nyslfriends Chapter 355 The Attitude of Minority Shareholders
Chapter 355 The Attitude of Minority Shareholders
April 3, 2000, 2 PM.
Lingyun received a call from Eric.
"Ling, I just received news," Eric said in a low voice, "They're preparing to make their move."
Ling Yun stood by the window, looking at the parking lot outside. The sun was shining brightly, and several cars were parked there, motionless.
"When?"
"At the board meeting next Monday, Anderson and his team persuaded Dell and secured Dell's support. They're going to force you out."
"How many shares do they own in total?"
"Dell and HP also stand with them, along with those held by Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, and some smaller shareholders, to raise more than 40%. Then they can vote directly to remove you from office."
Ling Yun didn't speak.
"There's one more thing," Eric paused, "Jim told me yesterday that he'd make me CEO after this is done."
"What did you say?"
"I neither agreed nor refused. I said I'd consider it. Mr. Ling, what are your plans?"
"I haven't decided yet; I need to weigh it carefully."
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone.
"Ling, I..."
"That's all for now, I'll contact you again if I hear anything."
Lingyun hung up the phone.
He stood by the window and watched for a while. A middle-aged woman got out of the car that had just stopped, carrying a briefcase, and walked quickly into the building.
At 3:00 PM sharp, Dr. Leila arrived at Lingyun's office.
She was wearing a black suit today, no jewelry, and her face was expressionless. After entering the room, she sat down on the sofa and put her bag next to her.
Ling Yun sat down opposite her. "Dr. Lyra."
"Mr. Ling."
"I'll be frank," Ling Yun said. "You should know the current situation."
Leila nodded. "I know."
"I'd like to ask what the attitude of Middle Eastern capital is."
Leila looked at him, not in a hurry to answer. She picked up the water glass on the table, took a sip, and put it down.
"Mr. Ling, our Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has invested in many companies around the world, and our principle is not to get involved in management struggles."
"So you won't help me?"
"It's not that we don't want to help," Leila paused, "it's that we can't. We are financial investors, not strategic investors. As long as it doesn't affect our final returns and our interests aren't threatened, we won't take sides voluntarily, regardless of who becomes CEO."
Ling Yun nodded. "I understand."
Leila looked at him, and after a few seconds, she spoke again, "But, Mr. Ling, if you need to exit the passage, we can provide assistance."
"Exit the portal?"
"Yes. If you want to sell your shares, we can help you find buyers. There are many good institutions in the Middle East that will offer market prices and won't take advantage of your situation."
Ling Yun thought for a moment, "What if I transfer the shares to you?"
Leila shook her head. "We don't get involved in management struggles. If we take over your shares, we'll become major shareholders and have to participate in management, which is not what we want."
"What if it's transferred to someone else?"
"Others..." Leila looked at him, "Who are you talking about?"
Ling Yun did not answer.
Leila stood up. "Mr. Ling, that's all I can say. The rest is up to you."
She extended her hand, and Ling Yun stood up and shook it.
Leila walked to the door, paused, and looked back at him. "Mr. Ling, no matter what the final outcome is, I personally respect you very much and hope that we will have the opportunity to cooperate again."
She pushed open the door and went out.
Ling Yun stood there, watching the door close. Transferring Xingchen's shares to those Middle Eastern tycoons was a good option; at least he wouldn't lose money.
At 3:40, the French representative arrived.
His name was Jean-Pierre, he was in his fifties, with gray hair and wearing gold-rimmed glasses. He took off his gloves upon entering and sat down on the sofa.
"Mr. Ling."
"Mr. Jean-Pierre".
The two shook hands.
"Before I came, there was a special meeting in Paris," Jean-Pierre said slowly, with a heavy French accent. "They discussed it for a long time."
"The final conclusion was that the French National Investment Bank respected the founders' control over the company. However..."
He paused, then added, "But we can't publicly take sides."
Ling Yun looked at him. "Why?"
"Because we are a national investment bank, our stance cannot be too explicit. Otherwise, it could be interpreted as the French government supporting one side, creating a negative international impact."
Ling Yun nodded. "I understand."
Jean-Pierre looked at him with a hint of apology in his eyes. "Mr. Ling, I personally admire you. However, in this matter, we can only remain neutral."
"What if the results come out?"
"Regardless of the outcome, we will continue to support the development of Star Technology. We can still cooperate in the French and European markets."
Ling Yun didn't speak.
Jean-Pierre stood up and extended his hand.
"Mr. Ling, take care."
Lingyun squeezed his hand.
Jean-Pierre walked to the door, then turned back. "Mr. Ling, some things are better left unresolved. Making a decision sooner rather than later might be better."
He pushed open the door and went out.
Ling Yun curled his lip. The Frenchman spouted a bunch of useless nonsense; he wasn't even as sincere as the rich dog.
January 4, 2000, 9:00 AM.
When Ling Yun pushed open the office door, Fiona was already waiting at the door. Her face was pale, and she was holding a laptop.
"Mr. Ling, the stock price has dropped to 26."
Ling Yun took the tablet and glanced at it. STAR, $26.3.
He scrolled down a few times, and the news headlines were increasingly glaring:
"Star Technology's market value evaporates by 300 billion yuan, leaving investors with nothing."
Microsoft lawyers say new evidence will be added next week, potentially doubling the claim amount.
Industry analysis suggests that Xingchen Technology may face delisting risks.
"Ling Yun: From Genius to Fraudster, It Only Took Him Three Years"
He handed the computer back to Fiona. "What did Anderson say?"
"The board meeting is at 9:30. The notice was just sent out; everyone must be present."
Ling Yun glanced at the clock on the wall; it was 9:05.
"understood."
He walked into the office and sat down in a chair. He didn't turn on the computer; he just sat there.
Fiona stood at the door, not coming in. "President Ling..."
"You can go out now."
Fiona opened her mouth, but didn't say anything, and closed the door.
At 9:20, Ling Yun stood up and walked outside.
Several employees in the corridor saw him, lowered their heads, and hurried past. No one spoke.
The meeting room door was open, and several people were already seated inside.
Anderson sat in his usual spot, a cup of coffee in front of him. He didn't move when Ling Yun entered. Winston sat next to him, looking down at his phone. The HP representative was speaking to Dell in a low voice, barely audible.
Eric sat in the corner, a notebook open in front of him, a pen in his hand. He kept his head down, not looking at anyone.
Ling Yun walked to the head seat and sat down.