Morse's smile slowly faded, "You think HSBC should just lend money to the China person everywhere and not care what they do? One is Lin Xiaohe, who has been friends with the Britain for many years and has a certain reputation in London, and the other is a China kid who has risen to prominence through opportunism. My helping a friend of the Britain is damaging HSBC's interests? Kid, I'll give you a chance to apologize to me. As a gentleman, I've considered how you feel about your application being rejected and have shown you respect, but you clearly don't respect me. You're questioning my decision."
"I just disagree with you. Lending money to the Lin Family and lending money to Song Tianyao are completely harmless. What impact does their bitter rivalry have on HSBC? None. Why can't we lend money to both sides? We can just collect interest on time," Michael Sandberg said to Morse, adjusting his tone.
Morse stared at Michael Sandberg with his grey-blue eyes and said in an unfriendly tone, "Kid, how long have you been in Hong Kong? Some things aren't as simple as you think. We need some China person to have the privilege of equal communication with the Britain, but that doesn't mean we're going to treat all China person in Hong Kong as equals. Your client originally had the opportunity to enter that circle, but unfortunately, he offended the Lin Family. The Lin Family's privileges were granted by the Britain, so we need to let others know that only the Britain can target the Lin Family. China person... no, alright, get out. My tea might not suit the tastes of young people."
Michael Sandberg, his face grim, stood up and walked towards the door, forgetting to say goodbye and bow to Morse. But when he reached the door, Michael Sandberg turned back and stood in front of Morse:
"Don't judge my understanding of Hong Kong by the length of time I've lived there, Mr. Morse. You Britain who have lived in Hong Kong and China for many years, claiming to understand the China person, how much do you really know about this city? Yes, to deposit money and open an account at HSBC, you have to be High-Class Chinese, and you have to have other HSBC clients vouching for you. Now, because of a business conflict with your High-Class Chinese friend, you can reject my loan application, even if it means losing the interest on a Hong Kong dollars 30 million loan and letting that money continue to rot in HSBC's vault!"
Morse was startled by Michael Sandberg's sudden agitation, and the cigar he had just reached for accidentally fell onto the table. He wanted to impatiently interrupt him and tell this rude and impolite jerk to get out of his office, but Michael Sandberg didn't give him a chance to speak, continuing to speak at a rapid pace:
"I studied Chinese diligently, and I visited countless China factories, big and small, in Hong Kong and Kowloon. I saw that most factories still habitually deposited their money in China person money shops and China person, even though those money shops and banks were not operating reliably and could close at any time. Why? Because a small factory's annual deposits might only amount to tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars, which is negligible to HSBC. But have you Britain who have lived in Hong Kong for many years ever considered that the combined cash deposits of all the small factories in Hong Kong far exceed the assets of those tycoons! Can a High-Class Chinese family own 2,724 small factories? When I joined the army, I understood a principle: on the battlefield, is it better to befriend and fight alongside a general who only knows how to talk the talk, or a hundred experienced soldiers?" In war, soldiers become friends and fight side-by-side. Having a general as a friend might make you feel superior and enhance your social status, but it's completely useless on the battlefield. When the enemy charges, the general only knows how to surrender gracefully, while a hundred soldiers will fight alongside you! This same principle applies here! The Lin Family is like that general who knows nothing. Their investments are scattered and chaotic, yet they sit on the High-Class Chinese pedestal, enjoying the privilege of equal dialogue with the Britain. Meanwhile, Song Tianyao and those ordinary China person who are not recognized by you are like soldiers constantly accumulating experience in the business world! If HSBC continues to divide China person into classes, the outcome will be being surrounded by enemies, waiting to raise the white flag and surrender. Mr. Morse, I admire you greatly...
"Shut the fuck up, kid!" Morse, enraged by Sim Bi's long speech, grabbed his cigar and threw it at Sim Bi: "Either go back and write your resignation, or you can wait for your transfer letter to the Sabah branch in Malaya! Once you've learned to apologize in Sabah and remembered the proper British manners, I'll consider transferring you back! Now, take your money-grubbing, profit-driven mentality and get out of my office!"
After saying what he wanted to say, Michael Sandberg seemed to calm down and gave a slight bow to Morse, who he had angered. "Yes, Mr. Morse."
Stepping out of Morse's office, Michael Sandberg's legs felt weak, but he still muttered to himself, "Banks are purely monetary institutions, lending money to others or depositing money for them. Banks are neutral and shouldn't be influenced by politics or race. Only profit matters. Damn Sabah branch, just wait and see."
What happens to Song Tianyao next is no longer his concern. As Song Tianyao's HSBC client manager, he has truly done his best.
Chapter 329 The Lin Family Gets the Bank sorted out
"I'm sorry, Mr. Song, it seems your loan application will be delayed indefinitely, possibly until the whole affair with the Lin Family is over. But I guess you won't need the loan by then." Michael Sandberg walked into the Dulles Hotel's coffee shop, politely sat down opposite Song Tianyao, and said somewhat dejectedly.
Seeing Michael Sandberg's somewhat disappointed expression, Song Tianyao smiled and raised his hand to the waiter, saying, "Please bring Mr. Michael Sandberg a cup of coffee."
"Money can be borrowed anywhere, it's alright. I heard you were reprimanded and might be preparing for another transfer from head office? On your way here, Angie Perlis received a call from Mr. Bao Yuehan. The Lin Family plans to borrow 15 million from HSBC soon, using an undeveloped plot of land in Causeway Bay as collateral." Song Tianyao stirred his coffee cup and said to Michael Sandberg.
Sir Michael Sandberg nodded slightly and gave a wry smile, "That's right. Perhaps I've become a bit complacent because things have been going too well for me lately, and my tone was a bit harsh. But I don't think I did anything wrong. Either resign, or go to the Sabah branch in Malaya, the poorest place in Malaya, the worst performing branch of HSBC."