then immediately taken to the hospital.

Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital

Li Xiaohe felt utterly exhausted. He had a premonition that his brothers and sisters had betrayed him.

This is a fact he absolutely does not want to face.

He felt his eyelids were incredibly heavy, and it took a lot of effort to open his eyes. But by then, he had no strength left.

He struggled to sit up, but he lacked the strength. After a long while, he managed to utter a difficult sound: "Water."

Li Luyan, who was standing nearby, hurriedly brought over a glass of water. Li Xiaohe drank several mouthfuls of water, feeling utterly exhausted. He looked up at Li Luyan and asked, "How are you?"

"Ahe, you have a heart problem. You can't get angry or upset!" Li Luyan frowned, unwilling to reveal the specifics of her family's situation.

"You said I could handle it!" Li Xiaohe said through gritted teeth. Li Luyan then spoke up, "The Sunshine Group has officially announced its acquisition of our Lixishen Real Estate. They already hold more than 35% of the shares, and the Gu family's asking price is 44 yuan per share!"

Li Xiaohe gritted his teeth, feeling his heart pounding wildly. He continued, "Did the other brothers in the Li family sell their shares?"

Li Luyan nodded: "Yes!"

"Can we stage a counter-takeover?" Li Xiaohe asked. "It's difficult. I've inquired, and the Gu family has just received two billion from HSBC. We simply don't have that much capital in reserve!"

"Traitors, traitors, these bastards are all traitors!" Li Xiaohe said through gritted teeth. "Ahe, you mustn't get angry, you mustn't get angry!" Seeing Li Xiaohe's ferocious expression, Li Luyanqun panicked.

Li Xiaohe took a deep breath, trying hard to control his emotions: "Raise funds quickly, raise as much as you can!"

Li Luyan nodded: "I've already made preparations, but we still need to be prepared. Currently, our cash flow is simply insufficient to fight Gu Yuhan in the short term!"

"I understand!" Li Xiaohe stood up and said, "I'll go and continue the discussion!" However, for Li Xiaohe, there were not many people willing to help him anymore. First, the Hong Kong bureaucracy collectively seized all of the Li family's assets, and facing the Gu family's acquisition, Li Xiaohe simply could not raise so much capital.

This is a discarded pawn.

His own assets were seized, and the other party acquired them, leaving him utterly powerless to resist. Of course, this also highlights the imperfections of Hong Kong's system, which needs further improvement. It's estimated that once the Gu family's acquisition concludes, the rules of the stock market will be significantly strengthened.

Meanwhile, Gu Zhenguo was chatting with Li Rongsen.

"Asen!"

Gu Zhenguo smiled and said, "I think you understand my personality and know the current situation of your Li family. Li Xiaohe made a foolish mistake by going against these Hong Kong bureaucrats. Now, he's a pawn to be discarded and will be tormented no matter what. You wouldn't be thinking of sharing life and death with your third brother, would you?"

Li Rongsen also holds 5% of the shares in Lee Hysan Properties. He is a full brother of Li Xiaohe, both being sons of Huang Lanfang.

Overall, Li Rongsen was not very involved in the Li family business at first. However, even so, thanks to Huang Fang, he still had a 5% share and enjoyed a 5% dividend every year, which could be considered a favor Huang Lanfang gave to her youngest son.

He was only seven years old when his father died.

Li Rongsen wasn't very involved in the family business, so the brotherly relationship had naturally become quite distant. He looked up at Gu Zhenguo and asked, "How much are you offering?"

Basically, Li Rongsen had very little contact with Li Xiaohe, especially after his mother Huang Lanfang passed away. Li Xiaohe did not want Li Rongsen to participate in the family's specific affairs and share his power, so he let Li Rongsen fend for himself.

The relationship between the brothers was just average.

In particular, now that Li Xiaohe has crossed the line and is being strangled, Li Rongsen immediately made a decision to cut ties and maximize his own interests.

Gu Zhenguo said, "According to the market price, it's forty yuan per share now, but I'll give you forty-four yuan, how about that?"

Li Rongsen said, "I want fifty yuan. If you agree, I'll sign the equity transfer agreement with you right now!" "No problem!" Gu Zhenguo agreed readily: "Then buy me all five percent of the shares held by Li Xishen Real Estate at fifty yuan per share!!"

Li Rongsen: "..." Well, at this moment, he himself felt that he was lacking something, but since the words had already been spoken, it was not appropriate to refute them anymore.

What if things turn out badly and I lose more than I gain? "Okay, deal!" Li Rongsen nodded. "President Gu, it's a pleasure to cooperate with you!" "A pleasure to cooperate with you!" Gu Zhenguo also extended his hand to Li Rongsen. The two shook hands.

Brotherly affection? All null and void! Gu Zhenguo's acquisition speed is very fast. Once he makes a move, it is like a thunderbolt, swallowing up the entire Li family and completing a massive takeover. It is also to thoroughly demonstrate the strength of the Gu family.

They officially joined the ranks of Hong Kong's top families. After acquiring the shares from Lee Hysan Properties, Gu Zhenguo immediately held a press conference and officially announced: "The Gu family has completed the acquisition of Lee Hysan Properties, and now holds 51% of the shares!"

The news, especially coming from Gu Zhenguo, stunned the reporters present. A completed acquisition of Lee Hysan Properties? Really? They had thought that even if the Gu family were to clash with the Li family, a decisive victory wouldn't be reached until next year or the year after. After all, the Li family was one of the top four powerful families, yet now, they had been easily defeated by Gu Zhenguo? Was the Li family really that weak? Gu Zhenguo, calm and collected, announced the completion of the acquisition of Lee Hysan Properties, then left with a dashing air and returned directly to his office.

To be honest, even now, Gu Zhen himself still finds it somewhat unbelievable that the brothers in the Li family are clearly not united.

Instead, each of them had their own calculations.

Sometimes that's how it is; what's good for the company may not be good for yourself. Any large family that grows up will inevitably have internal strife. Even if the relationship seems good, when it comes to interests, the seemingly unbreakable brotherhood can actually crumble in an instant with just a little push.

Thinking about it, Gu Zhen was still a little excited.

One of Hong Kong's four most powerful families was destroyed just like that?

...

Lee family

As Li Xiaohe sat on the sofa, reading the newspaper, he felt his eyelids trembling. Not long ago, the doctor had hoped that Li Xiaohe could stay in the hospital for a few more days for observation, to ensure that his body was completely healthy before leaving.

But Li Xiaohe had no mind to recover from his injury.

When he saw this news while reading the newspaper, Li Xiaohe felt like he was about to explode. His heart was about to burst, so he swallowed a few nitroglycerin pills.

Then, he directly called his younger brother, Li Rongsen: "Ah Sen, it's me, Li Xiaohe!" "Brother!" came Li Rongsen's somewhat guilty voice from the other end of the phone: "You've been discharged from the hospital? Are you alright? I've been too busy these past few days and haven't been to the hospital. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine!" Li Xiaohe took a breath, trying to soften his tone, and said, "Come have lunch with me. I've run into a little trouble. Perfect timing, let's discuss what to do!"

"Brother!" Li Rongsen was also a little flustered, and then cautiously said, "I think I won't go!" "What's wrong? Is there something you can't tell me?" Li Xiaohe said with a smile, "We brothers haven't been in touch for a long time, let's have a good chat this time!"

"Brother, I'm not going!" Li Rongsen still refused. "Come on!" Li Xiaohe suddenly roared, "Just come!" "Brother!" Li Rongsen gritted his teeth and stamped his foot, saying bluntly, "I have something to tell you. Li Xishen Real Estate has nothing to do with me anymore!"

"What do you mean by that?" Li Xiaohe's heart skipped a beat, a strong sense of foreboding filling his heart. "Not long ago, Gu Zhenguo came to me, saying he wanted to buy my shares!" Li Rongsen said. "You sold them?" Li Xiaohe's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly asked, "You sold them?" "Brother, I'm sorry!" Li Rongsen didn't dare to say anything more and hurriedly hung up the phone. Li Xiaohe's breathing suddenly became rapid, his heart felt like it was going to explode, and he clutched his chest: "Medicine, medicine, medicine!" Li Luyan, who was standing nearby, was startled and rushed to get water, but when she got to Li Xiaohe, he was already curled up in a ball, without a breath left.