I'm back in 1990

Chapter 551: Seeking the Xue Family

Following Huang Xiaochuan's instructions, Cao Charlie successfully purchased the debt of Xue's Refinery from two banks. Immediately afterwards, Hong Kong Dadao Group formally made an acquisition request to Xue's Group.

However, the Xue Group's cash flow was extremely tight at this time, all due to the aftermath of the Southeast Asian financial crisis in 97-98. The strategy originally given by Huang Xiaochuan was a life-saving medicine for the Xue Group, but its implementation would take time, and now the Xue Group was short of both money and time.

Unless the Xue Group sells its high-quality assets to weather this crisis, in the long run, doing so would be a self-destructive move. Although it could temporarily relieve the immediate crisis, it would be difficult for the Xue Group to regain its former glory after losing its high-quality assets. Moreover, his son, Xue Bingkang, was not capable of supporting the Xue Group.

Didn't you see how things have gotten to this point? That unfilial son hasn't even made a sound. I don't know where he's gone. I heard from his men that he took his mistress to France. When Xue Xiangsheng heard this news, he almost went to meet his ancestors ahead of time. He should have known better than to ask.

Xue Xiangsheng was well aware of the future of the Xue Group. He was full of worry and sighed deeply. He recalled his life of success in the business world, but he never expected that he would misjudge the situation in his old age and bring a big trouble upon himself and the Xue Group.

"Huilan, why don't you call Yun'er and ask her to come back?"

In Xue Xiangsheng's view, the best way is to have his granddaughter plead with the young man to see if the acquisition plan can be terminated. After all, his granddaughter has given birth to two sons for the young man surnamed Huang. For that reason, the young man surnamed Huang should show some mercy, right?

Upon hearing her father's request, Xue Huilan readily agreed. Although she had never been involved in the Xue family's business, she had received a considerable amount of property from her father. Although her father favored sons over daughters, he had never mistreated her and her daughter.

That evening, Xue Huilan called Zhang Yun, who was still in Shanghai.

"Yun'er, Mom wants to discuss something with you!"

Zhang Yun didn't even need to guess to know why Xue Huilan had made that call.

"Mom! Did Grandpa ask you to call me?"

Xue Huilan said tactfully, "Yun'er, you know how your grandfather treats you. His health isn't good right now, and he can't take any more strain. Why don't you talk to Huang Xiaochuan and ask him to be lenient?"

In fact, Zhang Yun had already had an idea about this matter. Although the Xue Group was facing a shortage of working capital, she had a lot of funds at her disposal. These were the profits she received after shorting the Nasdaq, and Huang Xiaochuan had given her an extra 5.

Moreover, during the Southeast Asian financial crisis in 97 and 98, she took advantage of the crisis to buy up many listed companies at rock-bottom prices through her companies. Although she sold off most of them, she still held a portion of high-quality assets. With a large amount of cash and some high-quality assets in Southeast Asia, Zhang Yun is now a well-known wealthy woman.

Originally, she had no interest in the Xue family's business, but Xue Xiangsheng was, after all, her maternal grandfather, and this incident was caused by her, so it was impossible for her to stand by and watch him die.

However, because of Xue Bingkang, Zhang Yuncai had not taken the initiative to offer to help the Xue family overcome their difficulties. She knew that everything in the Xue family would be inherited by Xue Bingkang in the future. Although Xue Xiangsheng had already transferred some assets to Xue Huilan and her, those were only a very small part of the entire Xue family.

Although Zhang Yun no longer cares about the Xue family's assets, she is still somewhat unhappy when she thinks about how she contributed money and effort to help the Xue family overcome their difficulties, only to have Xue Bingkang reap the benefits in the end.

Zhang Yun wouldn't go to Huang Xiaochuan to ask him to let go. She knew the man's temperament; he hated being told what to do, especially when it was his family matter. So going to him would be useless. It was better to settle things head-on in the business arena. Once she solved Xue's working capital problem, Huang Xiaochuan would naturally be unable to target Xue's anymore, and she could take the opportunity to bring Xue's business under her control.

In Zhang Yun's opinion, even if the Xue family business were to fall into the hands of her uncle, who was skilled in all things related to eating, drinking, and having fun but not in business, he would only squander it all. It would be better to transfer it to her own hands, which might be the best outcome for the Xue family business.

Zhang Yun was well aware that the acquisition of Xue's oil refinery was merely a punishment from Huang Xiaochuan for Xue Xiangsheng's attempt to interfere in his marriage. If Huang had known that he intended to take over Xue's business through this, he certainly wouldn't have continued his relentless pursuit of acquiring Xue's oil refinery.

When Xue Huilan called today, Zhang Yun knew her chance had come, so she said on the phone, "Mom! I understand. I'll be going back to Singapore in the next couple of days. I also need to have a good talk with Grandpa."

Two days later, the "Global Express" landed at Changi International Airport.

Zhang Yun got straight into a Rolls-Royce that had come to pick her up, while her entourage got into several other cars.

However, the convoy did not head towards the Xue family's old residence, but instead headed towards the east coast.

In a highly private business club on the East Coast, Zhang Yun met with Qiao Jingzhi, the current president of the Xue Group.

Upon seeing Zhang Yun, Qiao Jingzhi immediately stood up to greet her.

Zhang Yun extended her hand and shook hands with Qiao Jingzhi: "I'm sorry, Uncle Qiao, I've kept you waiting!"

Qiao Jingzhi laughed and said, "I just arrived too!"

As he spoke, he invited Zhang Yun to sit down. As soon as the two sat down, a waiter brought in two cups of coffee.

After the waiter left, Zhang Yun cut to the chase: "Uncle Qiao, you should know the current situation of the Xue Group better than I do. Now, with the Hong Kong Dadao Group withdrawing its loans and demanding the acquisition of the Malaysian oil refinery, it's no exaggeration to say that things are getting worse."

Qiao Jingzhi looked grave. He was the most aware of the current predicament of the Xue Group. He was also helpless without resources. The group was short of funds and several loans were about to expire. He was discussing loan renewals with several banks when, before these issues were resolved, the Dadao Group suddenly came to collect the debt and even proposed to acquire the Malaysian oil refinery project.

At first, Qiao Jingzhi couldn't understand why Dadao Group suddenly took a liking to the Malaysian oil refinery project.

Even after he learned the general reason for the incident, he felt both amused and helpless.

The group's assets have shrunk due to the financial crisis, but the previous medium and long-term loans are about to mature, which is troublesome enough. Unexpectedly, this unexpected problem has arisen.

Hearing Zhang Yun's words, Qiao Jingzhi could only nod.

Zhang Yun continued, "Uncle Qiao, if things continue like this, the Xue Group will fall apart sooner or later. However, I can turn this situation around. It all depends on whether you are willing to help me, Uncle Qiao."

It's not difficult for Zhang Yun to take over the Xue Group, but the real challenge is to truly control it. After all, she has never held a position in the Xue Group. Therefore, she needs to win over Qiao Jingzhi to help her temporarily control the Xue Group. This way, she will have time to gradually arrange for her own people to take over the various industries under the Xue Group, and thus truly control the Xue Group.

Qiao Jingzhi keenly understood the meaning behind Zhang Yun's words, and he looked at Zhang Yun with a shocked expression.

He truly hadn't expected that this girl, who had a weak presence in the Xue family, would have such great ambitions. Qiao Jingzhi didn't know what to do for a moment.

Seeing Qiao Jingzhi remain silent, Zhang Yun emphasized, "Uncle Qiao, even if we get through this crisis temporarily, how many years do you think the Xue Group can last under Xue Bingkang's control? Do you think Xue Bingkang will keep you on?"

But I'm different from Xue Bingkang. Not only will I keep you employed, but I'll also give you an additional 20 million Singapore dollars worth of Xue's shares. When you retire, I'll also give you a large pension. These are my terms. What do you think, Uncle Qiao?

Even without Zhang Yun saying it, Qiao Jingzhi could guess what kind of ending the Xue Group, under Xue Bingkang's leadership, would face in the future. At that time, his shares in the Xue Group would be worthless. Moreover, with a new emperor comes a new court, and Xue Bingkang, this spoiled brat, would definitely not retain him. If that were the case, would he be willing to accept it? Of course not. He had worked in the Xue Group for almost his entire life, rising from Xue Xiangsheng's secretary to his current position. This was something he had earned through decades of hard work, and no one could just kick him aside like that.

Moreover, it must be admitted that Zhang Yunkai's terms were indeed very generous.

Thinking of this, Qiao Jingzhi relented: "Catherine, are you really confident you can take over the Xue Group?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yun knew that Qiao Jingzhi had already fallen for him, and she couldn't help but smile slightly.

"Joe, you don't need to worry about that."

She had her assistant bring in several documents and hand them to Qiao Jingzhi.

"Joe, these are my bank statements showing cash, along with proof of assets and stock custody documents. This is my confidence!"

After reading it, Qiao Jingzhi looked at Zhang Yun in shock. He never expected that Zhang Yun would have so much money. However, this also indirectly showed that Zhang Yun had the ability to lead the Xue Group out of its predicament.

After forming an alliance with Qiao Jingzhi, Zhang Yun went to the Xue family's old residence.

Upon learning that his granddaughter had returned, Xue Xiangsheng, despite feeling unwell, immediately wanted to see Zhang Yun.

After the meeting, Xue Xiangsheng suggested that Zhang Yun plead with Huang Xiaochuan to give up the acquisition of Xue's oil refinery.

After the meeting, Xue Xiangsheng suggested that Zhang Yun plead with Huang Xiaochuan to give up the acquisition of Xue's oil refinery.

Zhang Yun said to Xue Xiangsheng, "Grandpa, we don't actually need to ask him for help. I have a way to get the Xue family out of this predicament."

Upon hearing this, Xue Xiangsheng's eyes lit up immediately, and he hurriedly asked, "What's your idea?"

Zhang Yun directly pointed out Xue's biggest problem at present: "In fact, Xue's fundamental problem is that its working capital is about to run out. In addition, the financial crisis has caused the assets to depreciate. Moreover, I know that Xue's Group will have several loans due soon, and I happen to have the funds that Xue's Group needs most."

After hearing this, Xue Xiangsheng asked with some skepticism, "Are you telling the truth?"

Zhang Yun took the documents that she had shown to Qiao Jingzhi not long ago and gave them to her maternal grandfather, Xue Xiangsheng.

Xue Xiangsheng immediately put on his reading glasses and looked at it seriously. After he finished reading, he was also incredulous.

He looked at his granddaughter Zhang Yun in surprise: "Where did you get so much money?"

Zhang Yun smiled slightly: "Grandpa, don't worry about where I got this money, it's all earned by me anyway."

Hearing his granddaughter's words, Xue Xiangsheng immediately felt relieved. He laughed and said, "Yun'er! Why didn't you say so sooner? You've made me restless these past few days."

In Xue Xiangsheng's view, with such a large sum of money, not only could all of Xue's foreign debts be paid off, but Xue's business could also be expanded. He knew that many businesses in Southeast Asia were facing the same predicament as Xue's, like a crumbling wall that could be pushed down with a single finger. He had long had this idea, but Xue's business was too busy to take care of itself, so how could it have the opportunity to swallow up others?

But Xue Xiangsheng was too happy too soon.

"Grandpa, I have a condition!"

Xue Xiangsheng didn't take it to heart. He felt that his granddaughter had made such a great contribution to the Xue family, so it was normal for her to make some demands.

"you say!"

Zhang Yun said, enunciating each word clearly, "I am willing to provide a sum of money to help the Xue family overcome its current crisis, but I demand that the Xue family issue new shares or sell its core assets to me."

Upon hearing this, Xue Xiangsheng nearly suffered a stroke on the spot.

"What?"

Xue Xiangsheng then realized that his granddaughter had grand ambitions; she wanted the entire Xue family business!

Seeing that her grandfather Xue Xiangsheng was in a bad mood, Zhang Yun calmly continued, "Grandpa, please don't get agitated. Can you let me finish what I have to say?"

Although Zhang Yun was after the Xue Group, she didn't intend to anger Xue Xiang to the point of harm. She simply felt that rather than leaving the Xue Group to Xue Bingkang to squander, it would be better for her to take over and continue operating the Xue Group herself. That would be the best outcome.

Xue Xiangsheng shakily pulled a small porcelain bottle from his pocket, poured out some pills, swallowed them, and after a while, said to Zhang Yun, "Tell me, I want to hear what you have to say."

"Grandpa, it's not that I disrespect my elders, but you must know what kind of person your son is, right? Do you think he can manage the Xue family business well in the future?"

Zhang Yun's words hit the nail on the head, a point Xue Xiangsheng knew very well: his son was absolutely incapable of supporting the Xue family business.

Seeing Xue Xiangsheng's silent expression, Zhang Yun continued, "Grandpa, I know you want to leave the family business to your son because you're worried about his future livelihood! You don't need to worry about that. I have no intention of kicking your son out of the Xue family business. It's just that he can only be a non-controlling shareholder in the future, receiving dividends on time every year. As long as he behaves himself, I guarantee that he will be well-off for the rest of his life."

"Of course, I won't take those shares you originally intended to leave to your son for nothing. I'll buy them, and you can use that money to set up several irrevocable trusts for your son. That way, the Xue family will continue to exist, and your son and grandchildren will remain as wealthy as they are now."

It must be said that Zhang Yun's proposal did tempt Xue Xiangsheng.

Zhang Yun had considered all the things he was worried about.

It's much better for the Xue Group to be in the hands of his granddaughter than for it to be squandered by his son, Xue Bingkang. What's more, his granddaughter can provide a large sum of money to help the Xue Group overcome its current difficulties, and his son can have a long-term meal ticket. As long as the Xue Group exists, his son will always be able to live a life of comfort. Even if the Xue Group is gone, the trusts alone can ensure Xue Bingkang's lifelong security.

But what Xue Xiangsheng is struggling with now is that if this happens, the Xue Group will become completely owned by outsiders in the future. This is his biggest concern. How can he accept this?

However, Xue Xiangsheng had been in the business world for so many years, and he immediately came up with a solution.

He had been running the Xue Group for decades, and everyone in it was someone he had personally promoted. This girl was being a bit presumptuous, thinking that she could control the entire Xue Group by spending some money.

He had been running the Xue Group for decades, and everyone in it was someone he had personally promoted. This girl was being a bit presumptuous, thinking that she could control the entire Xue Group by spending some money.

Haha! How naive!