noveltune Chapter 129 Investing in the Television Station
Chapter 129 Investing in the Television Station
Lin Zhou had taken off his well-tailored suit and was now wearing only a white shirt with the cuffs rolled up to his forearms, revealing a discreet gold watch on his wrist.
He sat in the main seat, his fingertips lightly tapping the table, his gaze sweeping over the awkward shareholders present. His secretary, Chen Man, stood beside him, holding a thick stack of documents.
Several lawyers from the legal department sat to his left, one of whom pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, his eyes sharp as an eagle, as he checked the equity transfer agreements on the inspection table one by one.
"Everyone," Lin Zhou's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable penetrating power, instantly silencing the whispers in the conference room.
"Today's extraordinary general meeting is to inform everyone that I am now the largest shareholder and have automatically become the new chairman of the board of directors of the television station."
However, I have another issue to discuss today: the shareholding ratio of RTV (Rediffusion Television) needs to be changed.
No sooner had he finished speaking than Zhou Jingtang, the former chairman sitting at the end of the table, let out a heavy "humph," his face turning ashen.
He crossed his arms, leaned back in his chair, and stared intently at Lin Zhou, as if he wanted to carve two holes in the other man.
Zhou Jingtang worked at ATV for more than ten years, rising from a small director to the chairman's position. He had never suffered such humiliation before.
In just half a month, Lin Zhou, through his ruthless capital operations, snatched control of Lihtek from him and now sits brazenly in the position that rightfully belongs to him.
"Lin Sheng," Zhou Jingtang said through gritted teeth, his tone full of sarcasm.
"You're someone who makes game consoles, suddenly getting involved in the TV station business? It's like you're in a completely different industry, isn't it?"
Upon hearing this, the other shareholders immediately echoed his sentiments, nodding in agreement.
"Yes, Mr. Lin. Nowadays, Mr. Shao's TVB is very wealthy. Mr. Shao has been working in this industry for decades."
His methods are extremely ruthless. The only reason our company, RTV, can barely compete with them is because of our years of connections and experience.
If the TV station were handed over to you, it probably wouldn't last more than six months!
"That's right, that's right, our TV series 'The Great Hero Huo Yuanjia' is a huge hit!"
But one drama alone can't support the operation of a TV station. There's also the production and promotion that follow, and every aspect requires experience.
"What doesn't require a skill or technique?"
Lin Zhou listened to these questions, but instead of showing any anger, he smiled faintly.
He pointed to one of the lawyers, surnamed Li, who immediately understood and pushed a pre-prepared document to the center of the long table.
"I understand your concerns," Lin Zhou said slowly and deliberately.
"Therefore, in order for RTV to gain a foothold and compete with TVB, I have decided that our Chung Wah Group will invest HK$50 million in RTV."
"What?"
These words were like a thunderclap in the conference room. Everyone sat bolt upright in their chairs, their faces filled with shock.
Fifty million Hong Kong dollars! In the television industry of Hong Kong, this is an astronomical figure.
It's worth noting that TVB's entire production budget last year was only one-tenth of that amount.
Zhou Jingtang's pupils suddenly contracted, and his fingers gripping the armrest turned white from the force.
He stared intently at the investment document, his throat bobbing, but he couldn't utter a word for a long time.
Lin Zhou, however, seemed oblivious to everyone's embarrassment and continued, "Part of this money will be used to upgrade ATV's filming equipment and studios."
Part of it will be used to poach and train new talent, and another part will be used as a special fund for the production of subsequent TV series.
However, let me make this clear from the start...
He abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming serious, and his piercing gaze swept over every shareholder present.
"This capital injection will be carried out in the form of issuing new shares. According to the current shareholding structure, after the capital injection, everyone's shares will be diluted accordingly."
Of course, everyone has the right to choose – if you don't want your shares diluted, you can invest the corresponding amount of money according to your shareholding ratio.
The conference room fell into a deathly silence; even the sound of the waves outside the window seemed to be clearly audible.
The shareholders looked at each other, their shock gradually fading, replaced by hesitation and calculation.
Co-investing? That's no small sum. Depending on their shareholding ratio, it could be anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions. Will this investment really yield a return?
Everyone had the same thought in mind—Lin Zhou was an outsider.
Yes, "The Legendary Fok" did make RTV a hit, giving it a significant edge over TVB, but that was ultimately just luck.
Who is Mr. Shao? He is a notorious "old fox" in Hong Kong, with endless tricks up his sleeve.
How could Lin Zhou, a complete novice who only started learning the craft, possibly be a match for Mr. Shao?
Investing money now is like throwing money into water; you won't even hear a sound.
"Hmph," an elderly shareholder with gray hair broke the silence first, sneered, and leaned back in his chair.
"Mr. Lin is rich and powerful; we small businesses can't keep up with his pace."
Once the first person spoke up, the others immediately chimed in.
"Yes, yes, I'm really short on cash lately, and I simply can't afford to invest."
"Me too. My family's factory is waiting for money to turn around, so where would I get spare money to invest in a TV station?"
"Since Mr. Lin is so confident, then we'll leave everything to you. We won't cause any trouble."
Zhou Jingtang sat there, his lips pressed into a straight line, his face so gloomy it could drip water.
He knew perfectly well that this was Lin Zhou's calculated move. A 50 million investment would be enough to transform Li, but he also knew that he simply couldn't afford to invest any more money.
The shares he held were the culmination of half a lifetime's work, but now he could only watch helplessly as they were diluted.
Lin Zhou took in everyone's reactions, and the smile on his lips faded slightly. He had long expected this outcome.
These shareholders only care about immediate interests and have no long-term vision.
They only saw Shaw Brothers' strength, but not RTV's hidden potential, let alone Lin Zhou's determination.
"Since none of you intend to participate in the investment," Lin Zhou nodded slightly and looked at Attorney Li, "then let's proceed according to the original plan."
Attorney Li nodded, picked up the phone on the table, and dialed the finance office number: "Manager Wang, the transfer can be made now."
Within ten minutes, the finance department called back. Manager Wang's voice, tinged with excitement, echoed throughout the conference room: "Attorney Li, Mr. Lin! The HK$50 million has all been deposited into our account!"
"Okay." Lin Zhou replied, hung up the phone, and glanced at everyone again.
"Now, I announce that, based on the post-capital injection shareholding structure, Zhonghua Group and its affiliates will hold 58.2 percent of the shares of RTV."
58.2 percent!
This figure was like a bucket of cold water poured over the heads of all the shareholders. A majority stake meant that Lin Zhou had complete control of RTV (Rediffusion Television), and from now on, he would be in charge of everything there.
Zhou Jingtang abruptly stood up, the chair leg scraping loudly on the floor. He glared at Lin Zhou, his eyes filled with resentment and anger. His lips trembled for a long time, but he finally managed to utter only, "Fine, very well!"
After saying that, he flung the bracelet in his hand away abruptly, not even glancing at the documents on the table, and turned to walk towards the conference room door.
His steps were quick and heavy, as if he were venting his pent-up frustration.
With Zhou Jingtang taking the lead, the other shareholders also stood up, their faces showing resentment.
Some of them nodded perfunctorily to Lin Zhou, while others simply remained silent, picked up their briefcases, and quickly followed Zhou Jingtang away.