The Tyrant Billionaire

"Thank you, Mr. Victor. In the future, feel free to instruct me on anything."

After Jayce left, Victor proceeded to a meeting to review business properties available for acquisition. His focus was on practicality and potential returns for the Hardy Group. Among the options, Yongsheng Building stood out—a prime location near Queen's Road with ample potential for expansion.

The property boasted 16 floors and an expansive 20-acre area for parking and future development. More than sufficient for the Hardy Group's needs, Victor thought. The Yang family, who owned it, had withdrawn from China after a failed investment and were eager to sell the building for 12 million Hong Kong dollars.

As Victor sat in the meeting, he calculated the potential. If he could negotiate the price below 10 million, it would be a smart investment. With that in mind, he decided to push for a better deal.

Later that evening, Victor reported his findings to Hardy over dinner. "The building checks out. It has everything we need and more," he informed Hardy.

Hardy, always calculating, pondered the broader situation. "Don't rush. I believe we can push the price down further," he advised.

Victor raised an eyebrow. Hardy's confidence piqued his curiosity, but the answer soon came when Hardy tapped a newspaper on the table.

"The CCP is making big moves again. Investors are nervous about Hong Kong's future. Everyone's worried their properties will lose value if things go south," Hardy explained. The instability could work in their favor, Victor realized. Sellers might be more desperate than they appeared.

Hardy continued, "The British may increase their troop presence, but the CCP victory is inevitable. If Hong Kong falls, we'll return to the U.S. It's a risk worth taking for the potential gains."

Victor couldn't help but respect Hardy's calm demeanor. While others scrambled to sell and flee, Hardy saw opportunity amidst the chaos.

The next day, Victor went to negotiate with Yongchang Trading. The head of the Yang family greeted him warmly, eager to make a deal.

"Mr. Victor, Yongsheng Building was completed in 1941 and is still practically new. It covers 22 acres, with a 20,000 square meter construction area," the Yang family head explained, clearly trying to emphasize the building's value.

Victor listened but remained focused. The real estate market was shifting rapidly due to the political situation in China, and prices weren't what they used to be. He had already conducted his inspection and knew what he wanted out of the deal.

"We've reviewed everything. Let's talk price," Victor said, bypassing pleasantries. "If it's reasonable, Hardy Group will move forward. If not, we'll explore other options."

"Our asking price is 12 million," the Yang family head responded. "That's already below market value."

Victor knew that wasn't true anymore. The market had shifted.

He shook his head and said, "That was before. Things are different now."

"You've seen the news," Victor replied evenly. "Hong Kong's political situation has changed. Buyers are scarce, and sellers are increasing."

The Yang family head's tone softened. He sensed that Victor was right, but he still pressed on with his argument.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"If there are so few buyers, why is the Hardy Group interested in buying now?"

Victor said, "We're also gambling by acquiring properties right now. The risk is extremely high, so we definitely won't buy at a high price. At 12 million, it will be hard for you to sell."

"Mr. Victor, I am not entirely convinced by that argument. The Hardy Group is a giant, and perhaps you've received some information about the British making a move. If that's the case, then 12 million is already a bargain. If you want me to sell below 12 million, let me be clear—I'm willing to gamble as well."

Victor chuckled softly before replying, "Mr. Yang, we are Americans."

Hearing that, Mr. Yang's face went pale. Of course, they were Americans—backed by a powerful financial consortium. They wouldn't lose, even if the CCP reclaimed Hong Kong; they'd be compensated one way or another. But him? He was a nobody without any powerful backing.

The CCP could easily throw him in jail on some fabricated charge just to seize his assets. Yes, both were gambling, but while one risked losing a profit, the other was betting everything he had.

"There are many properties for sale, but few serious buyers," Victor said. "If you want a quick sale, you'll need to adjust your expectations."

The Yang family head hesitated. He knew finding another buyer at this time would be difficult.

"What's your offer?" he finally asked.

"Six million," Victor replied, cutting the price in half.

The Yang family head's face tightened. "That's impossible. We can't sell at that price. I'd rather hold onto the building."

Victor remained unfazed. "That's your choice. If you reconsider, feel free to reach out." With that, he stood and left without a second thought.

As Victor walked out, he didn't bother looking back. He knew the Yang family head would have to think hard about the offer. The market was against him, and there weren't many options left for a quick sale. For now, Victor had done his part. It was up to the Yang family to decide whether to take the deal or let the market work against them.

The Yang family head wanted to call Victor back, but doing so would mean losing face and any chance of negotiating a higher price.

After returning home, the Yang family head was filled with restless thoughts.

His current plan was to relocate his family to the United States and sell off his Hong Kong assets, but the offer was just too low, and he was reluctant to accept it.

The construction of the tower, combined with the land costs, had already exceeded six million. Selling it now would result in a significant loss. In better economic conditions, a building of this caliber in the Central District could have easily fetched two or three times the current price.

Should he hold off a little longer?

Perhaps a turning point was on the horizon?