Reinventing the Millennium

The purpose of Fang Zhuo's invitation to the Bank of China was to appear at a high-level meeting as a new strategic investor and formally present the Goldman Sachs + Deutsche Bank + MIGA fund system.

As for the pressure that President Li did not reveal in his mouth to resist the pressure from Li Jiacheng...

It doesn't matter to him.

As I said to the head of ICBC, he is a plug-and-play knife.

As long as the leader doesn't mind the knife cutting a little more of the cake, then the cooperation will be pleasant.

Moreover, during today's trip to the leadership office, I spoke fiercely to Li Jiacheng, and President Li's performance did not disappoint. He expressed his position quickly and firmly without blurring the space for cooperation.

This makes it even more enjoyable.

On November 1, at 10:30 in the morning, there was a high-level meeting of the Bank of China.

Introduced personally by President Li, Fang Zhuo, representing the acquisition consortium composed of three institutions, appeared for the first time in front of industry leaders.

The time for road shows and IPOs is tight, there is pressure from the British banks and the media, and leaders are watching how this stall will end... Against this background, the emergence of a consortium with a mature system that has signed a contract with ICBC is like a thunder to the ground. .

President Li's roaring "The responsibility is mine" while slamming the table is still in my ears, and President Li's confidence after the suspension of cooperation is still vivid in my mind. Now with the appearance of the richest man in the Mainland in the conference room, it seems that everything has the answer.

But it seems that the answer is still half-hidden in the mist.

When did the richest man in the Mainland appear in Bank of China affairs?

Is he really that fitting?

There were not many senior executives sitting in the conference room, but everyone had a hundred thoughts and couldn't help but think deeply and make conspiracy theories.

But……

"I am very surprised by what Royal Bank of Scotland did, and Merrill Lynch was even more irresponsible. Two hedge funds obtained the transferred acquisition rights. This not only makes everyone here angry, but also makes me extremely shocked."

Fang Zhuo spoke as a representative of the consortium, explaining the helpless situation faced by Bank of China.

In his view, Goldman Sachs' secret actions were nothing more than a correct verification of Merrill Lynch's "huge uncertainty" as promised to President Li that night. The root cause still lies with Merrill Lynch.

Of course, objectively speaking, Bank of China does lack experience in the process of seeking strategic cooperation this time.

Even so, it is not incomprehensible.

The strategic partner originally selected by the Bank of China was Temasek, which is backed by Singapore. However, because it had already invested in China Minsheng Banking Corporation and China Construction Bank, it was rejected by the banking regulator. The Royal Bank of Scotland was hasty in launching the project, and in the end it was a lose-lose situation.

Fang Zhuo feels that his appearance provides Bank of China with an option to learn lessons.

"We have signed a contract with ICBC. Here today, I can honestly say that this cooperation has been approved by the leadership."

"I personally am very optimistic about the prospects of our Bank of China, and it's not just because I was invited by President Li."

“In other words, I am very optimistic about the development of our Chinese banks, and I am willing to help Chinese banks’ ‘going global’ strategy.”

"You may have heard of my own company, Yike, which has operations in China, the United States, and Europe. In the past, it cooperated with ICBC in terms of funding, settlement, and guarantees."

"From actual personal experience, whether it is a bank or a company, the pace of 'going global' between both parties is actually synchronized."

"Just last night, I received a call from President Li. I was both happy and scared. I discussed with Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs overnight what kind of cooperation we could bring to Bank of China."

"In the end, this is a collaborative business that we have tentatively drafted."

Only after Fang Zhuo said this did he distribute the cooperation document he had brought. After receiving it, the leaders of the Bank of China found out that it was very detailed and targeted.

"On the way here this morning, I also had a phone call with the global president of Deutsche Bank." Fang Zhuo waited for everyone to read before continuing with a smile, "He said that Frankfurt, Germany, has selected a prime location for the Bank of China branch there. .”

What is sincerity?

This is sincerity.

Of course, this can't be done overnight.

Fang Zhuo finally brought the topic back to President Li: "The Bank of China has suffered a setback, but this setback can be undone. I believe that our leaders and employees of the Bank of China can achieve better results, and I especially admire President Li."

"President Li is ill but insists on working for the Bank of China. I believe that such a tenacious spirit is the epitome of our Bank of China."

"On behalf of Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, and MIGA Fund, I am willing to work with Bank of China to respond to the pressures and challenges of opening up and explore new developments in the financial market."

Snap, snap, snap.

Manager Li was ill but insisted on applauding Mr. Fang’s speech.

Soon, every leader in the conference room clapped their hands.

Putting aside everything else, Mr. Fang's eloquent manner and sincere attitude are still very popular.

The meeting continued.

President Li also read the business cooperation documents submitted by Mr. Fang.

He asked a few questions and also signaled to colleagues present to ask targeted questions in this regard.

Fang Zhuo gave answers in an orderly manner, saying one thing and another. Those who know know, and those who don’t know just don’t know. If he encounters someone who cannot make the decision, he directly calls Paulson and conducts the conversation on the phone in front of everyone. discuss.

In fact, this was beyond the plan for today's trip, but he didn't mind showing a practical gesture of cooperation.

It wasn't until noon that this high-level meeting came to an end.

Fang Zhuo declined the noon meal, shook hands with the leaders of the Bank of China one by one, and set a time for the consortium to formally negotiate cooperation. It would be a more professional meeting, not just a display of his attitude today.

In the afternoon, two consecutive meetings of different levels were held within the Bank of China.

In the evening, Fang Zhuo received a call from President Li and received a "in principle" message, which further solidified the willingness of both parties to contact each other.

At this point, Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, and MIGA Funds, which have already cooperated with ICBC, are truly connected with Bank of China.

If all goes well, President Li, who is taking charge of the work even though he is ill, will also become a figure who can turn the tide for Bank of China.

That night, Fang Zhuo had continuous phone calls with Paulson and Deutsche Bank, actively promoting the second cooperation - because it was subject to the red lines of the China Banking Regulatory Commission and the China Securities Regulatory Commission, this was also the last cooperation with a Chinese bank.

However, after this experience, MIGA Fund has more cooperation with Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank in the financial field that is worth looking forward to.

At 11:30 in the night, Fang Zhuo called Kong Yu, who was also awake, into the room. He briefly described the latest progress and asked about the situation of his competitors.

"I haven't heard of any movement in Lijiacheng. At least, there are no waves in the media."

"The Bank of England seems to be still exerting force, and it is said that it will protest from a higher level."

Kong Yu has been paying attention to news from all sides since the matter made a breakthrough.

Fang Zhuo nodded slightly: "The regulatory decision has been made, so there should be no further changes. Li Jiacheng is the richest man in China after all. If a business is setback, he is somewhat restrained."

Kong Yu also thought so and said happily: "Now it depends on our negotiations with Bank of China."

"Well." Fang Zhuo went over the matter at Bank of China again, "If we want to talk quickly and well, the Bank of China road show is coming soon. The chicken feathers in the ground need to be cleaned up quickly. If it gets sticky again, it may attract new ones. Variety."

Kong Yu nodded cautiously. This is an important attitude in negotiations.

But with ICBC’s example of cooperation ahead, I believe that as long as Bank of China is willing, this progress can be pushed forward very quickly.

Fang Zhuo chatted with Kong Yu about fund raising for a while, and the communication didn't end until one o'clock in the morning.

However, just as he was thinking about the situation alone, a call from the Anliang Chamber of Commerce appeared on the phone screen.

"Mr. Fang, Liu Wuyi is very eager to return to China." Fan Xiong, the spokesman of the Anliang Chamber of Commerce, came up and reported the business.

Fang Zhuo was stunned for a moment before he realized that this was the actual controller of Pulsmat.

He asked: "Eager? Why?"

Fan Xiong said tactfully: "It should be because we were a little unkind to him."

Fang Zhuo was silent for a few seconds and asked, "Is it clean? When will he come back?"

"From the beginning to the end, he has never heard the name of the Anliang Chamber of Commerce." Fan Xiong said, "It will probably take a few days to go back. We have to get him back from Africa first."

I have never even heard of the Anliang Chamber of Commerce, and naturally I have never heard of Mr. Fang’s name.

Fang Zhuo was surprised: "From Africa? As for that?"

Fan Xiong replied: "This man still has some expectations. He went to Africa to work for half a month, and the results were very good. We will use legitimate reasons to bring him back on a cargo ship."

"Okay, if he wants to come back, let him come back. Let the fallen leaves return to their roots." Fang Zhuo agreed to Liu Wuyi's wish to return to China, and since Fan Xiong called him, he also took the opportunity to talk about the current investment opportunities.

Unlike MIGA funds, although this investment is profitable, it has a lock-in period of at least three years.

Fang Zhuo made this point clear. As for whether Fan Xiong invests some personal assets or funds from the chamber of commerce, it depends on the other party's own considerations.

This call is over.

Fang Zhuo thought that even the Anliang Chamber of Commerce had opened a profit opportunity, so there was no reason to leave his old friends behind.

He simply wrote a text message about investment opportunities in Bank of China and sent it to Xiong Xiaoge, Wang Fengyi and others. What he wanted this time was not their institution's funds, but a purely personal way to make money.

I fell asleep in a hurry at two o'clock in the morning, and woke up at around six o'clock in the morning.

Fang Zhuo looked at his phone again and saw that he had received many replies.

Sure enough, when it comes to banks, there are no rejections in these replies, and many of them even want to inquire about investment opportunities from their own institutions.

You must know that this time the wave of Chinese bank listings is all foreign investment, and few mainlanders are qualified to eat meat and drink soup.

Fang Zhuo didn't say anything. If the MIGA fund is insufficient, it would be better to look for institutions from friends. But judging from the current situation, this possibility is getting smaller and smaller.

At eight o'clock in the morning, Xiong Xiaoge made a special phone call after replying to the text message.

"Mr. Fang, Mr. Fang, it's amazing. Even Bank of China was able to win it without any trouble! It was Mr. Fang who had to take action!" Xiong Xiaoge praised repeatedly.

Fang Zhuo was having breakfast. After hearing the compliment, he asked directly: "Just tell me the number."

"83 million." Xiong Xiaoge reported the number.

Fang Zhuo was puzzled: "Why are there still parts and pieces?"

"This is all the wealth I can use now, but it's a pity that you are unwilling to let IDG come in." Xiong Xiaoge was very regretful.

Fang Zhuo frowned: "$83 million is too high."

"It's not U.S. dollars, it's not U.S. dollars." Xiong Xiaoge explained but felt that he was being dwarfed by the wave, "less than 14 million U.S. dollars."

Fang Zhuo did not hesitate this time and agreed. Friends must enter through the MIGA fund. The money earned is still scored. There is nothing to say.

He chatted for a few more words, hung up the phone, and continued to read the newspaper and eat breakfast.

However, Xiong Xiaoge's call in the living room was heard by his wife Luo Yan who came out of the kitchen.

Luo Yan put down the dishes and ran over directly, asking: "What's all the money? Isn't it all IDG's investment? Why is it all? All the money, didn't you discuss it with me at all?"

Xiong Xiaoge patiently explained the whole story.

Luo Yan said suspiciously: "I know Fang Zhuo is very powerful, but I also know his reputation in your investment circle. Isn't he a hunter? It was fine before. Not only your money, but this time he is going straight for all the property?" No, no, even if I vote, I can’t vote completely!”

Xiong Xiaoge was a little unhappy: "I have already made an agreement with Fang Zhuo. This is a rare act of kindness from him."

Luo Yan still shook his head: "We can't invest all our belongings! It's such a big thing, so what if you agree with him? You can't tell him. I'll tell him to get the phone."

Xiong Xiaoge explained a few words, but still didn't make sense, and the phone was half snatched away.

Luo Yan found the number, made a draft, and made the call.

"Hey, is this Mr. Fang? I am Xiong Xiaoge's lover, Luo Yan." Luo Yan introduced herself.

Fang Zhuo had just finished breakfast and was surprised to receive this call. After hearing his identity, he said enthusiastically: "Hello, hello, it's my sister-in-law. Mr. Xiong and I have known each other for such a long time and we haven't visited my home yet. I'm sorry. Discourteous."

The two exchanged a few polite words.

Luo Yan got down to business: "While we were having dinner just now, I heard Xiong Xiaoge say that he wanted to invest money in the project. Oops, I had a few words with him. As for me, I have always wanted to change to a bigger house. It will be more comfortable to live like this. Although I haven’t chosen a house yet, the money..."

Fang Zhuo was startled, thought for a while, and asked: "Sister-in-law, I understand. Which area do you want to live in? I will build a good one for you."

Luo Yan: "?"

Fang Zhuo continued without hesitation: "My subsidiary Yongke Real Estate is looking for a suitable project in Beijing. What we want to build is definitely a high-end boutique. Let's not talk about the money for this house. The environment, materials and properties of the community are absolutely first-class. When the time comes, The price is easy to say, it’s definitely the lowest price, so you can buy with confidence and live comfortably, sister-in-law, what do you think?”

Luo Yan was moved.

She discussed the house with Mr. Fang for nearly half an hour on the phone, and hung up the phone with satisfaction. The quality requirements for the house were indeed her true thoughts.

"Mr. Fang is really good at getting along." Luo Yan put down her phone, turned to her husband and said, "Just invest, it's just all your wealth, how can Mr. Fang still scheme against us?"

Xiong Xiaoge witnessed his wife's transformation from the side and was speechless for a moment.

…

Fang Zhuo answered several calls one after another. Except for a house that was booked, the others were all institutional investments that needed to be declined.

However, just as he had basically settled his friends' interest, Kong Yu called and reported the latest news.

There was no movement in Lijiacheng, but Zhou Kaixuan accepted an interview with the media and evaluated Bank of China's strategic investment this time.

From the perspective of her status as a director of Li Foundation, this can be regarded as representing Li Jiacheng to a certain extent.

"Obviously, Bank of China ignored its business reputation. It defaulted on a hedge fund, but chose a private equity firm as a partner."

"This is extremely unwise, extremely puzzling and extremely shocking."

"Yes, even if Fang Zhuo is behind this private equity company, I think this is a wrong choice."

Zhou Kaixuan faced the media and directly named Fang Zhuo without any scruples.

Again and again, again and again, it is tolerable, but what is unbearable!