Chapter 299: Guang'an Bank Acquired

After breakfast, Li Qian followed Xia Yu to the company. Xia Yu checked his watch; it was almost time to meet with the Liang family, so he had to get going.

"Xia Yu, you go ahead and handle your business. I'll just stay in the office. Don't let me hold you up," Li Qian said, aware of her role as Xia Yu's secretary and the importance of the upcoming meeting involving a significant bank acquisition.

"Okay, I'll head out now. I'll come back to pick you up later!" Xia Yu responded and then left for Jiuding Securities Company to pick up Wang Qi before heading to the agreed location.

"Boss, the person standing at the hotel entrance is Liang Dingbang," Wang Qi said as they arrived at the hotel.

Xia Yu followed Wang Qi's gesture and saw a middle-aged man in a suit standing at the entrance, occasionally looking around.

"I didn't expect him to be waiting at the entrance," Xia Yu muttered, feeling a better impression of Liang Dingbang.

This gesture showed that Liang Dingbang was more likely to succeed than others.

"Let's go over," Xia Yu said, and everyone got out of the car and walked toward the hotel entrance.

Liang Dingbang immediately recognized Wang Qi and Xia Yu as they approached and greeted them with a warm smile.

"Mr. Liang, sorry for keeping you waiting!" Xia Yu said, extending his hand with a smile.

Liang Dingbang's smile widened as he shook hands with Xia Yu and said, "I just arrived myself. I should thank you, Mr. Xia, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come."

"Ha ha, Mr. Liang is too kind," Xia Yu replied with a smile.

After a brief handshake with Wang Qi, Liang Dingbang introduced his brother. "This is my brother Liang Dinghui."

"Ah Hui, these are Mr. Xia and Mr. Wang."

"Mr. Xia, Mr. Wang, hello!" Liang Dinghui greeted them.

"Hello!" Xia Yu and Wang Qi responded.

After introductions, they took their seats around a small round table, which was just right for the four of them.

After the tea was served, Xia Yu initiated the conversation to show he valued the meeting.

"Mr. Liang, you're already a renowned lawyer. What makes you interested in a political career?"

Liang Dingbang smiled slightly and said, "It's my father's wish, and I also want to do something for the people of Xiangjiang and fulfill my ambitions. Even if it's just as a minor public servant, I'm willing."

Although Xia Yu was unsure if Liang Dingbang was being sincere, he didn't press the issue and responded with admiration, "Mr. Liang, that's noble of you!"

"But from my perspective, with your legal expertise, being a minor public servant would be a waste. You could at least become a chief justice."

Liang Dingbang and Liang Dinghui both smiled as Xia Yu praised him sincerely.

Liang Dingbang quickly waved his hand and said, "Mr. Xia, you flatter me. I don't dare to think of becoming a chief justice. I only know a little about financial and commercial law. I'm not skilled in other areas. My abilities are limited."

Wang Qi interjected, "Mr. Liang, you're being too modest. There's no need for such modesty here. I know your capabilities well."

"Given your abilities and with the help of influential people, it's only a matter of time before you achieve great success. Not to mention becoming a chief justice, even becoming the governor of Hong Kong isn't out of the question."

"Oh no, I wouldn't dare to think about becoming a governor. Let's not talk about that."

"Moreover, influential people aren't so easy to find," Liang Dingbang said, shaking his head and looking at Xia Yu.

The main reason Liang Dingbang wanted to meet with Xia Yu was to gauge Xia Yu's attitude. If Xia Yu was willing to help him, he could achieve much higher levels of success.

For Liang Dingbang, selling Guang'an Bank wasn't the main concern. The most important thing was Xia Yu's support, which was crucial.

Realizing it was time for him to express his stance, Xia Yu smiled and spoke up.

"Ha ha, Mr. Liang, since I don't have many connections in the political sphere, now that we're friends, I'll definitely support you. If you need anything to further your career, feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to assist!"

Liang Dingbang and Liang Dinghui both beamed with joy at Xia Yu's response.

To reassure them, Xia Yu's reasoning was convincing. His potential support in politics was exactly what they needed, and he made it clear he would offer full support.

Liang Dingbang's success was also in Xia Yu's interest, so he had no reason not to fully support him.

"Mr. Xia, with your words, I feel reassured. I'll toast to your support with this tea!"

Liang Dingbang said, raising his tea cup solemnly.

"Mutual support!" Xia Yu replied courteously, which pleased Liang Dingbang.

They all raised their cups and toasted, finishing their tea in one gulp.

"Ha ha!"

With the tea served in place of wine and their glasses empty, the cooperative relationship was established, and everyone was in high spirits.

Liang Dingbang took the initiative to pour more tea for Xia Yu as a sign of his attitude.

Since Liang Dingbang needed Xia Yu's support, he had to show a more modest attitude, which Xia Yu also acknowledged, making Liang Dinghui feel better.

For Liang Dingbang, Xia Yu's support was more important than selling the bank, and it was perfectly achieved.

But for Xia Yu and Wang Qi, buying the bank was more crucial. Now that Liang Dingbang's wishes were fulfilled, it was time for them to proceed.

Without needing Xia Yu to remind him, Wang Qi spoke up, "Mr. Liang, let's discuss the matter of Guang'an Bank. Have you considered the details?"

Liang Dingbang and his brother's smiles faded, and Liang Dinghui nodded slightly, showing he had no objections.

Liang Dingbang had brought his brother along because Guang'an Bank was also part of Liang Dinghui's share, and Liang Dinghui wanted to witness the transaction to feel at ease.

With the requirements met, Liang Dinghui had no further objections.

Liang Dingbang understood, and the negotiation for the bank acquisition began.

"Mr. Wang…"

…

Since Liang Dingbang's wishes were fulfilled, he conducted the negotiation for Guang'an Bank's acquisition with courtesy and didn't haggle excessively. The entire negotiation process was quite harmonious.

Within just five minutes, the negotiation ended with laughter.

Both sides agreed on a price of 20 million Hong Kong dollars for Guang'an Bank, which had total assets of 200 million, liabilities of 190 million, and net assets of 10 million.

The price of 20 million Hong Kong dollars was considered reasonable, neither high nor low.

Even though Guang'an Bank had total assets of 200 million, it was still managing other people's money.

Just like later on, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China had total assets of 20 trillion but a market value of less than 2 trillion RMB, not even reaching a ten-to-one ratio. This was in part due to its leading and monopolistic position.

Of course, such comparisons are not entirely appropriate, but they do reflect certain aspects.

With the agreement reached, Wang Qi would handle the subsequent details, and Xia Yu only needed to sign and make the payment.