HSBC has long reserved tens of billions of dollars and is one of the three major settlement banks in Xiangjiang. This is the confidence they have to face the challenge.

This is also the fundamental reason why the targeted offering would indeed be more beneficial to Hengtai, yet Zheng Jiachun agreed to it.

If conventional means were used to raise funds, even Lu Liang would feel helpless facing HSBC.

Fortunately, he has always been feeling his way across the river with Old Ma.

The Ant Group, true to its name, can lift objects roughly 100 to 400 times its body weight.

Thirty billion can leverage three hundred billion, but if it is 30 billion US dollars, how much more funds can it leverage?

"No more waiting. Come over this afternoon to take over Huazhi’s Guangsheng Bank."

In front of Xu Jiayin, Lu Liang called Wen Chao, saying plans had changed and he couldn’t wait for another three months or half a year.

He plans to fully launch an attack on HSBC by having Xingheng wear the mask of Guangsheng Bank to break into the Xiangjiang market.

Unlike the Ant Group that relies solely on credit, Lu Liang plans to wager Xingheng’s tens of billions of US dollars and Bitcoin holdings to launch a 300 billion US dollar ABS bond.

This is the foundational battle for Tianxing Financial Group. It cannot be evenly matched; it must dominate.

If they are already struggling for breath facing HSBC in Xiangjiang, how will they face those century-old international consortia when expanding internationally?

"Understood, Mr. Lu, I will book the ticket immediately."

Upon knowing Lu Liang’s arrangements, Wen Chao instantly shed his usual elegance, unable to conceal his excitement.

Having been away for two years, he is finally returning to the country, and is going to participate in a financial war that is enough to be recorded in history.

How can he not be moved!

"300 billion US dollars, 2 trillion RMB, Yangcheng’s annual GDP."

Like a thunderous bolt out of the blue, Xu Jiayin’s pupils suddenly expanded, unable to calm his thoughts for a long time.

This piece of information is like the last puzzle piece, or like a silk thread, weaving all events together.

There is an analogy, although not appropriate, but it should be the truest thought of Lu Liang and Old Ma at this moment.

The 300 billion RMB ABS issued by the Ant Group is to bind 1.4 billion citizens in the mainland, achieving the goal of being too big to fail.

The 300 billion US dollar ABS about to be launched by Tianxing is to bind nearly 1.6 billion citizens in the mainland, Xiangjiang, and even several East Asian countries.

Xu Jiayin suddenly felt a dry mouth. He, known as the First Rich in East Country, couldn’t help but tremble upon realizing Lu Liang’s plan.

Raising 300 billion US dollars, if it was merely to help Hengtai acquire New World and incidentally heavily damage HSBC’s market position, it would undoubtedly be like using a cannon to shoot a mosquito.

Lu Liang’s real goal is probably to seize this opportunity to dominate the East Asian capital markets.

The 300 billion US dollar ABS bonds are surely aimed at professional financial institutions, but the wool comes from the sheep.

The institutions’ funds all originate from the ordinary people.

"Mr. Xu, you and Hengtai just sit back and wait to receive New World’s properties."

After the call ended, Lu Liang looked at Xu Jiayin, displaying a spirited smile.

Small matters rely on calculation, major undertakings rely on strategy,

To achieve great things, relying solely on conspiracy doesn’t work.

If words are not put out, matters can’t be accomplished.

This news will soon be publicly announced, so it doesn’t matter if Old Xu hears it in advance.

"Then we await Mr. Lu’s good news."

As the two conversed, Xu Jiawei knocked and entered, and lightly whispered to Lu Liang: "Mr. Lu, someone from Standard Chartered is here."

Lu Liang acknowledged with a hum: "Arrange for them to go to the reception room."

He looked at Xu Jiayin, who chuckled and said: "Mr. Lu, if you’re busy, I’ll head back to the hotel first."

He finally understood why, despite knowing the Zheng family had already contacted Standard Chartered, Lu Liang was not in a hurry to reach out himself.

There it is, Standard Chartered came knocking on the door of its own accord.

"Jiawei, see Mr. Xu off."

After seeing off Xu Jiayin, Lu Liang went to the next-door reception room and met Standard Chartered’s representative, He Jiafan.

"Mr. He, hello, may I ask what brings you here?" Lu Liang smiled broadly and enthusiastically offered tea.

What Li Zhikai said was true; the relationship between Standard Chartered and HSBC had indeed reached an irreconcilable point; otherwise, Standard Chartered would not be visiting him.

"Mr. Lu, I’m pretty straightforward by nature and not adept at beating around the bush, so I’ll get straight to the point."

As soon as He Jiafan sat down, he took a sip of tea and directly stated his purpose: Standard Chartered intends to transfer its equity in New World.

Lu Liang smiled with narrowed eyes: "Thank you for the support from both Standard Chartered and Mr. He. How can we assist you?"

He Jiafan chuckled and waved his hand: "You overestimate, Mr. Lu, we just want to contribute to Hengtai’s acquisition of New World."

"The Xiangjiang market has been stagnant for too long and urgently needs you and Mr. Xu to join in, to get these waters moving."

He spoke with righteousness, as if Standard Chartered held no self-interest, containing solely the people of Xiangjiang.

As long as it is for the good of the market, they would do anything.

On one hand, he expressed a spirit of selfless dedication, and on the other, he showed strong support for Lu Liang and Xu Jiayin’s actions in entering the Xiangjiang market.

The saying that the two of them are acting like bandits, invading Xiangjiang, is merely ignorant talk led by those with ulterior motives.

"Mr. He, you’re too kind, but we will do our utmost to ensure you are not disappointed," Lu Liang said with a smile.

"I’m absolutely confident that with your involvement, the future of the Xiangjiang Market will be brighter."

After exchanging pleasantries, He Jiafan, citing other commitments, left behind the equity transfer contract and took his leave.

Originally holding 4.23%, after dilution, only 2.961% remains, calculated at yesterday’s closing transaction price, 5.941 billion Hong Kong Dollars.

Gazing at the back of He Jiafan departing, Xu Jiawei couldn’t help but ask, "Mr. Lu, what’s Standard Chartered up to?"

Coming and going in a hurry, it was as if he only came to deliver the equity transfer contract, without mentioning any conditions, making it seem like a weasel offering New Year greetings to a chicken with no good intentions in mind.

Lu Liang shook his head with a wry smile and explained, "This is truly the action of a smart person."

Initially, he was surprised too, but on deeper thought, even though Standard Chartered’s goodwill was unexpected, it was perfectly logical.

With New World issuing 30% more equity in the secondary market, Standard Chartered’s superior position was compromised.

The terms promised by HSBC were sure to be heavily discounted, to a level that even Standard Chartered couldn’t accept.

So they simply didn’t set any conditions, choosing to sell at a normal price, giving face to Lu Liang and Xu Jiayin.

After all, they didn’t know that Lu Liang had already decided to use Guangsheng Bank’s credentials to enter the Xiangjiang Market ahead of schedule.

Therefore, from He Jiafan’s perspective, if HSBC suffered a severe blow, the one to benefit the most would be the well-rounded Standard Chartered Bank.

Xu Jiawei suddenly realized and jokingly said, "Then when ABS bonds are issued, Standard Chartered might regret today’s decision, right?"

Lu Liang shook his head again and sighed, "That’s precisely the smart move from Standard Chartered; they didn’t have to pay any costs and yet sold New World’s equity at a high premium. Why would they regret it?"

HSBC is too large and is one of the three major settlement and currency issuing banks in Xiangjiang; it’s destined not to be entirely undermined.

Tianxing Finance alone cannot handle it; at this moment, a benevolent Standard Chartered will naturally be invited to the table.

In the future, Tianxing Finance will focus more on international markets, with lesser emphasis on the Xiangjiang Market, presenting another opportunity for Standard Chartered Bank.

Hoping that HSBC will be severely hit this time, and it’s not just Lu Liang harboring such hopes; Standard Chartered is surely in there as well.

"I see, how did I not think of this angle?" Xu Jiawei suddenly understood, revealing a regretful expression.

Lu Liang glanced at him and said irritably, "I’m going to take a nap first; in the afternoon, you go to the airport to pick up Wen Chao."

"Okay, Mr. Lu." Xu Jiawei replied with a sheepish smile, his intent to flatter too obvious, detected by Boss Lu.

As He Jiafan walked out of Phase 2 of the Plaza Building, news of Standard Chartered Bank supporting Lu Liang quickly spread.

"In this case, doesn’t Hengtai’s stake come to 44.44%? That number seems ominous."

"That’s before the private placement; after the equity dilution, it’s only 31.108% now."

"Calculated after dilution, the Zheng Family has 34.384%, Hengtai 31.108%."

"The gap between the two sides is narrowing; is New World going to change hands?"

"How is that possible! The real boss, HSBC, hasn’t made a move yet."

Market investors were all speculating, curious about what measures Lu Liang would take to counteract the strong intervention by HSBC.

Although sources say that Lu Liang has over 30 billion US dollars at his disposal, facing HSBC’s long-term reserve of hundreds of billions, it’s clearly insufficient.

Not to mention the retail investors, active funds, and institutions competing for shares, adding a lot of uncertainty to this acquisition and counter-acquisition battle.

Meanwhile, at Yiyun Villa.

"What actions will Lu Liang take next?"

Zheng Jiachun looked at the large screen, where all entrances and exits of Phase 2 of the Plaza Building were monitored by assigned personnel.

Whether Lu Liang stepped out or had visitors, he could know clearly, enabling him to anticipate subsequent arrangements.

But hours had passed, and apart from Xu Jiayin leaving, and He Jiafan entering and leaving, as well as Lu Liang’s assistant stepping out, no other suspicious personnel were found.

"Mr. Zheng, I’ve obtained authorization from the headquarters to retain New World at any cost."

Qi Yaonian smiled confidently, in the face of absolute strength, any conspiracy or trickery is but a paper tiger.

HSBC’s highest authority allows him to mobilize all funds without affecting business operations.

It’s time for Lu Liang to experience what is truly a torrent of funds, what is truly financial dominance.

"Great, I hope my worries are unfounded, then."

Zheng Jiachun sighed with relief but still felt tense.

New World is the ancestral business of the Zheng Family; if it were lost in his hands, how could he not worry?

At that moment, someone suddenly mentioned, "Lu Liang’s assistant Xu Jiawei has brought someone back."

"Who is it?" Zheng Jiachun was startled and quickly asked.

"The president of Tokyo Xingheng Investment Company, Lu Liang’s first secretary, Wen Chao."

"Isn’t he in Tokyo? Why would he come over?"

"Not sure, probably summoned by Lu Liang."

Zheng Jiachun looked at Qi Yaonian, hoping he would send someone to probe around in Tokyo to prevent any unexpected changes.

"Rest assured, I’ll have someone gather information in Tokyo," Qi Yaonian nodded lightly, keeping a serious demeanor.

Strategically looking down on the enemy, tactically valuing the enemy, HSBC has a high probability of winning, but that doesn’t mean it’s a guaranteed victory.