Chapter 299 Standing at the Right Time, Even a Pig Can Fly
The formal transfer of shares was scheduled to take place three days later.
At that time, DHL Group would also need to transfer over £50 million into Lin Haoran's Citibank account.
The three-day delay was because DHL Group needed time to mobilize such a large amount of funds.
It was understandable; this wasn't a small sum.
Since both parties had already signed a contract—with a penalty clause requiring 20% of the transaction value for breach—both sides were confident there would be no issues.
Watching Altair leave Tang Tower with a smile on his face, Lin Haoran, sitting in the office, frowned slightly, lost in thought.
With this private deal with Squid Capital's representative, he had effectively left Bill Stevens in a hopeless situation.
As for President Liu, he could be dealt with easily—holding only 8% of the shares, selling them wouldn't be difficult if he chose to.
Once the transaction was made public, Lin Haoran expected Supplee's stock price to fall sharply in the short term, although in the long run, it would likely continue to rise.
After all, as a DHL subsidiary, Supplee's growth would accelerate.
Thus, Lin Haoran felt no guilt—this was simply a normal business transaction.
As for the British government's opinion?
Lin Haoran wasn't concerned.
Given that Squid Capital had substantial political influence in the UK—even the Speaker of the House of Lords was on their side—it was perfectly reasonable that he had been "forced" to sell.
"Haoran, your moves really amaze me.
I didn't know making money could be so easy," Tang Kun said emotionally.
Since Lin Haoran had needed his lawyer during the contract signing, he hadn't hidden the deal from Uncle Tang.
Tang Kun didn't fully understand the future value of Berkshire Hathaway's shares, but he certainly understood the £59.2 million in cash.
Given that he roughly knew how much Lin Haoran had invested in Supplee, he could easily calculate the profit.
Even Tang Kun himself had once advised Lin Haoran not to invest in Supplee.
And yet, in just over ten days, Lin Haoran had earned tens of millions of pounds!
No wonder Lin Haoran had amassed such wealth in only two years.
At that moment, Tang Kun could only feel admiration.
After a lifetime in business, Tang Kun's total wealth was barely around £100 million—and he still lagged behind President Liu.
Yet Lin Haoran had made one-third of that amount in just ten days.
"If you say all this is just luck, would you believe it?" Lin Haoran laughed.
In truth, it was all a series of coincidences.
He hadn't initially planned to invest in Supplee at all.
It was only after President Liu's persuasion that he agreed to buy shares.
Once invested, Lin Haoran had simply seized the opportunity to quietly take control.
And when DHL came knocking to buy him out, he hadn't anticipated that either.
Initially, he thought they were coming to propose a truce!
Thus, selling his shares was a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Everything had unfolded by chance.
"If luck alone could earn this much money, you must be a child of destiny," Tang Kun said, smiling bitterly.
"I've spent my whole life in business.
I know luck matters, but in the end, it's strength that counts.
Wan'an is lucky to have a son like you."
"Uncle Tang, I once heard a saying from a senior: 'If you stand in the right wind, even a pig can fly.'
I just seized the momentum.
Opportunities are everywhere, but not everyone can grasp them," Lin Haoran said with a grin.
Tang Kun's conservative nature reminded him of his own father's.
Perhaps that's why neither of them had ever become dominant figures in their respective markets.
"I'm content with what I have.
As long as my descendants don't squander it, the fortune I've built will last for three or five generations.
Why take unnecessary risks now?" Tang Kun said serenely.
"That's true.
At least you can enjoy life without stress—sipping tea at Tang Tower every day," Lin Haoran agreed.
Different ages, different ambitions.
Lin Haoran still wanted to conquer more because he was young—and he had the advantage of knowing the future.
After chatting for a while, Lin Haoran called President Liu and asked him to come over.
Since his deal with DHL would be made public in three days, and would surely affect Supplee's stock price, Lin Haoran decided to give President Liu a heads-up—an act of goodwill.
In the future, insider trading would be illegal.
But in 1980, securities laws weren't as stringent.
British laws like the Company Securities Insider Dealing Act of 1985, the Financial Services Act of 1986, and later reforms in 1993 and 2000, gradually tightened insider trading regulations.
But now?
No one could touch Lin Haoran even if he openly gave insider information.
At 7 p.m., President Liu rushed to Tang Tower, having canceled a social engagement to meet Lin Haoran.
"Haoran, what's the matter that you needed to see me so urgently?" President Liu asked as soon as he arrived.
"Let's talk in a private room," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"It's not appropriate to discuss it out here."
With Uncle Tang accompanying them, the three entered a private room.
Once the door closed, Lin Haoran said,
"Uncle Liu, today I finalized a deal with DHL Group.
After the transaction, I will no longer be a shareholder in Supplee Company.
I've sold all my shares to them.
The deal will be made public the day after tomorrow.
Since you still own 8%, I thought it only right to inform you privately.
It's up to you whether to hold or sell your shares."
"What?!
You sold your Supplee shares to DHL?" President Liu stood up in shock.
This news was almost as shocking as when he first learned that Lin Haoran had secretly acquired nearly 50% of Supplee.
Just a few days ago, Lin Haoran had become the controlling shareholder—now he was selling?
And to the competitor?
"Yes.
It's just a transaction.
I had no strong emotional attachment to Supplee.
They made me an offer I couldn't refuse, and they have powerful backers in British politics.
I saw no reason to offend them," Lin Haoran explained calmly.
Now that President Liu knew, he would be able to sell some shares during the next trading sessions.
While dumping all 8% might be difficult, he could at least unload a large portion.
"Haoran, thank you for telling me.
I truly appreciate it.
I'll remember this favor," President Liu said solemnly.
"To be honest, I already sold about 3% of my shares today while trading volume was still high.
I still have around 5%, but I'll observe the situation.
If the future looks bright, I'll hold; if not, I'll cash out anytime.
Thanks to your warning, I can avoid being trapped," President Liu said gratefully.
Lin Haoran was a little surprised at Liu's foresight.
But he admired it.
Clearly, President Liu knew how to protect his interests.
"No wonder you've built such a formidable business empire," Lin Haoran said admiringly.
President Liu had indeed earned his place in the business world.
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