The night passed without incident!
The next morning, before the stock market had even opened, the Far East Stock Exchange was once again bustling with activity.
In VIP Room 3, Sangchai and his group had arrived early, and it was clear that everyone was in high spirits.
This was understandable, after all. With massive funds pouring in, Star Company and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce were already showing signs of defeat, and for Sang Chai and his group, victory was within reach.
From his seat of honor, Sang Chai saw that most of the guests had arrived. Clearing his throat, he said, “Ladies and gentlemen, since there’s still a little time before the market opens, let’s hold a brief meeting. Representatives from each consortium, please stay; everyone else may wait in the VIP lounge next door.”
At Sangchai’s command, all personnel from each company—except for the main representatives—immediately stood up and headed toward the exit.
Soon, the vast VIP Room No. 3 was left with only a dozen or so people—all key players in this stock market battle.
Once the room had been cleared, Sangchai immediately said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve just received word that Star Company plans to divest itself of some non-core smaller firms to free up capital, and will then throw its full weight behind competing with us for stakes in those major companies. What are your thoughts on this?”
No sooner had he finished speaking than Monroe’s eyes lit up, and he hurriedly asked, “Mr. Sangchai, is your intelligence source reliable?”
“Accurate. The information comes directly from within the Chinese Chamber of Commerce—its accuracy is beyond doubt!” Sangchai said confidently.
“Hahaha, this is great news for us! No matter which company Li Yi decides to let go, it will create rifts and divisions within the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Once that happens, the day they fall apart won’t be far off,” Monroe laughed heartily.
Michiko chimed in, “Mr. Monroe’s analysis makes perfect sense. The fundamental reason why the Chinese Chamber of Commerce is so difficult to deal with is that they’re a solid, united front. Once that unity is broken, their fighting power will inevitably wane, and defeat will be inevitable.”
“Mr. Sangchai, so it seems those yellow-skinned monkeys are finally about to collapse. It won’t be long before we can reap the rewards of the Hong Kong stock market, will it?”
“Mr. Sangchai…”
Just as everyone was chiming in with their overly optimistic predictions, Sangchai noticed Dolsen, who had remained silent the whole time.
Knowing that this man had likely already betrayed his family, Sangchai decided to test him.
“Dorson, what’s your take on this?”
Dorson was pondering the intent behind Li Yi’s move. He didn’t believe Li Yi had been forced into a corner and had chosen to sacrifice the pawn to save the king.
Compared to Sangcai and the others, he understood Li Yi’s capabilities and strength far better.
Setting aside his unfathomable abilities, that man’s true strength was far beyond what these parochial fools could ever imagine.
Not to mention that Li Yi currently controls Sheffield Steel United, a company with a market value of over 13 billion pounds. Even just his stake in Green Brothers Investment in New York—a company worth over 35 billion US dollars—amounts to 33% of the shares, valued at 12 billion US dollars. How could he possibly have been driven to this point?
Not to mention, that man has the backing of a vast Red Empire. This so-called “sacrificing the pawn to save the king” move is likely just a bait he’s thrown out—the only question is what kind of fish he’s trying to catch this time.
Therefore, upon hearing Sangchai’s inquiry, Dolsen replied directly, “In my personal opinion, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce hasn’t reached a dead end yet. This news may not be true, and even if it is, there must be an ulterior motive…”
Before he could finish, Sangchai replied calmly, “So, you believe the Chinese Chamber of Commerce still has the strength to fight back?”
“Yes. So please, don’t be too optimistic in your assessment of the situation!” Dolsen said with a serious expression.
Although he didn’t want the people before him to crush the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, he also didn’t want Li Yi to win too easily.
After all, if Li Yi were to emerge with a resounding victory, it would mean a massive surge in the power of both Starry Sky Corporation and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. In that case, their British-funded group would have no chance of recovery, and they would spend every day trembling under the other side’s oppressive might.
In his view, the best outcome would be a stalemate where both sides were left battered.
So, Dalson’s warning was sincere!
However, Sang Chai seemed to have anticipated this response long ago. He let out a cold laugh and stared at Dolsen, saying, “Dolsen, though we are of the same family, we should be of one mind.”
“But judging by your behavior these past few days—boosting others’ morale while undermining your own, speaking on behalf of our rivals—I can’t help but suspect you have ties with those Chinese!”
Dawson hadn’t expected Sangchai to suddenly confront him, but he remained completely unflustered. He replied calmly, “Sangchai, since you’ve come to doubt me, there’s no point in me staying here any longer. My people will withdraw from all your operations from now on…”
Just as Sangchai was about to flash a victorious smile, Dolsen suddenly spoke again: “However, I must warn you: that Li Yiyuan is far more dangerous than you imagine. If you remain as complacent as you are now, you will suffer a crushing defeat.”
With that, Dolsen left VIP Room 3 without looking back.
Sangchai’s mood remained unchanged by Dolsen’s departure.
After watching Dolsen leave, he said in a cold tone, “Ladies and gentlemen, don’t listen to his nonsense. This man has been scared out of his wits by that Li Yi. We needn’t pay him any mind.”
Monroe immediately asked, “Mr. Sangchai, once Dolsen withdraws, the British-funded groups here on Hong Kong Island will follow suit. Won’t that affect our plan?”
“No. We’re already in the final stages. Whether they’re here or not won’t affect the final outcome!” Sangchai said confidently.
“Mr. Sangchai, if those people from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce really give up a portion of their company shares today, should we accept them or not?” Michiko asked.
“Take them. Why wouldn’t we?”
Sangchai continued, “Although the companies they’re giving up are small and of average strength, taking them over will create a rift within the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. By then, we might not even need to launch a full-scale attack—they’ll collapse on their own!”
Monroe chimed in, “I agree with Mr. Sangchai. We have ample funds right now, so acquiring these companies won’t affect our future plans.”
Michiko added, “I also agree with Mr. Sangchai. The outside world has already begun to cast doubt on Li Yi and Starry Sky. If they dare to abandon even a single company, those retail investors and hot money will tear them to shreds…”
Seeing that these few spoke so decisively, the others naturally found their arguments convincing and chimed in one after another.
Soon, everyone reached a consensus on the matter!
Just then, a piercing yet familiar bell rang out from outside—the market had opened!
As the opening bell rang, investors who had been waiting in the wings sprang into action.
Just as in the previous days, after the two giants entered the fray and engaged in a fierce battle, and once it was clear the battle was still raging, retail investors and brokerage firms followed closely behind, entering the market one after another.
Less than ten minutes after the market opened, the stocks of major companies became the focal point of the fray, and share prices began to rise steadily.
Just then, Li Yi issued the order to sacrifice the pawns to save the king.
Immediately afterward, traders at Star Company began offloading shares of more than twenty companies.
Although Sang Chai and the others understood that Li Yi’s side was trying to recoup funds,
However, in order to first shatter the Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s united front, they did not retaliate; instead, they accepted every offer. Whatever Li Yi’s side sold, they bought.
At the same time, retail investors and brokerage firms seemed to be following some invisible lead, flocking to follow Sang Chai and his group as they frantically snapped up the shares being dumped by Star Company.
In just a single day, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce lost controlling stakes in 24 companies—and this appeared to be only the beginning…
………