Chapter 106: That Many?
Over the next few days, as major mainstream news outlets continued their coverage, more and more people began paying close attention to the situation unfolding in the Middle East.
The Pahlavi Dynasty has been hit by an unprecedented nationwide general strike. The machinery of the state has nearly ground to a halt, and social order has descended into chaos.
Millions of anti-Shah demonstrators—estimated to number between six and nine million—have taken to the streets across the country, sparking one of the largest waves of protests in history. Experts commented, "Even after accounting for possible exaggeration, the scale remains historically unparalleled, reflecting the public's overwhelming dissatisfaction with the current regime."
Crippled by the nationwide strike, the Pahlavi Dynasty has been forced to suspend all crude oil exports indefinitely. Analysts fear that a prolonged interruption of Iranian oil exports could trigger another global oil crisis, with profound consequences for the world economy.
According to expert estimates, Iran's suspension of oil exports would reduce global oil supplies by nearly one-tenth of the world's daily consumption—a staggering figure that highlights the severe challenges facing the global energy market.
The outbreak of the "Islamic Revolution" within the Pahlavi Dynasty has further intensified the oil supply crisis, pushing the global energy market into an unprecedented predicament. Nations around the world are now scrambling to secure alternative energy sources and expand their strategic reserves.
In its latest report, the Rockefeller Foundation warned, "The world is entering a new era of prolonged oil shortages and potentially severe supply deficits." This statement immediately sent shockwaves through the market, fueling expectations of soaring oil prices and intensifying volatility in the energy sector.
As a direct consequence of Iran's complete halt in oil exports, international crude oil prices have fluctuated sharply, with the latest price reaching a record high of US$15 per barrel. Analysts widely believe that if unrest in Iran continues, oil prices may climb even higher, creating significant uncertainty for the global economy.
Major oil companies have begun stockpiling crude oil in anticipation of a worsening crisis, causing oil-producing nations' exports to be snapped up frantically and pushing demand even higher.
...
The oil crisis that had occurred five years earlier was still fresh in many people's minds, leaving behind deep fear and anxiety.
This time, the early warning signs plunged not only the industrial and financial sectors but also ordinary households into unprecedented tension, signaling that a storm capable of reshaping the global economy might soon arrive.
Every day, Lin Haoran closely monitored every subtle development in Iran.
Each of his predictions proved astonishingly accurate.
The Pahlavi Dynasty was steadily crumbling, gradually unveiling the prelude to a global energy crisis whose far-reaching effects could reshape the world's energy landscape and trigger a chain reaction affecting every corner of the globe.
This atmosphere of tension quickly crossed the oceans and spread to the bustling city of Hong Kong.
People discussed the situation everywhere, from busy streets to quiet alleyways, with worries about the future economy hanging over the city like dark storm clouds.
Although oil prices had not yet skyrocketed, the undercurrent driving them upward had already become impossible to ignore.
With prices changing almost daily, crude oil had become a ticking time bomb, threatening to ignite the fragile nerves of the global economy at any moment.
The situation became even more pronounced with American financial conglomerates quietly fueling the momentum behind the scenes.
Crude oil prices continued their upward trend, and every slight increase tugged at the sensitive nerves of the global economy.
A dramatic surge in oil prices was no longer a distant prediction—it was becoming an imminent reality.
Three days earlier, Lin Haoran had decisively instructed his trading team to suspend their acquisition of shares in Qingzhou Yingni.
At first glance, the decision appeared conservative, but in reality, it was a carefully calculated move.
Lin Haoran knew that this oil crisis would not inflict major damage on global stock markets, nor would it significantly affect Hong Kong's stock market.
However, the initial phase would inevitably have some impact.
After all, the 1973 oil crisis had plunged stock markets into a prolonged bear market.
Once Universal Investment halted its purchases of Qingzhou Yingni shares, the market reacted almost immediately.
Trading volume collapsed dramatically.
At its lowest point, fewer than one thousand lots changed hands in an entire trading day, leaving the market extremely quiet.
This wasn't an isolated case.
Rather, it reflected the broader decline sweeping across Hong Kong's stock market.
Many stocks came under heavy selling pressure, trading volumes shrank across the board, and market sentiment became increasingly tense and gloomy.
Against this backdrop, Qingzhou Yingni share price naturally failed to escape the downturn.
Sell orders piled up like mountains, while buy orders were few and far between.
The severe imbalance between supply and demand drove the stock price steadily lower.
From its previous high of HK$4.10 per share, the price gradually fell to HK$3.90, then HK$3.80... eventually stabilizing around HK$3.50 per share—a staggering decline.
During this process, the company's market capitalization shrank dramatically.
From its previous peak of HK$300 million, it plunged below HK$200 million, at one point approaching only HK$170 million, severely damaging investor confidence.
Inside the chairman's office of Wan'an Group, Lin Haoran sat beside his father, Lin Wan'an.
Lin Wan'an held a copy of The Wall Street Journal Asia in his hands, his eyes fixed on the front-page headline as his brows furrowed in concentration.
On December 10 and 11, demonstrators amounting to more than 10% of the Pahlavi Dynasty's total population participated in anti-Shah protests.
The headline itself was astonishing.
Revolutions involving even one percent of a nation's population were already extremely rare.
The French Revolution of 1789, the Russian October Revolution of 1917, and the Romanian Revolution of 1989 may all have exceeded that threshold.
Yet this time, over ten percent of the nation's population had joined the demonstrations.
The figure was almost unbelievable.
Nevertheless, numerous major international media organizations had confirmed the report.
It was true—absolutely true.
"Haoran, your prediction was spot on. It looks like the oil crisis is really coming," Lin Wan'an sighed as he set the newspaper down.
More than three months earlier, shortly after returning from Yuen Long to downtown Hong Kong, Lin Haoran had specifically warned his father that an oil crisis could erupt at any time and urged him to prepare.
In truth, however, there wasn't much they could do in advance.
At least for the time being, the oil crisis would not have a significant impact on Hong Kong's economy.
"I've been closely following developments there since the beginning of the year.
The fact that this revolution has lasted so long is no coincidence.
I have a feeling the foundations of the Pahlavi Dynasty have already begun to crumble.
There's a good chance it will collapse sometime next month.
Even after a new government takes power, restoring order and rebuilding the country will take several more months.
During that period, instability in the oil market will continue, and its impact shouldn't be underestimated."
Lin Haoran calmly expressed his assessment.
"Haoran, tomorrow I'm taking you to meet someone important."
Lin Wan'an suddenly changed the subject, a mysterious gleam appearing in his eyes.
During this period, his satisfaction with his son had grown beyond measure.
Not only had Lin Haoran demonstrated extraordinary business talent, but he also possessed remarkable foresight, seeing opportunities hidden within complex situations and offering insights that even Lin Wan'an himself couldn't match.
Thinking about it, Lin Wan'an became increasingly confident about Wan'an Group's future.
He could almost envision Lin Haoran leading the company to even greater heights.
"Dad, who are you taking me to meet? You're being awfully mysterious."
Lin Haoran's curiosity was piqued.
"Haha, don't be so impatient. You'll find out tomorrow."
Lin Wan'an laughed heartily, deliberately keeping the answer to himself.
Lin Haoran smiled faintly.
Although curious, he didn't press the matter further.
After all, he had already met many of Hong Kong's most influential business leaders—from HSBC's British executive Michael Sandberg to Chinese business giants Pao Yue-kong and Li Ka-shing.
Who else could possibly surprise him now?
At that moment, a crisp knock sounded on the office door.
"Come in," Lin Haoran called.
The person who entered wasn't an employee of Wan'an Group.
It was Su Zhixue, the current head of Universal Investment.
As Su Zhixue stepped inside, his gaze briefly fell upon Lin Wan'an, revealing a hint of hesitation.
After composing himself, he spoke.
"Chairman Lin, Mr. Lin, I..."
"If you have something to report, just say it," Lin Haoran interrupted.
Universal Investment was currently handling the acquisition of Qingzhou Yingni shares.
There was nothing related to this project that needed to be hidden from Lin Wan'an.
Su Zhixue nodded.
He took a carefully prepared document from his briefcase and handed it to Lin Haoran.
"Mr. Lin, following your instructions, our team has been closely monitoring the movements of Qingzhou Yingni stock.
This morning I visited the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and obtained the latest order book.
Please take a look.
I've highlighted the key figures in red."
"Between HK$3.40 and HK$4.00 per share... there are actually 6.973 million shares listed for sale?"
As Lin Haoran read the report, his eyes stopped on the figure.
A look of surprise appeared on his face.
"That many?"
He quickly calculated in his mind.
He already personally owned 40.1% of Qingzhou Yingni.
Adding the 12.6% stake transferred to him by his father, Lin Wan'an, plus the roughly one million shares—about 2% of the company—that Universal Investment had recently acquired, he effectively controlled 54.7% of the company's shares.
Meanwhile, the other eight directors collectively held approximately 24.1%.
Together, the board controlled 78.8% of the company.
In other words, after excluding the directors' holdings, only about 21.2% of the company's shares remained in the hands of public minority shareholders.
Yet now, 6.973 million shares had suddenly appeared on the market as sell orders.
That represented nearly 14% of the entire company.
How could Lin Haoran not be shocked?
But from his perspective...
Wasn't this actually excellent news?
If he seized the opportunity and acquired those shares now, he could save himself a considerable amount of money.
After all, Lin Haoran knew that this oil crisis would not significantly impact Hong Kong's stock market.
Trading activity would likely recover before long.
By then, it would be impossible to find such a large quantity of shares available at such low prices.
(End of Chapter)
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